Book Reviews

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ABHINAYA DARPANAM OF NANDIESWARA: Dr P.S.R.Appa Rao, Flat 101, Sriram Nivas, 1-9-629, Joshi Marg, Near Ramnagar Gundu,Hyderabad 500044; pp 534+40; US $ 15

This is a translation, with a word to word meanings, substance and comments of the Sanskrit text. Abhinaya Darpanam, of Nandikeswara.  Bharata’s Natya Sastra and Nandikeswara’s Abhinaya Darpanam are two of most referred to texts for any artiste in any Indian form of dance.

Dr Appa Rao’s earlier translation into Telugu of both these standard treatises have been well received.  In order to reach out to non-Telugu or non-Sanskrit knowing artist, Dr Appa Rao has translated this into English.  There can be no better equipped and qualified person to do this important job other than Dr.P.S.R.Appa Rao.  His erudition, scholastic career in various teaching and administrative position, and his keen interest in dramatics and dance and also the various authoritative texts published by him put him in a class apart from others.

And Dr Appa Rao had done a creditable job of this important work taken upon himself.  As he himself says, there are some difference between the Natya Sastram and Abhinaya Darpanam which may create confusion in the minds of the reader and he included additional information by way of comments to explain the difference and the similarities in both the texts.  Of the several texts on Abhnaya Darpanam, the author has obviously chosen the one by Tiruvenkatacharya of Nidamangalam, translated into Telugu, which itself was translated later by Dr Ananda coomaraswamy into English. 

He has also included several interesting and illuminating pieces on Ashta rasa abhinayam, Dasavatara abhinayam for Jayadeva GEETHA GOVINDAM and abhinayam for various aspects such as for colours, mountains, vedas, shattantras, seasons, numbers, tenses, tastes, musical notes, ragas etc., which greatly enhance the values of this book to the users.

A remarkable work which deserves to be cherished and kept as a constant reference work by the side.
            -Vemaraju Narasimha Rao
“That’s what I said”; Dr. C. Narayana Reddy; Viswabhana , Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033; Rs.200/-

Dr C. Narayana Reddy is a multi splendoured personality. He is a poet critic, lyricist, translator, Administrator and a reputed orator.  He is the recipient of numerous prestigious Awards and to crown all the Bharatiya Jnanapeeth Awards.  He is a scholar-academic saddled with administration.

He held important positions like Vice-Chancellar of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University, Potti Sriramulu Teugu University and at present he is the Chairman Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Council.  He is also the nominated member of the Rajya sabha.

He is a versatile writer with over 70 published works. His forte is his style in whatever he said or did, a style that made people admire him from a distance.

The present Book ‘That’s What I Said’ is an anthology of his speeches on various occasions.

In his speech delivered as Jnanapeeth Award presentation in 1989, he has said that his Viswambhara is ‘Manavopanishat’ and man is the hero of the poem.

While receiving the Assam Valley Literary Award, he said “I always visualise our country as a mighty tree with haritha soundarya – beauty of greenness Branches are the state and twigs are the languages”, the hile speaking in a seminar on HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, he recited a few lines of his Telugu poem in the English translation:

“If not sharpened
 Will the word or dagger shine?
 If not emerged rubbing the Eastern Mountain
Will the sun get that light?
If sinks down in the sheath
Not only the knife but the very sheath gets rusted?”

In his speech on Issues and problems in translation in modern Indian languages with particular reference to Telugu, he said:

“Petals are numerous, Yet lotus is one
Linguistics are many, yet India is one
Gems are multi-coloured, yet necklace is one
States are various, yet flag is one”

According to me, a translation should read as a contemporary of the original and should read like an original work.

In a seminar-cum-workshop on Education Broadcast, he referred to knowledge as follows-

“The seed of knowledge is the origin of creation.
Eternal radiance of consciousness
Is the cause of earth’s revolution. 
Though birds close their wings,
Though beasts swore in deep sleep
Though hissings are dumb in ant hills
Though trees are lost in slumber.
Knowledge is ever awake undimmed its luster?”

While addressing a meeting on “The Ideal society in Swamy Vivekananda’s view,” he said “The voice of Vivekananda is universal, it is the abode of heart of Vedanta is ever fresh”.

This admirable book remains relevant and pointedly contemporaneous.

This volume is a collection his selected speeches on various occasions besides two interviews.

Dr. C. Narayana Reddy can rightly be called the culture czar of India.

This exquisite volume is beautifully printed and the book may easily be a worth while addition to the lover if literature and knowledge.
                - Dr. J. Hanumant Sastry, Cuddapah.

THE NATIVITY THEME IN SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY POETRY: Dr G. Aruna Devi; D.R.W. College, GUDUR; pp 195; Rs 250/-

This season, when I joined the many a faithful in singing carols, some of which went like this: “AWAY IN A MANGER”, “SEE IN YOUNDER THE MANGER”, “ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS CITY” etc, etc, also gave me an opportunity to intense read and relate to Dr.  Aruna Devi’s book “The Nativity Theme in sixteenth and seventeenth Century Poetry.”

Dr.  Aruna brings the best out from some of the poetry on nativity theme to a passionate reader like me.  If only a composer had found it possible, these poems could have become meaningful and popular carols.  But, then, it might be that the “Poetic Purity” of the immortals’ passionate poems would have to be compromised so as to fit into church music.  Worshiper’ loss hence is scholars’ gain.  May be the nineteenth century melody makers of West could not accept for choral singing in the church the poems which “are in particularly delicate and accomplished Hymn Royal, which is made to lend itself perfectly to abstruse exposition.”  These poems are lost to the hymn singing worshipers, perhaps because the general title is addressed to “some divinity” rather than to “a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord”.

Dr. Aruna has made it possible for us to go into “the loving activity of God, both in the eternal trinity and in Christ of Nazareth.” Further, Dr. Aruna, an erudite scholar she is, bring out the essential of Christian theology with the warmth of a Sunday School teacher and the intellectual fervour of a Bible teacher in a seminary.  Today, when Christ and His mission are missing from Christmas, when festivities lead us to market place, Dr. Aruna reminds us that “the very center of the event, meaning and composition is the Christ Child in the middle to whom all the relative details lead.”

The author has given to the world an opportunity to have a look into the fine orthodox poems on the nativity of Christ; she shares a splendid Faith with all of us by focusing our attention on a meek helpless child lying in a manger.  In these ancient poems, we hear the angelic chorus “Glory to God in the highest.” How I wish we can be enable to sing them from our pews and during our “carol rounds”

The little flock, the faithful few, would want to thank Dr. Aruna for opening their eyes to the works of yesteryears illustrious poets in these modern days of “complexity, contradictions and progress.” The common tongue will always sing from the heart.  Hope these lines from the archives will enter the soul and come out through the tongue as songs which will be music to the worshippers.  It seems a novelty, yet contain nothing but sound an honest gospel strains.
            - J. Egbert Samraj

ALL INDIA MAGAZINE: on Depression-Causes-Cure; Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, 605002; pp56; Annual Rs100/- US $10

The book under review is an All India Magazine of September 2002, published by Sri Aurobindo Ashram.  Since it is the product of Aurobindo Ashram, it is bound to be spiritual and metaphysical.  Any thought of Sri Aurobindo or the Mother will be ennobling and takes the reader to a higher plane of thought, to attain bliss.

This issue is devoted to Depression, cause and cure, a subject very relevant these days. Modern treatment for depression is rather prolonged for years. And people are afraid of prolonged treatment in modern medicine for its side effects.

As already mentioned, the process is transcendental. The Mother’s thought about the cause of depression and various related aspects are given in 3 parts and the cure in 5 parts.      

According to the Mother, faith in Divinity, strong will-power and self confidence are essential to win over the depression. Depression is a sign of weakness, of a bad will some where, and bad will in the sense of refusal to receive help and a kind of weakness that is content to be weak.  She says that one can develop a strong will by entering into deeper consciousness.  This state can be achieved through Yoga.  With firm, divine faith, one can surmount any kind of difficulties. Her advice is: forget about depression and go ahead with your work.  Even if it takes a long time to overcome depression, her advice is not to despair.  Positive result are assured.

