Title: Sri Vishnu Sahasra Namamu (Telugu)
Sub-Title: Nama Ratna malika
Commentator: Swami Sundara Chaitanyananda
Publisher: Sarvajna Cultural Trust, Sundara Chaitanya Asramam
ISBN: Nil
Language: Telugu (Original Sanskrit Slokas in Telugu with commentary)
Presentation: Hard Bound with a color Dust Jacket
No. of Pages: 500 approx.
Price: Rs. 100/-
I received this book from my good friend Shri Vishnu Prasad through another good friend Shri KVR Rao of Telugu Bhakti Pages (http://www.telugubhakti.com/). I went through the book many times and found the book useful. Swami Sundara Chaitanyananda is well known to many telugu people and his commentary and explanation adds value to the Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotra, which is part of Sri Maha Bharat, authored by Sage Veda Vyasa. Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotra is well known to all devotees and needs no introduction. It is available in Sanskrit and several indian languages, with several commentaries by many learned scholars right from Sri Adi Sankara.
The present book will help devotees gain a deeper understanding of the various names of Sri Vishnu, the preserving aspect of God in the Hindu religion. Vishnu means all pervading and His thousand names bring out the various qualities. Listening to and reading of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Stotra is a sure means of getting His grace.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A good book to renew one's Faith
Title: Sai Baba’s 261 Leelas – A Treasure house of Miracles
Author: Balkrishna Panday
Publisher: Sterling Paperbacks An Imprint of Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
ISBN: 9788120727274
Genre: Religion / Spirituality
Presentation: Paperback
No. of Pages: 182
Sai Ram. The author Shri Balkrishna Panday gathered under the covers of this beautifully printed book, 261 Leelas (Miracles) of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, Maharashtra, India. The Leelas are compiled mainly from Sri Sai Satcharitra, “Devotees’ Experiences – Vol. 1 to 3” by Pujya Sri B.V.Narasimha Swami Ji and the several issues of Sai Leela journal published by Shirdi Sai Sansthan. Sai Ram.
The book is useful to rekindle the Sraddha and Saburi in all Sai devotees. An example on Page 72:
Leela No. 112 – Doctor’s wavering faith restored by a challenge in the dream – The doctor at Malegaon, of the aforesaid episode, came to know of the miracle. He got dissuaded by doubts created by the unfaithful persons at Malegaon and Manmad. So he proceeded straight to Bombay (now Mumbai – reviewer) to spend leave at Alibag. He heard a voice in his sleep “Is there disbelief in me, even now?” This happened on three nights. He then resolved that if the typhoid patient, then under treatment with him, is relieved of the high temperature, then he would go to Shirdi the next day itself. The much-awaited miracle did happen as the patient’s temperature went down and his health improved.
The doctor prayed sincerely worshipping Baba’s feet. Baba gave him Udi and place his hand of benediction on his head. The doctor stayed at Shirdi for four days. On his return he was transferred to Vijapur (on promotion – the reviewer).
Sai Ram.The book is well printed and the editing is generally good though a few errors slipped through, though they are minor. Thus the book is a good addition to the already extensive literature on Sai. Sai Ram.
About the reviewer: I am a scientist, a metallurgist, working in a large organization of Government of India and I consider myself blessed for being a Sai devotee. Baba has shown many Leelas to me and is getting some seva performed in His own inimitable way. Sai Ram. This review as all others actions, is submitted at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru Sainath.
Author: Balkrishna Panday
Publisher: Sterling Paperbacks An Imprint of Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.
ISBN: 9788120727274
Genre: Religion / Spirituality
Presentation: Paperback
No. of Pages: 182
Sai Ram. The author Shri Balkrishna Panday gathered under the covers of this beautifully printed book, 261 Leelas (Miracles) of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi, Maharashtra, India. The Leelas are compiled mainly from Sri Sai Satcharitra, “Devotees’ Experiences – Vol. 1 to 3” by Pujya Sri B.V.Narasimha Swami Ji and the several issues of Sai Leela journal published by Shirdi Sai Sansthan. Sai Ram.
The book is useful to rekindle the Sraddha and Saburi in all Sai devotees. An example on Page 72:
Leela No. 112 – Doctor’s wavering faith restored by a challenge in the dream – The doctor at Malegaon, of the aforesaid episode, came to know of the miracle. He got dissuaded by doubts created by the unfaithful persons at Malegaon and Manmad. So he proceeded straight to Bombay (now Mumbai – reviewer) to spend leave at Alibag. He heard a voice in his sleep “Is there disbelief in me, even now?” This happened on three nights. He then resolved that if the typhoid patient, then under treatment with him, is relieved of the high temperature, then he would go to Shirdi the next day itself. The much-awaited miracle did happen as the patient’s temperature went down and his health improved.
