The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel About the Early Years of Lord Krishna
Title: The Supreme Mystic - A Biographical Novel About the Early Years of Lord Krishna
Author: Amal Bhakta
Publisher: Turnkey Press (A Krishna Productions Book)
Category: Biography / Religion
342 pages; ISBN: 0-9744668-1-6
Rating: 8/10
"The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book.
Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc. better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa.
The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting.
This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra.
Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.
The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced.
This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.
I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World.
Author: Amal Bhakta
Publisher: Turnkey Press (A Krishna Productions Book)
Category: Biography / Religion
342 pages; ISBN: 0-9744668-1-6
Rating: 8/10
"The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book.
Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc. better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa.
The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting.
This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra.
Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.
The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced.
This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.
I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World.
posted by S.V.Swamy | 8:23 PM
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