अभिज्ञान

by नरेंद्र कोहली, Narendra Kohli

This ebook is from Rajpal and Sons, a 103 year-old publishing house headquartered in Delhi. Rajpal and Sons publishes books in English and Hindi languages, in non-fiction, fiction, classic and contemporary literature, and children categories.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2013

About the author

Padmashree Narendra Kohli is one of the most eminent and well-known Hindi writers of our times. His novel based on the Ram-Katha, Abhyuday, shifted the course of Hindi novel-writing. Another of his novels, Mahasamar, based on the Pandava-katha went on to become just as popular. His novel-series, Todo Kara Todo is considered the greatest and foremost novel in any language on the life of Swami Vivekananda. Abhigyan, Vasudev, Sharnam, Aatmaswikriti, Varunaputri, Sagar-Manthan, Ahalya etc. are his other well-known works. Apart from the Padmashree, he has also been awarded the Hindi Akademi award; Delhi Salaka Samman; Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthaan award; Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Samman, Lucknow; K.K. Birla Foundation award; Vyasa Samman, New Delhi; Madhya Pradesh government and Bhopal’s Maithili Sharan Gupt Rashtriya Samman, among numerous other honours.

डॉ॰ नरेन्द्र कोहली (जन्म ६ जनवरी १९४०, निधन १७ अप्रैल २०२१, चैत्र शुक्ल पंचमी, नवरात्रि) प्रसिद्ध हिन्दी साहित्यकार हैं। उन्होंने साहित्य के सभी प्रमुख विधाओं (यथा उपन्यास, व्यंग्य, नाटक, कहानी) एवं गौण विधाओं (यथा संस्मरण, निबंध, पत्र आदि) और आलोचनात्मक साहित्य में अपनी लेखनी चलाई है। उन्होंने शताधिक श्रेष्ठ ग्रंथों का सृजन किया है। हिन्दी साहित्य में 'महाकाव्यात्मक उपन्यास' की विधा को प्रारंभ करने का श्रेय नरेंद्र कोहली को ही जाता है। पौराणिक एवं ऐतिहासिक चरित्रों की गुत्थियों को सुलझाते हुए उनके माध्यम से आधुनिक सामाज की समस्याओं एवं उनके समाधान को समाज के समक्ष प्रस्तुत करना कोहली की अन्यतम विशेषता है। कोहलीजी सांस्कृतिक राष्ट्रवादी साहित्यकार हैं, जिन्होंने अपनी रचनाओं के माध्यम से भारतीय जीवन-शैली एवं दर्शन का सम्यक् परिचय करवाया है। जनवरी, २०१७ में उन्हें पद्मश्री से सम्मानित किया गया।

