Introduction: studying Hinduism in practice

This book is a collection of contributions written by specialists especially for readers relatively new to the academic study of the Hindu religious tradition. In accord with the intent of the Studying Religions in Practice series, to which this compilation belongs, the chapters are designed to serve two purposes. These are: 1) to highlight features of Hinduism as it is actually practiced, and 2) to illustrate some of the authentic experiences of researchers engaged in the study of those practices.