India Books

Cohen, in a wonderfully written ethnography, makes us question the categories of Alzheimer's, aging, and dementia by systematically destabilizing our notions of what it means to get old in both our own and India's culture. A worth-while read for anyone interesting in any of the above. However, be forewarned - the text is dense and takes some time to wade through - and it could be suggested that by making so many arguments in so short a span, the book's main thrust isn't there at all, much like Alzheimer's itself.

Brilliant ethnographic research fused with engaging narrative that makes for truly enjoyable reading. Cohen dissects the phenomenon of an aging population and their role in culture and society, while explaining the greater implications both for policy and popular opinion, with reflections on US and Western societies.

As a medical student beginning research on Alzheimer's disease, this book provided me a deeper understanding of the full ramifications of such a disease on the lives of the patient and family members. The interactions described in this book are really quite complicated, yet the clear writing and organization makes this subject matter approachable.

professor cohen may be the most brilliant anthropologist of our time as it pertains to south asia. this book is a sparkling example of a prodigious mind at work. it is both scholarly and playful; rigorous and light-hearted. may be read for both pleasure and for what it can teach us about all manner of things. may be the beat scholarly work i have ever read. first-rate.

So very few books could boast truly world-changing ideas like this one. The effects of Ghandi's teachings have of course spread far beyond the struggles in South Africa and India to the civil rights movement in the US and more. Non-violence has never been weighed and found wanting, it has been weighed, found difficult and ignored. But, in the end, the way that looks easier, the way of violence, is the truly hard path to follow. What seems the longest road is not necessarily the most difficult to travel. We all need to review Ghandi from time to time and regain that other path away from self-destruction.

I loved this book from cover to cover. It's an amazing story of one man's non-violent battle against the food-arazzi. Okay, truth be told, I skimmed through the first half but the part where Gandhi went on the hunger strike was a total inspiration to me and my Pro Ana group. Gandhi lived his life just like we do...but he did it first! He knew about the evils of food long before it was popular to say so. He starved so that we may starve too. If you ask me Gandhi was like the American Jesus. I think he wore sandals too!! And that's what make him a REAL American hero!!!

P.S. If you get too hungry you can eat this book. LOL. Kidding. Don't eat ANYTHING! EVER!

I learned a great deal from Mahatma Gandhiji (1869-1948) by reading NON-VIOLENT RESISTANCE. This book is a collection of articles written at the hand of Gandhiji for the magazines "Young India" and "Harijan". In addition, there are some interviews. The term Satyagraha was authored by Gandhiji to describe the process of non-violent resistance. Satyagraha has as its goal reform. It requires a great deal of discipline on the part of the participants. It also requires an opponent that is capable of reform. I have been applying what I have learned from this book in an attempt to reform myself. If you are interested in the life of Mahatma Gandhiji, or in the process of non-violent resistance, this book will be interesting to you.

I liked this book because it makes Gandhi's ideas concrete and specific. He talks about how to handle specific situations, and explains his thinking - for example, his view of picketing. Specific examples of how to handle specific situations give you more insight into what non-violent resistence and non-cooperation really mean as applied to real life situations. After reading this book, you have a much better sense of how to apply Gandhi's ideas, versus just an overview of his ideas as abstraction.

Notwithstanding the back-cover blurb and front-cover photo, this book is mainly (the first 194 of 282 pages) about the authors tutelage under the great master Ratnamji - a remarkable figure who might have remained in obscurity were it not for this book. Ratnamji was a direct disciple of Sri Ramana Maharshi (www.arunachala-ramana.org). His account is very enlightening and definitely worth a read. The last part of the book which deals with how he met his current master Sri Mata Amritanandamayi (www.amritapuri.org) is too short and fortunately he wrote a sequel which is all about his tutelage under his current master.
Buy both books!

After encountering a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, the author set out for the spiritual journey, which he persued with utmost sincerity and effort. He met good teachers which demanded a lot from him. He followed all advices of them, even if it cost all he could give in terms of mental adjustment or power. For a possible reader of the book is should be said at least, that the author was a longterm pupil of a pupil of Ramana Maharshi and finally became a pupil of Ammachi. But all the salutary and entertaining details, have to be read on ones own. The author talks also about his doubts on the way, which makes the book much more aceptable.

