Dear Bhagavatas:
In this mail, a typo. has occured. The Phone number of Atlanta address reads
as &70-434-9596
This may be corrected to read as (770) 434 -9596
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks to Sri Sampathkumar for bringing this to my notice.
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy
===========================================================
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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