Being Hindu: A Book Review and PDF Download Guide
If you are interested in learning more about one of the world's oldest and most diverse religions, you might want to read Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta. This book is a practitioner's guide that explores the core beliefs and practices of Hinduism, as well as its relevance and challenges in the modern world. In this article, we will review the main themes and insights of the book, and provide you with a link to download Being Hindu PDF for free.
What is Being Hindu about?
Being Hindu is not a typical academic or historical book on Hinduism. Rather, it is a personal and experiential account of what it means to be a Hindu in the 21st century. The author, Hindol Sengupta, is a journalist and a practicing Hindu who grew up in India and now lives in the US. He shares his own journey of discovering and embracing his faith, as well as the stories and perspectives of other Hindus from different backgrounds and walks of life.
The book covers various aspects of Hinduism, such as its origins, scriptures, gods and goddesses, rituals, festivals, ethics, philosophy, spirituality, and social issues. It also addresses some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes about Hinduism, such as its relation to caste, violence, superstition, and idolatry. The book aims to show that Hinduism is not a monolithic or dogmatic religion, but a dynamic and pluralistic way of life that celebrates diversity and freedom of thought.
What are the main takeaways from Being Hindu?
Some of the key messages and insights that Being Hindu offers are:
- Hinduism is not a religion in the conventional sense of the word, but a collection of diverse traditions and practices that share some common values and principles.
- Hinduism is based on the idea that there are many paths to the ultimate reality or truth, which can be called by different names such as Brahman, Atman, God, or Self.
- Hinduism is rooted in the concept of dharma, which means duty, law, order, or righteousness. Dharma guides Hindus to live in harmony with themselves, others, and nature.
- Hinduism is a living and evolving faith that adapts to changing times and contexts. Hindus can interpret and apply their scriptures and teachings according to their own understanding and experience.
- Hinduism is a tolerant and inclusive faith that respects other religions and cultures. Hindus believe that all beings are interconnected and interdependent, and that everyone has a role to play in the cosmic order.
How to download Being Hindu PDF for free?
If you want to read Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta in PDF format for free, you can follow this link. This will take you to a website where you can download the ebook without any registration or payment. However, we recommend that you buy the book from a reputable source if you can afford it. This will support the author and help him continue his work of spreading awareness and appreciation of Hinduism.
Conclusion
Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta is a book that offers a fresh and engaging perspective on Hinduism, one of the world's oldest and most diverse religions. It is a book that invites readers to explore and appreciate the richness and complexity of Hinduism, as well as its relevance and challenges in the modern world. It is a book that celebrates the diversity and freedom of Hinduism, while also highlighting its core values and principles. Whether you are a Hindu or not, you will find something to learn and enjoy in this book. So, don't hesitate to download Being Hindu PDF for free and start reading it today.
What are some of the reviews of Being Hindu?
Being Hindu has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike. Some of the praise that the book has received are:
- "A rare and courageous book that gives voice to the emerging Hindu identity in the twenty-first century." - Dr. David Frawley, author and scholar of Hinduism
- "A lucid and engaging account of what it means to be a Hindu in today's world. Hindol Sengupta writes with passion and clarity, drawing on his own experiences and those of other Hindus from different backgrounds and perspectives." - Dr. Anantanand Rambachan, professor of religion at St. Olaf College
- "A refreshing and insightful exploration of Hinduism that challenges many stereotypes and misconceptions. Hindol Sengupta shows how Hinduism is a vibrant and diverse faith that can inspire and enrich anyone who seeks to understand it." - Dr. Rajiv Malhotra, author and founder of Infinity Foundation
What are some of the benefits of reading Being Hindu?
Reading Being Hindu can offer you many benefits, such as:
- You can learn more about one of the world's oldest and most diverse religions, and appreciate its beauty and wisdom.
- You can discover how Hinduism can help you live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, by following your dharma and connecting with your true self.
- You can understand how Hinduism can foster a more peaceful and harmonious world, by promoting tolerance and pluralism among different faiths and cultures.
- You can develop a deeper sense of identity and belonging, by recognizing your roots and heritage as a Hindu.
How to read Being Hindu online?
If you want to read Being Hindu online, you can access the ebook version of the book from various platforms and devices. Some of the options are:
- You can read Being Hindu on your browser by visiting the website of eBooks.com. You can also download the ebook to your computer or mobile device from this website.
