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SriRangaSri List Archive: Message 00047 Nov 2005

 
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A READER"S REPORT FROM PENTLAND PRESS, U.S.A.

TITLE: "Explaining the Unexplained-
Myths, Miracles and Mysticism in Hinduism:
What do they signify?"

AUTHOR: Anbil Ramaswamy

SYNOPSIS:

"Explaining the Unexplained" is a non-fiction work which seeks to explain 
the numerous traditions incident to the Hindu faith. As the subtitle of the 
work suggests, the endeavor is arranged along three chief lines- Hindu 
Myths, Miracles and Mysticism.

Each of these categories are divided into neatly arranged sections which 
breakdown the various elements of each category. In this sense, the work is 
very much like an educational and explanatory guide for those well versed in 
the Hindu faith as well as those who are genuinely interested in the faith.

THE FIRST area of interest surrounds Hindu myths. For the author,
"A Myth consists of legendary fiction based on an event which occurred 
during the early days of a certain people?s existence. Further, the myth 
reflects certain tenets of faith and belief of that people "(page 1).

The author spends Section one of the work giving the reader background on 
mythology in general and how a society uses it as a cultural practice.

THE SECOND section of the work looks specifically at selections from the 
Hindu Holy Scriptures. These passages demonstrate how the Hindus use myth as 
a tool for the teaching and promotion of moral practices. The author?s 
commentary in this section allows Non-Hindu readers to
understand the universality of Hindu teachings.

PART TWO of the work centers on Miracles. Simply put, a Miracle "is an 
extraordinary occurrence that is ascribed to a divine or supernatural 
cause"(page 71).

A miracle is not magic trick because the latter is little more than an 
orchestrated illusion. A miracle, on the other hand, is the genuine article. 
Miracles are important for religious believers because only God can perform 
the impossible. Miracles, thus, are a stamp of a higher divine existence. In 
Hindu belief, God shows Himself in this world via a physical presence called 
?Avatar?.

PART TWO ENDS with a discussion of holy men and how a believer may be 
assured that he or she is not being fooled. With this insight, the Hindu 
becomes ready to receive whatever miracle or wisdom God intends.

PART THREE focuses on Mysticism. Mystery is ?a truth unknowable except by 
supernatural or divine revelation? (Page 110). In a religious context, 
mystery surrounds the knowledge by which eternal life in the other world may 
be attained.

Mysteries may be benevolent or malevolent, and the author provides examples 
of both types. This Part is the shortest in the work and ends with the 
explanation of such mystical happenings as "deja Vu?, ?amnesia?, and 
?telepathy? among others.

The work concludes with a thorough and complete bibliography.
The presentation of the manuscript is very solid.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL:

"Explaining the Unexplained" is very well written work. The language 
employed is very straightforward and the author does a good job of 
explaining and tying together the various different topics that the 
manuscript covers.

The author?s use of language helps in this regard because there is no poor 
choice of words to perplex the reader with monotonous repetitions. Thus, the 
work flows nicely and is very readable. The structure of the manuscript 
complements the author?s efficient language use by making the work 
reader-friendly.

The frequent use of sections keeps the story going at a pleasant pace. This 
technique also helps the reader to absorb more of the material presented.

In many ways, the work has the look and feel of a textbook. For students 
studying the Hindu faith, this well researched work could serve as an 
excellent supplemental tool in their education.

The lengthy bibliography could also point students to other areas of 
potential research.

In any event, the obvious target readership of the work surrounds those who 
have a deep knowledge of Hinduism. At the same time, individuals who are in 
search of spiritual guidance through understanding of faiths other than 
their own will find this book fascinating. The author does an
excellent job of discussing items specific to the Hindu faith.

Overall, the work is a very strong one and accomplishes what it is trying to 
do. The author?s faith in the Hindu traditions and how they may benefit the 
modern world is sincere and gives the author credibility with the reader. It 
also makes the work more relevant and useful for an audience of today.

I wholeheartedly recommend the manuscript for publication. It is an 
excellent material that should be told and shared with many.
=====================================================

NOTE:
The book has been priced at US $ 14.95 + S&H $ 2.00 Toatl = US $ 16.95 Ex- 
India
and
Rs. 75/= + S&H Rs.5/= Total = Rs.80/= in India

Those who wish to place orders EX-INDIA may draw check in USD for the number 
of copies required favoring "Ramaswamy Anbil" and send to -
"Ramaswamy Anbil,
1638 Omara Lane,
Smyrna, GA-30082"
Phone: &70-434-9596

Those who wish to place orders IN INDIA may draw check/DD  in INRs 
(cashabkle at Chennai)
for the number of copies required favoring "Ramaswamy Anbil" and send to -
Ramaswamy Anbil,
25 (Old 22) 2nd East park Street,
Prithvipakkam, Amabattur, Chennai- 600 052
Phone: 044-26573246

IN EITHER CASE,  they are requested to please send an email to
"Ramanbil@xxxxxxxxxxx"
giving details of remittance and full address to help link the orders and 
expedite dispatch of copies.

Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy
===========================================================







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