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Ditch that version. I think the text is very accessible on its own, and perhaps you should read a straight translation without all the disruptive commentary. It's the song of God, ancient, resonates with many hearts. Read it truly "as it is" first, and then you're welcome to read other versions injected with commentary. I've always used this version and enjoy it very much: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Song-God-Swami-Prabhavananda/dp/0451528441/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546743816&sr=8-1&keywords=bhagavad+gita+christopher+isherwood

While the plurality of Hinduism is well understood, the massive cultural appropriation of Hinduism by Abrahamic traditions is not.

And many of the Swamijis in their quest for more disciples or who do not understand, say Christianity, pull out the, 'ekam sat, vipraha vadanti' quote trying to equate all religions.

At a certain point, you have to qualify what/who is a Hindu and who is not. If everything is Hindu, the word losses it's meaning. Is ISIS Hindu? Is paganism Hindu?

I recommend to the discerning reader to become familiar with Rajiv Malhotra's writings on this topic. https://www.amazon.com/Being-Different-Challenge-Western-Universalism-ebook/dp/B005UQ3YT8

I was an atheist too at first but later became Hindu after studying the scriptures.

To start I would recommend you read the Bhagavad Gita as it gives you the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads. This app I found to be excellent. Be sure to download the commentary from the settings too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

As for the Gods, keep in mind they are simply manifestations of Brahman, not literal beings in the sky. Their depictions are filled with symbolism and not to be taken literally. Choose a deity that resonates with you, that shows the archetype you wish to emulate and worship.

There are four ways to worship-

Karma Yoga

Karma Yoga is the path of action and suits people with active temperaments. Performing actions selflessly – without thinking of success or reward – purifies the heart and reduces the ego. Karma Yoga is the best way to prepare oneself for silent meditation.

Bhakti Yoga

Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of devotion and is perfect for people who are emotional by nature. Through prayer, worship and ritual, one comes to see the Divine as the embodiment of love. Chanting mantras and singing songs of praise is an essential part of Bhakti Yoga.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana Yoga is the yoga of wisdom or knowledge is most suitable for intellectual people. The philosophy of Vedanta teaches analytical self-enquiry into one’s own true nature, with the goal of recognising the Supreme Self in oneself and in all beings.

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga is the science of controlling body and mind. The asanas (body postures) and pranayamas (breathing exercises) from Hatha Yoga are an integral part of this yoga path. The main practice of Raja Yoga is silent meditation, where bodily and mental energies are gradually transformed into spiritual energy.

In my point of view, Hanuman is worshipped and loved by Hindus primarily for his devotional service and unconditional love to Shri Ram (Who is an avatar of Vishnu); Strength comes secondary as far as I know. There are many bajans and hyms to Hanuman but that will take time and effort to learn.

As for your question about being devoted to other Gods, Hinduism clearly does not prevent a person from being devoted to multiple forms of the para-brahman. As Shri Krishna(avatar of Vishnu) says in Bhavagad Gita:

yo yo yāṁ yāṁ tanuṁ bhaktaḥ śhraddhayārchitum ichchhati
tasya tasyāchalāṁ śhraddhāṁ tām eva vidadhāmyaham

Translation: Whatever celestial form a devotee seeks to worship with faith, I steady the faith of such a devotee in that form

I would recommend you start with reading a nice translation of Ramayana(Bibek debroy's translation is a master piece but you can also find free books online) to truly understand the relationship between the lord and his devotee.

May Hanuman help you find inner strength and peace!

Jai Bhajaranga Bali!

Oh and if you're new to Hinduism, be sure to read the Bhagavad Gita since it gives you the core teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads.

I found this app excellent.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

Ignore the people saying anything that isn’t “Gita as it is” is invalid. Comments like those are why people think ISKON is a cult.

If you want a translation that provides as faithful an explanation as possible for you to interpret it for yourself, I recommend the one by Swami Chidbhavanananda: https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary-Swami-Chidbhavananda/dp/8180851478

He himself is an advaitin swami, but this version has the original Sanskrit shlokas next to the English translations along with a bunch of footnotes and breakdowns of how terms can be interpreted, symbolic connotations, etc. If you want to read the Gita as a work to be studied and understood, this is the translation to work from.

If you want to read the Gita from a poetic/literary perspective, the most commonly quoted one is probably the Stephen Mitchell version.

Edit: Since it is intended as a gift, you probably just want to opt for the easy-to-read Mitchell one.

I'd read them in the order you posted, which is also the rough historical order they emerged from.

Oh, and Sarvapelli Radhakrishnan's translations of the Principle Upanishands and the Brahma Sutras are in the public domain:

https://archive.org/details/PrincipalUpanishads

https://archive.org/details/Sarvepalli.Radhakrishnan-Brahma.Sutra-The.Philosophy.of.Spiritual.Life

Hey this is the 8 volume set Amazon Complete Teachings of Swami Vivekananda UK

Read the Bhagavad Gita, it gives you the essence of the Vedas and Upanishads- the core of the Hindu philosophy. It is the conversation between Lord Krishna- God in human form and Arjuna- a warrior on a battlefield just before war.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

I found this app excellent. Be sure to download the commentary from the settings too.

