Book Review: Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda

Sri Yogananda G presents his life as a testimony to the attainment of Supreme Consciousness through power of Yoga

Author: Paramhansa Yogananda
Published: 2006 (Third Paperback Edition)
Publisher: Jaico Publishing
Pages: 486
My Rating & Recommendation: 5/5, Must Read

The story of Paramhansa Yogananda G’s life is so inspiring that it has stirred in me an energy and a thought process so powerfully moving that I am no longer able to deny or ignore the presence of immensely positive universal cosmic forces that exist around all of us, all the time.

I had bought this book because it is in the list of recommendations of a certain Steve Jobs. This was much before Virat Kohli, the captain of Indian Cricket Team, in a tweet, credited the transformation of his life to the understanding and implementation of knowledge in this book. For me, Kohli’s tweet was a signal that this book should move it up in my ‘To Read’ list.

Content Summary

Right from his childhood, a gifted sense of spiritual awareness kept directing him relentlessly in the spiritual path. After his several attempts, to run from his home to the Himalayas to be a sanyasi were thwarted by his family, finally, ‘as destined’ he miraculously found his guru Swami Sri Yukeswar Giri in Serampore, West Bengal.

Throughout the book, Paramhansa Yogananda G has quoted numerous miracles performed by his Guru, his guru’s Guru, Sri Sri Lahiri Mahasaya (Disciple of Sri Sri Mahavatar Babaji) and Babaji himself and many other saints. These miracles include healing the life threatening diseases, teleportation, levitation, creating materialistic things out of thin air, being present at two places at a time and seeing into the future etc. He has also written about his meetings with many saints, both in the east and the west, who had unique abilities like surviving without food or water for decades, surviving without sleep and taming the tigers.

All this sounds like the stuff of and from dreams, right? It does! But Paramhansa Yogananda G has clearly explained the logical and scientific reasons and causes that can produce such effects or enable a human to perform such acts of dreams. Personally, I could not really paint some such instances on the highly fertile imaginary canvas of my brain, but a huge majority of so called miracles don’t look too far-fetched if one could really unleash the force of spiritual powers vested inside them, through continuous practice.

Paramhansa Yogananda G recommends daily practice of a technique i.e. Kriya Yoga to slowly but surely progress on the path of spirituality and attain self realization. Basically, Kriya Yoga activates the latent energy stored in Spinal Chakras. 

His society, Yogoda Satsang Society (YSS), India (founded in 1917) and Self Realization Fellowship (founded in 1929), headquartered in Encinitas, California are the proponents of this technique in the present day.

The content of the book is very powerful as on one hand, it meaningfully builds on and derives from the knowledge stored in the Vedas, the treasure troves of Hinduism and the Bible on the other hand. The inter-linkage between life of Indian Saints and Lord Jesus, and the principles of Hinduism and Christianity is depicted very consistently. More importantly, every page is projection of an unshakable belief rather than mere words printed on paper.

One thing that has stuck with me is the timeline of the spread of Sri Paramhansa Yogananda G ideas (1893-1952). Paramhansa Yogananda G enjoyed such a high stature that while India was getting battered under the British Raj, he was captivating the west (America and Europe) through his academic discourses in the philosophy of Yoga and initiation of disciples in Kriya Yoga under the aegis of Self Realization Fellowship.

Recommendation

Overall, this is a book which has made me think, and think deeply about spirituality, my individuality, my existence and its connection with the universal energy. It has helped me to reconnect with myself on a much deeper level than I was hitherto able to. May be just reading it has not changed my life already, but it has definitely made me more aware about my innate abilities to do what I want to do, and I treasure that! Happy Reading.

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Orchha, Madhya Pradesh: My visit to this beautiful destination

A visit to Orchha, captured in words and pictures.

A quaint town, Orchha, silently sits on the sides of river Betwa in the erstwhile famous Bundelkhand region, expressing through its magnificent but worn out forts, a part of history that it has witnessed, a history that is rich with stories of spiritual beliefs and the legacies of many rulers that ruled this town.

