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Synopsis Much work has been done in regard to the vast subject of Hinduism and the world is not poor of publications relating to it. Yet 'Hinduism: Philosophy or Mysticism?', the twelfth book of Swami Paramananda, is not just another addition to the already vast collection. It is an attempt of an enlightened soul to bring back on surface the scientific an total way of life prescribed by ancient Indian mystics, which over time got reduced to 'isms' and rituals. It draws a complete and accurate picture, explaining the origin Hinduism, the gods and the deities, palmistry and astrology, different schools of thoughts, great Indian mystics and the place of Hinduism today. Besides addressing the various questions that come to the mind of the seeker, the author indicates areas where great harms have been done or are being done through misinterpretations. Thus, the reader finally not only discovers the wisdom of Indian mysticism, but also develops the urge to experience and taste the essence of life through the expansion of consciousness. The following extracts from the book give an insight about its contents: Nothing is wrong with the churning of the mind; however when churned, not only positive thing come out, but also the poison from within. He who can transform it into nectar is called Shiva, thus the famous mahavakya or great statement, "Shivoham"-"I am Shiva." Much has been said by philosophers about matter, thoughts, ideas, the mind and so on, but those people have not known themselves like it was the case of a Jesus, a Socrates, a Pythagoras, a Buddha or a Mohammed. These individual were not thinkers, but realised souls.