Reviews

[Swati Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Kapil Arya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small yet thought-provoking book about Krishna's Karma-yog through the well-known story of Krishna and Sudama. Sudama, a character that I knew solely as Krishna's (poor) childhood friend from Sandipani muni's gurukul is described as much more than that. There are so many unknown and now, I want to know more about him. This book describes him as a philosopher, thinker, and a proponent of the Gyana-yog and how he combines his philosophical thinking with Krishna's Karma-siddhanta for the betterment of the society. The narrative between Krishna and Sudama about Karma-yog is simple yet intriguing and makes the whole idea of karma so much simpler. I have been a fan of Narendra Kohli's works ever since I read his Mahasamar and this book doesn't disappoint a bit.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abhigyan by Narendra Kohli- Hindi-= Novel- this novel is about the popular legendry friendship between Shri Krishna and Suduma. Shri Krishna, Balram, Uddhav had joined Sandipani Ashram at Avanti for education in Vedic Philosophy, use of arms and ammunition, warfare and other subjects. Sudama was already studying in the same Ashram. His subject was Vedic philosophy and religious scriptures. Shri Krishna was attending school for only 64 days, therefore, if Shri Krishna had any difficulty in Vedic Philosophy, Sudama was always available for help. Sudama was part of Sam Ved hymns music leader. Sudama’s father also involved in Vedic Philsophy and Hindu scriptures. Shri Krishna gained popularity with all because Shri Krishna was able to return Guru Sandipani’s dead son from God of Death. Today, Sudama lives in his paternal residence with his collection of books written on leaves. Sudama married late. He has two sons, Vivek about 12- years and Gyan about 7- years age. He teaches reading, writing, arithmetic, general knowledge to students who attend his school. Whatever amount is paid by students as tuition fees, is his wage. Sudama believes that each person should follow his beliefs and work according to his conscience. Sudama meditates on concepts of religious philosophy. He writes chapters of books. Sudama is hand to mouth with his limited income. Still he lives a satisfied life. During this period, books was handwritten. Affluent philosophers could hire scribes to prepare copies of books and sent their original writings to other philosophers for their opinion and suggestions. Sudama was not able to get chapters of his writing scribed and sent to other philosophers. During this period, invitations to Brahmins were sent to all Brahmins. Such invitations were not in individual name. Sudama avoided visiting on such occasions. During this period, saints and philosophers travelled and stayed with their known friends. During his travel, one such Saint visited Sudama’s residence. Both discuss incidents which have recently happened in the world. This includes Dronacharya and kingdom of Ahichatra, Panchal King Drupad, Kaurav, Pandav, Jarasandh, Rukmi, Shishupal, Eklavya, marriage of Shrikrishna with Rukmini, the princess of Vidharba, Kalyavan, Chedi Kingdom, information about death of Pandavas in a burning palace at Varnavat, Bhim’s new name Vrikodar found as King of Rakashsas, Pandavas appearing at Panchal to win Draupadi’s swayamwar and their marriage with Draupadi, Sub-division of Kuru empire, coronation of Yudhistar at Indraprastha kingdom, development and construction work at Indraprastha, as Shrikrishna is away from Dwarika, Satrajit and his followers spoil Dwarka, theft of Syamantak jewel, finding of Syamantak jewel by Shrikrishna, marriage of Shrikirshna with Satyabhama and Jambawanti, Rajsuya yagn by Pandavas, Shavla attack on Dwarka and after Shrikrishna joins defeating Shalva. Baba informs Sudama that during his visit to Dwarika, he stayed at the Gurukul with the head of Gurukul. Baba informed that Yadavs do not interfere with administration of Gurukul. They provide financial support. Dwarika is governed by Yadav Rajya Parishad. Shrikrishna is one of the main leaders on the Parishad. Baba informed that Shrikrishna does not follow any school of thought, instead he is an original thinker. He thinks, plans, discusses and executes his thoughts. Baba talks that knowledge should help people to live at a higher platform of life. People should live life and not live in a dream. He talked about Shrikrishna who had stopped worship of Indra and replaced Goverdhan hill because when river Yamuna was in spate, all cows and people took shelter for safety at Goverdhan hill. Every item should be importance according to its usefulness to society. Therefore, cows are respected by milkmen, as they provide source of livlihood. Baba suggested to Sudama that as Shrikrishna is his friend, he should visit Dwarka to meet him. Sudama thinks that he can teach Philosophy, Literature, Grammar, Poetry and astrology to students. Sudama visits his Local Village Head with the suggestion that for the benefit of the society, he should open a school for young students on 5 subjects which he can teach. Village Head is the person with whom Sudama has little contact. Still Village Head listens to him and informs him that for a village economy, we need students to know arithmetic and basics of a Purohit only. Other subjects are not of practical day to day use. Such Ashrams should be established in cities. Chapter 5- Sudama plans to visits rich merchants of his locality. He has been informed that Acharya Gyaneshwar is arriving at the residence of one rich merchant Dhandutt’s residence. He visits the location of function. He finds that another Brahmin Brigudas has also arrived herel Sudama is directed to sit on a mat placed on the ground. Sudama has brought some of his notes written on leaves. Sudama finds that this function has been organized to honour a Yadav Chief. Sudama finds that there is no discussion about books and writing and philosophy. This is pure flattery. He returns back. Sushila thinks that in milk business, women also participate, therefore in teaching educated women should also enter and help their family finance. She also visits the city with her friend Parvati to search for a job as a teacher to young girls. She does not find a job immediately. Bhrigudas informs Sudama that he visits Dwarika Gurukul every month to discuss topics on philosophy and other subjects. Sudama plans to visit Dhandutt with