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Song Raaga Parthasarathe Bhim Plas Vanamali Krishna Muraree Chakravaakam Engene Varum Me Charukesi Oru Mukham Maathram Bhairav Neelopala
Nayana
Yeman Kalyani
Varumo Thozi Varumo Bhim Plas Anaadhayakkarutfile Malkauns Venkatachalapathe Poorvi To Thee Who Stole (English) Orchestration: Keyboard, Flute Veena, Tabla, Idakka, Ganjira Percussion, Guitar |
"So often ashram kirtan CDs are cut with the greatest of sincerity, but the results are disappointing.
Vanamali's CD is an exception, one of the best I've heard.
The musical accompaniment is superb, and Ma's voice is haunting and evocative. I just love it!"
Linda Johnsen, author of Daughters-of-the-Goddess and The-Living-Goddess
A New Book From Vanamali!
Lilas of the Sons of Shiva
Legends of Lords Ganesh, Subramainam, and Ayyappan
In this book, Vanamall has given us a
fascinating glimpse into the Illas of the three
sons of Shiva. This is a captivating book for
all those who are interested in knowing the
esoteric secrets of Hindu gods.
Shiva and his sons are all aspects of the
great electromagnetic forces that control
life. Shiva is the source of all energies. He is
the nuclear energy underlying the
subatomic particles. At the very core of
matter Shiva whirls in his cosmic dance as
Nataraj'a. Ganesha is the god of gravity
which is the base of all ordinary existence.
Kartikeya is the power of the electro-
magnetic field. His spear signifies the
elemental forces of thunder and lightning.
Ayyappa is the force of love as the supreme
power which is capable of uniting
humanity.
Ganesha symbolises the idea of the
emergence of life from earth and the
unfolding of consciousness from matter.
His dual form of animal and human
indicates a sublime theme, which points
out to us that we too can aspire to a
supramental level even though we have
evolved from the animal. The stories of
Ganesha, Kartikeya and Shasta are all part
of Puranic literature and they cater to the
multifaceted intellect of the human being
who craves for different expressions of the
godhead.
ISBN: 978-81-7305-342-9
Hardcover 299pages
Lilas of the Sons of Shiva
Contents:
Foreword
I
Introduction I X7
Introduction II xxvii
L.GANESHA 1
Chapter One Sumukha 3
Chapter Two Ekadanta 8
Chapter Three Kapfla 14
Chapter Four Gajakarna 21
Chapter Five Lambodara 28
Chapter Six Vikata 38
Chapter Seven Vighnaraja 45
Chapter Eight Vinayaka 55
Chapter Nine Dhumraketu 62
Chapter Ten Ganadyaksha 67
Chapter Eleven Phalachandra 71
Chapter Twelve Gajanana 75
Chapter Thirteen Vakratunda 81
Chapter Fourteen Shurpakama 90
2. KARTIICEYA 97
Chapter One Skanda 99
Chapter Two Shanmukha 106
Chapter Three Subramanya 112
Chapter Four Parvati Nandana 117
Chapter Five Kumara 123
Chapter Six Guha 128
Chapter Seven Mahasena 137
Chapter Eight Devascnapati 142
Chapter Nine Umasuta 151
Chapter Ten Gangeya 160
Chapter Eleven Veleyudha 164
Chapter Twelve Swaminathan 173
3. DHARMA SHASTA 183
Chapter One Hari Hara Putra 185
Chapter Two Bhootanatha 189
Chapter Three Vishwamohana 195
Chapter Four Ayyan 201
Chapter Five Manikandan 205
Chapter Six Mahisi-Mardaka 211
Chapter Seven Taraka Brahman 220
Chapter Fight Ayyappan 227
Chapter Nine Ayyanar 238
Chapter Ten Sabareesha 248
Chapter Eleven Srikanta 253
Chapter Twelve Saranagati 261
Chapter Thirteen Dharmaatina 269
In Praise of the Sons 277
Glossery of Sanskrit Terms 281
Glossery of Names of Ganesha 292
Ganesha Mantras in Chapter Order 293
Glossery of Names of Kartikeya 294
Kartikeya Mantras in Chapter Order 295
Glossery of Names of Dhamla Shasta 296
Ayyappa Mantras in Chapter Order 297
Bibliography 299
Introduction I X7
Introduction II xxvii
L.GANESHA 1
Chapter One Sumukha 3
Chapter Two Ekadanta 8
Chapter Three Kapfla 14
Chapter Four Gajakarna 21
Chapter Five Lambodara 28
Chapter Six Vikata 38
Chapter Seven Vighnaraja 45
Chapter Eight Vinayaka 55
Chapter Nine Dhumraketu 62
Chapter Ten Ganadyaksha 67
Chapter Eleven Phalachandra 71
Chapter Twelve Gajanana 75
Chapter Thirteen Vakratunda 81
Chapter Fourteen Shurpakama 90
2. KARTIICEYA 97
Chapter One Skanda 99
Chapter Two Shanmukha 106
Chapter Three Subramanya 112
Chapter Four Parvati Nandana 117
Chapter Five Kumara 123
Chapter Six Guha 128
Chapter Seven Mahasena 137
Chapter Eight Devascnapati 142
Chapter Nine Umasuta 151
Chapter Ten Gangeya 160
Chapter Eleven Veleyudha 164
Chapter Twelve Swaminathan 173
3. DHARMA SHASTA 183
Chapter One Hari Hara Putra 185
Chapter Two Bhootanatha 189
Chapter Three Vishwamohana 195
Chapter Four Ayyan 201
Chapter Five Manikandan 205
Chapter Six Mahisi-Mardaka 211
Chapter Seven Taraka Brahman 220
Chapter Fight Ayyappan 227
Chapter Nine Ayyanar 238
Chapter Ten Sabareesha 248
Chapter Eleven Srikanta 253
Chapter Twelve Saranagati 261
Chapter Thirteen Dharmaatina 269
In Praise of the Sons 277
Glossery of Sanskrit Terms 281
Glossery of Names of Ganesha 292
Ganesha Mantras in Chapter Order 293
Glossery of Names of Kartikeya 294
Kartikeya Mantras in Chapter Order 295
Glossery of Names of Dhamla Shasta 296
Ayyappa Mantras in Chapter Order 297
Bibliography 299
Vanamali Hindu World Heritage Lila Library Seven enlightening books illuminating the heart of the wisdom of the Sanatana Dharma Set Includes: Sri Krishna Lila Sri Rama Lila Sri Shiva Lila Sri Devi Lila Lilas of the Sons of Shiva Srimad Bhagavad Gita Nitya Yoga Bonus ! Free ! Musical CD Vanamali Love Songs (a $134.00 value) Only $108.00 + ( $50 Airmail Shipping... 21 to 35 days) Only $108.00 + ( $25 Seamail Shipping... 6 to 12 weeks) Special Offer: Donate the Vanamali Hindu World Heritage Library to your school or temple library: Only $98. each set. Only $98. + ( $50 Airmail Shipping... 21 to 35 days) Only $98. + ( $25 Seamail Shipping... 6 to 12 weeks) |
Sri Devi Lila
The Play of The Divine Mother
Preface by Swami Kriyananda, Ananda Community
2006; pp xxiv + 324; Size 16cm x 23cm; ISBN-81-7035-304-9
8 Color Illustrations
One of the most
comprehensive and fascinating books on the mystery of the Divine
Mother,
written in a clear lucid style which can be easily grasped by everyone.
Mathaji demystifies the Mystery by explaining the symbolism and allegory of the legends of Bharat Mata (Mother India).
This book takes us on an ancient quest to unravel the mystery of the Divine Mother in all her manifold aspects.
A unique blend of profound erudition and sublime devotion.
This book is destined to become a classic!
written in a clear lucid style which can be easily grasped by everyone.
Mathaji demystifies the Mystery by explaining the symbolism and allegory of the legends of Bharat Mata (Mother India).
This book takes us on an ancient quest to unravel the mystery of the Divine Mother in all her manifold aspects.
A unique blend of profound erudition and sublime devotion.
This book is destined to become a classic!
Sri Devi Lila The Play of The Divine Mother Our first relationship in the world is through the mother. The Earliest memory of any person is that of clinging to the mother's breast and looking into her love-filled eyes. The comfort and security, which the infant gains from this relationship, lasts with him all his life. In the mother is centered a whole world of tenderness, comfort and sustenance. To transfer this concept to a cosmic being was a natural step, which all the ancient cultures took. Therefore the concept of the Divine as the Mother is as old as life itself. Devi is the Divine Mother, the eternal womb of all creatures- human, sub-human and animal. She cradles her children in her loving arms, suckles them and nurtures them with her infinite love. Wherever you see maternal love, in a bird or animal or human, know that to be the love of the Devi for her children, for she is the universal mother. This book takes us on ancient quest to unravel the mystery of the Divine Mother in all her manifold aspects. From the Jacket: How do I love thee? Countless are the ways. From the tumultuous locks on thy forehead, To the tips of they lotus feet. Drenched am I in the radiance of thy form. Thy arched brows thy shell-like ears, Thy upper lip of exquisite beauty, The lower one- a treasure trove of desire. Soft and sweet like the petals of a rose. Thy determined chin, Thy slender neck, Thy golden breasts, The tinkling bells around thy waist, Above all thy doe-like eyes melting with love, Holding my own in thrall. O Queen of Desire- Kameswari, Accept this gift of love, Filled with the wondrous tales of thy glory, Timidly I lay this book, This holy book, At thy golden feet, My humble offering of love. Reviews: This is one of the most comprehensive and fascinating books on the mystery of the Divine Mother, written in a clear lucid style which can be easily grasped by everyone. Swami Devananda Rishikesh The Devi is synonymous with Shakti or divine power that manifests sustains and transforms the universe into one unified form of existence. Shakti has all the attributes of the Supreme- Power, Knowledge and Omniscience. They cannot be separated. They are like fire and heat. Worship of Devi is not sectarian. It is applicable to everyone. Swami Shivananda (Divine Life Society) Rishikesh Sri
Devi Lila
The Play of The Divine Mother
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations Introduction 1 Prakriti 2 Parameshwari 3 Maha Devi 4 Rajarajeshwari 5 Maheswari 6 Parashakti 7 Lalitha 8 Tripurasundari 9 Kameswari 10 Durga 11 Chandika 12 Mahishasura Mardini 13 Chamunda 14 Sati 15 Dakshaayini 16 Paravati 17 Aparna 18 Gauri 19 Ganga 20 Maha kaali 21 Maha lakshmi 22 Maha Saraswati 23 Radha 24 Tulasi 25 Sita 26 Savitri 27 Shivaduti 28 Adi Shakti 29 Samashan Tara 30 Narayani 31 Devi Kundalini 32 Shivani Glossary of Sanskrit Terms Scriptures Names of Gods Names of Demons Names of Goddess Mantras Bibliography
US Edition of Sri Devi Lila In Bookstores Now! Shakti Realm of the Divine Mother  ISBN-13: 978-1-59477-199-6 ISBN: 1-59477-199-5 Publisher: Inner Traditions Books   |
Bhagavad Gita Explained
|
Bhagavad Gita Explained
|
 |
| Talks by Vanamali Devi
of Rishikesh, India |
| These
talks were video-recorded live in an ashram near Rishikesh,
Uttaranchal, India in August of 2005. Mathaji has conducted these
classes for a number of years, but this is the first time that they can
be shared with all who are drawn to explore the deeper mysteries of
Bhagavad Gita. by Gyandevi Fuller, for Vanamali Devi Copyright 2005 Vanamali Devi |
DVD 1 INTRODUCTION
Ch. 1 Truth Ch. 2 Dharma Ch. 3 Non-Violence YOGA OF WISDOM Ch. 4 Who am I? Ch. 5 Introspection Ch. 6 Perfect Knowledge Ch. 7 Life and Death YOGA OF ACTION Ch. 8 Knowledge Through Action DVD 2 Ch. 9 Reincarnation Ch. 10 Satsang Ch. 11 Power of Thought Ch. 12 All These Objects Ch. 13 Fire Ceremony Ch. 14 Be an Instrument Ch. 15 Attitude |
DVD 3 Ch. 16 More About Karma
Ch. 17 Avatar Ch. 18 Acceptance Ch. 19 Control Your Mind Ch. 20 Offering Ch. 21 Three Words Ch. 22 Renunciation Ch. 23 Sannyas DVD 4 BHAKTI YOGA Ch. 24 Path of Devotion Ch. 25 Devotee Types Ch. 26 Constant Communion Ch. 27 Form and formless |
Sri Krishna Lila
The Play of God
2000;
pp 432; Size 16cm x 23cm; ISBN-81-7035-181-X
8 Color Illustrations
8 Color Illustrations
Hard Cover
Paperback
The Complete life of Bhagavan Sri Krishna.
Editorial Reviews
"Highly
recommended as a fresh and readable presentation, in
English, of the life and meaning of Krishna."
Library Journal. David Bourquin
"This is a valuable treasure to be cherished."
Swami Chidanada, Divine Life Society
Just as the call of Krishna's heavenly flute is irresistibly attractive, so this book will enchant and uplift its readers.
Amazon Customer Reviews:
Delight in God's Play, Natalie Brown (San Diego, Ca.
USA)
This book is a delight. Although I possessed little knowledge of either Krishna or Indian spirituality before reading it, I finished the captivating story feeling happily enriched and awakened to a broader conception of what `God' and `divinity' represent to me. More than just the traditional Western view of God as an old man or "heavenly father," divinity expresses itself in the form of a playful child, a friend, a warrior, a lover, (and, ultimately, in everything and everyone.) No figure better illustrates this conception of the divine- or God-within than the wonderfully vital and vibrant Krishna, who is all of the above and more. Each chapter of this book, which is a chronicle of the eventful life of Krishna, is an engaging adventure. Whether taken as allegorical or historical, the tales that comprise Krishna's biography are not unlike Biblical stories in that they have a timeless relevance to the human experience. They are relayed, due to the evocative writing of author Devi Vanamali, in a joyful and celebratory, rather than stodgy or dry, tone. Vanamali is an unfussy yet faintly flowery writer who clearly rejoices in and excels at lively, magical descriptions. As a baby, Krishna has "rose-petal feet." When he plays his enchanted flute as a boy, the mesmerized "calves stand pinned to the spot, forgetting even to swallow the milk and eat the grass in their mouths, fixing their gaze on Him as if they would drink Him in through their eyes."
This is the ideal book from which to read a chapter each night with your beloved or even your child. The rich, colorful prose, the journeys, battles, beauty and infallible love present in the story will captivate anyone, regardless of their spiritual or religious background. Its chief asset, however, is neither the engaging writing nor the many adventures, but in the underlying message that the hero's existence-be it real or invented- embodies. Doesn't everyone, no matter what their role in this life may be, contain within them an essence or aspect of the divine? Another widely loved religious figure, seemingly aeons apart from Krishna, is reported to have said, "The Kingdom of God is all around, but men do not see it." This book is a treasure that helps to open our eyes to and delight in that often unseen divinity (Kingdom) of which Jesus spoke, which both encompasses and is all things and people. In one of her more prosaic moments, Vanamali writes, "The melody (of Krishna's flute) was the call of the finite to the infinite, and it awoke the chords in even the most sluggish hearts and made them yearn for union with the infinite, which is the hidden desire of every heart. This yearning is present in every human being, but sometimes we are too engrossed in the world or too poor of understanding to know what it is. Sometimes a touch, a glance, or a word spoken by some great sage is enough to loosen our bonds and open our eyes, and then our heart leaps forward to meet its maker." For some, this book may be just such an illuminating "word." For others it will be pure, escapist enjoyment. For myself, it was both.
