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This book on Hinduism written by devout Hindus sets forth the beliefs and practices of the Hindus and is designed especially for the Western reader who seeks a sympathetic understanding of Hinduism, though it is at the same time useful for all people interested in a better understanding between East and West.
Recognition of the need for this book grew out of conversations among Fellows of the National Council of USA on Religion in Higher Education, who agreed that a study of the religion of the Hindus was necessary if one was to understand the people and culture of India and that such a study should be based on materials written by Hindus themselves. It was realized that many of the misunderstandings which arise between East and West come from the inevitable tendency on the part of the Westerners to describe and judge the people of India by their own standards.
The seven eminent men who have contributed to this book come from different sections of India and are known for their competence as scholars and their devotion to Hinduism. Each of these writers has been compelled to limit himself to a few pages when a volume would not suffice for a full treatment of his subject. The complexity of Hinduism makes it especially difficult to write a concise account without, erroneous generalizations, or distortions through what is included or omitted.
About the Author:
Kenneth W. Morgan was born in Montana in 1908, educated at Ohio, Wesleyan and Harvard, lived in Ramakrishna Mission Ashrams in India 1935-36. He was University Chaplain at Colgate University for more than a quarter of a century, then Professor of Religion and served as Director of Chapel House and of the Fund for the Study of World Religions. During those years he was an active participant in efforts in America, Europe, and Asia, to encourage the study of Asian religions through college courses and research projects, conferences, fellowships for travel, and providing materials for teaching about Asian religious ways. He also edited Islam the Straight Path, The Path of the Buddha, and Zen Comments on the Mumonkan. He became Professor of Religion, Emeritus, at Colgate University in 1974.
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