About the Book
Hinduism is the world's oldest and third-largest religion with roots extending back to the ancient Vedas. It offers a profound and universal perspective on life, consciousness and the cosmos. This rich spiritual tradition introduces timeless concepts such as karma, rebirth and the transformative practice of Yoga, guiding individuals to explore the depths of consciousness within themselves.
Hinduism views life as an all-pervading force, encompassing everything from the material world to the essence of pure being. Its vast philosophies, meditation practices and devotional paths offer deep insights into the self-aware nature of the universe. In an era where a broader cosmic vision is essential, the teachings of Hinduism on the universal laws of consciousness are more relevant than ever.
Universal Hinduism invites us to reclaim our immortal self and tap into the enduring wisdom this ancient tradition offers for the future of humanity.
About the Author
David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is a Vedic teacher and Hindu acharya. He is the author of more than fifty books published in over twenty languages worldwide. His fields of expertise include Yoga, Ayurveda, Vedanta, Vedic astrology and ancient Vedic texts. He has also written on historical, social and cultural issues facing Hinduism and India today.
He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award of the government of India, in 2015. He has two doctorate degrees in literature from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bangalore, and Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Uttar Pradesh. He is a recipient of the National Eminence Award from the South Indian Educational Society, Mumbai.
Vamadeva, as he is commonly known, carries on the teachings of Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni, the chief disciple of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. He is a disciple of Sadguru Sivananda Murty of Andhra Pradesh. He has been associated with many Hindu organizations, including Swaminarayan BAPS, Chinmaya Mission, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Sri Ramanashram and the magazine Hinduism Today. He is the director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies (www.vedanet.com).
Foreword
Vamadeva has been an inspiration in my life, drawing me to experience Hinduism as a sacred way of life. I am happy and most honoured to write this foreword for his book Universal Hinduism. This unique and insightful book makes the vast timeless sanatana dharma Vedic tradition accessible and understandable for everyone today.
My deeper spiritual initiations and the Devi's flow of grace drew me to realize my inner journey at an impressionable age. Sadhana for me wove around a deep connectivity with Bhudevi, Mother Earth, the powerful shaktis of nature and the mystic world of animals.
My inner life was guided by the anugraha of Shiva and Shakti in my travels in the Himalayas. My sankalpa every year to Shiva in Kedarnath was to send me someone who resonated with my higher being and having Shiva-like qualities.
