Hinduism: sacred texts and revered writings Books

Book SynopsisThe Hanuman Chalisa is a rich repertoire of the incredible deeds and acts of valour by Lord Hanuman. This enriching edition brings to you the same holy text only manifold more immersive as each word of the dohas comes alive, explained as it is by way of the stories from Valimiki's Ramayana, Tulsidas's Ramacharitramaanas, and the folklore of India.

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Book SynopsisIn this insightful rendition of the Bhagavad Gita, Swami Nikhilananda provides a profound interpretation of the sacred text. Exploring the timeless wisdom and teachings of Lord Krishna, he illuminates the path to self-realization and offers practical guidance for navigating life''s challenges. Gain profound wisdom from the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Discover practical guidance for finding purpose and fulfilment in life. Explore the profound insights of Lord Krishna on duty and righteousness. Learn to overcome challenges and attain inner peace and harmony. Experience the transformative power of the Bhagavad Gita''s teachings.

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Book SynopsisVakratunda Maha-Kaaya Surya-Koti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvadaa This book is a beautiful collection of handpicked stories from various scriptures to enlighten you about Lord Ganesha and reveal the many facets of his divine personality. A book to pay one's respects to the most loved and revered deities written about in the Vedic texts. You will find the answers to all the intriguing questions and secrets about Lord Ganesha's life in this book. It also includes special prayers that can be offered to Lord Ganesha to attain his blessings.

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Book SynopsisRevel in the tales of the most enigmatic deity in Hinduism. This book is a hoard of the knowledge of the God of gods, who teaches about humanity, love, and companionship. He is the embodiment of the ultimate principles of creation, destruction, and transformation! Hanuman Chalisa is one of his best sellers. More titles by Shubha Vilas: Hanuman Chalisa, Mystical Tales for a Magical Life: 11 Unheard Fantastic Vedic StoriesExplore the world of the ancient Hindu god Shiva!

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita, "The Song of the Lord," is probably the best known of all the Indian scriptures, and Easwaran's clear, accessible translation is the best-selling edition. The Gita opens dramatically, with prince Arjuna collapsing in anguish on the brink of a war that he doesn't want to fight. Arjuna has lost his way on the battlefield of life, and turns to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, the Lord himself. Krishna replies in 700 verses of sublime instruction on living and dying, loving and working, and the nature of the soul. This book includes an extensive and very readable introduction, which places the Gita in its historical setting, explains the key concepts, and brings out the universality of its teachings. Individual chapter introductions prepare the reader for the main themes, and notes, a Sanskrit glossary, and an index are included. Although the battlefield is a perfect backdrop, for Easwaran the Gita's subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage. Arjuna's dilemma is acutely modern, and the Gita's message remains as relevant for us now as it was for ancient India.Trade Review“No one in modern times is more qualified — no, make that ‘as qualified’ — to translate the epochal Classics of Indian Spirituality than Eknath Easwaran. And the reason is clear. It is impossible to get to the heart of those classics unless you live them, and he did live them. My admiration of the man and his works is boundless.”— Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions"The translation...is smooth, eloquent, and reliable...[I] would unhesitatingly recommend Easwaran to someone searching for the spirituality of the Gita." — Choice [1st edition]

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Book Synopsis A new selection from the national epic of India Originally composed in Sanskrit sometime between 400 BC and 400 AD, The Mahabharata-with one hundred thousand stanzas of verse-is one of the longest poems in existence. At the heart of the saga is a conflict between two branches of a royal family whose feud culminates in a titanic eighteen-day battle. Exploring such timeless subjects as dharma (duty), artha (purpose), and kama (pleasure) in a mythic world of warfare, magic, and beauty, this is a magnificent and legendary Hindu text of immense importance to the culture of the Indian subcontinent.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative textTable of ContentsThe MahabharataPrefacePronunciation of SanskritIntroductionThe Mahabharata1. Beginnings2. The Hall3. The Forest4. Virata5. Perseverance6. Bhisma7. Drona8. Karna9. Salya10. The Night-raid11. The Women12. Tranquillity13. Instruction14. The Horse Sacrifice15. The Hermitage16. The Clubs17. The Great Journey18. The Ascent to HeavenVariant Readings AdoptedKey to Names and GlossaryFurther ReadingMap: The India of the MahabharataGenealogical TablesIndex

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Book SynopsisTranslator Swami Paramananda was a mystic, poet and one of the first Indian teachers to travel to the United States to teach the Hinduism. In the United States, Paramananda founded a non-sectarian ashrama in California, and another in Massachusetts, establishing himself as a spiritual leader devoted to building communities committed to learning Vedanta. During his life, he published many works, including translations of Hinduism's seminal texts from the original Sanskrit such as The Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Swami Paramananda died in 1940 but his work has remained popular among practising Hindus, students and scholars alike.

