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

Book Review: Forget the Elephants, Watch Out for the Fleas by Justin Herald

‘Forget the Elephants, Watch Out for the Fleas’

By: Justin Herald

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 978-1-74175-691-3

This book starts by a powerful thought:

“You never know how many apples are in a seed.”

Justin Herald is a successful entrepreneur and was named one of the 50 most influential leaders of the next generation in Australia. The main concept of this book is that most of our problems start out as small as a flea (at times we don’t find them, or see and ignore them), but too often those problems eventually become as huge as an elephant (which we can’t ignore, and these threaten our survival).

Though the idea looks pretty simple, the author has made it more interesting with his examples and expansions. The language of the book is friendly and I think anyone who reads this book will really enjoy it and learn many things from it.

- Rahul

Book Review: Art of God Symbolism by Swami Chinmayananda

‘Art of God Symbolism’

By: Swami Chinmayananda

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust

ISBN: 8179570588

Hinduism is a mysterious religion for many. Are there millions of gods in Hinduism; and so many goddesses? Why there are so many different images in worship – at times opposite and so different than others? Why gods have sometimes four hands, sometimes four heads; and at times they are not even in human image but with a head of a lion or an elephant! There is even a Monkey god in Hinduism, whom Hindus worship with equal devotion! Did Lord Ram really leave Sita Mata and yet is idolized as ideal husband? Such questions are many and the journey to find clear answers to these is not readily available… Until, we have this book in hand.

‘Art of God Symbolism’ is a wonderful book which explains the real meaning of so many diverse images in Hinduism. It also reveals real meanings of many mythological stories which led to the development of these images. I can’t thank Swami Chinmayananda more; he has done a really brilliant work publishing this book. I am sure it will help in dispelling a lot of wrong perceptions amongst us. The writing in this book is of very high quality and content is not heavy too.

I have just purchased some more copies of this book which I am gifting to my friends. I think this is a must-read and must-have book for all of us.

- Rahul

Book Review: Emotion, Intellect and spirituality by Annie Besant

‘Emotion, Intellect and Spirituality’

By: Annie Besant

Pilgrims Publishing (2008)

ISBN: 8177695959

We Indians know Annie Besant as one of the major freedom fighters during our freedom struggle against the British. She was also a Theosophist, women's rights activist, secularist, writer and orator. As part of her Theosophy related work she had travelled to India and took part in its freedom movement becoming President of the Indian National Congress in 1917.

This book is a publication of one of her lectures at the Theosophical Society. It gives sight of her thoughts which represent also those of Theosophy. Her thoughts are very learned and she has a deep understanding of human psychology and life. I especially remember the portion of this book where she tells about the importance of a balanced development (intellect Vs emotional) and also her pointers towards our one incarnation to the other. 

This is a small-size book. I think the topic is not light and her writing can best enjoyed by being reflected upon in a second read.

- Rahul

Book Review: The Direct Path by Sri Raman Maharshi

‘The Direct Path (The Ramana Way)’

Eighth Edition (Pocket Edition)

By Sri Ramana Maharshi

Translated and commentary by: AR Natarajan

Ramana Maharshi Center of Learning, Bangalore

ISBN: 81-85378-05-3

I had heard about Sri Ramana Maharshi and his philosophy before but never got a chance to read him. When I got this book in its pocket edition, it was a perfect chance for me to get a glimpse of his thoughts which I found representing ancient truth and boundless wisdom.

This book is actually a compilation of two of his works:  

(1)  Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Upadesa Saram (Essence of Teaching)

and

(2)  Sat-Darshanam (Forty Verses on Reality)

Only after reading him I realized what I had missed so far. Verses from Ramana Maharshi have infinite wisdom in them. If we do some more meditation over those, we get to feel and understand what wisdom the great sages and rishis from India/Bharat had.

This book has an introduction in the beginning, and then the two portions as told above come with Sanskrit Verses along with their English translation. The translations are perfect; here are two verses from the book:  

The controversy whether fate is stronger than free-will or vice versa

is only for those who do not know their source.

Those who know the individual for whom they pertain

remain untouched by them. ||19||

Both the wise and the ignorant regard the body as “I”.

The ignorant limit the “I” to the body

For the wise, the Self shines in the heart,

Limitless, including the body and the world. ||17||

The translator and commentator A.R. Natarajan was a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi. He was also the president and founder of the Ramana Maharshi Centre for Learning and the Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi Research Centre.

If you are interested in philosophy or Vedic knowledge, this is a must-have book for you. 

Some interesting webpages on him:

http://www.sriramanamaharshi.org/teachings.html

http://eternalissue.weebly.com/

http://www.vedicbooks.net/direct-path-ramana-p-16078.html

http://www.hinduism.co.za/newpage110.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramana_Maharshi

Book Review: Myth = Mithya by Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology’

By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik

Penguin

ISBN 0143099701; ISBN 13: 9780143099703

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is one of India’s most popular present day mythologists. My curiosity to know more about Hinduism and to get real meaning of our mythology or the inherent symbolism found a savior in him. His pen is so powerful, knowledge so deep and expression so simple that I think he is changing the way we look at Hinduism and Hindus, and revitalizing the world’s interest in Hinduism and India.

‘Myth = Mithya” is aptly termed a Handbook of Hindu Mythology. In its pages you would find descriptions and elaborations on numerous Hindu mythological stories and their real meanings and symbolism. I think this is one book which has given me most knowledge points per page than any other book I have ever read.

In my opinion this book is a must read and must kept book for all Hindus or anyone really interested in understanding Hinduism.

- Rahul