The
many faces of the Divine, April 25, 2004, Anyechka (Rensselaer, NY United
States)
I read this book at the age of twenty-two, having been deeply interested in Eastern religions (including Hinduism) since studying them in my Global Studies class at age fourteen. This book reawakened my interest in Hinduism, particularly the Krishna sect. Vishnu had always been my favorite of the three major Hindu gods, since he preserves life, so it was a real treat to read a book about his eighth and greatest/most popular avatar. Most people in the Western world are used to imagining God (who is incorporeal anyway, anthropomorphisms aside) as an old man and stern judge and king, but the Krishna story teaches one how to relate to the Divine on so many other different levels. The people in Krishna's life see him as a baby, sneaky little boy, lover, dear friend, guardian and savior of his village in boyhood, young cowherd, daring hero, father, husband, grandfather, warrior, charioteer, teacher, bestower of enlightenment, brother, grandfather, godfather, uncle, and the list goes on and on. Viewing him in these multifaceted ways is so much more emotional and personal a view of the Divine than the tired old image in the West of a stern old man with a long white beard and golden trident. And unlike Christians and their belief in Jesus, the author, Ms. Vanamali, says that Hindus would hardly care if it came to be shown that Krishna as an actual historical person did not exist and he were just a myth or wild elaboration on an important figure who really did exist those thousands of years ago in ancient India.
It's what Krishna taught, what he represents, that matters, not whether these beautiful lessons came from a real man who lived long ago in the past, a man whose life story has become mostly the work of myth, or someone who is entirely a fictitious creation. Vishnu decided to take on this avatar for the same reason he always decides to take on a human (or earlier, animal) avatar-not to try to save the world and to redeem humanity from sinning, but to help people, to teach them, to be a hero when a very horrible time is upon the world and they need someone to get rid of that evil (in this instance, Krishna's evil uncle Kamsa, and in the incarnation just prior to Krishna, the horrible demon king Ravana).I find it really beautiful, touching, and true what Krishna says to his dear friend Arjuna during the course of the sermon which has come to be known as the Bhagavad Gita. He, Krishna, Vishnu, has many names and forms to many different people; one need not be a Hindu to properly worship him or to find enlightenment. However one sees the Divine, be it Krishna, Jesus, the Tao, Great Spirit, the Goddess, the traditional Western view of God, kanji, local spirits, a special rock, even the broader realms of Nature or Science, is how he will come to that person, and in that guise he is being worshipped. Krishna acknowledges that there are many paths to him, none of them incorrect if approached with a pure and devout heart. If only more people would care to learn this beautiful ancient story, there might be less religious intolerance and bigotry in the world and more love and understanding. If God can understand that all of these different religions ultimately lead up to the same Divinity, then why can't ordinary human beings?
Very well written,"ravi_dev" (Fort Worth, TX
United States)
This book is one of the most well written books I have read in a while. It covers the entire life of Lord Krishna in one place while also covering all relevant aspects of the War (the precursors leading upto the war, the conduct of the war and the aftermath of the war). The information contained in the book is nothing new, (people familiar with the great epic of Mahabharata already know the plot, the principal characters, etc.). Yet, when I was reading it, as I finished each chapter, I could not wait to read the next chapter (knowing very well what would happen next). That is how powerfully this book is written. However I give it 4 and not 5 stars because, the final few chapters are more abstract (indeed as can be expected of any profound discourse material, as the chapters contain) and do not maintain the same tempo or grip as the earlier chapters do. Familiarity with (at least) the principal names and characters of the Mahabharata is highly recommended before reading this book.
Bhagavan Krishna devotee, Saurav B. Prasad (Lorton, VA
United States)
This is an excellent book and I recommend it to others. It's written in a very emotional way, which reflects the love the author has for Bhagavan Krishna. It also has a good glossary in the back for those who are unfamiliar with specific terms. I'm a strong devotee of Bhagavan Krishna and I adhere to His words in the Bhagavad Gita. I wanted to find out about His life and this book has given me an excellent background.
Saintly Author writes about a
wonderful God.,"knightz" (FLEETWOOD, Lancashire
UK)
It irks me to have to give any book about lord Krishna just 4 stars. Especially when written with such skill and poetry by a saintly and wonderful devotee. I am forced to drop a star simply because the author has fallen into the Diety is ultimately formless trap. Yet again another aspirant who hasn't yet grasped the unbecoming nature of absolute reality. (Ie does not change, devolve or evolve). God in the supernal realms did not become form, nor were the eternal realms constructed or created. Never mind I am sure that the Author Devi Vanamali will achieve the highest spiritual heights, her devotion to the wonderful primal Lord Krishna is clear and unmistakable. There can be no fault in such a person, they are already liberated.
A
Must Read For Everyone Seeking God, October 13, 2000
Reviewer: darkambient (Lawrenceville, GA USA) - See all my reviews
The Play Of God is not just for Hindus, but is for anyone interested in seeing a new, playful, joyous and loving side of God. The author reveals the easiest path to God is through discovering him in your heart and clinging to him in joy and love --- not through rituals or philosophy. All of this is conveyed through the wonderful stories of Krishna's (the Hindu Christ)mischevious childhood and his adulthood as the warrior-king of the Mahabharata epic. It is impossible not to love this book.
Krishna's earthly
sojourn told with remarkable clarity, October 6, 1999
Reviewer: Anish Patel (anish18@hotmail.com) (California) - See all my reviews
Vanamali's experential knowledge of the divine source is obvious and her loving relationship with the Supreme is relayed in a understandable style, and with deep devotion. Into this well may we fall, only to be caught by the outstretched arms of His floating lotus leaves. This book encompasses His entire incarnation, displaying His cosmic dance as the observer and the Master. The book expands our ideas about Divinity and elevates our minds to higher levels of consciousness for all spiritual seekers.
A MUST READ FOR ALL
HINDUS, December 30, 1998
Reviewer: A reader
Devi Vanamali has done an ecxellent job. Finally all hindus can access the life of Shri Krishna through this remarkable book.
Read
this book and fall in love, December 14, 1998
Reviewer: Govind Rajesh (Yonkers, NY USA) - See all my reviews
Presents Krishna as He is to the reader, giving a complete and uncut picture of his entire life as it is found in the principal Hindu scriptures. A must read for any student of Spirituality, Hinduism or India. The best source to understand Sri Krishna in all his totality I have come across so far. Superbly written and, without a doubt, divinely inspired this book is the only one of its kind. No sectarianism or religious hard-sell of any kind, just pure spirituality at its best.
Sri Rama Lila
The Song of Rama: Visions of the Ramayana
Paperback
Library Journal. David Bourquin
"This is a valuable treasure to be cherished."
Swami Chidanada, Divine Life Society
Just as the call of Krishna's heavenly flute is irresistibly attractive, so this book will enchant and uplift its readers.
Never before has the complete life of Krishna been told in a way that is so engaging and understandable, yet so faithful to the ancient epics of India. Spiritual seekers of all traditions will find inspiration and revitalized faith in these pages.
The Play of God is the account of a spiritual phenomenon. It describes the extraordinary manifestation of the divine that was Krishna, the playful and enchantingly beautiful deity who epitomizes the highest principles of India's spiritual vision. While the usual Western image of God as father or monarch is represented in this story, readers will also find here much more -- a refreshing and powerful picture of God as child, playmate, lover, friend, and teacher. They will discover how India conceived the most intimate and joyous experience of God, using the seductive metaphor of the Divine Beloved. What is evoked here is not a religion of moral law and stern obligation, but a spirituality of joy and true desire, love and beauty, contemplation and inner awakening.
This life of Krishna expands our concept of divinity and raises our thoughts to a higher spiritual plane. What does it mean to conceive of God as warrior and king? What does it mean to relate to the Infinite as friend or husband? Such experiences are vividly portrayed in these pages. We are uplifted as we contemplate the unlimited joy of the Eternal, appearing to us in a form combining beauty, strength, and irrepressible playfulness.
Just as the music from Krishna's heavenly flute is
irresistibly attractive, so this book will entrance its readers. Never
before has the complete life of Krishna been told in a way that is so
engaging and understandable, yet so faithful to the ancient epics of
India.
"The Play of God" describes
the extraordinary manifestation of the Eternal in the realm of time
that occurred in Krishna, the playful and enchantingly beautiful Deity
who embodies the highest truths of India's spiritual wisdom. While the
typical Western image of God as Father and Monarch figures in this
story, readers will find here powerful visions of God as child,
playmate, friend, and teacher. Further, they will discover that India
conceived the most intimate and joyous experience of God in the
fascinating metaphor of the Divine Beloved. What is evoked here is not
a religion of moral law and stern obligation, but a spirituality of joy
and true desire, love and beauty, contemplation and inner awakening.
"Hari Aum.
Dear Devi Vanamali ji, I have read your book - The Play of God -
Visions of Sri Krishna. It is
one of the most wonderful books I have read in the recent years. Now I
have bought another one of your book - Devi Lila. I am yet to begin
reading it. Your narration is wonderful. It will evoke Faith and
Love in the God
even in the hearts of the so called atheists. For me, it created so
much of love that I did what I thought was impossible for me - learning
Vishnusahasranamam. Your book on Sri Krishna was the reason for me
learning that slokam. Thank you very much. I look forward to read many
of your books and teachings.
I need your blessings, Vanamali ji." -Nandini
Amazon Customer Reviews:
Delight in God's Play, Natalie Brown (San Diego, Ca.
USA)This book is a delight. Although I possessed little knowledge of either Krishna or Indian spirituality before reading it, I finished the captivating story feeling happily enriched and awakened to a broader conception of what `God' and `divinity' represent to me. More than just the traditional Western view of God as an old man or "heavenly father," divinity expresses itself in the form of a playful child, a friend, a warrior, a lover, (and, ultimately, in everything and everyone.) No figure better illustrates this conception of the divine- or God-within than the wonderfully vital and vibrant Krishna, who is all of the above and more. Each chapter of this book, which is a chronicle of the eventful life of Krishna, is an engaging adventure. Whether taken as allegorical or historical, the tales that comprise Krishna's biography are not unlike Biblical stories in that they have a timeless relevance to the human experience. They are relayed, due to the evocative writing of author Devi Vanamali, in a joyful and celebratory, rather than stodgy or dry, tone. Vanamali is an unfussy yet faintly flowery writer who clearly rejoices in and excels at lively, magical descriptions. As a baby, Krishna has "rose-petal feet." When he plays his enchanted flute as a boy, the mesmerized "calves stand pinned to the spot, forgetting even to swallow the milk and eat the grass in their mouths, fixing their gaze on Him as if they would drink Him in through their eyes."
