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Vishwadarshan, A Glimpse of the Universe
About the Book
Vishwadarshan is an insight into the workings of life and the universe, its inception, creation, and cessation, received as a revelation by Mahatma Thapaliyal as a consequence of his seventeen-year-long penance in the Himalayas. From the tiny ant living on Earth to intuitive revelations about the solar and lunar systems, This work touches various universal aspects. The seer brings a fresh perspective to how the ever-constant Supreme consciousness and Prakriti together conceive the universe, in the form of Brahma and Saraswati, how sustenance of the universe is taken care of by Maha Vishnu and Maha Laxmi, and its ultimate destruction by Shiva and Maharani. Mahatma Thapaliyal's work comes highly recommended by the likes of Sri Aurobindo, Gurudev Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Madan Mohan Malaviya. They, and others, considered this Smriti to be unique in the annals of philosophy and spirituality.
Rupa and A.K. Srikumar’s lucid English translation makes this seminal work a must-read, particularly in this harrowing time when mankind is searching for its moorings.
About the Author
Rupa Srikumar is a poet, translator and novelist. She has also written for radio and the stage. With her husband A.K. Srikumar, she translated Yasmin Khalid Rafi’s Mohammad Rafi: My Abba – A Memoir (Westland) from Hindi to English. Her radio plays have been broadcast by AIR. Her adaptation of Jai Shankar Prasad’s Hindi play Ajatasatru was staged in Delhi University some years ago. Rupa’s first novel Mahaveer (jointly authored with A. K. Srikumar) was published by Rupa publications in 2019. A.K. Srikumar is a novelist, translator, poet and playwright. Srikumar also writes fiction for children. Most of his nine children’s books won first or second prizes in the Children’s Book Trust’s annual competition. Operation Polo (1997) was adjudged the ‘Best Children’s Book of the Year’. Some of Srikumar’s poetry has been published by the Times of India. His play Bhishma was staged in Ahmedabad (1984). His short stories have been featured in Femina, Children’s World, etc. Srikumar’s novels The Wonderful World of Nilayam Swamy (1981) and Conversations with a Motor‑cycle (1984) were published by Writers’ Workshop, Kolkata. His historical novel The Begum’s Secret (Penguin, 2010) was long‑listed for the Vodafone‑Crossword Literary Prize. Srikumar’s English translation of T.V. Varkey’s Malayalam classic Maanju Pokunna Thalamurakal (The Vanishing Generations) was published in September 2017 and shortlisted for several awards. He has since also translated T.V. Varkey’s novels Sooryante Maranam and Chhaaya into English. Srikumar’s novel Mahaveer (jointly authored with Rupa) was published in 2019. A.K. Srikumar and Rupa live in Mumbai. Their son S. Shankar is a filmmaker and screenwriter, and daughter Rohini a Hindustani vocalist and social scientist.
Vishwadarshan is an insight into the workings of life and the universe, its inception, creation, and cessation, received as a revelation by Mahatma Thapaliyal as a consequence of his seventeen-year-long penance in the Himalayas. From the tiny ant living on Earth to intuitive revelations about the solar and lunar systems, This work touches various universal aspects. The seer brings a fresh perspective to how the ever-constant Supreme consciousness and Prakriti together conceive the universe, in the form of Brahma and Saraswati, how sustenance of the universe is taken care of by Maha Vishnu and Maha Laxmi, and its ultimate destruction by Shiva and Maharani. Mahatma Thapaliyal's work comes highly recommended by the likes of Sri Aurobindo, Gurudev Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Madan Mohan Malaviya. They, and others, considered this Smriti to be unique in the annals of philosophy and spirituality.
Rupa and A.K. Srikumar’s lucid English translation makes this seminal work a must-read, particularly in this harrowing time when mankind is searching for its moorings.
About the Author
Rupa Srikumar is a poet, translator and novelist. She has also written for radio and the stage. With her husband A.K. Srikumar, she translated Yasmin Khalid Rafi’s Mohammad Rafi: My Abba – A Memoir (Westland) from Hindi to English. Her radio plays have been broadcast by AIR. Her adaptation of Jai Shankar Prasad’s Hindi play Ajatasatru was staged in Delhi University some years ago. Rupa’s first novel Mahaveer (jointly authored with A. K. Srikumar) was published by Rupa publications in 2019. A.K. Srikumar is a novelist, translator, poet and playwright. Srikumar also writes fiction for children. Most of his nine children’s books won first or second prizes in the Children’s Book Trust’s annual competition. Operation Polo (1997) was adjudged the ‘Best Children’s Book of the Year’. Some of Srikumar’s poetry has been published by the Times of India. His play Bhishma was staged in Ahmedabad (1984). His short stories have been featured in Femina, Children’s World, etc. Srikumar’s novels The Wonderful World of Nilayam Swamy (1981) and Conversations with a Motor‑cycle (1984) were published by Writers’ Workshop, Kolkata. His historical novel The Begum’s Secret (Penguin, 2010) was long‑listed for the Vodafone‑Crossword Literary Prize. Srikumar’s English translation of T.V. Varkey’s Malayalam classic Maanju Pokunna Thalamurakal (The Vanishing Generations) was published in September 2017 and shortlisted for several awards. He has since also translated T.V. Varkey’s novels Sooryante Maranam and Chhaaya into English. Srikumar’s novel Mahaveer (jointly authored with Rupa) was published in 2019. A.K. Srikumar and Rupa live in Mumbai. Their son S. Shankar is a filmmaker and screenwriter, and daughter Rohini a Hindustani vocalist and social scientist.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 17, 2021
After completing this book, a lot of thoughts were able to find their own way to get answers to many unanswered questions I had. They were about the miracle, mystery, phenomena, knowledge, science, and principles of this universe. "Vishwadarshan: A glimpse of the Universe" by author Mahatma Ramratna Thapaliyal is a mindblowing and supreme creation indeed. The knowledge one reader can get from this treasure is ultimate indeed. I am speechless about the depth of the author's knowledge about this universe. I am very sure this book is just a fraction of his huge knowledge. This book consists of twenty-three splendid chapters that have enlightened the core of my mind and heart. "Formation of the Supreme earth element" is my favorite chapter as I always want to know how these mysterious large formations have started to form on this earth. Apart from that, this book covers the science and logic behind all facts it has stated. From The science of the sun and earth to the creation of the universe, this book provides the deepest knowledge indeed. It was a great time with this book. It needs to be read many more times to understand every word and meaning between the lines properly. It is a very high thought book that needs patience for sure. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2023
In the realm of philosophical revelations, "Vishwadarshan" stands as a remarkable illumination into the profound mysteries of life, the universe, and spirituality. Authored by Ramratna Thapaliyal, this non-fiction work unveils insights gathered during Mahatma Thapaliyal's seventeen-year-long meditation in the Himalayas, a revelation that has garnered the recognition of luminaries such as Sri Aurobindo, Gurudev Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Thapaliyal's work transcends the ordinary and delves into the grandeur of existence. From the minutiae of Earth's inhabitants to the cosmic dynamics of the solar and lunar systems, the author's insights traverse various aspects of the universe's intricate design.
The prose is a tapestry of lucidity, woven with a depth that befits the profundity of the subject matter. Br>'rupa and A.K. Srikumar's English translation impeccably preserves the essence of the original, making this philosophical exploration accessible to a wider audience.
While not following a conventional narrative with characters, the text is a journey through the philosophical realm, guided by the insights of Mahatma Thapaliyal. It presents ideas that bridge spirituality and cosmology, examining the interplay of forces that shape existence.
The book follows a thematic structure, each chapter a window into the cosmic tapestry. It unfolds the creation, sustenance, and cessation of the universe, delving into the roles of Brahma and Saraswati, Maha Vishnu and Maha Laxmi, and Shiva and Maharani.
At its core, "Vishwadarshan" explores the intricate dance between the Supreme consciousness and Prakriti in shaping existence. It delves into the cyclical nature of creation, maintenance, and dissolution, inviting readers to contemplate the profound interconnections of the universe.
The text carries a spiritual resonance that touches readers on a deeper level. The contemplative nature of the content invokes introspection, leading to a thoughtful examination of existence and the cosmos.
The book's strength lies in its ability to present complex concepts with clarity, but this same simplicity could be seen as a limitation, not fully capturing the depth of certain metaphysical ideas.
"Vishwadarshan" is a thought-provoking exploration that offers a unique perspective on the cosmos. Its resonance with spiritual seekers and thinkers is evident in the endorsements of notable figures.
In a world searching for meaning and connection, "Vishwadarshan" provides a contemplative space to explore the mysteries of the universe. Thapaliyal's work is a testament to the unending quest of humankind to comprehend the profound forces that govern our existence.
Thapaliyal's work transcends the ordinary and delves into the grandeur of existence. From the minutiae of Earth's inhabitants to the cosmic dynamics of the solar and lunar systems, the author's insights traverse various aspects of the universe's intricate design.
The prose is a tapestry of lucidity, woven with a depth that befits the profundity of the subject matter. Br>'rupa and A.K. Srikumar's English translation impeccably preserves the essence of the original, making this philosophical exploration accessible to a wider audience.
While not following a conventional narrative with characters, the text is a journey through the philosophical realm, guided by the insights of Mahatma Thapaliyal. It presents ideas that bridge spirituality and cosmology, examining the interplay of forces that shape existence.
The book follows a thematic structure, each chapter a window into the cosmic tapestry. It unfolds the creation, sustenance, and cessation of the universe, delving into the roles of Brahma and Saraswati, Maha Vishnu and Maha Laxmi, and Shiva and Maharani.
At its core, "Vishwadarshan" explores the intricate dance between the Supreme consciousness and Prakriti in shaping existence. It delves into the cyclical nature of creation, maintenance, and dissolution, inviting readers to contemplate the profound interconnections of the universe.
The text carries a spiritual resonance that touches readers on a deeper level. The contemplative nature of the content invokes introspection, leading to a thoughtful examination of existence and the cosmos.
The book's strength lies in its ability to present complex concepts with clarity, but this same simplicity could be seen as a limitation, not fully capturing the depth of certain metaphysical ideas.
"Vishwadarshan" is a thought-provoking exploration that offers a unique perspective on the cosmos. Its resonance with spiritual seekers and thinkers is evident in the endorsements of notable figures.
In a world searching for meaning and connection, "Vishwadarshan" provides a contemplative space to explore the mysteries of the universe. Thapaliyal's work is a testament to the unending quest of humankind to comprehend the profound forces that govern our existence.
December 6, 2021
They say meditation provides answers to all questions about life, purpose and universe in general. And Vishwadarshan is a like a result of great deep meditation. While reading, some parts of the book seemed a bit confusing, but upon reading it again, it seemed like a real eye opener. The writing is as simple as it could be, but the knowledge shared in this book is so insightful, detailed and enriching that you can’t help but think about it after every paragraph.
This book is an understanding of the Universe through the eyes of Mahatma Ramratna Thapaliyal who gained this knowledge through extreme meditation in Himalayas for seventeen years. He speaks about topics which everyone of us do have queries about but no source for a valid answer. Questions such as why we are granted this life? What is the purpose of our existence? Why and how the entire universe is structured with Maha-Sukra and Maja Raj components.
This book also talks about Semen retention, which makes you wonder how the writer of this book gained knowledge about semen retention years back when there was no one talking about it, nor there was any scientific study based on it. And now, years later, the world is trending with NoFap movement. This is quite impressive. It also talks about ways to overcome sensory agitation for semen retention.
There are many concepts in this book which are quite complicated to understand and can be enjoyed only after reading it slowly and steadily pondering about each sentence. Since what author is trying to say has multiple layers of wisdom which if skim read would go off the brain.
This book has all the answers you seek about the universe. From life, death to Creation and Destruction. What it lacks is an easier to understand narration however it is still an enjoyable read due to the insightful knowledge shared in it. Reading this book is itself like a meditation as it leaves you with lot of thoughts to think and knowledge to talk to about.
Vishwadarshan: A glimpse of Universe by Mahatma Ramratna Thapaliyal recommend by The LazyScoop if you like books with deep, heavy knowledge which you can treasure for a long time!
This book is an understanding of the Universe through the eyes of Mahatma Ramratna Thapaliyal who gained this knowledge through extreme meditation in Himalayas for seventeen years. He speaks about topics which everyone of us do have queries about but no source for a valid answer. Questions such as why we are granted this life? What is the purpose of our existence? Why and how the entire universe is structured with Maha-Sukra and Maja Raj components.
This book also talks about Semen retention, which makes you wonder how the writer of this book gained knowledge about semen retention years back when there was no one talking about it, nor there was any scientific study based on it. And now, years later, the world is trending with NoFap movement. This is quite impressive. It also talks about ways to overcome sensory agitation for semen retention.
There are many concepts in this book which are quite complicated to understand and can be enjoyed only after reading it slowly and steadily pondering about each sentence. Since what author is trying to say has multiple layers of wisdom which if skim read would go off the brain.
This book has all the answers you seek about the universe. From life, death to Creation and Destruction. What it lacks is an easier to understand narration however it is still an enjoyable read due to the insightful knowledge shared in it. Reading this book is itself like a meditation as it leaves you with lot of thoughts to think and knowledge to talk to about.
Vishwadarshan: A glimpse of Universe by Mahatma Ramratna Thapaliyal recommend by The LazyScoop if you like books with deep, heavy knowledge which you can treasure for a long time!
October 14, 2021
“Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence”. The line as stated above bears a poignant relationship with the overall theme and context of the book at hand for it verily reflects the mysteries that are enshrouded in the lap of the ever-present, but an attempt has been made through the book at hand to bring forth before the readers the whole of it including its beginning and the end.
Delving further, the length of the book is 288 pages and the overall theme of the book revolves around the cathartic experiences as perceived by Mahatma Thapaliyal which came in the form of 17 years in the Himalayas, and what it entailed came in the form of brighter perspectives laden with the profoundness of the interconnectivity prevailing in the whole of the universe.
As we delve further, one can easily observe that the chapters have been arranged comprehensively and the presentation aspect verily complements it as it’s a well-known fact that mysteries that surround us are enshrouded in obscurity with limited access to secrets but not with this book as the author has gone to the very roots and has harped on points which act as a focal point which makes our connection with the universe as can be seen from the following lines-“As human beings, other organisms also are joyful in light. Moths and many insects even get burnt in the luminosity of lamps in their craving for joy. Deer and snakes get charmed by sweet sounds. Likewise, all living beings, it appears, are dependent for their happiness upon brilliance”.
In addition to the same, the writing aspect remains to be an interesting one as it doesn’t remain to be a convoluted one due to the absence of verbosity, but at the same instance requires a sense of analysis on the part of the readers. The combined effect of all these elements makes this book a must-read for anyone willing to go for an enlightening read which also dwells into the spiritual domain.
Delving further, the length of the book is 288 pages and the overall theme of the book revolves around the cathartic experiences as perceived by Mahatma Thapaliyal which came in the form of 17 years in the Himalayas, and what it entailed came in the form of brighter perspectives laden with the profoundness of the interconnectivity prevailing in the whole of the universe.
As we delve further, one can easily observe that the chapters have been arranged comprehensively and the presentation aspect verily complements it as it’s a well-known fact that mysteries that surround us are enshrouded in obscurity with limited access to secrets but not with this book as the author has gone to the very roots and has harped on points which act as a focal point which makes our connection with the universe as can be seen from the following lines-“As human beings, other organisms also are joyful in light. Moths and many insects even get burnt in the luminosity of lamps in their craving for joy. Deer and snakes get charmed by sweet sounds. Likewise, all living beings, it appears, are dependent for their happiness upon brilliance”.
In addition to the same, the writing aspect remains to be an interesting one as it doesn’t remain to be a convoluted one due to the absence of verbosity, but at the same instance requires a sense of analysis on the part of the readers. The combined effect of all these elements makes this book a must-read for anyone willing to go for an enlightening read which also dwells into the spiritual domain.
July 19, 2024
Vishwadarshan: A Glimpse of the Universe is a treasure trove of knowledge. This insightful read is the result Mahatma Thapaliyal’s penance of seventeen long years. This book imparts knowledge about the universe from its inception to its cessation. In a simple yet contemplative manner.
The revelation is profound and moving, decoding aspects that are often misunderstood or are not held relevant because of unfamiliarity.
My journey through this one has been slow and steady to stay gripped all the way till the end, only to decipher its profundity. As a lover of spiritual reads, this one has made it to my favourites list!❤️ So yes, I do recommend it, go ahead to unveil the magic of this beautiful universe.
The revelation is profound and moving, decoding aspects that are often misunderstood or are not held relevant because of unfamiliarity.
My journey through this one has been slow and steady to stay gripped all the way till the end, only to decipher its profundity. As a lover of spiritual reads, this one has made it to my favourites list!❤️ So yes, I do recommend it, go ahead to unveil the magic of this beautiful universe.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews