Book Description
Readers seeking spiritual enlightenment, as well as those interested in comparative religion, will find a concise, clearly written introduction to one of the world?s great and ancient faiths in this attractive volume. Placing special emphasis on the Vedas, the author describes the historical and geographical background of Hinduism and discusses the religion?s various classic texts. The Vedas share their place?along with the Upanishads and the two great Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana?as being among the most important documents of Hindu literature. The Vedas are Hinduism?s original holy texts and the basis of its faith, roughly comparable to the Judeo-Christian Bible. The author presents sample readings from the Vedas to give readers an illuminating glimpse into Hindu theology and its pantheon of gods and goddesses. He concludes with a survey of Hindu culture, including marriage and burial customs; the caste system; and Hindu festivals. Here are answers to fundamental questions that include: Who are Kali, Shiva, and Krishna? What is karma? How do ancient Hindu precepts retain their significance in the modern world? This beautiful volume contains more than 200 color illustrations.

Back Cover Copy
[back cover] The Book of The Vedas TIMELESS WISDOM FROM INDIAN TRADITION Hinduism has a following of one billion people and yet many of its traditions are barely known outside India. Who are Kali, Shiva, and Krishna? What really is karma? This in-depth study of the holy writings of the Vedas and the Upanishads explains the reasons for Hinduism?s enduring appeal. Discover the enthralling adventure of the gods and goddesses, and their human manifestations, the avatars. Lose yourself in the hypnotic texts of the Mahabharuta, the Ramayana, the Sutras, and the Puranas. Unearth the true principles of yoga and its uses in channeling life-giving energy through the chakras and nadis of the body. Use ancient wisdom to find peace today. [front cover flap copy] A concise, clearly written introduction to the world?s most complex religion, The Book of the Vedas provides an inspirational and easily followed guide to the mysteries of the Hindu faith. Exploring the Hindu pantheon, it introduces the fascinating gods and goddess who are worshipped in homes and temples all over India?from Shiva, the ascetic with matted hair, to Devi, the mother goddess who holds the whole universe within her womb. The Book of the Vedas identifies the philosophy at the heart of Hinduism, explaining concepts such as rebirth, karma or ?path of action,? dharma or ?right living,? and the principles underpinning the true practice of yoga. It discusses the classic texts of Hinduism?the Vedas and the Upanishads?and its great poetic epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabhrata (which contains the famous Bhagavad Gita). Looking at the historical development of Hinduism from ancient times, the book culminates by placing the faith in its modern context. It examines the cultural backdrop to Hinduism?marriage and burial customs, the caste system, pilgrimage, festivals, and much more. With colorful illustrations on every page, this enthralling volume provides explanation and inspiration for everyone who wants to find out more about one of the world?s greatest religions. [back jacket flap copy] Virender Kumar Arya is a young scholar whose field of study is ancient Indian literature and philosophy. Born in New Delhi, he is a graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru University?s School of Language, Literature and Culture. He currently lives in London, where he is doing research for his Ph.D. thesis on Myth and Truth in the Vedic Tradition. The Book of the Vedas is his first book.

About the Author
Virender Kumar Arya is a young scholar whose field of study is ancient Indian literature and philosophy. Born in New Delhi, he is a graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru University's School of Language, Literature and Culture. He currently lives in London, where he is doing research for his Ph.D. thesis on Myth and Truth in the Vedic Tradition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER