“The Hindu Way: An Introduction to Hinduism” by bestselling author Shashi Tharoor is an exceptional guide to one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most complex religions. Unlike the numerous books on Hinduism, this one offers a lucid, accessible, and deeply layered account of the religion’s belief systems, schools of thought, sects, tenets, scriptures, deities, rituals, customs, festivals, and philosophies. It stands alongside classics like K. M. Sen’s “Hinduism” and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s “The Hindu View of Life” in capturing the essence of Hinduism with brevity and insight.

Why You Should Read

1. Universal Attributes: Hinduism is described as a universal religion that is personal and individualistic, allowing believers to find their own answers to life’s meaning.

2. Freedom and Choice: It grants complete freedom to the believer, offering a wide range of choices in religious practice and the nature of God.

3. Emphasis on Reflection: The religion places great importance on the mind, valuing reflection, intellectual inquiry, and self-study.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility: Hinduism is adaptable and flexible, which has contributed to its survival for nearly 4,000 years, making it relevant in today’s rapidly changing world.

5. Rich Visual Content: The book is enriched with over a hundred photographs and illustrations, many in color, providing a visual understanding of various aspects of Hinduism.