Taranath Tantrik Samagra, written by by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Taradas Bandyopadhyay is an important Bengali collection that brings together the stories of Taranath Tantrik, a memorable occult character first created by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and later carried forward by his son Taradas Bandyopadhyay.

The word “Samagra” itself suggests completeness and the book has that feeling of a gathered tradition: one part literary inheritance, one part supernatural archive and one part oral storytelling experience. Published by Mitra & Ghosh Publishers Private Limited, Kolkata, the volume stands at an interesting meeting point between classic Bengali fiction, folk belief, Tantra and the popular attraction of ghostly narration.

The central attraction of the book is not only the presence of supernatural incidents but the personality of Taranath himself. He is not presented merely as a magician or frightening occult figure. Rather he appears as a storyteller, a wanderer, a practitioner and a man whose curiosity in childhood gradually draws him toward hidden knowledge. The stories generally unfold through narration: someone listens, Taranath speaks and the reader enters a world where ordinary life is slowly shaken by events that appear impossible, yet are described with calm conviction. This narrative pattern gives the book its intimate charm.

The title uses the word “Tantrik” and therefore the book also invites readers to think about Tantra beyond common fear or misunderstanding. Tantra, in the broad Indian spiritual sense, refers to ancient philosophies and practices that seek expansion of consciousness and liberation. The Sanskrit root suggests weaving, thread or loom, pointing to the interconnectedness of existence. In many Tantric traditions, the material world, the body, energy, desire and fear are not simply rejected; they become means through which deeper realities may be approached. The book does not provide a textbook explanation of Tantra, but it uses the cultural aura of Tantra to create an atmosphere of secret knowledge, discipline, danger and wonder.

This is one reason why Taranath Tantrik continues to remain in the hearts of many Bengali young readers. The stories are not always believable in a literal sense but they are believable as experiences of fear, temptation, illusion and curiosity. Bengali literature has a rich tradition of supernatural writing and this book belongs to that tradition while also giving it a distinctive spiritual and occult flavour. The unknown does not arrive here only as a ghost; it comes as memory, mantra, landscape, forgotten practice and contact with beings who seem to belong to another realm.

Narrative Style and Characterisation:

The most effective quality of the book is its storytelling flow. The stories often feel as if they are being heard in a room rather than read on a page.

Taranath narrates incidents from his past or from the lives of people he encountered and this oral style creates immediacy. The reader becomes like the listener inside the story: doubtful at first, then slowly absorbed and finally left with a strange uneasiness. The authors understand that supernatural fiction works best when it does not explain everything. Much of the thrill comes from suggestion, atmosphere and the pause between what is said and what remains unsaid.

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s literary strength lies in his ability to make the strange appear close to everyday life. He does not need loud horror or excessive shock. His writing can make a landscape, a village road, an old house or an encounter with a sadhu feel quietly charged with mystery.

Taradas Bandyopadhyay’s continuation is also significant because he does not treat Taranath merely as a borrowed character. His writing maintains a free flow and, at its best, preserves the rhythm of narration associated with the earlier stories. The transition between father and son is one of the most interesting aspects of the collection. It shows how a fictional character can survive beyond the original creator and become part of a larger literary imagination.

Critical Analysis:

Critically, the book succeeds because it balances disbelief and fascination. Many incidents are “impossible” if judged by ordinary logic, but the stories do not depend only on proving whether the events are real. Instead, they work through mood. The reader is invited to feel what it is like when the visible world becomes uncertain. Illusion, memory, fear and spiritual ambition overlap. Taranath’s curiosity is important here. He is drawn toward knowledge but the knowledge he seeks is not safe or simple. The book therefore also carries a moral undertone: secret power can attract, but it can also disturb the mind and life of the seeker.

Another strength is the way the book preserves a specifically Bengali cultural landscape.

The supernatural world is not abstract or foreign; it grows out of local speech, rural memory, old beliefs, wandering holy men and the psychological world of Bengal. This gives the stories authenticity even when their events are fantastic.

At the same time, a critical reader may observe some limitations. The repeated structure of Taranath narrating extraordinary incidents can become predictable if read continuously. Since the stories often rely on atmosphere and revelation, some plots may feel similar in design: curiosity, encounter, mystery and a same pattern conclusion. Also, because the book values mystery over rational explanation, readers who prefer tightly resolved plots may sometimes feel unsatisfied. However, this is also part of the artistic identity of the work. Its aim is not to solve the supernatural but to preserve its presence.

