For time immemorial, Srimad Bhagavad Gita has been the repository of invaluable, timeless knowledge enunciated by Sri Krishna. As the famous celebrated novelist Hermann Hesse said, “The marvel of the Bhagavad Gita is its truly beautiful revelation of life’s wisdom which enables philosophy to blossom into religion.” The appeal of this sacred epic spans the limited boundaries of geography, cultures, and human intellect. Embracing the seekers with open arms, Gita provides a multi-pronged path to achieve one’s goals and objectives in life. Human behavioural scientists, HR professionals, and Leadership trainers have benefited immensely by deriving nuggets of wisdom from this epic. This book aims to conceptualise the principles of Karma Yoga as explained by Sri Krishna in a simple form such that it can be accessed by one and all, even those uninitiated.
The author, Gopinath Chandra Das, an IITian turned monk with ISKCON, is also a life coach and motivational speaker. He tries to expound the deep principles of the eternal wisdom of Karma Yoga, into a relatable set of principles with some live examples from modern society as well as driving from some interesting anecdotes from books, sports, and movies. His love for sports icons and movies is quite apparent in the generous spread of examples from some iconic movies over the years.
The challenges and problems of modern life are explained through the existential crisis faced by Arjuna on the battlefield and his dialogue with mentor cum friend cum brother-in-law, Sri Krishna. The book focuses on the first 5 chapters of Srimad Bhagavad Gita as part of the explanation. In the initial chapters of the book, the author explains the mental block faced by Edwin Land that led him to resist change and the ultimate demise of the organisation, he had painstakingly built. Early in the book, the author quotes various verses from inspirational chapter 2 of Bhagavad Gita, where the importance and permanence of larger life goals as compared to the transitionary short-term objectives are highlighted eloquently with various examples.
Rafal Nadal’s inspirational journey is an integral part of the book, finding multiple mentions across various chapters. His rise from a promising 11-year-old champion to a legendary sports icon is truly inspirational and laden with multiple lessons for everyone to imbibe. The author has captured these nuggets effectively in various parts to drive home the message. The war between the Vietcong and the Americans finds ample mention with various lessons in single-minded focus and dedication derived from the same. These episodes provide a unique perspective to those unfamiliar with this part of world history.
Yajna as a concept is described in exhaustive detail referring to various verses from Chapter 3 of Bhagavad Gita. The concept of Want-Driven vs Purpose-Driven is established via multiple examples and the deeper intricacies are illustrated quite well. The life history of an iconic founder of one of the world’s foremost companies is another example that the author derives extensively from. The equanimity of the eras gone by is replaced by the constant overflow of information in the modern age, whose impact is felt deeply in everyone’s lives. To realise the futility of the expectation that one controls one’s destiny is perhaps the first step towards equanimity, a concept that the author tries to establish in the book at various junctures.
The inspirational stories of Oskar Schindler and Viktor Frankl are referred to in the same context of the Holocaust and how their individual journeys are laden with inspirational tidbits with radical ramifications. One of the most profound statements from Man’s Search for Meaning is definitely haunting – “The salvation of man is through love and in love.” A very simple, but one of the most complex statements to comprehend and believe in, especially in the face of extreme adversity. Similarly, Indian business icons like Jamnalal Bajaj and Arvind Mafatlal’s life journeys and distinctive experiences are also referred to establish some of the concepts ascribed in the book.
The book also captures the puzzling nature of modern society, especially interpersonal relationships. The story of the Soviet spy well captures the transactional nature of modern society. One can’t help but relate to this at a deeper level, where the transactional nature has permeated every fabric of society, be it in the personal or professional space. Humans cease to be humans and are plain resources.
Like any fine work, the book has a beautiful crescendo towards the end with the inspirational life of Nelson Mandela and the famous Rugby World Cup that formed the backdrop of national integration in South Africa. Immortalised on the screen as Invictus, this inspirational tale is a must-read for everyone to understand the psyche of a man who could forgive his tormentors. The end goals of a truly motivated team are astonishing to even read about, let alone comprehend the civilisational impact left behind by these icons.
While there are some very bright and positive aspects of the book, I feel that the author has generalised a few concepts with some sweeping adjectives and oversimplifications. For example, in the first chapter, the author mentions Duryodhana as a megalomaniac. While Duryodhana as one of the antagonists of the epic Mahabharatha has his own share of inadequacies, to term him as megalomanic without supporting references seems a little far-fetched and exaggerated.
In a couple of instances, the author provides obvious insights in hindsight. In the case of Ariadana Gutierrez in 2015, the author expects the contestant to exhibit a very high level of yogic composure in the moments of ecstasy that quickly change into horror. While the analysis of the event and subsequent reactions are scrutinised in great detail, one has to consider the mental state of the individual in question. Going from being crowned Miss Universe to quickly being stripped of the crown due to human error, it is apparent that human emotions would have burst out like a volcano. This standard human behaviour is termed or perhaps judged as need by the author is quite broad and perhaps could have been avoided. Maintaining composure in moments of extreme happiness or sadness requires a very high level of self-control that requires aeons of sadhana, which is not feasible for common humans. It is pretty easy to comment on but difficult to comprehend. Stitha Prajna as a state is an end goal to many, not something that one is born with or bestowed.
Another part of the book which I personally disagree with is the example of V. G. Siddhartha. One really doesn’t know what transpired in the minds of the legendary entrepreneur to take such an extreme step. However, I don’t subscribe to the author’s generalisations and strongly feel that this portion could have definitely been avoided.
Lastly, some of the Gita verse translations have been extended beyond the traditional meanings provided in the most commonly available translations. Perhaps, the author could have been consistent in the source of the translations rather than being preferential in certain places. These translations come across a little differently, especially to those who may have read/studied Gita earlier. Some of the phrases like “tasting of the spiritual blood” could certainly been avoided, while establishing the same point differently.
This book is a roller coaster of emotions, deeply engaging in large part with some sporadic divergences. It grows on the reader over the course of chapters. The narrative clearly indicates that this book is written with an international audience in mind, with generous examples derived from the American culture. This could also perhaps explain the absence of verses in the Devanagari script, which I feel could have accentuated the overall reading experience to another level. Even though the book is not free from its shortcomings, these are small and far and are clearly overshadowed by the richness of the examples and illustrations from various historical figures and events. I would definitely recommend this as a RECOMMENDED READ, but with the caveat that interested readers should continue this journey by reading a good translation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Eternal timeless wisdom to imbibe in everyday life.
Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.
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