Reviews

Gandhian Non-violence: Levels of Satyagraha: By Michael W. Sonnleitner. Abhinav Publications, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 16. Price: Rs. 55.

This is a remarkable book trying to explain the philosophy behind Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi. Within seventy-one pages, the author has made an illuminating analysis of Satyagraha in three distinct hierarchical stages of the thought and its evolu­tion. The introduction to the book makes a plea for understanding Gandhiji’s Satyagraha on its highest level of soul force. He has traced also its relevance to Gandhiji’s non-violent action approach to social change as more “fully appreciated for its revolutionary potential.”

The technique of Satyagraha is a rational one. To Gandhiji the end was absolute Truth and the means Ahimsa. Here we get a succinct account of the whole phase of Satyagraha to show how even viewed secularly it is demanding. The terms Truth, Love, Suffering – all blend in an adherence to a literal means and relationship. On Satyagraha as a religious discipline much of what the author dissects upon leads to a profound search of the Atman and leads to the Advaitic conclusion born of the Vedic description of Brahman as “not this, not this” – the ultimate Brahman as beyond rational comprehension. Gandhiji’s soul force amounts to the force of truth and love. Again, the Satyagrahi has to be almost, if not entirely, a perfect individual.

It is most intellectually diverting to find the author dwelling upon Sagunaand NirgunaBrahman and finalising, that to Gandhi the goal of Moksha or liberation could only lead ultimately to subordination of dualism to monism.

In the view of any student of Advaita philosophy, the range of Gandhiji’s thought, as represented here, could only show how without anywhere treading upon the process of Indian metaphysics, Gandhiji freshly and individually arrives by his own powers of ratiocination and experience to self-realisation or Atma Darshana as the finality.

The footnotes and the bibliography towards the end of this tiny volume add considerably to the essaying upon a fruitful search of the inner spirit and Tapasya of Gandhiji.

–K. CHANDRASEKAHARN

Three Decades: A short history of Sahitya Akademi: 1954-1984. Sahitya Akademi, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-I.

Well in time appears this publication as a reviewing of the work of the Sahitya Akademi during three decades of its existence. Nothing could be more appropriate than a fine foreword from the pen of Dr. V. K. Gokak, the President of the institution. Dr. Gokak has taken pains to show to the enlightened public how criticisms against the body in its functioning have to be taken with no prejudice, while at the same time grounds which exist to prove the fairness of adjudications for awards of best books in the 22 Union languages are also to be considered. Indeed while explaining the various circumstances which have to be taken into consideration for proper adjudications, he has regularly launched upon all essay of the functions of critics and the growth of good literature. Then follows an introduction from Dr. D.S. Rao, the Secretary, whose brief note adds to the dignity of such a writing on the Sahitya Akademi’s existence as a body for encour­agement of literary writers. Dr Rao further in the eleven more chapters has dwelt upon men who had won laurels; support to writers with a promise; the regional languages and the panels for adjudication of books for award; the scope for unity of under­standing among the different languages and their writers; the slow but steady international spread of Indian modem writings; the general effect on people by literary books of best type and the sales by the Sahitya Akademi of their own publications. Natural for stocks remaining long unsold when books are highly priced; but the time taken for clearance of the stocks seems not a matter for much regret, as shown by the statistics of sale proceeds during the succeeding years.

The fact, suggestions from earnest writers for more of the body’s usefulness are not neglected as borne out by a statement by the President in his foreword. Pictures in abundance are also appended; names of award-winners and an index add to the completeness of the volume.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

The Upanishads and Modern Thought: By Vetury Ramakrishna Rao. Mittal Publishers, B-2/19-B, Lawrence Road, Delhi-35. Price: Rs. 65.

An off-beat book providing stimulating reading. Written by a physicist, this realise analyses the insights of the seers of the Upanishad from the point of view of modern science. He corroborates Sri Aurobindo’s observation that there is not a single major concept in modern human knowledge that cannot be traced to some utterance of the Upanishad.

The author draws parallels between Maxwell’s Demon and Other Modes of Thought in the Upanishads; so too the importance given to Will in the thought of Schopenhauer and kamain the older Upanishads, e. g., Brihadaranyaka, Chhandogya, etc. Most interesting is the chapter on Schrodinger’s analysis of evolution, identity and continuity of existence which closely corresponds to the accounts of “creation” and growth, the revelation of tat tvam asi, and the doctrine of karma working across births in the Upanishads.

