REVIEWS
Yoga for the Modern
World by Yogi Suddhananda Bharati. Published by Ganesh
& Co. (Madras) Ltd., Madras 17. Pocket size. Pages 165. Price Rs. 1-8-0.
Patanjali’s
Yoga system has stood the test of time and science. It has its votaries now
throughout the world and has given solace to thousands of savants, both Western
and Eastern. Sri Suddhananda Bharati, the author of this book, is one of such
blessed souls, whom the publishers of this book introduce to us as one who has
practised all systems of Yoga and all religions and achieved realisation. The
author too in this book asserts that he has attained siddhis in Yoga and that
he is the Seer of a powerful mantra “Aum Suddha Sakti Aum Siva” (P. 110).
Emanating from the pen of such a Siddha, this book is necessarily bound to be
of much interest and utility to all that seek after Truth.
Though
small in size this book gives a fund of useful information about Yoga which, as
the author describes, is “Harmony with the Divine Nature.” He rightly believes
that it is possible, with the help of this Yoga, even for the common man of the
modern world, “to act in the world without any hitch of bondage.” A Yogin, to
achieve success in his attempts, must keep his body strong and energetic, and
hence the author in the preliminary chapters of this book describes the various
exercises like “Rhythmic exercises, Rhythmic breathing, Pranayama and poses for
Health.” Naturopathic methods like Sun-bath, water-cure and fasting are also
described in detail. Fasting, according to the author, is a “panacea for all
diseases.” “It controls the animal nature, wild passions, sexual cravings, bad
appetites, violent temperaments etc., and conduces to concentration and
meditation” (pages 91 and 92). The author says he “achieved his ideals by fasting”
(P. 93). This Swami advises fire worship also which he believes “will help in
conquering sexual dreams and preserves Brahmacharya Sakti” (97). Chapters on
“Prayer”, “Meditation”, “Realisation” and “Easy Way” form the essence of this
block. The gradual process of withdrawing the senses into the mind is described
in detail.
The
effect of meditation is given thus: “By ceaseless dynamic meditation, the
cosmic fire begins to possess the whole body and then meditation goes on
naturally.” Thus this book is “a practical guide to Yoga for all”, and a Home
doctor for those that suffer from ailments, physical and spiritual. We commend
this to all lovers of Yoga.
Tantra Raja Tantra–A
short analysis by Sir John Woodroffe. Published by Ganesh & Co., Madras.
Pages 140. Price Rs. 6.
Tantra
Raja Tantra, as its very name signifies, is a King of Tantras dealing with the
three important branches of Srividya, kadi, Hadi and Kahadi. The first part of
this book dealing with the Kadividya is now in print, and the book under review
is a short analysis of the same in English. This part contains 36 chapters of
hundred verses each. They deal with the worship of Nathas, 16 Nitya deities,
Lalita Vidya, Homas and Yantras in detail, and each chapter is named after one
of the thirty-six Tattvas. In the Introduction Sir John Woodroffe gives a
description and the significance of Srichakra and its worship, and it is worth
the attention of all. The 35th Chapter of this book is also very important in
that it explains the esoteric meaning and the effect of many technical terms
and rites that we find in the Tantras.
The
following statements are noteworthy: “The word “Yoni” in this worship does not
mean the “generative organ of a woman but means Karanam or cause, the womb of
the Universe” (Page 6). “The consummation of worship (upasti) is meditation on
one’s self”. (p. 103). “The worship of the Srichakra is the unification of
these three–the knower, the knowledge and the object of knowledge.” (103) “By
Nyasa, the body is made like that of the Devata; Japa produces a sense of
identity with the Devata. By Homa is destroyed the sense of multifariousness”
104. We eagerly await the publication of the original in Sanskrit, with a lucid
commentary on it.
English Language
Teaching Vol. X: Number I: Oct-Dec. 55. Published by The
British Council, 65 Davis Street, London, 1. Pp. 46. Annual Subscription 4 Sh.
A
high-class quarterly devoted to English Teaching. Though few, the articles in
this number deal with the different aspects of the problem of English
Teaching–of reading, grammar and literature, and seem to indicate on the part
of the editors, a meticulous attention to, and careful distribution of emphasis
on, the different kinds of problems that arise for the teacher of English in the
High Schools and Colleges. In the changed and changing context of the place of
English in the reorganisation of Indian education, a fresh and lively interest
in the teaching problems is all the more necessary to realise the twin
objectives of confining English to its proper and legitimate place in our
national system of education, and at the same time preventing any deterioration
in the standards of attainment and proficiency in the language. English is no
longer the language of the ruling race, and may cease to be that of
administration and higher education in the country. But still it is of vital
importance as the language of international communication and modern knowledge.
Indian
Inheritance–Vol. I: Literature, Philosophy and Religion.
Published by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay. Pp. 288. Price
Rs. l-12-0.
The
objectives for which the Bhavan stands are by now well-known and very much
appreciated all over the country. They are the reintegration of Indian culture,
in the light of modern knowledge to suit our present-day needs, and the
resuscitation of its fundamental values in their pristine vigour, through a
study of the forces, movements, motives, ideas, forms and art of creative life
through which it has expressed itself in different ages, as a single continuous
process.