The doctor prayed sincerely worshipping Baba’s feet. Baba gave him Udi and place his hand of benediction on his head. The doctor stayed at Shirdi for four days. On his return he was transferred to Vijapur (on promotion – the reviewer).
Sai Ram.The book is well printed and the editing is generally good though a few errors slipped through, though they are minor. Thus the book is a good addition to the already extensive literature on Sai. Sai Ram.
About the reviewer: I am a scientist, a metallurgist, working in a large organization of Government of India and I consider myself blessed for being a Sai devotee. Baba has shown many Leelas to me and is getting some seva performed in His own inimitable way. Sai Ram. This review as all others actions, is submitted at the Lotus Feet of Sadguru Sainath.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Great Saints of South India
Originally published on Thursday, April 05, 2007 in http://swamyreviews.blogspot.com
Title: Great Saints of South India
Author: R.Sreeramulu (Original Telugu Edition)
Translated by: Smt. Sonthi Anasuyamma garu
Publisher: Richa Prakashan (www.richaprakashan.com)
ISBN: 81-87062-75-4
Genre: Biography/Religion and Spirituality
Sai Ram. "Great Saints of South India" is a very good collection of short biographies of many great saints of South India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu). This is the second of 5 books given to me for review by Sri KVR Rao of www.telugubhakti.com, Devi Bhagavatam being the 1st. The book under review was originally written in telugu by Sri Ravinuthala Sreeramulu and received a lot of acclaim. It has been translated into good English by Smt. Sonthi Anasuyamma garu, who has to her credit many other religious and spiritual translations including "Arunachala Mahatyam" written by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi, of whom both the original author and the translator of the present book are disicples. Bhagawan's grace enabled them to do a good job of bringing out the biographies of great saints including Sri Tyagaraja, Sri Ramadasu, Sri Kanakadasa, Sri Purandaradasa, Sri Eknath, Sant Jnanadev, Namadev, Samartha Ramadas etc. Many Saivite and Vaishnava Saints are also covered. Thus it gives a good heritage of the Southern Indian Peninsula over many centuries.
It is worth noting that God is beyond caste and creed, and you can read about the great saints of all castes in this slim volume. Biographies of a few women are also given, indicating that devotion and jnana are not the exclusive preserve of men. The book is generally well produced but could have been better edited. A few stories are somewhat disjointed. One example is that of Karaikal Amma where the beginning of her life story is apparently in Kailasa but later it is portrayed again as if she went to Kailas in that birth and thus it is not clear who related this story to whom. A few other stories also left me a little confused. And notable absence in this book are biographies of Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Raghavendra Swami of Mantralayam, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Akkalkot Maharaj, Sri Sripada Vallabha and Sri Nrusimha Saraswati etc. And many modern saints are also not covered. Except for such minor omissions and a few typographic errors, the book is well written and will be a good addition to the spiritual library of every sadhaka.
Sai Ram. India has produced many more saints and the book may hopefully be expanded in future editions to include some more great saints. I am thankful to www.telugubhakti.com for this opportunity.
Title: Great Saints of South India
Author: R.Sreeramulu (Original Telugu Edition)
Translated by: Smt. Sonthi Anasuyamma garu
Publisher: Richa Prakashan (www.richaprakashan.com)
ISBN: 81-87062-75-4
Genre: Biography/Religion and Spirituality
Sai Ram. "Great Saints of South India" is a very good collection of short biographies of many great saints of South India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu). This is the second of 5 books given to me for review by Sri KVR Rao of www.telugubhakti.com, Devi Bhagavatam being the 1st. The book under review was originally written in telugu by Sri Ravinuthala Sreeramulu and received a lot of acclaim. It has been translated into good English by Smt. Sonthi Anasuyamma garu, who has to her credit many other religious and spiritual translations including "Arunachala Mahatyam" written by Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi, of whom both the original author and the translator of the present book are disicples. Bhagawan's grace enabled them to do a good job of bringing out the biographies of great saints including Sri Tyagaraja, Sri Ramadasu, Sri Kanakadasa, Sri Purandaradasa, Sri Eknath, Sant Jnanadev, Namadev, Samartha Ramadas etc. Many Saivite and Vaishnava Saints are also covered. Thus it gives a good heritage of the Southern Indian Peninsula over many centuries.
