A Primer of Spirituality

Written for #1000reviewersclub by @IndicaBooks

Who Is The Book For?

This is a very difficult question to answer as the author has covered a large number of topics that would interest a Carvakan and people who do not know a whit about Hinduism, all the way to those who have studied the itihasas and have pondered on metaphysical relation between existence and the principles of Vedanta. There is no need to deeply understand any theory to begin reading the book, but it could prove to be useful in unlocking understanding, or to experience the “eureka” moment. For this very reason, I cannot overstate the importance of the book for those who have been raised in a Hindu culture with the corresponding traditions and aesthetics but do not k n o w the religion deeper than superifical rituals seen on specific occassions and night-time stories from grandma. It should answer several questions that were panging to be asked and sometimes, questions that were not even thought about.

Having said that, any motivated individual can pick up the book and learn as the pages are turned. With an infinite number of resources on the internet, any concept pertinent to the book is but a quick search away. A quick reading of Rajaji's Ramayana and Mahabharata should prove helpful in understanding many references.

Professor V. Krishnamurthy has addressed the myriad questions in a manner that is either accessible to all or inspires curiosity to look into the subject ourselves. He writes in plan English without the grandiosity or presumption, but skilfully retains the intent of the original source material. A key component of the book is the constant usage of Sanskrit words as nouns, adjectives, and verbs. He does not attempt at a shoddy translation, but subtly hints to the reader to inculcate these words into everyday diction. I cannot exaggerate on how refreshing this is to read, and how important it is for readers interested in the subject to not forcefully superimpose a parlance that is not rooted in the Indian civilisation to describe phenomena that is Indian. This is not to say translated works are subpar, but show how every word needn't be translated and how sanskritising English can go a long way in processing information received from the scriptures.

To conclude, this book cannot and should not be missed. The author is more than aware of the common questions that arise while seeking, to which not many people have a response. Reading through the answers sets the mind at ease, or at least serves as a bench before the time comes to walk down the path again.