Reviews

The Acharya: By I. S. Madugulu. Motilal Banarsidass, Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7 Price: Rs. 80.

This is a picturesque presentation of the life of the great Acharya Sankara. There are a number of Sankara Vijayams already extant in traditional chronicling of the master-genius of Sankara­charya. The Anandagiri Sankara Vijayam the Madhaviya Sankara-vijayam and the Rajachoodmani Sankara Vijayam, to mention a few, have given the story of the philosopher’s unusual brilliance as a debater in establishing Advaita. Of course a number of miracles that happened to show him off as a special messenger of the Lord have become part of this country’s age-old beliefs. The “Lives” not only deal with the intellectual adventures of the Master but also the programme of his victorious conquests over rival philosophical systems and their originators.

The present author has deviated first in the very start, by making Padmapada, one of the four eminent disciples of Sankara, give us the story as a personal account of how he met the Master and how from stage to stage the great one achieved world-wide recognition for his unrivalled capacity to prove Advaita as the only way for self-realisation. No doubt he has not drawn much on his own imagination in the facts, though delightfully in his way of presentation he has chosen to be more attractive than all by the sheer imaginative colour invested in every detail as well as the intimacy of understanding of the philosopher’s mind and work.

Versions are there which also tell us of not merely four Mutts established by him but also that of the Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt as where the final resort of the Master concluded with establishing a Yantra near the idol of Sri Kamakshi, the presiding deity of the Mutt. Also the early stories mention of his ascending the Sarvajna Peetam at Kanchi and of his Niryana in the same place.

But so far as the author here is concerned he has had his main objective, evidently to make his readers get into the life and philosophy of Sankara with a natural attraction of it. Free from printing mistakes, it is a book to sustain its merit with any type of reader.

–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

Rabindranath Tagore: By Sisirkumar Ghose. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi-110 001. Price: Rs. 25

Among the many studies of the poet Rabindranath Tagore’s mind and art, few of them could be counted as usefully analytical and critically appreciative as this volume written by Sisirkumar Ghose. Having been closely associated with the Visvabharati University founded by Tagore and also having already to his credit more than three books upon the poet, his claim to be considered a valuable contribution to the Tagorean literature is really justified. In his Preface here, he opines how merely putting the poet on a pedestal would not be doing him justice but a revalua­tion of his mind and works after all the incense burnt, has to be seriously pursued, though any criticism should be done with a sense of responsibility and humility.

Within about a hundred and thirty pages, the author gives under nine significant titles a most satisfying study of the subject. In the chapter “Life”, there is a rapid narration of details which rarely omits the salient aspects of the poet’s earthly journey. To find a reference to a sad self-analysis in the poet’s words as: “I know I have failed and my poems have failed to reach the All” strikes one how ultimately his mind craved for the great end. Such a passage brings to our minds that the utter spiritual soul of the poet never got satisfied with earthly rewards.

“Poetry”, the next chapter, is full of eminent penetrations insights into the pourings of the poet’s heart in unimpeded flow for more than seventy years from childhood. A thorough classifica­tion of the poems, big and small, are brought under the scrutiny for precise examination and explanation. The earlier romantic moods yielded to the later profundity of heart-searching, and the author very pertinently remarks that the un-Rabindrean Rabindranath must be recognised, though the later thought in poetry as no “dalliance but a disclosure, a self-disclosure,” gains in merit. Tagore’s plays undergo a skillful critical appreciation with the result that the author’s preference of three plays: Chitrangada, Chandalika and Syamaare representative of his most Tagorean creation. The author takes us to novels, and short stories and next to the poet’s understanding of life around and society in the birth-pangs of a new revivalism, not sparing the poet for some of his ill-construed novels. No doubt the short stories, according tothe author, in a field of much competition, convince us of the claim for Tagore as a still first to stand on merit.

“A Poet’s Religion” is a difficult matter for treatment owing to the fact of the constant mystical experiences which enshroud some of the utterances. Often the Tagore in English may lead to a less clear understanding of his mind’s workings, which in the Bengali originals of his may serve to clear up the cobwebs that need removing to realise the full import of the thought inlaid. The Religion of Man is the quest which takes the poet to feel. “An infinite passion, an eternal pain, the nostalgic cry of the still small voice ....”

