V. P. Hemant Kanitkar was born and schooled in India and came to Briatin in 1948. He obtained degrees, both in Sanskrit and History at London University. He taught in various secondary schools in the London area for 26 years. After retiring in 1984, he has written eleven books on Hinduism and India for British schools. The author also officiates as a priest for major Hindu rites of passage. Owen Cole has taught at every stage of education from junior schools to university. He is a vice president of the World Congress of Faiths, a member of the Other Faiths Commission of the Churches together in Britain and Ireland and a founder member of the Shap Working Party on World Religions in Education. He is visiting research fellow at University College, Chichester. He has written or contributed to some thirty five books. His principal interest is religious education in school, a recent contribution has been RE in the Primary Curriculum, Religous and Moral Education Press.

This is a practical introduction to the variety of religious traditions that come from the Indian sub-continent and which are known collectively as 'Hinduism'.

This clear and accessible guide covers:

- an account of the diversity and underlying unity of Hinduism

- Hindu mythology

- temples and worship

- Hindu worship in the home

- family life and values

- life-cycle rituals within the Hindu community

- Hindu ethics

- Hinduism in a world context and alongside other faiths.

This text is part of the "Teach Yourself World Faiths" series. The book offers a basis for understanding Hinduism. The series aims to present information for readers with no prior knowledge of the religion, but who want to deal confidently with members of the faith community - both in terms of their beliefs and attitudes, and also the practical details of their culture, ceremonies, diet and moral views. The book is suitable for the general reader, and also for students seeking a broad understanding of the religion prior to embarking on more detailed academic work.