Hinduism: Past and present
Author: Axel Michaels
Category: Hinduism   
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The Book

Hinduism is currently followed by one-fifth of humankind. Far from a monolithic theistic tradition, the religion comprises thousands of gods, a complex caste system, and hundreds of languages and dialects. Such internal plurality inspires vastly ranging rites and practices amongst Hinduism’s hundreds of millions of adherents. It beliefs a practices. In this book, Axel Michaels breaks this trend. He examines the traditions, beliefs, and ritual Hindus hold in common through the lens of what he deems its “identificatory habitus,” a cohesive force that binds Hindu religions together and fortifies tem against foreign influences. Thus, in his analysis, Michaels not only locates Hinduism’s profoundly differentiating qualities, but also provides the frameworks for analysis of its social and religious coherence.

Michaels blends his insightful arguments and proving questions with introductions to major historical epochs and ample textual sources, as well as detailed analyses of major life-cycle rituals, the caste system, forms of spiritualism, devotionalism, ritualism, and heroism. Along the way he points out that Hinduism has endured and repeatedly resisted the missionary zeal and universalist claims of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. He also contrasts traditional Hinduism with the religious of the west.

Engaging and accessible, this book will appeal to laypersons and scholars alike as the most comprehensive introduction to Hinduism yet published.