The Hindu Mind: Fundamentals of Hindu Religion and Philosophy for All Ages [Hardcover]

Bansi Pandit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 1997

Hinduism is the oldest surviving religion in the world. The religious and philosophical literature of Hinduism is vast, diverse and covers thousands of years of accumulated spiritual experiences of Hindu Saints and Seers. This book presents the fundamentals of Hindu religious and philosophical thought in a logical and straightforward manner. The purpose being, to create a story book for further study of Hinduism.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a remarkable and highly rewarding book." -- T.K. Venkateswaran, University of Detroit Each chapter is complete in itself, including highly informative tables and figures and providing cross-references..." -- News India, U.S.A.

"The Hindu Mind provides an excellent introduction to the historical, philosophical, ritualistic, social, and ethical dimensions of Hinduism." --Rajeshwari V. Pandharipande, University of Illinois --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: B & V Enterprises; 3 edition (November 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963479822
• ISBN-13: 978-0963479822
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,986,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely informative, easy-to-read, and enlightening., November 5, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hindu Mind: Fundamentals of Hindu Religion and Philosophy for All Ages (Paperback)

I found this book to be very well organized and indexed, making it easy to use as a reference guide. The book not only provides a solid foundation of all aspects of Hinduism, it illustrates the practical nature of these beliefs. Ancient Sanskrit verses that are still commonly used by Hindus today are translated while retaining there original charm. I also found that the book does a good job in clearing the common misperceptions of this religion and distinguishes between the actual religion and philosophy versus ascribed meanings by sources outside of Hinduism. I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly those that are intrigued by this religion but don't want to be overwhelmed. If nothing else, the index, charts, tables, and illustrations will provide a wealth of information

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best book for Hindu-Americans !, February 25, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hindu Mind: Fundamentals of Hindu Religion and Philosophy for All Ages (Paperback)

This is the best book for Hindu-Americans who want to know every aspect of Hindu society, culture, and heritage. It is the only book written in Engligh that Hindu-Americans can understand and in a style they can relate to. I bought this at a Hindu Students Council (HSC)program and I know there are many people who have liked it as much as me. Look for his new book Hindu Dharma also

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also great for non-Hindus, February 13, 2008

By 

A. K. Severinsen "postmodern mystic" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hindu Mind: Fundamentals of Hindu Religion and Philosophy for All Ages (Paperback)

A few years ago I went to my favorite metaphysical bookstore in Cambridge, MA, and asked them to recommend a good book for learning about Hinduism. They pointed me to The Hindu Mind. I've read many books on spiritual philosophy from different traditions and I can say this ranks right up there as one of my favorites. Mr. Pandit explains the many facets of Hinduism with intelligence and clarity. His straightforward writing style is easy to read and understand. The book is organized well also. He presents Hinduism from 3 perspectives: the philosophical, religious and cultural.

Mr. Pandit also includes a couple of chapters with philosophical perspectives on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism as all 3 are offshoots from Hindism. He points out which aspects of Hindusim they kept and where their beliefs differ.

One of the things I love about Hinduism is how intelligent it is. Of all the religions I've studied it's one of my favorites. (Note: I'm a neopagan mystic.) The ancients recognized that people are different and that different temperaments are attracted to different spiritual philosophies. Hinduism is the ultimate melting pot religion, and is capable of containing the complexity of multiple spiritual belief systems unified by a few key threads. I'm sure that's why it's survived all these thousands of years.

No matter what your religious background, if you are an openminded person you wil learn much from this book that can be applied to your own path, whatever that may be.