This is the ideal book from which to read a chapter each night with your beloved or even your child. The rich, colorful prose, the journeys, battles, beauty and infallible love present in the story will captivate anyone, regardless of their spiritual or religious background. Its chief asset, however, is neither the engaging writing nor the many adventures, but in the underlying message that the hero's existence-be it real or invented- embodies. Doesn't everyone, no matter what their role in this life may be, contain within them an essence or aspect of the divine? Another widely loved religious figure, seemingly aeons apart from Krishna, is reported to have said, "The Kingdom of God is all around, but men do not see it." This book is a treasure that helps to open our eyes to and delight in that often unseen divinity (Kingdom) of which Jesus spoke, which both encompasses and is all things and people. In one of her more prosaic moments, Vanamali writes, "The melody (of Krishna's flute) was the call of the finite to the infinite, and it awoke the chords in even the most sluggish hearts and made them yearn for union with the infinite, which is the hidden desire of every heart. This yearning is present in every human being, but sometimes we are too engrossed in the world or too poor of understanding to know what it is. Sometimes a touch, a glance, or a word spoken by some great sage is enough to loosen our bonds and open our eyes, and then our heart leaps forward to meet its maker." For some, this book may be just such an illuminating "word." For others it will be pure, escapist enjoyment. For myself, it was both.
The
many faces of the Divine, April 25, 2004, Anyechka (Rensselaer, NY United
States)I read this book at the age of twenty-two, having been deeply interested in Eastern religions (including Hinduism) since studying them in my Global Studies class at age fourteen. This book reawakened my interest in Hinduism, particularly the Krishna sect. Vishnu had always been my favorite of the three major Hindu gods, since he preserves life, so it was a real treat to read a book about his eighth and greatest/most popular avatar. Most people in the Western world are used to imagining God (who is incorporeal anyway, anthropomorphisms aside) as an old man and stern judge and king, but the Krishna story teaches one how to relate to the Divine on so many other different levels. The people in Krishna's life see him as a baby, sneaky little boy, lover, dear friend, guardian and savior of his village in boyhood, young cowherd, daring hero, father, husband, grandfather, warrior, charioteer, teacher, bestower of enlightenment, brother, grandfather, godfather, uncle, and the list goes on and on. Viewing him in these multifaceted ways is so much more emotional and personal a view of the Divine than the tired old image in the West of a stern old man with a long white beard and golden trident. And unlike Christians and their belief in Jesus, the author, Ms. Vanamali, says that Hindus would hardly care if it came to be shown that Krishna as an actual historical person did not exist and he were just a myth or wild elaboration on an important figure who really did exist those thousands of years ago in ancient India.
It's what Krishna taught, what he represents, that matters, not whether these beautiful lessons came from a real man who lived long ago in the past, a man whose life story has become mostly the work of myth, or someone who is entirely a fictitious creation. Vishnu decided to take on this avatar for the same reason he always decides to take on a human (or earlier, animal) avatar-not to try to save the world and to redeem humanity from sinning, but to help people, to teach them, to be a hero when a very horrible time is upon the world and they need someone to get rid of that evil (in this instance, Krishna's evil uncle Kamsa, and in the incarnation just prior to Krishna, the horrible demon king Ravana).I find it really beautiful, touching, and true what Krishna says to his dear friend Arjuna during the course of the sermon which has come to be known as the Bhagavad Gita. He, Krishna, Vishnu, has many names and forms to many different people; one need not be a Hindu to properly worship him or to find enlightenment. However one sees the Divine, be it Krishna, Jesus, the Tao, Great Spirit, the Goddess, the traditional Western view of God, kanji, local spirits, a special rock, even the broader realms of Nature or Science, is how he will come to that person, and in that guise he is being worshipped. Krishna acknowledges that there are many paths to him, none of them incorrect if approached with a pure and devout heart. If only more people would care to learn this beautiful ancient story, there might be less religious intolerance and bigotry in the world and more love and understanding. If God can understand that all of these different religions ultimately lead up to the same Divinity, then why can't ordinary human beings?
Very well written,"ravi_dev" (Fort Worth, TX
United States)This book is one of the most well written books I have read in a while. It covers the entire life of Lord Krishna in one place while also covering all relevant aspects of the War (the precursors leading upto the war, the conduct of the war and the aftermath of the war). The information contained in the book is nothing new, (people familiar with the great epic of Mahabharata already know the plot, the principal characters, etc.). Yet, when I was reading it, as I finished each chapter, I could not wait to read the next chapter (knowing very well what would happen next). That is how powerfully this book is written. However I give it 4 and not 5 stars because, the final few chapters are more abstract (indeed as can be expected of any profound discourse material, as the chapters contain) and do not maintain the same tempo or grip as the earlier chapters do. Familiarity with (at least) the principal names and characters of the Mahabharata is highly recommended before reading this book.