The
need has been keenly felt in the educational world also, for the institution of
a regular course of lectures on Indian culture for the students of our schools
and colleges.
The
book under review deals with the different aspects of the Indian Inheritance in
a volume and at a price within the scope and means of every teacher and
student; the different sections have been specially selected from the writings
of eminent persons with acknowledged authority in the respective fields.
This
publication goes a long way to meet the needs of teachers and students
immediately and to contribute to the realisation, in the long run, of the main
objective of the Vidya Bhavan and its Book University. The task of selecting,
and arranging and editing the various sections is a valuable and difficult
task, ably and successfully performed. The first volume deals with Literature,
Philosophy and Religion and is of such high quality in every way as to induce
the reader to look forward with eagerness to the succeeding volumes.
Geographical Factors
in Indian History by K. M. Panikkar. Published by the
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay. Pp. 108. Price Rs. 1-12-0.
This
is a unique volume even among the valuable publications of the Book University
of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, which are mostly devoted to the presentation of
the essential elements and permanent value of Bharatiya culture in a convenient
and easily assimilable form. This volume, on the other hand, is an original
contribution to a new branch of modern knowledge by one of the most colourful
figures in the public life of India.
It
professes to be a preliminary study of the effects of Geography on the shaping
of India’s history. But the earnest endeavour of the author to utilise, and
seek in the results of such study light and guidance for the preservation and
security of the recently won political independence and unity of the country is
obvious in every page. A vigorous and intrepid thinker known for his
independence and originality, he makes several interesting observations on the
trends in our past history and draws several inferences with regard to many of
the burning problems of the day, like the importance of Sanskrit, the need for
developing Hindi as our national language, the significance of the Cauvery
Delta, the Gangetic Valley, the Himalayan mountain ranges and our ports–on
which we should not expect wholesale agreement of all the sections of the
public with the author; but there is no doubt that his observations and
reflections deserve careful attention and the new line of study indicated by
him should be pursued with scientific attitude and open minds.
Streela Ramayanapu
Patalu edited by ‘Krishna Sri’. Published by the Andhra
Saraswatha Parishad, Hyderabad. Pp. 408+10. Price Rs. 10.
By
far the most striking manifestation of the cultural ‘upsurge’ which Indian
Independence has brought in its wake has been in the field of indigenous
literature, particularly Telugu literature in which there has been a plentiful
harvest. The emergence of Andhra as a State and the prospect of Visalandhra or
the advent of a Telengana State is bound to give immense scope for the literary
energies of the present generation to find expression.
Not
all that is appearing in the name of literature is of the healthy kind–not a
little of it is sickening to read–but here and there are refreshing evidences
of a certain virility and excellence which is indeed a welcome feature and
which augurs well for the future of Telugu literature. Whatever possesses the
quality of inspiration and beauty, whether in the new
literature or the old, deserves to be read and to be preserved. It is with this
aim in view that the Andhra Literary Academy of Hyderabad, which
is rendering valuable service to the cause of Telugu literature, has decided to
add to their many publications a book which represents our national literature
in the form of song. The result is this volume entitled “Streela Ramayanapu
Patalu” a very homely title indeed. Most of these songs are time-honoured,
having come down to us, sung by mother to daughter from generation to
generation, in their pristine purity and beauty. Many of these are perhaps to
be found in slender, scattered volumes not always available in a set. It is
therefore a real service to the lovers of these songs, who are the women at
home, to have brought them together in a handy volume.
Sri
‘Krishna Sri’, who has edited the book, has contributed a lengthy Introduction
in which he deals with the character and history of this branch of literature.
One would agree with him in his opinion that in the universe of spoken Telugu
the songs of our women-folk are a separate world in themselves. The style of
these is entirely colloquial, which makes it easier to read and more pleasant
to hear. But the one serious defect with these songs, in general, is the
prevalence of what may be termed hyperbole whose sole excuse is a certain
rhyme, but rhyme that shocks reason. A very simple instance of it would
suffice. In ‘Kusalavula Yuddhamu’ the procession accompanying the ‘Pancha
Kalyani’ is mentioned as ‘a thousand thousands in the rear’ and ‘three crores’
in the front, while the horse itself was selected out of (or brought along
with?) ‘ten crores horses’ and was ushered into the field by ten thousand warriors–surely
figures that stagger one’s imagination! One wonders whether it lies in the
power of those that edit to rectify such glaring exaggerations.
There
is no question that these songs, as the editor asserts’ possess a certain
beauty of song and of narrative. The songs ‘Raghava Kalyanamu’, ‘Rushula
Asramamu’, ‘Lanka Yagamu’, ‘Sita Agni Pravesamu’, ‘Sreerama
Pattabhishekamu’, ‘Urmiladevi Nidra’ and others are all fine pieces
which, if properly sung, can thrill. Undoubtedly the most popular of the forty-two
songs included in this volume are ‘Kusalava Kuchchala Katha’ and ‘Kusalavula
Yuddhamu’ both of which afford great pleasure, whether read or sung. But the
beauty of these is marred by the not infrequent printer’s devils which
sometimes have a disastrous effect, as, for instance, ‘Ravanu’ for ‘Ranuva’ in
line 3 of page 25–which can only be taken as an evidence of careless proofing.