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Book SynopsisIn this revelatory volume, Roberto Calasso, whom the Paris Review has called 'a literary institution', explores the ancient texts known as the Vedas. Little is known about the Vedic people who lived more than three thousand years ago in northern India: they left behind almost no objects, images, ruins. Only a 'Parthenon of words' remains: verses and formulations suggesting a daring understanding of life. 'If the Vedic people had been asked why they did not build cities,' writes Calasso, 'they could have replied: we did not seek power, but rapture.' This is the ardor of the Vedic world, a burning intensity that is always present, both in the mind and in the cosmos. With his signature erudition and profound sense of the past, Calasso explores the enigmatic web of ritual and myth that define the Vedas. Often at odds with modern thought, he shows how these texts illuminate the nature of consciousness more than neuroscientists have been able to offer us up to now.

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Book SynopsisThe earliest of the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas, and the first extensive composition to survive in any Indo-European language, the Rig Veda (c. 1200-900 BC) is a collection of over 1,000 individual Sanskrit hymns. A work of intricate beauty, it provides a unique insight into early Indian mythology, religion and culture. This selection of 108 of the hymns, chosen for their eloquence and wisdom, focuses on the enduring themes of creation, sacrifice, death, women, the sacred plant soma and the gods. Inspirational and profound, it provides a fascinating introduction to one of the founding texts of Hindu scripture - an awesome and venerable ancient work of Vedic ritual, prayer, philosophy, legend and faith.

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Book SynopsisThe Ramayana is one of the great epics of the ancient world, with versions spanning the cultures, religions and languages of Asia. Its story of Rama''s quest to recover his wife Sita from her abduction by Raavana, the Lord of the Underworld, has enchanted readers and audiences across the Eastern world for thousands of years. Daljit Nagra was captivated by his grandparents'' Punjabi version as a child, and has chosen to rejuvenate the story for a new generation of multicultural, multi-faith readers. By drawing on scenes originating in versions such as those from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, as well as the better-known Indian Ramayanas, and by incorporating elements of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain and secular versions, Nagra creates a consciously multicultural Ramayana. This dazzling version is both accessible and engaging, written in Nagra''s typically vibrant and eclectic language, and bursting with energy, pathos and humour.

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Book SynopsisA fresh English translation laid out facing the original Sanskrit for easy reference and accompanied by a wealth of essential ancillary materials that make this book a complete course on the Bhagavad-Gītā in a single volume.     This translation stands out from the many others first of all in its careful faithfulness to the original language, but also for the extensive tools for understanding it provides. It is accompanied by detailed explanatory notes, as well as by the entire Sanskrit text on facing pages--both in the original Devanagri alphabet and in a romanized version that allows the reader to approximate the sounds of this work (a pronunciation guide is also provided). Also included is a literal, word-for-word translation for comparison; extensive material on the background, symbolism, and influence of the Gītā; and an exhaustive glossary of terms.

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Book SynopsisThe Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is widely regarded as the most authoritative text on yoga. It comprises a collection of 196 Indian sutras ("threads" - as sutra translates from Sanskrit) written 1,700 years ago. These threads or aphorisms were compiled by the Indian sage Patanjali and offer guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life. The book is organized into four parts and provides descriptions of the eight limbs of yoga, such as pranayama and asana. The translated text is presented alongside a clear and insightful commentary by Swami Vivekananda, which makes them more accessible to the modern reader and yoga practitioner. His message of universal brotherhood and self-awakening remains relevant today, especially in the current backdrop of widespread political turmoil around the world.

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Book SynopsisOffers letters of the Sanskrit alphabet as key to understanding Yoga and the Divine These original meditations on the Sanskrit letters range from personal narratives to metaphysical and theological speculations, linguistic play, and inter-spiritual allusions to other works and traditions, all relevant to living a contemplative life in the contemporary world. Sowder’s book is anchored in the devotional Tantrik, Śaiva-Śakta tradition, focused on the Divine Feminine, but allusions to western mystics (Christian, Jewish, Muslim) also appear frequently. No other book like this exists.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita is one of the most widely read Hindu scriptures in the Western world. Taking the form of a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and the divine Krishna on the eve of battle, it is concerned with the most profound aspects of social and religious duty, and the relationship of human beings to God. In its eighteen short chapters it explores the spiritual struggle of the human soul and the search for both the true self and eternal life, culminating in an unparalleled vision of God the omnipotent.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita has been called India’s greatest contribution to the world. For more than five thousand years, this great scripture has shown millions in the East how to fill their lives with serenity and love. In these pages, Jack Hawley brings these ancient secrets to Western seekers in a beautiful prose version that makes the story of the Gita clear and exciting, and makes its truths understandable and easy to apply to our busy lives.The Gita is a universal love song sung by God to His friend man. It can’t be confined by any creed. It is a statement of the truths at the core of what we all already believe, only it makes those truths clearer, so they become immediately useful in our daily lives. These truths are for our hearts, not just our heads.The Gita is more than just a book, more than mere words or concepts. There is an accumulated potency in it. To read the Gita is to be inspired in the true sense of the term: to be “in-spirited,” to inhale the ancient and ever-new breath of spiritual energy.

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Book SynopsisComprises such sacred books of India as the hymns of the "Rig-Veda", the world''s first recorded poems, the stirring pantheistic speculations of the "Upanishads" and the "Bhagavad-Gita", a cosmic drama of God''s self-revelation in human history, on the field of human battle.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita, a timeless text exploring life's mysteries through a dialogue between the soul and God, is made accessible and relevant to all by Ranchor Prime's non-sectarian approach. His commentary guides spiritual seekers to a personal understanding of the Gita's teachings.

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Book Synopsis“A true translation whose literary qualities make it stand out from the rest.” –Daniel Gold, Cornell UniversityTrade Review"The well-balanced synergy between Professor Flood’s impeccable scholarship and the literary sensitivity of award-winning poet/translator Charles Martin delivers us a remarkable new verse translation of the ancient Hindu Scripture." -- The Bookseller

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Book SynopsisThe Ramayana tells the tale of Rama and his beloved Sita, but its narratives and intent, as with all great literature, point to the grand themes of life, death and righteousness. Originally written in ancient Sanskrit, the elegant, epic work is a key part of the canon of both Hinduism and Buddhism. It continues to inspire art, theatre, poetry and temple architecture, dominating the spiritual landscape of the vast Indian sub-continent and the diaspora throughout the rest of the world. This deluxe new edition revives Ralph T. H. Griffith's evocative verse translation and abridges it for the modern reader – bringing the gripping narrative to the forefront. The Flame Tree Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.

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Book SynopsisIn this sutra-by-sutra translation and study of the Yoga Sutras, Hindu Studies scholar Nicholas Sutton offers an accessible guide to the complex philosophical ideas on which the ancient practice of Yoga is based, illuminating the meaning of Patañjali’s seminal Yoga treatise and the manner in which it seeks to integrate Yoga into life as a whole.The Yoga Sutras, composed by Patañjali nearly two millenia ago, is foundational to the Yoga systems, and widely regarded as a seminal text for students and practitioners of Yoga alike. While Patañjali’s work is centrally concerned with the exposition of a practice aimed at self-realisation, it is as much interested in the philosophical ideas that underpin the forms of practice it advocates. In Exploring the Yoga Sutras, Nicholas Sutton offers a new translation of the text accompanied by a systematic examination of its ideas, with reference to some of the principal traditional commentaries. Unpacking the layers of meaning embedded in the text, Sutton demonstrates how the Yoga Sutras weaves the philosophy and practice of Yoga together in a subtle blend that provides a framework for understanding the position of the embodied living being within this world and the means by which the world may be transcended. Discussing each sutra, both individually and in the context of different passages, Exploring the Yoga Sutras strives to make the complex ideas of this Yoga classic accessible to the modern reader who may not have a prior grounding in the study of Indian philosophy. OXFORD CENTRE SERIES: The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Publishing Series offers authoritative yet accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects in Hindu Studies. Each book in the series aims to present its subject matter in a form that is engaging and readily comprehensible to persons of all backgrounds - academic or otherwise - without compromising scholarly rigour. The series thus bridges the divide between academic and popular writing by preserving and utilising the best elements of both. Other books in the series include The Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation and Study Guide; The Hindu Temple and Its Sacred Landscape; and Women in the Hindu World. EXPERT AUTHOR: Nicholas Sutton is the Director of the Continuing Education Department of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, an academy for the study of Hindu cultures, societies, philosophies, religions, and languages. He received his PhD from Lancaster University, writing his doctoral dissertation on the Mahabharata, and currently develops and tutors online courses on Hindu religious traditions. EDUCATION AID: This book serves as a comprehensive resource for both classwork and independent study. With the integration of suggested further reading, and glossary of Sanskrit terms, and images throughout, Exploring the Yoga Sutras offers an accessible introduction to a foundational Yoga classic.

