Review of A Hindu Primer
Posted: 10 Nov 2024, 06:48
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Hindu Primer" by Dr. A.V. Srinivasan.]
Dr. A. V. Srinivasan's book represents a detailed explanation of an episode from the Mahabharata, the dialogue between Yudhishthira and a Yaksha. This is a description of some of the philosophical questions that the Yaksha asked, to which Yudhishthira replied with profound insight into Hindu values and ethics. Many questions he asked relate to courage, charity, dharma, or the essence of happiness and wisdom. It calls for control over the mind, abidance by faith, and performance of duties as warranted by society.
It also demonstrates the continued relevance of these works in guiding an individual's personal and spiritual growth today. Sanskrit text, its translation, and commentaries are provided to assist both beginners and advanced students. It will prove to be a precious handbook for parents and teachers who seek to give a proper moral education to Hindu children, especially those living in the West. Through this book, Dr Srinivasan attempts to preserve and disseminate the lofty spiritual treasure of Hinduism and inspires the readers to emulate the lofty ideals set by Yudhishthira.
This book is an exciting journey into timeless wisdom through the profound stories of the Mahabharata. I do like the way it weaves intricate philosophical thoughts into an interesting and readable manner for readers of any age. And Yudhishthira, being a character, comes out as an embodiment of righteousness and wisdom, more so in the story about his encounter with the Yaksha. In this story, Yudhishthira is confronted with a set of questions by a supernatural being, a Yaksha, while his brothers are lying unconscious around a lake.
The questions probe his understanding of life, morality, and duty. Yudhishthira's reflective and wise answers save his brothers and offer insights into human values and ethics to readers. A Hindu Primer: Yaksha Prashna brings out the worth of inner strength, wisdom, and sticking to one's ideals with great effect on the essence of the Hindu philosophy, making it an inspiring read. I would recommend this book to young adults of Indian heritage.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because, though it is a commendable effort toward making Hindu philosophy more accessible to a young audience—especially to those brought up in the west. There are certain areas where it could be improved. It should be in simpler terms so that children and adolescents would more easily understand it. For example, apart from explaining what "tapasya" and "shraddha" mean, examples and analogies to which young people can relate should be given. Interactivity—such as questions or exercises at the end of each chapter—is another good way to keep the young readers more involved. More illustrations or visual learning aids are especially a good idea for concepts that are somewhat abstract. This would also include moving the glossary to the front of the book; readers would be better prepared because they could look at the definitions of key terms while they read. The book was also very well edited and free of error.
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A Hindu Primer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dr. A. V. Srinivasan's book represents a detailed explanation of an episode from the Mahabharata, the dialogue between Yudhishthira and a Yaksha. This is a description of some of the philosophical questions that the Yaksha asked, to which Yudhishthira replied with profound insight into Hindu values and ethics. Many questions he asked relate to courage, charity, dharma, or the essence of happiness and wisdom. It calls for control over the mind, abidance by faith, and performance of duties as warranted by society.
It also demonstrates the continued relevance of these works in guiding an individual's personal and spiritual growth today. Sanskrit text, its translation, and commentaries are provided to assist both beginners and advanced students. It will prove to be a precious handbook for parents and teachers who seek to give a proper moral education to Hindu children, especially those living in the West. Through this book, Dr Srinivasan attempts to preserve and disseminate the lofty spiritual treasure of Hinduism and inspires the readers to emulate the lofty ideals set by Yudhishthira.
This book is an exciting journey into timeless wisdom through the profound stories of the Mahabharata. I do like the way it weaves intricate philosophical thoughts into an interesting and readable manner for readers of any age. And Yudhishthira, being a character, comes out as an embodiment of righteousness and wisdom, more so in the story about his encounter with the Yaksha. In this story, Yudhishthira is confronted with a set of questions by a supernatural being, a Yaksha, while his brothers are lying unconscious around a lake.
The questions probe his understanding of life, morality, and duty. Yudhishthira's reflective and wise answers save his brothers and offer insights into human values and ethics to readers. A Hindu Primer: Yaksha Prashna brings out the worth of inner strength, wisdom, and sticking to one's ideals with great effect on the essence of the Hindu philosophy, making it an inspiring read. I would recommend this book to young adults of Indian heritage.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because, though it is a commendable effort toward making Hindu philosophy more accessible to a young audience—especially to those brought up in the west. There are certain areas where it could be improved. It should be in simpler terms so that children and adolescents would more easily understand it. For example, apart from explaining what "tapasya" and "shraddha" mean, examples and analogies to which young people can relate should be given. Interactivity—such as questions or exercises at the end of each chapter—is another good way to keep the young readers more involved. More illustrations or visual learning aids are especially a good idea for concepts that are somewhat abstract. This would also include moving the glossary to the front of the book; readers would be better prepared because they could look at the definitions of key terms while they read. The book was also very well edited and free of error.
******
A Hindu Primer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon