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নালক [Nalak]
নালক হল গৌতমবুদ্ধের গল্প। দেবলঋষি যোগে বসেছিলেন। ছোট্ট ছেলে নালক তাঁর সেবা করছিল। এমন সময় অন্ধকারে আলো ফুটল। চাঁদের আলো নয়, সূর্যের আলো নয়, সমস্ত আলো মিশিয়ে এক আলোর আলো। সন্ন্যাসী নালককে বললেন, কপিলাবাস্তুতে বুদ্ধদেব জন্ম নেবেন। আমি চললাম।
একলা নালক চুপ করে রইলো বটতলায়। তার ধ্যানমগ্ন চোখের সামনে উঠতে লাগল বুদ্ধের সারা জীবনের ছবি। একের পর এক।
তারপর?
একলা নালক চুপ করে রইলো বটতলায়। তার ধ্যানমগ্ন চোখের সামনে উঠতে লাগল বুদ্ধের সারা জীবনের ছবি। একের পর এক।
তারপর?
63 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1916
14 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Abanindranath Tagore
64 books54 followersAbanindranath Tagore (bn: অবণীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর), was the principal artist of the Bengal school and the first major exponent of swadeshi values in Indian art. He was also a noted writer. He was popularly known as 'Aban Thakur'. Abanindranath Tagore was born in Jorasanko, Calcutta, to Gunendranath Tagore. His grandfather was Girindranath Tagore, the second son of Prince Dwarkanath Tagore. He is a member of the distinguished Tagore family, and a nephew of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. His grandfather and his elder brother Gaganendranath Tagore were also artists.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 20, 2018
অবন ঠাকুরের লেখনী কি ভীষণ মায়াময়!
January 3, 2020
The writer of this book is Abanindranath Tagore, who was an artist and nephew of renowned author, poet Rabindranath Tagore.
This book gives readers an insight into the journey of Siddharth to becoming the Buddha. This book was written for children, but lyrical writing makes it beautiful which can be enjoyed by every type of reader.
Find more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
The story of Buddha is depicted from the vision of Nalak, who is a village child and often goes into a meditative trance. With the help of Rishi Deval, he manages to see the whole journey of Siddharth becoming the Buddha in his meditative trance.
The beauty of this story is the author’s capability of drawing an atmosphere with words. The birth of Siddharth, the fear of his parents after listening to the prophecy, Siddharth's thoughts when he saw the old people when he renounced his home for the enlightenment everything is beautifully described by the author.
Buddha’s fight with demon Maar is impressively captured by the author.
Writing style:
Lyrical, impressive and amazing, this is how the book is written.
My perception:
While reading this book, I was in another realm where I can feel and see the struggle Siddharth is going through to become the Buddha. Apart from Siddharth’s journey, the author has given various lessons that are useful in our life. The story of Punna, who was the first devotee of Buddha was beautiful to read. Nalak’s devotion to the mighty is another impressive part of this book. Overall, this book is written with deeper meaning, which can be enjoyed if you read it slowly. It seems a small book, but this is one of the best books I have read in a while. This book is among those which can be read again and again.
A must-read!
This book gives readers an insight into the journey of Siddharth to becoming the Buddha. This book was written for children, but lyrical writing makes it beautiful which can be enjoyed by every type of reader.
Find more such reviews on https://www.haloofbooks.com/
The story of Buddha is depicted from the vision of Nalak, who is a village child and often goes into a meditative trance. With the help of Rishi Deval, he manages to see the whole journey of Siddharth becoming the Buddha in his meditative trance.
The beauty of this story is the author’s capability of drawing an atmosphere with words. The birth of Siddharth, the fear of his parents after listening to the prophecy, Siddharth's thoughts when he saw the old people when he renounced his home for the enlightenment everything is beautifully described by the author.
Buddha’s fight with demon Maar is impressively captured by the author.
Writing style:
Lyrical, impressive and amazing, this is how the book is written.