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Book SynopsisAn Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a comprehensive doctrinal account of the Swaminarayan tradition's belief system, drawing on its rich corpus of theological literature, including the teachings of Swaminarayan himself and classical commentaries on canonical Vedantic texts.Trade Review'[This] is a ground-breaking book that will be widely appreciated by scholars and believers in India and the West. It is a welcome addition to the growing field of Swaminarayan studies, distinguished by its clear focus on the teachings of the tradition, with close attention to philosophical and theological foundations. Written by an erudite insider and practitioner, it is an excellent example of Hindu theology, as Swami Paramtattvadas speaks with the authority of his experience, practice, and with the benefit of many years of traditional learning. The book exemplifies constructive religious thinking, as he points to areas where new thinking is required, to understand ever more deeply the mysteries of God and scripture, the human and the world, as the tradition grows globally. This work will be prized by members of the Swaminarayan community, by scholars interested in contemporary Hinduism and in the self-representation of faith traditions with an increasing global presence, and by theologians of all faiths committed to the global interreligious conversation.' Francis X. Clooney, Director, Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard University, Massachusetts'Swaminarayan Hinduism is rapidly becoming the most prominent form of Hinduism in many countries. This constructive presentation of Swaminarayan theology is an essential text for Swaminarayan and Hindu studies and a valuable resource for comparative theology and interreligious dialogue. Swaminarayan developed a theology, an ethical discipline and a reform movement in a time of rapid social and political change in the early nineteenth century that continues to inspire and guide Hindu followers in the twenty-first century. Contemporary migration movements expand his influence across strong transnational networks and through social media in cyberspace, making this book even more relevant in helping us understand what this dynamic global community believes. Swami Paramtattvadas' Western education at Oxford and classical Hindu studies in India enable him to present this important Hindu theology with academic rigor, depth and clarity. His introduction is an accessible and major contribution to the study of modern Hinduism.' Raymond Brady Williams, Wabash College, Indiana, author of An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism'In this welcome introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu theology, Swami Paramtattvadas has succeeded in presenting the fundamental beliefs of his tradition in a lucid, meticulous and methodical exposition. This book, while standing within Swaminarayan Hinduism, seeks to engage with a broader, rational discourse and to stimulate discussion beyond the bounds of Hindu communities. The writing of this book has been a large scholarly task, aiming to systematise key themes from an extensive network of the tradition's authoritative texts in Gujarati and Sanskrit. As such it is an important contribution to theology and religion and, to my knowledge, is the first Hindu systematic theology written in English. It is also a welcome contribution to Hindu theology and to the emerging discussion of comparative theology. I am sure it will find a wide readership among both the academic and Hindu communities.' Gavin Flood, Senior Research Fellow, Campion Hall, University of Oxford and Visiting Yap Kim Hao Professor of Comparative Religious Studies, Yale-NUS, Singapore'This book provides a brilliant introduction to the theology of the Swaminarayan tradition, one of the most dynamic and visible forms of Hinduism in India and abroad. It comprehensively narrates the key doctrines and beliefs of the tradition drawing on canonical Hindu texts, original teachings of the tradition's founder, and exegetical works of other teachers of the tradition. After delineating the sources for his research, the author intelligibly expounds upon the five central entities of the tradition. It also opens vistas of mutual understanding and comparative studies with other religious traditions. The book stands as an essential tool for understanding the belief system of this vibrant Hindu tradition.' Diwakar Acharya, Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics, University of Oxford'In this engagingly written book, Swami Paramtattvadas looks at the complex ways in which the Swaminarayan tradition interpreted the critical and hallowed terminology of Vedānta, thereby developing its own unique system from the early modern period onwards. At the same time, by approaching the thought of the tradition from within, he also raises interesting questions about the relationship between the categories of theology, metaphysics, the philosophy of religion, and the practices of Hindu devotion. This book does an excellent job of bringing the Swaminarayan tradition into conversation not only with English-language studies of modern Vedānta, but with comparative theology more generally.' Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad FBA, Lancaster University'This monograph by Swami Paramtattvadas fills a longstanding need for a detailed and systematic exposition of the theology of the Swaminarayan tradition. It makes accessible the fundamental theological assumptions and claims of the tradition, while contextualizing and discussing these within the rich diversity of Hindu intellectual thought. The author brings to his exposition both the depth of traditional learning and practice as well as the tools of contemporary Western scholarship. This is an excellent contribution to the field of Hindu theology exemplifying the creativity of commitment and critical inquiry. It is a valuable resource for understanding and engaging with one of India's most visible and rapidly growing global religious traditions.' Anantanand Rambachan, Saint Olaf College, Minnesota'An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology is a ground-breaking work which provides a comprehensive theological overview of the belief system of the Swaminarayan tradition, one of the fastest growing and most visible Hindu groups in India and in the West. The book indicates the author's deep immersion in traditional Hindu styles of theological reasoning and also his ability to situate the themes of God, humanity and the world within the wider frames of 'Hindu theology' and 'comparative theology'.' Ankur Barua, University of Cambridge'A key marker of a religious tradition's health is its ability to articulate, renew and reapply its doctrines and scriptures for each succeeding generation. This is the work of theology. There is still a great dearth of Hindu theological writing in English that takes into account our global, interreligious context. Not only does this book offer a superb example of such writing within the Swaminarayan tradition, it also issues a call for others to join the conversation and grow the field of Hindu theology. An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a thorough, balanced and incisive analysis of the tradition's key sources, doctrines and practices, written in a clear and accessible style. I commend Swami Paramtattvadas on this signature achievement.' Ravi Gupta, Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies, Utah State UniversityTable of ContentsForeword Gavin Flood; 1. Prolegomenon; Part I. Sources and Tools of Swaminarayan Hindu Theology: 2. Introduction: the imperceptibility and ineffability of God; 3. Revelation: the exclusive source of Swaminarayan Hindu theology; 4. Reason, praxis and tradition: the tools of Swaminarayan Hindu theology; Part II. Themes of Swaminarayan Hindu Theology: 5. Introduction: the five eternal entities of Swaminarayan Hinduism; 6. Parabrahman; 7. Akṣarabrahman; 8. Jīva; 9. Īśvara; 10. Māyā; 11. Mukti; 12. Afterword: the way forward; Appendix: theological principles of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: creedal statement by Pramukh Swami Maharaj; Glossary.