The contribution of Taradas Bandyopadhyay deserves special mention. As the son of the acclaimed novelist Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, he carried a difficult responsibility. Continuing a beloved character can easily lead to imitation or dilution. Yet Taradas’s own interest in thriller writing helps him extend the Taranath’s universe with confidence. His background as a Bengali author, editor and cultural worker adds another layer to his contribution. He does not merely continue stories; he helps keep alive a literary tradition where popular thrill and serious cultural memory can exist together.

Conclusion:

Overall, Taranath Tantrik Samagra is a compelling book for readers who enjoy supernatural fiction, Bengali storytelling and the mysterious world of Tantra and occult experience. Its greatest achievement is its atmosphere. The stories may challenge belief but they rarely fail to grip the nerves. They create that rare feeling where the reader knows something may be impossible, yet still wants to hear the next account. The book is also valuable because it joins two generations of writers in one literary space: the original imagination of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and the respectful, engaging continuation by Taradas Bandyopadhyay.

I have read this book with much care and reflection. On a scale of 10 stars, I would give it 9.

(Disclaimer: Please note that these are my personal thoughts and reflections based on my reading of this book. Your views, interpretations and opinions may differ. Feel free to comment or reach out if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered or re-examined. We are all human and we can all make mistakes.)

Thank you for reading. For more reviews, please visit my Book Review and Recommendation website: 🌐 https://www.majumdarbookreviews.asia

Writer: Mainak Majumdar

Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com

majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

Bengali Book Review: ‘Ekhono Gaye Kanta Daye’

Short stories have always held a sacred and celebrated space within the rich culture of Bengali literature. For generations, readers have found solace, thrill and reflection in these bite-sized narratives. Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring this tradition further through Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay’s captivating collection, Ekhono Gaye Kanta Daye (published by Patra Bharati). Featuring twenty distinct tales, this book is a masterclass in suspense, defined by its penchant for sudden, jaw-dropping endings that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

The Legacy of the Bengali Short Story

To truly appreciate a modern collection, one must first look at the foundation upon which it is built. Writing a compelling short story is a notoriously difficult literary feat; it requires an author to build an entire world and deliver a complete emotional arc within a severely limited word count.

Historically, the Bengali short story has served as a powerful mirror reflecting our communities and societal evolutions. Literary giants of the early days such as Rabindranath Tagore, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay and later, the pioneering Ashapurna Devi, wielded the short story as a tool for social reform. They used the medium to challenge rigid patriarchal norms, highlight the quiet struggles of oppressed women and widows and document the shifting tides of society.

These authors moved away from traditional, sprawling epic novels and introduced an “everyday realism” to literature. They offered a microscopic examination of both urban and rural life, focusing heavily on raw human emotions, domestic conflicts and the mundane yet profound struggles of the middle class. Because these stories felt incredibly real, they became an indispensable part of the community’s cultural identity.

While Ekhono Gaye Kanta Daye respects this deep-rooted tradition of exploring the human condition, it successfully pivots in a remarkably different direction. Not all stories need to be heavy social commentaries; there is immense value in pure, literary entertainment and this collection delivers exactly that.

The stories within this book are gripping and accessible. While they feature relatable characters going about their day-to-day lives, they frequently take a sharp turn into the unknown. Several stories in the collection feature plotlines that explore into the paranormal, hinting at visitors from other realms and exploring dimensions just beyond our ordinary perception. The hallmark of this collection is the “sudden ending” — the kind of twist that completely recontextualizes the story you just read.

Some of the standout stories in this compilation include:

• Darwin er Sesh Din

• Ja Likhbo Satti Likhbo

• Ekhono Gaye Kanta Daye

• Sab Bapare Jukti Khujo Na

• Ajim Choudhury er Atohatha

• Biju Ki Parbe Na

Each tale is uniquely crafted, utilizing a simple yet highly effective narrative style. I particularly enjoyed how effortlessly the author weaves the extraordinary into the ordinary, making for a seamless and highly enjoyable reading experience.

The Mind Behind the Masterpieces: Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay

The brilliance of this collection comes as no surprise when one considers the pedigree of its author. Born on October 30, 1958, Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay holds a Master’s degree in Science from Calcutta University. However, it is his towering presence in the Bengali literary and cultural sphere for which he is most celebrated.