“Behold, there is no night without dawn and the day is about to break when darkness is thickest.  There is no mist that the sun can not dispel, and cloud that it does not glide, no tear that it will not dry one day.”  She warns that it is very precarious to reach a stage when the person was separated on earth from his divine origin. 

In the second section, the thoughts of Sri Auobindo are presented.  He targets the Sadhaka, the obstacles he faces during Sadhana, and the disturbances he faces.  Sri Aurobindo says that the rule in Yoga is not to make the expression taken over the Sadhaka, who is cautioned not to entertain petty desires which will cause disappointment if not fulfilled.  The sadhakas should live more within.  All the confusion are caused due to ignorance.  They disappear once the full light is thrown.

“If there are always forces around, which are concerned to depress and discouraged, there are always forces above and around us which we can draw upon; into ourselves to restore, to fill up, again with strength and faith and joy and the power that preserves”            

Like any other work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, this book also requires a keen study, to understand the intricacies of peaceful living. Through Sadhana one can find peace. The book is helpful to those who are already practicing Yoga to learn more about it.
-Modali Arunchalam, Hyderabad

RAMAYANA (An abridged version in English) Justice Alladi Kuppuswamy; Chief Justice, A.P (Retd.) 3-6-226/1, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad- 500029. pp 155; Rs. 150/-

There are numerous books on the Ramayana in several Indian languages retold by the writers with addition, variations and interpretations of their own.  The book under review is not just another addition.  It is true to the original without deviation from what Valmiki wrote. English being the international language, the book will reach a wider circle of readers spread all over the world. One of the merits of the book is the simplicity of the style combined with clarity of expression.

There is sentiment in the fact that the author dedicated the book to his beloved wife, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Rama and Sita.

Over the ages, the Ramayana has produced a profound influence on the life and thought of people.  The present work is a narration of the story of Ramayana starting with Balakanda and ending with Yudhakanda.  Not a single detail is missing as the narration flows smoothly in a lucid style.

The author himself being a Sanskrit scholar, provided an annexure containing some important quotation in Devanagari script (175 Verses) with English translation. This will be an added attraction to the lovers of Sanskrit. There is no doubt that the present book will be a valuable asset to all the readers.
-I. Satya Sree
IN THE MEMORIES OF MY LOST FRIEND-A PATH OF TRANQUILITY; Vithal Babu; Abhi Graphics, Sobhana complex, Opp, HAL Gate, Balanagar, Hyderabad; pp.197

The present book written by Smt. Pandu Ranganayakamma alias Vithal Babu is an autobiographical piece of writing.  It is a candid story narrated in simple style about herself and her life-partner, Sri K.V.Rao (1947-2000), whom she considered to be a friend, philosopher and guide.  His sudden demise made her philosophical about life and put her in the mood to review her yet unforgotten past.  The author wanted to share her experiences with the reader and so the book is written in conversational style.  It renders a personal touch as she directly addresses the readers. Thus the book appears more as a personal diary.

We have a glimpse of her memories as the narration proceeds from her childhood days up to the present time in a smooth and engaging style.  She talks about her family tradition, her stay abroad, people who influenced her the sudden demise of her dear husband and life after.  It is touching to note her anguish and sorrow at the untimely tragedy. Nevertheless, she rose to the occasion and took up the responsibility of her two children and looking after her husband’s business.  She proved herself to be successful as she struck a balance between her own medical profession and entreprenuership. She cheerfully involved herself in her work so closely that she hardly has anytime to spare.

The lines soaked in tenderness in the introduction move our hearts as she faces emotional strain in keeping her two children happy by forgetting her own sorrow.  She says, “ According to our tradition as a widow, I cannot wear ‘Bindi’, but I think I have got the right atleast to have a radiant smile on my face to keep myself and my surrounding lively and make my home green for my children”.  She proves herself to be a traditional Indian woman, a loving wife and an affectionate mother. 
This being the maiden effort of the author, the language in some places in faulty with mixed up Tenses and errors in structure. However she herself modesty admits that she should have taken professional guidance. Unfortunately it was not readily available.  Despite this deficiency, the book makes an interesting reaching about the life of an earnest woman, who faced the challenges in life with remarkable courage and philosophical attitude. No price is fixed for the book
                      -I. Satya Sree