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Book SynopsisA honest effort has been made in this Book to explain the contents of the Vedas in easy to follow language.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita, a timeless text exploring life's mysteries through a dialogue between the soul and God, is made accessible and relevant to all by Ranchor Prime's non-sectarian approach. His commentary guides spiritual seekers to a personal understanding of the Gita's teachings.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad-gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, is a guide to self-realization. A translation by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a renowned Vedic scholar, offers insights into consciousness, the self, and the universe. This edition is presented without adulteration, providing a timely and enlightening message.

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Book Synopsis“[It] will remain the standard text of this marvelous Song for years to come, if indeed it is ever superseded.”—Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions Graham M. Schweig’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita—the “Bible of India”—is an elegant, highly accessible version of one of the most important sacred scriptures in world religion. This beautiful translation of the famous conversation between the Hindu god Krishna and the young prince Arjuna includes a glossary, a pronunciation guide, and expert commentary for greater ease of understanding.Trade Review"Graham Schweig's new, beautiful, and accessible translation will remain the standard text of this marvelous Song for years to come." -- Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions "Crystal clear and eminently readable." -- Ariel Glucklich, Professor of Theology (Hinduism) at Georgetown University "The Bhagavad Gita is a religious classic; Graham Schweig's felicitous translation deserves to be called a classic in its own right." -- Arvind Sharma, Birks Professor of Comparative Religion at McGill University, author of Our Religions "Schweig has produced a beautifully readable, accurate and respectful translation that should become the standard text for classroom use." -- John Borelli, Special Assistant to the President for Interreligious Initiatives at Georgetown University, author of Interfaith Dialogue "Extremely reader friendly, particularly if you have little or no prior exposure to the Gita. " -- Yoga Journal