The author is currently disciple of AMMACHI. The book is an autobiographical descritption of his spiritual journey. It is written in a simple, readable form. His journey starts with his father's death, when he did not feel grief like his relatives. Later he read about Ramana ( who also led to enquiry about death after his father's death). He writes candidly about the period when he was experimenting with meditation and having a live-in relationship. This discussion is crucial. Later he moves to India. He lives with Ratnaji of Ramana ashram. He learns all about Hindusim from Ratnaji. A interesting episode is how he goes back to America just to repair a tape recorder so that his guru can record Bhagavatam classes. He returns at once. His pligrimage in North gives a good understanding about human nature. He discusses about puja to Guru and it effects. The book's end discusses how he came to AMMA and took her as guru. Now he is back in AMERICA as AMMA's disciple. Now he visits India every year. ( I think he has written a sequel to this book). The book is easy to read; The author has neither ego nor special urge to be a writer.

The book is a very candid narration of the spiritual journey of a western seeker. Any spiritually inclined person would benefit from the experiences of the author with the indian saints like Ratnamji, Nisargadatt Maharaj and Mata Amritanandamayi. His tough self disciplining, austere life, self correction and improvement with the help of the saints whom he met explains the nature of spiritual life.

The book ends with his meeting with Mata Amritanandamayi and Her changing the course of his life. His experiences with Mata Amritanandamayi, especially Her compassion towards him and all fellow beings and his accepting Her as his master(Guru) is very touching.

It is a very easy to read book.

this book is the best teaching book i ever read, who read this book must keep it and read it time on time.

I would recommend this book to everyone interested in the original treasure of these famous fables. This is the Best translation of the Panchatantra I have read. Happily, it does not read like a translation. The spirit of the fables has been captured very well, while the verses especially, having retained their lyrical quality.

Excellent didactic leisure reading for all ages.

Arthur W. Ryder has done an exemplary job in translating this monumental book. I read many versions of the stories by many who attempted to translate the original Sanskrit book. This is a remarkable translation of Panchatantra I have read so far. Panchatantra is presented in many flavors by many "translators", and only Arthur W. Ryder has done the job of a true translator i.e., to bring forth the beauty of the stories told by Vishnu Sarma in Sanskrit. Rest of the translations pale in front this truly great work. Highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a English version of Vishnu Sarma's Panchatantra.

I read this book a long time back and I still treasure that same copy. It is fun to read and full of 'animal' wisdom and wit. I read this book aloud to kids and they too enjoy listening. I would recommend this book as one of the best translations of the Panchatantra. The book accurately captures the very spirit and essense of the original Sanskrit text without the tedious victorian overtones so much evident older oriental translations.

Buy this book - Keep it - Read from it from time to time.

I love this book. Most of us may have a vision of how we could save the world, and then promptly return to our normal routine. Mr. Kumar remains faithful to his vision of seeing the good and expecting the best of people, of spreading Gandhi's message of nonviolence, and representing a life of treading lightly on the earth. I hope more people read this powerful book, which is why I put a link to it on my website's "Reading" page.

Kumar claims to have been destined at birth to be the child of "unfulfilled wishes," born in a time of unrest in both India and the world. His walks, which he began at the age of 9, are the waterways where his beliefs flow and ebb, sometimes stronger, sometimes a trickle, but always moving. Although he admires the trees under which the Buddha found enlightenment, he himself cannot seem to settle. I found this to be an inspiring book ending with the principles by which he lives; not so much an instruction book of how to live, but it itself the gentle pilgrim sharing his stories in a less smelly and more conveniently printed format.

I, too, am quite inspired by Mr.Kumar's tale of his life as a flowing stream, never resting in any place for very long. He has done a lot to help make the world a more peaceful and gentler place to live. But I wonder--what happened to his first wife, whom he says left him when he was unwilling to "settle down" and start a business? The dispassionate tone of the book--is it reflective of his personality, or the fact that English is not his native language? The pattern of moving around, rootlessness, and of not becoming very deeply involved with any of his co-workers and friends makes me question whether he drifted into the Green Movement as a convenient place to dwell, without really concerning himself with making a living or becoming too intimate with others.
This does not in any way diminish the positive impact of his work, but as a biography, I am left wondering.