There is a vigorous discussion of the social and political aspects of the older society as evident from narratives in the Upanishads The position of women, the rise of Kshatriya power and the affirmative character of approach to life in the age of the Upanishads are well argued. Special mention may be made of the discussion on Quantum Mechanics and Free Will, the principle of emergent evolution underlined in the texts and the close affinity of the modern concept of superman to the vijnana maya purusha of the Taittiriya.

We do look forward to further studies by the author in the same line. A positive contribution to a fresh evaluation of older thought.

–M. P. PANDIT

Ananda-tandava of Siva-Sadmrttamurti: By Karoil V. Zvelebil. Institute of Asian Studies, Tiruvanmiyur, Madras - 600 041. Price: Rs. 30.

The Nataraja concept is one of the glories of Hinduism. It has inspired superb devotional literature and ineffable bronze images. Here, in this book, a Czech scholar of Tamil studies the concept and comes to a few interesting conclusions.

It, or parts of it, is very ancient, going to the Indus civilisation. The belief incorporates features from many “levels” of Indian civilisation. The iconographic feature of the “Ananda­tandava”, or the dance of bliss, is chiefly a Tamil development. It appears first in the early phase of the bhaktimovement, dated 550-600 A.D. Its connection with the Chidambaram temple, its most famous and best known locale, also is of about the same period. The meaning of the concept is “enigmatic”, but it may perhaps be interpreted as a dance “expressive of the polarity of oppositions, of the conjunction of opposites and the resolution of contradictions.” In the final analysis, however, the meaning is, and must remain, a “mystery.”

Mr Zvelebil, as a rigorous scholar at home in many disciplines of Tamil studies, argues his case powerfully, even with some panache. But two facts detract from its value in the eyes of the Indian reader. He bases himself on some German treatises on the Chidambaram temple which are not accessible to us here. Secondly, he calmly assumes some ideas as if they had been fully proved, whereas they are still matters of controversy.

An example of the latter is his assertion that the Thevaram hymns were redacted under Kulottunga I. The general belief, popular but not, therefore, necessarily unhistorical, is that it was under Rajaraja I that the great event took place. A later view is that it was, in fact, under Aditya I, But Dr Zvelebil calmly takes it forward to Kulottunga I.

Since we in India have no, or at least no easy, access to the German treatises on which Dr. Zvelebil relies, it would have been helpful if he had at least summarised their conclusions. The quota­tions he provides are not enough.

These apart, the monograph deals ably with many aspects of a difficult scholarly question. The publishers and an effusive foreword on the scholarship of the author. But the monograph speaks for itself.
–N. S. RAMASWAMI

The Krishna Cycle in the Puranas: Themes and motifs in a heroic saga: By Benjamin Precido-Solis, Motilal Banarsidass, Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7. Price: Rs. 150.

After a close examination of opinions of Indologists regarding the antecedents of the Krishna figure, and the identity of Krishna in the Rigveda and the Puranic Krishna, the author concludes that the true legendary Krishna was referred to for the first time in the Chandogya Upanishad. He was then only a preacher of selfless action, but was later on conceived as a hero, God, and all the three combined in one. Patterns of themes and motifs in hero-stories in folklore throughout the world, and methods of investigations adapted by eminent folklorists are described, compared and presented in the form of tables also. The author formulates his own pattern and compares the legends of Krishna as found in the Mahabharata, Harivamsa, Vishnupurana, Bhagavatam, Ghatajataka and Balacharita, a Sanskrit drama of Bhasa.

The main contribution of the author however lies in his comparison of some basic themes of Krishna legend, viz., Krishna as a miraculous child, a cosmic child, the hero as strong man, the wrestler, the great lover, the great eater and slayer of the dragon, with those of the famous hero Hercules. Raasaleela also is taken into account.

A second and more valuable contribution is the inclusion of 75 plates, photos of icons depicting Krishnaleelas with a detailed explanation, facilitating an easy understanding and appreciation of the sculptures, some of which are from Java also. This feature adds to the value of the book. One cannot adequately thank the author for the labour he has put in for collecting rich material, literary, sculptural and historical and the publishers Messrs Motilal Banarsidass for publishing such valuable books. This is a model work for research in follkore in particular and com­parative religion in general.
–“SANDILYA”

Indian Philosophy–Nyaya Vaiseshika and Modern Science: By Mrs. Aruna Goel. Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi -110 016. Price: Rs. 100.