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Book SynopsisSince its inception over two hundred years ago, Swaminarayan Hinduism has flourished into a transnational movement described as one of the fastest growing Hindu groups in the world. Despite being one of the largest and most visible Hindu traditions both in India and the West, surprisingly little is known about what the Swaminarayan fellowship believes. An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a comprehensive doctrinal account of the Swaminarayan tradition''s belief system, drawing on its rich corpus of theological literature, including the teachings of Swaminarayan himself and classical commentaries on canonical Vedantic texts. Part I delineates the sources and tools of Swaminarayan Hindu theology, while Part II systematically expounds upon its distinctive five eternal entities - Parabrahman, Ak?arabrahman, maya, isvara and jiva - and mukti (spiritual liberation). In presenting these key themes theologically and lucidly, Swami Paramtattvadas makes the Swaminarayan Hindu Trade Review'[This] is a ground-breaking book that will be widely appreciated by scholars and believers in India and the West. It is a welcome addition to the growing field of Swaminarayan studies, distinguished by its clear focus on the teachings of the tradition, with close attention to philosophical and theological foundations. Written by an erudite insider and practitioner, it is an excellent example of Hindu theology, as Swami Paramtattvadas speaks with the authority of his experience, practice, and with the benefit of many years of traditional learning. The book exemplifies constructive religious thinking, as he points to areas where new thinking is required, to understand ever more deeply the mysteries of God and scripture, the human and the world, as the tradition grows globally. This work will be prized by members of the Swaminarayan community, by scholars interested in contemporary Hinduism and in the self-representation of faith traditions with an increasing global presence, and by theologians of all faiths committed to the global interreligious conversation.' Francis X. Clooney, Director, Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard University, Massachusetts'Swaminarayan Hinduism is rapidly becoming the most prominent form of Hinduism in many countries. This constructive presentation of Swaminarayan theology is an essential text for Swaminarayan and Hindu studies and a valuable resource for comparative theology and interreligious dialogue. Swaminarayan developed a theology, an ethical discipline and a reform movement in a time of rapid social and political change in the early nineteenth century that continues to inspire and guide Hindu followers in the twenty-first century. Contemporary migration movements expand his influence across strong transnational networks and through social media in cyberspace, making this book even more relevant in helping us understand what this dynamic global community believes. Swami Paramtattvadas' Western education at Oxford and classical Hindu studies in India enable him to present this important Hindu theology with academic rigor, depth and clarity. His introduction is an accessible and major contribution to the study of modern Hinduism.' Raymond Brady Williams, Wabash College, Indiana, author of An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism'In this welcome introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu theology, Swami Paramtattvadas has succeeded in presenting the fundamental beliefs of his tradition in a lucid, meticulous and methodical exposition. This book, while standing within Swaminarayan Hinduism, seeks to engage with a broader, rational discourse and to stimulate discussion beyond the bounds of Hindu communities. The writing of this book has been a large scholarly task, aiming to systematise key themes from an extensive network of the tradition's authoritative texts in Gujarati and Sanskrit. As such it is an important contribution to theology and religion and, to my knowledge, is the first Hindu systematic theology written in English. It is also a welcome contribution to Hindu theology and to the emerging discussion of comparative theology. I am sure it will find a wide readership among both the academic and Hindu communities.' Gavin Flood, Senior Research Fellow, Campion Hall, University of Oxford and Visiting Yap Kim Hao Professor of Comparative Religious Studies, Yale-NUS, Singapore'This book provides a brilliant introduction to the theology of the Swaminarayan tradition, one of the most dynamic and visible forms of Hinduism in India and abroad. It comprehensively narrates the key doctrines and beliefs of the tradition drawing on canonical Hindu texts, original teachings of the tradition's founder, and exegetical works of other teachers of the tradition. After delineating the sources for his research, the author intelligibly expounds upon the five central entities of the tradition. It also opens vistas of mutual understanding and comparative studies with other religious traditions. The book stands as an essential tool for understanding the belief system of this vibrant Hindu tradition.' Diwakar Acharya, Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics, University of Oxford'In this engagingly written book, Swami Paramtattvadas looks at the complex ways in which the Swaminarayan tradition interpreted the critical and hallowed terminology of Vedānta, thereby developing its own unique system from the early modern period onwards. At the same time, by approaching the thought of the tradition from within, he also raises interesting questions about the relationship between the categories of theology, metaphysics, the philosophy of religion, and the practices of Hindu devotion. This book does an excellent job of bringing the Swaminarayan tradition into conversation not only with English-language studies of modern Vedānta, but with comparative theology more generally.' Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad FBA, Lancaster University'This monograph by Swami Paramtattvadas fills a longstanding need for a detailed and systematic exposition of the theology of the Swaminarayan tradition. It makes accessible the fundamental theological assumptions and claims of the tradition, while contextualizing and discussing these within the rich diversity of Hindu intellectual thought. The author brings to his exposition both the depth of traditional learning and practice as well as the tools of contemporary Western scholarship. This is an excellent contribution to the field of Hindu theology exemplifying the creativity of commitment and critical inquiry. It is a valuable resource for understanding and engaging with one of India's most visible and rapidly growing global religious traditions.' Anantanand Rambachan, Saint Olaf College, Minnesota'An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology is a ground-breaking work which provides a comprehensive theological overview of the belief system of the Swaminarayan tradition, one of the fastest growing and most visible Hindu groups in India and in the West. The book indicates the author's deep immersion in traditional Hindu styles of theological reasoning and also his ability to situate the themes of God, humanity and the world within the wider frames of 'Hindu theology' and 'comparative theology'.' Ankur Barua, University of Cambridge'A key marker of a religious tradition's health is its ability to articulate, renew and reapply its doctrines and scriptures for each succeeding generation. This is the work of theology. There is still a great dearth of Hindu theological writing in English that takes into account our global, interreligious context. Not only does this book offer a superb example of such writing within the Swaminarayan tradition, it also issues a call for others to join the conversation and grow the field of Hindu theology. An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hindu Theology provides a thorough, balanced and incisive analysis of the tradition's key sources, doctrines and practices, written in a clear and accessible style. I commend Swami Paramtattvadas on this signature achievement.' Ravi Gupta, Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies, Utah State UniversityTable of ContentsForeword Gavin Flood; 1. Prolegomenon; Part I. Sources and Tools of Swaminarayan Hindu Theology: 2. Introduction: the imperceptibility and ineffability of God; 3. Revelation: the exclusive source of Swaminarayan Hindu theology; 4. Reason, praxis and tradition: the tools of Swaminarayan Hindu theology; Part II. Themes of Swaminarayan Hindu Theology: 5. Introduction: the five eternal entities of Swaminarayan Hinduism; 6. Parabrahman; 7. Akṣarabrahman; 8. Jīva; 9. Īśvara; 10. Māyā; 11. Mukti; 12. Afterword: the way forward; Appendix: theological principles of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha: creedal statement by Pramukh Swami Maharaj; Glossary.

