Book Reviews
Bhagavad-gétä As It Is
No work in all Indian literature is more quoted, because none is better loved, in the West, than the Bhagavad-gita.Translation of such a work demands not only knowledge of Sanskrit but an inward sympathy with the theme and a verbal artistry.For the poem is a symphony in which God is seen in all things.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is, of course, profoundly sympathetic to the theme.He brings to it, moreover, a special interpretative insight.While not all will concur entirely in this distinguished swami's interpretation, for it is the genius of Indian religious literature to be susceptible of more than one darshana, surely none can deny that here we have a powerful and persuasive presentation, in the bhakti tradition, of this dearly loved poem.The swami's introduction makes clear at once where he stands as the leading exponent of Krsna consciousness.It is a position that cannot but have a special interest for the West, since what is celebrated is the service of God understood as the Supreme Personality.
Each text is set forth, first in Sanskrit, then in transliterated Sanskrit, then in English translation, and finally there is an interpretative "purport" or, as we might variously say in the West, a midrash or exposition de texte.These interpretations also make clear where their author stands.Repudiating monistic understandings of the cosmic situation, the author finds a place for what he calls "transcendental pleasure," which he sees as wholly consistent with "Oneness with the Supreme."Though attempts to find counterparts in differing modes of conceptualizing God is notoriously fraught with danger, one cannot but be reminded of the "cord of love" (hilo de amor) of which the Spanish mystics speak as binding the soul in mystical ecstasy with God, without detriment to the distinction between creature and creator on which Christianity, true to its Hebrew heritage, must of course insist.
The volume is interestingly and vividly illustrated in color, and in the Appendix, besides several other indexes and a useful glossary, is a "picture index."This admirable and extensive apparatus much enhances the value of the book.The swami does a real service for students by investing the beloved Indian epic with fresh meaning.Whatever our outlook may be, we should all be grateful for the labor that has led to this illuminating work.
Dr. Geddes MacGregor
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Philosophy,
University of Southern California
Book-Reviews-22_Inventory Box 7
Review of Bhagavad-gita As It Is Abridged Edition
The new abridged edition of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is is a valuable complement to the earlier edition.The translation is substantially unchanged, but the main body of the work has been reduced from 819 to 274 pages by eliminating the Sanskrit text and Sanskrit-English equivalent for each verse, reducing the number and length of the purports, and deleting many obscure terms and repetitive explanations.The result is an edition of the Gita that is much more manageable for most readers, without a significant loss in content.Scholars may regret the loss of the Sanskrit text and some of the more technical material in the purports and appendices, but the student unfamiliar with Sanskrit and Hindu literature will probably have a corresponding feeling of relief.Even in their abridged form, the purports are a rich source of information on Vedic and Epic literature and an excellent introduction to the vast treasure-trove of devotional writings in the Indian tradition.Since the work as a whole is now much easier to read, the purports should have even greater impact than before.
There is little question that this edition is one of the best books available on the Gita and devotion.Prabhupada's translation is an ideal blend of literal accuracy and religious insight.The translation and purports together bring out clearly the devotional emphasis of the Gita and the broader implications of devotion in later writings such as the Bhagavata Purana and the literature of the Chaitanya movement.These are further supplemented by over 50 color plates illustrating the text, and a series of color portraits ofBhaktivedanta Swami and his direct predecessors in the Chaitanya movement.As in the previous edition, the appendix includes a glossary of Sanskrit terms and a general index and has a new separate list of identifications of the personalities mentioned in both the translation and the purports.
Thomas J. Hopkins
Book-Reviews-21_Inventory Box 7
East - West Cultural Center
2865 West Ninth Street
Los Angeles, California 90006
Phone: 386 0999
BHAGAVAD - GITA AS IT IS
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Swami Bhaktivedanta has offered to devotees of God a blessed service with his English translation and commentaries on the great enlightening Upanishadic scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Holy Song.This presentation with its many beautiful colored pictures, reveals the living divine relationship of a human soul with the Lord, represented by Krishna, the Uttara Purusha, the Highest Person or Spirit, the Highest Omnipresent Omnipotent One, who exists everywhere, even in the heart of every being.Here we find the Gita's actually experienced and living truths that could solve the spiritual needs of today.Krishna teaches his Supreme message: how to live, act, and love divinely to receive His divine Protection.The universal application of these truths is shown to be a promised blessing in these times of challenge when light is illumining darkness.Truly this is a holy inspired writing for all aspiring souls seeking the why, whence and whither of life!
Dr. Judith M. Tyberg
East-West Cultural Center
Los Angeles, California
Book-Reviews-17_Inventory Box 7
From the Preface to the French Bhagavad-gita, "La Bhagavad-gita Telle Qu' Elle Est"
The original version of this work is by Swami Bhaktivedanta.Essentially, it consists of a commented translation of the Bhagavad-gita, edited in English, a language which the Swami has completely mastered, as he has Sanskrit and Bengali.
As successor to the Caitanya line, the author has right to an august title, according to the Indian usage: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
The great interest in reading his edition of the Gita lies in the authenticity of the interpretation according to the Caitanya tradition.
As for this French version, here offered to the public, it is avowedly faithful to the original English by Swami Bhaktivedanta.It has been presented without philological addition or doctrinal editing.
Olivier Lacombe
Professor, Sanskrit and Indology,
Sorbonne University, Paris
Director, Institute of Indian Civilization, Paris
Book-Reviews-16_Inventory Box 7
"The debt American transcendentalist thinkers owe to eastern thought has been argued vigorously for many years.No detailed study of this nineteenth century literary "movement" fails to mention the Bhagavad-gita, for this early Hindu poem surely served as foundations in the thought of Emerson, Brownson, Channing, Fuller, Thoreau, and other poet-philosophers of the middle decades of the nineteenth century.
"Now, through the auspices of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust of Los Angeles, students of the American transcendentalist period can benefit from a superbly translated and edited edition of the Bhagavad-gita.Concepts of the self, duty, personal attainment, and self-reliance—all facets of a world germane to Emerson and Thoreau and their contemporaries—now become clear in this rich edition.Chapter Four, entitled "Transcendental Knowledge", is particularly useful in drawing parallels between Emerson's essays on transcendental thought and the concepts of eastern thinkers.
"The publishers of this volume are to be complimented in making such a definitive book available to so many for such a nominal cost.For students of American literature, especially, having the Bhagavad-gita at hand will prove invaluable."
A.G. Medlicott, Jr.
Professor of English
University of Connecticut
Book-Reviews_132
HONOLULU ADVERTISER Saturday, Aug. 2, 1969
Impressive approach to Bhagavad Gita
By Eric Cavaliero
Advertiser Religious Writer
The Bhagavad Gita, sometimes called the Hindu Bible, is widely known as a textbook of Yoga.It has been studied by great men throughout the Ages because it makes such powerful statements on the meaning of life.
The present translation by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is clear and impressive.A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is the founder in the United States of the Hare Krishna movement which has become so popular among the younger generation.
He came to this country in the fall of 1965, following the instructions of his own spiritual master.Now he is accepted as the spiritual teacher of thousands of American and European youth.
The monthly magazine Back to Godhead, which he began in India in 1944 is now published in New York City and widely circulated by the Swami's disciples maintaining Krishna Consciousness temples in every major city in the United States and Canada, as well as London and Hamburg.
The verses of the "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" are vividly explained by the commentaries of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, which are so enlivening that the layman and scholar alike will be taken deep into the mysteries of the oldest religion in the world.
The Bhagavad Gita explains five topics: living entities, activity, Nature, Time and God.The Sanskrit name for God is Krishna.Krishna means the All-attractive Personality of Godhead.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches how to approach Krishna.A.C. Bhaktivedanta's commentaries are full of inspiration.
The "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" describes the words and deeds of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great Apostle of love of Godhead.Lord Chaitanya appeared in India 500 years ago and, like Christ, taught the life of devotion.
The Bhagavad Gita instructs us to surrender to God, and Lord Chaitanya showed practically how it can be done in the present age.
He introduced the congregational chanting of the Names of God, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, which is recommended in the Vedic Scriptures for gaining self-realization in this age.A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami comes in the line of disciples descending from Lord Chaitanya.
The "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" is full of the expression of the loftiest religious sentiments and beautifully complete philosophy.
Through Lord Chaitanya one may be privileged to have a glimpse of the inner meaning of the Bhagavad Gita.
And without knowledge of that scientific explanation of God, one could not appreciate the real position of Lord Chaitanya.He taught the pure activities of the human soul in the stage of liberation from material bondage.
God consciousness or Krishna consciousness is an elevated state of happiness reached by humble seekers of Truth.
Spiritual life is often misunderstood in this turbulent world.But there is need of such spiritual leaders as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami in the present time of crisis.
Besides that, whatever the world situation, war or peace, everyone must at some time want to know what lies beyond this life—if when we complete our "journey to the end of night' we will find darkness or light.
The "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" and the "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" have dealt with the problem at length and offer instructions, encouragement and benedictions that we may enter the Kingdom of Light.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, spiritual leader and founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, (ISKCON), was here earlier this year to visit the temporary headquarters of the Hawaii chapter of ISKCON at 51576 Kamehameha Hwy.
Book-Reviews_113
"There are facile generalizations about Hindu religion current in the West, which it would be well to take with extreme reserve: for instance the statement that for the Hindu, there is no "personal God".On the contrary, the mysticism of Bhakti-yoga is a mysticism of affective devotion and of ecstatic union with God under the most personal and human forms, sometimes very reminiscent of the "bridal mysticism" of so many Western mystics.
"The Bhagavad-gita is a doctrine of pure love resembling in many points that preached by St. Bernard, Tauler, Fenelon and many other Western mystics… The Gita, an ancient Sanskrit philosophical poem, preaches a contemplative way of serenity, detachment, personal devotion to God under the form of the Lord Krsna, and expressed most of all in detached activity—work done without concern for results but with the pure intention of fulfilling the will of God.
"It is certain that the Bhagavad-gita is just as much entitled to a place in a college course on humanities as Plato or Homer, and it is a wonder that the lofty religious literature of the East has not been numbered among the "Great Books" which now form the basis of a liberal education, at least in America…"
From The Inner Experience,
By Thomas Merton,
Unfinished, unpublished
Book-Reviews_097
"The new edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is is a valuable complement to the earlier edition…This edition is much more manageable for most readers, without a significant loss of content…Even in their condensed form, the purports are a rich source of information on Vedic and Epic literature and an excellent introduction to the vast treasure-trove of devotional writings in the Indian tradition.Since the work as a whole is now much more easy to read, the purports should have even greater impact than before.
"There is little question that this edition is one of the best books available on the Gita and devotion.Prabhupada's translation is an ideal blend of literal accuracy and religious insight…"
Dr. Thomas Hopkins
Professor of Religion
Franklin and Marshall College
Book-Reviews_095
"This text will be an excellent collateral reading text for the course in American Romanticism especially in the study of Emerson, Thoreau, and Melville.The format of text and accompanying explanation is very important, and it doesn't deflect attention away from the American Literature texts.With the Bhaktivedanta edition, the student will not have to spend all of his time deciphering the Bhagavad-gita."
Dr. S.M. Lee
English Department
Indiana University Northwest
Book-Reviews_132
"The Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is a welcome edition from many points of view.It can serve as a valuable textbook for the college student.It allows us to listen to a skilled interpreter explicating a text which has Profound religious meaning.In providing the Sanskrit in both Devanagari and transliteration, it offers the Sanskrit specialist the opportunity to reinterpret, or debate particular Sanskrit meanings—although I think there will be little disagreement about the quality of Swami's Sanskrit scholarship.And finally, for the non-specialist, there is readable English and a devotional attitude which cannot help but move the sensitive reader.And there are the paintings, which, incredibly as it may seem to those familiar with contemporary Indian religious art, were done by American devotees.
The scholar, the student of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, and the increasing number of Western readers interested in classical Vedic thought have been done a service by Swami Bhaktivedanta.By bringing us a new and living interpretation of a text already known to many, he has increased our understanding manifold."
Professor Edward C. Dimock, Jr.
Department of South Asian Language
And Civilization
University of Chicago
Book-Reviews_083
"...As a successor in direct line from Caitanya, the author of Bhagavad-gita As It Is is entitled, according to Indian custom, to the majestic title of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The great interest that his reading of the Bhagavad-gita holds for us is that it offers us an authorized interpretation according to the principles of the Caitanya tradition."
Olivier Lacombe
Professor of Sanskrit and Indology, Sorbonne University, Paris
"The Bhagavad-gita, one of the great spiritual texts, is not as yet a common part of our cultural milieu. This is probably less because it is alien per se than because we have lacked just the kind of close interpretative commentary upon it that Swami Bhaktivedanta has here provided, a commentary written from not only a scholar's but a practitioner's, a dedicated lifelong devotee's point of view."
Denise Levertov,
Poet
"Srila Prabhupada's edition thus fills a sensitive gap in France, where many hope to become familiar with traditional Indian thought, beyond the commercial East-West hodgepodge that has arisen since the time Europeans first penetrated India.
"Whether the reader be an adept of Indian spiritualism or not, a reading of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is will be extremely profitable. For many this will be the first contact with the true India, the ancient India, the eternal India."
Francois Chenique, Professor of Religious Sciences
Institute of Political Studies, Paris, France
"As a native of India now living in the West, it has given me much grief to see so many of my fellow countrymen coming to the West in the role of gurus and spiritual leaders. For this reason, I am very excited to see the publication of Bhagavad-gita As It Is by Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It will help to stop the terrible cheating of false and unauthorized 'gurus' and 'yogis' and will give an opportunity to all people to understand the actual meaning of Oriental culture."
Dr. Kailash Vajpeye, Director of Indian Studies
Center for Oriental Studies, The University of Mexico
"I can say that in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is I have found explanations and answers to questions I had always posed regarding the interpretations of this sacred work, whose spiritual discipline I greatly admire. If the aesceticism and ideal of the apostles which form the message of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is were more widespread and more respected, the world in which we live would be transformed into a better, more fraternal place."
Dr. Paul Lesourd, Author
Professeur Honoraire, Cath
"We must thank the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for giving us this significant text which is one of the great books of humanity.This edition is doubly beneficial because in addition to the translation of the Sanskrit text, there is A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's masterful verse-by-verse commentary.As in his Bhagavad-gita, published in French in 1975 with preface by Prof. Olivier Lacombe, Swami Bhaktivedanta painstakingly presents the word-for-word critical translation of each mantra (Sanskrit stanza) before exposing its intrinsic meaning.A detailed glossary, an exhaustive index, and extensive footnotes combine to make this exegesis extremely easy to use, even for the general reader.
"It is a considerable advantage for the European public to have, finally, a set of books at its disposal which displays the vitality of one of the most widely-followed paths of contemporary Hinduism.
"Let us hope for a wide distribution of this commented translation of the Bhagavat Purana.Those who are interested in the living India will find herein the genuineness of an authorized spiritual tradition while having access to one of the most beautiful religious poems in the timeless Hindu tradition."
Professor Jean Varenne
Dept. of Sanskrit and Indian Studies
Universite de Provence
Aix-en-Provence, France
Book-Reviews_120
"Swami Bhaktivedanta, known for the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and other works on the Vedas, is an authority on Indian religion.In this book (Krsna), the Swami has summarized the Tenth Canto of the Vedic classic Srimad Bhagavatam, the canto which describes the transcendental pastimes of Krsna during His sojourn on earth.Krsna is well-bound and colorfully illustrated."
Library Journal
Book-Reviews_129
"The great interest of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's reading of the Bhagavad-gita lies in the fact that it gives us an authorized interpretation of this sacred book according to the standard of the Caitanya tradition."
Olivier Lacombe
Former Director, Ecole Pratique de Hautes
Etudes, Paris
Former Director, Institute of Indian Civilization
Honorary Professor, University of Paris - Sorbonne
Book-Reviews_124
"Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, is a most useful publication for the student of Sanskrit; the text in both Devanagari and Roman type is clear and accurate, the word-for-word translation is helpful to the beginner.From the teacher's point of view, the translation and commentary approach the text from the angle of Caitanya bhakti, and as Professor Dimock says in his preface, it gives us insight into the Gaudiya Vaisnava school.
The above judgement is made as a scholar.As a human being I cannot but applaud…the good work that Swami Bhaktivedanta is doing."
Prof. A.L. Basham
Head, Department of Asian Civilizations
The Australian National University
Book-Reviews_124
Previously published by Macmillan and Co. in January, 1969 as a much abridged edition, The Bhagavad-gita As It Is is now printed in its entirety as an extensive work providing an authentic text including the Devanagari (Sanskrit) verses, Roman transliterations, trot, [sic] and commentary for each verse.Fifty-four full color plates of original oil-paintings illustrate the text.This definitive edition of the Gita is, due to the extensive purports, a store house of ancient Vedic wisdom, poetry, politics, history and other expositions presented for the first time as a science for the modern age.It should serve as a useful textbook for students and reference book for scholars of religion, as well as a general introduction to Vedic culture and practical philosophy.It is written for serious readers in general, not only from a scholar's point of view but as a life-long practitioner of pure devotional service.It is this sense of devotion that Srila Prabhupada, now seventy-five years old, has captured in his discussion of the verses, from the beginning when Krishna explains to Arjuna the difference between the body and soul, until the last chapter when Arjuna's surrender is complete.
"Krishna consciousness" is the theme that is stressed throughout the commentary.Srila Prabhupada states that it is this Krishna consciousness, or God consciousness, which is most essential in understanding the Gita, yet it is this conscious sense of devotion which other commentators have failed to reveal.For this reason, The Bhagavad-gita As It Is is an essential work for understanding the Indian religious tradition here and in India.It provides an excellent understanding of the Bhagavad-gita and the rapidly growing Hare Krishna Movement in the world today.
Davis Herron is Assistant Professor of Religion at
Manhattan College, and teaches Indian spiritual traditions.
Book-Reviews_081
"However excellent a literal translation of a …great spiritual text may be, it always runs the risk of letting the essential meaning of the text escape if it does not reflect the living tradition which has given it birth.What makes for the priceless originality of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, with translation and commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, is precisely that it gives us, from within, an authentic reading of "the Lord's Song" in the Krsnaite line of loving devotion to God (bhakti)."
Fr. Pierre-R. Cren
Professor of Oriental Religions
Catholic Faculty of Theology
Lyon, France
Book-Reviews_125
"No work in all Indian literature is more quoted, because none is better loved, in the West, than the Bhagavad-gita.Translation of such a work demands not only knowledge of Sanskrit but an inward sympathy with the theme and a verbal artistry.For the poem is a symphony in which God is seen in all things.
"His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is, of course, profoundly sympathetic to the theme.He brings to it, moreover, a special interpretative insight, a powerful and persuasive presentation in the bhakti tradition…The swami does a real service for students by investing the beloved Indian epic with fresh meaning.Whatever our outlook may be, we should all be grateful for the labor that has led to this illuminating work."
Dr. Geddes MacGregor
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
University of Southern California
Book-Reviews_125
"These books are exactly what is needed, and indeed, has been needed for many years.There has been a need for textual presentations of the sacred scriptures of Eastern Religions accompanied with exegesis and commentary.We still have only the Sacred Books of the East which is over a century old and almost incomprehensible, even to fairly learned scholars let alone undergraduates.Your edition of Bhagavad-gita is particularly valuable for its elaborate commentary ("purports") and I have strongly recommended it as a text in two of our courses.
May I commend you for your fresh and imaginative approach in producing your publications."
Dr. R. W. Brockway
Professor of Religion
Brandon University
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Book-Reviews_127
"The scholarly world is again indebted to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for making available this new inexpensive abridged textbook edition of the Bhagavad-gita.In this beautiful translation, Srila Prabhupada has caught the deep devotional spirit of the Gita, and has supplied the text with an elaborate commentary in the truly authentic tradition of Sri Krishna Caitanya, one of India's most important and influential saints.This edition, profusely illustrated with beautiful colored plates, can be well recommended as suitable for use in introductory courses."
Dr. J. Stillson Judah
Professor of the History of Religions
and Director of the Library
The Graduate Theological Union
Book-Reviews_095
"While I would not presume to assess the metaphysical validity of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, I would urge my fellow sociologists to examine the work as a possible key to the understanding of what Sorokin called 'ideational cultures'.This transcendental mysticism from the East is now taking root in the 'counter-cultures' of the West and providing for many, a way out of the anomie—the wilderness—of a disintegrating civilization.Specifically, I would recommend the Bhagavad-gita As It Is to sociologists working and teaching in the following areas:
1.The Sociology of Religion, where the book should be required reading;
2.In courses and research on Counter-cultures, the book would be important supplemental reading;
3.For specialists and advanced students grappling with the problems of large scale sociocultural dynamics and change—what is coming to be called 'Futurology'—the book points to one of our 'possible futures';
4.For social psychologists exploring altered states of consciousness, psychedelia, and the growth and transformation of the self.The clinician, concerned with the alleviation of human distress, might find in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is clues for the restoration of psychological wholeness.