It is worth noting that God is beyond caste and creed, and you can read about the great saints of all castes in this slim volume. Biographies of a few women are also given, indicating that devotion and jnana are not the exclusive preserve of men. The book is generally well produced but could have been better edited. A few stories are somewhat disjointed. One example is that of Karaikal Amma where the beginning of her life story is apparently in Kailasa but later it is portrayed again as if she went to Kailas in that birth and thus it is not clear who related this story to whom. A few other stories also left me a little confused. And notable absence in this book are biographies of Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Raghavendra Swami of Mantralayam, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, Sri Akkalkot Maharaj, Sri Sripada Vallabha and Sri Nrusimha Saraswati etc. And many modern saints are also not covered. Except for such minor omissions and a few typographic errors, the book is well written and will be a good addition to the spiritual library of every sadhaka.
Sai Ram. India has produced many more saints and the book may hopefully be expanded in future editions to include some more great saints. I am thankful to www.telugubhakti.com for this opportunity.
The Splendour of the Divine Mother - Devi Bhagavatham
Title: The Splendour of the Supreme Mother - Devi Bhagavatham
Sub-title: A Compact condensed prose narrative
Author: Dr. V.V.B.Rama Rao
Publisher: Richa Prakashan (http://www.richaprakashan.com/)
ISBN: 81-87062-46-0
Genre: Devotional/Hindu Mythology
Sai Ram. Sri Matre Namah. This book came to Shri K V R Rao of www.telugubhakti.com for review and at his request, I accepted this and took it as a command of Devi, The Supreme Mother. I also took it as a blessing from Sri Mata since earlier too I got a chance to read Her Glory in Telugu, and that too at the behest of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Sankaracharya of Sri Hampi Virupaksha Vidyaranya Peetham, Sri Sri Sri Abhinavoddnanda Nrisimha Bharathi Swamiji around 1999 or 2000. At Swamiji's command, I read a fairly elaborate form of Sri Devi Bhagavatham written by Vidwan Saripella Viswanatha Sastry, published by Sri Rama Publishers. I also used to regularly recite Sri Lalitha Sahasra Nama Stotram, Sri Suktam, Sri Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam etc. for many years and thus took this as an opportunity to again read about Sri Devi, Sri Mata the Originator of us all.
Sai Ram.One thing which struck me is that the book is as described compact, and in my view is rather too compact. Much of the detailed glory of The Mother had to be left behind in this attempt to condense and make the book compact. But many of the important features of Sri Devi Bhagavatam originally written in Sanskrit by Sage Veda Vyasa and which came through in the detailed Telugu transation that I had the good fortune of reading, did come through. So, if you, the reader are new to Devi and Her Divine Glory, this book under review is a good primer. And being in English, this book is more accessible to Indians and others who cannot read Sanskrit or for that matter the vernacular languages too. Thus it fulfills a good need. In short, this book is a good introduction to Sri Devi Bhagavatam and it is Her grace that this review was originally written on Sri Rama Navami, the end of Vasanta Nava Ratras, which are also dear to Devi (in addition to Sarannavaratras ending with Vijaya Dasami, which are traditionally considered very important for Devi Puja).
As a Sai devotee, I again consider it auspicious that this review is being written on a day very dear to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi (this day is celebrated as Baba's birthday by Sai Devotees), and as mentioned in this book, Sri Rama also worshipped Devi during this Vasantha Navaratras. Sai Ram.
Sai Ram. Now I come to some shortcomings with a view to offer a constructive criticism for improvement in future editions. The 6th skanda (Chapter) on The Order of Creation could have been prefaced by a suitable explanation from the author that what was described thousands of years earlier is a little different from the world as it is observed by scientific means now. A few statements that it takes thousands of years for light to reach from Sun to Earth could have been avoided (it takes 9 minutes for light to reach our earth from Sun). The book also suffers from many simple editorial slips that could have been easily avoided with a little more care. If the author or the publisher is interested, I can share the editorial corrections that I made as I was reading the book.
Sai Ram. In the end, I once again offer my pranams to Sri Devi for this opportunity and thank the author, the publisher and Sri KVR Rao of www.telugubhakti.com for being instrumental in my humble effort. Sai Ram. Sri Matre Namah.