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Book SynopsisThe Bhagavad Gita, perhaps the most famous of all Indian scriptures, is universally regarded as one of the world's spiritual and literary masterpieces. Richard Davis tells the story of this venerable and enduring book, from its origins in ancient India to its reception today as a spiritual classic that has been translated into more than seventy-fivTrade ReviewSelected for WGBH News "Here are the books we read this year that we think you'll love" 2014 "In his masterful new biography of the Gita--part of an excellent Princeton series dedicated to the lives of great religious books--Richard Davis, a professor of religion at Bard College, shows us, in subtle and stunning detail, how the text of the Gita has been embedded in one political setting after another, changing its meaning again and again over the centuries."--Wendy Doniger, New York Review of Books "In the 21st century, The Gita continues to thrive. India's present Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gives it out as a gift on his trips abroad. Discourses on The Gita by spiritual leaders are a part of the cultural life of every major Indian city. Some Indians disagree with its vision of ethics or consider it a relic of the past; but even they, too, must engage with it closely in order to refute it. Mr. Davis's book is an ideal introduction to the text, showing how the meanings of a book reside not just in its words but its life in history."--Chandrahas Choudhury, Wall Street Journal "Like all the great religious books featured in this superb series from Princeton University Press, the Gita has transcended the circumstances of its birth. Rival schools of Hindu theology have risen from various turns of Krishna's phrases, while Westerners have seen echoes of their own traditions. In modern India, Gandhi thought the Gita reflected the eternal battle between light and dark in every human heart, and in the drive for Indian independence, even secular nationalists championed it as a patriotic text. The Gita and the moral issues it raises are still alive."--Brian Bethune, Macleans "In The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography, the latest in the series Lives of Great Religious Books, Davis crisply summarizes this oft-quoted Hindu scripture, in which Krishna reveals his true identity as the 'imperishable Lord of All Beings.'"--Donna Seaman, Booklist "The Gita is one of the oldest and most fascinating texts ever written, and I love how its 'biography' comes to life in this new book. It's a living, breathing text that has constantly been in motion since its origin... I should mention this book is part of a new series (Lives of Great Religious Books) published by Princeton University Press. Next on my reading list are the biographies of The Tibetan Book of the Dead and Augustine's Confessions."--April Peavey, WGBH "Davis deftly traces the many reincarnations of this 700-verse poem over the past two millennia, both in India and in the West."--Fiona Capp, Sydney Morning Herald "[The Bhagavad Gita: A Biography] appears in the worthy 'Lives of Great Religious Books' series, which takes a novel approach to 'great books.' Davis's execution of this approach is superb ... Davis neatly organizes a great deal of material and he presents it in utterly accessible prose. This is an easy read - and a great one too."--Choice "Davis ... provides a comprehensive, detailed and lucid account of the ways that the Gita has lived over the centuries."--Cover Drive "A comprehensive, detailed and lucid account of the ways that the Gita has lived over the centuries."--Sudhirendar Sharma, Speaking Tree "This is a fascinating work; so much is packed in its 243 pages. Being thoroughly researched and documented this serves as a primer on Gita. And also a template for those who would like to study the impact of religious texts on the life and history of human race."--Paulson Pulikottil, Academia "So much in 243 small pages! Like the Sacred Books of the East in the nineteenth century, the Princeton series offers a fresh canon of global stature; thanks to Davis's superb retelling of the history of this powerful, influential, living classic, the Gita has its honoured place on that shelf."--Francis X. Clooney, Religions of South Asia "A highly enjoyable volume that will be of interest to a large educated audience, to religious specialists, and to historians of modern and colonial India, among others... This volume will undoubtedly and quickly become a classic introduction to the Bhagavad-G?t?, or even more generally to classes on Hinduism."--Pierre-Julien Harter, Journal of ReligionTable of ContentsList of illustrations vii Acknowledgments ix Introduction 1 Chapter 1 The Bhagavad Gita in the Time of Its Composition 10 Chapter 2 Krishna and His Gita in Medieval India 43 Chapter 3 Passages from India 72 Chapter 4 Krishna, the Gita, and the Indian Nation 115 Chapter 5 Modern Gitas: Translations 154 Chapter 6 The Gita in Our Time: Performances 178 Epilogue The Bhagavad Gita in Great Time 204 Notes 211 Glossary of Sanskrit terms 227 Select English translations of the Bhagavad Gita 229 Further readings 233 Index 237

