On Hinduism: Reviews and Reflections

Description

There are two major groups of religions in the world today. First are the conversion-based monotheistic creeds of Christianity and Islam. Second are the pluralistic dharmic traditions of India, of which Hinduism is the oldest and the largest. Chinese Taoism and Japanese Shinto have an affinity with dharmic traditions. So also the indigenous religious traditions of pre-Christian Europeans, pre-Islamic West Asians, Native Americans, Africans, Australians, and Pacific Islanders which are re-awakening, particularly in Europe and the Americas and Africa. As the world has now moved out of colonial domination by monotheistic creeds, a new respect for dharmic traditions is arising everywhere. At the same time, dharmic traditions are beginning to speak against missionary aggression of Christianity and Islam. But the missionary aggression continues unabated. In fact, the aggression has become more determined and mobilized larger resources in money as well as manpower than ever before. It is this scenario that makes the work of Ram Swarup (1920-1998) so significant. He has understood the current world situation, the dangers to Hinduism, the value of Hinduism for the future of humanity, and a practical way to both overcome the dangers and promote opportunities for the good of all. He outlines a Hindu approach to the problems of the world that offers deep and lasting solutions which go beyond the limitations of Western religions or Western science, following the development of consciousness as the real thrust in civilization. Table of Contents:- Foreword Chapter 1. Sanatana Dharma: Anusmriti and Anudhyâyana Chapter 2. Cultural Self-Alienation Among the Hindus1 Chapter 3. Buddhism: Vis-a-Vis Hinduism Chapter 4. Indo-European Encounter: An Indian Perspective Chapter 5. Development in Huxley's Thought: Hindu-Buddhist Influences Chapter 6. The Hindu View of Education Chapter 7. Educational System During Pre-British Days Chapter 8. India and Greece Chapter 1. Sanatana Dharma: Anusmriti and Anudhyâyana Chapter 2. Cultural Self-Alienation Among the Hindus1 Chapter 3. Buddhism: Vis-a-Vis Hinduism Chapter 4. Indo-European Encounter: An Indian Perspective Chapter 5. Development in Huxley's Thought: Hindu-Buddhist Influences Chapter 6. The Hindu View of Education Chapter 7. Educational System During Pre-British Days Chapter 8. India and Greece