This book, a doctoral thesis, deals with the origin and develop­ment of the systems of Nyaya and Vaiseshika in a historical way. Theory of Puranas (Epistemology), Padarthas (Categories), Nature of the Physical World, Theory of Causation, and Conception of the Atman and Moksha as expounded in the Nyaya and Vaise­shika systems of philosophy are some of the important topics covered. The last chapter gives a summary and an assessment of the system. The tenets and concepts of this system are compared with those of Samkhya Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Bauddha and Jaina systems and with those of modern Western logic and sciences wherever possible and this feature is the main contribution of this thesis. The appendix explains “Atomism in Science.” The author asserts that “The modern Western theory of realism, idealism and pragmatism is based on Gangesa’s treatment of the epistemological problems of validity of knowledge and criteria of truth. Hence, the discoveries made by the physical sciences are neither an advance upon the joint system (that is Nyaya Vaiseshika), nor are they fundamentally different from it.

Inclusion of examples for fallacies described on page 55 “Savyabhichari”, etc., and quotations in original Sanskrit, instead of mere references to the texts in question, will certainly add to the value and usefulness of the work as a ready reference book.           

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

Basic Theosophy–The Living Wisdom: By Geoffrey Hodson. The Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar, Madras - 20. Price: Not mentioned.

The founders of the Theosophical Society by their researches in occult sciences corroborated and reinforced many of the teachings and beliefs of Hinduism, so much so a reader of books on Theosophy feels that they are but commentaries on Hinduism. Theosophists also opened the eyes of modern scientists and non­believers not only to new horizons and worlds unseen by physical eye, but also to new researches like E. S. P. and clairvoyance, etc. This wonderful book explains in 16 chapters the basic ideas of Theosophy, in an analytical, and clear manner. Books of all major religions, for example, Bhagavadgita, Puranas, Upanishads, The Bible and Buddhistic works are quoted. Latest findings of modern sciences are also referred to Teachings of Theosophy, if understood properly must be conducive to the achievement of universal brotherhood and relieve tension in the modern world.

“God and man are one and indivisible throughout all eternity. This is the one Supreme Truth, taught in all mystery schools and in all religions”, proclaims Theosophy. Explanations of the concepts of Jivatma, Manas, Buddhi, Sutratma, causal body and astral bodies are excellent. Chapters dealing with Karma, Reincar­nation, free will and determinism and Chakras in human body are brilliant.

A close study of chapters on Man’s super-sensory powers, Man’s cosmic powers, Planetary and solar evolution, pathway to hastened attainment, and perfected humanity will surely give a guidance to any reader to “know himself”.

This book must be studied by all those who are after internal peace and external harmony in life.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO

1. Life and Times of Maharaja Ananda Gajapati: By Dr. A. V. D. Sarma, M. R. College, Vizianagaram. Price: Not mentioned:
2. Poosapati Ananda Gajapati Raju: By Dr. V. V. B. Rama Rao, M. R. College, Vizianagaram. International Telugu Institute, Hyderabad - 7. Price: Rs. 7.

After the historic battle of Padmanabham (1794) the political activities of the Rajahs of Vizianagaram ended and they turned from politics to poetics. Among the Zamindars who liberally patronised art and literature Ananda Gajapati stands as a “peerless prince”, peerless both in brain and brawn power. Though the two monographs are on the same person, they differ in their focus.

Dr. Sarma’s monograph, divided into ten chapters, gives a historical account not only of the varied achievements of Ananda Gajapati but also of his ancestors. Thereby the author covers a wider period than what the title signifies. Three chapters, however, provide interesting narration of Ananda Gajapati’s patronage of literature, music, drama and fine arts. In the chapter on “Nationa­lism and Social Reform” the author had little to say on the nationalist activities of the Raja except a reference to his friendship with Surendranath Banerjee and donation for the construction of Indian Association Office Building. The references given at the end of each chapter and the appendices containing Poosapati Geneology, verses on Ananda Gajapati and the bibliography given at the end should prove useful to researchers.

