What do you think?
Rate this book
Krishna: The 7th Sense
In Krishna: The 7th Sense, Debashis Chatterjee offers an allegorical view into the lives of a teacher (Keshav) and his old students (Neel, Kaya and others), and conjures up some unforgettable lessons in love.
This is a magnificent saga of passion and pain, acceptance and affection, faith and fulfilment—a story that is at once ancient and contemporary.
In a world where romance ignites and fades, we often find asking ourselves ‘what went wrong?’ But what if you were given another chance to discover the flame of ecstatic love? Imagine being in love all over again, or seeing your love from a timeless horizon. What if you had Shri Krishna as your mentor to help you navigate the passion and perils of your life?
Keshav thus said, ‘The ultimate destiny of a human being is to complete himself. It is the art of putting your whole life together—connecting yourself to your source. This is where you started. Your original nature is love…your seventh sense.’ This enchanting debut novel is best described as ‘The Prophet meets The Alchemist’.
This is a magnificent saga of passion and pain, acceptance and affection, faith and fulfilment—a story that is at once ancient and contemporary.
In a world where romance ignites and fades, we often find asking ourselves ‘what went wrong?’ But what if you were given another chance to discover the flame of ecstatic love? Imagine being in love all over again, or seeing your love from a timeless horizon. What if you had Shri Krishna as your mentor to help you navigate the passion and perils of your life?
Keshav thus said, ‘The ultimate destiny of a human being is to complete himself. It is the art of putting your whole life together—connecting yourself to your source. This is where you started. Your original nature is love…your seventh sense.’ This enchanting debut novel is best described as ‘The Prophet meets The Alchemist’.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2022
9 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Debashis Chatterjee
22 books27 followersProfessor Debashis Chatterjee has taught leadership classes at Harvard University and at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) of Calcutta, Lucknow and Kozhikode for nearly three decades.The longest-serving director of a first-generation IIM, he was reappointed to head IIM Kozhikode for a third five-year term in June 2023. Prof. Chatterjee has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship twice for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral work at Harvard University. A prolific author, he has published fiction and non-fiction, including Leading Consciously, Krishna: The 7th Sense and Timeless Leadership, which have been translated into several national and international languages. He has taught the art and practice of leadership to more than hundred thousand managers globally in Fortune 500 corporations and over fifty thousand school leaders. Prof. Chatterjee is credited with transforming a small-town B-school into an institution of global recognition that is now counted among the top three IIMs in India and the top seventy-five management schools worldwide according to the Financial Times rankings. He can be reached at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2k...
https://in.linkedin.com/in/debashisch...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2k...
https://in.linkedin.com/in/debashisch...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 21, 2022
Krishna: The 7th Sense is a book of eternal love and priceless learning. In this book, the author presents an allegorical view into the lives of Keshav and his old students Neel, Kaya and others. It is a fascinating story which is at once ancient and contemporary with emotions, twists and turns and all the elements making it an engrossing read.
Keshav is that one teacher whom we all wish for in our lives. His lessons and methods of teaching show a great impact in the lives of his characters Neel, Kaya, Manas, Prasad, Sardar, Swamy, Eva and Anju. The plot alternates between their days in business school (competitive spirit, ambitions, friendships, jealousy, and not to forget "Drucker" - a dog in the campus that has a great bond with one of these students) and their reunion.
There are narrations of events in Lord Krishna’s life, after which an engaging Q&A session (actually Q&Q- as the man himself likes to name it) takes place, these sessions make us feel like our questions and doubts are being answered, although they were from his students. After all, we may be one of them or all of them. The book emphasises how love is the most important of all emotions and how ego deprives us of our peace and success. All the learnings from the book are relatable and can be applied to our day-to-day lives. This is one of those few books which could handle real human emotions well.
This is the first spiritual book that I have read and I must say that this book has inspired me to explore this genre. You shouldn’t miss the experience and learnings that this book offers.
Krishnam vande Jagadgurum!
Keshav is that one teacher whom we all wish for in our lives. His lessons and methods of teaching show a great impact in the lives of his characters Neel, Kaya, Manas, Prasad, Sardar, Swamy, Eva and Anju. The plot alternates between their days in business school (competitive spirit, ambitions, friendships, jealousy, and not to forget "Drucker" - a dog in the campus that has a great bond with one of these students) and their reunion.
