Posthumous Editing of a Great Master's Work: Special Focus on the Writings of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada examines how a leading figure's hallowed written and published works, which remain so important to the religious community, should be editorially treated following the leader's departure from this world. The volume addresses the theological, ethical, social, and legal implications of posthumous editing—and even improving—a great master's works.This book focuses...

The Intimate Other explores the theme of the devotional element in Indic Religions not only in Hinduism in which bhakti has become the dominant form, but also in Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam. The essays by scholars of international repute, show the strength of this devotion to the divine as a living and powerful source of value, aesthetic imagination, creativity and well-being. They also analyse the sometimes divergent interests of scholar and devotee, problematizing devotion and expo...

This book provides wide-ranging information on Hindu religion, in a simplified and easy-to-read form. It explains the concepts and beliefs interwoven in the texture of Hinduism, such as Dharma (Duty), Karma (Action), and Moksha (Salvation) as well as aspects of Universal soul, One God and use of symbolism in Hinduism. It also deals with the various aspects of rituals and worship, Sanskaras (Sacraments) and the scriptures, including Hindu philosophy in a concise and simplified form to make it ...

Buddhism is a vast and complex religious and philosophical tradition with a history that stretches over 2,500 years, and which is now followed by around 115 million people. In this introduction to the foundations of Buddhism, Rupert Gethin concentrates on the ideas and practices which constitute the common heritage of the different traditions of Buddhism (Thervada, Tibetan, and Eastern) which exist in the world today. From the narrative of the story of the Buddha, throughdiscussions of asp...

No country, no culture, no person today is untouched by what happens in the rest of the world. Technological innovation, environmental degradation, economic gain & loss, nuclear weapons, instant communication have all created unprecedented familiarity among the world’s many cultures. With this historic development, the Dalai Lama understands that the essential task of humanity in the 21st Century is to cultivate peaceful coexistence.Many believe in the inevitability of an escalatin...

In this new edition of the best-selling Introduction to Buddhism, Peter Harvey provides a comprehensive introduction to the development of the Buddhist tradition in both Asia and the West. Extensively revised and fully updated, this new edition draws on recent scholarship in the field, exploring the tensions and continuities between the different forms of Buddhism. Harvey critiques and corrects some common misconceptions and mistranslations, and discusses key concepts that have often been ...

An evolved civilization existed in India, much before the advent of Roman, Greek, Egyptian or Chinese civilizations in this world. And, yet, India is the only country among them, which went into subjugation, in the last millennium. This book gives an insight into its reasons. It also brings out, why Indians are brilliant individually, but collectively, they belong to a third world country. It dwells on their strength and weaknesses developed over 6000 years, which remain unspoken or spoken...

Hinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of India's population, and by some seventy million people outside India. In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twenty-first century. She discusses key preoccupations of Hinduism such as the centrality of the Veda as religious texts, the role of Brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, a...

This book will help you to appreciate one of the historic religions of the Indian subcontinent, to understand what it means to be a Sikh, especially the guru—disciple relationship, to recognize the key festivals of the Sikh year and the different aspects of Sikh worship and practice, and to avoid faux pas in conversation, in travelling, and in personal relationships.Access the world's religions with Simple Guides: Religions a series of concise, accessible introducti...

The Sikh religion has a following of over 20 million people worldwide. However,events such as the verbal and physical attacks on Sikhs just after September 11, where Sikhs were being mistaken for Muslims, suggest that the Sikh faith still remains mysterious to many. This Very Short Introduction introduces newcomers to the meaning of the Sikh religious tradition, its teachings, practices, rituals and festivals. Eleanor Nesbitt highlights and contextualizes the key threads in the hi...

A Buddhist life is lived with peace, joy and contentment: each day can be a step along the path to true enlightenment. To live by these values every day takes patience, skill and knowledge, but it is hugely rewarding. This book can show you how to begin to do so – in just 20 minutes.20 Minutes to Master Buddhism covers the history of the Buddha, the core ideas behind his teachings, from the importance of meditation to the value of life, as well as a range of techniques and practice...

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the Sikh faith. Ideal for those with little knowledge of the religion, it will give you a clear understanding of what Sikh's believe, and how they practise their faith. Covering all aspects, from the history of Sikhism, to Sikh ethics, to the practicalities of living a Sikh life, learn what it means to be Sikh today.NOT GOT MUCH TIME?One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.AUTHOR INSIGH...