Reviews of "Myths, Miracles & Mysticism" book- Part 2

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas:

 

Given below are the Reviews of my book

"Myths, Miracles and MYsticism in Hinduism - What do they signify?"

released by H.H. Srirangam Srimad Andavan in June 2005.

The reviews appeared in both the English and Tamil Issues of "Sri

Nrisimhapriya" Journal in September 2005

 

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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SRI NRISIMHAPRIYA (ENGLISH) SEPTEMBER 2005 ISSUE (PAGE 83)

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Explaining the Unexplained – Myths, Miracles and Mysticism in Hinduism: What do

they signify?”

By “Kainkarya Ratna” Anbil Ramaswamy, Published by Sri Ramanuja Mission Inc.,

USA of Srirangam Srimad Andavan, Periyasramam, Srirangam Year 2005.

Price Rs.75 (India) and $ 14.95 (USA)

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This is an interesting book containing several valuable articles on a variety of

topics from the vibrant pen of Sriman U.Ve. Anbil Ramaswamy, the reputed author

of “Hinduism Rediscovered”.

 

This Volume under notice contains four parts: Myths, Miracles, Mysticism and

Other Mystical Experiences. Each part, excepting the last one, has more than 3

sections. The author rightly points out that some miracles performed by some

religious people are cheap tricks. They are performed by quacks and no serious

attention should be paid to them. Some miracles do take place by the power of

the Mantras or the Stotras handed down in tradition. Men of saintly

character have great powers brought in by their own austerities.

 

It is heartening to note that the author, catering to the needs of the modern

man, cites instances from the lives of saints who do not necessarily belong to

the Srivaishnava tradition.

 

The author has taken episodes mainly from Puranas and Itihasas to illustrate his

observations.

 

The author has to be congratulated for this nice and interesting production.

 

M. Narasimhachari, Editor

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SRI NRISIMHAPRIYA (TAMIL) SEPTEMBER 2005 ISSUE (Page 39)

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Explaining the Unexplained: Myths, Miracles and Mysticism in Hinduism.

Author: Sri Anbil Ramaswamy.

Price: India Rs.75/-, USA $ 14.95

Available at:

1. Sri Nrisimhapriya Office,

30, Venkatesa Agraharam Mylapore, Chennai 600 004

2. Sri Poundarikapuram Swami Asramam

43/A/13 Ashram am Road, Srirangam, Trichy 620 006

3. Jayalakshmi Indological Book Stores,

Mylapore, Chennai 600 004

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Myth: Usually taken to mean that the narrations are not factual but

fictitious, not real but imaginary. Miracle: An extraordinary occurrence that is

ascribed to a divine or supernatural cause Mysticism: True but, something

secret, unexplained and inexplicable, something that is enigmatic, esoteric,

occult, obscure and beyond human comprehension, a truth unknowable except by

supernatural or divine revelation.

 

We find all these three in our Hindu religion as revealed in the Puranas and

other scriptures. Some stories though true appear as if made up, some that

represent the superhuman feats of the Lord, some that convey morals but

purposely conceal the Tattvas (the truths) behind them.

 

The author has deftly brought out all the three categories making a very

interesting reading.

 

The book is divided into three parts and provides much needed insights and

information to one and all - including Scholars, Scientists, and even atheists

who have no belief in Puranas as well as to lay folks.

 

The author has explained convincingly the rationale behind several incidents

(over which debates are raging to this day) like Sri Rama’s killing of Vali,

Lord Krishna stealing the dresses of Gopis etc.

 

The author deals with several instances of Aavesa, AnupravEsa of the Lord as

well as “siddhis” acquired and exhibited by “saadakas” for good and evil.

 

This Swami is living in America and is propagating Sri Ramanuja Siddhantam

through “pravachanams” in English, besides publishing such useful books to serve

our Sampradayam.

 

We strongly recommend that all should acquire copies of his books and

encourage the Swami in his noble endeavors.

 

Editor

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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 numberof

copies required favoring "Ramaswamy Anbil" and send to -

"Ramaswamy Anbil,

1638 Omara Lane,

Smyrna, GA-30082"

Phone: 770-434-9596

 

Those who wish to place orders IN INDIA may draw check/DD in INRs

(cashable 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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