Bringing together texts from a variety of sectarian traditions, this reader provides the broadest selection of primary source Hindu literature available to date.
The volume is divided into two major parts. The first section presents selections that explore major themes in classical Sanskrit traditions, including those in the Vedic, Upanisadic, and Dharma literatures, as well as the classical philosophical-religious schools. The second part includes selections that highlight the sectarian and devotional movements related to major deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Sant, Tantra, and the goddess figures.
In addition to a general introductory chapter on Indian literature, each major section is introduced by an essay that places the selections within the context of Hindu history. This comprehensive reader stands on its own as an indispensable anthology of original textual sources for courses in Hinduism, while also serving as a companion volume to the text
Table of Contents
Preface and acknowledgments
Introduction to Indian religious literature
Part I. Classical Sanskrit traditions
1. The Vedic literature
2. Upanisadic literature
3. Dharma literature
4. Classical philosophical-religious schools
Part II. Devotional and sectarian traditions
5. Vaisnava tradition
6. Krishna devotionalism
7. Rama devotionalism and Sant tradition
8. Saiva devotionalism
9. Goddess devotion and Tantra
Notes
Index
