Reviews & Musings

Source: Amazon From the Blurb: What turns friends into worst enemies? Is accepting misfortunes as our destiny fatalistic or pragmatic? Can we regulate our emotions without repressing them? Seeking answers to such universal questions, Wisdom from the Ramayana: On Life and Relationships taps into the timeless wisdom of the Ramayana, encompassing many of its characters and reflecting on the complex dynamics of their relationships. By analyzing the thought processes of these characters and the principles they lived by, this self-help book offers guidelines to build lasting relationships and lead a spiritually fulfilling life.   Self-help as a genre is something that I have enjoyed immensely. There is always so much to learn and take back from each of these books. However in the last few years I have been struggling to find a title that resonates with me.And that is exactly what happened with this book too! If you have been reading my blog for a w...

Introduction Source: Amazon.in ISBN :    978-8193655603 Genre:  Fiction Publishers: Westland Price:  Rs. 350/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher )

Introduction Source: Amazon.in ISBN :   978-93-8777-903-7 Genre:  Non-Fiction / Classics Publishers: Fingerprint Publishing Price:  Rs. 199/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher )

Introduction ISBN :   9781935952763 Genre:  Non-Fiction/Spirituality Publishers: Amaryllis Publishing Price:  Rs. 399/-  ( I got the book for review from the  publisher )

Introduction Source:Amazon.in ISBN:  978-9384067489 Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-help Publishers: Aleph Book Company Price:  Rs. 299/- ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) 

Introduction ISBN: 978-8129147950 Genre: Non-Fiction/ Mythological Publishers: Rupa Publishing Price: Rs. 295/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) Reflecting on one of Hinduism’s most popular prayer for positive energy, acclaimed mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik demystifies the Hanuman Chalisa for the contemporary reader. His unique approach makes the ancient hymn accessible, combined as it is with his trademark illustrations. Every time we experience negativity in the world and within ourselves, every time we encounter jealousy, rage and frustration, manifesting as violation and violence, we hear, or read, the Hanuman Chalisa. Composed over four hundred years ago by Tulsidas, its simple words in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi and its simple metre, musically and very potently evoke the mythology, history and mystery of Hanuman, the much-loved Hindu deity, through whom Vedic wisdom reached the masses. As verse follows verse, our frightened, crumpled mind begin...

Introduction ISBN: 978-8175-9943-31 Genre: Non-Fiction Publishers: Finger Print Publishing Price:  Rs.250/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) Who are we? What is our life meant for? What happens to us after death? Demystifying Reincarnation explores questions of our identity and destiny scientifically, historically and philosophically. Scientifically, pioneering researchers have documented fascinating cases of: Children who recollect past lives, giving details that they had no normal way of knowing. People who, despite being medically unconscious, were conscious of their vicinity and beyond. Historically, the principle of reincarnation has enjoyed acceptance in most parts of the globe throughout the ages—a list of its advocates looks like an intellectual who’s who of world history. Philosophically, reincarnation is the bedrock of a profound world view that reflects our intuitive sense of justice, our innate need for hope and our universal lon...

Introduction ISBN:  978-9384067571 Genre: Non-Fiction /Spirituality Publishers: Rupa Price:  Rs.195/-  ( I got the book for review from the publisher ) Autobiography of a Yogi is the story of the life of Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893–March 7, 1952) first published in 1946. Born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, into a Bengali family, this book takes the reader on a journey into the life of Paramahansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures of both the East and West. Beginning from his childhood, his family life, to finding his guru and becoming a monk and establishing his teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation, this book allows the reader to see the spiritual yearning of the man and how he realizes that over the years. It draws on both his personal experiences—anecdotes and meetings with eminent spiritual personalities, his association with nineteenth-century master Lahiri Mahasaya who had prophesied the writing of this book—as well a...

Today we have Santosh Srivastava with us at Behind the Book. He is the co-author of a book called "The Gita Way" along with Shweta Chandra. Santosh Srivastava, 38, an MBA from S P Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, is a marketing professional, currently heading marketing services in H & R Johnson (India) based out of Mumbai. He found himself fascinated about science of spirituality from early childhood. Along with maintaining consistent focus on professional priorities, he actively writes on various topics ranging from management to spiritualism through his blog www.santoshsrivastava.com. Besides writing, he enjoys playing chess and cricket..

