While the Puranas mention that Lord Brahma becomes an avatar whenever Lord Vishnu comes to Earth to establish dharma, it is in the Dasam Granth (one of the holy books of the Sikhs) that the avatars are actually listed. The common point in Hinduism and Sikhism regarding the avatars of Brahma is that they are seen as great thinkers and teachers.
In this book, the authors, who run the popular website, Scientific Monk, delve into the lives of each avatar, their works and the philosophies presented by them. They explain how the avatars of Brahma help us understand the Indian thought process and India's intellectual heritage, and give readers a view of the works of India's greatest yogis from a twenty-first-century world view.
Avatars of Brahma by Kaudinya Arpan & Pareekshit Dahal is a captivating and enlightening book that introduces the readers to eleven avatars of Lord Brahma, who are regarded as the pioneers of yoga and philosophy in India. The book covers their biographies, their teachings, and their contributions to the Indian culture and civilization. The authors have done a remarkable job of presenting the ancient wisdom of these avatars in a simple and relevant way, while also showing how they can inspire us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The book is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone who is curious about the spiritual heritage of India and its relevance to the modern world.
I was a devout theist as a kid. I used to regularly do acts of worshipping, read holy books, pray, follow holy days, fast, and whatnot. So as a kid, I would look at all the gods and goddesses that we have on our altar save one- Lord Brahma. I often wondered why we had no special occasions for him and why I had never seen him on any alters anywhere. With time, my belief system became as non-linear as it could be. With passing time, I became an agnostic and even a skeptic, and only recently started to delve into spirituality and returned to being a theist- Looking into ways to grow spiritually. I started with books first and Avatars of Brahma is one such book that helped me expand and reconnect with the question I had in my childhood- Where’s Lord Brahma? This book answers it and spills a lot more. A book packed with information and one of the crown jewels of my library.
In no holy text do we find any mention or detailed information regarding the incarnations of Lord Brahma and yet, every time Lord Vishnu incarnated on Earth, Lord Brahma followed suit. You will only find the information from Dasam Granth via the narratives of Guru Gobind Singh. The whys and hows are all answered in the preface of the book which sets a good path for the content so the book to flow and make sense cohesively. The authors of the book neatly talk about each avatar of Brahma and delve deep into their lives, their works, and how they influenced the Indian philosophy system by adding their essence to form unique branches of the system. The Indian thought process is greatly talked about. How it came into being, how it evolved, and how it continues to be.
The way the author of the book presents the knowledge is as per the view of a twenty-first-century worldview. So you would not find it text-heavy or information-heavy. This book is filled with mythological stories that serve as lessons for us and distinctly show how our intellectual heritage has evolved.
A fine book to my collection of Spiritual non-fiction, I would recommend this book to anyone who would to know about the great sages of India and the way they have shaped Indian philosophy.
**Intriguing Premise:** "Avatars of Brahma" grabs attention with its unique premise. Exploring little-known avatars of Brahma, often overshadowed by Vishnu, offers a fresh perspective on Hinduism and Sikhism. The focus on their roles as thinkers and teachers adds a fascinating intellectual dimension.
**Depth and Insight:** The authors, drawing from their expertise as creators of "Scientific Monk," promise a blend of mythology and contemporary understanding. This raises anticipation for a book that delves deep into the lives and philosophies of these avatars, offering insights relevant to the modern world.
**Potential Appeal:** The book's appeal extends beyond religious enthusiasts. The focus on intellectual heritage and the contributions of great yogis can resonate with anyone interested in Indian thought and history. The twenty-first-century perspective adds a layer of accessibility, making it relevant to a wider audience.
**Questions and Concerns:** However, some questions arise. Will the book maintain a balance between mythological accounts and modern interpretations? How will it address the diverse interpretations and perspectives within Hinduism and Sikhism? Ensuring respectful and nuanced representation is crucial.
**Overall:** "Avatars of Brahma" has the potential to be a groundbreaking and insightful exploration of lesser-known figures in Indian mythology. With its intriguing premise, strong authorial background, and potential for broader appeal, it promises a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in Indian thought, religion, and intellectual history.
**Recommendation:** This book is worth keeping an eye on, especially for those seeking a fresh perspective on Hindu and Sikh mythology and its connection to contemporary thought.
