Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs in America explores the challenges that Asian immigrants face when their religion--and consequently culture--is "remade in the U.S.A." Peppered with stories of individual people and how they actually live their religion, this informative book gives an overview of each religion's beliefs, a short history of immigration--and discrimination--for each group, and how immigrants have adapted their religious beliefs since they arrived. Along the way, the roles of men and women, views toward dating and marriage, the relationship to the homeland, the "brain drain" from Asia of scientists, engineers, physicians, and other professionals, and American offshoots of Asian religions, such as the Hare Krishnas and Transcendental Meditation (TM), are discussed. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 7 Up-This series title focuses on the challenges people faced when adapting to American culture and their response to prejudice, both personal and institutional. Each religion receives three chapters in which the authors blend a history of the adherents in the U.S., a look at their beliefs and how those ideas and practices were challenged or altered as first-generation followers tried to pass their traditions on to succeeding generations, and biographical anecdotes. Little-known aspects of American life and jurisprudence are pointed out as well, such as the laws that prevented Asians from immigrating to the U.S. and others that prevented immigrants already here from becoming citizens or owning land. Ritual practices are detailed, often in the form of adherents' biographies, as are related architectural motifs and holiday celebrations. The dry writing is tempered somewhat by the anecdotal material and occasional sidebars. Numerous, captioned black-and-white photographs are scattered throughout. This title provides a succinct yet full introduction to these groups that are little understood in the U.S., and occasional references to American converts to Hinduism and Buddhism supply a link to the wider culture.-Coop Renner, Moreno Elementary School, El Paso, TXCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 6-12. This new entry in the Religion in American Life series looks at three traditions lesser known in the U.S. A history of early Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs in America is told in fascinating detail, focusing on the influx of Asian immigrants--many of them well-educated professionals--that began in 1965. Successive chapters explore how Americanization has changed each of the three traditions, and how, in turn, the traditions have altered American religious life. Prejudice is also discussed, with the authors noting continuing descrimination against Hindus and Sikhs even as the popularity of Buddhism increases among those of non-Asian background. Solid information, a large selection of historical and contemporary photographs, interesting readings from primary sources, and accounts from school-age Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs combine to make this is a valuable resource. John Green. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Part of the 17-volume series Religion in American Life, this book examines the history of three important Asian traditions and the religious life of their adherents from the time of their transplantation in America until the present. Issues explored include the ways in which these immigrant traditions and ethnic identities have been transformed or Americanized within the American context of religious pluralism, the different modes of preserving these religious beliefs and practices in the midst of cultural change and adaptation, the tensions between immigrant Asians and subsequent Asian generations, the influence of these traditions on the American scene and for American converts, and the impact of legal and social discrimination on practitioners. Intriguing examples of particular people, families, groups, and organizations, both Asian and American, illustrate the varied ways these traditions have been practiced in America. This very readable book includes 60 pictures, some primary source material, a chronology, suggested readings, and a useful index. An important book and series for academic and general libraries; recommended for professionals and practitioners, as well as undergraduates and general readers. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.