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-52013-73-9 Genre:  Non-Fiction / Spirituality Publishers:  Celestial Books (Leadstart Corp) Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) The second book of his 3-volume series, is based upon his learning about life and existence derived from ancient Indian philosophy. Spiritualism is defined in the East as the science of higher consciousness and explains Oneness and the harmonious coexistence of Man with the Universe. These pages are about understanding the divine within us; how to live spiritually, moment to moment, and enjoy every aspect of life without assistance from any external source. The niceties of life which we all crave, also create many struggles and conflicts. We reach for books on spiritual development or join spiritual classes or religious centers, hoping for clarity and salvation, only to realize we are more confused than before. In fact, our confusion has been compounded by complexity....

Introduction ISIN:  978-93-52013-72-2 Genre:  Non-Fiction / Spirituality Publishers:  Celestial Books (Leadstart Corp) Price:  Rs. 199/- (  I got the book from the publisher for a review ) In the First Of his Series of 3 Books Gian Kumar answers our questions related to spirituality in a simple and seamless manner. From time immemorial, people have searched for definitve responses to questions such as: Who am I? Where do I come from? Does God exist? What is the essence of my relationship with Him? Gian's thoughts are an amalgam of Science, Spirituality and Philosophy. He Believes that once we discover our true selves, our lives can be fred from stress, depression and misery. The core of this series is based upon the absolute reality of life - Oneness between the Self and the Universe. Knowing oneself is the most challenging task. It involves accepting our alter ego or shadow-self. When we understand and accept who we really are, in totality. We have...

Introduction ISBN: 978-81-8495-615-3 Genre: Nonfiction / Spirituality Publishers: Jaico Publishers Price: Rs. 299/- (I got this book for review from the publisher) "We all want to know what happens when we die. According to Cyndi Dale, we don t have to wait to find out. With The Journey After Life, this internationally renowned author presents a compelling investigation of the soul s journey an evolutionary cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that we travel as we ascend through the spiritual Planes of Light. Drawing on her broad understanding of thanatology (the study of death from medical, psychological, and spiritual perspectives) as well as her own extraordinary experiences as an intuitive healer and psychic, Dale has created a comprehensive primer on how we can ready ourselves for the adventure we call death, including: Is there a Heaven or a Hell? Are we reunited with our loved ones?  Answers to the most common questions about the afterlife The twelve Planes of...

Today's Whispering Wednesday Word  is LIFE. Though all that has been said on life is not enough and there are endless things that one can say about, but I would like to share a few lines written by Me on this: जिंदगी से नज़र बचा के कुछ हसीं लम्हे चुरा लो, ये जहान  है तुम्हारी राह ताकता की कब तुम इससे अपना लो। Loosely translated it means: Averting the gaze of life steal some beautiful moments, the whole world is waiting for you to claim it. Sharing one of the most perfect picture I could find to describe my madness for life because this is exactly how I feel about it: Google Images

Introduction We follow a lot of traditions and rituals when we pray to God but how many of us really know the meaning and significance behind them? A difficult question I suppose. Our parents and grandparents did a wonderful job of carrying on the family tradition from one generation to another but somewhere in the midst the real meaning of all this was lost.  99 thoughts on Ganesha Published by Jaico Books [ISBN-13: 978-81-8495-152-3], is an attempt by Devdutt Pattanaik to bring forth those hidden meanings behind all those rituals. Behind the book This book brings together 99 meditations to better understand the stories, symbols and rituals of that adorable elephant headed Hindu God who removes hurdles and brings prosperity and peace. Known variously as Ganapati, Gajanana, Vinayaka or Pillayar, He can help all of us score a century in the game called life. Source: Google Images   About the Author Devdutt Pattanaik is a bestselling author ...

Introduction Manual of the Warrior of Light is a philosophical book about an individual’s journey towards realization of his dreams and finding his inner strength. Coming from a maestro like Paulo Coelho himself, there is definitely a huge amount of expectation by the readers and needless to say he does not disappoint. Behind the Book Manual of the Warrior of Light is an invitation to each one of us to live our dream, to embrace the uncertainty of life, and to rise to meet our own unique destiny. Source: Google Images About the Author I am sure Paulo Coelho as an author needs no introduction to any one of us! 'Me' Thinks Unlike his other books this is not based on a story. In the beginning there is a short story of few pages which creates a base for the manual. The rest of the book is full of quotes and few thoughts related to it. This unique style of writing makes this book a very easy- to-read kind of book. You can actually open any page an...