Being a mythological lover when I have received this book I was so excited and equally eager about to dive into this. Since our mythological texts do not speak much about the Brahmas Avatars. But after reading this book I liked the concept of bridging the gap between spiritually and modernity. The author had explored the field and come up with this concept. The book has given a comprehensive view about eleven influential personalities from mythology. And how these individuals have been considered as a avatars of Brahma.
While the Puranas mention that Lord Brahma becomes an avatar whenever Lord Vishnu comes to Earth to establish dharma, it is in the Dasam Granth (one of the holy books of the Sikhs) that the avatars are actually listed. The common point in Hinduism and Sikhism regarding the avatars of Brahma is that they are seen as great thinkers and teachers.In this book, the authors, who run the popular website, Scientific Monk, delve into the lives of each avatar, their works and the philosophies presented by them.
Also, the book also shares an overview about the stories related to Avatars of Brahma and how they have linked and tried to bridge the gap between these centuries. Overall the book is indeed a fresh take on the Brahma Avatars and we have not seen much books available out there which talks about this topic. Loved my time with this book.
In "Avatars of Brahma," authors embark on a fascinating exploration of the avatars of Lord Brahma as seen through the lenses of Hinduism and Sikhism. This book sheds light on a less-explored facet of Indian spiritual and intellectual traditions.
The Puranas hint at Lord Brahma's avatars in association with Lord Vishnu's cosmic roles, but it is the Dasam Granth that offers a definitive list. The authors take this foundation and dive deep into the lives, works, and philosophies of each avatar, emphasizing their significance as great thinkers and teachers in both religious traditions.
What sets this book apart is its approach to understanding the avatars from a contemporary perspective. The authors bridge ancient wisdom with modern viewpoints, making the teachings of India's greatest yogis accessible and relevant to a twenty-first-century audience. By dissecting the intellectual heritage embedded in these avatars, the book offers readers a profound insight into the Indian thought process and spiritual legacy.
The narrative is both scholarly and engaging, making it suitable for readers interested in Indian philosophy, spirituality, or those seeking to grasp the cultural underpinnings of India's intellectual tapestry. Each chapter is a journey into the life and teachings of a specific avatar, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of their contributions to India's philosophical landscape.
Avatars Of Brahma: Stories Of India’s Greatest Yogis is an interesting book by Kaudinya Arpan and Pareekshit Dahal who run the popular website- Scientific Monk. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism primarily believe in “avatars” or “reincarnations” of a being for a divine purpose. While avatars of Lord Shiva (the destroyer) and Lord Vishnu (the preserver) are known and revered across communities in India, avatars of Lord Brahma (the creator) aren’t widely known or revered as the former.
Surprisingly, it is the Dasam Granth (one of the holy books of the Sikhs), that lists the avatars of Brahma.
Valmiki-the first poet, Kashyapa- Father of Deities, Sukra- the Sage of the Daityas, Brhaspati- Guru of Devatas along with the founders of the six schools of Indian philosophy- The Khat Rishi Avatars; Kapila, Patanjali, Jaimini, Kanada, Gautama and Vyasa are detailed in simple yet effective contexts portraying the philosophies of these avatars and their relevance in the past and the modern times, in this particular book.
The authors have attempted to highlight the Indian intellectual and spiritual thought process through avatars of Brahma, India’s greatest yogis.
What fascinates is the idea to bring these insights together in a book that’s unique, recalling the relevance of these aspects of culture or rather religion without preaching or convincing but simply informing and reminding.
Book: Avatars of Brahma: Stories of India’s Greatest Yogis
Author: Kaudinya Arpan and Parkeekshit Dahal
Review: “Exploring Avatars of Brahma” is a comprehensive exploration of the avatars of Brahma as described in both Hinduism and Sikhism. The authors, renowned for their Scientific Monk website, delve into the lives, works, and philosophies of these avatars. The book sheds light on the significance of these great thinkers and teachers, elucidating their relevance in understanding Indian thought processes and intellectual heritage.
Reading this book was an enlightening journey through the philosophical depths of Indian spirituality. The authors skillfully presented intricate details about each avatar, offering a contemporary perspective that made the ancient wisdom accessible and relevant to today’s world. The explanations were clear, and the book managed to blend historical context with a modern outlook, making it engaging and thought-provoking.
The book not only elucidates the avatars’ teachings but also bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and the modern world. It serves as an invaluable guide for those seeking profound insights into Indian philosophy, providing a fresh perspective on the works of India’s greatest yogis.
