Hinduism A Reader

This new collection brings together the sacred scriptures of the Hindu tradition to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the classical form of the world's oldest existing religion. Selections from the Vedas, the Upanisads, the Bhagvagad Gita and many more cover topics such as creation, sacrifice, birth, marriage and death and tell the stories of the great Hindu gods. But over the last two hundred years reformed, anti and radical versions of Hinduism have emerged which question the laws, traditions and even the category of Hinduism itself. Uniquely, this reader juxtaposes the classic texts with the works of reformers and radicals to illuminate the new face of contemporary Hinduism. With an introduction to each reading from editor Deepak Sarma, this reader is suitable for Hinduism courses of all levels.

Deepak Sarma is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Case Western Reserve University.