Description:

This is a valuable and comprehensive guide to sanatana dharma that recognises that its source of authority and inspiration is Swami Vivekananda. It is beautifully illustrated with photographs and a good range of Hindu art and because of its authentic origins should be an essential asset for all teachers of religious education.

Here is a publication that reflects a Hindu experience of life in 21st century Britain. A Hindu perspective of a pluralist society results in an explicit treatment of the issues of inner-faith dialogue. Hinduism for schools deals with current ethical issues and so teachers will have access to Hindu perspectives on marriage, life and death, drug abuse and the media. As well as a thorough chapter on Hindu practice in daily life, this valuable reference work for teachers and secondary students offers excellent chapters on philosophy of religion and religion and science.

The content of this book, which is both reliable and insightful, is enhanced by the format of the chapters. Font sizes, bold and italic formats and shading all make the book eminently readable and easy to use as a reference document. Helpful features at the end of each chapter are sections called ‘Breadth of vision’ and ‘Memory guide’ and there’s space for the reader to add extra notes. The Memory Guide is a glossary of Sanskrit words and the breadth of vision takes some of the religious teachings included in the chapter and gives deeper insight.

The book promotes some core teachings and the spirituality of Hinduism and its value lies in the fact that two well-informed and eloquent devotees have worked to express their beliefs and values. Seeta Lakhani has written an excellent document which has been edited by her father, Jay Lakhani. In his preface, Jay writes: The two most serious challenges faced by the world today are: first, in a world that has become a global village, to find a way that religious communities can coexist peacefully and with full dignity. Secondly, to make religions relevant in a modern, secular society… The way to resolve this challenge is to subject all religious teachings to the acid test of rationality. Characteristically this volume seeks to do just that by presenting Hinduism rationally, positively and enthusiastically.

Mark Brimicombe ARIEAC