Stories and Sutras: Timeless Legends. Priceless Lessons.

by Virat Chirania

India is the birthplace of legends, the mother of culture and tradition, and as Indians, we love our stories. This book contains ten powerful stories of the original superheroes-stories that will leave a permanent impression on your consciousness and spill over in your conversations, stories of passion and patriotism, of valour and wit, of devotion and sacrifice, and of intelligence and faith.

When decoded, the accounts in this book are not merely stories-they are a treasure trove of wisdom, life hacks, leadership and management sutras. Did you know that Lord Hanuman can teach us communication skills, that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj can teach us how to run a startup and that Chanakya shows us how to use emotional intelligence in business strategy? Have you ever imagined Arjuna, Narada Muni, Kabir and Adi Shankaracharya as leaders and influencers and do you know about Rani Abbakka, one of the unsung battle queens of India? Stories and Sutras is a journey of these incredible tales and priceless sutras-an edutainment experience that is uniquely Indian and utterly global.

384 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2023

Reviews

[Ganesh V · Rating 3 out of 5]

An anthology of stories from our Itihasas, Puranas & annals of History, with key takeaways / lessons and critical analysis from each of the characters depicted. The author’s approach is quite interesting with a focussed analysis on what an individual could derive from the characters. The choice of characters is quite interesting and exemplary, from Bhishma to Rani Abbakka.

For a reader familiar with the Puranas, some of the terminologies look misplaced. For example, the use of word messiah in the context of Narada looks out of place. The same essence could have been better captured with a more Indic word. In the analysis section, the creation of acronyms with popular words (ex: TEDx) becomes a bit of an overkill over the course of chapters.

Personally, I liked the chapters on Chanakya, Adi Shankaracharya & Rani Abbakka. I would recommend this as a gifting option for young minds and elders who may love a simple, crisp narration.

Good read.

[Anurag Sachdeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great stories with great manthans

Author had made sure you will get best takeaways for each 9 stories

[NAGA KOUSHIK PASUPULETI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished Reading this.
We can learn may life lessons from this book.
Rating: 4/5

[Nitish Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent blend of story and lessons to teach leadership skills.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you reminisce the beginning of ‘Enter the Dragon’?

Lee: [Lao approaches Lee; both bow] Kick me.
[Lao looks confused]
Lee: Kick me.
[Lao attempts kick]
Lee: What was that? An exhibition? We need emotional content. Try again.
[Lao tries again, but with more aggression]
Lee: I said "emotional content". Not anger! Now try again... with me.
[Lao tries again and succeeds]
Lee: That's it! How did it feel to you?
Lao: Let me think...
[Lee smacks his head]
Lee: Don't think. FEEL! It is like a finger pointing away to the moon.
[Lee looks at Lao, who is looking at the finger; Lee smacks him again]
Lee: Don't concentrate on the finger, or you will miss all that heavenly glory. Do you understand?

Crux: Don't think. FEEL! It is like a finger pointing away to the moon

This book contains nine pieces of gems from Indian scripture and history. The author says: This book contains nine powerful stories that you might not know at all or might think you do, but believe me, there is more to them! … This book is an insight into India’s ancient school of management and leadership. It’s a like a mini MBA course taught by the original superheroes of Bharat.

Please give it a try. It has been one of my finest reads of 2024.

[Akanksha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading stories of the timeless legends of our country. The writing was as simple as it could be and the 'Key Takeaways' section made me pause and introspect myself. So many facts stated with utter simplicity. Reading this book felt like I was there inside of those stories, witnessing events one after the other. I am nothing but proud to be born in India and glad I could get to learn leadership from the best leaders. Not much surprised that we don't get to learn of these events in our history books. We can no longer be kept deprived of such inspirational stories when such authors come forward and choose to bring facts in front of everyone.

[Mahima Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous collection of great stories and summaries. Loved the storytelling. All the stories gradually leads you into a thought process of curiosity and wonderment. It paints a wonderful image of Indian history and lessons which can be implemented in everyday life (jobs, relationship, etc.)

Anybody interested in India or Indian culture should definitely read it. Anybody interested in improving their life should definitely definitely read it.

A big thankyou to the author for this collection of stories.

[Kushagra Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the ‘legends’ that are picked for inspiring the readers by Virat Jee. The book, I feel is primarly aimed towards the people in corporate set up and in leadership positions. I say this because the lessons mentioned at end of each story are directed towards management level people.

I particularly loved the stories about Ramanuj, Rani Abakka, Shankaracharya and Kabir.

A good, inspirational read to induce pride amongst people for being born in the holy land of Bharat. 😊

[Muskan Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this very book came to me. I absolutely love the way the author has curated this, the references he has taken, the Manthan part, the summary, the illustrations! I can go on and on. I have to re-read this every month because it’s that brilliant. 11/10 recommendations to all age group people. Please please please read it, please!

[rakesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the kindle version , it's written in quite thrilling was and though i knew Shivaji and Bhisma story i never saw these lessons from it ever, my approach any goal/sankalpa is different now. I appreciate the different talents in team and see how necessary it is

[Subhangi Singha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never judge a book by its cover! says a famous proverb and this book will exactly remind you of that if you find yourself thinking that you already know quite a lot about the legends depicted on the cover of this book. One might think, these stories have been read and heard so many times right from the school textbooks to those wide eyed storytelling sessions of your grandparents!

Stories and Sutras, Timeless legends and Priceless lessons by Virat Chirania explores many refreshing insights from the lives of these legends which are spiritual, cultural and historical treasure trove of our land and perhaps reading this book might change your perspective too of telling these classic timeless stories to your own grandkids in future!

I believe the best part of this book is the simplicity of the structure with which these stories and their key takeaways are given to us which makes it a book that can be read, understood as well as can be enjoyed by every age group.

With so many stories compiled and consolidated in one book it could have become like an academic book intended for a certain type of audience, however this book maintains the storytelling style with lots of exciting well researched nuggets on the lesser known facts and the lessons that can be gained from these iconic lives by any one and any where.