Twenty-five years of academic effort culminated last month with the unveiling of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism at the University of South Carolina.
Featuring some 7,000 articles on one of the world’s major
religions and its spiritual practices, philosophy and beliefs, the 11-volume
encyclopedia conveys the depth and diversity that is Hinduism. While I knew the
encyclopedia was in the works, I had no concept of its complexity.
The encyclopedia’s associate editor, Hal French, called its
publication a “milestone in research for this culture and religion, reflecting the
very best in India and Western scholarship.” French is an emeritus professor with USC's religious studies department.
French was one among approximately 1,000
scholars from India, the United States and Europe who wrote, edited and
compiled the encyclopedia. It represents the first standardized and objective
presentation of the vast diversity that is Indian culture.
In one work, the encyclopedia includes
more than 7,000 articles that span Indian history, civilization, language and
philosophy; architecture, art, music and dance; medicine, sciences and social institutions and religion, spirituality and the role of Hindu women.
The encyclopedia, also called the “Project
of the Third Millennium,” began in 1987 under the leadership of Sadhvi Bhagawati
Saraswati, managing editor of the encyclopedia and president of the Divine
Shakti Foundation. The offices for the project were located at the University
of South Carolina until 2003 when they were moved to India for the final stages.
“The Indian cultural and spiritual
traditions, encompassed within the religion known as ‘Hinduism’ offer some of
the deepest and most universally applicable insights, truths and teachings.
Unfortunately, these tend to be misunderstood in the West,” Saraswati said. The
encyclopedia brings together in an accessible, comprehensive form the depth and
breadth of the “ancient yet timeless heritage” that is Hinduism, he added.
Last month's events launched the international
edition (English) of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism. The Dalai Lama launched the
Indian edition in April 2010 in Rishikesh, India. Conceived, compiled and produced by the India
Heritage Research Foundation, the encyclopedia was published by Mandala
Publishing. About 3,000 copies comprise the first printing. The volumes each
run 600 to 700 pages with around 1,000 colorful illustrations in the entire
encyclopedia.
