“The Encyclopedia of Hinduism” is one volume from a larger series edited by J. Gordon Melton, “The Encyclopedia of World Religions.” The approach of this series is contemporary and eminently readable. Its vocabulary and writing style are aimed at readers with high school and above education. The Hinduism volume contains over 600 informative entries. For readers wanting more depth, the volume contains suggestions for further reading for almost every entry. This encyclopedia is a handy reference work for anyone embarking on a journey into Hinduism.
Particularly endearing to readers is the generous biographical coverage of 150 gurus, saints, yogis, and teachers – including Ma Jaya Sati Bhagvati. Many of the biographical sketches are about contemporary people little known outside the Hindu community. Another feature is The encyclopedia’s focus on Hinduism as it is found geographically, including articles on the United States, Africa, Trinidad, Bali, and Scandinavia.
The “Encyclopedia of Hinduism” acts as a large glossary, defining many Hindu terms found in yoga and popular kirtan chants. The encyclopedia also attempts brief descriptions of more complex Hindu concepts (for example, Punya, or Karmic merit) and provides a selected bibliography to aid in your further exploration of the concepts. The volume also covers Hindu deities, festivals, key sites, organizations and includes as well sections on Jainism and Sikhism, whose roots can be found in Hinduism. The “Encyclopedia of Hinduism” is altogether a satisfactory acquisition for any library, either public or personal. –
- Paperback, 552 pages.
- Published by Checkmark Books, 2007.
- A must buy for anyone interested in Hinduism, and an important book for libraries.
- Contains 70 black and white photos, many of contemporary Hindu yogis, saints, teachers and gurus.
- Includes a section of Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati.
- Contains an eleven page chronology of Hinduism covering 3000 years worth of events and a comprehensive index.
