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Reviews on my books / माझ्या पुस्तकांवरील अभिप्राय
Reviews on my books / माझ्या पुस्तकांवरील अभिप्राय
Empire of the Gods
'This book gives a light to your intellectual sight and clears out the vision which is quite necessary to be done for the youth in the current scenario. I think this book is a must read for everyone as it introduces a very intense topic in a very light and cosy manner. The book doesn’t create boredom and keeps going with the flow that remains uninterrupted with the flowing narration.'
VAIDEHI SHARMA, readingdelight21.wordpress.com
***
The author does an incredible job of weaving a tale that reads more like a myth than a book of religious teaching. He describes things so clearly that it is easy to picture exactly what is going on, which makes the story feel all the more real. Regardless of one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, the words of Krishna are ones that all should have exposure to. Rajendra Kher has made this exposure possible in “Song of Salvation.”
DANIELLE FELICIANOfor Reader Views
***
About The Song of Salvation
'The story was difficult for me to work through, but only because I was unfamiliar with this philosophy and many of the people involved. Yet, I found it very rewarding. Detachment, and the pursuit of duty for duty’s sake, has much merit behind it. Perhaps the greatest compliment this book can be given is for a reader to be sparked to begin contemplating the Bhagavad-Gita itself. I, for one, will do so.'
JEREMY M. HOOVER, BIJ May/June 2004
***
My interview by Mr. Vishnu Chevli. Follow the link given below to read it.
VISHNU CHEVLI, http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/12/meet-veteran-author-rajendra-kher.html
***
Enakshi J on Amazon
3.0 out of 5 stars A good reading experience
Reviewed in India on 8 December 2019
Inspired by the Brihatkatha that has been lost in the pages of the Indian History, Udayan is a story about the king Udayan- the descendant of the Pandavas. A peace lover by nature, king Udayan prefered to indulge in art and literature than fight wars and become a part of the bloodshed. Hence, soon the reins of the empire begin slipping from his grip. Foreshadowing the rise of another promising hero who would restore back the glory of the kingdom, this book narrates a tale that switches between the actions of the two protagonists.
**
4.0 out of 5 stars One time read for people interested in Mythology
Reviewed in India on 13 November 2019 on Udayan
First off, I really liked how the author has taken a completely different and unique story from the mythology and the way he has explained the backgrounds of the story through Gunadya. The book was a little slow-paced and it was difficult for me to get connected to the characters at first but once done, it was a delightful read for me. The cover of the book is eye-catching, the authors writing style is simple and even for a beginner, this wouldn't be a difficult read. Overall this was a nice read and would recommend this book for people interested in mythology.
**
Reviewed in India on 10 November 2019
This is a story of a great king Udayan, decedent of the great Pandava. His huge kingdom Vatsa spread across the country and was the biggest in Bharat.
Udayan always knew he will be a king one day. He was educated by the best to be a great warrior and to be the best statesmen, one who to truly conceal his feelings. In spite of this great education, his passion was in music. His soul belonged in his ‘Veena’ and with the Goddess of Music. He was so into his music that over a period of time, his vast empire started to shrink. His attention towards his work decreased and all the state affairs were managed by his Prime Minister.
The story is also of Udayan’s loyal people, his Prime Minister Yaugandharayan, Army General Rumanwan and his court Jester, Vasantak.
The writing style is simple, yet impactful. The story flows beautifully and all the events are arranged really well. The descriptions are really vivid and really connects well with the reader. All the characters are created beautifully. Each character has a strong place in the story and grow as the story moves.
If you are a lover of mythology, you will truly love this book.
**
Udayan - One time read
Reviewed in India on 7 November 2019
India is a storehouse of stories in all forms of literary art. The stories are well known for the beauty of the language and the layered wisdom. While there are many which are known to us, there are many others which have been lost to various reasons. The Forgotten Pandava is an effort to revive what is remaining of a classic epic called Bruhatkatha.
The Forgotten Pandava is introduced as the story of King Udayan. Udayan is a descendant of the Pandavas whose fame and glory is eulogized in the epic, Mahabharatha. Udayan is not the typical king, fighting and waging wars but one who loves peace and indulges in art more than the kingdom's matters. Under such a king, it is natural that the empire shrinks in size, bare enough to maintain respect. Hence, it becomes necessary for somebody to takes the reins to bring back the empire to its former glory. Yaugandharayan fits the bill and he executes a plan which accomplishes the mission.
Though the book is titled The Forgotten Pandava, the book eulogizes the actions of Yaugandharayan. The book switches between etching the character of Udayan, straightforward and carving the schemes of Yaugandharayan in the backdrop.
