REVIEWS
Sri Aurobindo:
Addresses on Life and Teachings by Sri A. B. Purani
(Published by Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, 1955. Pp. 351. Price Rs. 6)
The
book consists of several addresses delivered by Sri Purani, a scholar and
devoted disciple of Sri Aurobindo, in the course or his tours in India and
abroad, arranged under certain broad heads. It serves admirably the purpose of
introducing Sri Aurobindo’s personality and achievement, revealing the
significance of his contribution to knowledge and culture in the various fields
of philosophy, art and literature, and explaining the fundamentals of his
message to the modern civilised world.
The
writings of Sri Aurobindo are well known to scholars and philosophers all over
the world, but to very few even among educated Indians, beyond the circle of
his disciples and admirers and those that have come under the influence of the
Ashram at Pondicherry. Though they enjoy a high reputation, they are so
voluminous and cast in such a scholarly style that the layman often despairs
and hesitates to attempt to study them or grasp the significance of even that
part of them, belonging to the field or knowledge and culture in which he
happens to be specially interested. These addresses of Sri Purani included in
the volume under review are well calculated to explain and popularise the
significance and value of the contribution of Sri Aurobindo in various
directions and the essence of his message to humanity, andto stimulate interest
in, and provide incentive for, further detailed study of the writings of the
master.
Though
delivered at different places and times and to different kinds of audiences,
there is a certain unity in the presentation due to the profound knowledge,
thorough assimilation and sincere faith of the author, a devoted disciple. The
arrangement of the addresses under broad heads, subject-wise, should prove very
convenient, to readers interested in the views and contribution of Sri
Aurobindo in particular fields and aspects of culture. Though the subject of each
section is not given explicitly, it may be easily inferred from the title of
the first address included in the section.
The
questions and answers included in the last section should also prove very
useful in clearing doubts and emphasising the main ideas
presented in the addresses.
On Art: Addresses
and Writings by Sri A. B. Purani (Published by Sri Aurobindo Karyalaya,
Pondicherry, 1955. Pp. 90. Price Rs. 1-8-0)
Knowledge
of the technique of art and cultivated tastes are so rare even among the educated
sections of the people in our country. Those who are competent to enlighten the
public on art are rarer still. This slim volume is therefore a welcome addition
to the meagre stock of literature on the subject available to the educated
layman interested in understanding the fundamentals of art and the problems of
modern art.
Though
the views expressed are obviously based on and inspired by the views of Sri
Aurobindo, the treatment is well calculated to educate the layman on the
characteristics of our national art of ancient times, the evolution of art in
Europe, the aims, achievements and shortcomings of modern art, and the attitude
towards art desirable in the artists and the public of Free India in the
interests of the revival and progressive evolution of art in
Independent Bharat. Inspired as the exposition is, by the synthetic philosophy
of Sri Aurobindo, these pages present art in the right
perspective, in proper relation to the individual and social life of man. Even
as an introduction to the contribution of Sri Aurobindo in the field of art
criticism, the book is of considerable value, as it is no less significant than
his better known contributions in the field of religion and philosophy and
social criticism.
At
the Feet of Mahatma Gandhi by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Published by Hind
Kitabs Ltd., Bombay. Pp. 350. Price Rs. 8/8)
Gandhian
literature is already vast and steadily increasing but this volume is a
precious addition to it, revealing as it does the gradual and complete
transformation effected by the Mahatma in the character and outlook of
admittedly his most faithful disciple, now occupying the distinguished position
of the Head of the State of Independent Bharat, the freedom of which was mainly
the achievement of the great man, the Father of the Nation.
We
find here a meticulously detailed and accurate record of the activities of the
Mahatma ever since the author first came into close contact with him, which was
very early in the history of national movement in the country under his
leadership. It should therefore prove a document of rare value for the
historian of modern India.
At the same time it affords a fine psychological study of the gradual but ultimately remarkable transformation the master was able to effect in his colleagues and co-workers in the first instance, by his deliberate and sustained and yet patient and delicate efforts and the wise technique of the master in shaping their outlook.