A cool early morning breeze greeted me when I reached Jhansi railway station.  From there, I hired an autorickshaw to Orchha. After crossing a small distance within the city, the auto turned to a stretch of road which connects the honks and hustle to the serene. I felt a sense of calm grow inside me as my ride rushed on the empty stretch, as if, the thick roadside greenery rejuvenated by the monsoon rains was sharing its joy with me.

Place to Stay

My stay was booked at Amar Mahal, a magnificent hotel sitting right on the river ghat, adorning the aura of the ancient times in the style of its architecture, decor of the rooms and furnishing. The intricate carvings on the walls, chirping of birds in the garden in its center and the sound of flute played by a man in the traditional attire, all of these seemed to be in a perfect harmony with each other and with the stillness of the place. I spent some time sitting in one of the corners absorbing all of it in the company of my dear wife. Bliss!

Garden in the center; Amar Mahal

In the evening, I visited ‘Chattris’ (Cenotaphs), a set of monuments built in the remembrance of various rulers of Orchha. Several such chattris are spread across the course of the river and can be explored through river rafting. On the river bank opposite to the hotel, there is a wildlife sanctuary which promises excellent views and glimpses of deer but my one day schedule could not factor these time consuming activities.

One of the Cenotaphs

Places to Visit

A five minute walk from cenotaphs took me to the forts which are built next to each other almost like a colony. The shattered state of these forts bears a testimony not only to the neglect and apathy of the administrators but in a way it also symbolizes the scars on the soul of a place which once upon a time breathed royalty. From the top, a view of a vast expanse of greenery stretching far and wide in all directions made me realize the might these forts still hold between their walls. How I wished that this ‘might’ be witnessed by the modern artists who scribble starry love messages on the walls of these monuments. Alas!

Sheesh Mahal
Entrance to Jahangir Mahal
A view from Top
Inside the Mehal
Ruins behind the Mahal
A vast expanse on the side
Another vast expanse of green on the side
The Heritage Walk

Light and Sound Show

The heavy monsoon showers around 8 pm drained my plan of experiencing the engaging light and sound show which sublimely makes you traverse through the history of Orchha. However, I spent that time with my wife seated in a dome shaped seating space on the roof of my hotel. The local musicians sang songs and played the tabla, harmonium and flute while the splendid architecture of the hotel glittered in the evening lights. Not the original light and sound show I wished to experience, but fair enough.

Amar Mahal bathed in Evening Lights

Late in the night, I visited the historic Ram Raja temple seeking the blessings of the unique incarnation of Lord Ram, who according to a tale, came to Orchha from Ayodhaya (Uttar Pradesh, India) in an avatar of a baby with the then Rani of Orchha after she spent several days there worshipping Lord Ram and requesting him to appear.

Ram Raja Temple (Image from Google)

I left early next morning but the one day that I spent in Orchha was very fulfilling.  I missed visiting some monuments but my heart felt content and at peace. Isn’t that what travel is all about after all?

Notes:

  1. Orchha is about 20 Kms from Jhansi. Jhansi is well connected to Gwalior and Delhi via rail and road. One can also take flight from Delhi to Gwalior.
  2. Khajuraho, the place with one of the finest art temples in India is about 4 hour journey from Orchha.
  3. Tourist spots/Experiences that I missed:
  • Chaturbhuj Temple
  • Laxmi Narayan Temple
  • Uth Khana (Camel Shelter)
  • River Rafting
  • Views/Hiking in the Sanctuary
  • Sound and Light show

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English Poem: Conflict

A state of changing inertia caught up in a free restrain of rhythmic noise!

This English poem ‘Conflict’ is one of the earliest poems that came into existence well over 15 years ago when I wasn’t very disciplined about my writing. I used my writing as a friend whom I could invite over to meet me whenever I wished and then forget it for a long time only to remember it once in a while.

These lines below capture a state of conflict which engulfed me and lent itself to this mumble jumble of couplets. Of course, it was inspired by the feelings of ambivalence which make you want something or someone and at the same time, advice you to pull away!

