Unusual Essays of an unknown Sri Vaishnava - M.K. Sudarshan; Published by Partridge India, 7th Floor, Infinity Tower C, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon - 122 002, INDIA, price not mentioned.
This book is a compendium of essays on Sri Vaishnavism brought out by M.K. Sudarshan. The author’s painstaking effort in showcasing his empirical wisdom in the realm of Sri Vaishnavism, is laudable. Admitting his innocence about the religion during initial stages and later, prodded by an erudite scholar, the author explains — in 72 chapters under 11 parts — why a spiritual identity is needed for every human being.
It is particularly interesting to read the interpretations on various scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatham. For instance, his explanation for the word karma bhoomi as India and bhogabhoomi as the rest of the world referring to the ancient purana and also to Swami Vivekananda is sublime. The importance of early initiation into learning Vedas before the age of 16 is a must for Brahmins and this is highlighted with authoritative verses.
Abandoning Sita
Further, on the Ramayana, a threadbare discussion through an extraordinary court proceeding on abandoning Sita three times in the Ramayana is well-portrayed by the author. The dialogue between Rama and Lakshmana during exile reveals the grief of Bharata, who could not stand his separation from Rama and was therefore viewed as the fourth widow of Ayodhya along with the three principal wives of King Dasaratha. Deservingly, in an exhaustive manner the author has out-poured his love for the epic.
It is refreshing to read the glory of Vishnu Sahasranamam and the Bhagavad Gita. Especially the events leading up to Sage Vyasa urging a skeptical Yudhishtra to clear doubts from Bhishma and Bhishma chanting this sloka are narrated well. The necessity to conquer worldly desires is well affirmed by citing Azhwars’ history. In Part 10, the discussion on the noble and consistent practice (anushtana), the origin of the word ‘Gopuram,’ and notes on celebration of the 80th birthday (sathabishekam)serve as interesting fillers.
In the end, the vivid narration of the final years of Sri Ramanuja and Vedanta Desika’s nine-step programme in Paramapada Sopaanam are thought-provoking. However, two aspects of the book strike a slightly discordant note — an unusual cover that shows a man clad half in western formals and the rest in traditional Brahmin attire with sacred symbols scattered around. The bibliography, that is missing, could perhaps have enabled the readers to trace the actual source of the innumerable verses quoted. That said, this book is certainly an engrossing read with the most complex of philosophies, practices, culture and other aspects of a global citizen’s daily life explained in an engaging yet easily comprehensible style of the author.
