Klaus K. Klostermaier – författare

This book is a classic account of inter-religious encounter from a German monk who lived in a holy city of India.

The third edition of this well-regarded introduction to Hinduism adds new material on the religion's origins, on its relations with rival traditions, and on Hindu science.This third edition of the classic text updates the information contained in the earlier editions, and includes new chapters on the origins of Hinduism; its history of relations with Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam; Hindu science; and Hindu measures of time. The chronology and the bibliography have been updated as well.A comprehensive survey of the Hindu tradition, the book deals with the history of Hinduism, the sacred writings of the Hindus, the Hindu worldview, and the specifics of the major branches of Hinduism-Vaisnavism, Saivism, and Saktism. It also focuses on the geographical ties of Hinduism with the land of India, the social order created by Hinduism, and the various systems of Hindu thought. Klaus K. Klostermaier describes the development of Hinduism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including present-day political Hinduism and the efforts to turn Hinduism into a modern world religion. A unique feature of the book is its treatment of Hinduism in a topical fashion, rather than by chronological description of the development of Hinduism or by summary of the literature. The complexities of Hindu life and thought are thus made real to the reader, and Hindus will recognize it as their own tradition.

The third edition of this well-regarded introduction to Hinduism adds new material on the religion's origins, on its relations with rival traditions, and on Hindu science.This third edition of the classic text updates the information contained in the earlier editions, and includes new chapters on the origins of Hinduism; its history of relations with Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam; Hindu science; and Hindu measures of time. The chronology and the bibliography have been updated as well.A comprehensive survey of the Hindu tradition, the book deals with the history of Hinduism, the sacred writings of the Hindus, the Hindu worldview, and the specifics of the major branches of Hinduism-Vaisnavism, Saivism, and Saktism. It also focuses on the geographical ties of Hinduism with the land of India, the social order created by Hinduism, and the various systems of Hindu thought. Klaus K. Klostermaier describes the development of Hinduism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including present-day political Hinduism and the efforts to turn Hinduism into a modern world religion. A unique feature of the book is its treatment of Hinduism in a topical fashion, rather than by chronological description of the development of Hinduism or by summary of the literature. The complexities of Hindu life and thought are thus made real to the reader, and Hindus will recognize it as their own tradition.

From the classical to the contemporary, this is a comprehensive, systematic and accessible encyclopedia of the phenomenon known as 'Hinduism'. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the religion and its texts, Klostermaier presents the theoretical and practical aspects of Hinduism that render this most ancient of religions a living faith. The encyclopedia features the major systems of Hindu thought, covers figures from Manu to Gandhi and includes locations from Ramesvaram, on the southernmost tip of India, to the Himalayas in the north. Written with assurance, learning, sympathy and insight, this is an invaluable reference for students, adherents of the religion and those unfamiliar with this diverse world faith.

Providing comprehensive coverage of the origins of Buddhism, while also tackling the doctrines and practices of this ancient faith, this comprehensive guide is an insightful and jargon-free picture of the great faith. All the most important topics are rendered accessible to the reader, among them Buddhism as a living tradition; meditation and education; and the goal of Nirvana. Answering all the questions most people would ask about the key issues of Buddhism, Buddhism: A Short Introduction will enable readers to better understand the vast and varied phenomenon that has deeply shaped a great part of humanity past and present.

The history of the Hindu tradition is captured by Kalus K. Klostermaier in this new survey of a rich and ancient religion. This study moves swiftly but thoroughly through the ages, from early emergence of the Vedic tradition to the developments in contemporary Hinduism. Factual information is balanced with discussion of such problematic areas as the true origins of Hinduism and the controversy of the Aryan invasion. Other features include: full coverage of all the major branches within the religion, and their origins; the role of philosophical reflection in the development of Hinduism; the future of Hinduism; a quick-reference chronology, bibliography and extensive glossary. This guide to the development of a major religion should be of interest to those interested in the subject, from gradates to the curious general reader, and can be used as a companion volume to "Hinduism - a short introduction".

These translated extracts from all forms of Hindu literature, from the ancient scriptures to modern political writings, are accompanied by the author's commentary describing and analyzing the texts.