Book Reviews

“Creating – Killing Cosmic Time” by Pronab Kumar Majumdar.A Writers Workshop Publication. Price: HardRs.140/-. FlexiRs.100/-.

The author is the editor of his international Poetry Journal entitled “Bridge-in-Making” and has four books of poems to his credit.  This is his fifth book of poems in English.

The book is a collection of very beautiful poems, all treating a variety of themes like, time, death, life, nature, the Gujarat Earthquake, Peace and so on.  But almost all the poems convey some Upanishadic truth, some message or some values of life.
“Aloneness is destiny
Loneliness is destination.
——————————
———————————
companions and crowds along the track
Are but passing winds”

In another poem, the poet says
“Inside you
Find cosmic view”

In “Quest for Peace” the poet is prophetic:

“Man is tired of going to wars not knowing
How to end the blind unscrupulous doing
—————————-“
“Preserve: Not Plunder” is one of the most beautiful poems.

“Give the tree some space
to be free to grow.
Allow the flowers some light
To blossom aright”

Poetry belongs to the realms of higher service when the poet says,

“The ambitious poet wishes the poets all
To be world conscience keepers tall
———————————————
Poetry the effective preacher is a heavenly call.”

The book can be worthy and beautiful possession of any library.

One cannot miss the visual beauty of the hardcover – “Gold-embossed, hand stitched, hand pasted and hand bound by Tulamia Mahinuddin” with handloom cloth woven and designed in India.  The book is a dedication to Professor –Poet P.Lal.  A note in the beginning of the book conveys that the printing is hand-set, hand-printed on a hand operated Indian make machine by Chandrasekhar Mondal, South Purilia, the layout and lettering being by P.Lal with a sheafter calligraphy pen. The aesthetic quality of the book with its perfect printing, layout and design has only to be seen to be believed.
      -A. Satyavathi

BHAGAVAD-GITA….treatise of self-help. A verse-to-verse English translation by Shri B S Murty, Self Imprint, F – 9, Nandini Mansion, 1-10-234, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad – 500 020, xi + 229 pp, Rs.145/-

As appropriately suggested by Shri B S Murty, Bhagavad-Gita, the profound spiritual and philosophical Hindu classic that stood the test of time, and the quintessence of the Brahma Sutras and the Upanishads, must be looked upon primarily as an effective self-help treatise for the common man, and not as a highly complex spiritual text exclusively meant for the scholar.  Then alone the great ancient classic would serve its true purpose.

Shri B S Murty has identified and marked 76 slokas (out of the total 700 slokas of the text), which in his opinion were interpolated, with vested interests and ulterior motives, probably by the priestly class, during the course of the past two millennia.  This is quite a possibility, and his argument based on the ‘sequential harmony and structural economy’ criteria, stands to reason.  For instance he cites a serious contradiction in Sri Krishna advocating, ‘disinterested action’ (Nishkama karma) for  liberation…. The very theme of the classic on one hand, and performance of rituals or fulfillment of desires on the other, pointing to probable interpolation of the latter part, concerning rituals, with vested interests.

Allegations of interpolation in ancient classics are by no means uncommon. But then interpolation during the course of time is essentially a technical aspect, often shrouded in controversy, and is a concern more for those engaged in academic research than for the common man.  Moreover, in the Gita, it is also possible that the original scheme of the text itself was that, any reference to the ritual aspect had purposely been aimed at the average mind, while the philosophical content was meant to cater to the intellectual, thus imparting to the classic its essential universality in appeal and applicability.  Lord Krishna’s postulation of the seemingly diverse, if not contradictory, paths to liberation….Knowledge, Work, Devotion, and Concentration, clearly aimed at diverse minds, serves well to illustrate the point.

The need for a broad perspective and a harmonious interpretation is a factor often stressed in the study of great classics; more so with the ancient spiritual texts, profoundly abstract and subtle in their scope and content.  In fact the numerous authoritative commentaries on these ancient classics strive hard at this very end.  This balanced approach granted, most of the ‘contradictions’ occasionally found in these texts might perhaps fizzle out into invaluable ‘supplements’.

The foregoing interpolation controversy apart, Shri B S Murty has performed a splendid job in rendering this melodious poetic translation of the Gita.  The language and the style used are simple and straightforward. ‘Bhagavad-Gita… treatise of self-help’ is an excellent simplified version of the Gita, which brings the profound classic within the grasp of the common man, thus faithfully serving its true purpose.

        -Kambhampati Krishna Prasad

TELUGU

PADHA DARSINI SRI RAMA KATHA: A Telugu translation by Dr. Somaraju Susheela (for the original compilation of Marathi discourses on Ramayana by late Lakshmibai Kelkar); Sevika Prakasan, SRI SARASWATI, 3-4-12, Nirmit Niketan Flats, Bhumanna galli, Kachiguda, Hyderabad – 500 027; pp+157; Rs.50/-.

Originally a compilation of Marathi discourses on Ramayana by late Lakshmibai Kelkar, the founder of Sevika Samiti… a national women’s voluntary organization dedicated to the spread of ethical values and spiritual awareness in the modern society, this booklet serves two significant purpose.  Firstly, these discourses present an excellent review of the highlights of the great Hindu epic Ramayana, together with an interesting comparative study of these episodes taken from its different popular versions….  Valmiki Ramayana, Tulsidas Ramayana… etc., effectively catering to the genuine need of our highly materialistic society. Secondly and more importantly, at various crucial points of her discourses, Lakshmibai clearly points at the profound relevance of the eternal values emphasized in the great epic to our modern era.

