Hinduism and Modernity by David Smith
One among the numerous salient features of Hinduism is the absence of any compulsion on its followers to carry out or refrain from any specific religious duty. Full freedom is given to them to function within the parameters of the Law of Righteousness. Hence it will be difficult for a foreigner to understand this religion. With 33 crores deities to worship one may wonder whom the Hindu would choose and worship.
David Smith, the author of this book has collected all the details of Hinduism. It is surprising that he has not omitted even a small story or anecdote which will be of help to him to put forth his point of view.
He is quoting a story with regard to the pilgrimage site, Palani, South India. After losing the contest for Mango, when Ganesha wins the race round the world by simply walking round his mother and father, Skanda out of pique goes off to the far south, Palani to practice austerities, and his father Siva concedes that he is the real victor and his true heir, by punning on Palani and palam (meaning fruit) (palam/Palani).
The author refers Jawaharlal Nehru and explains Hinduism and Modernity.
Nehru, first Prime minister of independent India was moved by Buddha statue at Anuradhapura, Ceylon, but said that, “Some famous temples in South India, heavy with carving and detail disturb me and fill me with unease.”
The author points out that, “It is precisely this unease that lies between modernity and Hinduism, this inability to understand Hinduism on the part of modernity. Harrow -and-Cambridge educated Nehru shrinks before the rich specificity of the Hindu divine.”
In four parts via Hinduism and Modernity Explained, Hinduism for others, Hinduism contrasted with Modernity and Hinduism Today, David Smith presents the comprehensive survey of Hinduism in relation to modernity The 250 pages book is innovative and informative. It offers a dynamic analysis of Hinduism in the perspective of western notions of modernity.
David Smith is Reader in Indian Religions at Lancaster University, USA.
Students of Hinduism and those who are interested in the sociology of religion will have to buy this book. This book is published by Blackwell Publishing, Malden, USA
S. Nagarajan is a vehicle body engineer by profession. He has written more than 1300 articles in 16 magazines and published 18 books. He is revealing Eastern Secret Wisdom through T.V. Programmes, magazine articles, seminars, courses. His email address is: snagarajans@gmail.com. His articles on Yoga, laughter, efficacy of mantras and sound, Hypnotism, Tele Kinesis, Power of Prayer, Vastu and Feng Shui, Auto suggestion, Success Formula, Out of Body Experience etc are regularly appearing in ezinearticles.com. So far more than fortyeight articles have been published in ezinearticles.com.
