Sister Nivedita (1867–1911)

A wonderful series of stories about Indian deities in general. It talks about the cosmology and noble gods and goddesses and other such things. Some of the scenes and events would make a fantastic movie or series of movies. For instance, when Haruman the Monkey God tries to find Sita, the wife of Rama and the adventures he goes on are really cool. It would be a pretty hard R if it turned out the way I imagined it. There is so much gore and Monkey Death.

I would read this again, since it was show more quite enjoyable. show less

First published in 1900, Sister Nivedita's essays about the language and symbolism of religion, informed by culture, and about Shiva and Kali themselves shed precious light on this feared deity and her people.

Our most popular introduction to Hindu mythology. Includes selections from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the Puranas These are the stories that people from India are told since childhood. The stories hold sway into adulthood where a TV series on the Mahabharata held the nation captive for weeks.

Abridged versions of Hindu myths, including the Ramayana, translated into English. I found this tough going. The translations seems okay, but I wasn't always sure what was happening or why. I think I need more of an explanation of the story and how it reflects Indian culture and religion.