BOOK REVIEWS
ENGLISH
ABHINAYA DARPANAM OF NANDIESWARA: Dr P.S.R.Appa Rao, Flat 101, Sriram
Nivas, 1-9-629, Joshi Marg, Near Ramnagar Gundu,Hyderabad 500044; pp 534+40; US
$ 15
This is a
translation, with a word to word meanings, substance and comments of the
Sanskrit text. Abhinaya Darpanam, of
Nandikeswara. Bharata’s Natya Sastra and Nandikeswara’s Abhinaya Darpanam are two of
most referred to texts for any artiste in any Indian form of dance.
Dr Appa Rao’s earlier translation into Telugu of both these standard treatises have been well received. In order to reach out to non-Telugu or non-Sanskrit knowing artist, Dr Appa Rao has translated this into English. There can be no better equipped and qualified person to do this important job other than Dr.P.S.R.Appa Rao. His erudition, scholastic career in various teaching and administrative position, and his keen interest in dramatics and dance and also the various authoritative texts published by him put him in a class apart from others.
And Dr Appa
Rao had done a creditable job of this important work taken upon himself. As he himself says, there are some
difference between the Natya Sastram
and Abhinaya Darpanam which
may create confusion in the minds of the reader and he included additional
information by way of comments to explain the difference and the similarities
in both the texts. Of the several texts
on Abhnaya Darpanam, the
author has obviously chosen the one by Tiruvenkatacharya of Nidamangalam,
translated into Telugu, which itself was translated later by Dr Ananda
coomaraswamy into English.
He has also
included several interesting and illuminating pieces on Ashta rasa abhinayam, Dasavatara abhinayam for Jayadeva
GEETHA GOVINDAM and abhinayam for
various aspects such as for colours, mountains, vedas, shattantras, seasons, numbers, tenses, tastes, musical notes, ragas
etc., which greatly enhance the values of this book to the users.
A remarkable
work which deserves to be cherished and kept as a constant reference work by
the side.
-Vemaraju Narasimha Rao
“That’s what I said”; Dr. C. Narayana Reddy; Viswabhana ,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033; Rs.200/-
Dr C. Narayana
Reddy is a multi splendoured personality.
He is a poet critic, lyricist, translator, Administrator and a reputed
orator. He is the recipient of numerous
prestigious Awards and to crown all the Bharatiya Jnanapeeth Awards. He is a scholar-academic saddled with administration.
He held
important positions like Vice-Chancellar of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University,
Potti Sriramulu Teugu University and at present he is the Chairman Andhra
Pradesh State Cultural Council. He is
also the nominated member of the Rajya sabha.
He is a
versatile writer with over 70 published works.
His forte is his style in whatever he said or did, a style that made
people admire him from a distance.
The present
Book ‘That’s What I Said’ is
an anthology of his speeches on various occasions.
In his speech
delivered as Jnanapeeth Award presentation in 1989, he has said that his Viswambhara is ‘Manavopanishat’ and man is the hero of the poem.
While
receiving the Assam Valley Literary Award, he said “I always visualise our
country as a mighty tree with haritha
soundarya – beauty of greenness Branches are the state and twigs are the
languages”, the hile speaking in a seminar on HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, he
recited a few lines of his Telugu poem in the English translation:
“If not sharpened
Will the word or
dagger shine?
If not emerged
rubbing the Eastern Mountain
Will the sun get that light?
If sinks down in the sheath
Not only the knife but the very sheath gets rusted?”
In his speech
on Issues and problems in translation in modern Indian languages with
particular reference to Telugu, he said:
“Petals are numerous, Yet lotus is one
Linguistics are many, yet India is one
Gems are multi-coloured, yet necklace is one
States are various, yet flag is one”
According to
me, a translation should read as a contemporary of the original and should read
like an original work.
In a
seminar-cum-workshop on Education Broadcast, he referred to knowledge as
follows-
“The seed of knowledge is the origin of creation.
Eternal radiance of consciousness
Is the cause of earth’s revolution.
Though birds close their wings,
Though beasts swore in deep sleep
Though hissings are dumb in ant hills
Though trees are lost in slumber.
Knowledge is ever awake undimmed its luster?”
While
addressing a meeting on “The Ideal society in Swamy Vivekananda’s view,” he
said “The voice of Vivekananda is universal, it is the abode of heart of
Vedanta is ever fresh”.
This
admirable book remains relevant and pointedly contemporaneous.
This volume
is a collection his selected speeches on various occasions besides two
interviews.
Dr. C. Narayana
Reddy can rightly be called the culture czar of India.
This
exquisite volume is beautifully printed and the book may easily be a worth
while addition to the lover if literature and knowledge.
-
Dr. J. Hanumant Sastry, Cuddapah.
THE NATIVITY THEME IN SIXTEENTH AND SEVENTEENTH CENTURY
POETRY: Dr G. Aruna
Devi; D.R.W.
College, GUDUR; pp 195; Rs 250/-
This season,
when I joined the many a faithful in singing carols, some of which went like
this: “AWAY IN A MANGER”, “SEE IN YOUNDER THE MANGER”, “ONCE IN ROYAL DAVIDS
CITY” etc, etc, also gave me an opportunity to intense read and relate to
Dr. Aruna Devi’s book “The Nativity Theme in sixteenth and
seventeenth Century Poetry.”
Dr. Aruna brings the best out from some of the
poetry on nativity theme to a passionate reader like me. If only a composer had found it possible,
these poems could have become meaningful and popular carols. But, then, it might be that the “Poetic
Purity” of the immortals’ passionate poems would have to be compromised so as
to fit into church music. Worshiper’
loss hence is scholars’ gain. May be
the nineteenth century melody makers of West could not accept for choral
singing in the church the poems which “are in particularly delicate and
accomplished Hymn Royal, which is made to lend itself perfectly to abstruse
exposition.” These poems are lost to
the hymn singing worshipers, perhaps because the general title is addressed to
“some divinity” rather than to “a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord”.
Dr. Aruna has
made it possible for us to go into “the loving activity of God, both in the
eternal trinity and in Christ of Nazareth.” Further, Dr. Aruna, an erudite
scholar she is, bring out the essential of Christian theology with the warmth
of a Sunday School teacher and the intellectual fervour of a Bible teacher in a
seminary. Today, when Christ and His
mission are missing from Christmas, when festivities lead us to market place,
Dr. Aruna reminds us that “the very center of the event, meaning and
composition is the Christ Child in the middle to whom all the relative details
lead.”
The author
has given to the world an opportunity to have a look into the fine orthodox
poems on the nativity of Christ; she shares a splendid Faith with all of us by
focusing our attention on a meek helpless child lying in a manger. In these ancient poems, we hear the angelic
chorus “Glory to God in the highest.” How I wish we can be enable to sing them
from our pews and during our “carol rounds”
The little
flock, the faithful few, would want to thank Dr. Aruna for opening their eyes
to the works of yesteryears illustrious poets in these modern days of
“complexity, contradictions and progress.” The common tongue will always sing
from the heart. Hope these lines from
the archives will enter the soul and come out through the tongue as songs which
will be music to the worshippers. It
seems a novelty, yet contain nothing but sound an honest gospel strains.
- J. Egbert Samraj
ALL INDIA MAGAZINE: on Depression-Causes-Cure; Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, 605002; pp56; Annual Rs100/- US $10
The book
under review is an All India Magazine of September 2002, published by Sri
Aurobindo Ashram. Since it is the
product of Aurobindo Ashram, it is bound to be spiritual and metaphysical. Any thought of Sri Aurobindo or the Mother
will be ennobling and takes the reader to a higher plane of thought, to attain
bliss.
This issue is
devoted to Depression, cause and cure, a subject very relevant these days.
Modern treatment for depression is rather prolonged for years. And people are
afraid of prolonged treatment in modern medicine for its side effects.
As already
mentioned, the process is transcendental. The Mother’s thought about the cause
of depression and various related aspects are given in 3 parts and the cure in
5 parts.
According to
the Mother, faith in Divinity, strong will-power and self confidence are
essential to win over the depression.
Depression is a sign of weakness, of a bad will some where, and bad will
in the sense of refusal to receive help and a kind of weakness that is content
to be weak. She says that one can
develop a strong will by entering into deeper consciousness. This state can be achieved through Yoga. With firm, divine faith, one can surmount
any kind of difficulties. Her advice is: forget about depression and go ahead
with your work. Even if it takes a long
time to overcome depression, her advice is not to despair. Positive result are assured.
