Classical Hindu Thought

Introduces the texts and ideas of Hinduism, crystallized during the 4th to the 10th century BCE. This book explains their contemporary relevance and deals with the key concepts, the main gods and goddesses, and texts such as the "Purusarthas". It also examines the different systems of yoga.

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Hinduism is not only a religious belief, it is also a philosophy, based upon certain key concepts. Most of these originated, or were most fully articulated, during the "classical" period from the fourth to the tenth century BCE. In this concise and lucid book, Arvind Sharma introduces contemporary readers to the texts and ideas crystallized during this period and explains their contemporary relevance. The book is divided into sections, dealing with key concepts - such as karma, dharma, maya, moksa and varna - the main gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon - Devi, Siva, Brahma, Visnu - and texts such as the Purusarthas and Vedas. He also deals with different systems of yoga: Jnana-yoga, Bhakti-yoga and Karma-yoga. In one volume, the book offers readers an excellent grounding in the rich and diverse traditions of Hindu thought, and is an excellent introduction to the topic for anyone interested in Hinduism, yoga, Indian philosophy and religion.