Originally published in http://swamyreviews.blogspot.com/ on 26/03/2007.
Sub-title: A Compact condensed prose narrative
Author: Dr. V.V.B.Rama Rao
Publisher: Richa Prakashan (http://www.richaprakashan.com/)
ISBN: 81-87062-46-0
Genre: Devotional/Hindu Mythology
Sai Ram. Sri Matre Namah. This book came to Shri K V R Rao of www.telugubhakti.com for review and at his request, I accepted this and took it as a command of Devi, The Supreme Mother. I also took it as a blessing from Sri Mata since earlier too I got a chance to read Her Glory in Telugu, and that too at the behest of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Sankaracharya of Sri Hampi Virupaksha Vidyaranya Peetham, Sri Sri Sri Abhinavoddnanda Nrisimha Bharathi Swamiji around 1999 or 2000. At Swamiji's command, I read a fairly elaborate form of Sri Devi Bhagavatham written by Vidwan Saripella Viswanatha Sastry, published by Sri Rama Publishers. I also used to regularly recite Sri Lalitha Sahasra Nama Stotram, Sri Suktam, Sri Maha Lakshmi Ashtakam etc. for many years and thus took this as an opportunity to again read about Sri Devi, Sri Mata the Originator of us all.
Sai Ram.One thing which struck me is that the book is as described compact, and in my view is rather too compact. Much of the detailed glory of The Mother had to be left behind in this attempt to condense and make the book compact. But many of the important features of Sri Devi Bhagavatam originally written in Sanskrit by Sage Veda Vyasa and which came through in the detailed Telugu transation that I had the good fortune of reading, did come through. So, if you, the reader are new to Devi and Her Divine Glory, this book under review is a good primer. And being in English, this book is more accessible to Indians and others who cannot read Sanskrit or for that matter the vernacular languages too. Thus it fulfills a good need. In short, this book is a good introduction to Sri Devi Bhagavatam and it is Her grace that this review was originally written on Sri Rama Navami, the end of Vasanta Nava Ratras, which are also dear to Devi (in addition to Sarannavaratras ending with Vijaya Dasami, which are traditionally considered very important for Devi Puja).
As a Sai devotee, I again consider it auspicious that this review is being written on a day very dear to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi (this day is celebrated as Baba's birthday by Sai Devotees), and as mentioned in this book, Sri Rama also worshipped Devi during this Vasantha Navaratras. Sai Ram.
Sai Ram. Now I come to some shortcomings with a view to offer a constructive criticism for improvement in future editions. The 6th skanda (Chapter) on The Order of Creation could have been prefaced by a suitable explanation from the author that what was described thousands of years earlier is a little different from the world as it is observed by scientific means now. A few statements that it takes thousands of years for light to reach from Sun to Earth could have been avoided (it takes 9 minutes for light to reach our earth from Sun). The book also suffers from many simple editorial slips that could have been easily avoided with a little more care. If the author or the publisher is interested, I can share the editorial corrections that I made as I was reading the book.
Sai Ram. In the end, I once again offer my pranams to Sri Devi for this opportunity and thank the author, the publisher and Sri KVR Rao of www.telugubhakti.com for being instrumental in my humble effort. Sai Ram. Sri Matre Namah.
Originally published in http://swamyreviews.blogspot.com/ on 26/03/2007.
The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel about the Childhood of Lord Krishna
Title: The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel About the Early Years of Lord Krishna
Author: Amal Bhakta
Publisher: Turnkey Press (A Krishna Productions Book)
Category: Biography / Religion342 pages;
ISBN: 0-9744668-1-6
Rating: 8/10
"The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book. Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc., better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa. The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting. This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra. Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.
The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced. This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.
I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World and to the Indian readers educated in the western way and who, thus may find it difficult to read the Indian books.
Note: Though the book is published in USA, since it is so Indian in its spirit and appeal, I am copying it here from my other blog, http://swamysbookreviews.blogspot.com/2005/09/supreme-mystic-biographical-novel.html
Swamy
Author: Amal Bhakta
Publisher: Turnkey Press (A Krishna Productions Book)
Category: Biography / Religion342 pages;
ISBN: 0-9744668-1-6
Rating: 8/10
"The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book. Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc., better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa. The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting. This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra. Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.
The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced. This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.
I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World and to the Indian readers educated in the western way and who, thus may find it difficult to read the Indian books.