It
is also a treatise of inestimable value on the high principles and unique
technique of political agitation and constructive national service advocated
and practised by the great soul, which seem to offer the only way for
establishing peace and goodwill on earth in society and among the nations.
With
its unique attractions of subject, author, significance and treatment, the
volume deserves and is bound to attain a very high rank among the numerous
publications on Gandhiji, his life and message. Here we find a distinct image
of the personality and spirit of the Mahatma, reflected in the pure mirror of
the transparent mind of his most sincere and loyal disciple.
Searching
Strains by Sri Kandukuri Ramabhadra Rao–(A collection of prose translations
made by the author from the original Telugu. Pp. 36)
On
account of the peculiar political and social conditions obtaining in the
country during the last 100 years and more, the educated classes, with general
knowledge and cultivated tastes and rich and varied experience of individual
and social life, were practically divorced from the sources of literary inspiration
in the natural life of the community and intimate contact with the
mother-tongue and mastery of its literary potentialities. Poetry
“reflecting tongue’s own experiences in life and swelling forth from the
fullness of his heart”, as the prefatory words introduce the pieces in this
volume, has therefore been so rare in recent times.
The author deserves to be congratulated on his achievement, in these circumstances, in producing poetry of such quality as to win, even in the renderings in English prose, the admiration of such eminent personages as Sri C. Rajagopalachari and Dr. Pattabhi Sitaramayya, and the approbation of such competent critics of literature as Sri M. Subba Rao and Dr. K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar of the Andhra University. By the publication of these renderings into English prose he has succeeded in introducing them to persons of literary taste in other linguistic areas, who should naturally prove the most competent judges of the truth of the experiences and the intrinsic value of the poems.
M. S. K.
The Philosophy of
Union by Devotion by Swami Nityapadananda Avadhuta
(Published by Mahanirvana Math, Navadwip, Nadia, West Bengal, India. Pages 194.
Price Rs. 2-8-0)
This
is an English translation of Yogacharya Sri Srimat Avadhuta
Jnanananda Deva’s (Sri Sri Nitya Gopal) “Bhaktiyoga Darsan”, written originally
in Bengali language, by one of his foremost disciples,
Sri Nityapadananda.
The
author in this book describes in detail and in an interesting manner, devotion
or Bhakti, in all its aspects, and its miraculous efficacy. “Sweet emotion of
love” or “Madhura Bhakti” as is it taught and practised by Bengal Vaishnavites
is described here in detail. “When a man endowed with supreme love-tinged
devotion, obtains the competency for that union, he becomes conscious of
himself as Radha, the Supreme Goddess. In that condition he is devoid of
masculinity…...he looks physically alone like a man. In that condition, he
attains, nay, is endowed with the feelings and sentiments of Radha, the Supreme
Goddess.” The author does not content himself with merely describing the nature
of Bhakti, but also describes some practical methods for cultivating that
supreme devotion, as given in the Gheranda Samhita and other Samskrit works on
the subject.
The
efficacy of Japa, nama samkirtana, and worship is explained in a rational way.
A
very happy and relieving feature of this book is that it does not savour of any
sectarian spirit. Bhakti described herein is not inimical to Jnana, but an
accessory to it, a means for realisisg “advaita”. In fact, according to the
author there is no distinction between a real Bhakta and a real Jnani–c.
f. “From what has been said above, we understand that supreme devotion too, is
connected with non-dualistic knowledge…..Hence the same self-love
as is effected by the realisation of non-duality, is achieved also by a devotee
endowed with supreme “devotion” (P. 130) “When however the devotee reaches the
third stage, he realises “I am He (the Lord), the self of all…..‘Thus does he
attain pure self-knowledge, which alone is the means of the highest Bliss.”