Bhagavan Krishna devotee, Saurav B. Prasad (Lorton, VA
United States)This is an excellent book and I recommend it to others. It's written in a very emotional way, which reflects the love the author has for Bhagavan Krishna. It also has a good glossary in the back for those who are unfamiliar with specific terms. I'm a strong devotee of Bhagavan Krishna and I adhere to His words in the Bhagavad Gita. I wanted to find out about His life and this book has given me an excellent background.
Saintly Author writes about a
wonderful God.,"knightz" (FLEETWOOD, Lancashire
UK)It irks me to have to give any book about lord Krishna just 4 stars. Especially when written with such skill and poetry by a saintly and wonderful devotee. I am forced to drop a star simply because the author has fallen into the Diety is ultimately formless trap. Yet again another aspirant who hasn't yet grasped the unbecoming nature of absolute reality. (Ie does not change, devolve or evolve). God in the supernal realms did not become form, nor were the eternal realms constructed or created. Never mind I am sure that the Author Devi Vanamali will achieve the highest spiritual heights, her devotion to the wonderful primal Lord Krishna is clear and unmistakable. There can be no fault in such a person, they are already liberated.
A
Must Read For Everyone Seeking God, October 13, 2000Reviewer: darkambient (Lawrenceville, GA USA) - See all my reviews
The Play Of God is not just for Hindus, but is for anyone interested in seeing a new, playful, joyous and loving side of God. The author reveals the easiest path to God is through discovering him in your heart and clinging to him in joy and love --- not through rituals or philosophy. All of this is conveyed through the wonderful stories of Krishna's (the Hindu Christ)mischevious childhood and his adulthood as the warrior-king of the Mahabharata epic. It is impossible not to love this book.
Krishna's earthly
sojourn told with remarkable clarity, October 6, 1999Reviewer: Anish Patel (anish18@hotmail.com) (California) - See all my reviews
Vanamali's experential knowledge of the divine source is obvious and her loving relationship with the Supreme is relayed in a understandable style, and with deep devotion. Into this well may we fall, only to be caught by the outstretched arms of His floating lotus leaves. This book encompasses His entire incarnation, displaying His cosmic dance as the observer and the Master. The book expands our ideas about Divinity and elevates our minds to higher levels of consciousness for all spiritual seekers.
A MUST READ FOR ALL
HINDUS, December 30, 1998Reviewer: A reader
Devi Vanamali has done an ecxellent job. Finally all hindus can access the life of Shri Krishna through this remarkable book.
Read
this book and fall in love, December 14, 1998Reviewer: Govind Rajesh (Yonkers, NY USA) - See all my reviews
Presents Krishna as He is to the reader, giving a complete and uncut picture of his entire life as it is found in the principal Hindu scriptures. A must read for any student of Spirituality, Hinduism or India. The best source to understand Sri Krishna in all his totality I have come across so far. Superbly written and, without a doubt, divinely inspired this book is the only one of its kind. No sectarianism or religious hard-sell of any kind, just pure spirituality at its best.
Sri Rama Lila
The Song of Rama: Visions of the Ramayana
2000;
pp 304; Size 16cm x 23cm; ISBN-81-7035-180-1
7 Color Illustrations
Hardcover7 Color Illustrations
Paperback
"Meditate on the
long-armed Sri Ramachandra,
Who is cloud blue in color, has matted hair,
And is adorned with all accouterments.
Who wears the yellow clothes and is holding,
The bow and arrow and is sitting in a lotus pose.
His lotus petal eyes are turned to the left,
And are gazing at the lotus face of Sita."
The beauty of this book is that it is written by one who has great love and devotion for Sri Rama. It touches some subtle chords in the readers heart and makes him ecstatic. The more we read it, the more devotion we develop". Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, Anandashram, Kanhanghad
Another delight by Devi Vanamali,
August 13, 2001
Vanamali is a unique writer. She brings to life the story of the Ramayana in a readable form. She never forgets that this is a religious story, the story of one of the avatars of Vishnu, but she shows her religious feelings in a way that should not offend followers of other faiths. I found the story quite touching.
The Taste Divine
Indian Vegetarian Cooking the Natural Way
Vanamali
Who is cloud blue in color, has matted hair,
And is adorned with all accouterments.
Who wears the yellow clothes and is holding,
The bow and arrow and is sitting in a lotus pose.
His lotus petal eyes are turned to the left,
And are gazing at the lotus face of Sita."
The beauty of this book is that it is written by one who has great love and devotion for Sri Rama. It touches some subtle chords in the readers heart and makes him ecstatic. The more we read it, the more devotion we develop". Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, Anandashram, Kanhanghad
Another delight by Devi Vanamali,
August 13, 2001Vanamali is a unique writer. She brings to life the story of the Ramayana in a readable form. She never forgets that this is a religious story, the story of one of the avatars of Vishnu, but she shows her religious feelings in a way that should not offend followers of other faiths. I found the story quite touching.
