This study conducts a lively and innovative exploration of the traditional Indian religions and cultures - an area that has both fascinated and puzzled the West for centuries. Friedhelm Hardy aims at presenting the widest possible range of themes that havTable of Contents: Part I. Power: the Challenges of the External World: 1. Consulting the oracle once again 2. Oceans of milk and treacle 3. Navigating the sea of earthly existence 4. Safe havens 5. Violence, aggression and heroism 6. Manipulating space, time and mat