Christ Across the Ganges – Hindu responses to Jesus

Sandy Bharat was Director of the International Faith Centre at Oxford till 2004, trustee of the World Congress of Faiths, a founder / initiator of the Network of International Interfaith Organizations, editor of the online Introduction to Interfaith Studies, and an editor of the Encyclopaedia of Hinduism project in August 1997. Other publications include Guide to Interfaith: Reflections from Around the World (O Books).

From Foreword: Marcus Braybrooke, President, World Congress of Faiths Hindu responses to Jesus Christ have been summarised by a number of Christian writers, but it is valuable to have an account that is written from a Hindu perspective. Sandy Bharat, with her wide reading and personal contacts, allows us to hear what Hindu thinkers have actually said and she puts their remarks in context. She includes a wide range of Hindu teachers from the eighteenth century right up to the present day. There is much to learn from Sandy Bharat's important book. I hope it will encourage many Christians and Hindus to enter into a deeper dialogue with each other. This will surely bring them spiritual enrichment and be a sign of hope in a divided world. In her well-researched book, Sandy Bharat has studied in depth some of the Hindu encounters with Christ. This book is part of the growing literature on the Interfaith movement, and will be of value to students both of Hinduism and Christianity. One can only hope and pray that despite the negative factors, the process of dialogue and the attempt to genuinely understand the foundations of the world's religions will continue to grow, so that even though each one of us will continue to follow our own religious tradition we will be able to approach the others with a positive mindset. HE Dr Karan Singh, member of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of the Indian Parliament Hindu Encounters with Christ provides a fascinating account of interaction between Hindus and Christians, offers a refreshing view of Christ seen through the eyes of some of the greatest Masters who walked the face of the earth...The book is an open window into a wonderful world where labels and designations break down to reveal the unifying expressions of love, devotion and self-realization. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be an invaluable resource for those who seek to build bridges of understanding and dialogue between faith communities. Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General, Hindu Forum of Britain Faith is at the centre of dialogues on issues confronting the world. Multiculturalism in Western society is being questioned and too often communities are guilty in interpreting religions to suit their beliefs. It is for this reason that your book will make an important contribution in understanding Hinduism and its encounters with Christianity. The Lord Dholakia of Waltham Brooks OBE DL, House of Lords, UK Anyone interested in spiritual matters and the connection between religions - especially Eastern and Western at this time in our history - would be interested in this book. Carol Jordan, Alexander Therapist A fascinating and challenging Hindu argument that Jesus Christ is best understood as an avatar. Dr Robert Traer, Dominican University of California The book contains writing from many respected Hindus; it is time to have the perspectives of genuine practitioners rather than Christian interpretations. Celia Storey, Christians Aware I think this would be of the greatest interest to many people involved in interreligious relations; I know of nothing like it, which brings the story right up to today. Dr John May, Irish School of Ecumenics This is a fascinating and wide-ranging overview of a subject of great importance. It is a must for anyone interested in the history of religious traditions and in the interaction between faiths. Marianne Rankin, Alister Hardy Society