Note: Though the book is published in USA, since it is so Indian in its spirit and appeal, I am copying it here from my other blog, http://swamysbookreviews.blogspot.com/2005/09/supreme-mystic-biographical-novel.html
Swamy
Song of Salvation - Bhagawad Gita
Title: Song of Salvation
Author: Kher Rajendra
Category: Fiction / Religion
326 pages;
ISBN: 1-894869-99-0
Rating: 7/10
The Song of Salvation is a novelized version of Bhagawad Gita, literally meaning God's Song, a part of Mahabharata, the Great Indian Epic. Gita, as it is popularly called was a dialogue between Krishna,the God in the human form and Arjuna, the great Pandava Prince and a great warrior. The original Gita is in the form of 700 Slokas (verses) in Sanskrit, divided into eighteen chapters. The dialogue took place on the battlefield of KURU KSHETRA, a big plain named after King Kuru in present day Haryana, a state near Delhi, after whom the dynasty of Kauravas was named. Another meaning of Kuru is 'to do'. So, Kuru Kshetra also means the Field of Action. And it is this dual meaning that is the starting point of a series of wonderful symbolisms, that convey very deep esoteric meanings and take us to the highest peaks of philosophy, knowledge of one's true Self. The book generally follows the setting in Mahabharatha, though at a few places, the author seems to have taken a few liberties with the original version. Like when he wrote on page 123, "Seeing irritation on his friend's face, Arjuna quieted" implying that Krishna was subject to common human emotions. Of course, such liberties are allowed in a work of fiction and Rajendra Kher is quick to point out that his book is exactly that. The book portrays vividly the social conditions of a period of history nearly 5000 years old. The characters of Arjuna, Dhrutarashtra, Draupadi, Krishna etc. are portrayed in good detail. The descriptions of the battle field, the place of dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna etc., are quite good and with a little imagination, the reader can mentally go to that time and be there, like Sanjaya who was given the gift of Divine Vision.
The author generally uses good analogies and metaphors to convey the esoteric philosophical secrets of Gita. But the clarity is fluctuating and is lucid at some places and obtruse at others. The analogy, "No matter how much water is poured into an upside-down pitcher, the pitcher does not hold water." on page 49, is inappropriate since one cannot pour water into an upside down pitcher. Probably a better analogy would have been a pitcher with a hole in the bottom would never get filled. Because Arjuna was without Sraddha, Faith, Krishna's words did not register and take effect. Rajendra Kher's attempt at novelizing Gita is to be praised. In English language, this type of presentation of Gita is certainly new. The reviewer received the Asian Edition printed in India and so all the comments given below, including the quality of printing etc. apply to that edition only. However, it is understood that the Zumaya Edition and the Asian Edition share the same .pdf file, so the printing errors may be common to both. The first impression when I got the book in hand was that print quality is satisfactory, not great. The book has a good sprinkling of typographic and style errors, which generally do not distort the meaning. However, they do distract the reader and convey an impression that pre-press work could have been done more carefully. One exception - the word Brahma is used for Brahman at a number of places on Page 229 and 231, and unless the reader has prior exposure to Gita, confusion will result. It may be clarifed that Brahma is one of the Three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Brahman on the other hand, is used to represent the ultimate Soul, Paramatma, also called ParaBrahma, to differentiate from Brahma. Brahma has a definite life span, Brahman doesn't, since Brahman is the Principle of Eternal Reality. The reviewer had a fairly good exposure to the teachings of Gita and so certainly enjoyed the refresher course provided by Rajendra Kher in this novel form.
However, for a new reader, the concepts are not easy to understand and at places, the going becomes heavy. Also, the author has not given a basis for some of the philosophical statements made. He could have given a list of Commentaries on Gita that he perused for this endeavor. Readers without prior exposure to Gita may have difficulty in coping with the Indian names. And some of the terms used could have been defined or explained with the help of foot-notes or a Glossary at the end of the book. And an index at the end, connecting the chapters of Gita to the chapters in this book would have been welcome. A biographical note about the original Author has been given, but not that of the translator, Mr.Khare. It would have been a welcome addition.The book will definitely interest those who would like to know the concepts of Gita but would not like to take up learned commentaries right now. It would also refresh their memory if they had studied it long ago. A good effort.
Note: This review was originally published a few years ago (September 29, 2005) in http://swamysbookreviews.blogspot.com/2005/09/song-of-salvation.html
but is being copied here so that all the reviews of Indian Books are at one place.
