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.
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