Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduismseparates the various elements of
compounds through short dividing dashes. Sanskrit words do not have
accents. The basic rule is to stress the first syllable, unless there are long
vowels in later syllables. All long vowels in a word receive a stress, even
if there are more than one.
Proper names of individuals and organizations have usually been
reproduced as used by these, without attempting to transliterate them
according to the system mentioned above. Indian words that have
become part of the English vocabulary have also been left without
diacritics. Plural formations have been made by adding an -s to the
singular, disregarding the Sanskrit inflections. Likewise no distinction has
been made between masculine and neutral noun formations; the final -m
indicating (in many cases) that the neutral form has been dropped.
Information has been drawn from many sources. Instead of attach-
ing references to individual entries, a bibliography has been added at
the end, which should allow the reader to pursue the issues raised here
in greater depth. Cross-references within the entries are intended to provide
fuller information by directing the reader to similar or related matters.
They are indicated by text in small capitals, e.g. AVATÄRA. For readers
wishing to explore Hinduism from a thematic viewpoint, the Thematic
Index on pp. 236–43 will refer them to the appropriate entries. The
Chronology on pp. 216–21 gives a full picture of the major events
through the life of the faith.
Many people associated with Oneworld Publications have been
involved in the production of this encyclopedia. I would like to single
out Mary Starkey, the copy editor, for thanks and praise. Through
patient and intelligent questioning and by skilfully rephrasing awkward
expressions she has made this a much better book than it would other-
wise have been. I am truly grateful to her.
Klaus K. Klostermaier
Winnipeg, 31 July 1998
ix PrefaceEncyclo - Hindu PRELIMS 10/2/03 9:33 am Page ix