Reviews of "Myths, Miracles and Mysticism in Hinduism" book - Part 1 Correction

[Guest guest]

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

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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.

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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"

giving details of remittance and full address to help link the orders and

expedite dispatch of copies.

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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