Dwelling on “Aesthetics” of one whose sense of an inner regulation for its relation to literature was always on its vigils, the complexity of ideas and a robust philosophy could never conform to an utilitarian view. His outlook of the whole man must not be made devoid of the emotions and a wholesome consciousness of beauty. Of course the chapter is pregnant with Tagore’s philosophy of art which, according to him, defies definition.

Education comes naturally attracting our attention and it was the field where the poet made his experiments with success. In his conception children loom more important than the grown ups and their beginnings of awareness of life require greater husbanding of their powers of imagination and involvement on nature’s affinity. The author’s comment is very provocative in regard to what Santiniketan stands for. He propounds a sound theory which needs consideration. He says: “Santiniketan, the poet’s school, is never built, because it is being built, in a corner of the world’s unborn soul, on the shores of vast humanity.”

“No Last Word” is a fit ending to this illuminating study. The poet had more literature gone into him than what he produced. His experiences are the ever-greens which preserve our eyes and a pure vision of man’s destiny.

With excerpts from the poet’s utterances under “Thus Spake Tagore” the volume concludes, leaving our minds not concluding our rich impressions of what the poet did and what a real critic of his can give us.
- K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

The Vedic and the Christian Concept of Sacrifice: By J. Thachil. Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy. Alwaye-3. Price: Not mentioned.

Though sacrifice has been an inherent feature of most ancient religions and occult traditions, it has developed on certain unique lines in India. It has undergone many transformations, true, but its essential character has remained unchanged, all through the ages. Whether in the hymns of the Veda or in the Gita, the true import of sacrifice, Yajaa, as a spiritual interchange between man and the higher Powers is never lost sight of. The author of this treatise recognises this original character of the Vedic sacrifice before he proceeds to view the external changes the institution of sacrifice underwent during the period of the Upanishads, Mimamsa, Vedanta. He discusses how far the human sacrifice is a concept and to what extent it came to be practised literally and in what age. Comparing the Vedic and the Christian institutions of sacrifice, it is pointed out the Christian sacra­ment “is founded on Jesus Christ whose total sacrifice is sought to be relived in the sacramental performance. An ancient historical event has been endowed with an undying spiritual significance.”

In the course of his analysis, the author points to the similarities between the two: Supratemporal dimension of sacrifice; gift aspect; aim and efficacy. The differences are on the basis of–the consignee of sacrifice; motivation; modes and number of sacrifices; the personality of the priest performing the sacrifice. He rightly concludes, “The greatest sacrifice is the sacrifice of one’s own self whereby he enters the supra-­temporal sphere and enjoys communion with the divine.”

An earnest study carried on with objectivity and scholarship.
–M. P. PANDIT

The Dedicated: A Biography of Nivedita: By Lizelle Reymond. Samata Books, 10 Kamaraj Bhavan, 573, Mount Rd., Madras-6. Price: Rs. 60.

An authentic biography of Sister Nivedita had to wait for a woman-writer and that too a European one who alone could identify herself with her subject and speak from inside. And Mme. Reymond is eminently successful in giving not only the life-history of this remarkable lady but also a portrait of the psychological vicissitudes through which she passed in her crowded life.

Margaret Noble–for that was her original name–was a fiery Irish nationalist with a lively curiosity in matters of the soul and some of the best passages of this book are devoted to an engaging analysis of her reactions, responses and rebellions when she was exposed to the influence and the personality of Swami Vivekananda. The way he conquered her indomitable, individualist spirit and harnessed her energies to the cause of the women of India is a saga by itself. She underwent a severe spiritual discipline even before she came to India and it took quite some effort on her part to get used to Indian conditions. How she joined the Ramakrishna Order, how deeply she was devoted to the Holy Mother, and how she chose ultimately to work for the freedom of India sacrificing her interests in the Ramakrishna Movement, are some of the topics dealt with in this elevating book.

It is interesting to come across an observation of Swami Vivekananda some forty years before the advent of Freedom for India. “I see that the independence of India will come in some unthinkable way but if you cannot make yourself worthy of it, it will not live .. India cannot be Japan or Russia. She must stand on her own ideal.”

