Hinduism

A guide to the nature & function of Hinduism. Hinduism is unique among the great religions in that it had no founder but grew gradually over a period of 5000 years, absorbing & assimilating all the religions & cultural movements in India. Consequently it has no Bible or Koran or Dhammapadam to which controversies can be referred for resolution. Many works such as the Vedas, the Upanishads & the Bhagavad-Gita are authoritative but none is exclusively so. As in Christianity there are several Hindu schools of thought. "Hinduism" clearly outlines their common beliefs & particular differences.I The nature & principles of Hinduism1 Introduction 2 The nature & growth of Hinduism 3 Social ideals & values 4 The caste system 5 Customs & festivals6 Unity & freedom II Historical evolution of Hinduism7 The Indus Valley civilization8 The Vedic age 9 Vedic culture & education 10 Upanishad & the Gi?ta? 11 Cultural synthesis & its influence on Indian life12 Jainism & Buddhism 13 Some other non-Vedic systems 14 Ra?ma?yana, Maha?bha?rata & the Pura?nas15 The six systems of philosophy 16 Hinduism outside India 17 Bhakti or the devotional school18 Medieval mysticism of North India19 The Ba?uls 20 Present trends III Extracts from Hindu scripturesRigveda AtharvavedaUpanishads Bhagavad-Gi?ta?