TELUGU

YETUKURU BALARAMA MURTHY VYASAVALI; Compiler-Yetukuru Pankajamma; M/s. Visalandhra Publishing House, Bank Street Hyderabad 500001; Pp 324; Rs. 75/-

This is a compilation of several articles and speeches of late Yetukuru Balarama Murthy, former Editor of the COMMUNIST and Marxist Theoritician. As several authorities in various fields have acknowledged, Balarama Murthy, was undoubtedly a great thinker and an untiring seeker- a seeker of thruth, critically examining every thing he came across irrespective of the labels, He did not hesitate to admit candidly when the communists failed to assess properly the Gandhian philosophy or misapplied the principles of Marxism. His quest for thruth drove him to the study of the Vedas and Upanishads and other religious tenets and practious. His life in prison helped him in serious study. From Nationalist worker communist organizer he was a serious thinker. His sharp intellect and insight into various theories- be these literary, religious, philosophical or sociological- is remarkably striking. His work on the History of the Andhras is considered to be an anthentic on though concise. He was truly a Marxist Maharshi, as someone called him. He was deeply hurt by the imperialist Orientalists like Willam Jones and even Max Mueller, who had very low opinion of Indian philosophy or history.

The book contains several invigorating topics such as: An introduction to Indian Philosophy; Religious influence on Telugu Literature; Vemana’s Philosophy; The concept of Atman in Hindu Philosophy; Indian studies in the Soviet Russia; Historical perspective of Andhra’s history and culture; Kant, Sartre and Sankara; Ambedkar- His life and thought ; Nagarjuna’s philosophy; and many more. Each of the essays bears the stamp of authority of Balarama Murthy and speaks volumes on his effort and intellect.

His comments on various concepts right from the Vedas, Upanishads, Charvaka’s atheism, Buddism, Jainism, the Sankhya, and Advaita of Sankara and his conclusion that Humanism is present in the spiritual quest and above all the easy readability and the simple and direct narration fascinates the reader.

His chapters on Indian studies in Russia are no less illuminating. The efforts of Indologists like Minayev, Oldenberg and others in St. Petersburg University and their findings of the many similarities between East and West are refreshing; al also the references to Robert Lenz’s translation of Kalidasa’s Vikramorvaseeyam and Sarangadeva’a Sangeetharatnakaram. References to Oldenburg’s Life of Buddha, the Bibliographica Buddha indicate the level of Russian study of Hindu scriptures and philosophy. Prof. Sherbatsky even came to India and learned from two Hindu pandits in Mithila more about Sanskrit language and Tarka Sastra spending 16 hours a day.

The author recollects his meeting with that great scholars critic and historian the late Mallamapalli Somasekhara sarma with a request that he write a preface to his book.  Prof Sarma while complementing him for his work, politely refused to write to forward, as his approach was that of reconciliation and author’s was of conflicting class interests.  This led Balarama Murthy to ponder over the matter and ultimately conclude that there was no basic antagonism between the concepts and that both could be complimentary. And that in essence is Balarama Murthy.

One may disagree with some of his views seen through the marxist glasses.  But one can never doubt his sincerity or commitment.  That sets apart the author from rest as a class by himself.

He makes a comment deploring that the Vedic rishis failed to take a note of the plight of the poor.  No text has any reference to this.  Perhaps, this needs to be looked in the other way.  There was not a thing the ancient did not touch in their works which covered social life.  It could therefore be that there was no class of prolitariat then, who required special consideration. There was plenty in nature for everyone and man not took from nature only that which they needed.  Natural resources were/ squandered.  The poor, as a class, obviously is the result of industrial revolution.  It is quite incomprehensible that the great sages failed to take note of this vital factor, if it really existed.

This book of essay of Balaramamurthy - and of others on him - is a remarkable one, if you are interested in a bird’s eye view of the past trends of human thought through the Ages, in the nutshell, albiet viewed from the Marxist angle.  Yet is refreshing satisfying.  A great work indeed; It deserve to be translated to English and other languages if only to understand the breadth of vision of our rishis;

A remarkable addition to one’s library to be read and re-read again and again.

                        - Vemaraju Narasimha Rao