This is both a political history and a spiritual epic of a heroic soul.
–M. P. PANDIT

The Temple Rituals: By S. K. Ramachandra Rao. IBH Prakashana, Gandhinagar, Bangalore-9. Price: Rs. 25.

The temple has been the most prominent part of the Hindu’s spiritual and cultural traditions, and yet today the rituals followed there are little understood. Professor Ramachandra Rao has done a valuable service in explaining them in this book.

The rituals to be followed in temples have been prescribed by the aagamatexts which, along with the silpa sastras, also lay down the principles of architecture and sculpture. But variations have developed in course of time in the different regions of India. The big distinction lies in the rituals followed in the temples of the north from those in the south. In the south itself there are variations, based on the sub-cult that is followed.

Temple rituals are based on the concept that the Divinity should be worshipped like the king. Obviously, this is a reflection of the old Indian ethos, when the monarch led society in every way. The Sanksrit expression, “praasaada”, signified both temple and palace.

The author explains the rituals in considerable detail. As performed daily, these are quite elaborate. It is believed that their efficacy depends on the strict accuracy as to detail with which they are performed. Therefore, the priests who perform them should be well-trained and taught.

A chapter is devoted to the temple festivals. Contrary to what might be a general notion, these too are governed by the prescriptions of the aagamaas. But locally some variations have developed. Broadly speaking, however, the rituals are nearly the same all over South India. The variations are pronounced in Kerala.

The author does not perhaps emphasise these regional variations adequately enough. He seems to be thinking of the Karnataka temples in the main. Still, since the fundamental rituals are the same, or nearly the same his book remains valuable to every Hindu. In particular, his exposition of the symbolism of the rituals is quite noteworthy. This is a book which needed to be written and to be read by those who cherish Hindu spiritua­lity and culture.
–N. S. RAMASWAMI

Love of God and Social Duty in the Ramacarita-maanasa: By Edmour J. Babinean Motilal Banarsidass, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7. Price: Rs. 50.

According to the author of this work there are three distinct types of approach to God-realisation in Hinduism, viz., Vedic orthodoxy wherein Vedic rituals dominate, Antinonian theism that discards all else in favour of love of God as in the case of Gopis in the Bhagavatam, and orthodox theism that gives equal importance to both love of God and social duty which means the duties enjoined by Sastras also. Of these three Tulasidas in his monumental work Ramacarita-maanasaadopts the third path. This in short is the main thesis of the book under review.

What political and social conditions prompted Tulasidas to write this book? Why did he select Ramayana alone in preference toBhagavataand Bharata? How far is he influenced by Surdas and others? Where does he differ from Valmiki’s Ramayana, Adhyaatma Ramayana? Why did he write in vernacular language? What place does he give to Bhakti and complete surrender to God in his work? Has this work any message to the modern world? These and other similar questions are found answered herein. The above thesis and other points are substantiated with textual quota­tions. Of course a brief account of life and works of Tulasidas is there. The statement of the author that “Bhramarageetas” Bee-songs, are absent in the Bhagavata Purana is not correct.
–“SANDILYA”

Studies in Russian Literature: Edited by J. V. Paul. Central Institute of English & Foreign Languages, Hyderabad-500 007. Price: Rs. 20.

It is good we have progressed further than mere centenary platitudes (Tolstoy, Lenin, Gorky) about Russian writing. CIEFL deserves our congratulations for this significant publication that gives one a fair idea of Russian studies by Indians. Our major interest in Russia began with the October Revolution of 1917 as demonstrated by Moin Shakir and Pavanan in connection with Urdu and Malayalam literatures respectively. Indeed, the Russian Revolution was to influence intellectuals all over India. Subramania Bharati, for instance, wrote a poem in Tamil, “Puthia Russia” (A New Russia) which acted as a bugle-call to his contemporaries involved in the struggle for independence. And yet, Russian studies have made no remarkable strides in India mainly because of the problem of language. Indians continue to depend upon English translations of Russian classics even for the purposes of translations which lead to many queer versions as ably pointed out by R. M Bakaya in his essay. As yet, most of the translations in regional languages come only from publishing houses in Moscow and Tashkent.