The narration is a reminiscence of the numerous mythological re-tellings available today. The story has nothing fresh and will interest only those who have genuine interest in mythology and mythological re-tellings. Thus the effort to revive interest on an epic Bruhatkatha fails.
Overall, a book to taste.
**
S. V. Swamy, YahooGroups.Swamyreviews - Review of Song of Salvtion
Translated by G. V. Khare / ISBN Zumaya Edition 1-894869-99-0/ Asian Edition 81-88885-01-0
Publisher: Zumaya Publications, US
Asian Edition by Vihang Prakashan /Year of Publication 2003
Price US $ 15, Rs.250/-
Available in Print, eBook formats from Zumaya,
The Song of Salvation is a novelized version of Bhagawad Gita, literally meaning God's Song, a part of Mahabharata, the Great Indian Epic. Gita, as it is popularly called was a dialogue between Krishna, the God in the human form and Arjuna, the great Pandava Prince and a great warrior. The original Gita is in the form of 700 Slokas (verses) in Sanskrit, divided into eighteen chapters. The dialogue took place on the battlefield of KURU KSHETRA, a big plain named after King Kuru in present day Haryana, a state near Delhi, after whom the dynasty of Kauravas was named. Another meaning of Kuru is 'to do'. So, Kuru Kshetra also means the Field of Action. And it is this dual meaning that is the starting point of a series of wonderful symbolisms, that convey very deep esoteric meanings and take us to the highest peaks of philosophy, knowledge of one's true Self.
The book generally follows the setting in Mahabharatha, though at a few places, the author seems to have taken a few liberties with the original version. Like when he wrote on page 123, "Seeing irritation on his friend's face, Arjuna quieted" implying that Krishna was subject to common human emotions. Ofcourse, such liberties are allowed in a work of fiction and Rajendra Kher is quick to point out that his book is exactly that.
The book portrays vividly the social conditions of a period of history nearly 5000 years old. The characters of Arjuna, Dhrutarashtra, Draupadi, Krishna etc. are portrayed in good detail. The descriptions of the battle field, the place of dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna etc., are quite good and with a little imagination the reader can mentally go to that time and be there, like Sanjaya who was given the gift of Divine Vision.
The author generally uses good analogies and metaphors to convey the esoteric philosophical secrets of Gita. But the clarity is fluctuating and is lucid at some places and obtruse at others. The analogy, "No matter how much water is poured into an upside-down pitcher, the pitcher does not hold water." on page 49, is inappropriate since one cannot pour water into an upside down pitcher. Probably a better analogy would have been a pitcher with a hole in the bottom would never get filled. Because Arjuna was without Sraddha, Faith, Krishna's words did not register and take effect.
Rajendra Kher's attempt at novelizing Gita is to be praised. In English language, this type of presentation of Gita is certainly new. The reviewer received the Asian Edition printed in India and so all the comments given below, including the quality of printing etc. apply to that edition only. However, it is understood that the Zumaya Edition and the Asian Edition share the same .pdf file, so the printing errors may be common to both.
The first impression when I got the book in hand was that print quality is satisfactory, not great. The book has a good sprinkling of typographic and style errors, which generally do not distort the meaning. However, they do distract the reader and covey an impression that pre-press work could have been done more carefully.
One exception - the word Brahma is used for Brahman at a number of places on Page 229 and 231, and unless the reader has prior exposure to Gita, confusion will result. It may be clarifed that Brahma is one of the Three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Brahman on the other hand, is used to represent the ultimate Soul, Paramatma, also called ParaBrahma, to differentiate from Brahma. Brahma has a definite life span, Brahman doesn't, since Brahman is the Principle of Eternal Reality.
The reviewer had a fairly good exposure to the teachings of Gita and so certainly enjoyed the refresher course provided by Rajendra Kher in this novel form. However, for a new reader, the concepts are not easy to understand and at places, the going becomes heavy. Also, the author has not given a basis for some of the philosophical statements made. He could have given a list of Commentaries on Gita that he perused for this endeavor.
Readers without prior exposure to Gita may have difficulty in coping with the Indian names. And some of the terms used could have been defined or explained with the help of foot-notes or a Glossary at the end of the book. And an index at the end, connecting the chapters of Gita to the chapters in this book would have been welcome. A biographical note about the original Author has been given, but not that of the translator, Mr.Khare. It would have been a welcome addition.
The book will definitely interest those who would like to know the concepts of Gita but would not like to take up learned commentaries right now. It would also refresh their memory if they had studied it long ago.
A good effort.
