Review of The Dharma in Difficult Times

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 15 Mar 2022, 16:38

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Dharma in Difficult Times" by Stephen Cope.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Dharma in Difficult Times is not a memoir, but the author uses the lives of eight incredible individuals to show how alignment to one’s dharma can lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose. Stephen Cope uses the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian scripture that holds the wisdom Krishna passes on to Arjuna during his time of confusion, as a point of reference to explain how one can rise above their turbulent times and live a life that transcends such hardship, a life of divine purpose. Just like Arjuna learned his divine duty when faced with war, readers will learn how to be deeply rooted in truth and intentionality during their difficult times.

My reading experience left me with a profound sense of purpose. What was so striking was how easily this book flowed. When I saw in the book’s description that the author would discuss the lives of eight American people in relation to the Gita, I wondered how that would turn out. But the author showed true mastery of writing by delivering every lesson with a simplicity that still retained profoundness. While this book discusses mystical topics like dharma, kairos, and fulfilling your purpose through non-violence, it is not at all difficult to understand.

The author built beautifully on Arjuna’s story and related the Bhagavad Gita perfectly to the stories of other inspiring individuals, which included Mahatma Gandhi, Henry Thoreau, Charles Lowell, Sojourner Truth, Marian Anderson, Jon Daniels, Ruby Sales, and Harriet Stowe. The author divided the book into four lessons. Each lesson began with a scene depicting Arjuna’s dilemma and Krishna’s wisdom in response. Both the lessons and the individuals Cope used as examples were unique. Each individual’s gift was distinct, passing the crucial message that a person need not have the exact qualities the individuals had to live a life of purpose. His writing decision allowed me to have clarity.

Drawing from the most inspirational points of people's lives to succinctly deliver uplifting and thought-provoking messages is no small feat. The author made many statements I had to highlight and ruminate over because of how impactful they were. I had nothing to dislike about this book. Although this book should be read slowly and meditatively, reading it was a breeze for me because of how straightforwardly Stephen Cope wrote. The author focused on the topics of racism and spirituality. Despite being inspiring, some depictions of racism can be triggering. And the author’s writings on spirituality require open-mindedness.

The issue of meditation and discovering one’s dharma cannot happen overnight. So this book is for deeply introspective people who desire to live on a higher plane of respect and service to all people. This book is not a regular self-help book that tells you to exercise, do yoga, set boundaries, and be kind to live your best life. But if you want a better life full of fulfillment, Stephen Cope will show you the true essence of living in his book. There is so much to this exceptionally written and edited book that left me in awe, and I can only rate it 4 out of 4.

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The Dharma in Difficult Times
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Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 20 Mar 2022, 13:44

This book sounds fascinating because it uses the examples of such exemplary figures to demonstrate the application of wisdom found in the Bhagavad Gita. Thank you for your enlightening review.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 20 Mar 2022, 20:20

The review has brought out the salient features of this book very nicely. The book seems to be inspired by the lessons of Bhagavad Gita. Would definitely check it. Thanks for an excellent review.