(Notes P. 29)
Why
“Madhura Bhakti” or “Sweet love of emotion” alone is to be preferred to other
aspects of Bhakti is explained in the following lines–“Sree Radha’s was the
sweet attitude of love towards the supreme self, Srikrishna; hence those alone,
who bear the same attitude towards the supreme self, are entitled to the
above mentioned intercourse. Those who consider the Supreme Purusha (Spirit) as
their Father, Friend, Master and Son have no competency for holding that
intercourse etc.” (P. 35)
All
praise is due to the author for his manner of presentation also. The necessity
of prescribed modes of religious practices is beautifully explained in the
following lines in the notes added to the text. “The prescribed modes of
religious practices may be compared to the railway, and devotion to the railway
train. And persons are speedily reaching the goal of spiritual life by means of
this train of prescribed modes of devotion. But if the train of devotion be an
inch derailed, that is, go off the proper line of the prescribed modes even in
the best way, then there is serious risk of danger.” Distinction between pure
devotion and pure Jnana is clearly brought out in these lines–“Pure wisdom is snow,
so to speak, and pure devotion is the same liquefied. The snow of knowledge,
though solid, is soft, cold and mild in character.” (Notes P. 8)
The text bristles with quotations
from relevant Samskrit works on Bhakti, and the notes added to the text are a
veritable mine of information about Bhakti and allied subjects, and explain
clearly all the technical terms that we come across in the text proper.
Bhakti
is not only an essential part but the life itself of all religious practices
and this book dealing with Bhakti, in its rationalised form, deserves to be
read and digested by every spiritual aspirant irrespective of his race and
religion. We eagerly await the publication of other writings also of the
Swamiji.
B.K.R.
Some Reminiscences by
Rajasevaprasakta Navaratna Rama Rao (Published by the Jeevana Karyalaya,
Bangalore. Pages 451+x Glossary. Price Rs. 5-8-0)
These
reminiscences originally appeared in monthly installments in the Kannada
Journal ‘Jeevana’ edited by Sri Masti Venkatesa Iyengar, and the Kannada
reading public must be grateful to the ‘Jeevana Karyalaya’ for making them
available in book form.
The
book covers a period of only about five years (1904 to 1909) when the author,
after being appointed Probationer in the Mysore Government, worked as Amildar
in Yedatore (now Krishnarajpet) and T. Narasipur taluks of the Mysore District.
The author appears to have undertaken the writing of these reminiscences
somewhat in the nature of an experiment intended to try out his hand at writing
in a lighter vein in Kannada, a language in which Sri Rama Rao, who enjoys a
just reputation for his mastery of English, has not had occasion to do much
sustained writing. The experiment has proved to be a resounding success and Sri
Masti Venkatesa Iyengar, to whom the book is appropriately dedicated, deserves
thanks for having persuaded his friend to write the reminiscences and make a
unique contribution to contemporary Kannada literature.
Though
nearly half a century has passed, the author recalls incidents, reports
conversations and gives sketches of persons, with a vividness and wealth of
circumstantial detail that show an amazing memory. A book of reminiscences,
particularly of a revenue official recounting the routine of his professional
life, as this one does to a considerable extent, may easily become dull, and
occasionally egotistic, as the anecdotes of retired officials verbally
delivered to long-suffering listeners generally tend to be. But these
reminiscences, which have all the directness and informality of an oral
narration, far from being dull, make entrancing reading–largely on account of
the careful choice of matter, the skilful arrangement of sequences, the rare
gift to see himself as others saw him, and the subtle humour and wise comments
pervading the entire book. We are introduced into a good old world where the
Amildar was the Ma-bap of the taluk–and went about with pomp and circumstance,
having his comings in and goings out duly heralded by the blowing of horns!
Sri.
Rama Rao threw himself into his tasks with great energy and abounding
self-confidence, and was endowed with qualities, both intellectual and
physical, that compelled respect in spite of his youthful appearance. His life
in the Yedatore taluk was full of adventure and incidents, some of which read
stranger than fiction. The account of the theft of jewels from a
marriage-house, and the steps taken to trace them, for instance, which occupy
nearly fifty pages, is as gripping as any detective story.
And
what a gallery of varied and interesting characters! From the nobleman, Sir P.
N. Krishna Murthy, and the imperious V. P. Madhava Rao, we have sketches of
Deputy Commissioners like Venkatavarada Iyengar, Sardar Kantraj Urs, and
Sparkes, who though rude and impious in speech was sound at heart. Assistant
Commissioners and Amildars of various types down to constables like the
orthodox Narasimhachar whose saintly discourse bored a
KD in his charge to incontinent flight! Apart from the official hierarchy we
have vivid sketches of village leaders like Devarase Gowda, charlatans,
rowdies, village women, priests, musicians, artists etc., that reveal the
author’s profound observation and his rich sensibility and
wide sympathy. The account of the violinist Shamanna–the original of Masti
Venkatesa Iyengar’s ‘Subbanna’, is easily one of the unforgettable characters
emerging out of
the book.
