Hindu History

Hinduism is the oldest and the third largest religion by population. There are more than a billion Hindus in India, Nepal, Indonesia (Bali), Mauritius, Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, and elsewhere in the world who practice the faith. However, many scholars and practitioners believe that Hinduism is not a religion at all - it is a way of life, as Hinduism explains the purpose of human life, what you should and shouldn't do, how you should behave with others, and how you should carry out your duties and responsibilities.

Over three sessions Suzanne explores how yoga came to Britain, covering the individuals and movements that influenced the exchange between the yoga from India, and the cast of characters in Britain that eagerly received these exotic ideas and practices that have become part of mainstream, modern life.

Hinduism originated in India, the land of diverse ethnicity and culture, and is the oldest known religion in the world, with its history reportedly dating back as far as 6500 BCE. Amidst the diversity, Hindus try to promote peace and universality of shared beliefs. Diversity and communal unity, irrespective of faith, also apply to their religious practices. Outlined in this insightful audiobook are the common beliefs, rituals, holidays, and the overarching concepts of the Hindu religion.

In this five part lecture series Gwilym Beckerlegge discusses the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), the Hindu teacher who was arguably the first "global guru". Vivekananda has been influential in shaping, among other things, Hindu notions of social activism, and what has come to be known as Modern Yoga, which is now practised beyond India. Gwilym covers the influence of Vivekananda's own guru, the widely revered Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda's fascinating journey from India to the United States and Europe at the turn of the 20th century.

One of the oldest and most complex of the world's spiritual traditions, Hinduism is the religion of more than four-fifths of the Indian subcontinent's population. Major Hindu communities also exist around the world. Dispelling many of the myths and mysteries surrounding this ancient world religion, Hinduism, Fourth Edition provides readers with an up-to-date understanding of the interconnection of religion and politics in India, problems facing Hindu communities in the diaspora, and more.