Book recommendations

[PrometheusDF]

Hello all,

I am new here and while I have been captivated by the richness of vedantic philosophy I have come to a point where I feel it is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of it. That's why I am asking you guys for book recommendations. As a westener I have heard that Richard King's "Indian Philosophy: An Introduction to Hindu and Buddhist thought" is a good starter but I would also like to become aware of what else is on offer out there.

Thank you

[Friend from the West]

Namaste and greetings,
Welcome to HDF. Your questions goes to the subjective so here goes...

I would recommend the Bhagavad Gita by far over approach. In my opinion only, it confuses things to combine Buddhism with Sanatana Dharma. I will always have huge affinity for Theravada Buddhism but in large way, Buddhism differs. IMO, the beautiful Bhagavad Gita is place to start. If have read before, read again as advice only.

Om Shanti.

FFTW

[Daniellasaur]

I love 'Dancing with Shiva' and 'Loving Ganesha' which can be viewed fully online at himalayan academy.
Dancing with Shiva:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/reso..._contents.html
Loving Ganesha:
http://www.himalayanacademy.com/reso..._contents.html

I also recommend this easy-to-understand Upanishads book:
http://www.amazon.com/Upanishads-Bre...3876691&sr=8-1

Its great for first-time reading and my favorite pocket-book.

This is my favorite translation of the Bhagavad Gita, with great commentary:
http://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-...3876809&sr=1-3

That, I think, is a good start
Have fun reading! I couldn't put the gita down once I got to like the tenth page, it was so good!

[Chris]

I would recommend "How to become a (better) Hindu". It concentrates on a Saivite (Hindus who worship Shiva) point of view, but covers all branches of Hinduism in an unbiased way. The link gives an online copy, but it is also available to buy.
Aum

[Eastern Mind]

Hello all,

I am new here and while I have been captivated by the richness of vedantic philosophy I have come to a point where I feel it is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of it.

Vannakkam Prometheus: Sometimes this 'deeper' understanding you speak of isn't in books, but in experience. For example, an observation exercise is to walk down your street, and use your will to look more closely at the houses.

"What people live there?"
"What do the colours and design indicate about the owners, or original builders?"
"Does the yard work indicate a diligent person, or a random person? Is said person a linear thinker or a random off the wall type?"

So I'm not really sure what you mean by 'deeper'? Sometimes so many deep insights can be 'received' from meditation, prayer, or worship.

Just a few thoughts. Ignore if you wish.

Aum Namasivaya

[R Gitananda]

Hello PrometheusDF

I would recommend 'A Tribute to Hinduism':
http://www.atributetohinduism.com

You can also read much of this information online at http://www.hinduwisdom.info

Hari Aum

[PrometheusDF]

Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions and also I appreciate your point eastern mind, through books we gain conceptual understanding but when it comes to that which can't be expressed verbally, words fail and only experience can be our guide here.