REVIEWS

By Vishal Bheeroo

Religion is the opium of the people, Karl Marx said. Since times immemorial, various school of thoughts debated on the role religion plays in our lives to strengthen order and unify society rather than being a divisive force. Author Promod Puri’s book ‘Hinduism beyond Rituals, Customs and Traditions’ doesn’t pose as mere religious tokenism but is a real, honest attempt to analyze our fundamental values and the relevance of Hindu culture in the modern age. Read More

Aditi Garg, Tribune India

Some say Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and one that is still widely followed. Others say it is more than a religion, a way of life, as those following other religions also practice yoga in one form or the other. It is not just about one God or a set of adherents that bind followers, rather it has evolved over the years and encompasses within its ambit everything from financial guidance to health concerns to familial issues. Read More

By Acharya S.P.Dwivedi

President Global Hindu Foundation

Promod Puri is a distinguished Canada-based South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism…..” he tried to cover the historical evolution of Hindu dharma and its major philosophies, theistic doctrines, social codes, rituals and practices. Read Full Review

DETAILED BUT CONCISE OVERVIEW
By Naveen Gopal
Vice President Pacifica Partners Financial Services
Most of us who grew up practicing Hinduism in our daily lives often understand the religion through rituals (poojas), mantras, stories (like the Ramayan) and a series of rules and obligations. We often wonder how we’d teach these customs to our kids in the age of social media, selfies and the internet.
Hinduism has a reputation for being vast, democratic and multi-faceted, and this book does an excellent job of boiling it down, helping the reader understand its philosophy, where it came from and why it relevant today, especially in this age of awareness.
The book explores the history and evolution of the religion and also importantly discusses who influenced the religion, both good and bad. Some philosophers encouraged scientific curiosity and rational thought, while others (for example) sought to divide its followers by advocating the caste system. It discusses science, karma and yoga, and helps shed light on how to apply its ancient wisdom today.
Ultimately the book is a detailed but concise overview of a very dense and complicated topic, and the reader is left encouraged to look deeper into the parts of Hinduism that interests them the most. It does require the reader to focus and pay attention, and a dictionary might be useful too. I found myself rewarded with a greater awareness of its relevance and a sense of how I might apply the thinking in my own life.
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By Ashok Bhargava
President Writers International Network

The principal idea pursued by Promod Puri’s is to explore meaning of the term ‘Hinduism’ and thereby to understand the Hindu identity in a wide-open structure both traditionally and in the modern world. Read Full Review

By James Masters

The way he writes and puts it all together is very educational, eye-opening, and ultimately transformative. This book, “Hinduism: Beyond Rituals. Customs and Traditions” by Promod Puri was actually far more interesting… Read Full Review

 By Essie Harmon

I think anyone who wants to learn more about Hinduism, or just being inspired to expand their level of awareness of the religion that so many follow, they should definitely read this book. I was very impressed by the high quality writing and research that went into this book, “Hinduism-Beyond Rituals, Customs, and Traditions” by Promod Puri. Read Full Review

WRITTEN WITH GREAT KNOWLEDGE
It is very engaging and the author writes with great knowledge and passion as he takes on certain aspects of Hinduism in a way I’ve never read before, and I was so impressed with the depth of Puri’s detailing on his reports and the way he is able to explain so much about Hinduism that I didn’t even know.
“Hinduism” by Promod Puri is a must-read for anyone studying, or interested in, the topic of Hinduism. It is very engaging and the author writes with great knowledge and passion as he takes on certain aspects of Hinduism in a way I’ve never read before, and I was so impressed with the depth of Puri’s detailing on his reports and the way he is able to explain so much about Hinduism that I didn’t even know. At times I did feel it could have used some trimming down as it felt a bit repetitive and lacked some focusing, and the formatting made it hard to read occasionally (all left-justified block text – could have benefitted from more white space, visually). But that said, I did enjoy it very much, and learned a lot – even more than I expected. I liked how Mr. Puri writes, very down-to-earth and relatable, yet very intelligent and entertaining. And all in all was an enjoyable, and very important type of read. (4 stars)
-Gillian Hancock– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
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NEW IDEAS PRESENTED IN A NEW WAY