As for worship and temples, choose a deity that resonates with you and keep an image of that deity in your altar(its not compulsory, but it helps concentrate your devotion for mist people). At dawn and evening, light a lamp in from of the deity and offer a flower, a leaf or vegetarian sweets to the deity. Later accept that as prasad- a gift back.

Listen to or sing devotional songs or hymns praising your deity. Be sure to know the meaning of it too.

As others have suggested, lord Ganesha is an excellent gift idea. You may visit an Indian grocery store if you live in a bigger city like Glasgow or Edinburg. Or just order something from Amazon….

Ethnic Handmade Indian Art Wall Hanging of God Ganesha with Spiritual Om - copper https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0121GT8HQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_JY1P4GCX1AHJ8AFQ0TE9

Are you trying to run a D&D campaign set in India or something? If you're trying to speculate about tropes in Hindu culture about magic and stuff it took several forms.

Most Hindu practices were passed down by oral tradition, so it was largely done via chanting of mantras and performing various rites and rituals. The learning was done by direct apprenticeship under a guru.

If things were written down they would have been written on palm leaves tied together and stacked on top of each other. If not palm leaves people would ink on linen, silk, or animal hide. There are also scrolls made of textiles.

For things that needed to be longer lasting they would have been etched into wood. It could be fancy, painted and lacquered. Even fancier things could be etched on thin metal plates but that would obviously be heavier.

> Also their versions of main Hindu scriptures are also different than versions accepted by rest of Hindu sects?

Huh? You can check this out. They are fairly classical and orthodox. Their canon is the Veda,Gita,Brahma Sutras,Upanishads(major) and (mainly) Bhagavata Purana and late Pāñcarātra texts(mainly Nāradīya,Gautamīya and Bṛhad-Gautamīya).

Very aptly put. Very easy for any person who's even remotely associated with the cs/techno speak. I heartily recommend the remarkable book Indra's Net by Rajiv Malhotra (Amazon Link). He discusses in depth the underlying unity of the open source variety of the Dharma principles in a very modern/contemporary and easy to understand way. I really wished for it to have read it during my high school / college years; would have given me a a fantastic world view of my own heritage early on.

Max Mueller's translations are somewhat archaic and biased. A fantastic new set of translations of the principal Upanishads has been produced by Bhanu Swami Maharaj, who is based in Chennai. His translations contain both the original Sanskrit and English translation, as well as commentary based on previous commentaries on more difficult texts. I have linked the Amazon Kindle store link, but if you would like physical copies, Ras Bihari Lal and Sons has copies.

Read the Bhagavad Gita. I was an atheist before I read it and it really helped me to go on my spiritual path towards Hinduism, might help you too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

Be sure to download commentary from the settings as well.

The full legend of Lord Krishnas life is available here. There is a LOT of mistanslations like 'demigod' 'supreme personality of godhead' 'planet' and so on but overall it's good. Be sure to not take the stories literally since its filled with symbolism and poetry.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.speakingtree.in/blog/story-of-lord-krishna-full-story/m-lite

I would recommend reading the Bhagavad Gita . It is the conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna right before a massive battle. Their conversation discusses life, death, duty and answers lifes toughest questions.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

I recommend this app. Be sure to download the commentary from the settings too.

Not much wrong with cannabis per se, pro-legalization etc.

But like Sri M has observed when travelling near the Himalayas, drugs like marijuana have substituted for sadhana, and many wandering people with saffron robes have just become drug addicts thus spoiling a very good chance to progress on the path. Further, they even fool others and extort money for their addiction.

Similarly, drinking doesnt mean one is doing practice in tantra, although it is often used as an excuse. Even among teachings which involve alcohol, there are strong practices to be done beforehand(see this Buddhist introduction, a book which tries to explain how desires can be channeled positively).

Again, no issue with having fun by drinking or having sex, its seeing these activities as an actual path which can potentially lead to a loss of direction.

Don't go out seeking miracles if you want to validate a religion. Every religion has "miracles" as well as hoaxes. Find refuge in the philosophy and actions of the Avatars/Gurus/Great Devotees and specifically their "Dharma."

Specific books that really convinced me in the idea of a Supreme God/divine are:

• 1. Bhagavad Gita
• 2. Dhammapada
• 3. Transcendence by APJ Abdul Kalam

Written through Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim perspectives respectively but all point towards a universal Dharma and spiritual/righteous way of living.

• Mysore Hiriyanna - Outlines of Indian Philosophy
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan - Indian Philosophy, Vol I and II

A friend of mine who's knows that orthodox Vedic Dhumavati upāsaka showed me this(two commentaries)

https://www.scribd.com/mobile/document/111706597/Saundarya-Lahari-With-Ram-Kavi-s-Dindim-Bhashya-and-Gopal-Sundari-Tika-Shankaracharya

The people there who published this are upāsakas of mainly Bagalamukhi(also called Pitambari) and Dhumavati.

This is only a translation

There is another by a Swami from Ramakrishna mission, There is also an audiobook if you can search in youtube.

Here is what's right in the post - noticing suffering on large scale and the lack of a proportionate response.

But then it devolves into a set of crazy emotional statements, like everyone is a scammer etc.

What you havent mentioned - There are many dedicated efforts to address this suffering even if response is not proportionate to the problems. There are several people working at different levels, direct help with food, access to education, longer term programs, policy proposals, system change and so on. Regarding Hindu aspects, heres an example - in many temples and in teerthas(piligrim sites), you will see daily annadanam providing free food and many people live off that. It is considered a responsibility to donate to these programs.