the suggestion of starting a new Gurukul. Sushila suggests that instead of begging before Dhandutt about financing a Gurukul, it is better that Sudama should meet his old friend Shrikrishan. Sudama plans to walk to Dwarika and meet Shri Krishna. It is a three day- night journey by foot. Chapter 7- Next morning, Sudama starts his journey to Dwarika on foot. Sudama has been travelling on foot since his student days. Sudama finds that population is increasing and road is proper and residence of people have come up on both sides of the road. For afternoon rest, Sudama found a Shiv Temple. A Pujari arrived and instructed Sudama that he should use water from the well and should clean the litter after eating his food. Sudama carries a metal pot and cotton chord by which he can pull water from the well. He eats rests and continues his journey. Earlier in Sandipani ashram, Sudama used to travel in group of students but now in this journey, he is alone. Sushila has provided him with a packet of Chiwda as gift for Shrikrishna. By evening, he reaches a villages and finds that there is a Dharmshala for tourists. The manager is waiting for rich travelers who can pay for the night stay. On finding that Sudama has no money to offer for the stay, he suggests that Sudama should spend the night on the platform below the tree. Sudam dislikes the idea. He moves further to find a water body. Here he freshens up, rests and continues his jouney next morning. Sudama thinks that what will happen when both will meet. Sudama finds that Shrikrishna is a friend of all people in the world. Chapter 7- Sudama reaches Dwarika on the third day evening. He enquires from people about the palace of Shrikrishan and is guided to his palace. There was armed guard on the entrance. Sudama informed an officer who was sitting on the chair that he is a classmate of Shrikrihan from Sandipani Gurukil and has come to meet Shrikrishan. The officer informed Sudama that he is an educated person, he should Shrikrishan properly by adding Shri, King or Vasudev. The officer said that looking at his poverty, if he had visited any other Yadav Chief, he would have been asked to get away but Shrikrishan is different. The officer takes him to waiting room of the palace and sends another person to inform Shrikrishna. Sudama concludes that Shrikrishna is a different leader. He has proper liason with his staff. This is the result of his village upbringing where all are treated as equal. Had Shrikrishna been a royal child, he would extend friendship to royal compatriots only. Sudama sat on a stoll placed in the corner of the large room. Shrikrishna arrived and met Sudama with love and affection. He enquired about his comfort during the journey. Shrikrishna took him to the next large room where he found princess of Vidarbha Rukmini waiting for them. Shrikrishna introduced Sudama as his classmate from Sandipani gurukul. Rukmani made them comfortable. She brought hot water to wash his feet and face. After this she brought a cool chandan paste to be placed on his forehead and new clothes to change. Sudama was comfortable now. Shrikrishna found that Sudama has brought a gift of Chiwda for him. Shrikrishna snatched the packet and shared with Rukmani. Rukmani took the packet to be shared with other sister queens of Shrikrishna. Shrikriahna says that he plans that all villages should be named after the name of the local Philosopher- educator. They both rested in the same room for the night. Next early morning, bothe left on his chariot with Daruk driver for the University Gurukil. Chief of the Gurukul welcomed them. Shrikrishna introduced Sudama and informed that they would like to discuss issues on philosophy. They left for Head of the philosophy subject. Sudama felt that the teaching atmosphere was friendly. On reaching the residence of the Philosophy teacher Sudama found that Bhrigudas another Brahmin from his village is sitting there talking to Philosophy head. On witnessing Shrikrishna and Sudama, Bhrigudas was astonished. He kept sitting during the discussion. After discussion, both left the Gurukul to witness the garden and seacoast. They travelled on a large and met Shrikrishna’s son. From this point, things change. Bhrigudas returns from Dwarika to his village. On the way, he informs all that Shrikrishna gifts gold and silver to his friends. The manager of the Dharmashala and Shiv temple pujari also come to know about this. Sudama stays for the next day, meets enjoys his stay. Sudama finds that Pandavas have been invited by Dhritrashtra to play dice. He knows that Shakuni will lead and Pandavs will lose all their wealth and kingdom. Sudama plans to leave. Shrikrishna drives the chariot up to Dwarika gate to see of Sudama. Sudama is a changed man now. He is full of confidence and empathy. On the journey, he meets the Dharmashala manager and informs that he will stay in the Dharmashala for the night. He confidently moves and rests in a corner. He finds that all businessmen who are staying there are talking about the meeting of Shrikrishan and Sudama. He hears that businessmen plan to bribe Sudama and get their business plans sanctioned through Sudama and Shri Krishna. The Manger says that he has heard about Sudama who is now a rich man with gifts. He waits to provide comfort of him Sudama walks back and reaches near his village by third day evening. He sleeps and rests near a large tree. He wakes up in the evening and walks to his residence. He finds lot of activity, construction material lying here and there. There is already a boundary wall on his residence. There is a guard to protect. Sudama finds that renovation work is in progress. Soon his wife Sushila welcomes him. She informs Sudama that Shrikrishna has ordered change in name of the village as Sudamapuri. Second, a new Gurukul to be started immediately. Third, Dhandutt had come to ask permission to start a Gaushala in his Gurukul premises. Lot of Brahmin teachers were looking to meet him about their appointment as teachers. Sushila need not go to the city to find work as a teacher for girls. His children need not go other children to play, other children would come to his gurukul lawns to play. Sudama’s thinking changed. He understood that his struggle will result in changing the thinking of society. He planned that teaching in his Gurukul will include topics which will bring education and work for young men. Shrikrishna has shown him the road to change and bring effective changes in the present society.

