During the launch of the book, Vid. B. N. Shashikiran spoke eloquently about the intricacies of this work, which was widely appreciated by the audience. The preface written by the authors, who are stalwarts in the field, is a perfect introduction to the riches of the book. Explaining the origins of Sanatana dharma to the word Hindu to the foundational texts of our dharma, the authors give a glimpse of the immense research and effort that went into distilling the age old wisdom into this amazing “ready reference for daily life” book. While reading about the anubandha-catustaya and the role of Guru, I couldn’t help, but imagine Dr. Ganesh as the guru and Sri Hari Ravikumar as the commentator imparting this knowledge to the wider audience. The authors have thought about the various groups of readers and provide something for each one of them i.e. from beginners to advanced readers.
One clear standout feature is found in acknowledgements (something that was announced during book launch also). This work has been reviewed by many young readers who have been acknowledged in this section. This is GREAT STEP in cultivating the interest in learning about our dharma, reading about it and writing from a very young age. The authors and Prekshaa in general should be applauded for this magnificent thought.
Though the authors have clearly outlined that samskruta words are mentioned in the last part of the book, I do wish they had included more samskruta words. For example, in Page 21, while describing the 3 basic states of consciousness, the authors could have included Jagrat, Swapna, Sushupti along with their approximate English translations, though there are some contrary examples as in page 25 where Kama and Artha are used for Desire & means to satisfy desire.
The book is a short one, but one laden with multitudes of gems of philosophy that requires a deep contemplation, reflection and perhaps and internal analysis. While traversing the common subjects like samanya and vishesha Dharma, the authors introduce a more involved concept like Vastu and Kartr tantra. However, the section that would definitely make the readers pause and contemplate deeply is the part of facts and values and their interconnect with philosophy and science. A small section, but an absolute gem. The brilliance and depth of knowledge of the authors can be gauged through their equivalence of Suras and Asuras to Spiritualists and Materialists in the example to explain the benefits of Yajna.
The importance of Adhyatma couldn’t have been better summarised than the authors’ words : Samskara becomes meaningful when it is rooted in Adhyatma. The 3 fold margas i.e. Karma, Bhakti and Jnana are explained so succinctly in a paragraph each that one can’t help, but marvel at the scholarly intellectual depth of the authors. The explanation of Paapa and Punya concepts using Entropy concept is interesting.
As a reader, a surprising observation is the relative comparison of Sanatana Dharma with other religions of the world. Quite frankly, I am not familiar with the context in which these articles were composed, but personally I felt this could have been avoided. However, being an ardent consumer of the authors’ other works, I can safely assume that these comparisons were warranted due to a specific context.
Towards the end of the main section of the book, the authors explain the concept of Purusha and Prakriti and how every ritual is connected with the supreme divine. The section on the festivals, their significance in daily lives and the various aspects of the same is something that should be read and shared widely, specially amongst the younger sections of the society. In the concluding paragraphs, the authors mention Rasa. I couldn’t help but marvel at the genius of the authors to include this aspect as well as the original maestro DVG who has written eloquently about the same.
In the appendices, the authors have detailed the various Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyaka & Upanishads for each of the Vedic schools along with additional notes on geographical intricacies. The value of the section “Foundational texts of Hinduism” can’t be evaluated in any form. It’s just a treasure trove, a ready reckoner of various works in Hindu pantheon. The next appendix “Further reading” is yet another gold mine of references for interested people to read further on each of the topics illustrated and elaborated in the book. Personally for me, in the Itihasas and Puranas section, I am a little surprised that Kamala Subramaniam’s works are not captured. Personally, I would highly recommend these versions as well apart from authors’ recommendations. Similarly, for Jeevanadharma Yoga, apart from the wonderful recommendation in the book i.e. series on Preskhaa site, I would recommend DVG’s Lectures on the BHAGAVADGITA book.
The notes and references are equally enriching and highly informative. Personally for me, I would have preferred these as footnotes than referring at the back of the book. It would have made the reading much easier and seamless from a flow point of view.
The last 3 pages i.e. what every Hindu should do, level of family and society should be read and implemented. This is definitely the need of the hour and I am thankful to the authors for this very thoughtful list which will be beneficial to one and all.
This is not a book, but a MASTERPIECE i.e. reference for life ahead. MUST READ, MUST GIFT Book. Please do make young minds read this book without fail.
(Reviewer's personal copy signed by the great Satavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh)
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