In
the latter part of the book, dealing with the life of the author as the Amildar
of T. Narasipur taluk, the adventurous element gives place to the aesthetic and
the artistic. The Cauvery and the temples on its banks dominate the scene. The
style of narration seems to improve and sentences flow with greater ease as the
writer seems to get into his stride, with paragraphs of description and
exposition that would do credit to a ‘professional’ Kannada writer. In the
earlier portion of the book, however, there is a certain ruggedness which looks
almost like a deliberate crudeness of phrasing, bristling with colloquialisms
and Urdu words which enter so largely into the Mysore official jargon (a relic
of Muslim rule) at which the purist might frown but which imparts directness
and raciness to the narration. A glossary has been, therefore, thoughtfully
added at the end of the book.
What
at the hands of a less cultured and accomplished person might have proved to be
a dull and dreary log-book has turned out to be a work of great literary merit,
a noteworthy contribution to modern Kannada literature.
K. S. G.
Isavasyopanishattu Translated
from Samskrit into Telugu by Sri Kavisekhara Pantula Lakshmi Narayana Sastri,
Pandit, Maharaja’s Samskrit College, Vijayanagaram.
Emanating
from an author, who is a versatile pandit, poet and sadhaka, this work being
the first of its kind, is a valuable addition to the Telugu literature:
Translation of original Samskrit hymns into Telugu verses, is
followed by word-for-word meaning of the Samsknt hymns. Bhashyas of Sankara, Vedanta
Desika and Anandavardhana, together with commentaries on the first two by
Anandagiri and Kuranarayana respectively are also translated into lucid Telugu
prose. Extracts from other commentaries like Advaitalahari, Uvata Bhashya,
Deepika, and Atmapurana are also given wherever they have something new
to say. At the end the
translator makes a comparative study of all the views expressed by the previous
writers and gives his own opinion in the matter. We would only suggest to the
author to include Sakta Bhashya also making this thereby an Encyclopaedia of
Isavasyopanishat in Telugu. One may disagree with the personal views of the
Translator here and there, but one cannot but congratulate him for the very
conception of this form of the
book, and we heartily
commend this book to all students of Indian Philosophy.
B. K. R.
The History and Culture
of the Indian People-Vol 4: The Age of Imperial Kanauj. Pages
44+585. Price Rs. 35.
Indian Inheritance: Vol.
1. Pages 285. Rs. 1-12-0.
Religious Leaders: Thomas
and Thomas. P. 250. Rs. 1-12-0.
City of Paradise and
other Kulapathi’s Letters–K. M. Munshi. Pp. 238. Rs. 1-12-0.
On A Forbidden Flight:
Satyanarayan Sinha. Pp. 121. Rs. 1-12-0
Kumbha-India’s Ageless
Festival: Dilip Kumar Roy and Indira Devi. Pp. 204. Rs.
1-12-0.
Geographical Factors
in Indian History: K.. M. Panikkar. Pp. 107. Rs. 1-12-0.
Glory that was
Ghurjara Desa -Parts I & II: K. M. Munshi. Rs. 1-12-0
each.
–All
the above books are published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay.
Anyoktistabaka of
Vamsidhara Misra: J. T. Parikh and R. G. Asti. Published by Sarvajanik
Education Society, Surat Pp.76+25. Rs. 2.
Winds of Silence: Prithvi
Singh Nahar. Published by Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. Pp. 96. Rs. 2-8-0.
Sangeetha Sabdardha
Chandrika: Aripirala Satyanarayana Murthi, Gandhinagar,
Vijayawada. Pp. 516+54. Rs. 10.
Streela Ramayanapu
Patalu: Edited by ‘Krishnasri.’ Published by Andhra
Saraswatha Parishat, Hyderabad. Pp. 408. Rs. 10.