A Great First-Book on Hinduism!

What is Hinduism? Fowler believes that there is no one phenomenon which could be called Hinduism, for it is "a rich variety of beliefs and practices...It is a religion of all possibilities." She views Hinduism as it is - a way of life, an Indian phenomena - and covers all you need to know about Hinduism as concisely as possible. The book seeks to take the reader across the major aspects of the religion through a picture of the variety of beliefs and practices that make it up.

Hinduism, says Fowler, "reflects the multiplicity of shades of human aspirations in the religious and spiritual dimensions of existence." The reader while going through this book, the author suggests, "needs to travel with an open mind, exploring the dimensions of Hinduism like completing a jigsaw puzzle and not prejudging the effect until the last piece is in place. And the best way to travel is without baggage for it leaves one free and unhindered..." This is perhaps the best way to approach such a subject.

This book does not overstress the philosophy of the religion, but revolves around the everyday expression of Hinduism, as a way of life. The result is a book, which is perhaps the best introduction for someone who has no prior knowledge of the religion. It is also a stable stepping stone for the student of religious studies, and an eye-opener for the practicing Hindu. In sum, of all the basic books on Hinduism, Fowler's book is perhaps the most balanced introduction to the religion.

It has 16 chapters divided into two parts, The Hindu Way of Life and History and Tradition. It also includes a glossary of Sanskrit terms, shorn of diacritical marks, and a select bibliography.