"If truth is what works, as Peirce and the pragmatists insist, there must be a kind of truth in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, since those who follow its teachings display a joyous serenity usually missing in the bleak and strident lives of contemporary people."
Dr. Elwin H. Powell
Professor of Sociology
S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo
Book-Reviews_102
"Swami Bhaktivedanta has offered a great service with his English translation and commentary on the great Upanishadic scripture, the Bhagavad-gita.This presentation with its many beautiful color pictures, is truly an inspired work."
Dr. Judith Tyberg
Founder-Director, East-West Cultural Center
Los Angeles.
Professor of Sanskrit (Field Faculty),
Goddard College
Book-Reviews_096
"…Whether the reader be an adept of India spiritualism or not, a reading of The Bhagavad-gita As It Is will be extremely profitable, for it will allow him to understand the Gita as still today the majority of Hindus do.For many, this will be the first contact with the true India, the ancient India, the eternal India…"
Dr. Francois Chenique
Institute of Political Studies, Paris
Book-Reviews_101
"The Gita can be seen as the main literary support for the great religious civilization of India, the oldest surviving culture in the world…The present translation and commentary is another manifestation of the permanent living importance of the Gita.Swami Bhaktivedanta brings to the West a salutary reminder that our highly activistic and one-sided culture is faced with a crisis that may end in self-destruction because it lacks the inner depth of an authentic metaphysical consciousness.Without such depth, our moral and political protestations are just so much verbiage…"
From "The Significance of the Bhagavad-gita".
(Preface to Bhagavad-gita As It Is. - 1968 ed.)
Book-Reviews_100
"Bhagavad-gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is a unique contribution to religion and philosophy in general and to the understanding of the basic philosophy and religion of India.The scholarly interpretation, honest translation and most intelligible explanations of the original text makes this work valuable both to the general reader and to the serious student seeking advanced knowledge.I have not come across a more comprehensive, lucid and more genuine presentation of the Bhagavad-gita than this work."
Dr. I.C. Sharma
Professor of Philosophy
Old Dominion University
Book-Reviews_096
"Bhagavad-gita As It Is is an excellent translation of this important religious work.Swami Prabhupada renders the words of the master creator of the Gita as only a person intimately familiar with the culture and language of ancient India as well as the full religious purport of its message can.Being myself a translator of the Gita, I know he has been faithful to the tremendous task of bringing this work fully into the present."
Dr. Ann Stanford
Translator of The Bhagavad-gita:
A New Verse Translation, The Seabury Press
Book-Reviews_095
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Interdepartmental Memorandum
January 22, 1973
To:Subhananda Das
To the psychologist, the Bhagavad-gita is of great interest because it is perhaps the most ancient account on record of a remarkable psychotherapeutic session, administered to a "patient" suffering from what today some would call "ontological anxiety."Swami Bhaktivedanta's translation is most useful in gaining an understanding of the psychological doctrine involved.Bolstered on one side by individual English word equivalents, and on the other side by an interpretive comment, the translations afford the reader a rare and most welcome balance between the document's literal psychological content and its philosophic import.
James N. Mosel
Professor of Psychology
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
Book-Reviews_070
June 28, 1974
Mr. San Tosh
439 Henry Street
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Mr. San Tosh,
I have enjoyed examining your edition of the Gita, and have also had occasion to refer to it in class.I certainly would recommend it to those who have read the Gita already as an interesting addition to the ongoing commentarial tradition.
Sincerely,
Theodore Riccardi, Jr.
Associate Professor
Columbia University
Book-Reviews_068
Some Excerpts from Reviews on Bhagavad-Gita As It Is
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(Collier Macmillan, 1972. 4th ed.)
"I am most impressed with A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's scholarly and authoritative edition of Bhagavad-gita.It provides a clear script of the Devanagari stanzas, beautifully presented with Roman transliteration, precise word-for-word equivalents and lucid English translation followed by an outstanding and comprehensive exegesis, with extensive subject index.It serves as a source for further self-instruction for one who has learned Sanskrit linguistically.It is a most valuable work for the scholar as well as the layman and of great utility as a reference work as well as a text book.I promptly recommend this edition to my students.It is a beautifully done book."
Dr. Samuel D. Atkins
Professor of Sanskrit and Vedic Philology
Princeton University
Book-Reviews_083
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, N.Y.10027
Department of Religion
Kent Hall
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I have had the opportunity of examining several volumes published by Iskcon Books, and have found them to be of good quality and of potential value for use in college classes on Indian religions.This is particularly true of the Iskcon edition and translation of the Bhagavad Gita.
Frederic B. Underwood
Assistant Professor of Religion
Book-Reviews_067
"Although the Bhagavad-gita, a Hindu religious classic, has been translated many times, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada adds one of singular importance with his commentary."
Dr. Stillson Judah
Professor of the History of Religions
Director of Library
The Graduate Theological Union
Berkeley, California
Book-Reviews_084
CHOICE
MAR '73
Religion
MAHABHARATA.BHAGAVADGITA.ENGLISH.
Another commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, this one by His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-acharya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness (Caitanya Order).Following a format reminiscent of Radhakrishnan's treatment of the Upanisads, Swamiji has reprinted in small segments the entire text of the Gita using Devanagari type.After each segment of the text appear a Romanized transliteration, an interlinear translation, the formal translation, and finally the commentary which constitutes the real thrust of this work.A translation and commentary by an ardent devotee of Sri Krsna is a welcome counterpart to the familiar works of such western scholars as Edgerton and Macnicol and the more modern translations of Deutsch (CHOICE, July-Aug. 1969), Staford (CHOICE, Oct. 1971), and others.The frankly dvaitist position is a welcome contrast to much that is presented as "Hinduism" in popular courses.The present book claims to be the original form of the Swami's manuscript.It was published originally under the same title in 1968 in a highly condensed version (CHOICE, July-Aug. 1969).
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A.C. Bhaktivedanta's Bhagavad-gita As It Is has provided a rich resource for a number of students, including those beginning to learn Sanskrit, those whose interest has been caught up by the vitality of the Krsna Consciousness movement, those who have longed for a way to appreciate Hindu literature within a living tradition, and those who appreciate dedicated and impressive scholarship.As for myself, I have persistently recommended it on all these counts and have also found such satisfactions in it as the above.
Professor Alf Hiltebeitel
Assistant Professor of History of Religions
The George Washington University
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Virginia Commonwealth University
January 19, 1973
Subhananda Das
Iskcon
2015 Q Street NW
Washington D.C.20008
Dear Subhananda Das:
I enjoyed talking with you and look forward to having you or a representative visit my Thursday night evening class this spring.Regarding your request that I endorse Swami Prabhupada's version of the Gita, please feel free to use the following quote:
Swami Prabhupada's work Bhagavad-gita As It Is, containing just under one thousand pages, represents a remarkable value for the student of the Gita, since it includes the devanagari text, Romanization, definition of each Romanized component, translation, and exegesis—all at the price of $4.95
My exact title is Dr. Earle J. Coleman, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Hope to see you at the American Oriental Society Meeting in D.C.
Sincerely,
Dr. Earle J. Coleman
Assistant Professor
Philosophy and Religious Studies
The following is a spoken quote from Dr. Coleman to Rupanuga Goswami:
"I am very pleased with your version of the Gita and have recommended it to my students."
Academic Center - Richmond, Virginia 23220
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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Interdepartmental Memorandum
Washington, D.C.
January 22, 1973
Swami Bhaktivedanta's edition of the Bhagavadgita—with Sanskrit text, Roman transliteration, English glosses and translation, and a scholarly exegesis—is an invaluable reference work.We are indebted to the editor for his erudition, insights, and industry; to the publisher, for making the work available in an attractive and readable, yet inexpensive format.
James C. King
Professor of Sanskrit
The George Washington University
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GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
Washington, D. C.20007
School of Languages and Linguistics
THE BHAGAWAD-GITA AS IT IS by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is a work of spiritual genius.Its philosophical excellence is inseparable from its theme.It is a deeply felt, powerfully conceived and a beautifully explained work.I don't know whether to praise more the translation of the Bhagawad-Gita, its daring method of explanation, or the endless fertility of its ideas.Even in translation the beauties of Gita are overwhelming.I have never seen any other work on Gita with such an important and authoritative voice and style.It is a work of undoubted integrity.I have strongly recommended this book to all students interested in Sanskrit and Indian Culture.It will occupy a significant place in the intellectual and ethical life of modern man for a long time to come.
Shaligram Shukla
Assistant Professor of
Linguistics and Sanskrit.
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REVIEW FROM PROF. KAILASH VAJPEYE ,
ON THE SPANISH BHAGAVAD-GITA
Mexico City, March 1975
Prologue of Bhagavad-gita the Spanish authorized edition of the complete Bhagavad-gita.
It is written by Dr. Kailash Vajpeye who's described herein as a visiting professor on the culture, language, [and] philosophy of India.At the center of Oriental Studies of the University College of Mexico.In other words the university who's name is the College of Mexico or Mexico College.And he is described as teaching there by special invitation of the Mexican Government.
So he says, "Of all the commentaries on Bhagavad-gita that have appeared until now in the occidental countries, in western countries, this present edition by Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the best.
In order to appreciate his success in presenting to the west the authorized edition of Bhagavad-gita, it is necessary to understand the significance or importance of Lord Krsna, the original author.In the Vedic literature of India, Vishnu is considered to be the Supreme Being by Whose power there is order and stability in nature and Who is worshipped with a spirit of love and devotion, in other words, Bhakti.And it is understood that from time to time He incarnates either totally or partially with the aim of helping humanity.Lord Krsna is the original and complete form of Vishnu.
I am very excited to see this publication in Spanish of Bhagavad-gita As It Is by Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada was brought up from his very birth in the strict practice of Bhakti yoga and he descends from a line of gurus which goes back to the original speaking of Bhagavad-gita by Sri Krsna.Here Srila Prabhupada's knowledge of Sanskrit is surprising and without parallel.His penetration into the meaning of the text only corresponds to a fully illuminated or fully realized soul, who has in fact, understood perfectly the meaning of Bhagavad-gita.
I personally think or intend to use this book in the courses that I direct or teach on the language, culture and philosophy of India, or those which I am teaching by invitation of the Mexican Government.This authorized edition of Bhagavad-gita will serve a double purpose in the countries of Spanish tongue or Spanish language.1. It will help to stop the terrible cheating of 'gurus' and 'yogis' who are false and unauthorized, and 2.It will be an opportunity for the people who speak Spanish to understand the precise meaning or significance of oriental culture."
Signed,
Dr. Kailash Vajpeye
Mexico City,March 1975
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The editions of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam by The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust including the original Sanskrit text with Roman transliteration, English translation and useful commentaries are of great value for scholars and students of Sanskrit.These publications will certainly help to Russian scholars in their study of concrete texts and in the investigation of some broader problems of Indology and specific features of Indian culture.It must be said that these texts reflecting the complex spiritual and emotional world of Indian people with great artistic inspiration and profundity have become an integral part of world culture.So they must be interesting not only to the specialist but also to the lay reader.One can wish to The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust success on this important work.
Dr. Litt. A. Syrkin
(Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow)
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It is a very good and useful publication.Bhagavad-gita has been translated and published in the Soviet Union.But this book will be a good chance to investigate more deeply the philosophy and social problems of Bhagavad-gita and can prolong our research in the field of Indian culture.I think that these books should be used by our scholars in the field of Indology.
Doc. of lit. Professor E. Chelishev,
Head of the Asian literature department,
Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow.
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The Bhagavad-gita is one of the most important text of India.
We have in the U.S.S.R. a very strong and lasting tradition of study of ancient Indian cultural heritage.
I hope that the use of these publications of Gita will be very useful for our scholars and students and I recommend these publications for their studies.
Dr. G.C. Bongard Levin,
Institute of Oriental Studies,
Moscow, U.S.S. R.
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Jagdish Saran Sharma
M.A., Dip. Lib.Sc. (Delhi), M.A., Lib.Sc.,
Ph.D. Lib.Sc. (Michigan, U.S.A.)
University Librarian-cum-Professor
And Head, Department of Library Science
Tel.: Office 23685
Res. 23242
Res. Add.:F-15, Sect. 14
Panjab University Library
Chandigarh-160014
DateJan. 19, 1977
The Bhagwatgita, a great religio-philosophical classic treatise and work of imperishable significance to humanity, has exercised great influence that extended for centuries to China, Japan and latterly to the lands of the West particularly Europe, U.K. and U.S.A.
Eminent sages, scholars and religious teachers such as Sankara (A.D. 788-820), Ramanuja (11th Century A.D.), Madhava (A.D. 1199-1276), Nimbarka (A.D. 1162), Vallabha (A.D. 1479), B.G. Tilak (1856-1920), M.K. Gandhi (1869-1948), S. Radhakrishnan (1888-1975), and many others, have offered learned commentaries, but the interpretation of His Holiness A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the greatest among the great interpretations.
Today when the entire humanity hangs from the cross of iron under the clouds of nuclear war, the message of Bhagwatgita is the only hope which can save the humanity.It also gives hope to millions who are disillusioned and disappointed because of the sufferings of the human life imposed upon them by the materialistic society.
When the statesmen, great industrialists and some religious teachers are engaged in the rat race for power, God has sent His Holiness A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to lead the humanity the path of the Bhagwatgita.From the number of his followers and disciples spread throughout the world, it is abundantly proved that he has been quite successful in spreading the eternal gospel of Gita and message of Hindu civilization and culture throughout the world.His service to the humanity by way of his interpretation of Bhagwatgita perhaps will remain unsurpassable for many centuries to come.
Jagdish S. Sharma
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When a student expresses an interest in Bhakti Yoga I recommend two books:Bhagavad-Gita As It Is and The Teachings of Lord Caitanya.The former I consider the most reliable and thorough translation of the Gita available in English.The latter is one of the finest guides to spiritual realization, as relevant today as when it was written.It shows that unlike some spiritual paths, Bhakti is a practical process which anyone can follow.
[Author Unknown]
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Rijksuniversiteit Te Leiden
Faculteit Der Sociale Wetenschappen
Sociologisch Instituut
Stationspiein tel. 01710- 4 83 33, toestel3191
br. nr.S124onze ref. KV/CDuw ref.
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
Chateau Banquet
94, rue de Lausanne
1202 Geneva - Switzerland
Leiden,19 januari 1977
The "Bhagavad-gita" is a theory of society as well as a doctrine of salvation.The reader gets answers to questions concerning creation, birth and re-birth, life and death and the meaning of acting.The book starts from the ancient Indian social structure that in many ways contrasts with modern western society.There is however one common central theme: "to get on in life".
To this expression is given a wider contents [sic] than purely external and mainly material advance.Improvement is described as drawing even closer to one's essential "self".This process of self-realization will normally not be completed within one lifespan, but take several rebirths.Having internalized such a set of truths one will take a distance from the alienating factors that mark modern life.
Sincerely yours,
K. Vos.
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Uzair Mohamed Kasim
M.A. (Annamaial)
A.M. (Michigan)
Professor and Head of the department of Social Sciences
Date 13-5-1977
Swami Prabhupada's 'Bhagavad-Gita as it is' is a remarkable exposition of Vedanta philosophy.What impressed me most is its non-sectarian analysis and acceptability.Furthermore this book, I am sure, will inspire men of all faiths.The rendering is authentic and lucid.
I am confident that this admirable classic will contribute to a greater understanding of Indian philosophical heritage.
UZAIR MOHAMED KASIM
Head of the Department of Philosophy
and Social Sciences
New College, Madras-14
New College, Madras-600014
Phone:86518
Book-Reviews_014
The Bhagavad-gita, "The Song of the Exalted God", is a very ancient philosophical didactic poem on Bhakti which still enjoys great prestige in India.The best rendering of the term Bhakti may be "love for a personal God".The Bhagavad-gita calls man to develop a personal loving relationship with God Krsna.Its message has been a very important source of inspiration for religious thought in India.With this translation of the Bhagavad-gita, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami brings this message to the Dutch public.
The Bhagavad-gita has been transmitted to us as part of the Mahabharata, one of the two great Indian epics which dates from a time before our era.This epic describes the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two mutually related families descending from Bharata, the legendary forefather of the Indians.
The Bhagavad-gita deals with the problem of whether man must act in this world or refrain from acting.It does so by means of the conflict in which one of the Pandavas, named Arjuna, finds himself before the outset of the decisive battle.He recoils from this battle because he is afraid to kill the Kauravas, who are his relatives, and for whom he has pity.God Krsna, who acts as Arjuna's chariot driver and friend in the Mahabharata, explains to him that he must act in order to help carry out Krsna's plan for the world.This plan consists of a re-establishment of the world order whereby the miscreants must be annihilated and the good people must be protected.
For a good understanding of Krsna's answer to Arjuna's problem, we must realize that in India there are, principally, two possible spiritual paths, which, though closely related still form a clear contrast.The difference between these two paths is determined, mainly, by the conception of God that they present.
From antiquity, man has believed in an impersonal God who is beyond human conception and who is called Brahman.According to this belief, the individual soul of man (atman) is essentially part of Brahman, but illusion (maya), which forms this world, obstructs man from uniting his soul with Brahman.Therefore, as a means to salvation, one takes up asceticism (sannyasa), whereby one refrains from action in this world.
The Bhagavad-gita, on the contrary, shows us Krsna, as a personal God who calls on us to come to a loving relationship with him.The nature of this personal, loving relationship between God and men is that God Krsna does not ask the devotee (Bhakta) to abandon activity, but to purify it—as an internal form of asceticism—from all personal feelings and desires, and to base all activities exclusively on love for Krsna.
Thus, Krsna explains to Arjuna that he should not let himself by guided by personal considerations to abandon his duty (dharma) as a knight (ksatriya) to fight for the right.Krsna is God Himself who creates and maintains the world.Everything is in His power, and Arjuna is only an instrument in His hands.Therefore, guided by love, Arjuna must act.
In the beginning of the 16th century, Bhakti received an important new impulse in the form of the activities of Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 - c. 1533).Caitanya lived in Bengal, and may be considered as the main inspiration for Krsna-bhakti as we know it in its present form.The most characteristic aspect of the Bhakti movement inspired by Caitanya is that Bhakti acquires a strongly emotional nature.
At this point, we reach back to the old stories about Krsna from the Puranas.In these stories, Krsna is not so much the charioteer and friend of Arjuna, as in the Bhagavad-gita, but he is a cowherd boy (gopala) in the rural district of Vraja, near Mathura.The Puranas depict His transcendental love sports (lila) with the cowherd damsels of Vraja, especially with one of them, named Radha.
For Caitanya and his followers, the loving relationship between Radha and Krsna is the ideal of the relationship that exists between the Bhakta and Krsna.They relive the experience of all the emotional stages of Radha's love for Krsna with the hope of participating in Krsna's eternal pastimes.
Caitanya himself, however, had from the beginning felt the necessity to base the emotional form of Bhakti that he inspired on the religious and philosophical tradition of Sanskrit, the canonical language of the cultural history of Northern India.So, his followers reach back to the Bhagavad-gita, in which Bhakti had been treated for the first time within the philosophical tradition.In this activity, they make use of commentaries written by great Indian teachers (acaryas) like Madhva, Srila Cakravartin Thakura, and Baladeva Vidyabhusana.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who has made this translation of the Bhagavad-gita, is the founder of the Western branch of the Bengali Bhakti movement, known here as the Hare Krsna movement.In his explanation of the Bhagavad-gita, he bases himself on the learned tradition of his predecessors.
Leiden, October, 1976
Dr. G.H. Schokker.
Institute Kern (Indology)
State University of Leiden
Leiden, The Netherlands
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Dr. Upendraray Jaychandbhai.
Sandesara.
Registered Medical Practitioner
Phone: 42046
B. No. 2, Sudarshan Society
Narayanapura (Div. 2)
Ahmedabad 380013
Date: 23 July 77
Sanjaya has observed in the last sloka of the Bhagavad-gita (18.78) that "Wherever there is Krishna, the Lord of all yogas (visions), and where there is Arjuna, the Supreme Archer (active participator in the furtherance of the Cosmic Plan), there will also be opulence, victory, extraordinary power and morality.This is my opinion."
