This is a fourth and thoroughly revised edition of the popular book previously titled Acharya Shankara, an Interpretation.

Exposition and critical consideration of the classical systems of Indian thought presented in terms familiar to the Western reader.

A presentation of articles by recognized scholars compiled in an effort to present authentic information on the subject.

Contents: The Tantrika Mode of Worship by Swami Madhavananda;  Evolution of the Tantras by P.C. Bagchi; Philosophy of the Tantras by Swami Pratyagatmananda;  The Spiritual Heritage of India: The Tantras by Govinda Gopal Mukherjee; The Spirit and Culture of the Tantras by Atal Behari Ghosh;  Tantra as a Way of Realization by Swami Pratyagatmananda;  Tantrik Culture among the Buddhists by Benoytosh Bhattacharya;  The Cult of the Buddhist Siddhacaryas by P.C. Bagchi;  Sakti Cult in South India by K.R. Venkataraman;  Creation As Explained in the Tantras by J.G. Woodroffe.

A comprehensive survey of the Hindu tradition including its history, sacred writings, worldview, and the specifics of the major branches of Hinduism. It also focuses on the position of women and the presentation of Hinduism as a modern world religion.

The author, a retired professor of Presidency College, Calcutta, gives in broad outline a general overview of the subject with special reference to the literature and practices known in Bengal.

Chapters included are:  The Tantras - What They Stand for;  Antiquity of Tantrism; The Age and Authorship of the Tantras;  Place of the Tantras Among Other Sastras;  Ideals of the Tantra Rites;  How and Where the Tantras Originated; Tantra Schools; Literature of the Tantras; Tantric Authors and Their Works;  Tantric Form of Worship and Tantric Deities;  Kali Worship in Bengal;  Cult of Durga and Durga Worship in Bengal;  Appendix: Paramanandamatasamgraha. 

The lives and teachings of the three most well-known acaryas responsible for the three major schools of Vedanta, Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhva.

Varanasi (Kashi), widely acclaimed as the "Eternal City," is as old as history itself. Mention of Kashi is found even in the Vedas.  Naturally the question arises: How did Varanasi stand the onslaught of Western culture through British rule in the later eighteenth century? Varanasi is also regarded as the main seat of traditional Hindu culture and the religious headquarters of Hinduism. Are such claims justified?

An honest attempt to answer these questions and present a comprehensive account of the city within the time-frame of 1781 and 1857 has been made in this volume. Readers will also find interesting and important pieces of information, some of which were hitherto unknown, regarding the deities and temples, fairs and festivals, mahallas, markets and ghats, learning and literary pursuits, residents and visitors, and miscellaneous ideas and practices of this ancient city as we see them today.

The author, Swami Medhasananda is a monk of the Ramakrishna Order, and presently the head of its center in Japan.

An in-depth pictorial depiction with simple narrative text about the meaning and worship of Vishnu. It is suitable for young and older readers alike, retelling familiar stories of Vishnu's incarnations as Rama and Krishna as well as other lesser known ones.  Vaishnava symbols and customs along with a map showing important Vishnu temples are included.