Understanding Hinduism: A Guide for Teachers(Teaching Religions and Worldviews)

This book explores the beliefs and practices of Hinduism as a lived religion and engages with Hindu beliefs and practices, including the concepts that form the central beliefs of Hinduism, and the expression of these beliefs in worship and daily life. The book uses the authentic voices of practicing Hindus to highlight differences in the ways Hinduism is understood and lived in different circumstances. The diversity of Hindu expression is one of the complex elements of Hinduism, and it is also one of its strengths. This book makes this diversity the centre of its exploration. Each chapter enables the reader to consider the concepts and how they can be taught in the classroom. The author also provides suggestions for activities that could be utilised within the classroom to help others to understand the richness and vibrancy of Hinduism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I: Key Concepts in Hinduism 1. Dharma 2. The Nature of the Divine 3. Hindu Cosmology 4. The Nature of Humanity and the Cycle of Samsara 5. Sacred Writings 6. Expressions of Faith Part II: Contemporary Issues 7. The Ethical Dimension 8. Education in Hindu Communities 9. Authority and Diversity in the Hindu World 10. Hinduism and Contemporary Britain Glossary References Index

About the Author :
James D. Holt is Associate Professor of Religious Education at the University of Chester, UK.

Review :
A worthy and useful addition to the plethora of textbooks that have been published from various global locations, within and outside of India - e.g. USA, UK, Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore. It echoes in many respects the patterns followed in standards accounts of Hinduism or what Hindus believe in, namely: where does the name 'Hinduism' come from, whether the Aryans invaded the subcontinent and brought the ?veda with them, whether the periodization set up by historians and scholars of religion – such as Thapar, Smart, Doniger, Bilimoria – is adequate for teaching Hinduism in schools, and last but not least, has Hinduism in the modern, post-indepenendent era, became a political footbal between politicians and the sadhusangh (holy family) to garner a stronger foothold in the secularizing and globalizaing world of which India is so much a part today, with its pluralist polity and minorities? But of course, Hinduism does not just belong to the adherents in India, as the diaspora today witnesses some six million observers of Hindusim in one or other of its prismscape forms. This book is invaluable toward guiding teachers of Hinduism in a clear and conscise manner to convey to their students and clientele the wonder that was and is Hinduism. This is a clearly written and enjoyable book that teachers of Religious Education need to read. It lays out the issues in a commendably balanced way and guides us through the complexity of Hindu traditions and their histories.