Under these circumstances, Studies in Russian Literature goes a long way in enlarging our perspectives beyond the familiar names. The writings of Tolstoy, Chekhov, Gorky and Mayakovsky are, of course, discussed in depth by scholars. At the same time there is welcome information about obscure names. Tusharkant Mahapatra tells us of Gerasim Lebedov’s significant contributions to the Bengali theatre during 1787-1797; the rural ground in Valentin Rasputin’s Farewell to Matyora and Fyodor Abramov’s The House is aoalysed by K. S. Dhingra. Sabiruddin has plenty to say about the Dagestani poet Rasul Gamzatov; the use of myths to great effect by recent Soviet novelists is dealt with by Kalpana Sahni. One hopes that this publication is but a precursor to more comprehensive approaches to Russian literature by the CIEFL.
–DR. PREMA NANDAKUMAR

Warmth of Love: Edited by Dr. Leo Rebello. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7. Price: Rs. 20.

The Editor of this miscellany, Dr. Leo Rebello, deserves our grateful thanks for having introduced a “great small man”, an inspiring personality through these selected writings of late Dr. Digarnbar Vithal Nadkarni (1903-1980) who retired from public life as Director of Medical Services in 1963: During his tenure of office, he was popular among the students as well as the public. A self-made man, a friend to the poor, a hard-boiled scientist who performed the first self vasectomy in our country, a man of anecdote, wit and humour, he had a flair for writing, too. Besides authoring a text-book for medicos called “Surgical Epitome” in two volumes, he wrote more than 2,000 editorial letters, about 100 poems, several articles and short stories and innumerable anecdotes.”

The present miscellany contains specimens of all kinds of his writings arranged neatly under five sections as follows: (i) In Lighter Vein (short stories, articles, middles) (ii) Poetry (iii) Editorial Letters (iv) Stray Pearls (v) Addendum (how to write letters to the editor, sample letters). The writings in the first section are mostly based on his own experiences as a doctor written in engaging style, they are thoroughly enjoyable, though some of them contain tragic or serious stuff. The poetry section proves that the author can turn a rhyme elegantly, saying things neatly at the same time. The editorial letters bring the public-spirited man of the world to the fore Letter-writing formed an important activity in his life. It is interesting to observe that in recognition of his zeal and sustained interest in public affairs, an award was instituted to perpetuate his memory.
–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY

(1) Yogavaasishtha- Vols. I and II. English translation (2) Lives of Ancient Indian Saints: 5 Vols Both by Bulusu Venkateswarlu, Gandhi Nagar, Kakinada-533 004. Price: (1) Rs. 25 each (2) First Four Vols. Rs. 10 each; Fifth Volume: Rs. 15.

(1) There are books and books on Advaita philosophy, but none like “Yogavaasishtha” in Sanskrit written by Valmiki. It is in the form of a dialogue between Rama who felt sick of the mundane world, and Vasishtha the enlightened sage and Guru. Questions asked and doubts raised by Rama were answered and cleared by Vasishtha. The distinction of this work lies in its presentation of the subject matter in the forms of stories and parables, full of similies and metaphors, that are poetic and illustrative in their nature. An authentic English translation is a long-felt desideratum. Sri Venkateswarlu, author of more than hundred books in Telugu, has successfully rendered this work into lucid English and he richly deserves encomiums from the non-Sanskrit-knowing seekers.

The first volume contains two chapters named “Vairagya” and “Mumukshuvyavahaara” and the second volume is a translation of “Upattiprakarana” the third chapter. This transla­tion is not only true to the original but here and there contains elucidations also given in the Sanskrit commentary on the original text. Dangers of attachment to the worldly objects are clearly described. Importance of self-effort is stressed upon. Disregard for fate is advised. Meaning of Daiva or fate is clearly explained. Modern critics of Indian philosophy are answered. Creation and its illusory nature is the subject matter of the Utpattiprakarana in the second volume. The famous story of Leela is found herein. The other volumes of this book of all times will be eagerly awaited.