[Hardik Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There can't be an easier way of explaining such a complex concepts like Karma, Bhakti & Darshan. Everything is tide up in a beautiful story. If you are an Indian you might have heard the story of Krishna and his poor friend Sudama, this novel gives a interesting perspective to that story. You will love each and every character.
It was difficult to put the book down once I started reading it. Author 'Narendra Kohli' is a wonderful writer. His command to the language and story telling is amazing. His other novels on Ram and Mahabharat are outstanding as well.
Totally a 5 star book.

[Satish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried reading various books for understanding three important streams of Hindu philosophy: Bhakti Yog, Gyan Yog, and Karma Yog. I found Narendra Kohli's attempt the explain all three, and especially Karma Yog, through discussion between Sudama and Krishna most accessible. The book is worth reading every 4-5 years.

[अभय कुमार · Rating 5 out of 5]

कहानी कहने का इतना सरल और सुन्दर तरीका किसी भी व्यक्ति को नरेन्द्र कोहली जी क��� छड़ भर में प्रशंसक बनाने के लिए पर्याप्त है। नरेन्द्र कोहली जी कि यह रचना ज्ञान के साथ साथ चरित्र वर्धक भी है । समय के सदुपयोग के लिए इसे अवश्य पढ़ा जाना चाहिए।

[Narayan Adhikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

कर्म सिद्धांत और ज्ञान मार्ग दर्शन को कृष्ण और सुदामा की कथा के माध्यम से एक सूत्र में बांधकर समझाने का सफल प्रयास |

[Rahul S · Rating 5 out of 5]

अभिज्ञान पुस्तक

कृष्ण और सुदामा के चरित्र के माध्यम से कर्मफल के सिद्धांतों का वास्तविक चित्रण करने का सफल प्रयास लेखक के द्वारा उसकी लेखनी के निमित। वस्तुतः मानव मन की बौद्धिकता चरम पर पहुंचती है तभी ऐसी कृतियों का निर्माण होता है। लेखक के रूप में पात्रों को अपने ही मन से उर्जित कर गति देने की जो क्षमता नरेन्द्र कोहली जी के पास है वो कतिपय कम लोगों के पास ही होती है।
एक कथा के माध्यम से जो अभिज्ञान इस पुस्तक ने दिया है निःसन्देह वो ग्रहणीय और प्रशंसनीय है।
लेखक को इस रचना के लिए साधुवाद

[Mukul Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narendra kohli has always amazed me by his explanation and narration of what has been termed as divine into purest scientific form of reasoning. He converts divinty into simple theory of cause and effect.
In abhigyan as well he cleans up the myths related to how sudama's life changed after his meet with Shri krishan and shows how everything could have happened and also shows how myths are developed and become part of folklores.
But more than that this book is about philosophy, metaphysical laws of karma are explained in such a beautiful and stimulating way. And through discussions between shri krishan and sudama the story talks about the problems of labour, socialism, social equity and equality, distribution of resources, sustainable development which resonates with the problems that human kind faces in this century as well.
The debate covers not just social issues but philosophical and religious issues of rituals, detachment, non possession etc.