There are narrations of events in Lord Krishna’s life, after which an engaging Q&A session (actually Q&Q- as the man himself likes to name it) takes place, these sessions make us feel like our questions and doubts are being answered, although they were from his students. After all, we may be one of them or all of them. The book emphasises how love is the most important of all emotions and how ego deprives us of our peace and success. All the learnings from the book are relatable and can be applied to our day-to-day lives. This is one of those few books which could handle real human emotions well.
This is the first spiritual book that I have read and I must say that this book has inspired me to explore this genre. You shouldn’t miss the experience and learnings that this book offers.
Krishnam vande Jagadgurum!
September 1, 2022
Krishna, from the very beginning, has been the embodiment of love for everyone. In “Krishna: The 7th Sense”, author Debashis Chatterjee weaves a mesmerizing tale that follows the life of Keshav, his students Neel and Kaya, and their friends as they come together after years on the occasion of a get-together.
The story, navigating between the past and the present, encapsulates the exploration of spirituality in the contemporary world and gives us an in-depth analysis of love and its various forms namely desire, affection, devotion, etc.
There is a magical flow to the narration that builds up every time you delve into a new chapter. I was fascinated by the way the author comprehensively and confidently dealt with the plethora of ideas and questions subjected to Keshav in the story.
There’s a vibe to the book that compelled me to keep on turning the pages till the very end. I am quite sure that this is going to be a book I will go back to from time to time.
If you have an interest in exploring spirituality, this is a book I would definitely recommend to you.
The story, navigating between the past and the present, encapsulates the exploration of spirituality in the contemporary world and gives us an in-depth analysis of love and its various forms namely desire, affection, devotion, etc.
There is a magical flow to the narration that builds up every time you delve into a new chapter. I was fascinated by the way the author comprehensively and confidently dealt with the plethora of ideas and questions subjected to Keshav in the story.
There’s a vibe to the book that compelled me to keep on turning the pages till the very end. I am quite sure that this is going to be a book I will go back to from time to time.
If you have an interest in exploring spirituality, this is a book I would definitely recommend to you.
August 23, 2022
Keshav, an erudite and inspiring mentor, finds himself in Indus Business School, challenging and fine-tuning the business prowess and intellect of his students. Much like his celestial avatar, Lord Krishna, imparting wisdom to his listeners.
A golden opportunity has presented itself to Keshav's former students-turned-wordly professionals, Neel, Eva, Prasad, Kaya, Sardar, Swamy, and Anju, to have a session with their enigmatic teacher.
The reconnection between the Guru-shishyas rejig their memories to their MBA era filled with varied emotions and learning experiences.
✒VERDICT
🥇Pros:
1) I commend the author or coming with unique concept of integrating the teachings and wisdom of Lord Krishna through the character of Keshav in a modern outlook. Krishna's lifestyle, decisions and their consequences reflect throughout the plot and the actions undertaken by the characters.
2) Lord Krishna has always been associated with the beauty of loving passionately and this book pays a tribute to that emotion. This book portrays the unadulterated and untamed love propagated by Krishna within mankind.
3) The language is fluid and elegant. The to-and-fro questioning and repartee by Keshav is a literary treat which makes us feel as if Krishna is talking to us directly.
💫Overall, it is a beautiful ode to the enigma, charm and abstract beauty of Lord Krishna wherein the readers will feel the passion and the conscience of Krishna. This book is a spiritual fest for the readers narrated through fictional characters.
A golden opportunity has presented itself to Keshav's former students-turned-wordly professionals, Neel, Eva, Prasad, Kaya, Sardar, Swamy, and Anju, to have a session with their enigmatic teacher.
The reconnection between the Guru-shishyas rejig their memories to their MBA era filled with varied emotions and learning experiences.
✒VERDICT
🥇Pros:
1) I commend the author or coming with unique concept of integrating the teachings and wisdom of Lord Krishna through the character of Keshav in a modern outlook. Krishna's lifestyle, decisions and their consequences reflect throughout the plot and the actions undertaken by the characters.
2) Lord Krishna has always been associated with the beauty of loving passionately and this book pays a tribute to that emotion. This book portrays the unadulterated and untamed love propagated by Krishna within mankind.
3) The language is fluid and elegant. The to-and-fro questioning and repartee by Keshav is a literary treat which makes us feel as if Krishna is talking to us directly.
