Dharma: The Way of Transcendence

by A.C. Bhaktivedanta

The Way of Transcendence

Genres: Philosophy, Hinduism, Spirituality

145 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

His Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.

He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.

At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.

In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.

Reviews

[Surender Negi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dharma, Explain by Swami Prabhupada is well define answer to the people who have non materialstic approach towards the world. Its great book about How Dharma indulge day to day life.

Although, I am not fully agree with this book's idea of Dharma because Dharma is multi-meaning subject in various scenario but still this book has lot's of knowledge to offer.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for an introduction to Vedism. It’s hard to rate a book on religion if you disagree with the matter (that doesn’t mean it’s wrong or someone else won’t agree with it). So below I will include my observations.


In my personal opinion, Vedism reminded me much of Christianity. There’s a high level of dualism, and polarity. This seems to be a multi-level religion, one that still emphasizes the caste system and also determines how faithful you’ve been to Krishna by what you will rematerialize as in your next life.

There was a lot of strong language (absolutes; must, do not, etc.) in this practice. Your life seems to be no more than absolute servitude to Krishna and Krishna disciples. Independent thought was criticized, as were good works outside of works done solely for Krishna. Even other aspects of Eastern philosophy and Buddhism were claimed falsehoods.

I am particularly wary of any religious establishment that claims they are the only Truth and makes polarizing statements. This is not exclusively true of this book’s explanation of Vedism, but exists in most monotheistic religions, including Christianity.

I give this book three stars because I didn’t like the tonality of it. I also found it was rather repetitive and also it was a little contradictory at points. I didn’t finish the book feeling enlivened, I felt excluded and pushed out. Suffice it to say, from this experience, I don’t feel that Vedism is the path for me.

[Pramod Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a small version of some big spiritual library. In chapter six, there is an embrace with god. Then in later chapters the book makes the soul realise the empty parts of life, maybe these empty parts are coming from past lives. To fill these empty parts, maybe other books are available to get knowledge from. And finally in the ending chapters the book re-establishes faith and confidence. This book is for realised people, less recommended for beginners in spirituality.

[Anishka · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a brief about the teachings of Krishna Conscious Life using author’s interpretation of the 2 most critical writings - Bhagvatam & Gita. But, at some places it highly gets repetitive and starts contradicting itself.

Great starter to Indian mythology, religion, yogic lifestyle & Vedic Philosophy

[Steven Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is not religious, there's something that strongly pulls me to Hinduism and Buddhism and other related faiths. Their beliefs and books don't feel so suffocating, or aggressively forceful. I find comfort in reading more on this and other similar books as they feed my soul, and help me to be a better man to all those I encounter.

[Logan Keller · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of my goals this year is to read more Buddhist texts. I randomly picked this up at a bookstore in Taos, New Mexico in 2021.

There are some interesting concepts here but... I definitely don't think this is a good introductory text lol. That being said, I'm still interested in reading more in this area, and now will make a more targeted approach! (plz comment recs if you have!)

[Tanay Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everyone especially in today's times when political leaders are indulging in unnecessary religious discrimination. Dharma is a way of Transcendence not a means to geo-politically divide the society. A really insightful book!

[Arushit Mudgal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hinduism has been all about asking questions, this book forces you to accept the answers that the author presents to you

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hare Krishna!

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Dr.Krishnaprasad Chaudhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

[H.Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

More from the perspective of lord Krishna, the content in this book will make you think on what is life, how to make it count & how you can prepare for the afterlife.

[Dylan Bean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyler Childers?

[Tareesh · Rating 2 out of 5]

not worth
it does not discuss dharma it only discusses surrender to krishna that's it
it doesn't speak about the dharma in mahabharata

[Kota · Rating 3 out of 5]

was given to me for free from some monks in a park - easy read, gives some intro to Hindu philosophy

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

material association, sensual gratification, and absolute truth... OH MY!!!