Books on Hinduism

[Riverwolf]

In a library I saw a book called "Dancing With Siva," which appears to be a kind of "Bible" for Shavism (Siva-worship.) I didn't check it out, as I have a bunch of other books on my reading list, and "Dancing With Siva" looked VERY long.

I picked up a book called "Essential Hinduism" by Steven J. Rosen, another book called "The Vedanta Way to Peace and Happiness," by Swami Adiswarananda(...what's with these names?!?), as well as a couple of commentated Bhagavad-Gitas.

So, I was wondering if anyone knows of any other good books on Hinduism, either Vaishnavistic versions of "Dancing With Siva," or other introductery books? (Or even if the ones i have are any good?)

 

[Andal]

In a library I saw a book called "Dancing With Siva," which appears to be a kind of "Bible" for Shavism (Siva-worship.) I didn't check it out, as I have a bunch of other books on my reading list, and "Dancing With Siva" looked VERY long.

I picked up a book called "Essential Hinduism" by Steven J. Rosen, another book called "The Vedanta Way to Peace and Happiness," by Swami Adiswarananda(...what's with these names?!?), as well as a couple of commentated Bhagavad-Gitas.

So, I was wondering if anyone knows of any other good books on Hinduism, either Vaishnavistic versions of "Dancing With Siva," or other introductery books? (Or even if the ones i have are any good?)

Namaste Riverwolf,

You have quite a reading list If you're going to read the Bhagavad Gita, I highly recommend you read, "Bhagavad Gita, As It Is." It's the translation and commentary done by A.C Bhaktivadanta Srila Prabhupada. I suggest it because I have found that a number of Gitas notated and translated especially by westerners either don't have good translation or the commentaries don't really give you the essence of Vaishnavism.

Outside of scripture you should check out "Autobiography of a Yogi". It's an enjoyable and insightful read written by Prahamsa Yogananda who was a Shakti devotee.

I'm currently reading the "Sri Chaitanya-Charitamrta Retold" by Purnaprajna Dasa. It's the biography of the 16th. century bakti saint (and incarnation of Krishna) Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Good luck and good reading

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

In a library I saw a book called "Dancing With Siva," which appears to be a kind of "Bible" for Shavism (Siva-worship.) I didn't check it out, as I have a bunch of other books on my reading list, and "Dancing With Siva" looked VERY long.

"What is Hinduism" ( by the Editors of Hinduism today) is a Great Articulation of the family of Faiths we call Hinduism. Its a large book but it is written in magazine form so you can pick out the parts that interests you. It gives an Introduction to the 4 largest sects. And a basic explanation of the metaphysics of Hinduism. Its an easy fun read. Its a very practical Guild with some philosophy.

It has articles like “Paths of Attainment” which tells how each of the four sects believe you obtain liberation on there path. I would thumb through it before you buy it, you might what something different. It might be to much like a magazine for your taste.

 

[Riverwolf]

You have quite a reading list If you're going to read the Bhagavad Gita, I highly recommend you read, "Bhagavad Gita, As It Is." It's the translation and commentary done by A.C Bhaktivadanta Srila Prabhupada. I suggest it because I have found that a number of Gitas notated and translated especially by westerners either don't have good translation or the commentaries don't really give you the essence of Vaishnavism.

What are your thoughts on Eknath Easwaran's translation of the Gita?

 

[lapis]

Hare Krsna Riverwolf,

i would go along with what KrishnaKanta said and read Bhagavad Gita as it is.

there may be many bonafide versions of the Gita out there, but rather than try the hit or miss method trying to find one, which can be dangerous for ones spiritual life, stick to what is proven to be bonafide.

after that the Srimad Bhagavatam which is considered to be the cream of the vedas is a great read.