💫Overall, it is a beautiful ode to the enigma, charm and abstract beauty of Lord Krishna wherein the readers will feel the passion and the conscience of Krishna. This book is a spiritual fest for the readers narrated through fictional characters.
August 19, 2022
Whenever I usually read a book, it fits neatly into a box, fiction or non-fiction, but with this book, while formally classified as a fictional book, after reading, I am still undecided. The concept of this book is quite unique and I loved how the author balances 3 plotlines that run concurrently and converge in the end. The author uses the life of Krishna to draw out important life lessons about the idea of love and how we see and perceive the world around us. Apart from his story, Debashis runs a fictional story of Keshav and his students, one in the past as a professor, and another in the present when they meet again after years. Through significant incidents in Krishna’s life from the epics, Keshav drives out allegories and comparisons that show the various facets of love and how they impact us. Touching aspects such as Affection, Desire, Ecstasy, Absence, Devotion, Parting and Freedom, Debashis makes some poignant points that can be applied to our lives as well. The storytelling is extremely powerful and keeps you engaged until the very end.
Another aspect of the story that kept me turning the pages was the fact that the message that the author wanted to put forward is not simply put, rather a path is built so that one discovers it for themselves, ingraining it into your psyche. The book is not just about love or mythology, but it also puts some important management lesson into perspective as well. Through the eyes of Keshav, the author picks up instances from the mythology and puts them into contemporary life to highlight the crux of the message the mythology tries to bring to light. Using specific stories from Krishna’s life, the format of the story is a mix of a sermon and a lecture.
Debashis’s characters are what put substance in this story. While the plotline about Krishna is derived from the epics, and stays true to it, I loved how he references the various names of Krishna as the characters in the book. Keshav’s character as a beloved professor who turns to spirituality is very believable and I loved the way it is developed and they way he speaks in his lectures and sermons. Another character that stood out for me was that of Neel and how his story and character develop over the period of time. The surprise for me is one of the critical characters who turns up in multiple places and while I would not like to name them in this review, I am sure you would feel their presence and their impact on the story.
Another aspect of the story that kept me turning the pages was the fact that the message that the author wanted to put forward is not simply put, rather a path is built so that one discovers it for themselves, ingraining it into your psyche. The book is not just about love or mythology, but it also puts some important management lesson into perspective as well. Through the eyes of Keshav, the author picks up instances from the mythology and puts them into contemporary life to highlight the crux of the message the mythology tries to bring to light. Using specific stories from Krishna’s life, the format of the story is a mix of a sermon and a lecture.
Debashis’s characters are what put substance in this story. While the plotline about Krishna is derived from the epics, and stays true to it, I loved how he references the various names of Krishna as the characters in the book. Keshav’s character as a beloved professor who turns to spirituality is very believable and I loved the way it is developed and they way he speaks in his lectures and sermons. Another character that stood out for me was that of Neel and how his story and character develop over the period of time. The surprise for me is one of the critical characters who turns up in multiple places and while I would not like to name them in this review, I am sure you would feel their presence and their impact on the story.
April 27, 2023
Finished reading “Krishna - The 7th Sense” by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee. This is my third book by Prof. Chatterjee. Timeless Leadership: 18 Leadership Sutras from the Bhagavad Gita and Invincible Arjuna were the two books that I had read previously. Timeless Leadership is one of my favourite and most treasured books till date.
Quoting Prof. Chatterjee from the prologue: I realized later that the art and practice of management were driven more by fiction than by facts. Organizations and nations were moved a lot more by stories than they were by theories. Facts impress people, but stories transform them. Whatever we are, scientists, managers or authors, dull or delightful, we are at the end of the day storytellers.
In this beautiful book, Prof. Chatterjee narrates a story of Keshav Mitra (who took early retirement from business school to pursue his calling) and the batch of 2000, who were in awe of the elective course - Leadership of Voluntary Enterprises (LOVE) that Mitra taught at the business school. The story swings back ‘n’ forth between the present day and the old yet palpable memories of the Indus, where Mitra was a faculty almost two decades ago. A reunion of sorts arranged by two classmates brings Keshav and his students together. In a week long retreat that takes place in the confines of an ashram at Rishikesh, Keshav conjures up some unforgettable lessons in love, as seen from a timeless horizon. Keshav draws wisdom from Krishna’s life to help his students unravel their original nature, and resolve problems at their source.
Prof. Chatterjee says, that beyond our five senses, and the mind (the sixth sense) lies awareness - the 7th sense. This pure, unmarred awareness (also likened to Krishna) is the epitome of love and freedom. The mind is a serial killer. It often promises of freedom in the shape of illusions. To be free is to turn back on this illusion producing machine with all its phantom promises.
A compelling narrative that is at once ancient and contemporary.
Quoting Prof. Chatterjee from the prologue: I realized later that the art and practice of management were driven more by fiction than by facts. Organizations and nations were moved a lot more by stories than they were by theories. Facts impress people, but stories transform them. Whatever we are, scientists, managers or authors, dull or delightful, we are at the end of the day storytellers.
In this beautiful book, Prof. Chatterjee narrates a story of Keshav Mitra (who took early retirement from business school to pursue his calling) and the batch of 2000, who were in awe of the elective course - Leadership of Voluntary Enterprises (LOVE) that Mitra taught at the business school. The story swings back ‘n’ forth between the present day and the old yet palpable memories of the Indus, where Mitra was a faculty almost two decades ago. A reunion of sorts arranged by two classmates brings Keshav and his students together. In a week long retreat that takes place in the confines of an ashram at Rishikesh, Keshav conjures up some unforgettable lessons in love, as seen from a timeless horizon. Keshav draws wisdom from Krishna’s life to help his students unravel their original nature, and resolve problems at their source.
Prof. Chatterjee says, that beyond our five senses, and the mind (the sixth sense) lies awareness - the 7th sense. This pure, unmarred awareness (also likened to Krishna) is the epitome of love and freedom. The mind is a serial killer. It often promises of freedom in the shape of illusions. To be free is to turn back on this illusion producing machine with all its phantom promises.
A compelling narrative that is at once ancient and contemporary.
July 2, 2023
This book was gifted to me by a loved one, due to my interest in Krishna and spirituality, and also that the protagonist is my namesake. The themes explored in this book are certainly interesting, and I kind of liked the concept of the book, but often I felt the writing was clunky, the figures of speech used awkward, and the style a little too didactic. I enjoyed the stories of Krishna and the philosophical/spiritual commentary, but wonder if it could not have been done more elegantly, rather than in a literal lecture format with one teacher expounding wisdom and answering questions. More showing and less telling could have made this book much better.
August 20, 2022
a beautiful book that offers an allegorical view into the lives of Keshav and his old students Neel, Kaya and others.
There's a mystery here, how life takes turns in each of the character's journeys, and how one gets invested in Keshav's lessons. There are lessons on love, friendship, desires and connecting yourself to your source.
The way Debashish discusses every aspect and explains them is amazing. The plot shifts from past to present, from their business school days to a reunion years later. The way Keshav guides his students, the way he tells stories of Krishna Leela and the reasons behind them will astound you. From how because of ego Krishna went away from Gopi's to how he accepted to be bound by his mother's love when Yashodha Maiya tied him.
This book is a treasure with many questions and answers. The gripping narrative and the captivating writing style of the author give the reader a unique reading experience. There's no dull moment here. It's not just about a spiritual experience, it's also about how life takes turns. With various themes like Love, loss, friendship, memories and spirituality Debashis tells us about the 7th sense, our Guardian, our Krishna who guides us.
It's a beautiful book that you must read.
There's a mystery here, how life takes turns in each of the character's journeys, and how one gets invested in Keshav's lessons. There are lessons on love, friendship, desires and connecting yourself to your source.
The way Debashish discusses every aspect and explains them is amazing. The plot shifts from past to present, from their business school days to a reunion years later. The way Keshav guides his students, the way he tells stories of Krishna Leela and the reasons behind them will astound you. From how because of ego Krishna went away from Gopi's to how he accepted to be bound by his mother's love when Yashodha Maiya tied him.
This book is a treasure with many questions and answers. The gripping narrative and the captivating writing style of the author give the reader a unique reading experience. There's no dull moment here. It's not just about a spiritual experience, it's also about how life takes turns. With various themes like Love, loss, friendship, memories and spirituality Debashis tells us about the 7th sense, our Guardian, our Krishna who guides us.
It's a beautiful book that you must read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews