Publisher's Synopsis
Indian culture is an amalgamation of various cultures due to its geographical, historical, political and religious diversity. People are intrigued by Indian Culture but don't know where to look for authentic information. Most information available is either too complicated or incomplete. A lot of misconceptions exist about the Indian culture, most common one being that it is ritualistic. This book tries to address these challenges both from the standpoint of philosophy and religious practices.
This book is an effort to bring clarity on the basis and basics of Hindu Culture. Hindu culture is all about a "way of life". Simple daily practices which can be adopted to make your "Journey to happiness through happiness" because the goal of life is happiness. It is difficult to comprehend the scriptures without a guide / guru, so the concepts, terms have been explained in layman language. One can get an overview of this vast ancient culture and its umpteen practices.
There is underlying philosophy to everything which is done in Indian Culture. The book covers many practices in detail covering both the underlying principle and benefits of the same. Taking the simple thing like fasting which doesn't only give physical benefits like weight loss, self-healing and detoxification has spiritual benefits associated with it as w ell. The book covers many such practices in detail covering both the underlying principle and benefits of the same. Similarly, the major festivals their symbolism and how they can be a medium for self-growth have been covered in the book.
The Basics of major Hindu Philosophies are covered in the book. Most of the initial practices in any of the spiritual paths help in getting a control over the mind. The book lists a set of common practices which can help focus the mind inwards and make it single pointed. Most seekers, new to the spiritual journey need faith and practice to better understand the mind and its tendencies in order to lead happier lives. Pick the practices with connect with you and start your spiritual journey.
In the book you will find
- Clarity on Culture - what it means, Characteristics of Culture, how it is learnt and why should we learn about culture.
- Difference between culture and religion.
- Culture from sociological and philosophical perspective.
- Interesting facts about India and the glory of Indian Culture.
- The underlying philosophy behind the basic Hindu Traditions.
- Major Festivals covered including Maha Shivratri, Guru Purnima, Ganesh Chathurthi, Mahashivratri, Krishna Janmastami, Navratri, Durga Puja, Dusshera, Diwali.
- Basis of Hindu Culture - it's philosophy and scriptural texts
- Classification of the scriptural texts
- Information on different types of Yoga - Ashtanga Yoga, Hath Yoga
- The 4 paths of Yoga as per Bhagvad Gita - Path of Action, Path of Devotion, Path of Knowledge / Wisdom and Path of Meditation (Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga)
- Explanation of the most relevant and commonly used concepts like Dharma, Karma, goals of life and goals in life, individual personality traits, Gunas, meditation etc.
- Some practices to get a grip on your mind, connect to yourself and grow spiritually.
- The Hindu way of life
- And more
You will also find answers to philosophical questions like
- Who is a "Hindu"?
- What is life?
- What is death?
- What is Happiness?
- How to attain Happiness?
- What is the purpose of human life?
- What is "God" for Hindus?
- And more
