Hinduism (Penguin Religion and Mythology) [Mass Market Paperback]

Kshitmohan M. Sen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995 | Series: Penguin Religion and Mythology

A guide to the nature and function of Hinduism. Hinduism is unique among the great religions in that it had no founder but grew gradually over a period of 5000 years, absorbing and assimilating all the religions and cultural movements in India. Consequently it has no Bible or "Koran" or "Dhammapadam" to which controversies can be referred for resolution. Many works such as the "Vedas", the "Upanishads" and the "Bhagavad-Gita" are authoritative but none is exclusively so. As in Christianity there are several Hindu schools of thought and "Hinduism" clearly outlines their common beliefs and particular differences.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kshiti Mohan Sen was educated at the traditional Sanskrit schools of Banaras, which had been a centre of Indian learning for many centuries. He mastered Sanskrit and a large collection of modern Indian languages, and also became an expert on Indian religious texts at a young age. Along with a study of folk culture, Sen wrote several volumes on different aspects of Hinduism, including a treatise on the caste system, and a textual study of the position of women in ancient India. Following Kshiti Mohan Sen's death in March 1960, this book was prepared for publication by his grandson, Amartya Sen, who has also contributed a substantial new introduction for this edition. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140136509
• ISBN-13: 978-0140136500
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,983,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars buy this book second, November 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Hinduism (Textbook Binding)

I read this book several years ago and thought it quite good, but I think there are better introductions to the topic. Since I first read it, I have gotten to know several people from India and been to a Hindu temple and wedding ceremony. I have found that there is much that is skimmed over in this book or not mentioned at all. Sen hardly touches on the mythology of the Hindu pantheon or on the ceremonial rituals and customs. What is presented is a very academic, philosophical view of Hinduism.

4 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars SHORT BOOK, LONG READ, September 22, 1998

By 

COREY HARDING - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hinduism (Penguin Religion and Mythology) (Mass Market Paperback)

THE TONE IS VERY EDUCATED BUT THIS BOOK IS SIMPLY NOT CLEAR OR LUCID. I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME JUST GETTING THROUGH IT. HINDUISM IS A DIFFICULT ENOUGH SUBJECT WITHOUT ADDING A BRITISH STYLE AUTHOR TO CONFOUND MATTERS FURTHER, IF YOU CATCH MY DRIFT.