India Books

This is a traditional book written in 1951 in tamil and then translated into englsih a few years back....I have the english version and it is great.....

this book was supposedly given as a gift to brides since 50's in th south and is still as charming and useful as ever...... I got my copy when i moved out of home.....:)

if you want to explore south indian vegetarian cooking (which btw is non greasy and simple, and quite unlike what you get in the Indian restuarants in th US), this is the book to go for......

It is a legend in South India.....and probably one of the best kept secrets.....Not many people other than traditional tamilians know of it......

It must be remembered Osho is talking to Indians, in 1970, when socialism was being touted as the answer to that country's post-Ghandi woes. That being said, every single page applies to the world today. The talks are so fresh and inspired. Nice anecdotes throughout, and incidents from his growing-up (including an extremely eye-opening and amusing account of his meeting Ghandi himself). Osho's vision here is that a healthy capitalism will give way, unforced, to a realistic socialism. All things natural, make use of every energy given...much in keeping with his tantric philosia (love of seeing). From the book: "If we [are to] create a dynamic society, a live society, we will have to lay its foundation on discontent, not on contentment. We always ask why we are poor. We are poor for the simple reason that we are contented with poverty." Insights into Marx, Buddha, everyone...

I've never found a more accessible Maharashtran cookbook -- perfect for the casual Western cook.

I have a deep understanding of death after reading this book and made me realise how wonderful each moment in life is. This was very helpful in living life blissfully. I would recomment this book to all those who want to live each n every moment!

Wonderful social commentary great for children and adults. I would also recommend 'In the Land of Hattamala' if you can find it.

Despite the fact that there are now 279 English translations of the 'Bhagavad Gita' in existence, Alan Jacob's own recently pubished edition is one of the most beautiful. A transcreation rather than a translation, the author has endeavoured to preserve the essence of the nondualist teachings (also known as Advaita Vedanta) interwoven in Hinduism's best known spiritual text as well as introduce his own poetic touch.

Literally meaning the 'Song of God', the 'Bhagavad Gita' recounts a key moment in the ancient Indian epic, the 'Mahabharata'. Set on the battlefield of Kurashetra between two rival royal households, Arjuna, leader of the Pandavas, is rendered impotent in the face of impending bloodshed. Krishna, Avatar and Arjuna's charioteer, thus takes the opportunity to deliver the Dharma or moral code. Indeed, the battle can be interpreted as an allegory of the inner warfare between dharma (harmony) and adharma (discord) within in all of us in the face of life's challenges and troubles.

Together with his 'Principal Upanishads', the profundity of this particular edition of the 'Bhagavad Gita' is owing to the author's accessible and yet exquisite poetry:

This epic Mahabharata
Is a bright blue water lily
Her Gita is the precious pollen;
Sipping as a humble bumble bee,
Relish her sweet nectar
And bathe yourself in her
Honey of Wisdom

Interspersed between the verses, the author offers interpretations of the text as well as cross references to other sages and writers of great wisdom. Jesus, Plato, Shakespeare and Schopenhauer amongst others reiterate the nondualist message - that ultimately, all is the Divine, all is One:

Why Arjuna should I reveal this!
It is enough to know
That upholding this Creation
With a piece
Of My Self, Consciousness,
Peace, Awreness,
I am That, I am.

An indispensable and comprehensive aid to understanding the essential message of the Bhagvad Gita. More accessible than Sri Aurobindo's Essays on the Gita because of the inclusion of the text and translation of the Gita as well quotes from Sri Aurobindo's other books to elaborate obscure points.

J.A.B. van Buitenen's translation has an illuminating clarity and is excellent for a first time read, especially for readers with a western background. The transliteration is on the left-page side and the English on the right. There is also an indepth scholarly introduction and many useful footnotes.

The author, Swami Muktananda, was a great yogic master renowned for his ability to awaken the Kundalini in seekers, thereby enabling them to embark on the journey towards God realization. He established Siddha Yoga in the West at the behest of his Guru, Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri. In this lively work, Swami Muktananda recounts the life of his Guru, a saint who attained God realization and who unceasingly worked to help others achieve the same goal. It is a story filled with miracles, love, devotion to God, the power of Siddha Yoga, and in particular the author's expressions of indebtedness to the man who made him what he was. This reader is left deeply moved.

This book is one of my most well-loved non-fiction books. It is written by a woman who both understands the dance and is able to explain it to outsiders. I got this book when I was just starting to learn dance, and it's given me an invaluable perspective on the origins and meaning of Bharata Natyam. The ancient history of temple dance is fairly small, but the 19th and 20th century information is both copious and vivid. She also does a great job in explaining the components of a formal recital, and other parts of the dance form.