This comprehensive title intends to help the reader unravel the complexities of this major world religion. It explores the different branches of Hinduism, its historical background, philosophy, cosmology and mythology. It also explains the relevance of Hinduism to the modern Western world. The volume looks at the sacred texts such as the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Gita; the Hindu gods; the Hindu world-view of rebirth and Karma; the different strands of Hinduism - Yoga, Vedanta, Bhakti and Tantric; and the role of the guru.