- You can read Being Hindu on your Kindle device or app by purchasing the ebook from Amazon.com. You can also borrow the ebook from Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading if you have a subscription.
- You can read Being Hindu on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the OverDrive app and borrowing the ebook from your local library. You will need a library card and an account to access this service.
How to get a hard copy of Being Hindu?
If you prefer to read a physical copy of Being Hindu, you can order the book from various online or offline stores. Some of the options are:
- You can order Being Hindu from Amazon.com and get it delivered to your address. You can also check the availability and price of the book from other sellers on Amazon.
- You can order Being Hindu from Barnes & Noble and get it shipped to your address. You can also pick up the book from a nearby store if it is in stock.
- You can order Being Hindu from IndieBound and support your local independent bookstore. You can find a list of participating bookstores on their website and choose the one that is closest to you.
What are some of the other books by Hindol Sengupta?
If you enjoyed reading Being Hindu, you might want to check out some of the other books by Hindol Sengupta. He has written several books on Indian history, culture, and economy, such as:
- The Man Who Saved India: The Untold Story of Sardar Patel. This is a biography of one of India's founding fathers and the chief architect of its unity and integration.
- The Modern Monk: What Vivekananda Means to Us Today. This is a book that explores the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, one of the most influential spiritual leaders and thinkers of modern India.
- Recasting India: How Entrepreneurship is Revolutionizing the World's Largest Democracy. This is a book that showcases the stories and achievements of India's new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
How to contact Hindol Sengupta?
If you want to contact Hindol Sengupta, you can follow him on his social media accounts or visit his website. Some of the ways to reach him are:
- You can follow him on Twitter @HindolSengupta and tweet him your questions or comments.
- You can follow him on Facebook @hindolsenguptaauthor and message him your feedback or suggestions.
- You can follow him on Instagram @hindolsengupta and see his photos and videos.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities for Hinduism in the modern world?
Hinduism is a faith that has survived and thrived for thousands of years, despite many invasions, oppressions, and transformations. However, Hinduism also faces many challenges and opportunities in the modern world, such as:
- The challenge of preserving and transmitting the ancient wisdom and traditions of Hinduism to the younger generations, especially in the face of globalization and secularization.
- The challenge of addressing and resolving the social and political issues that affect Hinduism and its followers, such as caste discrimination, communal violence, religious conversion, and minority rights.
- The challenge of adapting and innovating Hinduism to meet the needs and aspirations of the contemporary society, especially in the fields of science, technology, ecology, and human rights.
- The opportunity of sharing and spreading the universal values and principles of Hinduism to the rest of the world, such as pluralism, tolerance, non-violence, compassion, and service.
- The opportunity of collaborating and dialoguing with other religions and cultures to foster mutual understanding and respect, as well as to address the common challenges and goals of humanity.
- The opportunity of rediscovering and reclaiming the identity and dignity of Hinduism and its followers, as well as celebrating its diversity and beauty.
How to learn more about Hinduism?
If you want to learn more about Hinduism, there are many resources and avenues that you can explore. Some of the ways to learn more about Hinduism are:
- You can read more books on Hinduism by various authors and scholars, such as The Hindus: An Alternative History by Wendy Doniger, The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran, The Upanishads by Juan Mascaro, The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks, etc.
- You can watch more videos on Hinduism by various speakers and teachers, such as Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Sarvapriyananda, Devdutt Pattanaik, etc.
- You can listen to more podcasts on Hinduism by various hosts and guests, such as The New World Kirtan Podcast by Kitzie Stern, The Story of Godcast by Morgan Freeman, The Wisdom Podcast by Wisdom Publications, etc.
- You can visit more websites on Hinduism by various organizations and institutions, such as The Hindu American Foundation (www.hafsite.org), The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (www.ochs.org.uk), The Hindu University of America (www.hua.edu), etc.
Conclusion
Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta is a book that offers a fresh and engaging perspective on Hinduism, one of the world's oldest and most diverse religions. It is a book that invites readers to explore and appreciate the richness and complexity of Hinduism, as well as its relevance and challenges in the modern world. It is a book that celebrates the diversity and freedom of Hinduism, while also highlighting its core values and principles. Whether you are a Hindu or not, you will find something to learn and enjoy in this book. So, don't hesitate to download Being Hindu PDF for free and start reading it today.
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