“Behold,
there is no night without dawn and the day is about to break when darkness is thickest. There is no mist that the sun can not
dispel, and cloud that it does not glide, no tear that it will not dry one
day.” She warns that it is very
precarious to reach a stage when the person was separated on earth from his
divine origin.
In the second
section, the thoughts of Sri Auobindo are presented. He targets the Sadhaka, the obstacles he faces during Sadhana, and the disturbances he
faces. Sri Aurobindo says that the rule
in Yoga is not to make the expression taken over the Sadhaka, who is cautioned not to entertain petty desires
which will cause disappointment if not fulfilled. The sadhakas should
live more within. All the confusion are
caused due to ignorance. They disappear
once the full light is thrown.
“If there are
always forces around, which are concerned to depress and discouraged, there are
always forces above and around us which we can draw upon; into ourselves to
restore, to fill up, again with strength and faith and joy and the power that
preserves”
Like any other
work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, this book also requires a keen study, to
understand the intricacies of peaceful living. Through Sadhana one can find peace.
The book is helpful to those who are already practicing Yoga to learn
more about it.
-Modali Arunchalam, Hyderabad
RAMAYANA (An
abridged version in English) Justice
Alladi Kuppuswamy; Chief Justice, A.P (Retd.) 3-6-226/1, Himayat Nagar,
Hyderabad- 500029. pp 155; Rs. 150/-
There are
numerous books on the Ramayana in several Indian languages retold by the
writers with addition, variations and interpretations of their own. The book under review is not just another
addition. It is true to the original
without deviation from what Valmiki wrote.
English being the international language, the book will reach a wider
circle of readers spread all over the world. One of the merits of the book is
the simplicity of the style combined with clarity of expression.
There is sentiment in the fact that the author dedicated the book to his beloved wife, who was an ardent devotee of Sri Rama and Sita.
Over the
ages, the Ramayana has produced a profound influence on the life and thought of
people. The present work is a narration
of the story of Ramayana starting with Balakanda
and ending with Yudhakanda. Not a single detail is missing as the
narration flows smoothly in a lucid style.
The author
himself being a Sanskrit scholar, provided an annexure containing some
important quotation in Devanagari script (175 Verses) with English translation.
This will be an added attraction to the lovers of Sanskrit. There is no doubt
that the present book will be a valuable asset to all the readers.
-I. Satya Sree
IN THE MEMORIES OF MY LOST FRIEND-A PATH OF TRANQUILITY; Vithal
Babu; Abhi Graphics, Sobhana complex, Opp, HAL Gate, Balanagar, Hyderabad; pp.197
The present
book written by Smt. Pandu Ranganayakamma alias Vithal Babu is an
autobiographical piece of writing. It
is a candid story narrated in simple style about herself and her life-partner,
Sri K.V.Rao (1947-2000), whom she considered to be a friend, philosopher and
guide. His sudden demise made her
philosophical about life and put her in the mood to review her yet unforgotten
past. The author wanted to share her
experiences with the reader and so the book is written in conversational
style. It renders a personal touch as
she directly addresses the readers. Thus the book appears more as a personal
diary.
We have a
glimpse of her memories as the narration proceeds from her childhood days up to
the present time in a smooth and engaging style. She talks about her family tradition, her stay abroad, people who
influenced her the sudden demise of her dear husband and life after. It is touching to note her anguish and
sorrow at the untimely tragedy.
Nevertheless, she rose to the occasion and took up the responsibility of
her two children and looking after her husband’s business. She proved herself to be successful as she
struck a balance between her own medical profession and entreprenuership. She
cheerfully involved herself in her work so closely that she hardly has anytime
to spare.
The lines
soaked in tenderness in the introduction move our hearts as she faces emotional
strain in keeping her two children happy by forgetting her own sorrow. She says, “ According to our tradition as a
widow, I cannot wear ‘Bindi’, but I think I have got the right atleast to have
a radiant smile on my face to keep myself and my surrounding lively and make my
home green for my children”. She proves
herself to be a traditional Indian woman, a loving wife and an affectionate
mother.
This being
the maiden effort of the author, the language in some places in faulty with
mixed up Tenses and errors in structure.
However she herself modesty admits that she should have taken professional
guidance. Unfortunately it was not readily available. Despite this deficiency, the book makes an interesting reaching
about the life of an earnest woman, who faced the challenges in life with
remarkable courage and philosophical attitude.
