Philosophical Books

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OHM SHRI RAGAVENDRAYA NAMAH

JAYA JAGANNATHA

 

Namaste Narayan,

 

A good question. I should take this opportunity to thank Gurudeva. He mentioned in the initial lessons about the conversations of Shri Uddava and Shri Krishna. I didn't know where it is coming. Then I asked the list and Mr.Sarat chandar replied that it is coming in Srimad Bagavatam.

 

I started reading Bagavatam. After I finish, I felt why didn't I read this 20 years before.

 

Being born in Aquarius, I always think, think and nothing but thinking. If anybody including my parents tells me do something, unless I logically satisfied with my own analysis, I will not do it wholeheartedly.

 

So, in order to broaden my thinking, I read bible, teachings of Goudama Budha, some teachings of Prophet Mohammed. I ended up with thousands of questions.

 

Then, read Mahatma's autobiography. He solved some of my doubts, but not fully.

 

Then, Swami Vivekananta's lectures:- Many of my doubts resolved, But many more doubts evolved.

 

In due course, by the results of my thinking I filtered my doubts to minimum level.

 

Then, after I completed my compilation work of archived mails of Varahamihira. I started to read Shrimad Bagavat Gita. At the same time some thing was driving me to read Shrimad Bagavatam. All the 12 Cantos are completely philosophical. Especially the 11th Canto with Teachings to Uddhava. With that all my doubts are over.

 

So, my recommendation is to read Gita and Bagavatam 11th Conto. Go for ISKCON translations. But, do not read the comments for each sloka in the beginning. Read the Translation along with synonyms. Because, some of the meanings in the translation is different from the synonyms. I am not complaining. But, when you write like a sentence you have to some words in some order. That what in some places it is done. As Indians we can understand some sanskrit word's true meaning and apply it to the translation. ISKCON translations are marvelous. But, as I mentioned do not jump into the commentary or purport portion in the beginning. Try to create your own meaning with the help of Synonyms and Translation. In case if you cannot understand go to the purport and read. The reason is most of the Purports are ISKCON conscious. Their purpose is right. But, in my opinion it distorts the true meaning.

 

I compiled some of the philosophical sloka's in Bagavatam for my future reading. If anybody wants I can send to them privately.

 

So, the TRUE KNOWLEDGE lies in GITA and BAGAVATAM.

 

Thanks

Solai Kannan

 

 

Narayan Iyer [narayaniyer]Friday, June 08, 2001 6:46 PMvarahamihira Subject: [Jaya Jagannath] Philosophical BooksOm Gurave NamahaPranaams Gurudeva,Would you please consider providing names of some important philosophical books and their authors, which will aid all of us in our mission. There are lot of books on Puranas, Bhagavatam, Manu Smriti etc, but which ones are authentic in their translation.Your SisyaNarayanOM TAT SATArchive: varahamihiraInfo: varahamihira/info.html