I loved this book from start to finish. Kumar uses simple sweet and pure language to describe his walking journey which entails both outer countries and his own inner truths he discovers on the way. The only time I was mildly disinterested is when he stops walking to live in a house he buys for his family. I felt like I had stopped walking with him. A flowing inspiring story not to be missed.

This is a good read notwithstanding the sometimes academic treatment of the topic which at best is boring and long winded. Having said as much, the author does a pretty through job of addressing the various aspects of Pathan history which departs quite significantly from the common understanding of the average Pathan of himself and his heritage.

I for one was quite amazed to see the argument posed by the author and the facts laid therein to substantiate his proposition. However, by and large it is a book worth reading given the subject of Pathan history is something that can not be fully understood from a single read.

If you are not a Sindi, Punjabi, Hazara, Tajik or other enemies of the Afghans/Pakhtoon, this is a must reading for you.

This book is an extremely useful work for historical reference, perhaps the only one in its category extant. It can be called a magnum opus. The narrative of its writer is, of course, tinted heavily with his own emotion--and he has pointed this out to the reader himself when describing the nature of his book--therefore this aspect of the book may also be taken as a "historical reference", to its VIP author's attitudes, but otherwise has no value and is sincere, but very harmfully misleading to the unacquainted reader, about the true nature of the evil Pathan society and its ways, in the present time especially. The Pathans/Pakhtuns/Afghans were always a backward, turbulent society with a criminal culture, but they have changed drastically for the worse in the 44 years since this book was first written, mostly in the last 20 years or so.

This is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject of the Pathans (Pukhtoon or Pushtoon. Written by the last British Governor of the North West Frontier Province, this book traces the geneaology of this unusual race. Recently the Readers Digest (July 2000) wrote a story on the connection with Alexander the Great. This is a scholary work so if you are looking for light reading this is not for you. At one time Afghan and Pathan or Pukhtoon/Pushtoon were synonymous. It was the fear of the Pathans of Pakistan joining with the Pathans of Afghanistan that led Pakistan to deny naming the province "Pashtunistan" (Land of the Pashtuns)for fear of lending legitimacy to their desire for independence. Winston Churchill fought here. So did Sherlock Holmes' friend Dr. Watson. The general fascination with this area can be gauged by the number of National Geographic articles about it. This book brings these people to life and gives them the honorable treatment they have earned. I should know, I am a Pukhtoon of the Yousafzai (Joseph's Children) tribe.

The Pocket Guide To Macrobiotics is the perfect start to understanding the yin and yang of the diet. It explains the meaning of macrobiotics, the basic ideas behind the diet, how it can be used in everyday life, to heal, to gain energy, to help keep the body healthy. While published in 1997 it still makes total sense. It is flexible yet I have to warn you it will not be an easy regimen to follow at first.

Don't miss this small, pocket-sized volume if you need a thorough introduction to the principles and philosophy of macrobiotics. Without including any recipes, author Carl Ferre has done an excellent job condensing the most important aspects of marcobiotics into this handy book. An easy read, keep it in your purse or jacket pocket to peruse when you have a few spare minutes.

This book provides a great deal of information on beginning and sustaining a macrobiotic diet and is written in a clear, concise manner. It speaks positively about small dietary changes and never stoops to belittling other diets. When I bought the book, I knew absolutely nothing about the macrobiotic way of life. When I put it down, I had a good working knowledge.

Although it doesn't include any recipes, I think this book is excellent.

This small pocket guide outlines food choices in diagrams displaying the relative positions of food rather than in terms of nutritional data. Nutritional quantities and percentages of food are misleading in that the imply accurate descriptions of food before it is eaten and digested. Each body is different and the macrobiotic way of eating requires considering the condition of the eater as well as the food eaten. For anyone who has encountered strange or misleading information of this grain-based diet would benefit from reading this small guide. It is well written in an easy to follow format that persuades rather than dictates. The resources and references are excellent and the price is right.

I picked this little book up at a local bookstore after reading through quite a few on the shelf. I think this is the best bet for the money--simple and to the point. A great first book and intro to the art of Tarot. My first use of the cards with this book was very helpful! Be creative with your intuition and the information available in this book and you may find the key which is hidden in your subconscious.

This is the ultimate book for the beginner. It is short and to the point and it is right on target. In so few pages this book is packed with great information. All you need to know to get started is right here. First there is the history of Tarot. Alan Oken takes you all the way back to the beginnings of the cards and brings you through the many transformations over the years. Next he takes you through the deck card by card. Each card is explained. The meanings are made clear. If you are interested in Tarot this is the book for you.

Though I have many books on the Tarot, this little book intrigued me. I had picked it up originally thinking that it was so small it would come in handy as a travel companion for one of those 'when in doubt' readings... Then upon actually reading it - Wow! ~ Packed with so much information, even the intermediate and advance Tarot Reader can value it's information. Traditional meanings, Esoteric meanings as well as Mundane. How they can apply in a reading, as well as pointing out a large amount of symbolism, particularly in the Major Arcana. I was (and still am) simply impressed with this little book. A little book that packs a punch! Save yourself some money on the big names and invest in this little book at a small price and I doubt you'll ever regreat it!

This little book is for anyone searching for a simple, yet meaningful reference book on interpreting the cards in the Waite Tarot deck. Where other authors typically use superficial interpretations for each card, Alan Oken touches upon the symbolism in each card and moves beyond mediocrity to unveil the deeper spiritual/psychological meaning inherent in the tarot system. For the more advanced readers, he includes esoteric and exoteric wisdom for each card. This is a must book for anyone interested in tarot!

This book is a must-read for those interested in Indian philosophies. Like ancient/medieval Western philosophies, Indian philosophy is hard to grasp unless one has a clear sense as to what sorts of problems the philosophers are trying to answer. In this work Potter does a very good job at this-- he lays out the fundamental problem that all (speculative) Indian philosophies attempt to solve: How is complete freedom possible? As explained very clearly by Potter, complete freedom is understood by classical Indian philosophers as BOTH freedom-to (i.e. we can effect changes in the world so that we can be free from bondage by karma) and freedom-from (i.e. the world leaves us with sufficient room that we don't HAVE to stay bounded or become free). Put under this fundamental understanding, Potter was able to provide a clear survey of a myriad of ~20 most significant philosphers' views-- their logics, ontologies and epistemologies-- under a very handy framework of classification. Potter's classification is philosophically-oriented and is infinitely more useful than the standard scheme (Materialists, Buddhism, Jainism and the 6 Hindu 'Orthodox' schools). This classification is both very insightful and original. As someone who is fairly well-acquainted with the different strands of classical Chinese philosophy (which asks a slightly different question: 'how is becoming a possible?' where the interpretation of the sage as end-goal is more diversely understood than in the Indian tradition), I feel that Potter's framework gives me a powerful tool to help me acquire a much deeper philosophical understanding of the Chinese traditions.
As a clear thinker, Potter writes with sharp clarity and is able to express difficult ideas in fairly accessible terms. In fact, it's a real accomplishment to complete such an ambitious survey of major Indian philosophies in a manuscript of less than 300 pages. I only wish that Potter had revised this work after his editing of the encyclopedia of Indian philosophies! (This work was originally published in 1963, and does show his lack of a good first-hand understanding of Buddhist philosophies. If Potter had revised this after his editing of the Encyclopedia, I'm sure this book will be longer and with more thorough analysis on the Abhidharma philosophies.)

I first read this book when I took an undergraduate philosophy course from Karl Popper himself way back in 1969 at the University of Minnesota. My opinion of it has never changed, and I am pleased to see that an Indian press has resurrected this seminal work: it remains, for me, the best serious evaluation of the conceptual foundations of Indian philosophy. It is a serious work by a serious philosopher, so those in search of shortcuts to nirvana should continue their search elsewhere. I lost my old copy of this book years ago, and am thrilled to have found it once again. Thanks, Amazon.com!