Here's what you can do - Instead of channeling your energy into emotional posts, you can try to figure out what are ways to help people and post about what you think are good options. Try reading up on effective altruism for instance. Or you can post about how to help existing Hindu programs for helping the poor or alternative proposals.

Regarding 'spiritual growth' (I prefer using the inner/psychological change, as spirit is not a clear concept, do people have spirits?, but lets leave that aside), it is again the same point. Because of the lack of education, people can grow up without any access to simple practices that can help them immensely. But again there are so many efforts to change this even in poorer neighbourhoods. See this post for instance.

In terms of active practitioners I'm not sure, but I think you might find this to be a good starting resource:

<em>Tantra Illuminated</em>

It's by an academic but the book is meant for a general readership. He's also a practitioner himself and used to teach retreats, though I can't find the links except to these downloads.

I think you'll find the book worthwhile.

> http://www.pronouncenames.com/pronounce/siva

Not really, not according to traditional pronunciation rules the way I understand them.

Of course, I'm no expert either. FWIW, I've recorded the 3 sibilants the way I understand them:

https://clyp.it/i3ivtuhi

I was taking issue with your statement that reading scriptures in English "is dangerous" and probably wont give "the right knowledge." This kind of statement is very problematic for two insidious reasons.

First, it discourages people from studying Hinduism because they think they won't understand it unless they learn an entirely new, extremely difficult language. This knowledge is accessible to anyone who is interested, and greater spiritualists than you or I have thought fit to translate all of these texts into various languages, to provide access that isn't based on ethnic background.

Second, this argument is closely linked to Hindu racism or ethnic prejudice. That is, I have encountered my share of Indian Hindus who think it's only possible to be Hindu if you have brown skin. Part of this is the conception that you must speak a language of the Indian subcontinent in order to really be a Hindu. People who grow up speaking Hindi, for example, have a much lower threshold to fluency in Sanskrit. In any case, as a white Hindu I'm quite sensitive to this. In India, I have been denied access to Vaishnava temples because my skin is the wrong color. So, when someone claims I'm not ethnically competent to understand Hinduism, I take that claim very seriously. And I challenge it vigorously.

Perhaps I misunderstood you, but I saw the seeds of this ethnic prejudice in your post. So, I pushed back against it. If you'd like to reconsider your opinion, that's one thing, but saying it is just "something from personal experience," is not sufficient. It's like me saying that people who weren't raised speaking English are less intelligent, and when I'm challenged on that point, defending myself by saying I was just speaking from personal experience. It's not sufficient support and it doesn't cover the inherent seed of prejudice.

Thank you for this post, after having lost touch with my Hindu roots, I've been reconnecting with and learn as much as I can.

So the links here will be useful to study and consider.

I made a little tool for myself in Facebook Messenger, to send a daily quote from Bhagavad Gita so that I centre my mind and focus my thoughts positively to get the day rolling.

If anyone wants to try it, feel free to go to Messenger Link and the you'll get a message every morning.

Would love to hear what people think : )

It sounds like you may be interested in both Vaiṣṇavism and Advaita Vedānta, in which case I would recommend reading Madhusūdana Sarasvatī's brilliant commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā.

> Is there a way to be a Gaudiya Vaisnava and still hold these beliefs even though they contradict what my Guru teaches?

Getting involved with specific religious groups tend to make us think that we must agree with everything that group says, this is made worse by fundamentalists who try to shove their beliefs down your throat. Of course the internet is a place where that kind of behavior flourishes and people hurl sectarian insults at each other behind a screen.

It's best not to get caught up all that mess. Worship the lord, read the scriptures, and accept only what makes sense to you after your own investigation.

> It just seems so unpractical to be any other type of Hindu because in the West the Vaisnava Sampradayas are really all we have access too.

I agree with Vignaraja's advice about going to a local immigrant temple. There you can simply worship. I would also say that there's no need to hold on to any label, or think that you are a follower of this school or that sect, you can just consider yourself a devotee of Kṛṣṇa.

Hanuman came by to say hiya, that's a wonderful honor. I second checking out Krishna Das's Hanuman Chalisa and there is an inexpensive book that translates and breaks down the chant. From listening to Ram Dass and Krishna Das talks, Neem Karoli Baba, a devotee of Hanuman, spoke of Jesus often. When someone is thinking about Ram, Hanuman is close by.

Best book read about Hinduism in 2021 https://www.amazon.in/Hinduism-Journey-Through-Evolution-Traditions/dp/9388698134/ref=sr_1_7?crid=18Q1O3A02G95H&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=hinduism&amp;qid=1624027589&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=hinduism%2Caps%2C311&amp;sr=1-7

A lot of misunderstood concepts have been explained in much-simplified way.

You’re welcome! Here’s a good place to start: https://hareesh.org/blog/2016/2/5/the-real-story-on-the-chakras

I’m mainly interested in chakras from a scholarly perspective if that makes sense. They’re not a part of my personal spiritual practice so I’m afraid that I can’t recommend you any such book. This book has a a chapter about chakras, but it’s a very scholarly book and not suitable as a practice manual.

Hinduism accommodates a wide variety of beliefs and does not have a central dogma. So as the earlier poster said, it’s hard to “learn” from a book. Even the introductory books on Hinduism you might find on Amazon, would introduce you to a fraction of what Hindus practice across India and beyond. In fact, I would argue that no one person (for example, a Hindu priest at your temple) can define it properly for you. You really need to develop your ‘own’ version of Hinduism. That said, if you want to get an idea of some core ideas that are part of Hinduism, ‘The Upanishads’ might be a good start for your journey. My personal favorite ebook is this one .

I wouldn't recommend reading the Vedas willy nilly as they are incredibly complex and abstract. People spend their whole adult lives studying them to understand their essence.

I recommend reading the Bhagavad Gita first, then the Upanishads, the Ramayana, Mahabharata and only then the Vedas that too preferably the Vedas with the help of a teacher. Its way better to read the Vedas in Sanskrit as many English translations are from the colonial era by European Christians so have a TONNE and I mean a TONNE of mistranslations.

The Gita and Upanishads essentially give the essence of the Vedas

This app is pretty good. Be sure to download the commentary from the settings too.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethnoapp.bgita

I don't know of a free version. Devi Mandir publishes a great version though. You can get as an app on both Android and Apple devices. The app also has a Sanskrit only version included. Here's the Android link- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.shreemaa.android.Rudrashtadyayi

A simple way- You could sit in asan in front of a picture of Shiva and chant ॐ नमः शिवाय 108 times. Then sit in quietly and either pray mentally or verbally, asking for His help.

If you want to learn puja I was usually recommend Devi Mandir books-

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.shreemaa.android.ShivaBegin

That's my biased advice

https://www.amazon.com/Rigveda-Guides-Sacred-Texts-ebook/dp/B083WHXTGM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3Q4IMBVBGB407&amp;keywords=the+rig+veda+a+guide&amp;qid=1671074160&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=the+rig+veda+a+guid%2Cstripbooks%2C194&amp;sr=1-3

currently reading this at the moment

You are projecting my dear. It is okay. When we are criticized or corrected we feel attacked and our brains enter fight-or-flight mode. Take some deep breaths. Are you familiar with pranayama?

Here is a good book for anyone: Pranayama Rahasya

Here is the link

https://www.amazon.com.au/Ramanuja-Bhasya-Translated-Swami-Adidevananda/dp/8178235188/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1VP9YFRLI00KE&amp;keywords=ramanuja+gita&amp;qid=1669327434&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjA1IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=r...

Picture is taken from Amazon website, by the brand 'Pooja Ghar':

https://www.amazon.in/Pooja-Ghar-Mallanna-Swamy-Photo/dp/B09Y3FFLK7?th=1

The Aryan migration theory is just that - a theory.

This theory was introduced to the world by the German linguist Max Müller in the 1850s. His theory formed the basis of the false narrative that somehow a light-skinned race of people migrated from the Caucasus into Europe and invaded North India respectively, and brought the Sanskrit language with them and the Vedic religion too. This allowed the spread of misinformation that Europeans and light-skinned North Indians were somehow superior to all other races of humans because of their "Aryan" blood.

Over the last 2 decades actual scientific, linguistic and anthropological evidence emerged that conclusively completely debunks this theory.

Migrations in and out of India did occur with many different people from many different regions, including the Caucasus. And widespread intermixing of the different races of people with the native Indus Valley Indians and Dravidians continued for thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent until about around 200 BCE, when it seems the caste system began taking hold of society.

To familiarise yourself with some of the evidence, read the book "Early Indians" by Tony Joseph.

https://www.amazon.in/EARLY-INDIANS-Story-Ancestors-Updated/dp/9391165958/ref=sr\_1\_1?keywords=early+indians+tony+joseph&amp;qid=1668152314&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQ2IiwicXNhIjoiMS4xMCIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjAifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=early+indian%2Caps%2C228&a...

For those who can read Sanskrit or Hindi, the following post from this morning on the relevant part of the Purusha sukta by Nityanand Misra is quite interesting.

https://groups.google.com/d/msg/bvparishat/UPXlWPG-Elw/l6QE7YzjJgAJ

Yeah bro the Upanishads are the best starting point…. Please refer the book named The Principal Upnisads Link: https://www.amazon.in/Principal-Upanisads-Prof-S-Radhakrishnan/dp/8172231245/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1J90V4LI16JQO&amp;keywords=principal+upanishads&amp;qid=1666867313&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjg3IiwicXNhIjoiMC44MiIsInFzcCI6IjAuNDEifQ%3D%3D&amp;sprefix=Princip...

Also taking about rules , there are a few rules to follow . You know them while reading this book. You can follow a Vedic lifestyle i.e.. Wake up early in the morning before sunrise . Say no to non vegetarian . Respect others. Do yoga and follow the yogic diet …… Just do a YouTube search

Sinu joseph wrote a book on menstrual practices in India. You could check out her book. She has given lectures which are available on yt. Apart from that you could also check our primary sources which are mentioned in her book. Her book. https://www.amazon.in/%E1%B9%9Atu-Vidy%C4%81-Ancient-Menstrual-Practices/dp/1649198663/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1665984891&amp;refinements=p_27%3ASinu+Joseph&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1

Adobe Stock link https://stock.adobe.com/in/302294920

Shutterstock link https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/indian-mantra-om-floral-ornament-on-1557918356

Both are higher res images with watermark. Maybe someone knows a workaround.

Go for this: Mahabharata by Bibek Debroy

It's the english translation of the BORI CE in a novel format, has to be the most authentic version available

https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Krishna-Danger-Deranged-Devotion-ebook/dp/B0794FD7TY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2O11MOO2BBKEI&amp;keywords=killing+for+krishna&amp;qid=1660544475&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=killing+for+krishna%2Cstripbooks%2C147&amp;sr=1-1

Does this look like a "harmless" cult to you?

Ganesh (गणेश), also known as ganapati (ganpati), vinayaka, Pillaiyar,Vighneshvara and Binayak is most worshiped and best known god in hindu religion. Lord Ganesh brings good luck and peace!
I came across this wonderful app of Ganesh Mantra on playstore that has a beautiful Image of lord Ganesh. Do checkout. Ganpati Bappa Morya!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lazydroid.GaneshaLightMantra

I wish to buy an English modern retelling of this epic. I am a English speaking westerner newish to Hinduism. I rarely finish books that are longer than 500 pages . I’ve read short versions of the Gita, the Ramayana and the Devi Mahatmyam. Below are 2 versions that I am considering. I would love any recommendations. Thank you.

Carole Satyamurti https://www.amazon.com/Mahabharata-Modern-Retelling-Carole-Satyamurti/dp/0393352498/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3TNR6T76YGDVI&amp;keywords=mahabharata+modern&amp;qid=1659025435&amp;sprefix=mahabharata+modern%2Caps%2C122&amp;sr=8-1

Ramesh Menon https://www.amazon.com/Mahabharata-modern-rendering-Vol-Set/dp/8129114925/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=mahabharata+modern&amp;qid=1659026485&amp;sr=8-7

I would say just read the gospels, there is nothing inherently dualistic about what Jesus says (all that was imposed later by the church)

Which version? I read https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bhagavad-Gita-Bhaktivedanta-Swami-Prabhupada/dp/1845990498

but disregarded most of the commentary and tried to read the text itself for my own interpretation. So I suppose the version doesn't matter aside from translation

Jai Bajrang Bali🚩🕉
I came across this app on playstore, with a wonderful theme of Lord Hanuman Ji and plays Hanuman Chalisa.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lazydroid.HanumanChalisaFlashlight

There is no converting to Hinduism. The entire religion can be summarized to 'karma is religion'. You are free to believe what other beliefs you want with Hinduism. I personally see myself as a Hindu and Buddhist (Buddhism comes from Hinduism in a way)

If you want to learn about Hinduism I would recommend reading the bhagavad gita. Although there are many scripture like the vedas, I think the gita will answer more of your questions. The most understandable version for westerners (or people not from Indian culture who might not understand mahabharata or the culture) is by an Indian scholar, eknath easwaran. He does a good job explaining the gits. Then if you want to actually read the text for your self then I recommend you read gita press's version of the gita. I assume you can't read sanskrit, so they have the best widly accepted English translation.

I would say that most Hindus don't need to believe in other gods. However I think in someplaces in Southern India some believe in Jesus, but not the way catholics do. I myself see Jesus as a reincarnation of vishu because I found his message similar to Krishna's. But that's my interpretation and others my disagree.

Generally speaking most Hindus believe more in different aspects of the religion and we learn to accept others interpretation. Same goes for the question on the creation of the universe.

However the commonly accepted explanation is that Brahma created the universe. (Better sources can explain it better than I can)

I understand your confusion

This is eknath easwaran book on Amazon

I have not read any other Gitas, but Maharishi's translation is said to be quite different than most others. I know that most others have several very important mistakes as far as methods for self realization.

It is easy to relate to his translations and very logical.

https://www.amazon.com/Maharishi-Mahesh-Yogi-Bhagavad-Gita-Translation/dp/0140192476

You can pick up Carvaka/Lokayata: An Anthology Of Source Materials And Some Recent Studies. It has brief analysis and elaboration of all the primary sources and references.

“Has anybody got a mantra?”

> Please supply me with some to learn alongside their meanings.

Mantras do all manner of things. What is it you seek?

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Mantras-Affirmations-Personal-Creativity/dp/0345431707

Mantras are not liable to translation, and especially not “transliteration”. They are much more about the sound and the vibration.

There are so many different commentaries, many contradict others ! Some just completely wrong !

For a solid, logical commentary, with experience offered to back it up.

https://www.amazon.com/Maharishi-Mahesh-Yogi-Bhagavad-Gita-Translation/dp/0140192476

I wouldn't take a chance reading any other.

I'm sorry but I'm a bit confused about your words

Are you reading this one 1) this

2) or the one that you have sent.

Swami Vivekananda: A Historical Review
By RC Majumdar https://www.amazon.in/Swami-Vivekananda-Dr-R-C-Majumdar-ebook/dp/B01H1747N0

I highly recommend you to read Shri Durga Saptashati

It's pure nectar that can soothe your heart and mind even in worst dilemmas of your life. You will literally feel the touch of Divine Mother in every chapter of that Scripture.