My perception:
While reading this book, I was in another realm where I can feel and see the struggle Siddharth is going through to become the Buddha. Apart from Siddharth’s journey, the author has given various lessons that are useful in our life. The story of Punna, who was the first devotee of Buddha was beautiful to read. Nalak’s devotion to the mighty is another impressive part of this book. Overall, this book is written with deeper meaning, which can be enjoyed if you read it slowly. It seems a small book, but this is one of the best books I have read in a while. This book is among those which can be read again and again.
A must-read!
June 11, 2021
কৃষ্ণেন্দু চাকীর ইলাসট্রেশান ❤️
November 30, 2019
A truly wonderful piece of literature by Eminent Author and painter Abanindra Nath Tagore who was the cousin of nobel laureate R.N .Tagore !
This book basically is described as a kids book but its influence is much deeper and wider . Any person of any age can read and feel it's spiritual grandeur that it holds inside. Philosophically lyrical , the texts talk about Nalak - a village child who through meditative trance evidences the birth of 'Light of Asia - Lorn Gautam Buddha ' with the help of Rishi Dewal . Subsequently with kaleidoscopic illustrations and rich descriptions author tells what conspired buddha to take the path of renunciation - The three grand events.How it attended his Nirvana , What kind of difficulties he faced from the lures of attachments to mahakal - unwillingness . I loved reading it . It not only made me remember what I read back in school about ' The Enlightened One ' but also enriched my vision that without a healthy body and an energetic mind we cannot find answers and the side stories about Punna and his first ever real little disciples under the banyan tree of Kapilavastu.Visually stimulating and thoughtful story that ends in somewhat fullfilling yet with a touch of melancholic vibes !
This book basically is described as a kids book but its influence is much deeper and wider . Any person of any age can read and feel it's spiritual grandeur that it holds inside. Philosophically lyrical , the texts talk about Nalak - a village child who through meditative trance evidences the birth of 'Light of Asia - Lorn Gautam Buddha ' with the help of Rishi Dewal . Subsequently with kaleidoscopic illustrations and rich descriptions author tells what conspired buddha to take the path of renunciation - The three grand events.How it attended his Nirvana , What kind of difficulties he faced from the lures of attachments to mahakal - unwillingness . I loved reading it . It not only made me remember what I read back in school about ' The Enlightened One ' but also enriched my vision that without a healthy body and an energetic mind we cannot find answers and the side stories about Punna and his first ever real little disciples under the banyan tree of Kapilavastu.Visually stimulating and thoughtful story that ends in somewhat fullfilling yet with a touch of melancholic vibes !
May 4, 2021
"নালক" আসলে রাজপুত্র সিদ্ধার্থ এর "গৌতম বুদ্ধ" হয়ে ওঠার ছোট একটি গল্প। সব কিছু ছেড়ে দিয়ে সিদ্ধার্থ এর দুঃখের শেষ খোঁজার গল্প। আর Abanindranath Tagore লেখনী সব সময়ের মতই সাবলীল ও সুন্দর ছিলো।
June 20, 2020
This is a favourite read of many years in Bengali, my mother tongue. In fact all of Abanindranath's writings are, for their lyrical quality, the language that flows like water musically and paints pictures in the mind. It is very difficult to translate into another language with a completely different culture system. Urbi(who was my student decades ago) has done a great job of translating word for word this Bengali much loved classic. She has made it available to a wider reading public, including Indians from other states. Abanindranath is of course the first great master of modern Indian art. He was encouraged by his uncle Rabindranath Tagore to write. And that has given us so many jewels which people of my generation at least read and re-read, the writing remains ever fresh.
December 18, 2019
The book is inspired by Buddha and takes us in The Spiritual path of Nalak's life, a boy from a village.
The plot is very lyrical and spiritual. Nalak is energetic and attends Nirvana. His journey, the quest to find answers, etc. Every aspect is very well written and has very deep influence of me.
The book stirs through my imagination and provides a magical aspect to the plot.
The language is easy and has a good flow.
Overall, a deep read with a good plot.
The plot is very lyrical and spiritual. Nalak is energetic and attends Nirvana. His journey, the quest to find answers, etc. Every aspect is very well written and has very deep influence of me.
The book stirs through my imagination and provides a magical aspect to the plot.
The language is easy and has a good flow.
Overall, a deep read with a good plot.
November 23, 2019
এক কথায় বলছি অতুলনীয় কাজ সমালোচনা করার জায়গা নেই!
March 22, 2021
"Nalak" by Abanindranath Tagore is the story of Nalak, more well-known as the story of Buddha. It's a story most of us know about but what makes this book special is the narrative and this particular translation which has been exceptionally done. The journey of two boys who never quite meet each other but are connected is told in a timeless way- it can be read and enjoyed by anyone. The illustrations are absolutely amazing.
This is a good book. However, I don't think I read it at the right time, with the patience it deserved to be read with. I hope to read it again sometime. If this book interests you, don't hesitate to pick it up.
Check out my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on Travelling Through Words and my bookstagram!
This is a good book. However, I don't think I read it at the right time, with the patience it deserved to be read with. I hope to read it again sometime. If this book interests you, don't hesitate to pick it up.
Check out my book reviews, recommendations, and other content on Travelling Through Words and my bookstagram!
November 6, 2016
প্রাণবন্ত সহজ ভাষা। মনে হয় যেন রূপকথার ছবির রাজ্যে চলে এসেছি। প্রিয় বইয়ের তালিকায় নিলাম। শুধু নাম নিয়ে একটু অভিযোগ। বুদ্ধদেবের গল্পের নাম "নালক" কেন যেখানে নালকের বিশেষ কোনো ভূমিকাই নেই, আর নালকের ব্যাপ্তিও খুবই অল্পকাল! লেখকের কাছে প্রশ্ন রইলো।
December 28, 2025
LYRICAL... Like the original!
An absolutely lyrical odyssey that manages to beautifully capture the nuances of the original (in Bengali).
A rivetting read!
An absolutely lyrical odyssey that manages to beautifully capture the nuances of the original (in Bengali).
A rivetting read!
March 24, 2023
Its such an amazing read! I read this book as part of our story-reading session with my son. Therefore, I was reading aloud, and the sounds of the words and phrases were pouring over my ears and filled me with a unique joy. Its a small book but a must read for all Bengalis. I have also found an uncanny similarity between this book and "The light of Asia". Can anyone shade some more light if Nalok was inspired by it?
November 14, 2020
এত মায়া লেখাতে💗
August 6, 2022
"এরে ভিখারি সাজায়ে তুমি কি রঙ্গ করিলে?"
জগতের সকল প্রাণী সুখী হোক...
জগতের সকল প্রাণী সুখী হোক...
February 6, 2023
Beautifully described and scripted. Two journeys running parallel.
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February 19, 2023এই বইকে rating দেওয়ার দুঃসাহস আমার নেই। কত কত যে ছবি পড়তে পড়তে দেখতে পেয়েছি তার গুনতি নেই। শিল্পীকে প্রণাম।
February 9, 2024
কলমের আঁচড় যে বিশ্বপ্রকৃতির সৌন্দর্যকে , লালিত্যকে এমন নৈসর্গিক ভাবে ফুটিয়ে তুলতে পারে তা অবনীন্দ্রনাথ না থাকলে হয়তো বিশ্বাস করতে অসুবিধা হত ।
February 5, 2022
