Balu H Athreya

Symbols and Substance Balu H Athreya

Although I wrote this book as if it is for my grandchildren, this is meant for all grandchildren and interested young adults. This book is primarily for children of Asian-Indian origin, who live outside India. The book starts with an explanation of why Hindus worship so many "gods" although the Vedas say that there is only ONE source called Brahman. I explain the meaning behind each of the forms ("gods") of the formless Primordial Source, in a simple language. This is followed by a section on the meaning behind Hindu puja and rituals. I have included an essay on meditation with a summary of ideas from the east, the west, ancient literature and modern neuro-sciences. In the final section, the reader will find a summary of important concepts from Upanishads and a few of Vedic, Hindu concepts such as Dharma, Karma, Brahman and Atman. I have added a list of meanings of Sanskrit words and a guide to Sanskrit - English transliteration to help the young readers. References are given to the sources throughout the text and a reading list is included at the end of the book. I hope that young readers who read this book will go to the original sources.