Other than scriptures, I recommend you to read Ancient Indian literary anthology, <em>Kathasaritsagara</em> as well. It will definitely enlighten yourself and make you feel all the Nava Rasa ( Nine Joys) of literature.

could this work too ? KSJONE Natural Dark Red Sindhoor Kumkum Powder for Pooja and Other Hindu Rituals, Tilak and Suhag Sindoor for Tilak Tika, Pooja,Pujan, Havan, Worship (80 Gram) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CVCVXZ5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YMMS456DKPFD4JYE0FAD?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Did you checked your isht through Vedic astrology? You can have a try on your own using any of the astrosage's applications. I use this one, Astrosage Kundli: Astrology https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ojassoft.astrosage

Read Bhagwad Gita. All the things you feel, Arjuna once felt and all those doubts washed away when Shri Krishna spoke to him.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shivay.SBGitaHi4

You can download this app and read it from your phone at your convinience, it is in various languages.

You can just get this app called English Calendar 2022 (Sanatan Almanac), and the section called Festivals-Vrats will have the major ones, while the Calendar section has details for every single day.

Here is Google Play for Android, and Apple has it under under "Sanatan English" too: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hindu.calendar.english.almanac

Here you go:

---This app you can go to Introspection, and then Meditations https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.himalayanacademy.spiritualworkout

---This link, you can read an example of manas pooja, mental worship in sections 3 - 5 https://www.sanatan.org/en/a/101196.html

Namaskar 🙏🙏

I knew your version was ISKON, please forget the text you have and pick another immediately. In the comments I have suggested this one Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609810340/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E1328J2NS1YV014C3F8C?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I feel like this Gita Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609810340/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_E1328J2NS1YV014C3F8C?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1 is the best and only one that is beautiful and allows you to find meaning. All other texts are interpretations of someone else’s understandings. Get a Gita that is a pure translation of all ancient texts curated

Must read ( no read to other, only problem or maybe good thing is it is very big and very detailed, each shloka is properly described and explained) • Gita Sadhak Sanjeevani ( English ):- https://www.amazon.in/Shrimad-Bhagwat-Saadhak-Sanjeevani-Ramsukhdasji/dp/B08DFFFWGS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=24EZOO4WIUQ5&amp;keywords=gita+sadhak+sanjeevani+english&amp;qid=1651081410&amp;sprefix=gita+sadhak+sanjivani+english%2Caps%2C299&amp;sr=8-2 • Gita Sadhak Sanjeevanj ( Hindi, preferred over english if you can understand):- https://www.amazon.in/SHRIMADBHAGVADGITA-SADHAK-SANJEEVANI-KING-SIZE/dp/B01GVF6KE2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=24EZOO4WIUQ5&amp;keywords=gita+sadhak+sanjeevani+english&amp;qid=1651081513&amp;sprefix=gita+sadhak+sanjivani+english%2Caps%2C299&amp;sr=8-4

I recently came accross this mobile game called Sadhana, at first I thought it was just some crappy game like Fauji, but when I actually saw it's trailer and played the game, it is surprisingly well made, the game have very beautiful art, all the mantras and rituals are very much well reserched and accurate, even if you don't know much abiut Hindu Dharna, this app will teach you so much, you get select your own Ishta devata and you get to do Yagya, Nitya Puja, Japa all that good stuff, all in all this is beuatiful game and you must give it a try atleast once, just to support a Hindu game dev if nothing. Try it, you won't be diaappointed.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.vsf.sadhana

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09LYJ7S29/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_4HGAX8JHK9KDNV2CFDXT

Or

MNAONLINE1931 Kalnirnay English Small Office Panchang / English Kalnirnaya Calendar 2022 2-Pcs https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09LYJ7S29/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_4HGAX8JHK9KDNV2CFDXT

In India we have hybrid calender like this which tells us dates and all the hindu occasions at that day. It's pretty detailed also

I'll try to find English version of something like this

Gandhi has also written a book called "What is Hinduism?"

Well actually he didn't wrote it per se... It is a collection of his thoughts on Hinduism

https://www.amazon.in/What-Hinduism-Mahatama-Gandhi/dp/8123709277

There is a Vaishnava refutation against Darwin’s theory of Evolution.

Life Beyond Darwin, by Robert Carol

SIS Rego Rapid Recovery| Whey Protein| Recovery Shake| with Added Carbohydrates & Electrolytes| Muscle Recovery| Ideal for lactose intolerant individuals & vegetarians| Strawberry flavour| 1.6kg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009M3SPD0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_i_73KJHD4V2A2176CJ7ETA?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

This is the one I used to get. It's vegan.

https://www.amazon.com/The-Universe-Within-Essence-Hinduism/dp/1492808288/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1383630391&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Partha+Rajagopal

This book gave me some simple understanding of the overall Hinduism.

I was quite confused about a lot of things until I read this commentary on Bhagvad Gita, ofcourse I read it's hindi version. Read 3 different commentaries before it.

Reading this first and then moving on to other texts will make it a lot more easier. Translating Sanskrit with accuracy is difficult for almost everyone.

Shrimad Bhagwat Gita (Saadhak Sanjeevani by Swami Ramsukhdasji) Part 1 & 2 Set - Romanized Edition with English translation (code 1080 &1081) https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08DFFFWGS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_6WC31C5X570VDDB1STPT?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Take your time reading this and feel free to DM, I don't know much but I will try to help wherever I can.

Oh you are in luck! It is a free book available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Sutras-Commentary-Ramanuja-Sacred-Books-ebook/dp/B0084ALCRS/ref=sr\_1\_11?crid=3FK7KB7PCQDHJ&amp;keywords=ramanuja+brahma+sutra&amp;qid=1645819010&amp;sprefix=ramanuja+brahma+su%2Caps%2C348&amp;sr=8-11

I second everything that kisforkarol stated, I only want to add some additional book recommendations:

Books by David Kinsley, particularly his book on the Mahavidyas

Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls by June McDaniel

They're more scholarly, but they really helped me a lot early on in understanding Shaktism and are still prized books for me.

Yes i am talking about Sanskrit but lot of PPL don't know sanskrit but they know Hindi the consonants in Hindi and Sanskrit is almost same

Limited-time deal: Sanskrit Swayam Shikshak https://www.amazon.in/dp/8170285747/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apan_glt_i_dl_K4RSSNXKMSAX36FA69PS

This is best book to learn Sanskrit , if u give 1 hour everyday , u will speak fluent sanskrit in 1month

Hi.

If you download the Telegram desktop app, and then search for groups named "Mahabharat", you will find groups that offer the episodes to download for free (for example the "Mahabharat 2013" group.

To get english subtitles go to subscene.com and find subtitles for each episode.

If you use VLC media player, you can then add the subtitle tracks :)

These books by Adluri and Bagchee available online may be of interest to you re the MBh:

Philology and Criticism: A Guide to Mahābhārata Textual Criticism (very recently released)

Ways and Reasons for Thinking about the Mahābhārata as a Whole

For the Bhagavad Gita I have to absolutely agree with this. The commentary is fantastic for the English-speaking, western newcomer.

Edwin Bryant's book is also well regarded.

https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Sutras-Pata%C3%B1jali-Translation-Commentary/dp/0865477361/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3UWY6EXOKZ7J2&amp;keywords=edwin+bryant.+the+yoga+s%C5%ABtras+of+pata%C3%B1jali&amp;qid=1643610108&amp;sprefix=edwin+bry%2Caps%2C197&amp;sr=8-1

Here brother you have an ice version of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, for me it helped me a lot, big changes in my life.

https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-Essentials-Paramahamsa-Vishwananda-ebook/dp/B09NJD6QBM/ref=sr\_1\_1?crid=L66KR71KLO5F&amp;keywords=bhagavad+gita+essentials&amp;qid=1643564662&amp;sprefix=bhagavad+gita%2Caps%2C204&amp;sr=8-1

Thomas Coburn wrote two books on the Goddess which I highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/Devi-Mahatmya-Crystallization-Goddess-Tradition/dp/8120805577/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=T699HORP394U&amp;keywords=thomas+coburn&amp;qid=1643105502&amp;sprefix=thomas+coburn%2Caps%2C324&amp;sr=8-3

That one is very nice then Yokochi is authoritative on some major aspects of the Legend:

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ibk1952/37/2/37_2_993/_article/-char/ja/

A lot of knowledge comes to you normally if you just sit before Shiva Linga, recite panchAkshari and whine to the good Lord to guide you. This is my default approach and it tends to work quite well.

The entire book can be read here:

https://www.academia.edu/24872746/_Does_the_Concept_of_The%C3%B4ria_Fit_the_Beginning_of_Indian_Thought_In_Universe_and_Inner_Self_in_Early_Indian_and_Early_Greek_Thought_edited_by_Richard_Seaford

Yikes! All that work Ganesh did, even lost his tusk, for us to return to the orthodoxy of requiring a guru for accessing our own damn heritage and religion?

The 12 years was for the memorized recitation of the Vedas, a guru was required to correct your memorization and your understanding, until you gained mastery of the material and its subtext.

It is unlikely that OP is asking to become Chaturvedi here, he just wants to read the Vedas and look up information - this is a good set: https://www.amazon.in/Vedas-Sanskrit-English-London-Dr-Tulsi/dp/8192932001

1. Do not bother trying to read an unabridged version of the Mahabharata or the Ramayana. Ramesh Menon's abridged versions of both are adequate. You can supplement that with an unabridged translation of the Bhagavad Gita since that will mean you get most of the philosophical content of the Mahabharata without having to wade through all the sideplots. The official main scriptures are the Vedas (and the Upanishads in particular) but there's really zero point in starting with them.

2. Ramesh Menon and Bibek Debroy are both good modern translators of the important texts.

3. An Introduction to Indian Philosophy: Hindu and Buddhist Ideas from Original Sources is a really good book. It covers all the historical philosophy and then chapters 10-14 cover the still-current vedānta schools of thought.

ACK has a nice book on Ganesha(you might have seen the story there). It takes both Vishnu and Shiva, and that too with cheating to do the beheading, which of course makes Parvati super angry.

This is meant for kids and doesnt cover the inner significance but it has nice pictures and fun to read.

https://tinyurl.com/ycw6l3va

Bhagwan to Arjuna - Happy are the Kshatriyas who get an opprtunity to fight a righteous war, which has come unsought. It is a door to the heaven.

https://tinyurl.com/ycw6l3va
Bhagwan to Arjuna - Further, considering your own dharma, you should not waver. Indeed, for a Ksatriya, there is nothing better than fighting a righteous war.

His writings are very impressive. I had ideas to get them reviewed by some more prominent people and I found verses which described perfect imagery for covers. But anyway, I wish him the best.