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the first comprehensive and accessible concordance of the Bhagavad Gītā.Trade ReviewGraham M. Schweig’s Bhagavad Gītā Concordance is the best work of its kind for all of Sanskrit literature. It is comprehensive, precise, and astonishingly user-friendly. No future translation of the Gītā or scholarly study of its language, philosophy, or theology can proceed without consulting this concordance. -- Ariel Glucklich, professor and chair of theology and religious studies, Georgetown UniversityBhagavad Gītā Concordance fills a major lacuna in scholarship and will become a standard reference book and resource for millions of scholars and practitioners. Graham Schweig's translation of the Bhagavad Gītā is a masterpiece, and this concordance is impeccably done. -- Gopal K. Gupta, author of Māyā in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa: Human Suffering and Divine PlaySchweig’s comprehensive and utterly useful concordance of the Bhagavad Gītā is astonishingly the first of its kind, even though there have been other related reference works that precede it. Recollecting even a single word, phrase, or idea from the Gītā—a monumental and oft-memorized work of Indian philosophy and culture—both the scholarly and general reader can now easily consult this concordance to bountiful results. -- Deven M. Patel, author of Text to Tradition: The Naiṣadhīyacarita and Literary Community in South AsiaThe Bhagavad Gītā serves as the gateway for understanding the core principles and practices of Hindu Yoga. This remarkable concordance serves at least two purposes. First, it allows one to navigate all the complex and well chosen terms that define key ideas in the text. Second, it helps broaden one’s grasp of the Sanskrit language, tracing the root origins of words and their many derivations. This book is essential for all university libraries and for all intermediate Sanskrit seminars. -- Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount UniversityGraham Schweig has lovingly and comprehensively put together the ultimate concordance of the Bhagavad Gītā. It is not just a list of words and other lexical items that are easily located in the main text, but the volume also includes several useful appendices of themes, Sanskrit-English and English-Sanskrit vocabulary along with four well-received translations of the Sanskrit-English vocabulary, a list of Sanskrit nominal stems and verbal roots, and the entire text in Roman transcription. This is an indispensable resource for students and lay readers who seek a better grasp of this supremely important Indian text. -- Frederick M. Smith, professor emeritus of Sanskrit and classical Indian religions, University of IowaTable of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction: How to Use This Reference1. Concordance2. Families of Sanskrit Words3. Word Indexes4. The Transliterated Sanskrit Text5. English Outline of 108 Gītā ThemesAppendix I: Details on the ConcordanceAppendix II : Details on the Sanskrit FamiliesAppendix III : Details on the Word IndexesSelected Bibliography

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