An Enchanting, Intriguing and Exciting Journey into the Past

During the A2Z challenge 2021 organized by Blogchatter, even as I was busy participating, I took  time to quickly read the posts of fellow bloggers. As you enjoy reading them, you realize there are a couple of  topics given their content and depth, need to be read in a focused manner devoting a lot more time to them. "The beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts" written by Durga Prasad Dash is one such book that I took my time to read and now have the pleasure to review. In his foreword, the author has made clear his intention to discuss various genres of literature in the language as there is a general perception that Sanskrit literature is all about spirituality.  

Starting with a chapter on the immortal lexicon/dictionary or the Amarakosha compiled by the writer Amara, the book  goes on to discuss diverse subjects such as literature (Bhaja Govindam, Gita Govindam,  Kamasutra, Mrichakatikam to name a few), holistic health (Charaka samhita), legal provisions on women's empowerment (Dayabhaga), guidelines on body postures and breathing exercises (Hatha yoga pradeepika), astrology/astronomy (Jyothisha), contribution to mathematics ( Ones and zeroes), Tharka sasthra (the culture of the argumentative Indian) , various types of vidya (knowledge) and many more! 

This is a book that is educative, informative and entertaining at the same time giving us plenty of small snippets from the life of yore. Let us look at some of them: 

• Verses are easier to remember; Charaka Samhita ( Treatise on holistic health) has detailed prescriptions which can be easily recalled by the vaidya (doctor) as it is in verse. 
• While giving prescriptions, Charaka Samhita gives equal importance to preventive health- examines physical, psychological and spiritual sources of diseases and well being.  
• Women's right to inheritance has been compared and contrasted between Bengal & Assam on the one side (Dayabhaga school of thought) and the rest of India (Mitakshara school). Even in those times viz 11th century India, the Dayabhaga school recognized the right of widow to inherit husband's property.
• The Upanishads contains discussions about the reality and the ultimate goals of human life. Since they come towards the end of the vedas, they are also known as vedantas. Information is given in more detail about the Eesha Upanishad while providing basic information about other upanishads and all the sources of knowledge and information of ancient times including Ithihaasa, Purana and texts pertaining to development of skills such as Natya (dance),  Vaastu (property), krishi (agriculture), Shilpa ( Sculpting) etc. 
• The book also enlightens us about the plays of those times which were mostly written in verses. The author has picked up works of writers other than the famous Kalidasa for discussion so that readers get to know of other writers such as Sudraka and Bhasha. After reading the chapter on the play Mrichakatikam"  the reader will be enthused to check out the film version "Utsav" Starring Rekha, Shekar Suman and Shashi Kapoor for its interesting story line, twists and turns.

 Although I had seen it when it was first released in 1984, I look forward to watching it once again on you tube. One lesser known work of Kalidasa with a unique theme Ritu Samhara is included in the book providing information on the various flowers that bloomed in ancient India during the six seasons. 

• Those interested in the regaling stories of Panchatantra can get more information in the book. I was happy to learn that Chandamama, a children's magazine that used to publish these stories when we were growing up is back with a website where you can get access to all of those old issues. 
• We get to read about the Kamasutra of sage Vatsyayana (400 BC- 300 AD) that discusses two types of Kama- the ordinary and the special and is also very revealing in the sense it is interesting to note that our ancestors were lot more liberal in their approach to sex and its practice as a science. 
• The diverse subjects discussed in this  short book is mind boggling. Even as art, health, seasons etc. are discussed, the chapters on Uddhava Gita, Yog Vasishta and Varieties of Vidya discuss  more serious aspects of life such as pursuing 'Para' Vidya, a knowledge beyond /developing higher consciousness. It does not mean 'Apara' vidya, knowledge about worldly needs is not addressed as  we discussed earlier in this post.   
• It is after reading the book that I came to know that the  'Sutra' is a cryptic statement/ telegraphic comment which is both its strength (could be written easily on the leaves at that time)  and limitation (need help from an expert to understand). similarly, I became aware of the role of 'Stuti'  (verses in praise of deity) in providing positive auto suggestions that can create positive vibes in a person even without him/her being aware of it.     

 "The beauty of Sanskrit Language and Texts" was for me a very comprehensive book that took me on an enchanting journey into the past on returning from where I feel more enlightened, informed and proud of our country's contribution in various fields since ancient times. The author has done a big service in that youngsters can now get reliable, balanced information on a very important subject. Most information these days are from the What's app university, half baked, evoking jingoism rather than a quiet, dignified pride. 

To my mind, every Indian should be reading this book. The author has successfully achieved what he set out to do, dispel the ignorance and bring alive for the readers  " the beauty, vastness and depth of the Sanskrit language and literature"  

You can download the book for free Here  

I also participated in the # Blogchatter Carnival 2021( can access at the link)