Travels Through Sacred India

Rating:
Summary: the popular, the classical, the inner & the other traditions
Review: This introduction to the sacred practices of India is especially enjoyable because it is all contained in a travel narrative so instead of lots of abstract thoughts you get the basic premises plus one or more of Housden's real life encounters with a practicing guru or sadhu. The anecdotes keep things at an earthly level and Housden knows just how much information is the right amount. I've always had an interest in Indian ways of thinking but never found the right kind of introduction to suit my level of interest until reading this book which was perfect for my mind which just wanted an introduction that could also serve as a reference book when needed. Very satisfying to have read this and its proven very useful to have around especially when reading a travel book or piece of fiction that assumes you know who all the Gods and Goddesses are and all their various incarnations( the Gods/Goddesses all go by many names) or what a Sikh or a Jain or a Sufi is. Housden is reverential in attitude toward Indias many sacred traditions but always plainspoken. I found much here that greatly appealed to my thinking which is philosophic and earthy and unconventional so the popular and older and earthier traditions appealed to my naturally earthy leanings and some of the later reformation movements(non-sectarian, non-caste, equal rights to women) appealed for their practical applications. India makes a lot more sense after reading this book. A good place to begin any Indian journey, sacred or secular.
Plus for those planning a visit to India there is an extensive "Gazetteer" in the back with lists of sacred places, routes, festivals, ashrams.

Rating:
Summary: Superb book!!!!
Review: This is a great book for anyone who is interested in understanding the Indian culture in a profound way because the basis of Indian culture is really a spiritual one. The Indian spirituality may not always be obvious to the casual observer, espcially in the more westernized areas; and one does meet with all sorts of false sadhus, etc, but still it's there and it is what is truly great about India. To enjoy India one really has to go beyond the superficial level. This book is a really enjoyable read. It's beautifully written and highly interesting all the way through. It is certain to delight anyone who is not stuck on the surface of life and I am sure many people who are will be inspired to look a bit deeper. It's really one of my favorite books.