An ardent admirer of Mahatma Gandhi, Lakshmibai was influenced by Gandhiji’s ascetic life style, his views on God, ethics, politics, freedom, and women’s rights, his inspiring daily public prayers at the ashram, and his personal fondness for the great epic Ramayana and its hero Lord Rama.  Undoubtedly this factor had played its own substantial role, in providing a consolidated and meaningful direction, to her own views on these great controversial issues concerning the society, ethics, and spirituality.  Her frequent comments on the shady intricate realities behind the current Indian political system and its workings, clearly in tune with the Gandhian thought and principles, should rightly serve as an eye-opener for the unscrupulous elements in the present day politics and leadership.

Dr. Suseela deserves compliments for rendering a very pleasant and effective Telugu translation of the discourse in this booklet, with its remarkable clarify, easy-to-read language and lucid style.

Padha Darsini Sri Rama Katha, an exciting comparative study of society and ethical values during the Ramayana period (Rama-rajya) and the present day, is earnestly recommended for readers of all ages and walks of life.
   -Kambhampati Krishna Prasad

DURGA SAPTHASHATI: An English rendering by Dr. V.V.B.Rama Rao, Richa Prakashan, D-36, South Extension Part – One, New Delhi – 110 049, x + 54 pp, Rs.40

An important section of the Markandeya Purana, chapters 81 – 93, Durga Saptashati is comprised of 700 slokas or hymns in praise of the Divine Mother.  It belongs to the Tantra tradition, and is held in great reverence and high esteem by the Hindu mystic.  It speaks of the Divine Mother’s manifestations as Maha Kaali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati, presents a detailed description of her effulgent acts, and pays a splendid tribute to her supreme glory.  Each sloka of Durga Saptashati is a Mantra, and it is widely believed that recitation of the text of Durga Saptashati in itself is a very effective Mantra – Japa.  In this sense, though this English rendering does not serve the true purpose of the original Sanskrit text, it does help the common man in gaining a substantial understanding of the text.

The mystic emergence of the Divine Mother from the radiance of the Devas with the sole purpose of destroying the Demons who are too strong and otherwise invincible, her prolonged fierce battle with the Demons, praise of the Divine Mother by the Devas consequent to her slaying the Demons, followed by her blessings to the Devas, forms the theme of Durga Saptashati.  A fascinating picturesque account of the Divine Mother’s battle with the Demons is a highlight of the epic.  The reader is familiarised with the origin of a few of the multitude of names by which the Divine Mother is referred to and worshipped by her countless devotees… Aindri, Ambika, Bhavani, Brahmani, Chamundi,Chandika, Durga, Kausiki, Lalitha, Maheshwari, Narasimhi, Shivadooti, Vaishnavi, Varahi …. Etc.

In a tradition very similar to that of the other Hindu epics and puranas, Durga Saptashati too, clearly depicts the ultimate victory of knowledge over ignorance, vidya over avidya, and dharma over adharma.

Dr. Rama Rao deserves sincere appreciation for his genuine efforts at pupularisation of this great epic Durga Saptashati, through this fine English rendering.
        -Kambhampati Krishna Prasad

RHAPSODIC RAMAYAN – Vinayak Rao Vaidya, Smt. R. Shruta Keerthi Devi, Flat No.303, The Legend Apts., Narayanaguda-Hyderabad-29,  Rs.90/-

The book under review is a slim volume with sublime content – the universally known Ramayana which continues to interest and inspire the readers.  Although the subject is familiar, the treatment is original and innovative.  The story is told in simple verse which will suit the level of comprehension of even undergraduate students and at the same time command respect of the educated elite. As Prof. I.V. Chalapati Rao stated in the preface, one will be impressed with its brevity, lucidity and splendid word choice and smooth flow of words.
The book is worshipfully dedicated to Goddess Vasara Saraswathy.   It starts with supplication and meditation on Lord Ganesa – Prayer, invocation in traditional style, followed by salutation to Sage Valmiki, the first poet.

The salient features of the story are – Kaikey’s boon, the exile of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, Rama’s friendship  with Sugriva the King of Kishkindha, the slaughter of  Vali, Hanuman’s exploits in Lanka, the great war, Ravana’s death, Rama’s hesitation to receive Sita, Sita’s Fire Test and Rama’s coronation and subsequent rule.  All these incidents are compressed into a limited space.

The second part deals with specific episodes Dasaratha’s Yaga, Sita’s logical plea, Kausalya’s sorrow, the incident of Shravana, the magic Golden Deer (Maricha), Sabari’s love and Sundarakanda.  These interesting incidents start with a few sentences in prose and terminate in Verse. Prose and Verse are skillfully blended. Hanuman is given great importance.

The book is artistically produced with beautiful pictures in colour.

This book deserves to be read by all and prescribed as a text book for high school students. Incidentally, the author is a retired head-master passing his twilight years in peaceful retirement and literary pursuits.
                                  -I. Satya Sree