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Book Review
Fundamentals of Hinduism
AN INTRODUCATION TO HINDU CULTURES — Ancient and Medieval: Swami Harshananda; Pub. by Ramakrishna Math, Bull Temple Road, Bangalore-560019. Rs. 40.
THIS IS an excellent book, dealing with the origins and evolution of Hindu "Samskriti" in a style, which is admirably lucid, simple and elegant. What is attempted here is an elementary treatment of the subject based on the available resources, the Vedas, the Smritis, the great epics, the Puranas, the Dharma Sastras and classical Sanskrit literature.
The author makes pertinent references to the contemporary and current developments or deviations from the ancient models and prescriptions. These references may seem to be critical and to some even obscurantist, but the author is entitled to his views. He is an ardent adherent of our ancient culture but recognises the need for adjustment to modern conditions and discoveries of modern science and technology.
In his account of religion and philosophy, the author declares religion as Adhyatma Vidya. This is presumably the correct approach to religion but unfortunately it is the Vedantis who today approach their religion in this spirit. The average Hindu thinks only of the feasts and festivities and the obligatory rituals of orthodox Hindu society. His conception of God as an Almighty despot in the sky, propitiation of whom would win him ample fortune, fulfilment of all his desires and all comprehending forgiveness of his sins and crimes. He looks on God as person with gargantuan appetite for praise and flattery. Swami Harshananda does well to replace the common approach by a sensible one, based on the scriptures of Hinduism.
In dealing with Hindu society and its system of Varnasrama Dharma, the Swamiji points out that Sati was never obligatory that widowhood did not require mundane and "Sanyasam" status for women and that untouchability was rooted in a certain feeling of abhorrence of certain occupations and practices. It is further to be noted that reformers have wrought about a miracle in this sphere, making it possible for untouchables to take an honourable place in the society. His account of Hindu political, practical education system is comprehensive and informative. He does not neglect the achievement of the Hindu society in the sciences and technologies in ancient India.
The account of Hindu cultural influence in foreign countries is somewhat compressed but tells us a great deal which is not as well known as it should be. The epilogue tells us what we owe to our ancestors and what we need to do to preserve the finest elements of our cultural heritage. There is an excellent index. We recommend this book to the young as well as the old.
S. R.
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