Book Review: In Indian Culture Why We do...

‘In Indian Culture Why We do...’

By: Swamini Vimalananda and Radhika Krishnakumar

Central Chinmay Mission Trust

ISBN: 9788175970717

Hindu culture and concepts of Hinduism are one of the most interesting ones one can get across. The deepest philosophies of this world are symbolized in such simplistic signs and rituals which are done almost daily, that the outsiders will only keep wondering at those… But those who take interest in the matter and want to dive slightly deeper Hinduism has only an ocean of knowledge and wisdom to offer.

Why do we light a lamp? Why do we do namaste? Why do we wear marks on the forehead? Why do we apply the holy ash? Why do we regard plants and trees as sacred? Why do we fast? Why do we chant Om? Why do we do aarati? Such and numerous other questions are answered in this book. The writing has really excellent quality and explanations are easy to understand. This small booklet is one of the best books on this subject. I am sure every reader will end up enriched many folds if one reads this book.

Highly recommended to all.

- Rahul

Book Review: Cradle Takes of Hinduism by Sister Nivedita

‘Cradle Takes of Hinduism’; By: Sister Nivedita (Margaret E. Noble); Advaita Ashrama; ISBN: 978-81-85301-93-8

The land of India/Bharat and its innate religion Hinduism have attracted many souls from all across the world. Sister Nivedita, born Margaret Elizabeth Noble, a Scots-Irish social-worker and disciple of Ramkrishna-Vivekananda is one such, and she is an icon in herself. Recently I have had the opportunity to read some of her writings and I consider myself lucky in this regard.

‘Cradle Tales of Hinduism’, as the title suggests is a compilation of Hindu mythological stories. Most of these stories are already told to us by our mothers, grandparents or elders, and lessons from these stories shape our characters, thinking process, and culture. This is a wonderful book where the stories are told in English in a very touching manner. The writing style of these texts is simple but very charming. While reading the story of Sati, tears came to my eyes many times where she had to sacrifice herself and when Shiva learnt about her loss and felt a pain in heart (which the great God had never experienced before). Or the heart wrenching love story of Nala and Damayanti – though it ended in a happy note. The story of Prahalada and Dhruva – the great devotees is also so touching. And a cute lovely part is the one of Gopala who gets Krishna as his friend and companion because of his mother’s pure devotion. The story of Bhishma, Yudhisthara, Bharata, Vikramaditya’s throne, and even Prithviraj Chauhan are so heart touching that yhis book indeed teaches the readers about the virtues which our religion wants us to practice.

A highly recommended book for one and all.

- Rahul