Introduction:
A study of religion can be interesting, challenging and intricate. It
is interesting because each religion is so rich with information, traditions, observances and beliefs. It is challenging
because every religion in the world is constantly changing and adapting itself to the changing needs of cultural settings
and the contemporary religions needs of its adherents. It is intricate and complicated because the field of religion
has so expanded and grown that one has to literally go through a maze of information and developments.
This book seeks to:
- Introduce the readers to a variety of religious traditions existing in the country. Efforts have been made to help them
understand and appreciate the vision and values of other religious traditions.
- It is hoped that the readers will come to an understanding and appreciate the beliefs and practices of other religions
in the world.
- Understand and interpret the role of religion in influencing human spirituality and behavious in society.
- Able to respond positively towards inter-religious dialogues, communal harmony, reconciliation in a multi-religious
context.
- Communicate effectively and intelligently the relevance of our faith in a pluralistic society.
Chapter 1: PRIMAL RELIGIONS:
Introduction: Primal Religions, Tribal Religions, Main
Characteristics: Supreme being, Spirits, Mana, Taboo, Fetishism, Totemism, Magic, Witch, Witchcraft, Evil Eye, Shamanism -
Religious Functionaries, Life after Death - Tribal Religions - Rituals, Rites of Passage - Tribal Situation in India Today -
Glossary - Questions - Endnotes.
Chapter 2: ZOROASTRIANISM:
Introduction: Introducing Zoroastrians - Founder: Zoroaster -
Scripture - Teachings and Beliefs - Worship and Prayer - Faith and Practices - Festivals (Gahambars) and Ceremonies -
Zoroastrianism and Other Religions - Zoroastrianism Today - Zoroastrians in India and in the World Today - Glossary -
Study Questions - End Notes
Chapter 3: HINDUISM:
Introduction: Introducing Hinduism - Scriptures, Sruti and
Smriti - Indian Philosophy - Beliefs and Practices - Four Goals of Life - Castle System - Four Singles of Life - Hindu
Ethics - Popular Hinduism - Rituals - Worship - Pilgrimages - Festivals - The Age of Bhakti - Modern Hinduism - Hinduism
Abroad - Glossary - Study Questions
Chapter 4: JAINISM:
Introduction: Introducing Jains - Founder, Vardhamana Mahavira -
Tirthankaras - Scriptures - Teachings of Jainism - Jaina Symbols - Groups within Jainism - Jaina Ethics - Worship and
Prayer - Festivals - Rituals and Ceremonies - Pilgrimage Centres - Jainism and Other Religions - Modern Jainism -
Glossary - Study Questions
Chapter 5: BUDDHISM:
Introduction: Introducing Buddhists - Founder: Gautama the Buddha - Growth and
Development - Sects in Buddhism (Hinayana; Mahayana) - Scriptures - Teachings and Beliefs (Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Path) - Sangha (Monks
and Laity) - Buddhist Ethics - Worship and Prayer - Festivals and Ceremonies - Pilgrimages - Modern Buddhism - Neo-Buddhism (Ambedkar
Movement): Modern Buddhism - Glossary - Study Questions - end Notes
Chapter 6: ISLAM:
Introduction: Introducing Islam: Muhammad - Scripture - Teachings and Beliefe -
Worship and Prayer - Faith and Practices - Sects:Shiites, Sunnis, Festivals of Islam - Islam and Other Religions - Islam Today - Glossary-Study
Questions - End Notes
Chapter 7: SIKHISM:
Introduction: Introducing Sikhs - Founder - Guru Nanak - gurus - Scriptures - the
Granth Sahib - Teachings and Beliefs - faith and Practices - The Golden Temple and the Gurdwaras - Festivals and Ceremonies - Gurpurbs - Sects:
Namdharis, Akalis, Nirankaris, Nanak Panthis - Sikhism and Other religions - Sikhism Today - Glossary - Study Questions - End Notes
Chapter 8: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS:
Introduction: This book is a survey of the origin and development
of prominent beliefs and practices of Major Religions pf the world, especially in India. As a country, we have seen some
contemporary developments and their impact on the life of people in a multi-religious and multi-cultural context. These are
positive as well as negative. The process of any socio-cultural and religious development involves integration which will help
in living out one's beliefs in such a pluralistic context. We would like to introduce you some aspects of an integrated
approach to the study of religions, but this needs to be clarified before misunderstandings arise.
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