Hinduism and modernity
- ISBN: 9780631208624
- Editorial: Blackwell Publishing
- Fecha de la edición: 2003
- Lugar de la edición: Malden. Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
- Colección: Religion in the Modern World
- Encuadernación: Rústica
- Medidas: 23 cm
- Nº Pág.: 250
- Idiomas: Inglés
After introducing modern India and reviewing definitions of Hinduism and of modernity, the second part of the book presents key aspects of Hinduism, ancient and modern, in such a way as to form a critique of modernist theory. Under the general heading of "the Self", Hindu notions of gender, female and male divinities, and spiritual disciplines are considered in detail as coherent and plausible ways of viewing the world. The third part of the book deals with problems of contemporary Hinduism - with attempts to preserve, redefine or reinvent tradition. Relations with Islam and the role of gurus are major topics here. The conclusion refers to postmodern critiques of modernity, and discerns postmodern elements in Hinduism. Hinduism is shown to be a highly dynamic world view which challenges Western notions of modernity.