11 Books That Will Introduce You To The Beauty Of Hinduism

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions , can be hard to understand or even define. 

There is no central ancient text that succinctly sums up the religion's basic tenets, no single leader that Hindus can call the founder of their faith and no single modern-day organization to which all Hindus belong. What people call "Hinduism" today is actually a collection of different philosophies, teachings and traditions.  

Aspects of Hindu spirituality have taken root in the West  in recent years, through the work of spiritual leaders, or gurus, who have visited America and Europe to share their faith, and also through the increasing popularity of yoga and meditation.

If you're seeking to explore Hinduism more deeply, you've come to the right place. This week, our ReligionReads series features essential books on Hindu spirituality that both practitioners and religious seekers can use to learn more about this ancient way of life. 

Thanks to Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, and Anju Bhargava and Dr. Ved Chaudhary, who are both on the board of directors of the Hindu Americam Seva Communities, for their contributions to this list. 

Are there any books that we missed? Tell us in the comments below. And check out our other ReligionReads lists on Sikhism , Paganism , and Seeker Spirituality .

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