It is most unfortunate that we know nothing about our ancient Indian sages whose great achievements and teachings contributed to our ancient culture. Collection of information regarding these sages found scattered throughout the Samskrit classics ranging from the Vedas and the Upanishads to the Kavyas, is really a painstaking job and the author who unearthed this information deserves our praise. This is a real research work that should be given due recognition.

(2) These five volumes contain biographies of 52 sages arranged in alphabetical order. An important feature of these books is, they contain a few extracts from “Dakshasmriti”, “Dattatreya Jivan­mukti Gita”, “Dattatreya Avadhuta Upanishat”, “Devalasmriti”, “Gautama Nyaya Darsana,” etc, in Samskrit with their English translations. It may be noted here that these biographies were already published in Telugu long long ago and were received well by the public. These volumes are sure to enlighten all English ­knowing Indians and others also who want to know about these Sages. We await the publication of the other volumes.

–B. KUTUMBA RAO

An Indian Response to Samuel Beckett: Edited by I. K. Mashi. Writers’ Workshop, Calcutta-45. Price: Rs. 30.

This is a collection of critical essays and poems by the Indian scholars presented to the Nobel Laureate, Samuel Beckett, on the occasion of his seventy-seventh birthday. Samuel Beckett’s fame rests primarily on his absurd play Waiting for Godot, though he had written plays, poems and novels besides. Notwithstanding his literary eminence, he is a closed book for many because his style and technique are unfamiliar. A sort of initiation is necessary for proper appreciation of his work. The present volume just fulfils this very purpose.

I. K. Mashi in his biographical essay “Is Beckett Irish”? shows how he had outgrown his Irishness in the course of time and became universal. “Waiting for Godot: Less is more” is a fine analysis of the famous play, which means many things to many people, from the pen of Prof. S. K Ghose. A typical Indian response, however, comes from Pradeep Banerjee. P. Lal dismisses the poetry of Beckett as poor, but concedes it has a message for mankind. “Endgame and its Biblical, Parallel” by J. P. Singh, “Waiting for Godot” by D. D. Chatterjee, “A Christian Relevance of Samuel Beckett” by I. K. Mashi read well. The editor deserves thanks for having made a thorough job of it.

–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTY

Anjaneya Ramayana –Telugu original by D. S. R. Anjaneyulu and translated by R. M. Challa. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Tirupati Price: Rs. 20.

The Ramayana of Valmiki has been a perennial source of pleasure and inspiration to many readers. Further, translations of the epic have been rendered in world’s many languages. Others have written the episodes in their own language. Still others have presented the story either in verse or in the form of a play. Because of the appeal of not only the story but of the sentiments, ideas and human feelings portrayed by the characters, they have all combined to ensnare hearts for generations in this country.

Sri Anjaneyulu, a student of the epic, felt the need of a version of his own in Telugu, where he has followed the story as told in the original with only in places adding to the interest created in the contexts by some of his own words that do not in any way change the spirit but often explains the intention.

The translator too, in adequate language, has done justice to the original in Telugu. The reading throughout goes smooth and the story gains in enjoyment by the reduction of elaboration of events and statements found in the epic.
“SAHRIDAYA”

Ramalinga–Poet and Prophet: By Purasu Balakrishnan. National Book Trust, India. Green Park, New Delhi-16. Price: Rs. 8.25.

In this tiny volume of nearly ninety pages, Dr. Purasu Balakrishnan, the well known writer in English and Tamil, has sketched briefly the life and teachings of the saint Ramalinga Swami or Vallalar as he was familiarly called by his devotees. Within 22 chapters under proper titles, the narrative runs giving a complete account of the saint’s early life, his development into a wandering Paradesi, his spiritual awakening, his rapid rise in fame in a wider group of people initiated into the religious lore of the day, his founding of a society for propagating his Sanmarga tenets among the lay and educated and his final disappearance bodily from sight. No doubt miracles had already got round his abilities as a spiritual seer, though the author has referred only to a few of them.