It’s #WordPlay, It’s a Conflict! Hope you enjoy reading this English poem full of contradictions!

I am tossing and twirling, shouting in protest,
But my body is still, as if amidst a peaceful rest,

I am jostling for space, in a darn open field,
Trying to replace, that doesn’t exist,

I am walking slow, and crawling back,
But reaching ahead, to a place farthest

I mean to say, with nothing said,
To be clear to you, with the haziness

I like to admit, with a denial perfect,
You are still loved, never in fact

I want you back, out of my sight,
You are the darkest, filled with Light!

Interested in reading more hindi poetry and ghazals? Click here to read more poetry

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Book Review: A Shot At History, Abhinav Bindra

A fantastic tale of fears, fights and the top of the podium finish of India’s lone individual Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra.

Author: Abhinav Bindra with Rohit Brijnath

Published: 2011

Publisher: Harper Sport

Pages: 215

My Rating & Recommendation: 5/5, Must Read

Undoubtedly, India’s tryst with the Olympics has been a one with sporadic highs. Successes have been far and few in an otherwise long haul of despairs and failed dreams. If sending a satellite into space could qualify for Olympics, we could hit the podium more often I believe.

A country of more than a billion has laid hands on only one individual Olympic Gold medal since forever till now. And the man to give our country that honor is Abhinav Bindra. He was the Gold Medalist in 10m Air Rifle Shooting at Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Content Summary

A shot at history is a story of this man, Abhinav Bindra. A dive into the carefully crafted journey towards perfection which finally shot dead the demons of the past failures, for our sportsmen and a billion otherwise. In this book, Abhinav takes you through the details of his life as a string of smoothly connected chapters. A transformation from a young boy practicing alone under a mango tree in India to a competitor polishing his art in the biggest shooting ranges across Germany and USA has been neatly and intriguingly captured into word streams.

The best part of the book is Abhinav’s candor in admission of his frailties, moments of weakness, competitive pressure and emotional breakdowns during his journey. He boldly shares his feelings about being a sportsman in India (It is very different) and recounts several tales about how he slowly learnt to craft his way through the maze of media criticisms, bureaucratic apathy and general lack of traction and facilities for shooting as a sport in India.

Abhinav Bindra’s passion, quest for perfection and knowledge about his sport rubbed off on me. I came out much more informed about shooting, it’s rules, facilities around the world, the make and makers of guns and pellets, the technique, posture of the shooter and the various prestigious competitions that happen around the world. Fascinating!

Recommendation

Overall, this book is a straightforward account of Abhinav’s journey, much like him and his sport, Load. Aim. Shoot. Reload. Aim. Shoot… He has titled one of the chapters as ‘Mr Indian Official: Thanks for Nothing’, Straight as a bullet!

Additionally, the book is like a passive mentor for any young aspiring sportsperson, playing any sport. It doesn’t really prescribe but informs and guides. That’s why, I have labeled it as a must read. I liked it for its content, style, sheer originality and for the inspiring impact that it left on me. Happy Reading!

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Book Review: my GITA, Devdutt Pattanaik

Making a bold attempt at reorganizing the Bhagwad Gita, Devdutt presents a captivating and hugely informative adaptation of the Gita.

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Published: 2015
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Pages: 246
My Rating & Recommendation: 4/5, I Strongly Recommend

my GITA is one of the numerous adaptations of the ‘The Bhagwad Gita’. The book which has influenced the way of life of people across the world. To really make sense of a review for the book my GITA, it is necessary to know about the Bhagwad Gita.

Background

The ‘Bhagwad Gita‘, along with The ‘Ramayana‘ is the sacred book of the Hindu religion.

Across the world, The Bhagwad Gita is widely acknowledged and accepted as the book which transcends a particular religion and has the power to influence and transform the way of life of any individual seeking spiritual evolution and meaning in daily existence. 

The text of the Bhagwad Gita is basically a discourse given by Lord Shri Krishna (Hindu God) to Arjuna (a celebrated Pandava archer) before the start of a mega war (Mahabharat). The war between the two grand armies of Kauravas and Pandavas. Interestingly, Kauravas and Pandavas are cousins. The cause of their dispute is the accession of the kingdom of ‘Hastinapur’ to Pandavas. As agreed but later denied, by Kauravas. Just before the war is about to begin, Arjuna starts to feel guilt and remorse. The prospect of fighting and killing his own family, and the gurus from whom he has learnt his skills makes him perturbed. That’s when Shri Krishna, who is Arjuna’s charioteer during the war, gives a discourse answering Arjuna’s questions and addressing his apprehensions.

Lord Krishna through his discourse presents the Vedic philosophy that governs life and talks about important issues such as ‘Dharma‘, the underlying value system that governs life , the power and meaning of the supreme being ‘Paramatma’, the existence of an individual beyond his body in the form of an ever transforming ‘Atma‘ and the divine purpose to connect “Atma to Paramatma” by performing Karma, Actions without Expectations of results.

Originally, the Bhagwad Gita was written in Sanskrit language. It has 18 chapters and a total of 700 shlokas (verses).

Content Summary my Gita

In my GITA, the author starts with giving an excellent overview of the history of Hinduism that encompasses evolution of religious texts through time and how the superiority of the Gita came into being. Thereafter, Mr. Pattanaik has made a lot of bold attempts in presenting the original book. For one, this book is a very concise translated version of the original. Additionally, the sequence of the book has been altered. The author deliberately and meticulously bunched the shlokas spread across chapters to into concepts/themes which can be easily understood by the reader.

Most importantly, the author has attempted to contextualize the interpretations of the various shlokas which appeal to contemporary way of thinking. I really liked the parts where the conflicting views or impressions about the book have been tackled in a logical and rational manner. For instance, there are notions that the Gita is the book of war or why did Lord Krishna allow the war at all? I felt the author acknowledged the thought process and gently introduced an alternate way of thinking and explained how needless judgement inhibits the understanding of the underlying philosophy.

To his credit, Mr. Pattanaik amply indicates the acceptance of the fact that his interpretation is not the only correct interpretation. Though I personally felt he was spot on most of times as his approach appears rational and grounded in logic.

Recommendation

Overall, the book is a treasure trove of useful information and interesting perspectives about intriguing concepts such as Deha, Dehi, Niravana, Yoga (its various forms) and Brahmand (Universe). A lot of diagrams and pictures have been included which really helped me to understand the complex maze of the Vedic system, its evolution through eras and significantly, the wisdom of the Gita. This book is almost a perfect introduction for someone looking to start the journey of spiritual evolution, consciously or subconsciously. In short, reading this book might well be the first ‘Nishkaam Karma‘ (desire less action) is that direction. Happy Reading!

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Book Review: Do You Remember Kunan Poshpora?

This book is about the mass rape of 30 odd women in one night in the two small villages of Kashmir. The young authors detail their story of demand for justice!

Title: Do you remember Kunan Poshpora
Author: Essar, Ifrah, Samreena, Munaza, Natasha
Published: 2013
Publisher: Zubaan
Pages: 222
My Rating & Recommendation: 3/5, I Recommend

Overview

This book, Do you remember Kunan Poshpora is about blatant Human Rights abuse and crimes against women. Specifically, it details the alleged incident of mass rape of Kashmiri women by the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces.

In the year 1991, on a cold February night, more than 30 odd women in the age group of 12 to 70 years, in the two small villages of Kunan and Poshpora in Kashmir (J&K), India were brutally raped by the personnel of the Indian Armed forces during a supposedly routine cordon and search operation.

The cluster of authors (Five young Kashmiri women) present an account of the Kunan Poshpora incident, its shocking impact on the lives of the villagers and the orchestrated delay in delivering justice to the victims of this tragedy. The authors lament the supposed impunity enjoyed by the Armed Forces which has ensured that incident is plagued by botched up preliminary police investigation, biased reports by special committees and judicial indifference. As a result, 26 years later, the case still warrants a thorough investigation.

