Author:
Klaus Klostermaier
Publisher: Oneworld Publications, Oxford, 1998
ISBN: 1-85168-175-2
If we consider the vastness of the subject,
this small book by Klaus Klostermaier, University Distinguished
Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the
University of Manitoba, Canada, offers a remarkably complete
overview of names, terms and concepts related to Hinduism.
To compile an encyclopedia of Hinduism is a true challenge,
having in mind the enormous diversity and millennial history
of that phenomenon. As the author puts it in the very beginning
of his work, 'There is not a single statement that would
be accepted by all Hindus as expressive of their religion,
not a single symbol that all would agree upon as typifying
what they worship. [...] No Hindu believes or accepts everything
that is here presented as "Hinduism". Using inclusive terms
like Hindu and Hinduism implies always and by necessity
a certain blurring of real and important distinctions and
generalizations that have to be taken with a grain of salt.'
In the introduction, Klaus Klostermaier offers
a succinct explanation of Hinduism and its geography, history,
sacred books, languages, philosophies and followers' beliefs.
This brief study is essential in many ways: to those unfamiliar
with the subject it gives a good understanding of the complex
nature of Hinduism; for adherents of the Hindu faith in
its different forms it provides a broader vision about their
own teachings and practice; and to academic researchers
or students it offers a scientifically credible summary
of the different aspects of Hinduism.
A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism features
people and places, scriptures and philosophical systems,
art, architecture and mythology. It explains important terms
that one may encounter in a more technical literature on
the subject. The entries are mostly Sanskrit, transliterated
with diacritics; often an English translation has been supplied.
Cross-references provide fuller information by directing
the reader to similar or related matters.
Although the definitions are precise, in
certain cases one would expect more elaborate explanations.
Of course, in 240 pages not much can be presented in detail,
and the author does not pretend to do this. With an extensive
thematic bibliography at the end of the book, he directs
the reader to more complete studies on the subject.
Another useful feature of this encyclopedia
is the appendix, which lists scriptures, philosophies and
schools of Hinduism. The thematic index offers the reader
an opportunity to explore Hinduism from a thematic point
of view. The book is illustrated with well-picked black-and-white
photographs and drawings (unfortunately, the photographs
are not always of the best quality), and with several maps
and graphics.
Hinduism is not only a historic phenomenon
but also an overwhelming reality. Klaus Klostermaier,
having lived and worked in India for more than ten years,
succeeds in presenting all the aspects of Hinduism with
an ease and sympathy not often found in Western scholars
of religion. The chronology offered by him at the end of
the book does not support the 'Aryan invasion theory' popular
in the West but instead represents the traditional view
maintained by the majority of Indian scholars.
Given the constraints of space and the very
nature of the work, the author was forced to make choices.
The followers of particular paths within Hinduism may find
the information on their specific traditions insufficient
but, as Klostermaier says, 'There is simply no way to do
justice to any of them within the context of this enterprise.'
Vaisnavism and the founders of the four Vaisnava
sampradayas are presented in separate entries. The
Encyclopedia gives explanations about Gaudiya Vaisnavism,
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, bhakti and bhakti-marga.
However, none of the six Goswamis of Vrndavana
is listed, nor any of the promiment Gaudiya Vaisnavas after
Caitanya Mahaprabhu. ISKCON is described as a branch of
the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, with an international membership,
founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.
Written with knowledge and insight, in a readily
understandable language, A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism
will be a valuable reference for readers not conversant
with the subject matter, for students and anyone who desires
to know more about the conglomerate of philosophies and
beliefs known under the name 'Hinduism'.