**
Review by Jade Blackmore
The Song Of Salvation By Rajendra Kher
ISBN: 1-894869-99-0
Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction
Zumaya Publications Formats: Trade Paperback, PDF, Palm PDF,Lit, hiebook KML
Based on the Bhagavad-Gita, the most revered work of Indian literature, Rajendra Kher's "novelazation" of the conversations between Krisna the reluctant warrior Arjuna. Kher's prose breathes life into this tale of .Rher has written several other books, including "The Victory" and "Gita-For Day To Day Life (co-authored by his wife Seemantini), and this is his most ambitious undertaking yet.
Arjuna, the archer sets out to battle his enemies in Kurushestra. As he prepares to take on his peoples' enemies Krishna counsels him and the spiritual tug of war ensues within Arjuna. The very nature of war and life ponders as he takes the battlefield watching his comrades and the opposing soldiers die.
Kher's prose brings Arjuna and Krishna into current context and makes the struggle understandable. Krishna says war is only the mechanism through which these sins die you've shown sympathy for the families and friends who'v taken up arms against you, but what about the family who have taken up arms with you? Have you thought of them?" The wisdom of the Bhagavad-Gita is interspersed between descriptions of Arjuna's battles and reveals the nature of karma-yoga, divine and demonic natures. Krishna accompanies Arjuna on his travels as his charioteer, guiding through dense forests and past the Ganges. When the ravages of war prove too much for Arjuna, Krishna reminds Arjuna of his duty to his family and the people of Pandava. Arjuna overcomes his initial trepidation, and fights well for his people with Krishna's help and advice.
"The Song Of Salvation" is a good introduction to Indian literature for the novice as its fiction style is more palatable to many initiates than the original text
**
Review by Dr.Archana Degaonkar
THE SONG OF SALVATION
By Rajendra Kher
Zumaya Publications, Burnaby, B.C. Year 2003
Trans. By G. V. Khare
‘Song of Salvation’ is the English translation of the famous Marathi novel—‘Geetambari’ written by Rajendra Kher. A novelised version of the Bhagavad-Gita—the sacred of the Hindus; it is bold and unique attempt to present the philosophical content of the Geeta in a literary form. The Prologue tells us that the book is “based on the philosophy of the Geeta and is woven from various interesting episodes, stories and relevant characters that provide a vivid spectrum of the ancient people and their lives, their customs and different ways of behaviour.” (p. 10)
The infinite intricate and expansive story of the epic has been succinctly summarised in the Prologue. This was needed because the novel includes several references to various incidents and stories from the Mahabharata the true appreciation of which presupposes prior knowledge of the epic. Some important popular elements however; seem to have been omitted from this account. No mention of Sri Krishna is made when Draupadi is disrobed in the Kaurava Court. Perhaps the author wants to rule out the divine element from the narrative to make it sound more rational.
Being inextricably bound with the epic Mahabharata itself creates a formidable challenge fro any novelised account of the Geeta, which is not an isolated treatise. The commencement of the great Mahabharata war is the starting point of this profoundly philosophical text. This has both positive and negative aspects from the point of literary presentation of the Geeta.
The backdrop of the complex characters and events in the epic offers loads of emotionally stirring material almost ready to hand, on the positive side. The drama of human relationships unfolds even as the far rages on. The author has made intelligent and competent use of this material. The incident of Kunti meeting Gandhari is presented beautifully and cannot fail to touch the reader.
“Both of them choked with emotion, they warmly embraced and clasped their hands like white clouds in the sky merging. For a long time no one spoke, their silence more expressive than any words. Neither of them bothered to hide their tears. Gandhari’s soaking the cloth binding her eyes.” (p.258)
The description of the pious, age-worn Kunti and righteous Gandhari is skilfully accomplished.
The author has been compelled to take a few liberties to prepare a novelised form of the Geeta. One obvious difficulty about the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna is as follows: Where and how do they manage to converse at such length on a battleground? The author has a practical albeit unrealistic solution offer. War is suspended indefinitely till Arjuna is ready and all set for the battle. Krishna and Arjuna discuss the pros and cons of fighting the war in a leisurely manner near the Jyotisara lake while armies of both the sides wait patiently!
It appears that undue emphasis has been laid upon the theme of ‘insult to wife.’ (see p.49) Perhaps it is the demand of the novel. But novels are guided by ‘dehabuddhi’ (body-awareness) and a philosophical-religious text like Geeta is inspired by ‘Atmabuddhi.’ (soul-awareness)
In the Geeta Krishna seeks to mobilise Arjuna through metaphysics and not through an appeal to the feeling of revenge. Not once in the Geeta does one find reference to the theme of avening Draupadi’s humiliation. Rather, Krishna advises Arjuna to carry out his warrior’s mission in a detached spirit with calm and equable mind.
**
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