‘ The Great Hindu Tradition,' a book in English giving insights into Vedic principles and Sastras with meanings of day-to-day Hindu rituals, was released here on Saturday by Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
Speakers at the function lauded the author, Sri Sarma Sastrigal, for bringing in more clarity about the ancient customs and traditions people perform.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati said if one needed to understand any culture, then the meanings of the forms were the basis.
He referred to the way one greeted each other, language, script, and so on.
“The whole wisdom enshrined in the Upanishad is talking about the truth of these forms. And there is no way of living life without knowing the meaning of these forms.”
He described the book as different as it gives answers to common questions. “This is a handbook of Vedic dharma,” he said.
Nirmala Lakshman, Joint Editor, The Hindu , said “the book, with smaller to larger examples, reminds us of our links to the community and the world at large.”
She said a great deal of clarity about the traditions and cultures had been brought out in the book.
N. Gopalaswami, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, said the way Sanskrit was taught needed to evolve.
S. Gurumurthy, chartered accountant, said the function of rituals was to package the knowledge to the next generation.
Srinivasan K. Swamy, chairman, R.K. Swamy Hansa Group, said the core of the book was the topic on rituals, which would help one conduct life better.
A.M. Rajagopalan, Editor, Kumudam Jothidam , said the book was very relevant in today's context. The author thanked the contribution of various people who helped him write the book.
