This volume of 750 pages is a compilation of 500 selective lectures reported in the pages of The Hindu over a period of 33 years. A reading of the pieces in this book would show how much of a force for the good religion can be, with its emphasis on morality and virtuous conduct and the finer values as, for instance, tolerance, respect and affection for all.

CONTENTS Preface 1. Religion 2. Vedas 3. Upanishads 4. Ramayana 5. Mahabharata 6. Bhagavatam 7. Bhagavad Gita 8. Thirukkural 9. Adwaita 10. Visishtadwaita 11. Dwaita 12. Saivism 13. Morals 14. Devotion 15. Chanting 16. Rites & Rituals 17. Dharma 18. Karma 19. Hinduism 20. Islam 21. Christianity 22. Sikhism 23. Jainism 24. Buddhism 25. General Index

Preface While the world is shrinking, the distance between the hearts is widening gradually. From the middle of this century people have been witnessing a steady decline in ethical values and are seized by an inexplicable insecurity. The only way to get rid of gloom and fear psychosis and derive some amount of solace is to depend on the grace of the Divine. People have come to feel that upholding the moral principles contained in various religions is the way to live peacefully. The role of religion hence seems paramount in the present day conflicts. It is in this context that Mr. Kasturi Gopalan, the late Publisher of THE HINDU thought it fit in 1964 to allot some space in his newspaper each day projecting some profound religious thoughts and make people contemplate on them. The morals in the discourses by eminent scholars were carried as brief reports daily. In this volume 500 selective lectures over a period of 33 years have been presented in 25 Chapters dedicating to individual subjects and sources. We hope this will cater to the interests of all sections of society from all religions.