A Sourcebook of Classical Hindu Thought

Contents: Preface. 1. Brahman: Ineffable. 2. Brahman: Nirguna and Saguna. 3. Devi. 4. Isvara. 5. Trimurti. 6. Brahma. 7. Visnu. 8. Siva. 9. Jiva. 10. Samsara. 11. Karma. 12. Dharma. 13. Maya. 14. Moksa. 15. Jnana-Yoga. 16. Bhakti-Yoga. 17. Karma-Yoga. 18. Varna. 19. Asrama. 20. Purusartha. 21. Veda. Concluding remarks. Bibliography. Index.

This volume presents material drawn from the classical Hindu texts, as well as other sources, to familiarize readers with the outlines of classical Hindu thought. It provides a bunch of readings organized around certain set concepts, quarried from Hindu religious texts of the past. It discusses material from classical Hindu texts relating to the themes of the divine realm such a Brahman, devi, zisvara, trimurti, and so on, as well as of the mundane realm, such as Jiva, samsara, karma dharma and so on. It also covers the concepts which link the two realms, such as those of maya, and the overcoming of it through yoga to attain moksa. Some selections also throw light on what classical Hinduism has to say about the human being as a social being, through such concepts as varna, asrama, and the purusarthas.

The volume would be of interest to all students and scholars of Hinduism, and particularly those interested in exploring Hindu philosophy and theology. (jacket)