Hinduism


	Complex and diverse set of beliefs existing primarily in India, without a single overarching philosophy or practice. Perhaps the most problematic religious tradition with regard to classification, due in part to its diversity, and because Western concepts such as polytheism and monotheism are inadequate terms when describing Hindu belief. Principal doctrinal elements: a belief in an atman (soul), karma and reincarnation, and the possibility of release (moksha) from the endless round of birth and rebirth. The perceived means by which this is to be achieved, as well as the nature of the atman and of moksha itself, varies enormously within Hinduism. Devotional and/or ascetic practices are often considered important factors in either attaining liberation or a favorable reincarnation. The most important scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas (pre- 5^th century BCE) and the Upanishads, the latter being expositions and expansions of the former: again, the relative weight afforded the texts varies between the different movements within Hinduism. Although Hinduism lacks a single historical figure from whom its doctrines are derived or around whom its beliefs are based, a number of philosophers have been responsible for large shifts in Hindu practice and belief. Pivotal figures include Ishvarakrishna (4^th Century CE, Sankya Yoga), Shankara (9^th Century CE, Advaita Vedanta), Ramanuja (12^th Century CE, Vishistadvaita Vedanta), and Madhva (13^th Century CE, Dvaita Vedanta). The growing trend in theism include and devotional practice (Bhakti) occurred simultaneously with the influence of Islam on Hindu culture, and the various theistic strains of Hinduism are the most popular in India and the Indian diaspora today.

	General Hinduism Hindu Studies This site provides a comprehensive and easily navigable portal into a wide range of scholarship in Hundusim. From Rutgers University Religion Department. Global Hindu Electronic Network Large website for Hindus covering all aspects of Hindu life. Navigation can be difficult. Hinduism Today The web site of the popular and useful resource. Online copies are two months behind their printed equivalents. Historical Padoux Rigorous essay addressing many of the issues and problems in classifying tantra in the Shaiva and Shakti traditions. Sanskrit Documents A huge collection of online religious texts in Sanskrit. English translations at the bottom of the page. Veda and Dharma A mixture of devotional and academic articles - sometimes very difficult to differentiate between them. Worth investigating. Shaivism Saivism Home Page Devotional site with some good links to both religious and academic discourses on Shaivism. Shaivam Home Page Devotional site with links to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite sites. Tamil Etexts Large online collection of Tamil Shaivite texts maintained by Dr K. Kalayansundaram. Shiva Shakti Mandalam Excellent Tantric website with links to many resources. Presented from within the Kashmiri Tantric tradition, but with many examples of fine scholarship. Vaishnavism Vaisnhava.com Includes appraisals of Hinduism from a singularly Vaishnavist viewpoint, but still useful. Sri Vaishnava Home Page Devotional site with many useful links, Vaishnavite commentaries on the Vedas etc. Vaishnava Internet News Agency Electronic news and information service serving the Vaishnavite community worldwide. Journal of Vaishnava Studies An online journal. Both acadenic and practitioner views are well-represented on this website. Shakta Ambaa-L Devotional site to the Goddess, with many essays and Sanskrit texts in tranlsation. Devi: The Great Goddess Presented by the Smithsonian Institute. Good overview which illuminates some of the difficulties in classifying the various forms of the Goddess. Hindu Philosophy Advaita Vedanta Homepage Semi-academic site which looks at the nodual philosophy in detail. Dvaita Homepage Good presentation of the philosophical basis of Hindu devotional practice, concentrating on the works of the philosopher Madhva. Indian Philosophy Page Useful introduction, with links to other pages which concentrate on specific philosophies. Indian Heritage Page: Samkhya Excellent introduction to this historically important philosophical trend. Hindu Philosophy A list of links to various web sites on Hindu philosophy. Hindu Philosophy Basic introduction to the various schools and sub-schools.