Sri Rama Lila The Song of Rama: Visions of the Ramayana Foreward: by Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, Anandashram, Kanhanghad Contents 1. Bala
Kanda-Book of
Boyhood
Valmiki The Avatara 2. Ayodhya Kanda-Book of Ayodhya Impending Coronation Kaikeya Contrives The Banishment Bharata's Vow 3. Araynya Kanda- Book of the Forest The Forest Dwellers Panchavati The Night Rangers The Demon King The Golden Deer The Abduction of Sita Rama Bereft The Painful Trek 4. Kishkinda Kanda-Book of Kishkinda The Famous Encounter Pact with Sugriva The Search for Sita The Eagle's Counsel 5. Sundara Kanda- Book of Beauty Leap to Lanka The Ashoka Grov Hanuman's Wrath 6. Yuddha Kanda- Book of Battle March of the Causeweay to Lanka The Seige of Lanka The Mighty Battle Hanuman to the Rescue Indrajit The End of Ravana Trial by Fire Return to Ayodhya 7. Uttara Kanda- The Aftermath Sita Abondoned Dharma Triumphs Phalashruti Glossary of Sanskrit Terms Glossary of Names List of Mantras |
The Taste Divine
Indian Vegetarian Cooking the Natural Way
Vanamali
2001;
pp 138; Size 23cm x 18cm; ISBN-81-7035-206-9
8 Color Illustrations
8 Color Illustrations
Easy, simple, and delicious recipes based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
Intended to support a yogic lifestyle or for anyone who appreciates healthy, flavorful food.
This book is perhaps one of the few cookbooks which can be read with interest even by those who have no interest in cooking!
The reason is that the book does not merely cater to the palate but also to the spirit.
The author tries to project a new way of life rather than a few recipes.
Food is a necessary evil or a necessary delight, depending upon whether you eat to live or live to eat.
Whatever the choice, food would be doubly delightful it it was capable of evolving the individual at the same tie as giving delight in the mind.
This is why this book is unique since it endeavors to do both. It also shows us how food can be both tasty and healthy at the same time.
In olden times, children were named after Gods, so that each time we called them, unconsciously we world also be repeating a mantra.
Here many of the recipes are called after the names of Krishna and others, by various aspects of Yoga.
Just the repetition of these names would elevate our level of consciousness.
This is thus a cookbook with a difference.
The food in this book, not only tastes divine but it also gives us a taste, for the divine!
In addition to the recipes, the book contains a glossary of ingredients with their Hindi equivalents,
instruction for the preparation of certain essential items, and general information on cooking and equipment.
| Taste
Divine:
Table Of Contents Introduction
Preparation of
Essential Ingredients
1. Sadhana: Juices and Shakes 2. Gokul: Herbal Teas 3. Balakrishna Milk, Butter, Cream 4. Damodara: Salads 5. Manamohan: Salad Dressings and Sauces 6. Shyamasundara: Soups 7. Krishna: Chutneys and Pickles 8. Muralidhar: Bread 9. Chaitanya: Chepatis 10. Narayana: Rice Dishes 11. Nandakumar: Curries 12. Vishveshwara: Woked Vegetables 13. Poornanand: Sweets and Desserts 14. Vanamali: Special Dishes General Glossary Glossary of Hindi Terms Glossary of Sanskrit Recipe Names Index |
Sri Shiva Lila
BACK IN PRINT!
2002; pp 250; Size 16cm x 23cm; ISBN-81-7035-221-2
8
Color Illustrations
"Merely by listening to the story of Shiva, a person secures that merit which results
from the performance of a Rajasuya sacrifice and a hundred Agnistomas."
"In the age of Kali, there is no greater virtue conducive to the achievement of liberation,
than listening to the Shivapurana." Shiva Mahapurana
The
Shiva Mahapurana is said to
come from the mouth of Lord Shiva Himself.
It is an encyclopedia of various branches of knowledge and ancient esoteric wisdom,
handed down through the ages by the grace of the sages and rishis of this holy land.
It is arranged in seven samhitas and written in the Sanskrit language.
The rarest pearls are hidden in the depths of the ocean
and the most precious gems are embedded in the rocks.
One has to depend on someone to delve deep into the heart of the ocean
or chip off the encasing rocks to expose these treasures to our eyes.
Modern man has neither the time nor the knowledge of this ancient language
to go through the voluminous book, however, wonderful it may be.
Vanamali has condensed and picked out the most perfect pearls of this ancient wisdom
and given it to us in a form which is easy to read and simple to understand.
It is an encyclopedia of various branches of knowledge and ancient esoteric wisdom,
handed down through the ages by the grace of the sages and rishis of this holy land.
It is arranged in seven samhitas and written in the Sanskrit language.
The rarest pearls are hidden in the depths of the ocean
and the most precious gems are embedded in the rocks.
One has to depend on someone to delve deep into the heart of the ocean
or chip off the encasing rocks to expose these treasures to our eyes.
Modern man has neither the time nor the knowledge of this ancient language
to go through the voluminous book, however, wonderful it may be.
Vanamali has condensed and picked out the most perfect pearls of this ancient wisdom
and given it to us in a form which is easy to read and simple to understand.
Sri Shiva Lila "VANAMALI" "He looked at me, The conqueror of Love! He turned His glance on this frail body, He imbued these hands with strength and courage To write about His divine glories! O Thou Ocean of compassion! Lover of t |