Author: Kher Rajendra
Category: Fiction / Religion
326 pages;
ISBN: 1-894869-99-0
Rating: 7/10
The Song of Salvation is a novelized version of Bhagawad Gita, literally meaning God's Song, a part of Mahabharata, the Great Indian Epic. Gita, as it is popularly called was a dialogue between Krishna,the God in the human form and Arjuna, the great Pandava Prince and a great warrior. The original Gita is in the form of 700 Slokas (verses) in Sanskrit, divided into eighteen chapters. The dialogue took place on the battlefield of KURU KSHETRA, a big plain named after King Kuru in present day Haryana, a state near Delhi, after whom the dynasty of Kauravas was named. Another meaning of Kuru is 'to do'. So, Kuru Kshetra also means the Field of Action. And it is this dual meaning that is the starting point of a series of wonderful symbolisms, that convey very deep esoteric meanings and take us to the highest peaks of philosophy, knowledge of one's true Self. The book generally follows the setting in Mahabharatha, though at a few places, the author seems to have taken a few liberties with the original version. Like when he wrote on page 123, "Seeing irritation on his friend's face, Arjuna quieted" implying that Krishna was subject to common human emotions. Of course, such liberties are allowed in a work of fiction and Rajendra Kher is quick to point out that his book is exactly that. The book portrays vividly the social conditions of a period of history nearly 5000 years old. The characters of Arjuna, Dhrutarashtra, Draupadi, Krishna etc. are portrayed in good detail. The descriptions of the battle field, the place of dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna etc., are quite good and with a little imagination, the reader can mentally go to that time and be there, like Sanjaya who was given the gift of Divine Vision.
The author generally uses good analogies and metaphors to convey the esoteric philosophical secrets of Gita. But the clarity is fluctuating and is lucid at some places and obtruse at others. The analogy, "No matter how much water is poured into an upside-down pitcher, the pitcher does not hold water." on page 49, is inappropriate since one cannot pour water into an upside down pitcher. Probably a better analogy would have been a pitcher with a hole in the bottom would never get filled. Because Arjuna was without Sraddha, Faith, Krishna's words did not register and take effect. Rajendra Kher's attempt at novelizing Gita is to be praised. In English language, this type of presentation of Gita is certainly new. The reviewer received the Asian Edition printed in India and so all the comments given below, including the quality of printing etc. apply to that edition only. However, it is understood that the Zumaya Edition and the Asian Edition share the same .pdf file, so the printing errors may be common to both. The first impression when I got the book in hand was that print quality is satisfactory, not great. The book has a good sprinkling of typographic and style errors, which generally do not distort the meaning. However, they do distract the reader and convey an impression that pre-press work could have been done more carefully. One exception - the word Brahma is used for Brahman at a number of places on Page 229 and 231, and unless the reader has prior exposure to Gita, confusion will result. It may be clarifed that Brahma is one of the Three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Brahman on the other hand, is used to represent the ultimate Soul, Paramatma, also called ParaBrahma, to differentiate from Brahma. Brahma has a definite life span, Brahman doesn't, since Brahman is the Principle of Eternal Reality. The reviewer had a fairly good exposure to the teachings of Gita and so certainly enjoyed the refresher course provided by Rajendra Kher in this novel form.
However, for a new reader, the concepts are not easy to understand and at places, the going becomes heavy. Also, the author has not given a basis for some of the philosophical statements made. He could have given a list of Commentaries on Gita that he perused for this endeavor. Readers without prior exposure to Gita may have difficulty in coping with the Indian names. And some of the terms used could have been defined or explained with the help of foot-notes or a Glossary at the end of the book. And an index at the end, connecting the chapters of Gita to the chapters in this book would have been welcome. A biographical note about the original Author has been given, but not that of the translator, Mr.Khare. It would have been a welcome addition.The book will definitely interest those who would like to know the concepts of Gita but would not like to take up learned commentaries right now. It would also refresh their memory if they had studied it long ago. A good effort.
Note: This review was originally published a few years ago (September 29, 2005) in http://swamysbookreviews.blogspot.com/2005/09/song-of-salvation.html
but is being copied here so that all the reviews of Indian Books are at one place.
Welcome to Swamy's Reviews of Indian Books
Sai Ram. Welcome to the new blog created today the 8th of July, 2007 where I propose to put all my reviews of Indian Books.
Enjoy.
Swamy
Enjoy.
Swamy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