The
editor in his introduction poses a question, “Are all these songs to be
collectively described as national literature? and answers the question himself
with a certain gusto. One can have no quarrel with him for what he thinks, but
when in so expressing his opinion, he works himself into a state of frenzy, as
in the last para but one, he seems to be betraying something of the heat of an
excited mind on a platform instead of revealing the note of dignity and
restraint that are to be associated with a literary mind.
The
prime object of the book, it may well be presumed, is to bring these popular
songs within the reach of the women of the middle classes. By what
considerations the price of Rupees Ten is fixed, it is indeed difficult to
understand. The publishers would have done a real service to the women folk if
they had priced the book more reasonably.
Andhra Tejamu by
Nanduri Bangarayya, Advocate, Rajahmundry. Pages 110. Price Rs. 1-8-0.
This
is a historical play in Telugu dealing with a critical phase in the history of
Andhra, bringing out the value and significance of unity for the Andhras, and
hence of first-rate topical interest to the Andhras at the present juncture in
their history, when the long travail of centuries for the realisation of their
political destiny promises to be approaching a successful termination.
The
plot and characterisation very effectively portray the salient features of the
Andhra genius and temperament in its merits as well as defects with remarkable
objectivity, while at the same time maintaining scrupulous fidelity to known
historical facts in essentials.
The
political destiny of Andhra is here presented with commendable sagacity and
truth, as the preservation and fostering of the spiritual culture of Bharat,
for which the unity of the different sections and regions of Andhra is made out
to be as essential as the sustained endeavour of such a united people for the
political unity and cultural progress of the entire country (Bharat), in the
interests of her traditional culture which is the final objective of all our
efforts and devotion.
The
educative value of the pray cannot be over-estimated and the artistic
excellence has been amply proved by the successful performance of it on the
stage before cultured and distinguished audiences. The play deserves, and is
bound to attain, considerable popularity.
Sangeetha Sabdardha
Chandrika by Aripirala Satyanarayanamurthi, Gandhinagar,
Vijayawada. Demy 8-vo size. Pages 516+54. Price Rs. 10.
We welcome the book as the very first and pioneer attempt at codification of the terminology relating to the age-long musicology of South India. We congratulate the author for the large measure of success he has attained, for his untiring application through years of labour and for his laudable talent in research work. The object of the author, to bring into the compass of a single volume the vast expanse of literary technique which has grown with the development of the science and art of music from the dim past of the prehistoric Vedic ages, and to present a complete picture of the scope and extent of Karnatic music in all its varied phases in one volume, is amply fulfilled. The author has not confined himself to the Sanskrit texts alone. He has rounded up almost all the well-known texts in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam and accommodated a large measure of Marathi, Hindustani and even English terms as well.
The
inclusion of the appendix dealing with the lives and works of great men, modern
and ancient, who have contributed to the progress of this science and art of
music enhances the value of the book. The book deserves to be read not only by students
but lovers of music as well. We wish the Andhra public would extend full
encouragement and support to the author to continue his exploratory work
further, to enlighten and elevate the Andhra genius to its proper and deserving
pinnacle in the field of musical culture.
The Yoga of Sri
Aurobindo: Part Seven, Nolini Kanta Gupta. Pp. 192. Rs.
2-8-0
The Divine
Collaborators: Rishabhchand. Pp. 74. Rs. 1-4-0
The Integral Yoga of
Sri Aurobindo, Part Two: Rishabhchand. Pp. 278. Rs. 4-0-0
The March of
Civilisation: Nolini Kanta Gupta. Pp. 115. Rs. 1-8-0
–All the above books
are published by Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.
The Heart of
Bhagavatam: Susarla Srinivasa Rao, B. A., Retired, Deputy
Collector, Ramaraopet, Kakinada. Pp. 197. Rs. 2-0-0
Mahamahopadhyaya Tata
Subbaraya Sastri Mahoday (Hindi): Andhra Bharathi
Prakashan Mandiram, Vetapalem, Guntur Dt. Pp. 34. Rs. 0-12-0
Nagarjunasagaram
(Telugu): C. Narayana Reddi. Telangana Rachayitala
Sangham, Hyderabad. Pp. 116. Rs. 1-8-0
Nagarjunakontla
(Telugu): Maremanda Rama Rao. Ajanta Publications,
Secunderabad. Pp. 34+17. Rs. 0-12-0
Kothapaali (Telugu): Tapi
Dharma Rao. Pp. 143. Rs. 1-4-0
Kothapaali (Telugu) 2nd
part: Tapi Dharma Rao. Pp. 97. Rs. 0-12-0.
Mutyala Saralu
(Telugu): Gurajada Appa Rao. Pp. 56. Rs.0-10-0
Animutyalu (Telugu): Gurajada
Appa Rao. Pp. 93. Rs. 1-0-0
–All the above books
are published by Visalandhra Prachuranalayam, Vijayawada-2.