The saint was born in Marudur, a village near Chidambaram; he was later living with his brother in Madras where his feet trod almost all the places in that part of North Madras of those times. Temples were visited by him and from the age of twelve he started giving discourses on topics of religion and philosophy, while at the same time enunciating an Universal Religion of compassion towards all Jiving creatures and providing relief to the poor. In the chapter “A Miracle, A Parable, A Debate”, the author has concisely portrayed the kernel of his personality in believing a path of approach towards godhead not by the traditional way but through his own philosophy born of his frequent intimations from his God. The establishment of the Sanmarga Sabha, as his Mission Centre was named, spread as long as he lived und later also carried by his disciples, the great truth that irrespective of caste, creed, birth, country, etc., all human beings are one and the same and the need for securing their salvation lay in the belief if the Flame (Arut Jyoti) installed by him at Vadalur which would be sufficient for the devotees to gain their spiritual peace.

His voluminous poetry, couched in simple, appealing Tamil, found a ready response throughout the entire literary world of both savants and the uninitiated, because of their easy absorption and understandability.

The author has done this writing with a chaste and meaningful choice of diction that attracts and inspires at once.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN

SAMSKRIT-TELUGU

Shankara Grandha Ratnavali–Vol. 9: Translated by Tadepalli Raghavanarayana Sastry.

Jagadguru Bodhalu–Vol 10: Translated by “Visakha.” Sadhana Grandha Mandali, Tenali. Price: Rs. 12 each.

The first book under review contains 30 Stotras written by Shankara. All the Stotras are in praise of different deities like Laxminrisimha, Bhavani, Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Srikrishna and Panduranga, etc. All textual Slokas are translated into Telugu by Sri Rahavanarayana Sastry, a renowned scholar and a poet, and, above all, a great householder-saint gifted with mystic powers. Of all the Stotras 26, 27, 29 and 30 are most important. Two of these relate to mental worship (madnasika puja) of Vishnu and Devi. Another Stotra describes Shiva from feet to head. The last one is the Dakshinaamurty Stotra that sums up the quintessence of Advaita Vedanta in ten capsule-like verses. An introduction by the translator is also a brilliant exposition of Advaita Vedanta. We commend this to all devotees.

The second volume is a valuable collection of 22 speeches originally delivered in Tamil by His Holiness Chandrasekharendra­swami of Kanchi Math, a living “Jivanmukta”, and translated into Telugu by “Visakha”, an ardent devotee. Every speech is a treat by itself and opens our eyes to new angles of our religion and philosophy. Some Stotras of Sri Shankara, “Karmamarga”, “Ten Upanishads” “What is ‘I’ ”, “Gita Sandesa” and “Saamba”, etc., are included. In addition to these there are two articles on Sri Chandrasekharendraswami and one on “Upasti” by three devotee-scholars. Texts of three Stotras of Sri Shankara are prefixed to the text. Meanings of Samskrit quotations in the speeches are written by Sri S. Ramakoti Sastry, an erudite scholar. A long introduction in Telugu by “Visakha”, who already translated all the speeches of His Holiness into beautiful Telugu which were published in 9 volumes by Saadhana Grandhamandali, describes his rich experiences with His Holiness in a soul-stirring way. Readers cannot but admire him for bringing to our home in Telugu the ambrosial messages of Swamiji.
–“SASTRI”

TELUGU

Veyipadagalu-Adhunika Itihasamu:   Dr. Anumandla Bhumaiah, Kulapathi Samithi, Warangal Price: Rs. 15.

Viswanadha Satyanarayana, a colossus of modern Telugu literature and a Jnanpith awardee, is a poet, novelist, critic and orator par excellence. Veyipadagalu is the magnum opus among his novels. It has a rare classical grandeur and it is this aspect that Dr. Bhumaiah seeks to interpret in this mini critique.

The great cultural edifice that was India crumbled down with the advent of western civilization which made inroads into every conceivable plane of our existence. Around this theme Viswanadha wove a great fabric of episodes, characters and delectable array of incidents giving them a classical dimension. The characters in the novel are both symbols and humans at once. Four cardinal forces namely Ganachari, Dharma Rao, Pasirika and Girika guide the destinies of men and institutions, while Lord Subrahmanya the fifth force, signifies the Eternal Time. In this deep study of the human and symbolic forces of the novel Dr. Bhumaiah successfully brings out the classical element in the novel with a sense of commitment and scholastic flare.
–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA SASTRY