[Soumya Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

"हम जो करते है, हमे फल भी उसी के अनुरूप ही मिलता है"
कर्म और कर्म सिद्धांत।
सुनने में ये शब्द जितने जटिल लगते है, उतनी ही सरलता से कृष्ण ने सुदामा को इनका मतलब समझाया। शायद इसीलिए कृष्ण कहते है कि कर्म करो, फल की चिंता मत करो।
हमारे द्वारा किया गया प्रत्येक कर्म, हमारे पास लौट कर आया। कब आएगा, ये मालूम नहीं, पर आएगा जरूर।

[AKASH · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a different version of Sudama's story. Author has succeeded in describing mental thoughts of Sudama and her wife as well. Conversation between Krishna and Sudama is of another level.
He has presented the thought of "Karm karo fal ki ichcha mat karo" very precisely. Must read.

[Akhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an awesome way to understand the essence of Karmayog from very attractive Krishna-Sudama story.

[Rakshita Nagayach (books_n_unicorns) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. A must read to understand the essence of The Bhagwat Geeta in the easiest way.

[Nikhil Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply very great work.

[Abhishek Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing Book

Exceptional commentary on Karma Yoga. Gives altogether a new perspective to see the struggle that we face as an individual or society. Salute..

[Anand Bairagi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"अभिज्ञान"
कर्म, भक्ति और विचार की समवेत साधना

नरेंद्र कोहली की अभिज्ञान मात्र एक कथा नहीं, बल्कि आत्मा की उस यात्रा का वृत्तांत है, जहाँ मनुष्य अपने होने के अर्थ को समझने का प्रयत्न करता है।

कृष्ण और सुदामा की पौराणिक कथा के माध्यम से लेखक हमें कर्म सिद्धांत और भक्ति मार्ग की उस भूमि पर ले जाते हैं, जहाँ जीवन केवल जीने का नहीं, बल्कि सार्थक जीने का विषय बन जाता है।

इस कृति में कर्म योग और ज्ञान योग को ऐसे सहज रूप में प्रस्तुत किया गया है कि वे दर्शनशास्त्र के जटिल सूत्र न रहकर, जीवन के व्यावहारिक निर्देश बन जाते हैं।

लेखक केवल आध्यात्मिक प्रश्नों तक सीमित नहीं रहते। वे श्रम की गरिमा, सामाजिक समानता, संसाधनों के न्यायपूर्ण वितरण और सतत विकास जैसे गहरे सामाजिक सरोकारों को भी स्वर देते हैं, जो दर्शाते हैं कि धर्म और समाज, विचार और कर्म, आस्था और न्याय एक-दूसरे के पूरक हैं, विरोधी नहीं।

अभिज्ञान हमें यह सिखाता है कि गीता का संदेश केवल युद्धभूमि के लिए नहीं, जीवनभूमि के लिए है।

यह पुस्तक नहीं, एक अंतर्यात्रा है।

जरूर पढ़ें, सोचने का नज़रिया बदल जाता है।

[Manish Pandey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a fiction novel based on age old story of friendship between Krishna and his friend Sudama. I found the book slightly over loaded with philosophical topics. The writer claims to analyze teachings of Geeta and narrate in the story.

I liked the book as one of good Hindi literature and not much as story of Krishna

[Tushar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it the third time after years. It is such a fulfilling and satisfying read. The discussions between baba and Sudama are timeless and reflect on so many of life situations and. What a book!
This was the first hindi novel I read back in 2006, and was i spired by the depth and clarity of thought of Narendra Kohli. Read others from him over time, but this one’s my favourite.. I keep coming back to this one.

[मुकेश द्विवेदी · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome 👍