Backed with thorough research, meetings with the villagers and victims, study of case documents, supporting artefacts and interviews of other people closely associated with the incident, the authors present a strong case against the deliberate cover up by the government and the Army. Additionally, in the seven chapters, a reader also gets a glimpse of life in Kashmir (most militarised zone in the world), and the constant undercurrent of mistrust between Kashmiri people and the authorities. The journey of a courageous group of young women (authors and 45 others) that is creating awareness about this incident and pioneering the demand for justice for the victims of Kunan Poshpora is well articulated. This group filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2013, seeking re-investigation of the incident. The case is still sub judice.

Final Word

The writing is a little lengthy and repetitive in portions. The core issue is emphasized very strongly. Overall, this book is a good informative read. Though some details of the incident startled me, largely the content is non disturbing but provoking for sure. The book has helped me to understand the perspective and thought process of my fellow Kashmiri citizens, who, to my utter dismay, unfortunately lack the sense of belonging to our country India. I recommend this book for the awareness it brought along. May Peace prevail. Happy Reading!

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Celebrating a ‘Century’: Thank you for the Love and Support!

A note of Thanks for all the readers and fellow bloggers.

I wrote my first blog in the year 2008. That was when for the very first time, I got to know about Blogosphere (read Google Blogspot). I and three other friends from class got together and started a blog for our engineering batch. On debut, the blog received an overwhelming response from everyone as we all were very excited about this new digital adventure. Alas, like all good things, once the initial euphoria died down, the posts, hits and junta’s interest waned over time. Eventually, the blog died its own un-natural death. But that adventure helped me discover the joy of writing and my affinity towards that joy.

Bitten by the writing bug, I started my own blog on blogspot (http://versatilistaqua.blogspot.in/). The posts on it were far and few in between. I also found the platform a little difficult to use. After years of reluctance, indolence and inertia, I finally decided to migrate to WordPress in 2015. Looking back, I can easily mark that as a Tipping point in my blogging journey. Almost immediately, I felt so much better about my writing and the ease of use of this platform. The cherry on the cake though, was the unexpected and generous positive response from lot of hitherto ‘unknown’ fellow WordPress’ers’ spread across the world. It was great to have people appreciate my thoughts and encourage me to write more.

It’s been close to 2 years now, and this month, I have officially reached a ‘Century’ of likes on my blog. Among the giants of WordPress, it’s a small step, but it’s a huge one for me personally. This year also marks a decade of my blogging career. So a double delight!

I know I will keep blogging for many years to come and my journey here will be a bright and fulfilling. At this moment, I want to thank all of you, the folks who are reading this right now or who have read any of my posts earlier, and, all my friends who have contributed to this milestone and my writing journey on this blog and outside it. It’s the encouragement, appreciation and feedback that I have received from all of you that gives me the confidence that I’ll keep improving and play a long innings in this blogging world   ( I am a Cricket Fan!).

Once again, thank you for being generous. I wish to get continued support, love, likes and follows (:D) from all of you. Next Milestone, 500 likes! Happy Writing!

Book Review: Mossad, Michael Bar-Zohar & Nissim Mishal

This book will open a new window to the world for you. That view from there is not entirely encouraging, but fascinating for sure…

Author: Michael Bar-Zohar & Nissim Mishal
Published: 2012
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Pages: 338
My Rating & Recommendation: 5/5, Must Read

Overview

I got to know about this book last year from a Facebook status on a friend’s timeline. First things first, my gratitude to him for posting that status. This book is easily one of best that I have read till date. It’s shocking, thought provoking, deeply engaging and a little unsettling too. The Confessions of an Economic Hitman introduced me to a world where USA used economic warfare to manipulate and dominate the world. Similarly, this book presents a world where Israel, through its intelligence services agency, Mossad, persistently thwarts the dangers to its existence and eliminates the Nazi criminals from the time of World War II and, other terrorists from the Arab world.