কিছুদিন আগেই চক্রবর্তী চ্যাটার্জী এর বুকহাউস এ গেয়েছিলাম দিদি এর সাথে, অনেকগুলো বই এর ভিড়ে হটাৎই চোখে পড়লো একটি ছোট্ট বই, প্রচ্ছদ অলংকরণ এতই অপূর্ব যে মন ভোরে যায়, হাতে তুলে নেওয়া মাত্রই দেখতে পেলাম অবনীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর এর লেখা বই এটি, নাম নালক। ছোট বেলায় "খিরের পুতুল" এর গল্প শুনে শুনে বড়ো হয়েছি, অবনীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর এর চিত্র প্রতিভার কোথাও আমাদের সকলেরই বিশেষ ভাবে পরিচিত। এই বইটিও ঠিক তাই, মাত্র ৬৩ পাতার এই ছোট্ট বইটিতে অসাধারণ এক গল্পচিত্র ফুটে উঠেছে । বইটি এক ছোট্ট শিশু নালক কে নিয়ে। শ্রী গৌতম বুদ্ধের সমসাময়িক কালএ বড়োহয়েওঠা ছোট্ট নালক সিদ্ধার্থের দর্শন পাওয়ার জন্য ব্যাকুল, আর অন্যদিকে সিদ্ধার্থও "দুঃখকে কিসে জয় করা যায় " সেই খোঁজে চারিদিক ঘুরে ঘুরে তপস্যা করেচলেছেন। প্রবল বাধা ও প্রতিকূলতাকে জয় করে করে তাঁরা দুজনেই এগিয়েচলেছেন তাদের নিজেদের নিজেদের গন্তব্ব্যের দিকে। শেষমেষ ?? নাহঃ ওটা বলবো না, আপনারা পড়ে দেখবেন বইটা, সত্যি ভালো লাগবে।
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April 7, 2018অবনীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুরের “নালক” পড়লাম। নালক পড়তে পড়তে মনে পড়ল অনেক আগে জার্মান লেখক Hermann Hesse এর "সিদ্ধার্থ " বইটি পড়েছিলাম। ।
জীবন, নির্বাণ, জরা,মহাকাল --- এ সব বিষয় নিয়ে একজন জীবনবাদী হিসেবে আমি চিন্তা করতে কখনোই আগ্রহী ছিলাম না। কিন্তু অসুস্থ্য বলে এখন এ সব চিন্তা আমাকে বিমর্ষ করে।আমি এসব ভাবনাকে আমল দিতে চাই না। এখন পড়ার জন্য বই বাছাই করি চিন্তা করে। তবে ‘নালক’ বই বাছাই সঠিক হয়নি।
ব্ইটি মোটেই ছোটদের বা কিশোরদের জন্য নয় বলেই আমার অনুভূতি । সিদ্ধার্থের সাথে আমি দুঃখ থেকে নির্বাণের পথ খুঁজতে চাচ্ছিনা।
যাহোক, কোন মরণ ব্যাধিতে আক্রান্ত কারো কাছে বইটির আবেদন আর সাধারণ পাঠকের কাছে আবেদন সম্পূর্ণ আলাদা।
জীবন, নির্বাণ, জরা,মহাকাল --- এ সব বিষয় নিয়ে একজন জীবনবাদী হিসেবে আমি চিন্তা করতে কখনোই আগ্রহী ছিলাম না। কিন্তু অসুস্থ্য বলে এখন এ সব চিন্তা আমাকে বিমর্ষ করে।আমি এসব ভাবনাকে আমল দিতে চাই না। এখন পড়ার জন্য বই বাছাই করি চিন্তা করে। তবে ‘নালক’ বই বাছাই সঠিক হয়নি।
ব্ইটি মোটেই ছোটদের বা কিশোরদের জন্য নয় বলেই আমার অনুভূতি । সিদ্ধার্থের সাথে আমি দুঃখ থেকে নির্বাণের পথ খুঁজতে চাচ্ছিনা।
যাহোক, কোন মরণ ব্যাধিতে আক্রান্ত কারো কাছে বইটির আবেদন আর সাধারণ পাঠকের কাছে আবেদন সম্পূর্ণ আলাদা।
November 23, 2019
I don't know how to describe the beauty of this book than to say it's a magical story, to be read in one sitting and reread all the way again. Such delicately woven words, descriptions that stir your imagination and a narrative that brings warmth with it. The story comes full circle and leaves you with an odd satisfaction. You must experience it!
November 8, 2019
Lyrical and poetic, surprised me with many a turn of phrases i had not come across before, i can only imagine what the original bengali might be like, painting a picture all along. The illustrations augment this easy, quick and delectable read!
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November 2, 2014I was an interesting book indeed...
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews