Hindu Worldviews

This insightful exploration of Hinduism reveals core concepts about the self and body, offering a fresh perspective on Hindu Worldviews and its relevance to modern theory.

Designed to enhance readers' comprehension of Hinduism, Hindu Worldviews delves into classical theories surrounding the self, the body, the cosmos, and human action. Through case studies derived from Hindu texts, the book provides direct access to primary sources in translation, spanning topics from ancient cosmology to philosophical teachings and modern ritual practices. The diversity of Hinduism often leads to perceptions of it as one of the most challenging world religions to understand or articulate, yet this work aims to clarify its core concepts.

In Hindu Worldviews, Jessica Frazier explains essential ideas related to the human mind and body, illustrating how these concepts integrate with notions of the Self and practices of embodiment within Hinduism. The text employs Western theoretical frameworks as a means of connection, linking contemporary Hindu culture with both Western and classical Hindu theories. By focusing on the theme of the Self in classical Hindu sources, the chapters create an interpretative lens for exploring classical approaches to ethics, liberation, and perspectives on the body and mind.

This exploration not only sheds light on the rationale behind various modern practices, such as divinisation rituals and worship of deities, but also reflects key themes found in courses on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy. Hindu Worldviews offers an accessible new insight into both Hinduism and modern theoretical discourse in the study of religion, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this rich tradition.