Hindi Book Club

The Mahābhārata

Entering The Jungle of 100 Texts

Snakes Hatching By Jim Mahoney The Mahābhārata has been called an epic, perhaps a "library" would more accurately portray the vast array of poetry, stories, incantations, metaphysics, philosophy, violence, love, purity, impurity, the divine, the devas, the Snakes, the battles, the Pāndavas, and perhaps much of human experience itself for many people throughout time. A vast work, that I approach for the first time like a jungle, having only read portions before in the form of the Bhagavad-Gita, the Anugita, and the Sanatsugitaya. The preface, introduction, translation and editing was performed by J.A.B. van Buitenen.

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Review of "The Middle Length Discourse of The Buddha"

A Translation by Bhikku Nanamoli and Bhikku Bohdi

The last post focused on a small collection of thematic material as selected, translated and annotated by Bhikku Bodhi. This week's article focuses on a much larger work of the Nikayas themselves. The Majjhima Nikaya, translated by Bhikku Bohdi and Bhikku Nanamoli as The Middle Length Discourses represents a large portion of the Tripitaka, or "Three Baskets", of teachings as presented by Buddhist practitioners through the Pali language (a precursor to Hindi). These works represent the teachings of Gautama Buddha as best remembered by his followers and constitute the earliest recordings of these teachings.

A Review of "In The Buddha's Words"

An Exploration Review

In The Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon was compiled, edited and arranged by the Bhikkhu Bodhi. His division of the work compiles ten thematic sections that range throughout the words and ideas of Gautama Buddha recorded in the ancient Hindi dialect of Pali. It is important to note that Gautama Buddha wrote none of these works, and that his words, stories, and instructions were memorized and transmitted orally from one generation to the next eventually over the course of time they were written down.

The "Anugita"

An Exploration Review

The Anugita together with the Sanatsugatiya and Bhagavad-Gita form three of the songs that were at once distinct compositions and also formed a portion that would be assimilated into the vast Maharabharata. The Anugita is the final installment in the this particular volume translated by Kashinath Trimbak Telang. It is longer than the Sanatsugatiya though not as long as the Bhagavad-Gita.

This Gita opens much as the other Gitas do with one of the characters asking for an exposition and answers to various questions that they have in mind. Seeming somewhat reluctant, the Brahmin and others begin the expositions. What is distinct about the Anugita is the much more prevalent use of simile, metaphor, and allegory. Stories and traditions are given a much higher place as well, and remain encapsulated within the dialogue. The poetic and prose images conveyed by the speakers are the strongest here in this particular Gita.

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Sanatsugatiya, The "Sequel" to the Bhagavad-Gita

A Different Perspective

The Sanatsugatiya constitutes a portion of the Mahabharata as well as its own separate work. This work is certainly not as well known or as popular as the Bhagavad-Gita. It is a literary follow-up however to the Bhagavad-Gita, and picks up the thread of the narrative in this national Hindi Epic in a grand fashion. It is a very short work, amounting to only a few chapters and perhaps some hundred pages. Dialogue is one of the favorite motifs, or vehicles, for the writers of the Mahabharata. In this way, the works are somewhat similar to the works we find in Plato, and other philosophical writings that use a dialogue or story format in order to convey the essence of their message. This particular dialogue follows that schematic for conversation with questions and answers issued with great authority.

Bhagvad-gita, A Book Review

Coming From A Different Perspective

There are numerous translations of the Bhagvad-gita and one of those particular translations came into my hands just a few days ago. "The Sacred Books of The East" series edited by F. Max Müller and first published by Clarendon Press, in 1882. It is actually one of the oldest and largest translations series of the past. It includes the Bhagvad-gita and other sacred texts translated ino the English language and additionally it is presented by some very distinguished scholars of the past.

My First Book of Hindi Words

When it comes to language, they say immersion is best. Having one adult at home speak it at all times can really help speed the learning process along, as well as make it more natural for the child to grasp. Of course, keeping it simple and conversational also helps; you aren’t going to read El Juego de Angel when you first begin reading Spanish, of course!

When it comes to learning Hindi, My First Book of Hindi Words is a perfect introduction to Hindi for non-native speakers—both children and adults. My daughter and I are both fans of the “My First Book of…” series, and we have a copy of the Spanish version at home. What’s so wonderful about these books is that they all feature practical, real-life photos rather than caricatures or illustrations, and everything is organized by a two-page layout rather than a boring dictionary format.

The Great Oom in American didn't come from anywhere in the Middle East

It came from Iowa.

When most people think of yoga—even yoga in America—they think of it as something Eastern, transported to this country on the backs of Hindu yogis with sitars in their packs. Think again. Robert Love’s The Great Oom: The Improbable Birth of Yoga in America tells the story of Perry Baker, a small-town Iowan, who unexpectedly studied the ancient practice with an Indian yoga instructor named Sylvais Hamati living in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1890. The rest is oom history. Baker changed his name to Pierre Bernard, created yoga studios in San Francisco, Seattle and New York and involved himself with the seedier uses of backbends and leg lifts. Needless to say he started a revolution, but a revolution with fewer Hindu influences than most American yogis probably would expect.

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is [Hardcover]

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Amazon is offerin Bhagavad-Gita As It Is [Hardcover] by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for only $10.17 with FREE shipping if you spend over $25 or have Amazon Prime.

Bhagavad-gita As It Is is the largest-selling, most widely used edition of the Gita in the world.

Special Features

* Original Sanskrit text
* English equivalents for each Sanskrit word
* Elaborate commentary
* Complete glossary
* Complete verse index
* Complete subject index
* High readability
* Profuse full-color illustrations Read more about Bhagavad-Gita As It Is [Hardcover]

My Hindi Vowels Book

Learning Hindi - one vowel at a time.

Are you wanting your children to learn a second language? Is that language, by any chance - Hindi? If so, you should pick up the My Hindi vowels Book. The My Hindi Vowels Book is a fun way for children learn Hindi vowels - which will eventually make it easier for them to learn the language.

This book is not just for kid, either - grownups can use it to. You need to have a foundation before you can build a house, right? Think of the vowels as that foundation and you (or your children) will be on their way to learning Hindi in no time! Read more about My Hindi Vowels Book

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