I have read several books on theology and sometimes I get the sense that most are just recycling old information. Well, for this book it seems like I read a lot of new ideas presented in a new way.
I will start by saying this is a wonderful book that I liked much more than I was expecting to! I have read several books on theology and sometimes I get the sense that most are just recycling old information. Well, for this book it seems like I read a lot of new ideas presented in a new way. The content was mostly new to me and laid out in a simple way that is well-written and very easy to follow. Promod Puri does a great job sharing his insightful, interactive take on certain elements of the religious doctrine and its many roles in a cultural, philosophical, and personal context. Some parts are more interesting than others, some were too ‘dry’ and esoteric for my tastes, but overall it is fast paced, informative, and easy to read… at times impossible to put down! I recommend this book, “Hinduism: Beyond Rituals, Customs, and Traditions” to anyone who wants to attain greater spiritual awareness and see a different side of Hinduism that you maybe haven’t really studied before. Read it with an open mind and you will be impressed. (4 stars)
-Steph Coleman– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
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TO LEARN ABOUT HINDUISM THIS IS A MUST READ
I think anyone who wants to learn more about Hinduism, or just being inspired to expand their level of awareness of the religion should definitely read this book.
Even though I am not a Hindu I do have some friends/acquaintances who are, and I thought reading this book might give me even more insight as to how they think and believe. What I really liked was how the author Promod Puri wrote this in a way that everyone could understand and appreciate, not just Hindus or people who were very familiar with the religion. I feel like he covered several important topics in great detail and depth, but without going so deep as to become like reading a straight text book. Although esoteric at times, this book can still be read and easily understood by Hindus and non-Hindus alike, and I thought the book was very insightful and well-crafted in a way that has a great transitions from one subject to the next in a coherent manner. The author has a gift for explaining his ideas/viewpoints and the writing was very good. The editing is perfect and I think anyone who wants to learn more about Hinduism, or just being inspired to expand their level of awareness of the religion should definitely read this book. (4-5 stars)
-Darla Ortiz– Goodreads;-Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
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GREAT INFORMATION
Even if you are not a Hindu this book has a lot of great information in it and I recommend highly.
“Hinduism…” by Promod Puri was an eye opening and inspiring book with a positive message, even if some of the text was complex and almost scholarly at times… it is what makes the author’s message all the more powerful, in my opinion. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand better what and how Hindus think and what they believe. I for one never really understood the many different aspects of Hinduism, so this was certainly educational. The author gives very specific arguments and ‘questions’ that help to understand the religion better, and answers with some well-documented research of his own. The whole thing was just so easy to comprehend (even when it was dense) and felt very easy to relate to… Even if you are not a Hindu this book has a lot of great information in it and I recommend highly. (5 stars)
-Brenda Maxwell– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers
MORE VIEWS AND REVIEWS:
Amazing!!excellently written book in a simple way on a complicated subject
Hinduism is not a religion,it is a science in itself
Must read book for all
Great job done by the author
Dr Sandeep Dhavan
Gastroenterologist, Chandigarh, India
A JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVER
By Purva Grover, Editor Indian Trumpet, Dubai
Often, we’re not introduced to religion, rarely are we given a choice to pick one. Born in a Hindu family, you follow Hinduism, which as the debate goes is more than a religion; a way of life.
When you start reading the book, Hinduism: Beyond Rituals, Customs and Traditions by author (Editor-Journalist) Promod Puri you get thick deep into this debate. Yet, no thoughts are forced upon you.
The book is a rationale read. There are facts, anecdotes, theories and examples; each one to his/her. It talks of rituals, and how they provide an architecture to a religion but they’re not cure-all miracles. “Such customs generate fanaticism,” the author writes.
For most of us, the history of Hinduism is what we grew up listening to, observed people following. Here, you learn of the ages, civilizations and periods that led to its origin.
Why do we chant the word Om, why does it bring peace to our senses? Is Hari Om just a greeting, mere two-word mantra? As kids, many of us were asked to scribble the words Om on the first page of our books, or taught to hum the Gayatri Mantra on special days – it energized us, why and how?
We worship an idol, visit a temple, especially if celebrating a festival. In modern age, we are told to perform the Surya Namaskar every morning, and told Hollywood celebrities do so too!
A Ramayana is still part of trousseau in many homes, a Mahabharata (if not read) is watched by families, together – for many of us, it was once a Sunday ritual. What do scriptures teach us?
And there are the controversial topics of caste and the honour of women that appear in this book too. You may be dancing, singing or meditating – is that part of Hinduism too?
If you fret over Karma, and believe your strength lies in the ‘self’ then you will find the last leg of the book most interesting. Find your answers in this read”.
Purva Grover, Founder & Editor- The Indian Trumpet, Dubai, UAE
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FRESH PROSPECTIVE
“It is a very concise book and every statement is like an aphorism that needs to be contemplated upon to appreciate its depth and width”.
This review is from: Hinduism: Kindle Edition
Promod Puri has presented fresh and new perspectives to an ageless philosophy and religion.The book presents the topic of Hinduism as an easy read for the first timer as well as provides new points to ponder for someone who is well versed with the topic of Hinduism! Though terse and journalistic, this philosophizing on the philosophy of Hinduism is a must read.
Dr. Sanjay Grover, Solan, India
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OBJECTIVE,FAIR,CRITICAL YET RESPECTFUL
Very objective, fair, critical, yet respectful observation. Hinduism- “it stimulates and encourages debate, protest, amendments and even deletions of those doctrines or beliefs which are senseless, derogatory, and far from truth” is probably the definition of Hinduism that I could find. The challenge in my view is to create the will, the movement, and desire “to be change”. A welcome addition for creating, supporting, and facilitating debate on a topic that is indeed a ‘multidisciplinary academy’. Congratulations to Mr. Promod Puri ji”.
Jai Birdi, President Chetna Society, Canada
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