No price is fixed for the book
-I. Satya Sree
TELUGU
YETUKURU BALARAMA MURTHY VYASAVALI; Compiler-Yetukuru Pankajamma; M/s. Visalandhra Publishing House, Bank Street
Hyderabad 500001; Pp 324; Rs. 75/-
This is a
compilation of several articles and speeches of late Yetukuru Balarama Murthy,
former Editor of the COMMUNIST and Marxist Theoritician. As several authorities
in various fields have acknowledged, Balarama Murthy, was undoubtedly a great
thinker and an untiring seeker- a seeker of thruth, critically examining every
thing he came across irrespective of the labels, He did not hesitate to admit
candidly when the communists failed to assess properly the Gandhian philosophy
or misapplied the principles of Marxism. His quest for thruth drove him to the
study of the Vedas and Upanishads and other religious tenets
and practious. His life in prison helped him in serious study. From Nationalist
worker communist organizer he was a serious thinker. His sharp intellect and
insight into various theories- be these literary, religious, philosophical or
sociological- is remarkably striking. His work on the History of the Andhras is considered to be an anthentic on though
concise. He was truly a Marxist Maharshi,
as someone called him. He was deeply hurt by the imperialist Orientalists like
Willam Jones and even Max Mueller, who had very low opinion of Indian
philosophy or history.
The book
contains several invigorating topics such as: An introduction to Indian
Philosophy; Religious influence on Telugu Literature; Vemana’s Philosophy; The
concept of Atman in Hindu Philosophy; Indian studies in the Soviet Russia; Historical
perspective of Andhra’s history and culture; Kant, Sartre and Sankara;
Ambedkar- His life and thought ; Nagarjuna’s philosophy; and many more. Each of
the essays bears the stamp of authority of Balarama Murthy and speaks volumes
on his effort and intellect.
His comments
on various concepts right from the Vedas, Upanishads, Charvaka’s atheism,
Buddism, Jainism, the Sankhya, and Advaita of Sankara and his conclusion
that Humanism is present in the spiritual quest and above all the easy
readability and the simple and direct narration fascinates the reader.
His chapters
on Indian studies in Russia are no less illuminating. The efforts of
Indologists like Minayev, Oldenberg and others in St. Petersburg University and
their findings of the many similarities between East and West are refreshing;
al also the references to Robert Lenz’s translation of Kalidasa’s Vikramorvaseeyam and Sarangadeva’a Sangeetharatnakaram. References to
Oldenburg’s Life of Buddha, the Bibliographica Buddha indicate the level of
Russian study of Hindu scriptures and philosophy. Prof. Sherbatsky even came to
India and learned from two Hindu pandits in Mithila more about Sanskrit language
and Tarka Sastra spending 16 hours a
day.
The author
recollects his meeting with that great scholars critic and historian the late
Mallamapalli Somasekhara sarma with a request that he write a preface to his
book. Prof Sarma while complementing
him for his work, politely refused to write to forward, as his approach was
that of reconciliation and author’s was of conflicting class interests. This led Balarama Murthy to ponder over the
matter and ultimately conclude that there was no basic antagonism between the
concepts and that both could be complimentary.
And that in essence is Balarama Murthy.
One may
disagree with some of his views seen through the marxist glasses. But one can never doubt his sincerity or
commitment. That sets apart the author
from rest as a class by himself.
He makes a
comment deploring that the Vedic rishis
failed to take a note of the plight of the poor. No text has any reference to this. Perhaps, this needs to be looked in the other way. There was not a thing the ancient did not
touch in their works which covered social life. It could therefore be that there was no class of prolitariat
then, who required special consideration.
There was plenty in nature for everyone and man not took from nature
only that which they needed. Natural
resources were/ squandered. The poor,
as a class, obviously is the result of industrial revolution. It is quite incomprehensible that the great
sages failed to take note of this vital factor, if it really existed.
This book of
essay of Balaramamurthy - and of others on him - is a remarkable one, if you
are interested in a bird’s eye view of the past trends of human thought through
the Ages, in the nutshell, albiet viewed from the Marxist angle. Yet is refreshing satisfying. A great work indeed; It deserve to be
translated to English and other languages if only to understand the breadth of
vision of our rishis;
A remarkable
addition to one’s library to be read and re-read again and again.
- Vemaraju Narasimha Rao