Fascinating Missions by Mossad

Altogether, this book highlights many important missions of Mossad like

a) capture of Nazi criminal Adolf Eichmann from Buenos Aires in Argentina,

b) search for a kid named Yoselle to save Israel from a religious war,

c) heist of a MIG 21 plane from Iraq,

d) the systematic elimination of members of Palestinian group Black September – the outfit that carried out an attack on Jews in 1972 Summer Olympic (Munich, the movie),

e) the war of 1973 against Egypt and Syria and

f) the wiping out of an under construction secret nuclear facility at Iran.

The details of these missions have everything from forged passports, undercover agents, secret locations, smuggling of weapons, deadly chemicals, insane amount of money, booby traps and exhilarating successes to doomed failures for the agency. Reading details about planning and execution of these missions was mind-boggling!

Final Word

This book has made a big impact on me. At the very  least, for some days, I grew suspect & unsure of my own surroundings and often looked at strangers with an investigative point of view. It also made me realise the enormity of chaos that erupts when two dearly held opposing beliefs clash against each other as it destroys so many human lives and other resources. (Arab/Israel conflict is akin to India/Pakistan, may be better or worse off). Slowly but surely though, I fell back into the routine of my life and felt reassured that thankfully my world is very different from the one in which Mossad agents thrive and carry out their operations. I felt lucky, safe and free, at the same time, I also felt more aware and informed.

For all the people at Mossad, whatever fuels their fire; patriotism, security, necessity or any other motive, a big salute for just being brilliant at what they do, and a big thumbs up to the book that brought it all out to the world. Happy Reading!

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Her

This poem is a dedication to a friend. The emotions of a certain moment in time, captured in words…

It’s #WordPlay, It’s a Dedication!

It’s strange the way this story started,
I saw her first in a mix of crowd,
A glowing face and curious eyes,
Standing out with a gift of poise,

 

Flowing curls and uncanny laughter,
Spreading smiles and zeal everywhere,
You wish to have her by your side,
She’ll make you feel the moonlight tide,

 

She feels like a gust of soothing air,
But you got to know what lies within,
Highs and lows, she has had her share,
Broken heart and throes of pain,

 

A jealous monster on her skin,
She braves him out every day,
Coz it’s hard to keep her in the grey,
Chirping, giggling, she is on her way,
Naughty, crazy, she makes you sway,

 

I wonder where we are headed,
Typically different as I now get it,
She makes me feel cared, loved and irritated,
Talks, meets and long rides unabated,
We are friends, that’s clearly stated!

I Met A Beautiful Girl Once

A wordplay to celebrate the Joy of Love!

It’s #WordPlay, It’s Love!

I met a beautiful girl once, 
She looked like an angel from a distance,
I went closer to her filled with awe,
My heart skipped a beat with what I saw,

There was a girl so divine,
I could give my life to make her mine,
Eyes of a baby and a smile so sweet,
I was struggling to be on my feet,

I went ahead and held her hand,
She looked at me as if she understands,
I thought I would tell her what I feel,
I’ve a lonely heart but please don’t steal,

She smiled at me and pulled me closer,
I let her lead as I looked at her,
Her skin was like a flowing stream,
Like a princess or some queen,

Suddenly a jolt shook me up,
I quickly realized I just woke up,

It was a dream I was going through,
For all I wished it wasn’t true,
I just wonder what could have been,
Was there a meaning to what I had seen,

Years have flown out of sight,
But I still remember that lovely night,
Nothing ever has felt so right,
When I looked at her and held her tight,

You may be far away in some other world,
Or sitting next to me in my abode,
You came to tell me you are there,
Standing by me everywhere,

To pick me up when I fall,
To help me bear it all,
hold my hand and walk with me,
Like the sand moves with the sea,

A lonely heart can see a hope,
Someone’s holding the other end of the rope,
I would never forget your pleasing sight,
I wish I could re-live that lovely night…

Did you like this poetry? For similar posts, check out the wordplay section of The Versatilist.

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