Dr. V.V. B. Rama Rao’s monograph is a penetrating analysis of the multi-faceted personality of Ananda Gajapati. The arrange­ment of the chapters is well-conceived and sustains the interest of the reader. Dr. Rao first narrates the Banares tradition of Hindu culture which Ananda Gajapati inherited from his father and then lucidly described in the following three chapters the literary patronage of “Abhinava Andhra Bhoja.” The author struck the right note in stating that Ananda Gajapati was “a man of the highest attainments, an ardent lover of learning, a born prince who had a taste for the best and the highest in everything. The Raja “was secular and respected all religions”. The monograph is enriched by the inclusion of relevant extracts from Ananda Gajapati’s letter to Francis D. A. O. Wolfe-Murry for the inclusion of the historic Vizianagaram Treaty of November 15, 1758 in Aitchson’s Treaties.

The numerous printing mistakes in Dr. Rao’s monograph very much affect its readability which otherwise is a fascinating analysis of the life and mission of Ananda Gajapati Raju.
– V. LINGAMURTY

Petals of Love: By Praharaj Satyanarayan Nanda; Translated from Oriya by Rajendra Prasad Acharya. For Copies: R. P. Acharya, Orissa Jagannath & Co., Cultack-2. Price: Rs. 5.
“It is not growing like a tree /In bulk” says the poet that noble nature is found, because “A lily of a day /Is fairer far in May.” The first literary dictator in English literature concludes his little but wisdom-laden poem saying, “In small proportions we just beauties see; And in short measures life may perfect be.” When one reads the thirty-one page, slender book of poems called “Petals of Love” one cannot but recollect the words of Ben Jonson.

This booklet is a lily of a day. The English translation which is under review unfailingly conveys the lilt and music of the original. The translations are prose-poems. In the words of Dr Madhu Upadhyay, “What fascinated me about these small poems was the almost childlike innocence and wonder through which the poet seems to explore the mystic grandeur of nature, mythology and sometimes common human situations. The obvious influence of Bhagavadgita and our ancient and revered scriptures, thoughts and insights are much in evidence in most of the poems. “By way of an example, I would like to quote a small poem from the book titled: Child. It runs as follows:

Whereas I am made humbled and subdued
By his pranks and smiles
The sky is reduced to insignificance
By his two tiny hands.
–V. V. TONPE

The Blue Convertible: By Prema Sastri Writers’ Workshop, Lake Gardens, Calcutta-45. Price: Rs. 40.

This bunch of eighteen short stories really hold good for a great promise for the future of short story writing. What was formerly considered necessary from the point of view of technique has been given up and a new way of satisfying the needs of literary enjoyment provided in its stead. Most of the stories have little of events to stir our imagination but at the same time the imaginative reader has plenty to subsist upon for reflection and sympathy. Conventional themes are nowhere found in this collection and the writing too savours more of a kind of skit or sketch. Perceptivity so essential for making the short story whirl on its axis is rife here with very often attracting the reader’s engagement in learning the purpose tobe inconclusive ending. Still, the stories have a fascination of their own with imageries of an original type and psychological analysis of the human heart as worth any amount of understanding. It is a matter for congratulation also that in the Writers’ Workshop Series this volume is free of proof errors to a great extent.
–K.C.

What a View: By Kewlian Sio. Writers’ Workshop, Calcutta-45. Price: Rs. 40.

Anil, a college student, goes to a hill station for a holiday. He is a poet, writes poetry in his head, and an amateur artist. The book is about his acquaintance with Anil Gupta, a professional artist, Victoria, Anil Gupta’s niece Tina, and Mukul. The subject is too flimsy for a novel. It is neither a short novel nor a long story. Neither incident nor character is developed. Characteri­sation is sketchy. Only fragments of character and experience are presented. One does not get the feeling of going through a novel. Though the get-up, printing, etc., bear the mark of quality of W. W. publication, the price, however, seems to be on the higher side.
–PARVATHI

In Memory of Khasa Subba Rau (1896-1961): 90th Birthday Souvenir. Edited and published by P. Vaman Rao, “Rock House”, 42, Journalists’ Colony, Road No-3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500034.

It is over 25 years since Khasa Subba Rau, founder-editor of Swatantraand Swarajya passed away (on 16 June 1961) at the age of 65. He belonged to an era of Indian journalism, in which its practitioners had had their professional baptism well before the attainment of India’s political independence. In fact, many of the journalists of the day had taken an active part in the Indian struggle for independence, without reaping the fruits thereof at a personal level. It is, therefore, difficult to say how Khasa would have felt in the present atmosphere, under a different value system from his own.