Thanks for that link, I will check it out. There is another course by Maharaj that someone else sent me that I want to listen to also. https://acharyadeva-nectar.pbworks.com/w/page/1312743/Religions%20of%20India%20%28Spring%20Semester%20%2709%29

I was going to send you this, maybe it is along the same vein as the atheism presentation: https://archive.org/details/AtheismAndVaishnavaResponseByHridayanandaDasGoswami

I had somewhat similar issues and this helped me a lot. It's in English but Indian accent but should be intelligible for you. I am at 11th episodes rn and can not express the calming effect it had on me.

Their repeated insistence on doing your dharma and not grieving death, worrying about unnecessary has calmed down my anxieties and helped me focus more on what I can do today.

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3Bpcml0dWFsLWRpc2NvdXJzZXMub3JnL2JoYWdhdmFkZ2l0YS9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA%3D%3D

No worries! Thank you is called Dhanyawaad (https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/धन्यवाद) and god bless you is called: https://hinative.com/en-US/questions/3545681 (there are other versions of this too!). Hope this helps!

I uploaded audio versions of those lectures to MEDIAFIRE a few weeks ago. It's 17 hours. He doesn't actually talk much about the Bhagavat Gita, but more about himself. :-) It's still interesting.

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/ahba2106k2z2g/Ram_Dass

See this paper. There are a couple of things happening - posing a nonexistent social structure (as say 4 varnas), some groups making retroactive claims by interpreting statements of some teachers to be against this system for instance interpreting polemics between different traditions(Tamil siddhars and veerashaivas for instance criticised brahmins for lack of bhakti) Also, all these groups(Sikhs/Veerashaivite) are like other jatis endogamous (Jats, Khatris). Similarly, there are Buddhist and Jain origin groups like Kammas(Pali word for karma), business involved groups for Jains.

Family background has been widely seen as an obstacle across traditions(see the list of ashtapashas, 8 bonds). You get a new name after initiation unconnected to your background. Instead of understanding faults in existing theories, people reinterpret these older teachings as a claim to be outside the structure claimed by a theory.

Read article here:

https://www.academia.edu/9433063/_Relics_Lingas_and_Other_Auspicious_Material_Remains_in_South_Asian_Religions_

Abstract:

> This article reconsiders sites, practices, and ideas about the physical remains of the special dead in South Asian religions. Questioning the common notion of “relics” as a point of distinction between “Buddhism” and “Hinduism,” it explores the constellation of ideas and practices surrounding the remains of gods, demons, people, and animals in South Asian religions. Archaeological and literary evidence for liṅgas, stūpas, and related sites and structures are used to explore shared discourses and practices among Buddhists and Śaivas in particular. Through such test cases, it shows how bones and other physical remains of the special dead could become areas of engagement, especially when linked to sacred landscape. Attention to these contact zones reveals sharing, borrowing, and competition among ancient and medieval groups that modern scholarship has studied primarily in terms of assumed differences between “Hinduism” and “Buddhism.”

The draconian laws have been made very much post independence, some in the last decade.

Take some time and read the petitions signed by South Asia studies faculty. Opeds written by faculty in newspapers. Documenting the distortion and omission of facts would take a long time.

One can look at the bias very sharply in the quantity of academic books and documentation on violence against Hindus.

There have been several petitions based on violence against churches which on later findings turned out to be blatantly false, then the allegations were not withdrawn but buried in silence only to move on to other false charges.

The situation is not a 'conspiracy theory', but a complete failure at elementary political organization. Failure to do basic documentation and prevention against violence. Inability to see the consequences and importance of laws.

But the failure is not from the Hindu side alone, but also involves political organization from the other side. If a neutral party is truly concerned with violence, and it spends a lot of effort documenting even street level violence, but ignores much bigger levels of atrocities, it can hardly be called neutral.

Chairs have been prevented from being set up by Hindu organizations.

Compare the proportion of faculty who are insiders versus other traditions. Institutes like LSE and Ivy League have shown little problem with accepting support from much more extreme positions(Gaddafi, Saudi Arabia).

Paul Hacker, the neo-Hinduism thesis originator came out explicitly as an evangelist. Here's a review of his work and German Indology.

There is a another failure a bit unrelated to this bias in that they are simply not comprehending what they study and use ill-fitting theories and concepts (religion, belief system, scripture), but that is a different issue.

All the available Hindu Calendar apps were full of Ads and low quality. So we decided to contribute to the Hindu community by building this App.

Playstore Link

Not Hardcover but Edwin Bryant’s (Advaita Das) translation and commentary is probably the most comprehensive. Not only does he give an academic perspective on the Yoga tradition, he also regularly quotes from the historical commentators on the text such as Vācaspati Miśra and Vijñānabhikṣu.

Edwin Bryant's book is highly regarded. I haven't read it though; I have only listened to some of his lectures.

That said, it's probably better to read a translation/commentary in an Indian language if you know one.

https://www.amazon.in/Bhagavad-Gita-Commentary-Sankaracarya-Swami-Gambhirananda/dp/8175050411/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F7KSO7O07EI7&amp;keywords=gambhirananda+gita&amp;qid=1637731778&amp;sprefix=gita+by+gamb%2Caps%2C312&amp;sr=8-1

Another recommendation:

Vivekachudamani of Sri Sankaracharya: Text, With English Translation https://www.amazon.com/dp/1010463748/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SYRF225RRVSM06P65951?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1

🙏