Borin Van Loon: Introducing... Hinduism

Introducing Hinduism

Written by Vinay Lal*, Designed and illustrated by Borin Van Loon - Published April, 2005

(*Associate Professor in History, UCLA)
This book provides an overview of one of the most ancient religions in the world. One of the most famous practioners in comparatively recent times, Mahatma Gandhi, gave it as his opinion that "a man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu."

Our turbanned protagonist prepares to don his Brahmin beard

Sannyasa

Arthur Schopenhauer and Paul Deussen
And Borin's customary tip of the hat to Magritte in this depiction of the birth of Buddhism and Jainism as a dove of peace from the soils of India and Hinduism with that most famous of pacifist Hindus, Mahatma Gandhi (at lower right). Cross-hatching heaven.

Above right: winning a battle by any means necessary: a story from 'The Mahabharata'

Kali: the scariest Hindu deity of all - severed head, and a skirt of human arms!

A pre-publication review of a book not yet published (a first!): a message from the author-
Dear Borin,
I just write to introduce myself as the author of Introducing Hinduism, and to
say that I saw your artwork yesterday and thought it was quite marvelous. I wasn't
quite sure how all of this would turn out, as I haven't tried my hand at this
before, but Zia [author of Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Media Studies and Science]
(who is a close friend) had assured me that were just the person to do the artwork.
I do visit Britain every now and then and hope we can meet. And if you should
ever find yourself in Los Angeles, don't hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Vinay
Vinay Lal
Associate Professor
Department of History
UCLA, USA.
MANAS: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia
"The History of History" (Oxford, 2003):
http://www.oup.com/isbn/0-19-566465-5?view=in

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