A happy thought indeed it was which had impelled Mr. P. Vaman Rao, (Khasa’s son-in-law, who has a striking flair for public relations, in addition to a creditable record of experience in journalism) to bring out a souvenir, worthy of the great journalist. The volume, well-edited and well-produced, has emerged as a fine collection of articles, reflecting a complex and compelling personality, which remained memorable in the minds of readers, as also friends and acquaintances. They include a wide variety of contributions, of undoubted quality – reminiscences of friends and colleagues, like N. Raghunathan, K. Iswara Dutt, Bhikku, S. Narayanaswamy, V. K. Narasimhan, and others and tributes from leaders of public life, like Prof. N. G. Ranga, C. D. Deshmukh and K. Brahmananda Reddi. The “Lines from a daughter” are about the most sensitive and touching, among the reminiscences.

What is even more valuable is the section presenting a selection of Khasa’s own writings, from his deeply cherished “Sidelights” column. They deal with abstract subjects like “Love”, “Loyalty” “Happiness”, “Fairness”, “Discipline”, besides sharp profiles of personalities like Gandhi, Jinnah, M. S. Subbalakshmi, Rukmini Devi, D. P. Roychoudhury and Harindranath Chattopadhyaya.

The album of group photographs, showing Khasa with his professional colleagues at home and abroad, is not the least enjoyable part of this impressive volume.

It is also heartening to note that a new journal. New Swatantra Times (under the editorship of Mr. P. S. Rangaswamy) is launched to keep the Khasa heritage alive in our public life.
–D. ANJANEYULU

SAMSKRIT - ENGLISH

The Lotus that lasts: By Dr. I. Panduranga Rao. Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Satsangam, 759, Sector IV, Ramakrishnapuram, New Delhi - 1l0 022. Price not mentioned.

This precious little book contains Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Satanaama Stotram in Samskrit in Devanagari script. All the 108 names are again given separately and commented upon in lucid English. A short and sweet introduction in elegant and often poetic style elucidates the significance and symbolism of some select names, repetition of the word “Namah” in six places, and Goddess Lakshmi’s association with the lotus flower. The learned author declares that the Goddess of Sri Suktam has assumed a more fascinating form of the lotus-lady in the present scripture. A clear and beautiful photo of Gajalakshmi carved on eastern torana gateway, Satavahana, second century B. C. Sanchi and included herein is highly-imposing.
–“SANDILYA”

TELUGU - ENGLISH

Saint Tyagaraja’s Pancharatna Kritis: Edited by I. Kameswara Rao. Swadharma Swaarajya Sangha, 95 Broadway, Madras-600 001.

This brochure contains the five famous Kritis of Tyagaraja, in English known by the name “Pancharatnas”. The editor, a Radio artist in classical music, gives a summary of each Kriti in English. In a short introduction, significance or number five and variety of the contents of the five Kritis are pointed out. The word “Jaanaki praana naayaka” is translated as mere “Consort of Jaanaki” “Sugunaakara” as cause of virtues. Wry are these Kritis only called “Ratnas?” An inquisitive reader expects an answer.

–B. K. RAO

TELUGU

Acharya Vinoba: By Josyula Suryanarayana Murty. Gandheya Samaja Seva Samiti, Gandhi Kshetra, Avanigadda - 521 123. Price: Rs. 10.

Vinoba hailed from a family of scholars imbued with the spirit of Veda and Indian classics and the mantle of scholarship came down naturally to him. What is more, he emerged as a great universal thinker and philosopher. His philosophy was pragmatic and social­oriented. He believed in Nirvana for the entire humanity and not for an individual. Nirmana Karma (Constructive activity) as distinguished from Nishkama Karma was his credo. As the first individual Satyagrahi chosen by Mahatma, as a freedom-fighter, founder of Paunar Ashram, crusader for peace, Bhudan and reform of criminals and above all as a spiritualist - scholar, Vinoba was a legend in his lifetime and continues to inspire the nation. His work and message has universal acceptance.

In this comprehensive and impassioned biography the author shows great skill in collection, arrangement and delineation of the biographical material. The style is elegant and lucid at once. On the whole it is a biography that engages and enlightens.

–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY