CONCEPT: 4.5/5 WRITING: 4/5 OVERALL: 4/5
The “ultimate” answers to the “problems of the world” are not in the world, they are not in trying to get rid of those problems from those affected, they are in our consciousness. “
– KS Chandrakanth, the spiritual message of the Mahabharata
Have you ever wondered?
Have you ever wondered why Srimad Bhagavad Gita is so respectful? Why is it said to have the essence of life?
Have you ever wondered what his message is like today, even after thousands of years? How are his stories symbolic representations of many philosophical and spiritual concepts?
If you are a soul curious about the Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavad Guitar and their message and philosophy, then KS Chandrakanth’s Spiritual Message of the Mahabharata is a book you should read.
Who can read it?
The book is for readers looking for an introductory analysis of the message of the Mahabharata. Written in a language that uses simple words and a light tone, it can be easily picked up by those who know how to practice English. That said, since most concepts examine stories in the Mahabharata, prior knowledge of the epic is essential.
What to expect?
Expect a short reading (less than 90 pages) that attempts to teach the essence of life while decoding the stories and chapters of the Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Clarity of thought and execution
What I liked about the writing was the clarity in which the author conceptualized and implemented the book. At first he says that he does not claim that the book is the only way to interpret the epic, nor that it is the right way to go. Instead, he says it’s his version, his interpretation. He keeps the book short and concise, realizing and pointing out that some concepts require much more detail and time.
Reconciling with life
The book begins with an introduction to the Mahabharata, its stories, its many characters, and the introduction of the concept of ‘life as a journey’. The reader is then introduced to the combination of life with the epic, the short episodes of Draupadi’s undressing, the dice game, and so on.
Confusing but enlightening topics
Then there are the introductions of the main characters and their philosophical meaning. The author delves into some of the paradoxes and mysteries hidden within the epic. Personally, I found this section very interesting.
Some of these shocking topics (I’m sure many people like me would ask about them) include having five husbands in Draupadi, a marked difference between the number of Kauravas and Pandavas, the unnatural birth of Kauravas and Pandavas, the blind couple – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, etc.
The parallels of life
The book draws many parallels between the epic and life, and through this discourse it teaches us a thing or two about the journey of life, and how to live it morally, ethically, and in the best way possible. In this part the author allegorizes the Pandavas as five senses, as the Draupadi Jiva, and the Kauravas as numerous objects in the world that demand our attention.
“The epic story does not stop pointing out the problems that human beings face in life, but rather examines and explains the origin of these problems and provides possible solutions to all and all problems.”
Important verses from the holy text
It also lists important verses of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, especially those related to the concepts and philosophy contained in the book, and describes in detail the general guidelines for a proper life.
Social Systems and Karma
In the end, we also learn about the importance of social systems like the Varna system and the Ashram system. One thing that distinguishes this book is how the author clearly defines the difference between real systems and their usefulness, and the corruption that goes into them, leading to their exploitation.
It also significantly defines and explains the importance of Karma, Dharma, Swadharma and the destination of life.
Incredibly beneficial
The book, therefore, delves into a wide range of spiritual and philosophical topics and, if understood with a clear heart and open mind, will ultimately benefit anyone who reads it. As for me, each page carried a novel, something extraordinary; a new lesson, a new attempt to understand the enigma called life.
Did you find it useful?
Yes, I did for the most part.
Will I read it again?
Yeah Al that sounds pretty crap to me, Looks like BT aint for me either.
Choose a book
- All of the above paragraphs are reason enough to take the book.
Skip the book
- Only if you are looking for a much more accurate reading on the subject.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy a copy of the spiritual message of the Mahabharata using the link below.
