Wisdom's Blossoms: Tales of the Saints of India

by Doug Glener, Sarat Komaragiri (Contributor)

Here is a timeless collection of traditional stories that recount the personal spiritual journeys and true acts of selflessness by saints from various religious traditions indigenous to India, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Sufism. The authors present a diverse selection of these inspirational tales—about both men and women saints, from a variety of time periods, and from all over India—and make them relevant for a modern audience. The stories reveal that, despite their perceived differences, the same spiritual principles underlie all the great religious traditions.

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2002

About the author

Doug Glener did play far too many hours of Dungeons & Dragons while attending Paramus High School, but he did not step through a portal or meet Tesshu.

After completing high school, Doug went to Vassar College, where he had the privilege of taking classes with professor of English, Dean Mace, who was his writing mentor for many years. Then came a stint as a professional musician (Doug’s band appeared on Star Search). Once that had run its course, he picked up the pen and became a writer. He also picked up the sword and earned a black belt in aikido.

Doug is the co-author of Wisdom’s Blossoms: Tales of the Saints of India (Shambhala, November 2002). He lives in Encinitas, California, and enjoys spending time with his family, biking, and meditating.

Reviews

[Dany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In kinship for his brothers and sisters, Ramanuja found his mind reaching out and embracing all those around him and expanding into the far reaches of space. He felt the colossal whirling of galaxies and heard every atom and every living thing cry in agony from being separated from their Creator. And he was horrified that the Lord’s children fitfully slept under a miasmic blanket of maya in a night of unhallowed darkness.” (Ramanuja Disobeys His Guru)

[Sudarshan Bindal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant work with uplifting stories of great saints & sages!Highly recommended!!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Indian saints and stories, sprinkled with a few relevant illustrations. I really enjoyed that each story is paired with one of the 'great qualities' laid out by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, and that each chapter began with a relevant quote and brief description of the saint depicted in the story. Since each chapter is a stand alone story, this book can be set down and returned to over time, which I also enjoyed.

[Pixie Alexander]

Has the lightness, magic and surprising depth that I like in western fairy tales. And then some of them-both the characters and the situations- feel kind of insane and unnerving...not at all morally soothing as I think they are supposed to be. Apart from the insanity they share with princesses and saints everywhere there's that WTF factor like when god asks Abraham to sacrifice his son in the bible....there's some of that here, too.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant and very relevant stories; reminders of what life is about. I'll be re-reading this one, for sure.