Fact of fiction ?- A reader's Report

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READER"S REPORT

 

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 around 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 a well 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 which 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 which the

manuscript covers. The author’s use of language helps in this regard

because the reader never gets perplexed by a poor choice of words. 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.

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