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is doing great service to humanity, and through this, service to Lord Sri Krishna (the Supreme Governing Tattva of our universe) by propagating the Holy Name: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare.Through this work His Divine Grace is insuring our world of a happy and healthy (sva-stha) future generation.
Through his publishing house, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, Srila Prabhupada has presented a very illuminating translation of the Bhagavad-gita along with a pure and simple commentary.I find this edition—the Bhagavad-gita As It Is—to be very useful for students, devotees, and scholars alike. As a student of the Maha-bharata and Bhagavad-gita for thirty-three years, I found the BBT edition very useful in my research work.I have also gone through some of the volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam which are also very useful.I also regularly read with great interest the magazine of the Hare Krishna Movement called Back to Godhead.It is an excellent vehicle for propagating God-consciousness in today's materialistic world of mundane affairs.Other literatures of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita are naturally of the same high standard as regards translation and commentary, publication and production.
Now that I have gone through many of the volumes ofBBT literature, I am of the opinion that this encyclopedic literature containing real gems of Divine Knowledge is just suited for being spread all over the world and in all languages.As such, all educational and religious institutions such as Universities, Colleges, libraries, educational societies, churches, maths, temples, and all individuals should have in their stocks of books the classics of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for the profit of all readers.
Lord Krishna is your charioteer and it is He who will give you success.Yatah krishnah Tato Jaya.
Upedraray J. Sandesara
Award-winning author of
Biography of Sri Krishna
Sri Krishna Purushottama and Antaryami,
Bharata Ratna Sikh Darshan, and
twenty-three other volumes
Book-Reviews_010
May 30th 1976
I have awarded you this day our Diploma for Distinguished Works in Literature and the Fine Arts
Your rendering of Bhagavad-Gita which I have read, has impressed me with its' magnificent content—from it I can see where some of the Biblical Writers obtained their philosophies, since Krishna was five hundred years before Moses and two thousand years before Christ.Because the Earth date on beginning is four and a half billion years which is the same as Potassium Argon date of the Earth.SUCH IS THE TRUTH—other religions put the Earth Age at between six thousand and fifty thousand years.
Many thanks for your great works.
Sincerely
Ivan Cuba
From Professor Ivan Cuba - President of New Zealand Temple of Arts Museum - Professor, Director Elect The Art Universal Assn., New York, U.S.A., for Australasia and Pacific Islands.P.O. Box 5199 Auckland New Zealand
Book-Reviews_009
2000 5176Gram Vidyavihar
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JHINABHAI R. DESAI
SHETH CHIMANLAL NAGINDAS VIDYAVIHAR
AmbawadiEllis-Bridge,AHMEDABAD-6
Date: 1 Aug. 1977
It was indeed a very pleasant experience to have come across Srimad Bhagavatam rendered into English with original Sanskrit text, its Roman transliteration, synonyms, translation, and elaborate purports by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.On going through some portion of it, I was reminded of the eminent English poet Kipling who while talking about the East and West pessimistically remarked that the twain shall never meet.How far he was from reality and the truth would be apparent to one who may happen to have an idea of the great services rendered by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.The world has been able to surmount a number of barriers which might have been there in the days of Kipling as could be seen from the poems of his very worthy successor T.S. Eliot who was very deeply impressed by Indian philosophical thought.I was extremely happy to have an idea of the cultural impact that Swami Prabhupada has on the West, a glimpse of which I had from his young American disciples who are carrying out his work with devotion, love, and humility.The great library of Oriental books that is being built up by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust deserves a very prominent place in our Collegiate, public and private libraries.
JhinabhaiR. Desai
Director
ex-President Gujarati Sahitya Parishad
ex-Acting V.C. Gujarat University
author of twenty books under the pen name"Sneharashmi"
Book-Reviews_004
Review on "La Bhagavad-Gita Telle Qu'Elle Est"
"We must conclude that France has never before known a traditional edition of the Gita, that is, a translation by a master coming in an authentic disciplic line, one accompanied by commentaries of a celebrated Indian school of thought.The edition commented by Srila Prabhupada thus fills a sensitive gap in France, where many hope to become familiar with traditional Indian thought, beyond the commercial East-West hodge-podge that has arisen since the time Europeans first penetrated India.
"We must also recognize the word-for-word Sanskrit transliteration, now available for the first time in France, thanks to Srila Prabhupada.The text thus appears in all its original beauty, and one can thus appreciate better the way in which it has been rendered in contemporary French.
"Whether the reader be an adept of Indian spiritualism or no, a reading of "The Bhagavad-gita As It Is" will be extremely profitable, for it will allow him to understand the Gita as still today the majority of Hindus do.For many, this will be the first contact with the true India, the ancient India, the eternal India.
"French readers can now take on an essential text of India, both from its grammatical as well as fundamental spiritual perspective."
Fancois Chenique
Doctor of Religious Sciences,
Professor at the Institute of Political studies, Paris.
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Review on:"La Bhagavad-Gita Telle Qu'Elle Est"
"The original of this work is credited to the pen of Swami Prabhupada, who possesses total mastery of the Sanskrit language.The great interest in his edition of the Bhagavad-gita is that it presents us with an authorized interpretation of this sacred book, according to the Caitanya tradition."
Olivier Lacombe
Doctor of Letters, former
Director of the Institute
of Indian Civilization, Paris.
(Author of the preface)
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Mansukhlal Jhaveri
4-C, Suresh Colony,
S. V.Road, Vile Parle (West),
Bombay-400 056
May 16, 1977
It is remarkable that in the past ten years a great upsurge in interest in Indian Vedic literatures has taken place in the Western world.In no small way responsible for this significant turn-about in history is His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his own Vedic publishing house the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.Called the BBT, its translations have filled the shelves of libraries all over the world and rightfully so. As a translator of Bhagavad-gita I can appreciate that Swamiji's English renderings have been faithfully done and the real import of the slokas is carried nicely into the English language.With over five and a half crores of publications in print in 25 languages, the BBT has fulfilled the import of the Vedic command, Krunwanto Viswa Arya by teaching so many members of today's so-called modern generation India's rich heritage.Especially commendable is the BBT's multi-volume presentation of Srimad Bhagavatam, the Encyclopedia of India's culture.It rightly deserves a prominent place in every library.
Mansukhlal Jhaveri
Prof. of Gujarati Language and Literature
In Bombay and Gujarat colleges for last 35 years.
Member P.E.N. all-India centre.
Multiple gold medal award winning author
of 36 Gujarati books.
General Council of Sahitya Akademi
Book-Reviews-03_Inventory Box 7
Çrémad-Bhägavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam, Second Canto, Parts One and Two.By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, New York, 1972, pp. 662, Color Illustrations).
Having heard the august author of Srimad Bhagavatam in person, once at the campus of Slippery Rock State College, Pennsylvania-to the best of the knowledge of the writer of this review, the first institution in America to have hosted the great speaker-the reviewer considers it a rare privilege to say something about this beautiful addition to the spiritually inspiring and inspiriting treasure of humankind.The life of Krishna, beside whom, to Thoreau's judgment, "even Shakespeare seems sometimes so youthfully green," and whose exalted and exalting message deserves to be read, according to Emerson, 'on one's knees,' is treated here with marvelous felicity and facility.
Each Sanskrit text carries an English rendering followed by an exegesis/explanation in the form of 'purport' in considerable depth and detail, drawing upon examples from India's hoary and sublime contributions in culture, philosophy, politics, sociology, religion and bhakti or love.The encyclopedic work, undertaken as a labor of love, is more than a 'Passage to India,' to use Whitmanated imagery.It is a veritable 'peripluum' [sic] by a Columbus of the soul.The reviewer deems it a signal honor to strongly recommend this welcome acquisition to all readers/students of that greatest of all sciences, the science of God, in each and every part of this great globe.
Mohan Lal Sharma
Professor of English
Slippery Rock State College
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Government Sanskrit College
1, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Calcutta
Phone: 34-1767
24-8-76
The Srimad Bhagavatam is a great Puranic text which has served as the basic source of inspiration for the various branches of the bhakti cult in medieval India.Indeed it would not be a hyperbole to assert that the fundamental tenets of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, are, in their mature form, based on Book XI of this celebrated text just as the indigenous Vaisnava tradition of the neighboring state of Orissa can be said to have developed around the Tenth Book.The Krishna-Gopi theme in its purist form, has been regarded by Indian seers and saints as representing deep mutual love that unites God and His worshippers.It however, finds only casual (and not always authentic) mention in earlier texts like the Mahabharata, Hala's Gatha-saptasati etc.It develops in some of the later texts like the Hari-vamsa, Vishnu-Purana, Padma-Purana, Varaha-Purana, and Brahmavaivarta-Purana.It however attains full bloom in the Bhagavata the one great purpose of which seems to have been to glorify the passionate love of the Gopis for Krishna as a concrete expression of the philosophy of saranagati - the keynote of medieval Vaisnava thought.The beautifully produced volumes of this important text with English translation, commentary, notes and index by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada will, I am sure, go a great way to popularize the spiritual teachings of the Bengal School of Vaisnavism in the English-speaking world.
Prof Dilip Kumar Biswas
Head of the Department
Ancient Indian and World History
Sanskrit College
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Dr. V. V. Gokhale
39/14-15, Prabhat Road,
9th, Lane, Poona 4.
18th December 1977
The Bhagavad-gita speaks of three ways of life: namely (1) the way of knowledge (jnana), (2) the way of selfless work (karma), and (3) the way of self-dedication (bhakti).All the three partaking of each other, lead to the realization of the Absolute.Among them, however, Bhagwan Sri Krishna unmistakably stresses the bhakti-marga as the most comprehensive, the most smooth and the most fulfilling.
This aspect of the teaching has therefore come to be glorified in the later Srimad-Bhagavatam which has grown into a veritable Encyclopedia of the entire temporal and spiritual life of India, unfolding in the most elaborate and eminent poesy of whole panorama of legends and events connected with the highest, multi-faceted manifestation of the Divine Avatara called Sri Krishna.
The gates of these most valuable treasures of Indian literature were thrown open by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada by his establishing the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness with centers in all parts of the world.The BBT has already published a number of important books written by him on the tradition of bhakti yoga coming down from the hoary Vedic Age to recent times, such as Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita.The book production of these encyclopedic renderings is of a very high order, not only in respect of the external get-up and printing, but also in respect of the authenticity of the English translation of the original Sanskrit texts, accompanied by Roman transliterations, vocabularies, detailed cultural expositions of the stanzas, aids to reading of Sanskrit and copious indexes, all of which will serve to make even the common non-Sanskritist readers enjoy these inspiring literary expressions of ancient Indian civilization.I would therefore recommend that these books be acquired by all college and University Libraries, for they reflect the highest peak of literary genius.
Dr. V. V. Gokhale
B. A. (Hon), D. Phil (Indology, Sinology and Philosophy - Bonn)
Thirty-seven years as Prof. of Sanskrit, Fergusson College,
Ex-Director of Research Studies - Cheena Bhavan, Visvabharati,
Post Officer on special duty in Lhasa,
Ex-Prof. and Head of Buddhist Studies, Delhi University,
Trustee - Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.
13 June 77 (Monday)
No earthly writer today can match the vast outpouring of pure verse which our ancient sages, particularly the great Vyasadeva, have left to the world.Motivated by a deep desire to give moral, cultural, and educational upliftment to all people irrespective of caste, creed, or nationality, they have taught to us the higher values of life through the medium of historical narrations, biographies of the lives of great men, and simple instructive stories.The unlimited wealth which they have left behind in the Devanagari script is sheer ecstasy to read for the poet, the student or the common man.
Since dialectic differences began to splinter men into smaller groups, the original language, Sanskrit, was gradually forgotten.It is a special grace upon the denizens of the world today that His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has done such a tremendous job of meticulously translating into so many languages the sacred books of our heritage.Swamiji's most noteworthy achievement is his encyclopedia of Vedic Education, the multi-volume presentation of the Srimad Bhagwatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.His treatment of the verses through his transparent translations and purports show that his scholastic and spiritually-realized grasp of the text is incomparable.It is his understanding of the goal of all knowledge as shown by his skillful pen that makes him rightfully the founder and acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
I am very, very happy to see that many different types of libraries and institutions of the world are snapping up his encyclopedia.Any educational centre interested in giving a complete education to its pupils should follow the examples set by the University of California, the British Library, the Oxford University, and University of Bombay among many others who have ordered sets of the BBT's encyclopedia.As an Indian I am proud of the vast accomplishments of my fellow countryman, Swami Prabhupada.
Gune Samtaney
Sahitya Akademi Award Winner
Member: Advisory Board
Sahitya Akademi
Book-Reviews-14_Inventory Box 7
Krsna is based on the popular Tenth Book of the Srimad Bhagavatam, or Bhagavata Purana.It is not merely a translation of the Book; it is also a commentary reflecting the Hindu fundamentalism that has come to be associated with the Krsna-Consciousness movement.It is written not only in the religious spirit of Caitanya but in the philosophical spirit of Madhva, who was quick to denounce the "Mayavadins," or followers of Sankara.It predictably spiritualizes the exploits of Krsna with the Gopis, so much so that it is not always clear what the Srimad Bhagavatam actually said.It is well written and well put together, with a glossary at the back of each of the three volumes.It is conveniently divided into the same eighty-nine sections as the Bhagavata's Tenth Book itself.
L. Stafford Betty
Dept. of Philosophy and
Religious Studies
California State College,
Bakersfield
Book-Reviews-13_Inventory Box 7
P. M. Joshi
'Latifia' Apte Building,
Pandita Ramabai Road,
Chaupatty, Bombay - 400007
Monday 6 June 1977
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is well known as an exponent of Vedic philosophy and the Indian way of thinking.Here in India Swami Prabhupada has won a wide circle of well-wishers who have nothing but admiration for the notable work that he is doing.His aim is to bring peace of mind to the citizens of a disturbed world.By the powerful force of the message of his voluminous writings, he can lead to peaceful conditions the peoples of our earth.To effect this end, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust has published its literatures in twenty-five languages to give everyone the full benefit of Swamiji's transcendental message.
I feel that Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami has rendered a noble service in translating and commenting upon the Srimad Bhagwatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita, the BBT's encyclopedia of our timeless wisdom meant for all good-thinking people.Thus this great wealth of knowledge is a necessity for all libraries of India and the world.By ordering the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust encyclopedia the libraries can well perform their duty to the public whom they are ever pledged to serve.In this way they can render some service to Swamiji in fulfilling his noble mission.
P. M. Joshi, Ph.D. (London)
Past Dir. Of Archives and Historical
Monuments, Maharashtra Gov't.
Past Prof. in charge of
History Bombay and Poona Univs.
International Congress of Archival Science
International Congress of Historical Science
Joint - Ed. Medieval Deccan History
V. G. C. Professor
Book-Reviews-11_Inventory Box 7
Gulabdas Broker
Telephone572914
397 Swami Vivekanand Road,
Vile Parle (West),
Bombay 400056.
10-5-77
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has done an immensely valuable service for the sake of all mankind by releasing India's immortal classic Srimad Bhagavatam for the close scrutiny of Western eyes.This Bhaktivedanta Book Trust edition is handsomely bound and lavishly printed, and it should find a place on the shelf of every library whether scientific, collegiate or public.Most of all, the lucid writing of Swamiji, direct and to the point, highlights the many features of this edition.
I am very pleased to recommend this Encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge - true to the letter of the word - to all who are eager to scrutinize India's foremost of philosophical systems - Krishna bhakti - in detail.
Jai Sree Krishna
Gulabdas Broker
Gujarat Sahitya Parishad gold metal prize winning
Author of books, short stories, plays, poems and criticisms,
Some of which have been translated into various foreign languages.
Executive Committee of Poets, Essayists, and
Novelists (P.E.N.) All-India Centre.
Advisory Board for Gujarati Sahitya Akademi.
Book-Reviews-10_Inventory Box 7
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, N.Y.10027
Department of Middle East Languages and Cultures
June 28, 1974
Nitai Das - Santosh Das
ISKCON Press - Sanskrit Editing Dept.
New York
My dear Sirs:
It has been my great pleasure recently to have read the three parts of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, in the superb edition authorized by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.The consummate care and devotion to the Sanskrit word and its precious meaning is evident on every page.I am sure this monumental work will go far to serve your purpose of Krishna Consciousness, and to bring the sublime message of the Bhagavatam to numerous Westerners who otherwise would miss this opportunity.
Sincerely yours,
Alex Wayman
Professor of Sanskrit
Book-Reviews_061
Murli S. Deora
Mayor of Bombay
Corporation Hall
Mahapalika Marg
Bombay-4000 001
(India)
19th May 1977
The good work of the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is well known to me.It is especially commendable that the founder-acharya of the society, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has been able to convince so many foreigners all about the simple purity of India's exalted philosophy, "plain living and high thinking".Swamiji is a very highly respected Vedic scholar and he has seen to it that his numerous disciples from all over India and the world stick to the actual disciplines required of students of our ancient philosophy.The growing cultural and educational center (now under construction at Juhu) is an object of deep interest and pride to myself and all fellow Bombay citizens.The members of Krishna Consciousness are always well mannered and cheerful due to the blessings of their benign Swamiji.
Anyone who reads Srila Prabhupada's clear translations and commentaries of well-known Sanskrit and Bengali literature can understand his secret of success.I do not think such accurate scholarly and clear expositions of Vedic culture can be found in English elsewhere.His Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishing house has made sure that the immortal words of our classics have been presented in first-class style.Among the BBT publications, the Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta, comprising an Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge, are especially notable.I have examined volumes of these sets and recommend these sets not only for our own Municipal Corporation Libraries and Municipal funded Libraries, but for all libraries of the world wherever people have a sincere interest to go to the depths of Vedic philosophy.
Murli S. Deora
Mayor of Bombay
Book-Reviews-08_Inventory Box 7
T. G. Mainkar, M.A., PhD. D. Litt.
Bhandarkar Professor of Sanskrit and Head of the Department
Department of Sanskrit University of Bombay,
University Club House, 'B' Road, Churchgate,
Bombay - 4000 20,
Tel. No 299665, Res: 471620,Off: 297292
10 June 1977
Srimad Bhagwatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita - the Encyclopedia of Vedic Culture
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the renowned Vedic scholar and founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, has translated into English the two above-named revered classics of our Indian literature.The special feature of this publication is to be seen in the explanatory notes added with a view to summing up the purport of the passages rendered.
The Bhagavatam is a classic of the Krishna Cult and in the matter of sweetness, sincerity of devotion, and purity of emotion it surpasses all other texts of the Puranas as well as other texts of the Bhagavata religion.As such it is no wonder that it has become a veritable scripture of the devotees of this cult.Again, of all incarnations of the Highest Lord, the Krishna incarnation has a peculiar fascination for the Indian mind and has all along exercised a great influence over the Hindu religious mind, in fact on all minds that have God-consciousness.The Lord's grace, His interest and deep concern for His devotees and even for sinners, His great love for all beings without any distinction of order, caste, creed and sex, His ever-willingness to look after all ardent devotees, His extreme sweetness - all these qualities have made Him the most easily lovable of the Divine manifestations.The text of the Bhagavata sings of the whole life of the Lord from His childhood to His withdrawal from the world, yet the philosophical aspects receive greater emphasis than the historical ones.Along with the Bhagavata, the Chaitanya Charitamrita has received as much care and attention in its translation by Srila Prabhupada.The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is presenting these two sets as an encyclopedia of our culture and our university has made a standing order of these volumes which our students delight in reading.
There is no doubt that the Swamiji has immensely obliged all the lovers of our Vedic culture and devotees of the Krishna cult by this simple, clear, faithful, and illuminating rendering into English.The notes bring out beautifully the subtle implications of the Sanskrit and Bengali text.The lay reader is thus greatly helped in appreciating and understanding the brilliant simplicity of the path of bhakti.Not only is the rendering excellent but also the notes and comments are highly illuminating.The printing is really excellent and the general get-up highly attractive.I have nothing but the highest praise for this splendid publication.The BBT's encyclopedia would be a valuable asset to each school and college library as well as all general libraries throughout the world.
Trimbak Govind Mainkar
Book-Reviews-09_Inventory Box 7
The New York Public Library
Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations
Fifth Avenue & 42nd Street
New York, N.Y. 10018
June 14th, 1974.
Dear Mr. Santosh,
The editions of the famous Sanskrit religious classics of India with new translations and commentaries are an important addition to our expanding knowledge of spiritual India.
The new editions of Caitanya's teachings and the Bhagavatapurana are particularly welcome.The print is clear and the paper excellent.Continue the good work!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. John L. Mish
Chief, Oriental Division
Book-Reviews_060
"I have very carefully gone through the Srimad Bhagavatam published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.The book is very nicely written and has an attractive get-up.The translation, the notes, the explanations of the words and the philosophy is done at its best.It gives an idea of the Bhagavata philosophy with its Vedanta, Bhakti, Sankhya, etc.
The work is useful not only to the Orientalist and the scholar of the Sanskrit language and philosophy, but is of advantage to the layman as well."
Dr. B.H. Kapadia
Head, Department of Sanskrit
Sardar Patel University
Book-Reviews_122
This marvelously available summary study of Srila Vyasadev's Srimad Bhagavatam (10th Canto) by Swami Bhaktivedanta is a boon to classroom discussion of material previously unavailable to all but a few.The reasonably priced three volume paperback edition…brings this wealth of stories about Krsna within reach of undergraduate study, making knowledge of the bhakti tradition considerably richer.Recommended for both introductory and intermediate use."
Dr. Bardwell Smith
Professor of Religion
Carleton College
Director, Associated College of the Midwest
Indian Studies Programme
Book-Reviews_128
"I know of no better introduction to the vast literature of Krsna-bhakti than Swami Bhaktivedanta's paraphrase of Canto 10 of the Bhagavata-Purana.Translators inevitably have to choose between felicity and fidelity.In this edition, Bhaktivedanta resolves the dilemma by presenting a 'purport' of each chapter which is both readable and substantial…retains much of the piety and rich imagery of the original.Krsna has been too transforming a figure for too many people to remain confined to India or known only through the Bhagavad-gita.Here we have the rounding out of his story that has proved so fecund for Indian art, song, dance and devotion."
Dr. Robert B. Tapp
Chairman of Humanities,
Religious Studies and South Asian Studies
University of Minnesota
Book-Reviews_128
"To anyone who is interested in the historical development of Indian thought, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam is a most interesting document on the nature of Hinduism.The volume is clear evidence of the continuity of the Hindu tradition.'Srimad Bhagavatam is a personal commentation on the Vedanta Sutra by Sri Vyasadev'.The introduction also repeats the claim found in many Puranas, namely that they are superior even to the Vedas: Vyasa is the author of all other Vedic literature, yet he recommends the study of Srimad Bhagavatam over all others."
Dr. Ludo Rocher
Chairman of South Asian Studies Department
Professor of Sanskrit
University of Pennsylvania
Book-Reviews_122
"I feel that Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami has rendered a noble service in translating and commenting upon the Srimad Bhagawatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust's Encyclopedia of our timeless wisdom meant for all good thinking people.By ordering the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Encyclopedia the libraries can well perform their duty to the public whom they are ever-pledged to serve.
P.M. Joshi, Ph.D. (London)
Past Director of Archives and Historical Monuments,
Maharashtra Government
Past Professor in charge of History
Bombay and Poona University
International Congress of Archival Science
International Congress of Historical Science
Joint-Ed. Medieval Deccan History
V.G.C. Professor
Book-Reviews_112
ON SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM:
"This is a book to be treasured…The clarity and precision of his commentaries on the text can rarely have been equalled.No one of whatever faith or philosophical persuasion who reads this book with an open mind can fail to be both moved and impressed."
Professor Garry Gelade
Professor of Psychology
Oxford University
Oxford, England
Book-Reviews_134
"The Srimad-Bhagavatam is extremely useful for all those interested in ancient India, whether their interest be that of the philosopher, the student of religion, the historian, the linguist, the sociologist or the political scientist....I truly hope that Srila Prabhupada will complete his translation of the entire Bhagavata and continue to translate other eminent Sanskrit works as well. Undoubtedly, this work of Swamiji's is a great contribution to the troubled human society of today's world."
Dr. Sooda L. Bhatt
Professor of Indian Languages, Boston University
"The BBT versions of our classics constituting an Encyclopedia of Vedic education, should be in every library throughout the length and breadth of India and the world."
Prof. Ram P. Panjwani
Head of Dept. of Sindhi
Bombay University
Award winning author in Sindhi literature
Book-Reviews_110
"...For those who have no access to the Sanskrit language, these books convey, in superb manner, the message of the Bhagavatam. In addition to being a scholarly work, it directly reflects the spiritual aspirations of a religious community which has gained considerable popularity in modern America."
Dr. Alaka Hejib
Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Harvard University
"Srimad-Bhagavatam is a valuable source material and cannot but be attractive to serious students and scholars of religion and philosophy. I recommend this series, to anyone, as an important and useful reference work."
Dr. C. P. Agrawal, Chairwoman
Department of Humanities, University of Michigan
"The volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam continue to arrive.I must say that the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is doing an excellent piece of work, the volumes are of high quality and should endure a great deal of use.
"The structure of the work, Sanskrit text-translation and then the English translation, is an excellent idea.This structure allows everyone, Indologist, Historian of Religions, and laymen full use of this important Purana."
Professor Hans H. Penner
Dept. of Religion
Dartmouth University
Book-Reviews_123
"The Srimad Bhagavatam is one of the works of the Purana class that has had the deepest influence on the religious life of the Indian People.In this series the Sanskrit text is given and the translation is well done, and must be considered a valuable contribution of Indian scholarship.The commentary by the translator, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, will be appreciated by all who are interested in Indian religion."
Herbert V. Guenther
Professor and Head
Department of Far Eastern Studies
University of Saskatchewan, Canada
Book-Reviews_123
"…A commentary on the Vedanta-Sutra by Srila Vyasadev, divided into twelve 'cantos' of which four are presented here in eight beautifully produced volumes.These lavish volumes, obviously the product of devotional effort, contain many lovely full-color illustrations.Even the dust jackets are replete with symbolism…A well-prepared set of references, glossaries, pronunciation guides, indexes to Sanskrit verses, and general indexes conclude Cantos 1 and 2.All in all, these books will be useful in the study of Hinduism, particularly in its contemporary devotional (bhakti) form oriented toward Lord Krishna…"
CHOICE
June, 1975
Book-Reviews_104
"The Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Isopanisad provide insight into the culture of India in a way which ordinary textbooks cannot do for sociologists.These books provide insight in sociology of religion, stratification, and control without ever needing to use those particular words.The books are not only beautiful, but also relevant to our times, as we as a nation search for new cultural patterns for our way of life."
Dr. C.L. Spreadbury,
Prof. of Sociology,
Stephen F. Austin State Univ.
Book-Reviews_103
"I have examined volumes of these sets of the Shrimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Caritamrita, comprising an Encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge, are especially notable.I recommended these sets not only for our own Municipal Corporation Libraries and Municipal funded Libraries, but for all Libraries of the world wherever people have a sincere interest to go to the depths of Vedic philosophy.
Murli S. Deora
Mayor of Bombay
Book-Reviews_110
"…A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's explanation of the text is extraordinarily lucid and cogent in the light of contemporary problems.This edition of Bhagavatam is especially welcome at a time when India's wisdom is needed in the West.I recommend, highly, this edition of the Bhagavatam to anyone who wishes a sound and practical knowledge of India's spiritual wisdom."
Dr Will B. Evans
Jr. Professor of Humanities and Philosophy
University of Arkansas
Book-Reviews_105
"Especially commendable is the BBT multi-volume presentation of Srimad Bhagavatam, the Encyclopedia of India's culture.This rightly deserves a prominent place in every library."
Mansukhlal Jhaveri
Prof. of Gujarati Language
Gold Medal Winner
& Author of 36 Gujarati Books
Book-Reviews_110
"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami has brought out an exquisite edition of the Srimad Bhagavatam with an English translation and explanation.The translator brings the spirit of the text, and the explanation is lucid…I find that the reader can get the utmost benefit from this publication.The format, the get-up, the illustrations are all pleasing to the eye aw well as to the mind."
Dr. T.M.P. Mahadevan
Director, Centre for Advanced Study of Philosophy
University of Madras
Book-Reviews_120
"This edition of the Srimad Bhagavatam deserves great appreciation.It makes the understanding of this important Purana available to the world at large, and the get-up and printing are excellent."
Dr. Siddhesvara Bhattacarya
Nyaya-Vaisesikea-Acharya (Gold Medalist)
Director of Sanskrit Studies and Research,
Head, Department of Sanskrit and Pali
Benares Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Book-Reviews_121
"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has presented the monumental scripture Srimad Bhagavatam, the stupendous work of Maharsi Vyasa, with the English translation accompanied by an exegesis of each verse… His commentary is remarkable from various points of view.In these books, one finds a rare blend of traditionalism and modernism, with an abundant fund of knowledge about Hinduism… The format of the book is appealing, and it is attractively produced… For those who have no access to the Sanskrit language, this book conveys, in superb manner, the message of the Bhagavatam…it can be recommended to all students of Indian religion, culture, and philosophy."
Alaka Hejib
Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies
Harvard University
Book-Reviews_121
"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has undertaken the gigantic task of translating into English the most popular of the Vedic theological works which are the philosophical treasures of ancient India.
Now, in his monumental English rendering of the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavatapurana), the author has made available for the first time to English readers a full perspective of the broad philosophical scope of the Bhagavatam.Srila Prabhupada has taken immense care to present before the reader a lucid and comprehensive exposition of the text by providing accurate synonyms for all words, an easily intelligible
English rendering and an elaborate commentary, which is not only a useful compendium of information on the vast body of Vedic literature but also a learned, logical and crystal-clear exposition of the intended meaning of this unique sacred scripture.
This important series, presented by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, affords a golden opportunity to scholars and laymen alike to dive deeply into the ocean of India's profound philosophical wisdom."
Professor Kantimag Kumar
Sanskrit and Indo-European Philosophy
Oxford University and the
University of Calcutta
Book-Reviews_105
K. SWAMINATHAN
M-9 Netaji Nagar
New Delhi - 110023
March 26, 1976
It is a rare pleasure to handle and peruse this luxurious edition of our great devotional classic, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Krishna being the most charming embodiment of universal consciousness, all approaches to Him, whether of karma, bhakti, yoga or jnana, are legitimate and rewarding.But none is more fascinating or popular than the way of total self-surrender shown by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
I wish all success to the movement for the spread of Krishna Consciousness, and in particular to this magnificent project for bringing the treasures of the Bhagavatam to the Western Reader.
(K. SWAMINATHAN)
Chief Editor of the Collected
Works of Mahatma Gandhi.
Book-Reviews_059
"Srimad-Bhagavatam is a valuable source material for several categories of readers.With its exhaustive plan of providing the original Sanskrit text, its Roman transliteration, English synonyms, English translation and elaborate commentary by a scholar and practitioner of philosophy, it cannot but be attractive to serious students and scholars of religion and philosophy.I recommend the series, to anyone, as an important and useful reference work."
Professor C.P. Agrawal,
Department of Humanities,
The University of Michigan.
Book-Reviews_093
SRI R. SUBRAHMANYAM, M.A.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (RESEARCH)
LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT.
(National Parliament)
108 PARLIAMENT HOUSE
NEW DELHI-110022
Dated the 25th March 1976.
A strange feature of the modern world is that in spite of vast advances in science and technology and the establishment of a good number of institutions for human welfare, mankind has not found true peace and happiness.Knowledge of material sciences and arts has increased tremendously in recent times and millions of volumes on each fill the libraries the world over.People and leaders in every country are generally well-versed in these arts and sciences, but despite their efforts human society everywhere continues to be in turmoil and distress.
The reason is not far to seek.It is that they have not learnt the Science of God, the most fundamental of every other art and science and cared to apply it to the facts of life.The need of the hour is therefore, to do it, if mankind is not only to survive but flower into aglorious existence.
To teach this Science of God to people everywhere and to aid them in their progress and development towards the real goal of life, SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM is the most eminently fitted.In fact, this great and ancient work of Vyasa will fill this need of the modern times, for "it is a cultural presentation for the re-spiritualization of the entire human society".
His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder Acarya of the ISKCON movement has taken upon himself, in addition to his ceaseless travels and other multifarious activities in the service of the Lord, the stupendous task of translating this Sanskrit work into English in about sixty volumes, for the welfare and happiness of mankind.It is really astonishing how he is able to do this single-handed, and when one comes to think of this, apart from his other great literary works, one is tempted to wonder if he is not the same Vyasa Muni reborn today to adapt his own old work into a universal language of this age for the spiritual uplift of the modern man.
So far, eight volumes of this most beautiful literature on God have been brought out by the ISKCON and the rest are under preparation.Needless to say that in keeping with the excellence of their other publications, the publishers have seen to it that the printing, get-up and pictures in these volumes are also of the highest quality, as though to serve as an ornament to the divine contents of the books.
This is a rare opportunity to people and leaders of every country, race and community in the world to know and understand the glorious Science of God and work for their perfection.I would say that this encyclopedia of spiritual knowledge is more important and fundamental than the encyclopedia of any other branch of knowledge and should, therefore, find a rightful place not only in the public and private libraries, big and small, of educational and other institutions as also of every household but above all in the hearts and minds of every man and woman.
Book-Reviews_057
Srimad Bhagavatam and Sri Caitanya Caritamrta are the two very important books brought out by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.These texts represent the bhakti movement of Indian History.The highest goal of human life (moksa) can be achieved, according to the philosophy of the bhakti movement, only through complete surrender to God.
These monumental works published with exhaustive comments will go a long way to bring this philosophy of bhakti to numerous readers, particularly to those who are not familiar with Indian philosophical tradition.
R.C. Pandeya
Professor and Head
Department of Philosophy
University of Delhi
Book-Reviews_056
The monumental edition of the Bhagavata Purana by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is a major contribution to Indian studies.It is one of those rare works which are truly useful to both the scholar and the layman.The edition contains the Sanskrit text, both in Devanagari and transliteration, a word for word translation, connected translation in contemporary English, and an extensive commentary for each verse.It can thus be used profitably by students of widely differing degrees of familiarity with Sanskrit and Indian culture.A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's commentary represents a consistent religious interpretation of the work based on thorough familiarity with Hindu tradition.The books are beautifully produced, yet modestly priced.They should play a significant role in promoting serious study of Indian culture and religion in the English-speaking world.
Valdis Leinieks
Department of Classics
University of Nebraska
Book-Reviews_049
Professor Krishnagopal Goswami
M.A, P.R.S., Ph.D., F.R.A.S. (Lond.)
Sastri, Smriti-Mimansatirtha, Vidyavachaspati.
Jogendra Ghosh Research Prize-Winner, etc.,
Asutosh Professor and Head of the Department
of Sanskrit, Member of the Senate, Faculty of
Arts & Academic Council, Calcutta University.
Phone: 35-6199
P-215, C.I.T. Road.
(86, Hemchandra Naskar Road)
CALCUTTA - 10
March 25, 1976
Srimad-Bhagavatam is acclaimed to be the revealed scripture of supreme authority representing the nectarine essence of spiritual wisdom for its sustaining perennial interests.The philosophy of love is propounded in this text not only as a theory, but also as a fact, and that again, as the only fact in the anecdote of life.Human life finds in its message the meaningful prospect of spiritual realization by loving service and dedication to Krishna as the Supreme Person of Blissful Godhead.
It is gratifying to note that Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has undertaken the magnificent task of editing this monumental scripture, Srimad-Bhagavatam, with transliteration, a lucid translation and a very illuminating exposition in the form of purport in English with sympathetic understanding.The said edition of the Bhagavata series, we hope, will serve as a boon to the English-knowing world for its abiding values and ennobling thoughts of spiritual perspectives to give correct lead to mankind in midst of sickening contemporary problems.
Dr. Krishna Gopal Goswami
Asutosh Professor and
Head of the Department of Sanskrit
Calcutta University
Book-Reviews_048
Dept. of Ancient History, Culture and Archaeology
University College of Arts
Osmania University
Hyderabad -500 007, India
Phone: 71251
Extension225
DateJuly 20, '77
With delight I have gone through a few volumes of Bhaktivedanta Publications "Srimad-Bhagavatam".The publication contains the text in Devanagari and Roman script, pratipadartha and commentary in English.Srimad-Bhagavatam being one of the foundation works of Ancient Indian Culture every one interested in Indian culture ought to study it.I have not come across a better work on the subject than this publication.Further, the treatment of the subject in this particular work is encyclopedic in nature and I wholeheartedly recommend this work for purchase by any individual interested in culture and to all educational institutions and libraries.The get up of the book is splendid and the price very reasonable.
Dr. M. Radhakrishna Sarma
Reader and Head, Dept. of
An. Indian History, Cul. & Arch.
Book-Reviews_035
Dr. B.R. Sastry
Director and
Professor & Head, Department of Sanskrit,
Sanskrit Academy
Osmania University, Hyderabad.
Hyderabad-7 (A.P.)
No. 51/13/S.A./1977-78
Dated July 21, 1977
The beautiful Encyclopedia Series of Srimad Bhagavatam is a monumental work on Indian Culture and Devotion.It is, indeed, a treat to go through the translation and the purport presented along with the text in Devanagari as well as Roman Script.The word to word meanings given in the text help the scholar as well as the lay reader to have a clearer grasp of the inner spiritual significance of the text.This interpretation of the Srimad Bhagavatam which occupies so important a place in world literature is pregnant with deep philosophical ideas.
It is indeed a great privilege to get acquainted with the great work of the interpretation of Indian Culture through the unique work of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder Acarya for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Srimad Bhagavatam published from America is a symbol of international amity, understanding and cooperation which are the greatest need of mankind today.The production of such a publication with such single-minded devotion testifies to the universal character and appeal of Sanskrit Literature, especially works like Srimad Bhagavatam.Scholars and lovers of Indian Philosophy are very grateful to the Acarya for the yeoman service he is rendering to the propagation of Indian Thoughts.
The Sanskrit Academy of Osmania University, Hyderabad, has placed an order for the entire Encyclopedia of this monumental work for its library.Presentation of the Sanskrit Text has been properly done and the printing is very nice and readable.The editing, proof-reading and get-up are excellent.This work, I am sure, will serve as an inspiration to research scholars of Indology as well as a practical Encyclopedia of Vedic Culture and History for the students of India and abroad.
In conclusion, I would like to convey my hearty felicitations to the publishers.I wholeheartedly recommend this complete Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust to all educationalists, scholars, students, lay readers and educational institutions.These volumes, I am sure make a valuable addition to the libraries dedicated to the study of Indian Thought.
B.R. Sastry
Book-Reviews_034
Dr. Vasudev Vishnu Mirashi
Chairman Vidarbha Samshodhan Mandal,
Nagpur
11-4-1977
To:The Acharya,
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness,
Juhu Road, Juhu, Bombay400 054
Sir,
Last week an American Brahmachari of your Society met me here and presented me a copy of the Eighth Canto, Part One of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.He requested me to give my opinion on the book.
Since then I have gone through some portion of it.I was delighted to go through it and see its beautiful illustrations and fine get up.
The Srimad-Bhagavatam is the ambrosial fruit of the Tree of the Vedas.Even the recitation of it gives delight to the mind.But its sense cannot be understood by those who do not know Sanskrit.In this book a transliteration in Roman characters is given for those who cannot read Nagari.Then the different words of the stanza are clearly explained.A clear translation follows.Next the purport is stated lucidly so that the subject matter is clearly understood even by a beginner.This edition has brought this learned sacred work within the easy reach of every person.
The printing of the book is excellent and its illustrations superb.It is a pleasure to handle as well as to read the volume.
The colored illustrations are in the best Indian style.
These books of Srimad-Bhagavatam will undoubtedly popularize Krishna Consciousness among the people and will go a great way in bringing moksha 'liberation' within the reach of the devotees.
I thank the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for its work in popularizing the Bhakti Cult among the people of the West.
V.V. Mirashi
Retired Professor of Sanskrit, Nagpur Univ.
Past Prof. of Ancient Indian History, Nagpur Univ.
Awarded title of Mahamahopadhyaya
Dr. of Literature by Saygar Univ. & Nagpur Univ.
Past General Pres. of All India Oriental Conference
Fellow, Numismatic Society of India
Member of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
Author of 13 books in English, Marathi, Hindi, Oriya
Book-Reviews_033
Prof. K.D. Bajpai
Tagore Professor & Head of the Department of
Ancient Indian History Culture & Archaeology
Director, Excavation & Exploration
Chairman, Numismatic Society of India
University of Sagar
Sagar, 470-003 M.P. (India)
Srimad-Bhagavata Purana is regarded as the most celebrated of the eighteen mahapuranas.It not only contains the source-material for the Vaisnava Agama literature but also represents the rich and multi-faced Vedic tradition.The poetic excellence of the Bhagavata has been recognizedthroughout the ages by eminent critics.
It is gratifying to see that A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has brought out an exquisite edition of this great work in several volumes.He has given the English rendering of the entire Purana and has very ably interpreted its contents.The lucid style of his writing is discernible on every page of the volumes, which have been illustrated suitably.The printing and get-up of the volumes are superb indeed.
Swami Prabhupada has been known to me since his sojourn in Vrindaban, when I was in charge of the Archaeological Museum, Mathura.He has been propagating Krishna-Bhakti Movement in this country, in U.S.A. and Europe.It is to his credit that the Krishna Consciousness Movement has been made a world-wide discipline.He has been following the path of the ancient sages in serving the cause of Indian culture.The philosophy of humanity and all pervasive love of Indian culture has been effectively advanced by the Krishna Consciousness Movement, of which Swami Prabhupada ji is the very soul.Besides his commentary on the Bhagavata Purana, Swami ji has written on the Upanishads, the Gita and on several other works of ancient Bhakti lore.
K.D. Bajpai
Book-Reviews_032
Dr. S.D. Joshi, Director.
Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit
UNIVERSITY OF POONA
Ganeshkhind
Poona - 7.
Telephone No:54220
18th April, 1977.
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust,
Juhu,BOMBAY:400 054.
Sir,
It gave me great pleasure recently to study the new publications of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.Particularly the great Indian Classic describing the Science of God, Srimad Bhagavatam, composed with the original Sanskrit texts, word for word meanings, meaningful and devotional Oriental Translations, drew my full attention.The beautiful and informative texts of Srila Vyasadeva have been properly augmented by the great insight and devotional qualities of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, so as to clearly reinterpret the real need of Vedic knowledge to Modern man in the form of a comprehensive and accessible encyclopedia, useful for many different aspects of study, both the sciences and the humanities.In publishing the Bhagavatam in this way, Srila Prabhupada has done a great service to the people showing the practical application of Bhagavata principles to the present day problems.This Sastra is taking on an important significance as the guide for a rapidly growing International Society, dedicated in all seriousness to the re-spiritualization of humanity.
Certainly I am very glad to have these beautiful and important books in our Library and I strongly recommend for use by educationalists, scholars, students and lay readers in every kind of library.
Yours sincerely,
S.D. Joshi
Director
Ph.D. Harvard Univ.
Book-Reviews_031
Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 7, Part 3 is truly a beautifully illustrated and well-designed book.The inclusion of a glossary and Sanskrit pronunciation guide enhance the comprehensive scheme of original text, Roman transliteration, English translation.This work could be a valuable source book in a course in Sociology of Religion as it offers both the English translation of a classic Indian religious work and the philosophy (through his commentaries of the founder of an important contemporary movement—the Krishna Consciousness Society.
Kathlyn Fritz
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Sociology
University of S.C. Columbia, S.C.
Book-Reviews_029
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is making a substantial contribution—and a highly welcome one—to Indic studies through its program of publishing economical editions of some of the very fundamental works of Indian civilization; works for which there has been a real need and which have heretofore not been readily available.
I have before re [sic] the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Isopanisad—the latter in an attractive and convenient paperback format.These editions are clearly printed, with the text itself presented in devanagari and in transliteration, followed by an intelligent English translation.The accompanying exposition of the text—in English—is extensive, learned, and provocative.
Not the least notable feature of these editions are the illustrations.These present excellent examples of contemporary popular religious art generally unknown to those who have [not] been to India.
O.L. Chavarria-Aguilar
Professor
The City College, Cuny
Book-Reviews_026
Raj Bhavan
Madras-600 022,
May 11, 1977
It had been my great pleasure to have read some volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad-gita, so nicely translated by Swami Prabhupada.The style is lucid and cogent in the light of present times.He has done wonderful work in the West and in the East for the propagation of the Hindu religion and culture.All the publications are wonderful.
Prabhudas B. Patwari
Governor, Tamil Nadu.
Book-Reviews_024
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Executive Director
Narayana Menon
Napiman Point
Bombay400021
Telephone310011/310012
SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
SECOND CANTO:PART ONE
by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
I have been familiar with Srimad Bhagavatam since my childhood hearing it regularly as read by my grandmother or chanted by Pandits at the temples of Kerala.But this is the first time that I have gone through a part of it with care, attention and an enquiring mind.The first and immediate reaction was one of humility, faced with such profundity of thought and of intellectual sophistication.The translation is clear, lucid with a kind of luminosity which only a poet can bring to it.This is a book to be read, re-read, studied and cherished.Swamiji deserves our gratitude for making available to us an English rendering of this great work which conveys almost everything that is inherent in the original Sanskrit.The completion of his work is something to which we should all look forward.
The book is handsomely produced.The Sanskrit text is bold and clear.The transliteration in English is a useful guide to those who cannot understand the Devanagari script.The word by word translation would help students ofSanskrit.
Narayana Manon
June 20, 1977
Book-Reviews_022
Jayawant D. Dalvi
13 Viakas
Bhawani Shankar Road
Bombay - 400 028
June 15, 1977
Krsna-Dvaipayana Vyasa's SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM is a great and sublime contribution to the world by the ancient India.It has however, become more meaningful for the present human civilization which is indulging more and more in materialistic perversions.
Our life is a combination of matter and spirit soul.But due to our extra materialistic attitudes, the spirit soul is more and more contaminated by the matter.
A serious student of SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM will certainly realize the importance of liberation of soul from ever increasing materialism.The humanity will remain ever grateful to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for his monumental work on this great spiritual source.These works contain original Sanskrit text, its Roman transliteration, its translation into English and elaborate and scholarly purports by the Swamiji.This is indeed a mighty task.
Jayawant Dalvi
Award-winning Novelist & Playwright (Marathi)
Retired Chief Programmer, U.S.I.S.
Book-Reviews_020
I went through Shrimat Bhagawatam, Second Canto, Part One published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and found that the translation and the purports are extremely well done and the reading of the text is a pleasing experience.It is a signal [sic] service to Indian Culture and Literature that the Trust is bringing out the entire Bhagwat Purana in this superb edition.I heartily commend this volume to all lovers of Indian religion and literature.
W. L. Kulkarhi
14-6-1977
Senior Professor and Head of the Deptt.,
of Marathi Language and Literature,
Marathawada University,
AURANGABAD (Retd.)
Professor and Head of the Dept. Of
Marathi Literature, University of Bombay (Retd.)
President, All India Marathi Senitya Semmelan. 1965
Chairman, Board of Editors, Encyclopedia of
Marathi Literature. Etc.
Book-Reviews_019
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is an exponent of Krishna Consciousness or bhakti.As Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita: man mana bhava mad bhakto "Always think of Me and become My bhakta (devotee)" (B.G. 9.34) yet the Vedantist element is not absent in Srila Prabhupada, and he points out Krishna's words in the Gita's fifteenth chapter:
vedais ca sarvair aham eva vedyo
vedanta-krid veda vid eva caham
"I am the compiler and knower of Vedanta.By all the Vedas I am to be known."(Bg 15.15)
Hence in Swamiji's well-written exposition of bhakti and Vedanta philosophy, the multi-volume translation of Srimad Bhagavatam, one can find as complete a cross reference to the vast storehouse of our ancient Indian literatures as exists anywhere.The get-up is superb with the deep meaning of the Sanskrit slokas opened up by the use of transliterations, word for word meanings, and clear translations of the text.The extensive purports make this masterpiece a compete encyclopedia of Vedic thought.Swamiji's Bhaktivedanta Book Trust have gone to great pains to see that the art work, the printing, the paper, and the binding are in every way first-class.With a high growth rate of sensational Westernized literatures flooding our Bharat, a revival in interest of our own rich heritage among students is the need of the day.My good wishes to the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust to fill this need in India, and the world in general.These volumes richly deserve to adorn the shelves of every library.
Hansa Mehta
Padma Bhushan
Past Vice-chancellor Maharaja
Sayajirao Univ., Baroda
University Grants Cttee (1948)
Pres., Inter-Univ., Board of India (1956)
Mem., Bombay Legislative Council ('37-"39, '40-'49)
GOI rep. on Human Rights Comm of UN
Pres. All India Woman's Conference (1945-46)
Executive Board of UNESCO (1958-60)
Hon Doctor of Letters (Allahabad Univ)
Book-Reviews_017
DR. KANTILAL L. KALANI
M.A., LL.B.V.P.A., PhD.
Office:284242
Res:578376
Residence: 23/3 Yamuna Society
Azad Rd., Andheri East BOMBAY-400 069
May 27, 1977
I am very happy that Swami Prabhupada, the great exponent of Krsna consciousness, has undertaken a stupendous task of giving us the authentic translation of Srimad Bhagavatam, which is rightly recognized as the foremost devotional scripture of Hindu religion.
It is a great joy to have such a lucid translation with original text and scholarly explanation of each Sloka. When this great work will be completed, I am sure it will provide a new light to those who are genuinely interested in understanding this superb devotional work.
I am deeply impressed by the purports which reveal the inner meaning of each Sloka.The purports give reasonable details to open up the treasure-house of pure love of God.
It will be in propriety to say something about the production of the book.It is most attractive and highly appeals to our aesthetic taste.
Kantilal L. Kalani
Ed. Gujarati lit. U.S.I.S.
Columnist Gujarat Mitra
Gov't. award winning author
Book-Reviews_016
ROSKILDE UNIVERSITETSCENTER
Postbox 260 - 4000 Roskilde - TLF. (03) 363611
Hanneborg, Knut, professor dr. philos.
4.2.77
Concerning SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM.
Opening this book one opens up for a world of beauty and wisdom, to which not even an ignorant like myself can be insensitive.Reading a little makes one wish one had time to read more of this book, and others in the series as well, and work on them in order to understand more of this foreign spirituality.
Reading longer parts allows one to understand bits and pieces of the original language in which these texts were originally written, because we are presented with material used for the reconstruction of the sense of the passages quoted. One misses, unfortunately, an index of central terms.Such an index would have facilitated the understanding considerably.Perhaps it is included in another volume of the series?Apart from this the way the texts are presented is very grateful, and it has been a pleasure to read such clearly printed and well ordered pages.
Hanneborg Knut
Book-Reviews_012
My apologies for the lateness of this review.I am still receiving volumes of the Srimad Bhagavatam and I worked under the mistaken assumption that the review should encompass the entire set.I keep the set in my office and have found a surprising amount of student interest in them.I must admit that I tend to consider these volumes as a collection of art works with an alien and exotic attraction.They probably constitute the most attractive set of books that I own.They are quite enjoyable to look through and quite as difficult to read.The original texts, which are printed in these volumes are rather useless to one who is not trained in Sanskrit or even the Roman transliteration of that language (my position).This tends to make for a "jerky", less than smooth reading of the meaning (Purport) of the passages.Nevertheless, the ideas are finding increasing sympathy in our culture and I have been able to use many of them in my classes on mysticism and philosophy of religion.I have even incorporated some of the thoughts I have found in these volumes in a seminar I am teaching on death.They provide a useful balance to the western mode of thinking and help to extend the metaphysical horizons of myself and my students.
Howard K. Congion, PhD
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Lock Haven State College
Lock Haven, PA17745
Book-Reviews_011
Dr. G. K. Bhat
M. A., Ph.D.
Curator and Director
Post-Graduate and Research Department
Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute
POONA411 004 (India)
Phone No. 56936
Residence: A 12, Svapnanagari Apartments,
Karve Road, PUNE411 004
Phone No. 56841
In the religious, philosophical and cultural literature of India Shrimad Bhagavatam holds a position which is second only to the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita.The Gita is classed as an Upanishad and is regarded as one of the three Canonical Texts of Vedic Religio-Philosophy.The Bhagavata is a Purana work but nearer, in a way, to the heart of the Hindus as an embodiment of the divine life and teaching of Lord Shri Krishna, the Divinity that came to live among mortals and to show them, by precept and example, the gracious way to immortality.To every Hindu listening to the Bhagavata recitation is an acquisition of religious merit and opening the doors of the human soul to greet the Divine Presence. As a sacred text of devotional religion and straightforward philosophy of salvation, the Bhagavata could hardly have a compeer in sweet attraction and popular appeal.
It is this great work Shrimad Bhagavatam that has been offered now by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in English and several other language translations so that the 'language of the gods' (Deva-vani-Sanskrit) will now be intelligible to the larger humanity of the world that uses varied tongues.This is a great service that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has rendered to mankind, bringing the spiritual message of devotion, divine love and grace to the tortured souls of the world.This has a particular relevance in the present times.When poverty, hunger, economic shortages, political rivalries and upheavals, atomic weapons and threat of destructive war loom large over the horizon, the peace-loving, simple humanity needs a solace and assurance, which a religion of love and devotion alone can bring.
The English translation has, besides, an academic value.The original Sanskrit verses are lucidly translated into English; meanings of individual words are given; and in the Purport the significance of each verse is unfolded, often with allusions to and quotations from Vedic and Puranic literature, with the additional result that the Bhagavata reveals itself as an Encyclopedia of Vedic Culture.
The 24 volumes so far published, which cover 8 cantos of the Bhagavat, are very elegantly and beautifully produced, with a care befitting spiritual love.The Bhandarkar Institute has purchased these volumes and intends to complete the set.I would personally feel that this beautiful work should be an ornament to any private and academic library.
Dr. G.K. Bhat
Director
Post-Graduate and
Research Department
Bhandarkar O.R. Institute
Pune 411 004
July 21, 1977
Book-Reviews_008
Department of History
University of Poona
Pune - 411 007.
Dr. A. R. Kulkarni
M.A.LL.B., Ph.D.
Professor and Head
Department of History
Phone :56061 (89)
Date28th July, 1977
It gives me great pleasure to introduce to the scholars and devotees "Srimad Bhagavatam—the Encyclopedia of Indian Culture" translated into English by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Devotionalism [sic] is a characteristic feature of Hinduism.Bhagavat Puranam, or Srimad Bhagavatam, is one of the truly great works of Hinduism, and is the principal text of Vaishnavism, a sect of Hinduism devoted to the worship of the Personal God Lord Krishna.It has spread all over India, and its innumerable translations into the vernaculars bear an eloquent testimony to its popularity and influence.
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust has done meritorious service to mankind by bringing out this classic of India into English.The present edition gives the original text, its transliteration in Roman script, its full translation in English and the purport of each couplet.It is also very well illustrated.Thus it serves the requirements of all classes of people … devotees and scholars.
I hope that a careful study of this encyclopedia of Indian culture will enable us to realize the dream of one human society.
I recommend this book to Universities, educational institutions and centres of learning.
A.R. Kulkarni,M.A.,LL.B., Ph.D.
Prof. and Head, History Dept.
Awd. Winning author
Book-Reviews_007
2000 5176Gram Vidyavihar
SISTER INSTITUTIONSPhone
Sheth C. N. Vidyalaya(High School)83322x 32766Office
Sheth C. N. Kala Maha Vidyalaya(College of Fine Arts) 44512 Secretary's Residence
Sheth C.N. Polytechnic Institute x3420Director's Residence
Sheth C.N. Talimi Vidyalaya(Primary Teacher's Training College)
Sheth C. N. Vyayam Vidyadhav(College of Physical Training)
Sheth C. N. Graduates' BasicTraining College
Sheth C. N. Bal Vidyalaya
And Sheth C. N. Chhatralaya
Director
JHINABHAI R. DESAI
SHETH CHIMANLAL NAGINDAS VIDYAVIHAR
AmbawadiEllis-Bridge,AHMEDABAD-6
Date: 1 Aug. 1977
It was indeed a very pleasant experience to have come across Srimad Bhagavatam rendered into English with original Sanskrit text, its Roman transliteration, synonyms, translation, and elaborate purports by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.On going through some portion of it, I was reminded of the eminent English poet Kipling who while talking about the East and West pessimistically remarked that the twain shall never meet.How far he was from reality and the truth would be apparent to one who may happen to have an idea of the great services rendered by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.The world has been able to surmount a number of barriers which might have been there in the days of Kipling as could be seen from the poems of his very worthy successor T.S. Eliot who was very deeply impressed by Indian philosophical thought.I was extremely happy to have an idea of the cultural impact that Swami Prabhupada has on the West, a glimpse of which I had from his young American disciples who are carrying out his work with devotion, love, and humility.The great library of Oriental books that is being built up by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust deserves a very prominent place in our Collegiate, public and private libraries.
JhinabhaiR. Desai
Director
ex-President Gujarati Sahitya Parishad
ex-Acting V.C. Gujarat University
author of twenty books under the pen name"Sneharashmi"
Book-Reviews_004
1-8-77
I had the good fortune of going through one of the volumes of the monumental work on Shrimad Bhagavatam by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.Shrimad Bhagavatam is a rich mine of spiritual knowledge bringing inner peace and joy to all those who care to follow its heartening message.In a world tormented by contradictions of technocracy and material values giving rise to innumerable problems of existence, Shrimad Bhagavatam has a special relevance.By enlightening the believer aboutthe special relationship of the living individual with the Universe and its Ultimate Creator, it conveys through excellent epic poetry all that religious scriptures have to convey.Never was there a story so superbly blended with a rich message as in Shrimad Bhagavatam the beautiful story of the Supreme Lord.It is therefore significant that this Vedic Encyclopedia fostering Bhakti or Krishna Consciousness is so devotedly translated in English by Swami Shri Prabhupada for the benefit of the international world.This rendering in English I understand is the first of its kind and its chief value lies in the fact that both the Sanskrit original and its rendering is made accessible to the English-knowing world by providing its transliteration in the Roman script and also by providing the English synonym in English word for word.But the chief merit of the book lies in the commentary on each of the slokas under the caption 'Purport'.In impeccable English Swami Shri Prabhupada has explained each and every sloka in a way that brings out its appeal to the modern world.It also draws copiously from other Indian scriptures which points out the essential unity of the spiritual expression of ancient India.
The decently brought out and fairly-priced illustrated volumes of Shrimad Bhagavatam should adorn the shelves of all the libraries and especially every book-lover's personal library.
Yashvant Shukla
Principal
Past Professor of Gujarati
Book-Reviews_005
Panjab University Library Chandigarh
From The University Librarian
Panjab University Library
Sector-14
Chandigarh-160014
Dear Sirs,
India’s contribution toward the revivalism of the Hindu civilization and culture by way of printing the Harvard-Oriental series was tremendous, but the work done by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is unsurpassable.His Holiness has done a great service to the Indian Culture by re-interpreting the concept enshrined in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
This edition of Srimad Bhagavatam will go a long way to help the scientists in rediscovering phenomena of the universe which is yet to be discovered.The printing and the get-up of the book is excellent.The thoughts of this Srimad Bhagavatam radiate to anyone who sees it.This book helps to brighten the gloomy and dark clouds which are covered by the nuclear fear and apprehension of society.
Yours faithfully,
Jagdish Sharma
University Librarian
Dr. Jagdish Sharma
M.A., Dip. Lib. Sc. (Delhi),
M. Lib. Sc., Ph.D. (Liby. Sc.)
Michigan University, Ann Arbor,
Michigan. U.S.A. University Librarian-
Cum. Professor of Liby. Science,
Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Author of 19 books including
Encyclopedia Indica
BookReviews-01-VRN
Popati R. Hiranandani
Head of Sindhi Department
K.C. College, Churchgate, Bombay.
Res: 51, Sangita
Behind Telephone Bhavan,
Colaba, Bombay 400 005.
Tel: 212921
Date 22 May 1977
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
Juhu Rd.
Juhu, Bombay 54
In all of India, Bengalhas repeatedly shown itself as a place where great scholars, poets, scientists and leaders capable of influencing the world take their birth.This fact has been further enhanced by the advent in recent times of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada whose Bhaktivedanta Book Trust classics of India have today flooded the earth.Thereby a great wave of interest in Indian culture has been sparked among foreigners.Swami Prabhupada works tirelessly translating into English the great works of Indian literature, and supervising their further translation into French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian, and a host of other languages both Asiatic and Western.
Among Swamiji’s greatest literary achievements is his multi-volume Srimad Bhagwatam with Devanagari script, transliterations, word definitions, translations of verses and carefully done commentaries.As a translator of the Bhagawat into the Sindhi language, I can appreciate the value of this work and the need for its study among all classes and creeds.Another much-revered classic published by the BBT is the Bengali account of the life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita.These books are necessary reading for all modern students for they constitute a veritable Encyclopedia of our great Indian heritage.
P. R. Hiranandani
Award-winning Author of 16 books.
Pres. Sahita Mandal.
Vice-president All-India Sindhi Boli and
Sahitya Sabha.
BookReviews-02-VRN
Prof. Kalyan B. Advani M.A.
Jai Hind College,
“A” Road, Churchgate,
Bombay – 20.
14, Sindhi Colony,
Off WaterfieldRoad.
Bandra, Bombay – 50.
Date23 May 77
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
Juhu Rd.