This book isn't just a historical journey; it's a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern curiosity. The avatars of Brahma become not distant echoes but resonant voices, speaking to the perennial questions of existence and purpose.
Think of it as a crash course on these ancient thinkers who were not just into establishing rules (dharma) but were also big on deep thoughts and teachings. What's cool is that both Hinduism and Sikhism agree on one thing: these avatars were the real MVPs, seen as super-smart teachers.
But here's the genius move: the book doesn't leave you fumbling with ancient Sanskrit. It's like having a language translator for the soul. Sanskrit passages are laid out, and the authors hold your hand, providing word-by-word meanings and English translations. No need for a linguistic time machine; they've got you covered.
The book takes you on a journey through the lives and philosophies of each avatar. No need to dust off your ancient texts; the authors bring them to life, showing how their ideas still matter today.
Small biographies of different Rishis, this book blends mythology with rationality, borrowing common examples to explain philosophical points. It’s an easy breezy lucid read that helps know the story.
The only problem is, the writing is as is heard and has no citations, references, and substantial evidence on origin stories.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it and narrating some of the stories to others.
Avatars Of Brahma by Kaudinya Arpan & Pareekshit Dahal is a captivating book that takes readers on a promising journey of exploring one of the most unnoticed lords of Hindu culture; Brahma. The book is an enthralling tribute to all the Avatars (Incarnations) of lord brahma that are known by a very few people. Beginning from a thought provoking preface and prologue, this book therefore emerges into introducing various unsung Avatars of Brahma that plays a very important role in understanding the role of Indian culture and mythology.
Mainly divided into 11 Avatars (4 Main Avatars ) (6 Khat Rshi Avatars) that are - Valmiki, Kashyapa, Sukra, Brhaspati, Kapila, Gautama, Patanjali, Jamini, Vyasa and Kalidasa. Every chapter delves deeper into the lives of these Sages and Avatars that educates readers about the significance of our indian scriptures. Brahma is known to be the creator of the universe and all living beings. The story of the creation of the cosmos is very well described in the book and the Fact behind the Manavatars (Human born children of brahma) has also been shed light upon. The book is very well written and focuses on every detail in a precise manner.
Overall, Avatars of Brahma is an eye opening Book that masterly presents a refreshing perspective about Hindu deities, Asuras and sages that makes this book an engrossive read. Woven with many interesting tales, this book also provides a lot of knowledge about the Ancient times of Bharata. The book also includes different kinds of concepts, sutras and theories invented by all the Avatars that makes it easy for readers to understand their respective contribution for the betterment of society. The book is inspired by the philosophies presented by Guru Gobind Singh and inspires readers to educate themselves with all the teachings given by ancient scholars and nurture a life of positivity and enlightenment. Hence, It's a must read for everyone!
Brahma avatars are the best Yogis of the past who established frameworks of the atom, Ayurvedic Medication Sankhya, Nyaya, Legislative issues, and more. Very much like the way that Brahma established information, his symbols established information frameworks. This book takes its motivation from the Dasam Granth of the Sikhs. The Dasam Granth is one of the sacrosanct books in Sikhism and was composed by the 10th Master of the Sikhs, Master Gobind Singh, who is significantly credited with the arrangement of Khalsa, the started Sikhs.
This book is a basic version of the narratives of the avatars of Brahma and the methods of reasoning introduced by them. Curiously, the six schools of Indian way of thinking in particular, Sankhya, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vaisesika-all have standards from Hiranyagarbha in them. This book investigates this guideline exhaustively. The writers prevail with regards to introducing a firm investigation of the avatars’ lessons, permitting perusers to see the value in the interconnectedness of different profound viewpoints. The book reveals insight into the meaning of these extraordinary masterminds and educators, clarifying their importance in grasping Indian manners of thinking and scholarly legacy.
The book likewise incorporates various types of ideas, sutras, and speculations designed by every one of the avatars that make it simple for perusers to figure out their separate commitments to the advancement of society. It contains Sanskrit sections followed by word-by-word implications and interpretation into English. The writer makes sense of how the avatars of Brahma assist us with grasping the Indian manner of thinking and India’s scholarly legacy and provide perusers with a perspective crafted by India’s most prominent yogis from a twenty-first-century perspective. It fills in as a scaffold among custom and innovation, offering perusers a nuanced comprehension of India’s significant philosophical practices in a manner that is both illuminating and open.