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Stories from the Bhagavatam
Perhaps the greatest of the Puranas, the Srimad Bhagavatam has been for centuries one of the favorite religious texts of India. The Bhagavata Purana includes many stories well known in Hinduism, including the various avatars of Vishnu and the life and pastimes of his complete incarnation, Krishna or Svayam Bhagavan . Religious truths are here presented in the form of stories for young and old alike. The selection includes many the story of Prahlada, of Dhruva, of King Bharata, and, or course, of Krishna. This is not a scholarly work, but a book of folk tales, which nevertheless is full of profound teachings. Illustrated throughout with black and white line drawings.
198 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 11, 2017
The concepts are explained in (very) simple terms and it is a good book for introducing children and new people (from other cultures who are new to the Vedantic way) to Vedantic philosophy. I especially liked the following concepts/stories for their simple but powerful meaning: historicity of Krishna is irrelevant, the answers by Nava-Yogis on deliverance, a person his his/her own Guru, the 24 gurus of avadhuta,Krishana to Uddhava on Maya, Essense of Bhakti Yoga, independent existence of Supreme soul.
Although it appeared to me that certain concepts are inserted in this abridged version to make it relevant to present day readers (eg. knowledge of water cycle to the ancient sages, stop animal sacrifice, etc). Also there appeared some inconsistencies with the Mahabharat (eg. Balram attaining mahasamaadhi at Prabhas and not going for pilgrimage as shown in Mahabharat), but I think they are present as such in the Bhagwatam and have been merely translated. I highly doubt that Krishna stole the clothes in this manner (page 110). Also for some unmentioned reasons 'Sridama' instead of 'Sudama' has been used.
I would say overall the compiler has done a commendable job of translating and simplifying the stories. I would recommend to read following pages (which are my favorite): *11,26,40,166-172,175,176-182,183,184,185-186,192,198*.
Although it appeared to me that certain concepts are inserted in this abridged version to make it relevant to present day readers (eg. knowledge of water cycle to the ancient sages, stop animal sacrifice, etc). Also there appeared some inconsistencies with the Mahabharat (eg. Balram attaining mahasamaadhi at Prabhas and not going for pilgrimage as shown in Mahabharat), but I think they are present as such in the Bhagwatam and have been merely translated. I highly doubt that Krishna stole the clothes in this manner (page 110). Also for some unmentioned reasons 'Sridama' instead of 'Sudama' has been used.
I would say overall the compiler has done a commendable job of translating and simplifying the stories. I would recommend to read following pages (which are my favorite): *11,26,40,166-172,175,176-182,183,184,185-186,192,198*.
September 1, 2019
An Epic in nutshell
This book summarises a voluminous epic Mahabhagaata to the convenience of the current day reader. The reading of this concise form stimulates love and devotion to the Supreme Reality, narrated in the form interesting stories. This book very helpful tool to teach young children.
This book summarises a voluminous epic Mahabhagaata to the convenience of the current day reader. The reading of this concise form stimulates love and devotion to the Supreme Reality, narrated in the form interesting stories. This book very helpful tool to teach young children.
April 30, 2020
Sincere thanks to Swamiji and Amazon
Excellent commentary for beginners.. and for those who want to read the ancient history of the land of God.. INDIA
Excellent commentary for beginners.. and for those who want to read the ancient history of the land of God.. INDIA
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews