A comprehensive guide to Hindu religion and culture.-- Although there are many books that touch on some aspects of Hinduism, there is nothing out there that seems to be true competition to this book-no comprehensive introduction to Hinduism. Most books that come up under the subject of Hinduism don't even have Hindu or Hinduism included in the title.-- Compared to what little competition does exist, this book will be much more approachable and fun-to-read., especially for readers who may have a casual interest in learning about the religion but who don't really want to devote a great deal of time learning the more esoteric aspects of Hinduism.-- This book will cover more than the Hinduism religion; it will also cover the Hindu culture -- the caste system, ethics, dietary habits, and other social conventions.The Complete Idiot's Guide "RM" to Hinduism will cover: the long and interesting history of how the religion developed from its very fragmented origins, the basic Hindu beliefs including karma, reincarnation, non-violence, etc., the multiple Hindu deities, the sociological aspects of the religion including ethics, sacraments, dietary habits, and the caste system, the Hindu paths to enlightenment, including karma yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, tantra and laya yoga, and finally, where Hinduism stands today on the world stage, in relation to Islam, and in relation to its own complex, extraordinary history.