Hindu culture series

Part one. Introduction to the Verdas -- The definition of culture -- Prakrti and vikrti -- The need to refine our behavior -- Two kinds of cultures -- The basis of culture -- Materialistic culture -- Spiritual culture -- The source of cultural values -- The Vedas -- The purpose of life -- The spiritual significance of Navaratri -- Durga-the destroyer of evil -- Laksmi-the goddess of wealth -- Saravati-the goddess of knowledge -- The importance of rituals -- The three subdivisions of the Vedas -- The Karma Kanda -- Daily disciplines -- Duties enjoyed by others -- Scriptural injunctions -- Purification rituals -- The Upasana Kanda -- The Jnana Kanda -- The Upanisads -- Self-knowledge -- The highest achievement -- Uunity in diversity -- One in all -- Four aspects of God -- Part two. The language of symbolism -- The need for symbols -- invoking the awareness of God -- The cultural role of the temple -- The symbology of the idol -- Installation of the religious idol -- Consecration ceremony -- Kumbhabhiseka -- The sixteen steps of ritualistic worship (puja) -- Symbolism of Lord Siva -- The many facets of Lord Siva -- Meditation on Lord Siva's form -- The river Ganga -- The crescent moon and poison -- The blue neck -- The snake garland -- The ash-smeared body -- The ruler of all -- The three eyes -- The scriptures -- Srutis -- Revelation -- Smrtis -- Smrti-practical application of Sruti -- Manu and Manu Smrti -- The problem of desires -- Part three. The essence of Dharma -- Indicators of Dharma -- The first aspect -- Duty before questions -- Actions that give joy -- Two types of dharma -- Samanya dharma -- Vegetarianism -- Injunctions and concessions -- The four stages of life -- Student life -- The householder's life -- The retired life -- The renunciate's life -- The four castes (Catur varna) -- Varna based on karma -- Varna based on guna -- Devotion to one's duty -- Dedicated action -- The purpose of religious festivals -- Variety of festivals -- Preparation -- Manifestation -- Celebration -- Sivaratri -- Part four. The epics -- Ithasa and Puranas -- The Ramayana -- Dharma Sastra -- Solving life's conflicts -- The symbolism of the characters -- The Mahabharata -- Authorship -- The central theme -- Dharma wins -- The greatness of the Pandavas -- The characters of the Mahabharata -- Dhrtarastra -- Reasons for losing the war -- Attachment to personal vows -- Advice of Lord Krsna -- Dronacarya -- Kunti -- Duryodhana and Duhsasana -- Sakuni -- Yudhisthira -- Bhisma -- The cause of righteousness -- The Puranas -- Spiritual lessons -- The five topics -- Sarga and Visarga -- Manvantara -- Vamsa and Vamsanucarita -- Means of knowledge -- The one reality

The topics in this book are: The symbology of idols, the cultural role of the temple, the symbolic meaning of Hindu deities, Hindu festivals, Dharma, Vegetarianism, the four castes, the Mahabharata, the Puranas