1. It was interesting finally to see a book on Indian philosophy beginning with Bhagvat Gita and four Purushaarthas for a change. These are the hallmarks of Indian philosophy, especially Hindu thought. I particularly liked his notion of attitudes about the Purushaarthas. That was a new approach towards Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha. However, his sequence is different. He places Artha, Kaama, Dharma and then Moksha which is different from the traditinal sequence. Also, his description of Artha and Kaama was little inadequate. Artha and Kaama have been regarded as two powers in Hindu thought. Artha (Wealth) is deemed necessary so that all the economic resources can be spent for charities, donations and other spiritual/social works. Similarly, Kaama is treated as God's creation also in BhagwatGita Chapter 4, only if it is according to prescribed Dharam/scriptures. This information is missing from pages 5-10 (chapter 1).

2. In the same chapter, page 15 - 19, he talks about Renunciation and Resignation. I found it very very bold defence of Krishna's advise to Arjuna to fight. It is indeed a controversial topic and I am glad that Potter did support Krishna's advocacy for freedom and performing one's duty without attachment to results. And here, Potter has defined Karma Yoga so beautifully.

3. But in the very next chapter, page 40 in the section for Paths for freedom, while describing Karma Yoga, he misses the important points he just mentioned in the previous chapter pages 15 - 19 (as above). He confuses Karma - Kaanda(rituals) of Vedas with Karma Yoga, how sad!

Like one of the previous reviewers I was lucky enough to have been taught by Professor Potter himself, though I met him at a latter stage in his career while attending the University of Washington. His book, especially the first four chapters, presents the foundations upon which the Indian philosophical mind turns better than any other book I know. I strongly believe that this is the best place to begin one's studies of Indian thought, not because it provides the best systematic account of the history of Indian philosophy but because it provides the clearest articulation of its most basic presuppostions. Highly recommended reading for both its insights and quality of writing.

Great home recipe's from Orissa/ Eastern India. Good to get the recipes for Chitau Pitha etc.

Very rarely one comes across a book that seems on surface to be
devoted to a narrow specialty, but which by virtue of its author's
knowledge and expertise, becomes a mirror in which the whole
subject area and more is reflected and illuminated.
In this sense ``Purba'' is not merely a book on food originating from a major
state in eastern India -- it is a palette on which the author
manages in her inimitable style to unify the basic methods and
techniques of food preparation from different regions of the
world as disparate as France, China and Orissa (the last being
the state in eastern India where she hails from). In this
identification of the basic principles and techniques of cuisine
from across the world, this book and its author (a computer
scientist from Orissa, working in New York) is symptomatic of
our times; for better or for worse, an indicator toward our
globalized future.

``Techniques + Ingredients = Recipes''. This, according to the
author, is the defining equation of all cuisines. It also captures
succinctly the point of view from which the author (a scientist
byprofession) approaches the subject. It is not on the particulars,
but on the universal techniques, that cut across cuisines across different
continents, that our attention is focused on. The author is clearly
a master of her subject matter, as well as a good expositor, with a
sleek style and the occasional scientific humor. It is in fact a good
read even if you don't want to step into the kitchen in this lifetime.

Of course, subject of the book is food from Orissa and the author
does an extremely good job of exposing the richness and variety of
Oriya cuisine to the non-Oriya speaking world. This is a great service
in itself, as unlike cuisines from North and South India, food from
Eastern India tend to be unnoticed outside India -- partly, because
of their elaborate preparations which makes them unsuitable for
the typical Indian restaurant. But, when one really delves into it there are
immense riches here to be picked for the gastronomically inclined and
``Purba'' is a wonderful introduction to this rich, new, culinary world.
The recipes themselves are described with unusual precision, and
is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced cooks.