Juhu, Bombay 54
I have the auspicious fortune of being presented with an exquisitely beautiful copy of Srimad Bhagavatam (second canto part one) written by the great Swami His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.The very sight of it is soul-inspiring.It is an excellent, lucid, and learned exposition of the deep philosophy of the Supreme Truth.The book is illustrated artistically with handsome pictures along with transliteration in Roman script of the original verses in Sanskrit which Swami Prabhupada has commented upon.
I can easily judge that the translation is masterly and I offer my humble salutations to the revered Swami for all his spiritual work which has inspired and transformed countless souls.I am quite sure that such works will lend luster and grace to all libraries interested in this topmost of philosophical systems.Swami Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagwatam is indeed a complete encyclopedia of our culture.
Kalyan B. Advani
Award-winning author and
mem: Advisory Board for
Sindhi of Sahitya Akademi
of Bharatiya Jnanpith
of Board of Studies in Sindhi and
Faculty of Art at Poona University
BookReviews-03-VRN
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BOMBAY
Powai, Bombay 400 076, India
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Ramakant Sinari
Chairman of the Department
Telegrams“Technology, IIT, Powai,
Bombay 400076”
Telephone:581421 (7 Lines)
6 June 1977
The Manager
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
(Affiliated to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness)
Sir,
I am pleased to make the following comments concerning your beautiful and learned publications, Shri Chaitanya-Charitamrta of Gosvami and Srimad-Bhagvatam, both written by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
I feel that these works are the result of Swami Prabhupada’s extraordinary commitment to the Bhakti cult in the Indian tradition.Swami Prabhupada’s style and language are full of the flashes of his intuition.They clearly represent his realization that love for God and for mankind should be the foundation of all inter-personal relations.’’Krishna’ is the symbol of this love; he is the Absolute in an incarnate form.Love for Krishna therefore sung in all forms of devotion-laden language asserts man’s empathy toward his entire creation.
The Central Library of IIT, Bombay has already secured on my recommendation the above-mentioned works.These works are read by the faculty and students here not only for their religious message but also for the unique interpretation they embody of the traditional cult of Bhakti in India.
The poetic and devotionalist tenor of these works, I am sure, would make one realize the meaning of man’s dependence on God.
I have no hesitation to state that His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has done an immortal service to the movement of devotionalism in Hinduism in particular and in world’s religions in general by so ably bringing out these works in beautiful English.
Every library in the world that is engaged in promoting the welfare of the human self by turning it toward the supremacy of the divine spirit should have on its shelf these works.
Very truly yours
R. A. Sinari
BookReviews-04-VRN
Prof. Ram P. Panjwani
Head Sindhi Department
University of Bombay
Tel: 452146
8 Qureshi Mahal
Opp: Mahim Station
Bombay 16,
22 May, 1977
I have been very pleased to go through the Srimad Bhagawatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.I am grateful to Swamiji for throwing light on the significance of these great Indian classics in such a sweet, interesting, and educational manner.I have read many versions of these books and I can understand that Srila Prabhupada's purports have brought out the main substance of their texts.The Bhagwat especially has changed millions of lives in the past for the better with its clear presentation of Vedic culture.Now Swami Prabhupada's presentation in the English language is sure to play a great part in the proper molding of our student's minds.May the reader of these books find out the deep meaning of our Aryan culture.
The BBT versions of our classics constituting an Encyclopedia of Vedic education should be in every library throughout the length and breadth of India and the world.The message is one though the languages in which the books are presented may differ.The voices of the Srimad Bhagwatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita have no boundaries.These literatures exist for all time.Thank you for sending me these volumes which have made a great impact on my mind.They have made me feel a better man.
Ram P. Panjwani
Member of Academic Council and
Social Welfare Board,
University of Bombay
Past Professor of Sindhi Jai Hind College and
D.J. College (Karachi)
Award-winning author and member of
Sindhi Advisory Board of
Sahitya Akademi.
Book-Reviews-04_Inventory Box 7
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad-Bhagavatam, First Canto: "Creation" (Part Three-Chapters 13-19). New York, Los Angeles, London, Bombay:The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. 1972.pp. ix, 661-1112.
It is axiomatic that no book can be expected entirely to satisfy all its potential readers.Here is one, however, which can be said to come remarkably close to that ideal.
Clearly this book is intended mainly for those who are interested in-or may become so-transcendental science, and more specifically in Krsna consciousness.For them it could hardly be bettered, since the "elaborate purports" attached to each "text" explain elegantly and lucidly, and in every possible detail, the underlying meaning of the Sanskrit verses and their relevance to this increasingly popular philosophical outlook.
The work is at the same time no less impressive to one who is a layman in the context of transcendental science.A student of Sanskrit or a general linguist with only a smattering of the language would gain much from going through this book and others in the set.That this is so is the result of the way the texts are presented.Each text in Devanagari is followed by an exact roman transliteration.This is in turn followed by an English transliteration of each separate word.After this comes a translation in flowing English.The result is that, with only a modest amount of effort, one can succeed in reading and understanding the Sanskrit verses, and the experience is very rewarding.
At the end of the book is appended a goodly amount of further helpful material.There is a glossary of important Sanskrit terms (pp. 1035-43), a Sanskrit pronunciation guide (pp. 1045-6), an index of Sanskrit verses in the whole of the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam (pp. 1047-66) and a general index to the First Canto (pp. 1067-1112).In other words we have here the ideal of what an edition of a Sanskrit text for a western audience should be.
The book is a pleasure to handle in another way.It is beautifully planned and printed, with a skillful and appropriate use of different founts of type.At the beginning are twelve delightful-and meaningful-color plates.
Dr. R. E. Asher
Reader in Linguistics
University of Edinburgh
Book-Reviews-06_Inventory Box 7
SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM
Srimad-Bhagavatam is the quintessence of the Vedas, the crest-jewel of the entire body of Hindu and non-Hindu scriptures.It is Vyasadeva's own commentary on his aphoristic Brahma-sutra, in which he summarizes the Vedas, and on a particular commentary and interpretation of which is based each one of the orthodox schools of Indian philosophy.It is the simplest and the most popular exposition of the Absolute Truth in its highest and most attractive form.It surpasses even the Gita in the supreme excellence of its divine teachings.Its supreme importance is borne out by the fact that it is regarded as identical with Krsna Himself.It is unique as a work referring to the most ancient times and presenting vivid pictures of the most ancient peoples.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has done great work indeed by presenting an English version of Srimad Bhagavata with the original Slokas in Sanskrit, the English transliteration, word for word meaning of the Sanskrit words, free translation of the Slokas, and exhaustive, erudite and illuminating purports.
Dr. O. B. L. Kapoor, M.A., D. Phil.
Ex-Principal,
Govt. Post-graduate College,
Rampur, India.
Book-Reviews-07_Inventory Box 7
Çré Caitanya-caritämåta
The appearance of an English translation of Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami's Sri Caitanya-caritamrta by A.C. Bhaktivedanta, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a cause for celebration among both scholars in Indian Studies and lay-people seeking to enrich their knowledge of Indian spirituality.Even scholars like myself, who have specialized in Sanskrit or other non-Bengali languages and literatures of India, have been tantalized over the years by citations in English from this great classic but until the present time have been denied access to a firsthand experience of the work by an inability to read Bengali.Therefore, we welcome the appearance of this Bengali religious classic in English with great enthusiasm and with anticipation that it will fill a most serious lacuna in our libraries and in our courses on the religious traditions of India.
The Sri Caitanya-caritamrta ("The Immortal Deeds of Caitanya") presents in graceful poetic style an account of the events in the life of Sri Krsna and the teachings of Lord Caitanya, believed by the Krsnites of Bengal to be the greatest of all devotional seer-poets and the Supreme Incarnation of Sri Krsna Himself.Caitanya was a holy man and a religious reformer in whose person and teachings the major religious elements of the Great Tradition (i.e., the Paths of Works, Knowledge and Devotion) were integrated to form a single all-embracing conception of salvation.He raised these truths to a higher, purer level of expression through a life of complete devotion to Krsna.This religious tradition founded by Sri Caitanya is distinguished by its denial of the Advaita Vedantin belief that knowledge of and union with the Impersonal, Transcendent Eternal Brahman is the summum bonum of spiritual attainment.It asserts, instead, that personal salvation arises from pure unqualified communion with the Supreme Personality of the Godhead in the form of Sri Krsna.This intimate spiritual relationship between man and God, in turn, results from an acceptance of God's grace—extended freely to all men—through a life of self-surrender and devoted service.The ideal model which every devotee is commanded to emulate and imitate is the love relationship between Sri Krsna and the gopis or cowherdesses, wherein Krsna is loved, not for goods or other boons which he may bestow upon human beings in return for services which they have rendered to him, but solely for the sublimity and majesty of his person.
The importance of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrita rests not only on the aesthetic quality of its poetic composition or its status in the religious traditions of Bengal, but also for its masterful integration of a number of different strands of the larger Indian tradition.It draws together formative elements from, among other works, the Bhagavad Gita (which itself had long ago fashioned an exquisite synthesis of the ways of Works, Knowledge and Devotion to form a single path to salvation); the Mahabharata (with its narrative of the life of Krsna as a warrior, a prince and a High God); the Harivamsa (an appendix to the former work in which deeds of Krsna are related in most elaborate form); the Srimad Bhagavatam (in which the life of Krsna as a child and a prince is told in most luxuriant detail); and the difference—cum—non-difference philosophy of the Sankhya tradition.
According to the teachings of Sri Caitanya, Sri Krsna provided the Way of Devotion (bhakti-marga) as the easiest, purest and most widely accessible way to complete God-consciousness in the present Dark Age (Kali-yuga).The most critical need of this period, characterized by a radical decline of spiritual knowledge, moral conviction and intellectual certitude, is the formulation of a means to salvation available to the great mass of people who are incapable of pursuing the more rigorous and austere disciplines of mind and will.Therefore, at the present time, it is not through the performance of costly and complicated sacrificial rites (as in Vedic religion), nor the erection of magnificent and expensive houses of worship (as in medieval Hinduism), nor the practice of mental abstraction (as in Patanjali's Yoga-system), but through surrender to God's will and devotion to his Person that salvation is most readily achieved by means of the continual repetition of the Divine Name(s).
These and many other sublime teachings left unmentioned here for lack of space, are presented in this book in a most attractive and readable fashion.The format of the book represents an adaptation of the classical Indian literary model for modern, western readers: the original sacred text in Bengali characters, a transliteration in Roman letters, a listing of "synonyms" for each word in the text, followed by a verbatim translation and a brief commentary on the most important verses.While doubtlessly only a limited number of readers, trained in the Bengali language, will be able to make use of the text, transliteration and synonyms, some people who come to this text for the first time in this English translation will find it sufficiently provocative and inspiring to undertake a serious study of the language of the original.For the first time we possess a readily accessible edition of this great religious classic that will provide opportunity for scholars in Indian Literature and followers of the Krishna Consciousness tradition alike to compare the original text with a modern English translation and become acquainted with the deeper spiritual meanings of this work through the learned commentary of Sri Bhaktivedanta.The usefulness of this edition for both scholars and lay-readers is enhanced by the provision of a glossary of technical terms, a guide to the pronunciation of Bengali words and a detailed index to most of the important topics and sub-topics in the text and commentary.
Anyone who bothers to give a close reading to the commentary will sense that here, as in his other works, Sri Bhaktivedanta has combined a healthy mixture of the fervent devotion and aesthetic sensitivity of a devotee and the intellectual rigor of a textual scholar.At no point does he allow the intended meaning of the text to be eclipsed by the promotion of a particular doctrinal persuasion.At the same time, he establishes his doctrinal point of view clearly and convincingly.Not only will readers benefit from the insightful commentary on the text itself, but from numerous citations of parallel and illustrative passages from other religious classics of India, among which we mention the following: the Bhagavad Gita, Surya-siddhanta, Laghu-bhagavatamrta and numerous other Bengali Krsnaite works representing Indian devotional religion in its most alluring and graceful form.
This exquisitely wrought volume will be a welcome addition to the library of all persons who are committed to the study of Indian spirituality and religious literature, whether their interests are sparked by the motivations of the scholar, the devotee or the general reader.
J. Bruce Long
Department of Asian Studies
Cornell University
Book-Reviews_116
"I have looked at the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta translated with notes by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.He gives the Bengali text, English synonyms for Bengali words and English translation for each verse.Since no word-for-word translation of the text exists, this translation is very useful.The book is not only meant for scholars, but is also for those who want to learn about Bengali Vaishnavism and Sri Caitanya's teachings.It carries the spirit of the original and …(the author)…gets his message across very well."
Dr. Bimal Krishna Matilal
Spaulding Professor of Sanskrit
Oxford University, England
Book-Reviews_118
"Sri Caitanya Caritamrta by Krsnadas Kaviraj is one of the most outstanding contributions to human intellect and spiritual realization.The text is edited and translated by one of the greatest exponents and followers of Caitanya's school of thought and way of life, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.Most of the older commentaries have been out of date and they are no more applicable to our present life.Therefore, an edition in the line as it has been done by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami has fulfilled the need of the time."
Asutosh Bhattacharya, Ph.D.
Rabindranath Tagore Professor of Bengali
Head, Modern Indian Languages Dept.
and Honorary Director, Research Institute
for the Folk Culture of West Bengal
University of Calcutta
Book-Reviews_114
"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has rendered a tremendously valuable service to the world in translating these volumes…Sri Caitanya Caritamrta is one of the best expositions of Hindu thought that are available.The translation is clear and the purports are very informational and helpful to the reader…"
Dr. M. Layman
Dept. of Philosophy
Drury College
Springfield, Mo
Book-Reviews_114
"I have read Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta with great pleasure.The work is considered to be an important contribution to Indian philosophy and Hindu religion.Scholars and students interested in Indian classics will certainly welcome the publication of this important work with original Bengali text, Roman transliterations of the text, translation, and elaborate purports in English."
Professor N.C. Bhattacharya
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
Book-Reviews_114
"Krishnadas Kaviraj was a great Sanskrit scholar…best known for the Chaitanya Charitamrta which is regarded by many as the most important work in Vaishnava literature.An eminent critic has expressed the view that 'As a biography and as a work of thought it is a landmark in New Indian Literature'".
1. It is not only a good biography but also deals in detail and in a masterly manner with the mystic and philosophical aspects of Vaishnavism propounded by Chaitanya.
2. He quotes authority for his statements—a rare virtue displayed by the authors of the medieval age.
3. The book shows a unique combination of ripe scholarship and a wonderful literary style much in advance of his age.
4. The author gives due credit to the previous writers on the same subject.A classical example is furnished by his account of the quarrel between Chaitanya and the Muslim Qazi of Navadvip who forbade the singing of kirtana in public.The account given by him is somewhat different even in the material points from that given by Brindavandas, but yet he refers the reader to the latter's book for a fuller and more accurate account.
5. He gives a mere outline of the early life of Chaitanya which Brindavandas had already described in detail, but gives a more detailed account of the last eighteen years of the life of Chaitanya, specially his extensive travels such as we do not find in any other biography of Chaitanya."
Dr. R.C. Majumder, M.A., Ph.D., D.Litt (Hony.)
Vice President of the International Commission for a History of the
Scientific Cultural Development of Mankind set up by UNESCO.
Principal, College of Indology, Hindu University, Benares, and
Visiting Professor of Indian History, University of Chicago and
University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Book-Reviews_115
"Sri Caitanya-caritamrta of Krsnadasa Gosvami (Antya lila Volume 3) by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:The English translation and commentary of the author, who in spite of his much advanced age, completed the masterpiece, are lucid and understandable and at the same time speak of the vast erudition of the scholastic author.The arrangement, printing, binding, etc. of the book are commendable."
Sachin Roy
Indian Museum
Calcutta
Book-Reviews_115
CHOICE, April 1977
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta of Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, tr. By A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1975.17v ill 73-93206.7.95 ea.Contents -[Pt. 1]: Adi-lila, v. 1-3; [Pt. 2]: Madhya-lila, v. 1-9; [Pt. 3]: Antya-lila, v. 1-5.
Scholarship and religious devotion are joined in this work on the life of Caitanya.The printing and distribution of literature is a work of devotion among the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement.The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust was established in 1972 to publish the translations, commentaries, and essays of the founder/acharya of the movement, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.He is a prolific writer/translator, and among the works published are the multivolume translation and commentary on the Bhagavata Purana Srimad-Bhagavatam (CHOICE, June 1975), and the Bhagavad-Gita as it is (CHOICE, Jul.-Aug. 1969).
The present work is a monumental, 17-volume translation of and commentary on Sri Caitanya-caritamrta.Caitanya (or Chaitanya) was a Bengali saint, A.D. 1486-1534, who became the object of a devotional cult and the major figure of the Vaishnava bhakti movement in Northern India.It is believed by the devotees that he was an avatar of Krishna, and hence he is worshipped as divine and called "Lord Caitanya."
Sri Caitanya-caritamrta is a biographical work by a second generation disciple, Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, b. 1507.He rushed to finish it at the end of the 16th century when he was in his nineties because he was in failing health.For his work he used the diaries of first generation disciples, Swarupa Damodara and Murari Gupta.A good example of Indian hagiography, it recounts a marvelous birth, a period as householder, sacred pilgrimage, conflicts, preaching resulting in conversion of many, and some miraculous deeds.The work contains short statements and summaries of teachings, but no long philosophical discourses.
The biography is divided into three parts; "Adi-lila," "Madhya-lila," and "Antya-lila."The first 24 years of his 48 are recounted in the volumes of the "Adi-lila".After 12 chapters of preface, stories of his birth, childhood miracles, marriage, and early teaching are told in Chapters 13 through 17 of "Adi-lila."At this point Caitanya went into the world as a sannyasin.The next 6 years are the subject of the nine volumes of the "Madhya-lila," which tell of Caitanya's travels to famous holy places throughout India.The last 18 years of his life were spent at the important temple at Jagannatha Puri in Orissa, and the events from this period are in the volumes of the "Antya-lila."
The translation and commentary are by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder/acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.Born in 1896, he was a follower of Gandhi in 1922 when he became a follower of the Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya of Caitanya and became convinced that the message of Caitanya was the only panacea for suffering humanity.His teacher commissioned him to preach the cult of Caitanya in English in Western countries.After a period of writing and editing, he arrived in New York in 1965 and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1966.Like Gosvami, knowing himself to be an old man, he hurried to complete the present work and did so in 18 months, finishing it in November 1974.
Each chapter is divided into stanzas or verses of two or four lines, and the presentation is divided into five parts: text, transliteration, synonyms translation, and purport.The Bengali or Sanskrit text is given.The printing here is much less clear and uniform than the roman text, especially when a very delicate typeface is used to indicate a quotation from a Sanskrit text.Still, the original text is available for reference.A roman transliteration is provided to facilitate chanting of the text.(In addition, a recording of the chanting of the text by Swami Prabhupada is available from the Society.)A word-by-word translation follows the Romanized text.The clear, smooth English translation is printed in easily read boldface type.For many stanzas, though by no means all, there is a commentary by Swami Prabhupada.These purports become more rare and shorter as the work proceeds.For the 155 stanzas of Chap. 12 of the "Antya-lila" there are only seven short comments.
Prabhupada's work is an excellent example of the standard Indian practice of presenting religious and philosophical teaching through commentary on an older sacred text.The conflicts of Caitanya with opponents, most notably Buddhists and followers of Sankara, give the author the opportunity to attack the contemporary "Mayavadin impersonalists" as well as the mistakes of some Western philosophers and scientists (AdL. II p. 29; AnL II p. 166).Caitanya's conflicts with Muslim rulers lead to comments on the current political scene in India ML I p. 117; AnL I p. 46).
In the commentary the founder gives detailed instructions for members of the Society concerning appropriate forms of worship for married devotees (ML I p. 337); regulations for daily chanting the 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra (AdL II p. 276): provision for a bed for the deity in each temple (AdL III p. 267); and items for the cookbook (ML I p. 265).He warns the devotees not to abandon teaching and dancing for solitary meditation (ML IV p. 300).He also answers attacks directed against the movement, e.g., that it accepts Westerners as true Vaishnavas (AnL I p. 282; AdL III p. 41), and that boys and girls [sic.] participate together in the chanting and communal activities of the Society (AdL II p. 23).
While many of the comments are short, some are fairly long (three to seven pages) and could stand alone as essays.The description of the abode of Krishna, Vaikuntha, is a beautifully written essay (AdL I pp. 386-392).The short essays on the meaning of OM (AdL II pp. 122-128) and on the Mahatma (ML VII pp 100-105) deserve attention.The English style is excellent, with only an occasional infelicity, e.g., the translation of lila as pastimes.Only an occasional factual error is found, e.g., the explanation that the famous temple city of Tirupati is to be found in Tanjore District (ML I p. 68).
Indexes are very important for any work of this scope, but absolutely essential for a work organized as a commentary.Fortunately, there are extensive reference tools for each volume.Each contains a Bengali pronunciation guide, a glossary, and a list of references to other Indian scriptures, most notably the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam, but to a number of other works as well.There is a less useful index that contains a complete alphabetical listing of two lines of each Bengali and Sanskrit verse in the Sri Caitanyacaritamrta.Oddly, and without explanation, only one volume (AdL II p. 399) contains a map of Bengal showing the sites relating to Caitanya.Of greatest value because of its clear organization and completeness is the general topical index to each volume.This means, of course, that there are 17 separate indexes.The publication of a single index volume would greatly assist researchers who might wish to use the material.The paper stock, reproduction and binding of these volumes, prepared in the U.S., are of a very high quality.
The set will be a valuable addition to upper-division undergraduate and graduate libraries in institutions where there is research on Bengali literature, the bhakti movement, the life of Caitanya, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.It is not recommended that a selection of only two or three volumes be acquired; no reasonable basis for selection exists.If a shorter work on Caitanya is desired, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Teachings of Lord Caitanya (1974) is available.If a shorter example of his commentary style and teaching is desired.The Bhagavad-Gita as it is in one volume is recommended, though it is not recommended as the best version of that text.
Raymond B. Williams
Department of Philosophy and Religion
Book-Reviews-02_Inventory Box 7
Presenting a Publication of Major Importance: Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta
By A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
"The appearance of an English translation of Krsnadas Kaviraj Gosvami's Sri Caitanya-caritamrta by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is a cause for celebration among both scholars in Indian studies and lay people seeking to enrich their knowledge of Indian spirituality… it will fill a most serious lacuna in our libraries and in our courses on the religious traditions of India.
"For the first time we possess a readily accessible edition of this great religious classic that will provide opportunity for scholars in Indian literature to compare the original text with a modern English translation and become acquainted with the deeper spiritual meanings of this work through the learned commentary of Sri Bhaktivedanta.
"Anyone who bothers to give a close reading to the commentary will sense that here, as in his other works, Sri Bhaktivedanta has combined a healthy mixture of the fervent devotion and aesthetic sensitivity of a devotee and the intellectual rigor of a textual scholar.At no point does he allow the intended meaning of the text to be eclipsed by the promotion of a particular doctrinal persuasion.
"This exquisitely wrought volume will be a welcome edition to the library of all persons who are committed to the study of Indian spirituality and religious literature, whether their interests are sparked by the motivations of the scholar, the devotee or the general reader."
Dr. J. Bruce Long
Professor of Asian Studies
Cornell University
Book-Reviews_088
"Sri Caitanya-caritamrta with Caitanya's teachings as represented in the sixteenth century by Krsnadas, in the brilliant edition of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, contains the original Bengali text (some parts are in Sanskrit), a transliteration, separate treatments of the meanings of words, translation, and explanations, along with prefatory and lecture material, a key to the Bengali syllabary, a map of Bengal, and beautiful illustrations.Students, scholars and laymen will take inspiration from this work, each in his own way…"
Dr. Herbert J. Landar
Professor of English
California State University,
Los Angeles
Book-Reviews_091
"I can recommend Sri Caitanya-Carnitamrta as a source of rich insights for every serious student of consciousness."
Dr. Rory O'Day
Dept. of Human Relations
University of Waterloo
Ontario, Canada
Book-Reviews_090
"Apart from being a great religious leader and reformer, Sri Caitanya ranks as one of the outstanding thinkers of classical medieval Hindu philosophy.It is, therefore, both important and interesting to have this Bhaktivedanta edition of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta in English available, so that scholars who do not read Sanskrit can, for the first time, follow the subtleties of Acintya-Bhedabheda doctrine in their original format.There is the additional bonus of insight into a Vaisnavite saint and religious ecstatic.Praise for the physical format of these books (the printing, the illustrations, the helpful apparatus supplied), and the price, cannot be too high.They are truly beautifully done."
Dr. Arthur Kreisman
Professor of Humanities
Dean of Arts and Sciences,
Southern Oregon State College
Book-Reviews_090
"…The editing and translating of the important Sri Caitanya-caritamrta will make a substantial contribution to those both within and without the classroom who seek information about Indian concepts…This is an attractive, readable presentation of the text.The Sanskrit text is followed by an English transliteration, synonyms and a translation—an excellent educational approach to the teachings.The intent of the texts is developed in the purports which guide the reader into interpretative appreciation of the texts.A list of references, a Glossary, a Bengali pronunciation Chart, and Index and eleven plates (most in color) make this volume an important resource for anyone interested in the teachings of Krsna…"
Dr. Gerald A. Larue
Professor of Religion
University of Southern California
Book-Reviews_090
"Sri Caitanya is the pioneer of a great social and religious movement that began in India, a little less than five-hundred years ago.Sri Caitanya-caritamrta is the most authoritative biography of this great saint and social reformer.But the work is more than a biography.Its greatness consists not so much in the literary skill with which the story of Caitanya's life is told, but in its complete exposition of the profound tenets of the philosophy and religion of Sri Caitanya as exemplified in his life.
"It is a remarkable document of great historical and sociological importance…As a literary piece, it is regarded as a work of great merit having no parallel in the whole of Bengali literature.As a religious text, its sanctity is comparable to that of the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam.
"This English edition translated by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is superb.It contains the original Sanskrit and Bengali verses with their English transliteration, word-for-word synonyms, translation and elaborate purports, easily bearing testimony to the author's profound knowledge of the subject."
Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor
Emeritus Chairman, Philosophy Dept.
and Chancellor
K.N. Government Postgraduate College
Varanasi, India.
Book-Reviews_089
"The Sri Caitanya-caritamrta of Krsnadas Kaviraj Goswami is one of the most important texts of the Vaisnava bhakti movement of northern India, and for that reason alone A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's translation of it is important.Its very presentation provides embodiment of a living religious tradition...All this for the very reasonable price of $7.95 per volume, in a day when books of this size with illustrations might run easily twice that."
Dr. Leonard Nathan
Professor, Dept. of South and
Southeast Asian Studies
University of California, Berkeley
Book-Reviews_088
"…It is a handsomely-bound elegant volume, as well befits its contents.The format of the book is well thought out, and should be a model for other translations.Having the original text and synonyms, verse-by-verse with the translations and purport, is a splendid idea.
"…It is a genuine joy to have this momentous biographical work on the life of Bengal's great saint Caitanya, prepared by his best-known modern interpreter, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada."
Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer
Associate Professor of Ethics
and the Phenomenology of Religions
The Graduate Theological Union
Book-Reviews_088
"I am most happy to have these handsomely printed volumes which embody the work of so learned and sincere a believer in the message of the Caritamrta."
Professor Daniel H. Ingalls
Chairman, Dept. of Sanskrit and
Indian Studies
Harvard University
Book-Reviews_088
Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta
The brightest luminary that ever appeared on the spiritual firmament, Sri Caitanya is the pioneer of a great social and religious movement that began in India, a little less than five hundred years ago, and now promises to bring love, peace and happiness to the strife and storm ridden world.Caitanya Caritamrta is the most authoritative biography of this greatest of all saviours of mankind.But the work is more than a biography.Its greatness consists not so much in the literary skill with which the story of a great life is told, but in its complete exposition of the profound tenets of the philosophy and religion of Sri Caitanya as exemplified in his life.It is besides a remarkable document of great historical and sociological importance, giving a picturesque presentation of men and things in India in his time and the far reaching social and religious changes wrought by him.As a literary piece it is regarded as a work of great merit, which has no parallel in the whole of Bengali literature, and in point of sanctity it is given the same place as Srimad Bhagavata.
The English edition of the work brought out by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is superb.It contains the original Bengali and Sanskrit verses with their English transliteration, word for word English synonyms, translation, and elaborate purports, easily bearing testimony to the author's profound knowledge of the subject.The most ravishing thing about it is the exceptionally neat get up and pictures.
Dr. O. B. L. Kapoor, M.A., D. Phil.
Formerly Professor and Head of the Dept. of Philosophy
Govt. Postgraduate College, Gyanpur, and
Principal, Govt. Post-graduate College, Rampur, U.P.
Book-Reviews-05_Inventory Box 7
9/30/75
Review of SRI CAITANYA-CARITAMRTA by Dick Dezio, Assistant Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Parkersburg Community College, Parkersburg, W. Va.
Prabhupada's translation of SRI CAITANYA-CARITAMRTA is of the same nature as the Hare Krishna movement - first class!
Although the essence of this work escapes anyone but a devotee of the Lord, reading it is of the same nature as association with Lord Caitanya and all can benefit from such association.
Book-Reviews-12_Inventory Box 7
Teachings of Lord Caitanya
"A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's volume on the Teachings of Lord Caitanya is a most handsome production, the photographs and other full-color illustrations making a most attractive accompaniment to the text.The text itself serves as a solid introduction to the life and thought of Caitanya.Scholars will find the inclusion of all quotations in transliterated Sanskrit to be of use, while full translation of such passages will make the text accessible to students, as will the presence of the Glossary."
Dr. James P. McDermott
Professor of Religion
Bowdoin College
Book-Reviews_094
"All of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's writings combine an expert's knowledge of Sanskrit and a spiritual master's authority of interpretation with an especially readable style…
When read from cover to cover, Teachings of Lord Caitanya provides a cyclopedia of Krsna doctrine and ethics…the reader sees here a very complete expression of 'personal theism', which differs radically from Shankara's Vedanta.This should prove a valuable book to the student…"
Dr. Roy C. Amore
Professor of Religion
University of Windsor
Canada
Book-Reviews_094
"Teachings of Lord Caitanya is an authentic and lucid account, in English, of the life and philosophy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The spiritual movement initiated by 'the Great Master' five hundred years ago has profoundly influenced millions of men and women in India ever since, and is presently making its mark throughout the world.
"Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the present spiritual master of the movement in disciplic succession, has done a great service to the English-speaking world by making this spiritual treasure available in English."
Dr. K. L. Seshagiri Rao
Professor of Religious Studies, University of Virginia
The Nectar of Instruction
"This 'Authorized English Presentation of Srila Rupa Goswami's Sri Upadesamrta'—as the subtitle says—is a very welcome addition to literature from the Caitanyaite school of thought.This very brief work gives in a nutshell the essence of Prema-Bhakti.The present edition gives the Sanskrit text in bold Devanagari and in Roman transliteration, a word-for-word translation of the text, a running translation in bold type and a brief comment after each verse, which should prove very helpful for students.A glossary as well as an index of Sanskrit terms has been added.The cover—color reproductions of photographs of Rupa Goswami's Samadhi in Vrndaban and of the Radha-kunda at Govardhana make the volume appear very attractive."
Dr. Klaus Klostermaier
Professor
Department of Religion
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg (Canada)
Book-Reviews_131
"The Nectar of Instruction is an English rendering of Sri Rupa Goswami's Upadesamrta, which is a gem of spiritual wisdom.In the course of eleven verses, it charts out the Vaisnava path of piety and devotion for spiritual aspirants.It gives clear instructions regarding attainment of self-control, transcendence of worldliness, and cultivation of love of God.
"Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada's translation of the text is impeccable; his commentary is lucid, authentic and helpful.All serious Religions students will find it immensely valuable."
K.L. Seshagiri Rao
Prof. of Religious Studies
University of Virginia
Book-Reviews_131
Nectar of devotion
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
College of Liberal Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122
Department of Religion
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to certify that Nectar of Devotion, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is being used as a textbook in two sections of Religion 52 (Religion and Movements in Contemporary Culture), offered as an undergraduate course by this department during the Spring semester, 1972.I cannot say what effect the volume has had, but I am certain of its use.
Sincerely,
Gerard S. Sloyan
Chairman
Department of Religion
Book-Reviews_069
"The Nectar of Devotion" is a summary study of Srila Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.It is specifically presented for persons who are engaged in the Krishna Consciousness movement.Nevertheless, it is a useful and interesting book for all interested in the Bhakti cult and is faithful to the original.Its style is fascinating and appealing.The work presents in a charming manner the characteristics of pure devotional service (bhakti), the first stages of devotion, the eligibility of the candidate for accepting the path of devotional service, the superiority of devotional service to all liberation and its purity, the devotional principles and practices and their spontaneity, and what is the most interesting of all—the varieties of love for Krishna.The ecstatic love for Krishna can be divided into five divisions—neutrality, servitude, fraternity, parenthood and conjugal love.Srila Rupa Gosvami has also described seven kinds of indirect ecstasies of devotional service known as laughing, astonishment, chivalry, compassion, anger, dread and ghastliness.
This work provides invaluable material to one interested in psychology, poetics and the history of the Bhakti cult and of course sympathetic guidance to the sadhaka.
We should be thankful to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for making such a beautiful summary study of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu available to us.
E.A. Solomon
Head of Department of Sanskrit
School of Languages
Gujarat University
Ahmedabad 9
Gujarat. India
Book-Reviews_051
Kåñëa, The Supreme Personality of Godhead
"At last we have an inexpensive set of classical Indian texts (Krsna, 3 vols.) available for students.These are particularly valuable for introductory courses on Indian Civilization, but may also be used to advantage by anthropologists who seek to introduce undergraduates to South Asia.Frequently anthropology courses on India use ethnographies and sometimes indigenous novels as required texts, but these should be supplemented with some key classical Indian scriptures.Now this is possible with the welcome publications of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust."
Dr. James Preston,
Prof. of Anthro.
State Univ. of N.Y. College at Oneonta
Book-Reviews_102
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
Berkeley-Davis-Irvine-Los Angeles-Riverside-Sand Diego-
San Francisco-Santa Barbara-Santa Cruz
Merrill College
Santa Cruz, California 95064
July 31, 1974
Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
3764 Watseka
Los Angeles, California90034
Gentlemen:
I have read over both the Krishna trilogy and the Teachings of Lord Chaitanya.I find them both excellent examples of Indian religious thought.The stories and illustrations of Krishna provide an insight into Indian devotionalism and folk beliefs concerning Krishna that is not generally available in the United States.The Teachings of Lord Chaitanya gives details of the life of Chaitanya that are also very difficult to find outside of India.It also includes many interesting interpolative comments by Bhaktivedanta Swami that amplify and interpret Chaitanya's teachings.
Thank you for the opportunity to review these books.I plan to recommend them as alternative readings for my classes on psychology of religion.
Sincerely,
Robert Frager
Assistant Professor
of Psychology (and Religion)
Book-Reviews_065
"The book Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead should prove to be an important addition to materials available for college courses in religion.The three volume paperback edition contains plates with well-produced colors.The text reads well in English and undergraduates will have no difficulty reading large segments of the work.It is one of the best sources in English for gaining insight into the bhakti religious tradition."
Dr. Louis Roberts
Executive Chairman
Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Syracuse University.
Book-Reviews_129
"Krsna is an important book for both the new student of the History of Religions, as well as for the professional scholar.It is presented in an interesting format with a readable text and multi-colored pictures.A glossary in the back of the book helps clarify the many complex terms which are used in the volume.
"Krsna is a helpful and significant contribution to the growing phenomenon of interest in the religions of Asia."
Dr. William A. Johnson
Professor of Philosophy
Brandeis University
Book-Reviews_129
The Krsna Trilogy is an interesting and helpful chapter-by-chapter retelling and interpretation (a "Bhaktivedanta purport") of the tenth book or canto of the Bhagavata Purana, dealing with the enchanting exploits of the Lord Krsna (Krishna) among and for the sake of human beings.Vol. I, which recounts the portion from Krsna's birth through his "Dance of Delight" (rasa-lila) with his beloved Gopis or Milkmaids, could be particularly useful in courses on Hindu religion.The charm of the story is sometimes interrupted by the didactic tone of some of the "Bhaktivedanta purports", but these interpretations nevertheless give valuable insights into how the Krsna story lives up to the present in traditional Hindu religion and into how it is being presented in the American cultural context.
Walter G. Neevel, Jr.
Assistant Prof. of Philosophy &
Religious Studies
Acting Chairperson,
Comparative Study of Religion Program
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Book-Reviews_027
Readings in Vedic Literature
Perceptive readers of Readings in Vedic Literature, by Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami, will discover an informative and highly provocative introduction to the Vedic tradition, which displays an impressive concern to make this vast and complex religion comprehensible to modern western readers in familiar terms.The lengthy introductory essay is written in clear and concise language, with a view toward manifesting the intricacies of Vedic thought in straightforward terms, without sacrificing the subtleties of doctrine and symbolism so characteristic of that sacred heritage.
This reader found especially noteworthy the author's cogent presentation of the basic tenets of Vedic doctrine and his insightful discussion of the tension between the impersonalistic and personalisticconceptions of the Divine Absolute that has generated so rich an array of systems of religious thought throughout the ages within the Vedantin community.
Another praiseworthy feature of the book is the author's insistence that the doctrinal (or 'ideal') and socio-religious (or 'practical') dimensions of this religious tradition must be viewed as complementary parts of a single whole, if a truly comprehensive and accurate understanding of the tradition is to be derived.
While I find many features of the work unacceptable from a scholarly viewpoint (e.g., the identification of the Sri Bhagavatam as Vedic in nature) and am disappointed that he did not see fit to include translations of selections from the Vedic Samhitasand other Upanisadsin addition to the Isa, I see the book as a useful guide to that part of the Vedic tradition represented therein and a welcome addition to the burgeoning literature concerning that tradition from the perspective of the Krsna-bhakti community.
J. Bruce Long
Cornell University
Ithaca, N.Y.
Book-Reviews_001
"Reader, be of good cheer.To those of you who have surveyed in confusion the trackless paths of Indian philosophy, this volume offers hope and respite.You are holding in your hands a reasonable and highly readable account of the particulars of Vedic thought:Readings in Vedic Literature."
Dr. Jerry Clack
Professor of Classics
Duquesne University
Book-Reviews_133
The Perfection of Yoga
"The Perfection of Yoga is most useful for anyone wishing to understand the meaning of yoga. It also introduces the student to the study of Bhagavad-gita and shows how direct and simple, yet in another sense, how profoundly complex is the path of spiritual growth through yoga practice. It is a scholarly book, yet has a direct personal meaning for all—a powerful combination."
Dr. Frank Ledwith, Professor of Psychology
University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland
Isopanisad
Dr. N.H. Hashmi
Retd. Prof. & Head Deptt. of Urdu
Lucknow University
Phone: 26516
ISMAIL BUILDING
University Road, Lucknow - 7
Dated16-6-77
Though I have little knowledge of Sanskrit but as a student of literature, I have been impressed by the meticulous care and clarity with which each Mantra of the said Upanisad has been translated into English.I very much wish that Swamiji could first-time to translate other Upanisads also into English in the same methodical way so that the knowledge embodied into Vedantas could be available to all English-knowing people at least.Further, I would also like to suggest that if your organization could undertake to translate all the fourteen Upanisads into all the major languages of the world, including, of course, my mother tongue—Urdu.It could not only universalize the teachings of the Vedantas, but also it could very much help in bringing about the much needed integration of the multi-lingual humanity.
Yours faithfully,
N.H. Hashmi
Book-Reviews_015
"This is a very elegant paperback, clearly printed and well designed in every way.The 18 Sanskrit mantras are given in both Devanagari and Roman script, something that will be of great help to the beginning student.Swami Prabhupada has given intelligent and lucid commentaries on every mantra, and—unusual for this type of publication—a glossary and index have been added…"
Dr. Paul Hockings
Professor of Anthropology
University of Illinois at Chicago Circle
Book-Reviews_097
"The first available English edition of Sri Isopanisad makes this most significant publication accessible to a broader public of students and scholars.This spiritual law book, with a most useful introduction by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is a necessary supplement to any serious study of Vedic culture.The Sanskrit Diacritical equivalents and the Glossary are most useful guides to further study and deeper understanding of ancient spiritual law and Vedic culture.
"I recommend this volume to any student of scholar of Vedic thought.To the generalist and specialist alike it will generate considerable provocation and understanding.It is an indispensable addition to any serious library collection."
Dr. Thomas N. Pappas
Professor of History
Anderson College
Book-Reviews_097
"Sri Isopanisad is presented in the original Sanskrit, transliteration and a running commentary.An entis [sic] bonus is a good glossary and a guide to pronunciation of Sanskrit letters.The commentary is readable and written from a devotional vantage point.Hence, the book is excellent for courses in Hinduism…"
Dr. Jovan Brkic
Professor and Chairman Department of Philosophy
North Dakota State University
Book-Reviews_097
Miscellaneous
The Asiatic Society
1, Park Street Calcutta-16
Professor S. K. Saraswati
President
Telephone: 24-0539
Krsnas-tu Bhagavan svayam sings the Mahabharata bard.In the Srimad-Bhagavad-gita this Divine Manifestation or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as He came to be recognized by our great acaryas, has left His message to the world covering all aspects of life, material as well as spiritual.In a manner this message may be said to have molded Indian civilization and culture through the ages.
Who was KRSNA?The Mahabharata gives some glimpses of His personality and character.The Harivamsa and a few Puranas contain accounts of His life and achievements.The most detailed account is found in the tenth skandha of the Srimad-Bhagavatam and in this text we find also an exposition of His message and teachings.This along with its commentaries came to be considered as the fountainhead of all thoughts connected with Krsna and has inspired many a religious teacher and reformer, spiritually as well as emotionally, in a profound manner.
The KRSNA TRILOGY by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is an English rendering of the life and Teachings of Krsna as described in the tenth skandha of the Srimad Bhagavatam.Abridged though, it includes every essential point that is relevant to the understanding of Krsna, His personality and the philosophy attaching to His different activities.In a lucid style the author exposes the total personality of Krsna and this exposition has been illumined by his clear insight based on his life-long study of the subject with sincerity and devotion.
S. K. Saraswati
President
1-9-76
Book-Reviews-20_Inventory Box 7
"With all the books on Vedanta and bland neo-Transcendentalism that are at present available to the English-speaking public, it is good to have, on the popular market, such an uncompromising statement of an opposing view from the pen of one who is as firmly rooted in a disciplic tradition as Bhaktivedanta Swami…The Sanskrit is carefully and intelligibly Romanized…There is a Sanskrit glossary, an index and a list of scriptural citations."
Dr. Roger J. Corless
Professor of Religion
Duke University
Book-Reviews_098
'The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust deserves to be congratulated for publishing the classics of Indian religious thought and culture under the inspiration and guiding spirit of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.By presenting "the Encyclopedia of Vedic Culture" in such an attractive way, they have done immeasurable service to the great thoughts of Ancient India.The set would be a useful and inspiring addition to the libraries of all our educational Institutions so that our youth may have the opportunity of studying the great thoughts of the sages of Vedic Times.
Anil B. Divan
Advocate
Member: Bombay Bar Assn., Supreme Court Bar Assn.
Book-Reviews_111
"You have done a great service to Sanskrit literature and Krishna Bhakti by printing so elegantly such a fine translation-summary study of the original text, made available so cheaply.I am sure the book will attract many readers in India and abroad."
Dr. Prabhakar Machwe
Visiting Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Study
Former Director, Sahitya Akademi
(Indian Academy of Letters)
Book-Reviews_128
"The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust is presenting two sets as an Encyclopedia of our culture and our University has made a standing order of these volumes which our students delight in reading.I have nothing but the highest praise for this splendid publication.The BBT Encyclopedia would be a valuable asset to each school and college library as well as all general libraries throughout the world."
Tribak Govind Mainkar M.A., Ph.D. D. Litt.
Bhandarkar Professor of Sanskrit
Head of the Dept. of Sanskrit
Bombay University
Book-Reviews_111
"It is axiomatic that no book can be expected entirely to satisfy all its potential readers.Here is one, however, which can be said to come remarkably close to that ideal…here we have the ideal of what an edition of a Sanskrit text for a western audience should be…it is beautifully planned and printed…"
Dr. R.E. Asher
Professor of Linguistics
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
Book-Reviews_121
"…a very beautiful account of Lord Krsna's life…all the stories are well presented and are easy to read and understand.Each volume has many colored pictures showing Lord Krsna in different moods and actions.The glossary of terms makes it easy for western readers to enjoy these books much more…"
Dr. R.N. Sharma
Librarian
Colgate University
Book-Reviews_129
"These books are necessary reading for all modern students for they institute a veritable Encyclopedia of our great Indian heritage."
Prof. P. Hiranandani
Head of Dept. of Sindhi
R.C. College, Bombay
Award winning author in Sindhi literature
Book-Reviews_111
"The BBT versions of our classics constituting an Encyclopedia of Vedic education, should be in every library throughout the length and breadth of India and the world."
Prof. Ram P. Panjwani
Head of Dept. of Sindhi
Bombay University
Award winning author in Sindhi literature
Book-Reviews_110
"I am an admirer of the work your Trust is doing in editing and translating Sanskrit texts of religious and philosophical significance.It bears signs of care and true interest.I wish you well in this important undertaking."
Dr. Ashok Aklujkar
Professor of Asian Studies
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
Book-Reviews_122
"I am very pleased to recommend this Encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge, true to the letter of the word to all who are eager to scrutinize India's foremost of philosophical systems—Krishna bhakti—in detail.
Gulab Das Broker
Award winning Gold medalist in
Gujarati Literature
Book-Reviews_110
"After going through these writings I am glad to say that anyone can draw benefit from this BBT Encyclopedia of Vedic knowledge.I wholeheartedly recommend these scholarly and superbly published volumes to all libraries and educational institutions."
Padmashri Anant Kanekar
UGC Professor
and Author of 40 Books
Bombay
Book-Reviews_109
"I, therefore, wholeheartedly recommend the Encyclopedia of our culture and all other BBT Publications to all educational institutions, schools, libraries and colleges concerned with the moral and cultural development of their students within the boundary Maharashtra and throughout the world."
Smt. Pratibha Patil
Minister of Education
Govt. of Maharashtra, Bombay
Book-Reviews_109
"…This is a real work of scholarship, and is at the same time written simply and clearly.The many beautiful illustrations bring the reader still another dimension of Indian consciousness."
Dr. Victor Daniels
Indian Studies Program
California State College
Sonoma
Book-Reviews_107
"The life of Krishna is treated here with marvelous felicity and facility.Each Sanskrit verse carries and English rendering followed by an exegesis/explication in the form of 'purport' in considerable depth and detail, drawing upon examples from India's hoary and sublime contributions in culture, philosophy, politics, sociology, religion and bhakti or love.The reviewer deems it a signal honor to strongly recommend this encyclopedic work, undertaken as a labor of love, to all readers/students of Indian religion and culture."
Dr. Mohan Lal Sharma
Professor of English
Slipper Rock State College
Editor, India-Pakistan Section, Twayne World Series
Book-Reviews_104
"As a text to be studied by anthropology students, this work has some very attractive points.It is always difficult to see things from the cultural view-point of others, but this work makes this empathetic view much easier.The vivid illustrations add to the easy transference from one culture to the other.The presence of original Sanskrit texts with a Roman phonetic transliteration also aids the anthropology student in feeling he or she is really in contact with Hindu culture.The 'working' translation and the more poetic English version are, of course, invaluable, and the purports are of great value in understanding Hindu culture."
Dr. Thomas J. Maloney
Prof. of Anthropology
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Book-Reviews_103
"…It is clear that these volumes are essential additions to the library of any university where Indological studies are pursued.The books have been lavishly produced, and the format is one likely to be attractive to the undergraduate reader.The scholarship of the edition and translation is very sound, and the sections discussing the 'purport' of each verse contain a great deal of background material…"
Dr. I.W. Mabbett
Professor of History
Monash University, Australia
Book-Reviews_101
"This is a valuable book for any student of Indian civilization.It is a summary and exegesis of an important work of Sanskrit religious literature, written in a clear, direct and very readable style…It serves as a rigorous explanation of bhakti-yoga for one whose knowledge of Krsna comes primarily through Indian art, literature or history…"
Dr. Patrick Peebles
Professor of History
University of Missouri
at Kansas City
Book-Reviews_098
THEOLOGY AND RELIGION
Pierre Teilhard De Chardin:
"India-the region par excellence of high philosophic and religious pressures; we can never make too much of our indebtedness to the mystic influences which have come down to each and all of us in the past from this anticyclone."
Book-Reviews_097
A systematic study of Hinduism can never ignore the occurrence of the various Yoga movements (so called because of their essentially practical orientation) in the Western countries during the last decade or so.In this diversity of religious approaches offered by the yogis of India the most significant of course is the way of Krsna Consciousness, shown by Srila Prabhupada Bhaktivedanta Swami, tenth teacher in the tradition of Mahaprabhu Caitanya.It is amazing to see how Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami has in less than ten years succeeded by his personal devotion and single-minded dedication to the task, untiring energy and efficient direction, in organizing the International Society of Krsna Consciousness having thousands of devotees, opening the Radha-Krsna temples in the major cities of the world and writing numerous works on the Bhaktiyoga as taught by Sri Krsna and Sri Caitanya.
Srila Prabhupada has rightly seen the immense value of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavata, the two great devotional classics of India, as the most effective instruments of awakening the Krsna Consciousness.Following his exposition of the Bhagavad Gita, which has gained a considerable popularity both among the Sanskritic and non-Sanskritic circles, he has undertaken a stupendous project of rendering the entire Bhagavata into English, which is likely to run into about twenty volumes.The present reviewer has the opportunity of reading the edition of the third canto (chapters 1-8) dealing with the dialogue of Vidura and Maitreya and containing the childhood exploits of Krsna, philosophical descriptions of the process of creation and the manifestation of the cosmic form of the Lord.The Bhagavata unlike the Bhagavad Gita does not make for an easy reading in Sanskrit.Yet the format of the work—with the Sanskrit text, transliteration, analysis of words and purport—makes it eminently useful for the advanced students of Sanskrit in studying the Bhagavata critically on their own.The edition not being weighed down by ponderous scholarship is intelligible and interesting to read and yet true to the spirit and flavor of the original.It is in fact learning blended with devotional feeling and inspired by a definite purpose of communicating the intense lyrical and devotional quality of the Bhagavata.The paintings are quite well done and add to the pleasing get-up of the volume.
The Bhagavata is the choicest expression of the spirit of loving devotion to Krsna, "the supreme personality of Godhead".Srila Prabhupada has done an excellent service to the Krsna lovers and to the students of Sanskrit poetry by his able rendition of "the abode of divine joy" that the Bhagavata is.
Professor Mahesh Mehta,
Associate Professor,
Department of Asian Studies,
University of Windsor,
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Book-Reviews_082
RAVJI K. GANATRA
Mayor of Bombay
Justice of the Peace
Corporation Hall
Bombay-1 (India)
268251 - Chamber
451323 - Bungalow
30.3.1973
To: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,
439 Henry Street, Brooklyn
New York, U.S.A.
Respected Swami Prabhupadaji,
Please accept my respects.My wife and I were so pleased to meet Your Divine Grace here in Bombay.Certainly you must be the representative of Lord Krishna because you are fulfilling His prediction as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that in every village and town in every country of the world His name will be sung.You only went to the Western world a few years ago and already you have established over 102 Sri Sri Radha-Krishna Temples all over the globe.You may know that I personally have met your devotees in Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC., Buffalo N.Y., and Paris, France.The Deity worship of Sri Radha-Krishna in Los Angeles is gorgeous, clean, and punctual, and your printing press in New York, which I also saw, is doing a beautiful job of printing your books in English editions with Sanskrit and original color paintings by your disciples.You are working very hard to translate our shastras into English to spread our original Indian culture for the benefit of the suffering world and you therefore claim the title as India's greatest spiritual ambassador to the world.
Here in Bombay I had the privilege of being chief-guest at one of the big festivals at your Sri Sri Radha-Krishna Temple in Juhu.There too the activities are progressing very nicely and the local people are participating.Under the leadership of Sri Giriraj-ji, your disciples are working very sincerely and enthusiastically, and I want your movement to expand more and more in India, because your society alone is counter-acting the degradation of our modern youth who are falling prey to permissive life.You have already surpassed the greatest of saints in propagating Krishna consciousness around the world and now with your foreign disciples you are helping Indian themselves remember their own great heritage and so you have practically become a national hero.
You have been kind enough to invite me to stay at your centers all around the world.Although I will not be able to take advantage of your kind offer at this time, I hope that next year I will be your guest and have another opportunity to enjoy the pure spiritual life promoted by your ISKCON institution.
Pranams.
Yours Respectfully,
Ravji K. Ganatra.
Mayor of Bombay
Book-Reviews_079
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY - LOGAN, UTAH84321
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Department of English & Journalism
(Dr.) H. B. Kulkarni,
Associate Professor of English and Philosophy
Utah State University,
Logan, Utah 84321
Books by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
1.Krishna, two volumes
2.The Bhagavad-gita As It Is
3.Srimad-Bhagavatam
4.Teachings of Lord Chaitanya
5.The Nectar of Devotion
I have read the above books with great care, attention, and profound interest, and have found them to be of incalculable value to any one who is curious about India's spiritual and cultural heritage.The quality of the get-up and illustrations is excellent, and the language unusually lucid and felicitous.The author of these books displays on every page an astounding scholarship in the subjects treated, and also an understanding and ease of exposition of abstruse ideas, which are rarest gifts of a man who has been rigorously brought up in the Schools of Vaishnava philosophy and has absorbed its teachings so fully that he seems to have reached the highest state of spiritual illumination only few blessed souls achieve.
H. B. Kukarni
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DR. V.N. SHUKLA
M.A. (Sanskrit) M.A. (Hindi) LL.B., Ph.D.
Reader
Department of Hindi
M.U. Aligarh U.P. (India)
2, SHRIVATSA BHARATI NAGAR
Marris Road.Aligarh (U.P.)
Dated 9th April 1976
To all Archakas, Pandits, Sanskrit scholars, professors and dharmacaryas.
I consider as one of my greatest spiritual thrills that I had through a physical darshan (look) of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on the 30th of March 1976 for the first time.
I had the rare privilege to see with my own eyes the very embodiment of Krishna Consciousness, the be-all and end-all of all beings.
Sri Swami Prabhupada has established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which is spread in the 108 cities around the world.All the members of Iskcon are pure Brahmins and Vaishnavas initiated in the most austere Sadhana recommended by the greatest Goswamis of Vrindavan, Sri Rupa Goswami, the author of Bhakti-rasamrta Sindhu and Sri Sanatan Goswami, the author of Hari Bhakti Vilasa and many other works.
I had earlier known Srila Prabhupada through his enormous works on Krishna Bhakti, the nucleus of all Indian Vedic spiritual literature.To name a few of them, the Bhagavad Gita As It Is, the Nectar of Devotion, Krishna (3 vols), Teachings of Lord Caitanya, the Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Caitanya Caritamrta and the commentary on Sri Isopanisad will suffice.
It is noteworthy to mention that the Isopanisad Bhasya is the greatest contribution of Srila Prabhupada as it completely refutes the Mayavada arguments of Sankaracarya.This book is a treasure to be possessed by every western scholar.
Words fail me to describe the height of scholarship and devotion manifested in the volumes mentioned above.Our future generations and the posterity will definitively find a better world to live in through the efforts of Srila Prabhupada as He stands for the feelings of International Brotherhood and spiritual integration of all mankind which is the backbone of the Vedic SANATANA DHARMA of India.The literary world outside India, particularly the Westerners, should be highly indebted to Him, who has so scientifically acquainted them with what is best in Krishna Conscious India.
I may be permitted to recommend to all scholars, professors and other Dharmacaryas the great importance and contribution of the books of Sri Swami Prabhupada.
Yours in the service of Krisha,
With best wishes,
Sri Viswanath Sukla, Ph.D.
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The publications of famous Indian classics by Bhaktivedanta Book Trust are of great use to the students of Sanskrit as well as to all men interested in great Indian Culture.I wish you success in your important work.
Dr. of Phil.
A. Syrkin
Institute of Oriental Studies
Moscow
[a leading Indologist]
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Minister For Tribal Welfare
And Tourism
Government of Maharashtra
Mantralaya, Bombay 400 032
June 16, 1977
Dear Shri Miles Davis,
It was indeed a great pleasure for me to have met you on 14th inst. It was also a matter of pleasure to know about the activities of the Hare Krishna movement.
The Missionary zeal with which devotees like you are endeavoring to spread the message of the Indian culture would indeed contribute towards a better understanding of life and its mysteries as also foster fraternal feelings amongst various nations.I am sure, your efforts in this direction would create an equilibrium in society which would usher an era of peace, progress and social justice.
May I once again wish you every success in the notable endeavor?
Yours sincerely,
N.K. Tirpude
Shri Miles Davis,
Juhu, Bombay
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Padmashri
S.N. SWAMY
Dilkush Cottage.
Vasanthamahal Road.
Nazarbad
MYSORE - 570010 India
I have recently examined carefully and with great pleasure the publications of the BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST and as an artist I was very much attracted to the illustrations, get-up and production of these books.In my opinion the young artists of the trust are exceeding our Indian artists in their mastership of Paintings, and the illustrations in these books must surely encourage a great revival in Realistic Tradition all over the world.
The compositions of the paintings are both Traditional and original in Indian and Western styles.When Traditional they are full of freshness and sensitivity and when original they contain proper gravity and understanding of the subject matter.The use of colors in these paintings is expert in creating various moods and atmospheres to suit the contents.Spatially the paintings are excellently conceived and executed and where required they are full of movement.The subject matter is drawn from the pages of the Authorized Sastra and is of the Highest importance.As Bhaktas of Krishna these Artists are able to use all their Techniques with great devotion to create similar feelings of devotion in whoever regards these paintings.This is surely the proper role of the Artist in society.
We offer all our respects and thanks to His Divine Grace A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness for instilling in His disciples great understanding and devotion.So that this School of painting can reaffirm all the ideals of Great Art, even at this time when art based on Atheism and Materialism has been reduced varieties of perversion all over the world.
S.N. Swamy
April 25, 1977
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M. L. BajajPhone:2340 P.P.
B.A., LL. B; AdvocateM. Gandhi Road.
Sales Tax & Income Tax AdviserCHANDRAPUR442401
Trustee, triLaxmi-Narayan Temple Trust,(Maharashtra)
Chandrapur.Date15th Aug. 1977
I was acquainted with the theme of literature and the publications of 'The BhaktivedantaBook Trust' for past some time.But during this month there was an occasion to know much more and go deep in the idea of the publication of an 'Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge' which is an immediate supreme need of the modern world.
I am also much impressed by the simple living and high-thinking foreign disciples of Acharya Swami Prabhupada namely Narasingha Chaitanya Das, Yajna Das and Jyotir Maya Das who have made it their life-mission to propagate Krsna Consciousness in India and other countries with the help of Vedic Sahitya like Srimad Bhagwatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.
I wish likeminded Grahastas should fully cooperate with the Krsna Consciousness movement in accordance with their means and ability.
With great respects to all,
Humbly Everybody's
MohanlalBajaj
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V. N. SwamiTel. No. 243
President, District Bar AssociationChandrapur,
K.RamavatarD/-14/8/1977
Advocate
CHANDRAPUR (Maharashtra)
I happened to visit one of the Seminarn [sic] organized in 1975 in Bombay by the founder Acharya Swami Prabhupada of the Bhakti Vedanta Trust and I am deeply obliged to him for the excellent work which he is doing to spread our Hindu culture in foreign countries.In these days of over-civilization with falling moral standards, I am happy to say that a study of these publications with even ordinary devotion will greatly purify the moral tone of our life.
I have personally decided to go in for all the publications of the Book Trust and can confidently assert that the Book Trust deserves praise and congratulation for providing inspiratory [sic] literature of immense moral value.
(V. N. Swami)
Advocate, Chandrapur.
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CHIEF MINISTER
GOVERNMENT OF GUJARAT
Sachivalaya Gandhinagar
Aug. 2, 1977
Shri Swami Prabhupada's work of spreading the Krishna consciousness movement deserves the praise of all those who feel drawn towards altruistic activities.In America and Europe where materialistic progress is seen at its highest peak, this movement I am told has done a great deal towards directing millions of people to a state of inner peace.It appears the devotees of the Krishna Consciousness movement are active throughout the world in many educational, humanitarian or spiritual activities.
I have had the opportunity of seeing some of the books published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.Swami Prabhupada has aptly named his vast translations of and commentaries on India's ancient texts as the Library Encyclopedia of Vedic Knowledge.I am glad that Swamiji is in so many languages opening up the knowledge of our ancient Indian culture to foreigners in perhaps over a 100 countries.The universal message of his books could be read and studied by all classes of men everywhere with great advantage.Here in India more than a thousand public collegiate and university libraries are supposed to have taken standing orders of books of Swami Prabhupada's encyclopedic sets.It is refreshing to see that in the face of material advancement, interest in India's hoary tradition is very much alive among today's students.I have every good wish for the members of the Krishna Consciousness movement.Their example of devotion stands as a valuable lesson that can be taken as instructive for everybody.
Babubhai J. Patel
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