A rare book, Songs Divine , English version of Bhagavad Gita , brought out by Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Satsangam at Ramakrishnapuram here to coincide with its 45th anniversary celebrations, was released on Saturday by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D. Murugesan at a brief function in Sankara Vidya Kendra.
The book, written by the late K. S. Viswanatha Iyer, explains in its 18 chapters a philosophy of living and, while doing so, also expounds and demonstrates the science of living. It is lucid poetry expounding great philosophy.
Justice Murugesan handed over the first copy to former Attorney-General for India and Rajya Sabha Member K. Parasaran. He said the philosophy of Gita was eternal and applicable to the whole world and could not be confined to a particular era. The purpose of Gita was to deliver humankind from the vagaries and vices of material existence. “We as judges have to work with a complete impartial, stable, transparent, open but firm mind with conviction. Gita teaches us how to remain unattached and not favour either of the parties but to stick to the brief before us and decide strictly according to law. A judge should have the qualities of patience of hearing, open-mindedness, firmness, compassion, understanding and humility and all these qualities are exemplified in Gita .”
The Chief Justice distributed prizes to the winners of Vishnu Sahasranama recitation competitions conducted for school children in the Capital. He praised the activities of the Satsangam for propagating Vishnu Sahasranamam among the people, particularly children.
Mr. Parasaran described Gita as a unifying force and said “it teaches us the dharmic and spiritual path through devotion, duty and compassion. Gita can mould the character and human values of all human beings”.
All-India Vishnu Sahasranama Sat Sangam president Ramji lauded the author’s efforts for bringing the English verses without affecting the pristine glory and beauty of Gita in Sanskrit slokas.
The Trustee, T. Subramanian, explained the activities of the Satsangam since it was formed in 1968 with the objective of bringing devotees together for group recitation of Vishnu Sahasranamam on Sundays.
This Sunday afternoon, upcoming Carnatic musician Master Aswath Narayanan will give a Carnatic vocal performance. He will be accompanied on the violin by V.S.K. Chakrapani, on the mridangam by Kumbakonam N. Padmanabhan and on ghatam by K. Ramamurthi. The anniversary celebrations will end with Anjaneya utsavam by Vishnu Sahasranama Sankeertana Mandali led by Brahmasri Subbarama Bhagavathar and Shankara Subramania Avadhani.