One Lakshmi feeds the world, another Laxmi in NY tries food recipes and cooks them to taste.  Lakshmi at Puri is busy in making recipes from all her creations and endows color, grandeur and nutrition to food.  Laxmi at NY examines these recipes and selects the ones that people can attempt in their homes.  The eternal Lakshmi opens her many kitchens to scientist Laxmi to learn and write for the rest of the public.  Laxmi Parida, a computational biology scientist at IBM in NY has produced a magnificent collection of Oriya recipes in a book form.  The book called "Purba: Feasts from the East" is distributed through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.  For every Oriya and for any person interested in Orissa, this is an elegantly produced and extremely valuable reference book.  It has the distinct honor of the first Oriya cook book to hit the US stands.  Congratulations to Dr Parida, who carries the blessings from SriLakshmi.

The 207-page book is broken into nine chapters: Oriya pantry, Jalakhia, Pitha, Breads, Bhata, Entrees, Sun-drying (badi and pickles), Mitha and "East meets Far East".  Each chapter is wholesome and is loaded with specific recipes that carry the nostalgic charm and full-bodied instructions for preparation.  Through her home kitchen back in Orissa and with the urging of her mother (remember "Bend it like Beckam"), she has herself tried each dish and knows the failings well.  She is an astute observer and an expert teacher.  With the objective humor of a scientist, she guides any novice to travel through the roads of Oriya culinary arts.  For me, the reading itself was a meal.

Anything that you ate in homes or streets during your time in Orissa is in the book. My special favorites were the recipes for various chakulis, chitaus, arisa and kakara. People who know me know my weakness to these objects.  What we don't normally succeed is to create a full holiday meal as one had taken in Lekhanapur or Nardia. The holiday meal consists of pithas of grains and legumes of the season, seasoned with herbs and spices particular to the season, supplemented with vegetables cooked according to the climate and temperature of the season.  This is the food culture of Orissa and the book enables you to recreate it.  Then go to my other favorites of mithas: rasagolla, ladoo, kesar, khiri and tons of other savory dishes. Time has come that we impress our neighbors with the brilliant food that Oriyas invented and the  brilliant style the food is composed.  Let there be a weekly meal with "kakharu and saga" and "potala rasa" or a nonvegetarian festive meal with "machha mahura" and "mangsa gugni".  Let children enjoy "gaja" and "singada" and let "peda" and "sandesh" replace cakes.  Time has come to announce to the words that Oriya is style and sophistication.  The culture and food have been hundreds of years in the making.  It's royal.

Dr Parida is available to assist the new cooks to initiate into Oriya cooking. the veterans can comment and add more dishes to the book to make a second part.  SriJagannatha eats sabara food and the whole set of recipes from the hills and forests need assembly.  The recipes from south and the recipes from the inner villages at Puri would make other volumes.  The books reminds you of the richness of food as a sustenance and the beauty of human ingenuity in creating crafts in taste and nutrition.  At (cheap) e book is a bargain for all the information and the meticulous guidance.  Enjoy!!   

I have been interested in international cooking for years with a particular fondness for Indian cooking. I discovered this wonderful book on Amazon.com and found it appealing because 1) it covers a region of India (Orissa) whose recipes I have never seen before and 2) the author is actually a scientist so I knew the recipes would not omit any details. I must say I was not dissapointed. If you are like me, you will be amazed that Dr. Parida is not a full time chef and cookbook author.

Once you read the preface you will also see she has a great sense of humor that shines through again and again throughout the book.

For those among you who sometimes feel that the spice mixtures of Indian recipes are a little overwhelming, this book is for you. All of the recipes I made from this book are flavorful without being overpowering.

So far I have 3 recipes that I love from this book:

1) Khichidi - a wonderful rice and lentil combination that is extreemly easy to prepare, elegantly seasoned and can serve as a full meal on its own.

2) Baigana Bharta - Mashed fried eggplants. while the description may not sound so appetizing, think of it as an alternative to Babaganoush. The buttery flavor of the slow roasted eggplant and the delicate seasonings make this an excellent dish hot or cold. I serve it cold as an appetizer with thinly sliced crusty bread. My dinner guests rave about it!

3) Kheeri - Rice pudding. Indian comfort food! Rice pudding is one of favorite desserts and when I first saw this recipe I thought it had a typo because it appeared to call for too much milk. I tried the recipe as printed and the result was a deliciously silky rice and milk concoction that I have made again and again.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. Lets encourage this highly gifted author to keep writing books!