Books

Only when the eSamskriti team feels a book is worth reading will it be featured here. Books are presented alphabetically. You can search by author. If you like a book mail your recommendation to esamskriti108@gmail.com

1. The Cultural Heritage of India by Haridas Bhattacharya (Editor)

This series is a massive collection of the wisdom of India, gathered under the guidance of the Ramakrishna Institute of Culture to promote the study, interpretation, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of India. Editor – this is an outstanding piece of work. It is a must read for all students of Indian culture. There are 5 volumes. Since books are really heavy please check the courier charges before you order. If there is a Ramakrishna Mission center in your town contact them and check price.

2. 33 Gurus of Modern India by Dr C Norman Williams & Others

Is life simply the flow of time? You are born... you get old... and you die. What is the Truth that pervades our existence? Here is a unique book that brings together the Truth as perceived by 33 Spiritual Masters of India who have influenced spiritual thought and practice. The basic thrust of their messages remains the same. The eternal principles which are universal in nature are Satyam (Truth), Dharmam (Righteousness), Premam (Love), and Seva (Service to others). Spanning across 200 eventful years, 33 Gurus of Modern India features spiritual luminaries like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, Anandamayi Ma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, among others. Their teachings, which are relevant for all times, inspire you to realize and achieve your full potential as a human being.

3. 7 Karma Codes – Heal the Storm Within by Suzy Singh

The 7 Karma Codes gives you startling insights to why things happen. It guides you through the turbulent sea of distressing emotions and complex questions about life. Be it your career, personal relationships, the search for self-esteem or the relationship with God; the 7 Karma Codes contains secrets every man must know. As you embrace the wisdom of these codes, you will move from confusion to clarity, victimhood to power, and darkness to light. Not only do the 7 Karma Codes teach you how to heal your wounds and reduce your karmic burden, they also show you how to unfold your most powerful destiny. They guide you to think, feel and act in ways that will fulfil your soul’s deepest yearning. This book is a dialogue every man`s soul want to have with him!

4. A Path With Heart: The Classic Guide Through The Perils And Promises Of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield

Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our Western way of life, A Path With Heart brings alive the possibilities of inner peace, wholeness and the achievement of happiness. Written by a teacher, psychologist and meditation master of international renown, this is a warm, inspiring and, above all, practical book. Its gentle Buddhist wisdom will guide you through the ups and downs of contemporary living, such as addiction, psychological and emotional healing, problems with relationships and the difficulties of achieving a balanced life of simplicity.

5. Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga by Sadhguru

"Shiva does not spell religion. Shiva spells responsibility -- our ability to take our very life process in our hands." Sadhguru

6. Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi`s Last Battle by Mark Tully

On 5th June 1984, the Indian army began its attack on the complex at Amritsar which houses the two most sacred shrines Generals who had pledge to minimum force, and on no account to violate the shrines, were not prepared for the fierce and adept resistance they encountered. Having suffered severe casualties, the infantry were driven back and as last resorts with approval from Delhi tanks were ordered in. The Akal Takht was virtually reduced to rubble. It is doubtful if Mrs. Gandhi would have initiated Operation Blue Star had she known how bloody and devastating would be the consequences of that 24 hour conflict.

7. Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master (A Yogi`s Autobiography) by Sri M

The author Sri ‘M’ is an extraordinary individual. His uniqueness lies not only in the fact that at the young age of 19 and a half, he travelled to snow clad Himalayas from Kerala, and there he met and lived for several years with a ‘real-time’ yogi, Babaji, but also that he should undertake such an unusual and adventurous exploration, given his non-Hindu birth and antecedents.

The metamorphosis of Mumtaz Ali Khan into Sri ‘M’, a yogi with profound knowledge of the Upanishads and deep personal insights, born of first hand experiences with higher levels of consciousness is indeed a fascinating story.

8. ASANAS by Swami Kuvalayananda

This handbook is intended to be a practical guide for Yogic Poses. It does not contain any extensive theoretical discussions on the different exercises included in it. This is a pioneer scientific work on the description of classical yogic postures for physical and mental development.

Yoga has a complete message for humanity. It has a message for the human mind and it has also a message for the human soul. Will intelligent and capable youth come forth to carry this message for every individual, not only in India but also in every other part of the world? – Swami Kuvalayananda

9. Being Different-An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism by Rajiv Malhotra

Being Different addresses the challenge of direct and honest engagement on differences, by reversing the gaze, repositioning India from being the observed to the observer and looking at the West from the dharmic point of view. In doing so it challenges many hitherto unexamined beliefs that both sides hold about themselves and each other. It concludes with a rebuttal against western claims of universalism and recommends a multi-civilizational worldview. Site www.beingdifferentbook.com

10. Breaking India- Western Interventions in Dravidian and Dalit Faultlines by Rajiv Malhotra & Aravindan Neelakandan

This book focuses on the Dravidian and Dalit identity separatism being fostered by the West in the name of human rights: the role of U.S. and European churches, academics, think-tanks, foundations, government and human rights groups in fostering separation of the identities of Dravidian and Dalit communities from the rest of India.
The book reveals how outdated racial theories continue to provide academic frameworks and fuel the rhetoric that can trigger civil wars and genocides. The Dravidian movement’s 200-year history has such origins. Its latest manifestation is the “Dravidian Christianity” movement that fabricates a political and cultural history to exploit old fault lines. The book explicitly names individuals and institutions, including prominent Western ones and their Indian affiliates. Its goal is to spark an honest debate on the extent to which human rights and other “empowerment” projects are cover-ups for these nefarious activities. Site www.BreakingIndia.com

1. The Cultural Heritage of India by Haridas Bhattacharya (Editor)

This series is a massive collection of the wisdom of India, gathered under the guidance of the Ramakrishna Institute of Culture to promote the study, interpretation, and dissemination of the cultural heritage of India. Editor – this is an outstanding piece of work. It is a must read for all students of Indian culture. There are 5 volumes. Since books are really heavy please check the courier charges before you order. If there is a Ramakrishna Mission center in your town contact them and check price.

2. Srimanta Sankaradeva: Vaishnava Saint of Assam by Bimal Phukan

Sankaradeva’s 16th century ‘figured silk’ tapestries, known as Vrindavani Vastra, today adorn museums of the world including those at London, Paris and Los Angeles. However, Srimanta Sankaradeva, the Vashnava Saint of Assam, is revered most as a religious reformer. A contemporary of Kabir, Nanak and Chaitanya, Sankaradeva is one of the religious leaders of great endowment who blazed across the Indian horizon in the 15th century bearing the message of bhakti to the people.
Sankaradeva (1469-1568) was a man of creativity, and above all, he was a man of religion. His literary and artistic activities are not ends in themselves; they are consciously oriented towards the sharing of his creed. His work – be it a hymn, a verse for chanting, dramas for the stage, dance forms, or even a drum for accompaniment – was only to draw his audience to the word of God. That he performed each task with consummate excellence is a measure of his greatness. His key literary texts are a part of every Assamese household and his dance forms are today a part of classical canon of Indian dance traditions.
It remains a pity that despite his great achievements, Sankaradeva is relatively unknown outside his native state of Assam. This book attempts to give an overview of the life and works of the multi-faceted genius encompassing art, literature, music, dance and drama.

3. The Art of India by Benoy Behl

450 photographs taken by India`s most famous cultural photographer! 500 pages to hold you spell-bound! In two beautiful hard-bound volumes. The first book to present the Art of India: From Harvan in Kashmir to Kazhugumalai near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu! From Somnath Temple in Gujarat to the Pilak Stupa in Tripura.

4. The Battle For Sanskrit: Is Sanskrit Political or Sacred? Oppressive or Liberating? Dead or Alive?, by Rajiv Malhotra

The Battle for Sanskrit seeks to alert traditional scholars of Sanskrit and sanskriti- Indian civilization - concerning an important school of thought that has its base in the US and that has started to dominate the discourse on the cultural, social and political aspects of India. This academic field is called Indology or Sanskrit studies. From their analysis of Sanskrit texts, the scholars of this field are intervening in modern Indian society with the explicitly stated purpose of removing ‘poisons’ allegedly built into these texts. They hold that many Sanskrit texts are socially oppressive and serve as a political weapon of the ruling elite; that the sacred aspects need to be refuted or side lined; and that Sanskrit has long been dead. The traditional Indian experts would outright reject or at least question these positions.

Whichever side of the fence one may be, The Battle for Sanskrit, offers a spirited debate marshalling new insights and research. It is a valuable addition to an important subject, and in a larger context, on two ways of looking. Is each view exclusive of the other, or can there be a bridge between them? The reader can judge for himself. Site www.battleforsanskrit.com

5. The Wishing Tree: Presence and Promise in India by Subhash Kak

This book, written for the general reader, is an introduction to Indian civilization and culture by a leading scholar and writer in the field. It is based on three invited lectures at Stanford University and the University of California together with much additional material on art, architecture, and science. In The Wishing Tree: Presence and Promise of India, Subhash Kak presents what is arguably the most complete, articulate and up-to-date overview on the entire Indic tradition. More notably, he speaks not from a dry academic standpoint but from one in contact with the very soul and spirit of the culture. His panoramic view covers spirituality, science, linguistics and history, making clear India`s important role in world civilization past, present and future. He dispels the many current distortions and misinterpretations of India, the cobwebs of colonial and Eurocentric thinking, and reveals her vast civilization in its true light. Everyone interested in India and in human civilization will be fascinated and transformed by his many-sided insights. They will never look at India again in the same way. - David Frawley.

1. 33 Gurus of Modern India by Dr C Norman Williams & Others

Is life simply the flow of time? You are born... you get old... and you die. What is the Truth that pervades our existence? Here is a unique book that brings together the Truth as perceived by 33 Spiritual Masters of India who have influenced spiritual thought and practice. The basic thrust of their messages remains the same. The eternal principles which are universal in nature are Satyam (Truth), Dharmam (Righteousness), Premam (Love), and Seva (Service to others). Spanning across 200 eventful years, 33 Gurus of Modern India features spiritual luminaries like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, Anandamayi Ma, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), and Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, among others. Their teachings, which are relevant for all times, inspire you to realize and achieve your full potential as a human being.

2. 7 Karma Codes – Heal the Storm Within by Suzy Singh

The 7 Karma Codes gives you startling insights to why things happen. It guides you through the turbulent sea of distressing emotions and complex questions about life. Be it your career, personal relationships, the search for self-esteem or the relationship with God; the 7 Karma Codes contains secrets every man must know. As you embrace the wisdom of these codes, you will move from confusion to clarity, victimhood to power, and darkness to light. Not only do the 7 Karma Codes teach you how to heal your wounds and reduce your karmic burden, they also show you how to unfold your most powerful destiny. They guide you to think, feel and act in ways that will fulfil your soul’s deepest yearning. This book is a dialogue every man`s soul want to have with him!

3. A Path With Heart: The Classic Guide Through The Perils And Promises Of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield

Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our Western way of life, A Path With Heart brings alive the possibilities of inner peace, wholeness and the achievement of happiness. Written by a teacher, psychologist and meditation master of international renown, this is a warm, inspiring and, above all, practical book. Its gentle Buddhist wisdom will guide you through the ups and downs of contemporary living, such as addiction, psychological and emotional healing, problems with relationships and the difficulties of achieving a balanced life of simplicity.

4. Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master (A Yogi`s Autobiography) by Sri M

The author Sri ‘M’ is an extraordinary individual. His uniqueness lies not only in the fact that at the young age of 19 and a half, he travelled to snow clad Himalayas from Kerala, and there he met and lived for several years with a ‘real-time’ yogi, Babaji, but also that he should undertake such an unusual and adventurous exploration, given his non-Hindu birth and antecedents.

The metamorphosis of Mumtaz Ali Khan into Sri ‘M’, a yogi with profound knowledge of the Upanishads and deep personal insights, born of first hand experiences with higher levels of consciousness is indeed a fascinating story.

5. Buddha: His Life and Teachings and Impact on Humanity (Pillars of Consciousness) by OSHO

An authority on the world`s spiritual traditions, Osho was celebrated for his unique ability to refresh ancient wisdoms for a contemporary audience. Here he takes the reader on an exciting journey into the life and world of Prince Gautam Siddhartha, who became the Buddha. Like a great storyteller, Osho explains the Buddha`s teachings through life stories and anecdotes that demonstrate how these teachings arose from Buddha`s own experiences. Lively and lifelike, with unconventional wit and deep wisdom he guides the reader step by step through the secrets and subtleties of the "world religion without God," as only a true spiritual teacher can. Stunning color photographs throughout the book, along with Osho`s inspiring insights, reveal the inner quality of Buddha`s spirituality, leading the reader to a new understanding of his timeless message.

6. Conversations with Dada Vaswani: A Perfect Disciple, A Reluctant Master by Ruzbeh Bharucha

The zenith of spirituality lies not in being a Master, but being the perfect disciple.In the womb of humility lies the greatest reality—not only for this life, but also for the one beyond.
In this book, Dada Vaswani, a Guru to millions, shares His innermost thoughts and ideals with Ruzbeh N. Bharucha, the author of the Fakir trilogy. Their discussions, punctuated by Dada’s trademark sense of humour, are filled with laughter and joy, and yet, within them, lie ancient truths and the wisdom of life. Their talks cover a range of topics—from the power of prayer to how to live in the world and not be imprisoned by circumstances; from true surrender to the role of the Guru and the disciple; from the concepts of karma and free will to life after death and positive acceptance. Conversations with Dada Vaswani is a spiritual journey, but most importantly, it is a dialogue between a Master and a seeker.

7. Discovering Your Sweet Spot A soul-searching guide for creating the life you really want by Rajiv Vij

As Socrates said, “A life not examined is not worth living.” In a society increasingly driven by the manic pursuit of externally visible rewards, this book not only underscores the need for greater purpose in our lives, but also elaborates on the inner journey of self-discovery that can help us create a truly meaningful life. Written by a leading life coach, this book will show you a path for personal transformation that has worked for several others in discovering higher fulfilment, deeper relationships, better balance and greater peace and happiness in their lives. Founded in the belief that skills for being happier can be acquired, the inspirational insights shared in the book will empower you for the rest of your life.

9. Harivamsha by Translated by Bibek Debroy

A gorgeous, lucid rendering of the majestic conclusion to the Mahabharata.
As an epilogue to the greatest epic of all time, the Harivamsha further elaborates on the myriad conflicts of dharma and the struggle between good and evil. Stories abound—from the cosmogony of the universe to the legends of the solar and lunar dynasties and even a foreshadowing of kali yuga in the future. At the centre of all these magnificent tales is the mercurial figure of Krishna, whose miraculous life and wondrous exploits are recounted with vivid detail. In offering a glimpse into Krishna’s life—as a mischievous child, as an enchanting lover, as a discerning prince—this luminous text sheds light on many questions left unanswered in the Mahabharata.
Brimming with battles and miracles, wisdom and heroics, philosophical insight and psychological acuity, Bibek Debroy’s splendid translation of the Harivamsha is absolutely essential reading for all those who love the Mahabharata.

10. Hinduism the Faith Eternal by Dr. Satish K. Kapoor

Taking, perhaps, more of a philosophical rather than an historical approach, Hinduism: The Faith Eternal provides a grand introduction to Hinduism, more properly known as Vedic Dharma. The history is certainly here, but there is much discussion of ideas, culture, and influence, as well as a concerted effort to dispel the many misconceptions of Hinduism that abound in the modern, especially Western, world. Of especial interest are the passages concerning India`s influence on the West, most notably on Transcendentalism. Swami Vivekananda and the World`s Parliament of Religions are fully discussed.
The present work is an attempt to explain the quintessential of Hinduism within the orbit of time and beyond it, involving an explication of the eternal values and principles which sustain existence. It explores the dynamics of Hinduism in religio-historical framework through the second millennium of the common era.

1. Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga by Sadhguru

"Shiva does not spell religion. Shiva spells responsibility -- our ability to take our very life process in our hands." Sadhguru

2. ASANAS by Swami Kuvalayananda

This handbook is intended to be a practical guide for Yogic Poses. It does not contain any extensive theoretical discussions on the different exercises included in it. This is a pioneer scientific work on the description of classical yogic postures for physical and mental development.

Yoga has a complete message for humanity. It has a message for the human mind and it has also a message for the human soul. Will intelligent and capable youth come forth to carry this message for every individual, not only in India but also in every other part of the world? – Swami Kuvalayananda

3. Inner Quest: Yoga`s Answer`s to Life`s Questions by Pt Rajmani Tugnait

Contains hundreds of answers to questions regarding reincarnation, karma, relationships, death and dying, meditation, enlightenment and more. Editor – read this lovely book, must read.

4. International Journal of Yoga (IJOY) by S–VYASA University

International Journal of Yoga (ISSN # 0973-6131), is a multidisciplinary tri-annual scientific Yoga journal, dedicated to Yoga research. The journal is an official publication of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA University) Bengaluru, India. This journal is published by Wolter Kluwer India Pvt ltd, Mumbai. IJOY publishes original research articles, review articles, short communications, case reports, Letter to the Editor related to Yoga.

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5. Meditation as Spiritual Culmination -- Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali - 2 volume Set by Swami Sarvagatananda

This set of books is a collection of the transcripts of 132 Raja Yoga lectures given by Swami Sarvagatananda between September 1977 and June 1981 on the Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali. The book includes the question and answer session that followed each class.The classes were given at the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Massachusetts in Boston. His many examples for spiritual living reflect life in America.
One of the students writes in the preface: About thirty of us, college students, professors, office workers and retirees had the good fortune to participate in these classes. It was a character transforming experience for us. We learned that Raja Yoga deals primarily with the mind and its control. But this control cannot be attained without leading a pure life, full of loving concern for all, and reflecting rather than reacting to negative thoughts or circumstances. As the classes progressed, the intensity increased. We listened in fascination as the swami went deeper into the intricacies of the mind, the method of concentration and its culmination in meditation. The swami`s intimate knowledge of this difficult subject enabled him to clear up all our doubts in simple yet convincing language in a question and answer session at the end of class. Editor – have read both volumes outstanding. Strongly recommend.

6. My experiments with Yoga Nidra by Swami Veda Bharati

Here we have a series of stories about Swamiji`s discovery of Yoga Nidra, the yogic art of conscious deep sleep starting from his childhood. It provides a better sense of experience than any explanation or academic article or textbook ever could. It is the kind of precious document that makes it clear why our tradition considers the words and acts of realized beings like our Gurudeva, Swami Rama.

7. PRANAYAMA by Swami Kuvalayananda

Authored by the father of Scientific Yoga it contains techniques of all variety of Pranayama described in Yogic Tradition that are explained with accurate scientific terminology and illustrations. Pranayama is a yogic respiratory exercise. This exercise is found to be excellent for balanced physiological development on the basis of practitioners’ experiences of spiritual advancement and scientific experiments. The book Pranayama has become popular during its first publications itself in the year 1934 because it is a simple, lucid, scientific and systematic presentation of the subject. Appropriate and neat illustrations have also been provided to explain the technique clearly.

8. The Himalayan Tradition of Yoga Meditation by Swami Veda Bharati

The purpose of the Himalayan tradition is to awaken the divine flame within each human being so that he can know his true self. This Himalayan tradition combines the wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with various Tantric philosophies and practices and the specific oral instructions of saints and yoga masters. The practitioner of Himalayan Meditation learns to sit in the correct posture to relax fully, practice correct breathing and combine breath awareness with mantras. This book teaches the tradition in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Swami Veda Bharati is the spiritual director (Guide) of Sadhana Mandir, Swami Rama’s Ashram, Rishikesh and Founder and Spiritual Guide of Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram, Rishikesh. From the age of nine, he has captivated audiences with the depth of his knowledge of the Vedas and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Editor – Have read the book. Strongly recommend.

9. Yogic Therapy by Swami Kuvalayananda and Dr. S.L. Vinekar

Yogic Therapy is gaining more and more popularity every day. The country is full of small and big institutions and persons who claim to cure disease by Yogic methods and most of these seem to carry on very well! Not all of them may be able to prove their bona fides in the field. The aim of the book is to explain to the lay public, as well as medical professionals, the principles on which the various procedures of Yogic Therapy are based, in light of modern sciences. Many members of the medical profession have by now come to value the contribution that Yoga can offer in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation of patients suffering from chronic disorders. It would, therefore, be rash to treat this therapy lightly or to denounce it as unscientific.

1. Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi`s Last Battle by Mark Tully

On 5th June 1984, the Indian army began its attack on the complex at Amritsar which houses the two most sacred shrines Generals who had pledge to minimum force, and on no account to violate the shrines, were not prepared for the fierce and adept resistance they encountered. Having suffered severe casualties, the infantry were driven back and as last resorts with approval from Delhi tanks were ordered in. The Akal Takht was virtually reduced to rubble. It is doubtful if Mrs. Gandhi would have initiated Operation Blue Star had she known how bloody and devastating would be the consequences of that 24 hour conflict.

2. Jammu and Kashmir dilemma of accession a historical analysis and lesson by Radha Rajan

Prime Minister Kak describes the role played by the Indian National Congress in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir from 1938 onwards and explains why the Kingdom could not accede to India in 1946 when the offer to accede was first made and again in 1947 when the Prime Minister came under pressure from several quarters to accede to Pakistan and to India. In her analysis of the Pandit Ramchandra Kak document (RCK Paper) the author has cited V.P Menon`s Integration of the Indian States and the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (CWMG) to present the complete picture of the course of events which led to Maharaja Hari Singh quitting Kashmir after being forced to transfer power to Sheikh Abdullah. Sheikh Abdullah of the Kashmir Valley was given full control of the entire Kingdom including Jammu and Ladakh. From that day till the present, the Sunni Muslims of the Kashmir Valley decide and determine the politics of the entire State. V.P Menon was both Constitutional Adviser to the Governor-General and Secretary, Ministry of States headed by Sardar Patel, and in these powerful positions Menon had an insider`s view of all events rocking not only the Princely States including the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir but also in the Provinces. While V.P Menon`s book for reasons unknown does not touch upon the critically important details which culminated in the tragedy of absolute power and total control over the entire kingdom being transferred to Sheikh Abdullah, it nevertheless provides critical insights and information which supplement Prime Minister Kak`s narrative; and read together, they provide all missing links in the official history of the tragedy. Pandit Kak`s document is not available in India and while the original is with a family member, a copy of the original is housed in the India Office Library and Records, London.

3. Land of the Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India`s Geography by Sanjeev Sanyal

Land of Seven Rivers: A Brief History of India’s Geography’ is regarded as a fascinating read, the main motive of which is to acquaint the readers with the fascinating geography of the country. It is also a curious read on how several facts and stories, which make an intrinsic part of India’s history, actually came into vicinity. While explaining these, the book also questions several incidents that are thought to be a major part of India’s history, like why did Buddha choose Sarnath as the site for his first sermon and how did the Europeans exactly map our country.
The brilliance of the book lies in the fact that it tries to answer many questions from Indian History from the point of view of the country’s geography, by studying its various ancient cities, rivers, mountains and hills.

4. Life and Mission of Dr Ambedkar by Dhananjay Keer

Editor – I have read this book back to back. Outstanding piece of work. Gives us a detailed view into Dr Ambedkar’s life and struggles. Must read

5. Life of Lord Buddha: From Chinese Sutra with Illustrated Woodcuts from Ming Period by Lokesh Chandra (Editor)

This Life of Lord Buddha is a reproduction of the Shih-chia ju-lai ying-hua shih-chi, a collection of important episodes in the life of Lord Buddha, cited from different Sutras translated into Chinese from the 3rd to the 13th century. The citations are illustrated on opposite pages, so that the pious could visualise the Dharma of the Tathagata. They are `Visual Dharma`. The Chinese has been translated into English. It was compiled by monk Pao-ch`eng during the Ming period. It was revised by Prince Yung-shan the grand nephew of Emperor K`ang-hsi. He had new woodcuts done in 1787-93. The landscape, buildings, persons, city layouts, gardens, etc are styled as was done in the 18th century. The simple lines, athirst for the beauty of the beyond, were to deepen the spiritual tone. A Chinese proverb says: "a picture is a voiceless poem, a poem is a vocal picture". The hieratic art of this volume is an evocation of the Chinese proverb in its powerful lines and in its tranquil sunyata of minimal art. It has been translated into English for the first time. It is of interest to scholars of Buddhist art, thought, social life, and hagiography.

6. Lokmany Tilak by Dhananjay Keer

A historical biography of Lokmany Tilak.

7. Patel a Life by Rajmohan Gandhi

PATEL A LIFE" Tells, for the first time, the full story of the life of Vallabhbhai, the ploughboy who helped liberate India and then, in 1947-9, welded her into one nation. Built from correspondence and diaries, including the Sardar`s letter and the remarkable diary kept by his daughter Manibhen, PATEL is as authentic, intimate and complete an account as can be assembled. "That there is today an India to think and talk about," President Rajendra Prasad wrote in May 1959, "is very largely due to Sardar Patel`s statesmanship and firm administration." "Yet," added Prasad, "we are apt to ignore him." If ignored, Sardar Patel is also missed. Troubled times engender a longing for the grip on India`s affairs that Patel had. How he acquired that grip is part of PATEL`S story. A quarter-century after the selection of India`s first Premier, C. Rajagopalachari recalled the event and wrote: "Undoubtedly it would have been better if Nehru had been asked to be Foreign Minister and Patel made the Prime Minister. Editor – o/s book, must read.

8. The History And Culture Of The Indian People/Volume 1/The Vedic Age by Many Authors

This is the first History Of India written exclusively by her own people,bringing to bear on the problems a detached and truly critical appreciation.A team of over sixty scholars of repute presents a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the political,socio economic and cultural history of the Indian people. Editor – there are eleven volumes in this series. Having read them all say these books have comprehensively covered Indian History in a dispassionate manner. Each the 11 volumes covers a period – you can buy based on period of interest.

9. The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History by Sanjeev Sanyal

Much of human history has played itself out along the rim of the Indian Ocean. In a first-of-its-kind attempt, bestselling author Sanjeev Sanyal tells the history of this significant region, which stretches across East Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent to South East Asia and Australia. He narrates a fascinating tale about the earliest human migrations out of Africa and the great cities of Angkor and Vijayanagar; medieval Arab empires and Chinese ‘treasure fleets’; the rivalries of European colonial powers and a new dawn.
Sanjeev explores remote archaeological sites, ancient inscriptions, maritime trading networks and half-forgotten oral histories, to make exciting revelations. In his inimitable style, he draws upon existing and new evidence to challenge well-established claims about famous historical characters and the flow of history. Adventurers, merchants, explorers, monks, swashbuckling pirates, revolutionaries and warrior princesses populate this colourful and multifaceted narrative.
The Ocean of Churn takes the reader on an amazing journey through medieval geopolitics and eyewitness accounts of long-lost cities to the latest genetic discoveries about human origins, bringing alive a region that has defined civilization from the very beginning.

1. Being Different-An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism by Rajiv Malhotra

Being Different addresses the challenge of direct and honest engagement on differences, by reversing the gaze, repositioning India from being the observed to the observer and looking at the West from the dharmic point of view. In doing so it challenges many hitherto unexamined beliefs that both sides hold about themselves and each other. It concludes with a rebuttal against western claims of universalism and recommends a multi-civilizational worldview. Site www.beingdifferentbook.com

2. Breaking India- Western Interventions in Dravidian and Dalit Faultlines by Rajiv Malhotra & Aravindan Neelakandan

This book focuses on the Dravidian and Dalit identity separatism being fostered by the West in the name of human rights: the role of U.S. and European churches, academics, think-tanks, foundations, government and human rights groups in fostering separation of the identities of Dravidian and Dalit communities from the rest of India.
The book reveals how outdated racial theories continue to provide academic frameworks and fuel the rhetoric that can trigger civil wars and genocides. The Dravidian movement’s 200-year history has such origins. Its latest manifestation is the “Dravidian Christianity” movement that fabricates a political and cultural history to exploit old fault lines. The book explicitly names individuals and institutions, including prominent Western ones and their Indian affiliates. Its goal is to spark an honest debate on the extent to which human rights and other “empowerment” projects are cover-ups for these nefarious activities. Site www.BreakingIndia.com

3. Marching with a Billion: Analysing Narendra Modi’s Government at Midterm by Uday Mahurkar

In Marching with a Billion, Uday Mahurkar analyses the Modi government`s three years in power against the backdrop of years of policy paralysis and corruption before he came to power, leaving him with a stiff salvaging job. Focusing on key areas of governance like infrastructure, foreign affairs, power, the social sector, finance, digital technology and agriculture, the author showcases the work of the present government and the monumental changes the prime minister has brought about, including digital innovation and the uprooting of middlemen, which has resulted in an unprecedented level of transparency, and a resolute assault on poverty. He also points out some of the shortfalls of Modi`s government, subjecting it to critical evaluation. Will Modi become a great institution builder, a prerequisite to becoming a nation builder? What will be the long-term impact of demonetization on the economy? This book has the answers.

1. Dharma and Ecology of Hindu Communities: Sustenance and Sustainability by Pankaj Jain

In Indic religious traditions, a number of rituals and myths exist in which the environment is revered. Despite this nature worship in India, its natural resources are under heavy pressure with its growing economy and exploding population. This has led several scholars to raise questions about the role religious communities can play in environmentalism. Does nature worship inspire Hindus to act in an environmentally conscious way? This book explores the above questions with three communities, the Swadhyaya movement, the Bishnoi, and the Bhil communities. Presenting the texts of Bishnois, their environmental history, and their contemporary activism; investigating the Swadhyaya movement from an ecological perspective; and exploring the Bhil communities and their Sacred Groves, this book applies a non-Western hermeneutical model to interpret the religious traditions of Indic communities.

2. Lost Wisdom of the Swastika: Turiya Tales by Ajay Chaturvedi

Zian is a seemingly happy and successful investment banker. Following an enormous personal tragedy, he sets out on an introspective journey to the Himalayas. He is questioning the purpose of life when he comes across a mysterious 110-years old man. Thereby starts a journey of learning, unlearning and unravelling the secrets of ancient Indian wisdom that teach you how to live a blessed life. Among them, is the quest to find the inner swastika-one that holds the truth of the physical, the metaphysical and beyond. Written as a work of fiction but based on a true account, this is an engaging story of a man trying to find himself.

3. Science and Socio Religion Revolution in India by Pankaj Jain

Scholars have long noticed a discrepancy in the way non-Western and Western peoples conceptualize the scientific and religious worlds. Non-Western traditions and communities, such as of India, are better positioned to provide an alternative to the Western dualistic thinking of separating science and religion. The Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO) was founded by Dr. Anil Joshi in the 1970s as a new movement looking at the economic and development needs of rural villages in the Indian Himalayas, and encouraging them to use local resources in order to open up new avenues to self-reliance. This book argues that the concept of dharma, the law that supports the regulatory order of the universe in Indian culture, can be applied as an overarching term for HESCO’s socio-economic work. This book presents the social-environmental work in contemporary India by Dr. Anil Joshi in the Himalayas and by Baba Seechewal in Punjab, combining the ideas of traditional and scientific ecological knowledge systems. Based on these two examples, the book presents the holistic model transcending the dichotomies of nature vs. culture and science vs. religion, especially as practiced and utilized in the non-Western society such as India.

4. Sita - Warrior of Mithila by AMISH

India is beset with divisions, resentment and poverty. The people hate their rulers. They despise their corrupt and selfish elite. Chaos is just one spark away. Outsiders exploit these divisions. Raavan, the demon king of Lanka, grows increasingly powerful, sinking his fangs deeper into the hapless Sapt Sindhu.
Two powerful tribes, the protectors of the divine land of India, decide that enough is enough. A saviour is needed. They begin their search.
An abandoned baby is found in a field. Protected by a vulture from a pack of murderous wolves. She is adopted by the ruler of Mithila, a powerless kingdom, ignored by all. Nobody believes this child will amount to much. But they are wrong.
For she is no ordinary girl. She is Sita.
Continue the epic journey with Amish’s latest: A thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan, who became the prime minister. And then, a Goddess.
This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Back before the beginning.

5. Transforming India: By Empowerment Of The People Of India Through Relevant Education And Vocational Training by Krishan Khanna

An invaluable, comprehensive analysis of a developing India with facts and statistics not available ever before in one concise publication. It is the answer to the real issues facing the nation today. Transforming India provides the reader with an incisive view of the current realities of India`s development and concrete solutions to issues in the areas of 1. Governance 2. Education and Human development 3. Vocational training & education 4. Employment 5. Economy It is a book that will inform and inspire any citizen of India to take action and responsibility for playing their part in the growth of the country. Transforming India has been acclaimed by the late former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam as being a key source of information and guidance to transforming India by implementing the action plans outlined in the book.

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