Bereavement and Final Rites in Hindu Tradition. Religious ceremonies during mourning period. Vedic insights into Life, death and God in Hinduism.

"First published in the United Kingdom in 1997 by Robinson, an imprint of Constable & Robinson Ltd"--T.p. verso.

This book offers excellent pointers on living wisely and fully, clear insight into approaching therapy from a non-dual perspective, and a light touch with the ultimate truth. The author addresses a multitude of important questions: - How do we fully live in the world and yet avoid getting attached to it? - How do we deal with our painful thoughts and feelings? - What about personal responsibility and relationships? - What is truth? - How can we become truly happy? - Are we really in control of our lives? - Can we ever hope to get enlightened?

Hinduism, the world's oldest living religion, embodies a wide spectrum of philosophies, beliefs, and customs. It has prompted thinkers from an array of cultures and ages-from Apollonius Tyaneus, a first century Greek thinker, to Voltaire, Mark Twain, and Albert Einstein-to extol its influence. Now, Dr. Hiro G. Badlani brings you Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom, an easy-to-understand guidebook that delves into Hinduism's spiritual and historical perspectives. For more than ten years, Dr. Badlani has passionately channeled his resources and inner reflections into learning about this ancient religion. His meticulous research, combined with guidance from spiritual masters, sages, and swamis has brought forth in this volume. This mini-encyclopedia covers all aspects of Hinduism in a series of small chapters. Spiritual teachings form the book's core, for without the spiritual teachings, what function can any religion play? Still, however, information is presented in a non-dogmatic manner, stressing the basic unity and homogeneity of all religions. With its powerful narrative and roots in spiritual storytelling, this book is perfect for anyone who desires authentic information on Hinduism. Engaging with this book will not only educate you, but imbue you with personal peace and happiness, becoming an experience both elegant and empowering.

The work presents in a critical and analytical way a comprehensive picture of ancient Indian culture and civilization as reflected in the Ramayana of Valmiki. In forming an estimate of the social and political consciousness of the Ramayanic people the author has not been guided by the obiter dicta interspersed throughout the poem but by the actual behaviour of the various characters of the poem. In his treatment of every social and political institution the author has tried to give in the beginning a brief resume of its evolution from the vedic times to the epic period.

The Hindu Samskaras give expression to aspirations and ideals of the Hindus. They aim at securing the welfare of the performer and developing his personality.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Glocal Religions" that was published in Religions

This book explores the fascinating world of religious hair observances within six religious traditions that account for 77% of the world’s adherents: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Symbolic use of hair has been, and remains, prevalent in all six and carries significant amounts of religious and social meaning. Hair is a unique body substance. It can be shaped and colored, removed from us without pain but still retain an individual’s essence, signal our age, sex, and sexual maturity, and much, much more. The book’s approach is to situate each practice within its tradition. That requires a study of its foundational leaders and their teachings, sacred texts (where they mention hair), its rites and rituals, ideas of religious power and subsequent historical development. Contemporary practitioners are interviewed for their motivations. Even more insight can be gleaned by searching beyond an overt religious purpose. Social scientists from anthropology, sociology, psychology, and related fields bring their research to deliver added perceptions. The author reveals how hair practices are created from ancient psychological and cultural impulses, become modified by time, culture and religious intent, and are adopted by adherents for reasons ranging from personal religious expression to group identity. This book is written for the interested observer of our increasingly diverse society and for the student of comparative religion and sociology. It will change forever how you see hair.