Chattopadhyay is a central pillar of India’s book and publishing ecosystem. As the President of the iconic International Kolkata Book Fair, he has been a relentless cultural advocate, championing the preservation of books, language and heritage. His immense contributions to literature have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious award from the President of India in 2007.

Final Verdict

If I were to rate Ekhono Gaye Kanta Daye, I would confidently give it an 9 out of 10.

It is a simple, highly entertaining and thoroughly satisfying read. Tridib Kumar Chattopadhyay proves that the Bengali short story remains as vibrant and engaging today as it ever was, proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that leave us questioning the reality around us.

Disclaimer: Please note that these are my personal thoughts and reflections based on my reading of this book. Your views, interpretations, and opinions may differ. Feel free to comment or reach out if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered or re-examined. We are all human and we can all make mistakes.

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Photograph of the Book, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette. This book is written by Andrew Otis. Photograph of the Book is taken from Amazon Kindle

In The Untold Story of India’s First Newspaper, author Andrew Otis delivers a fascinating and meticulously researched account of the origins of journalism in the Indian subcontinent. At the center of this historical narrative is James Augustus Hicky, the founder of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette in the year 1780. Through a neutral yet highly engaging lens, Otis captures the tumultuous and unpredictable life of a man who challenged an empire armed with nothing but ink, paper and an unyielding defiance.

To understand the newspaper, one must first understand its founder. Born in Ireland around the year 1740, James Augustus Hicky’s early professional life was marked by constant reinvention. As a young man, he relocated to London to work as an apprentice under William Faden, a Scottish printer. Interestingly, Hicky never formally secured his freedom from the printers’ guild. Instead, he abruptly shifted his career path toward the legal profession, obtaining a clerkship with an English lawyer named William Davy. This, too, proved temporary. After abandoning his legal pursuits and making a brief attempt at practicing as a surgeon in London, Hicky sought his fortunes abroad. In 1772, he boarded an East Indiaman vessel bound for Calcutta, serving as a surgeon’s mate.

Upon his arrival in Calcutta, Hicky seamlessly adopted dual roles. He practiced as a surgeon while simultaneously operating as a maritime merchant, shipping and trading a variety of goods along the Indian coast. For a time, this dual existence sustained him, but maritime trade is a precarious venture. By 1776, his shipping enterprise suffered a catastrophic collapse when his vessel returned to port bearing severely damaged cargo. Stripped of his wealth and entirely unable to reassure his anxious creditors, Hicky was committed to a debtors’ prison in October of that year.

Yet, it was within the bleak confines of this prison that India’s journalistic foundation was laid. Resourceful even in captivity, Hicky managed to acquire a printing press and typesetting equipment. He had successfully launched a printing business directly from his jail cell. The following year, in 1778, he enlisted the services of a lawyer named William Hickey (who bore no familial relation to him) to untangle his debts and finally secure his freedom.

Hicky dedicated himself to the arduous craft of printing. It was a slow and physically taxing process that had changed very little over the centuries, requiring him to manually ink the type and press the paper hundreds of times over. Yet, the final product of this tedious labor proved powerful enough to rattle a global superpower. Through his newspaper, Hicky fearlessly uncovered deep-seated corruption, challenged the tyranny of the then rulers. He fiercely fought for freedom of the press, standing as a lone voice of dissent against a powerful ruler in those times, eager to suppress opposition and against individuals who sought to profit through deception. He defied many obstacles firmly demonstrating the power of the press to protect the public and shine a light on injustice.

However, Otis presents a balanced narrative, ensuring that Hicky is not overly romanticized. The author points out that the very free speech Hicky so fiercely defended ultimately orchestrated his downfall. Hicky suffered from a fatal inability to distinguish between professional critique and personal invective. This blurring of lines led his powerful targets to retaliate, aggressively suing and suppressing his operations. Furthermore, the book notes that while many of Hicky’s articles contained absolute truths, they were frequently founded on local rumors. Certain claims he made regarding prominent figures remain unproven to this day.

Despite its short lifespan, Hicky’s legacy is monumental. He set the foundation for all future printers in India. By training a new generation of pressmen, he effectively planted the seeds that would later transform Calcutta (now known as Kolkata, India) into one of the most vibrant and important literary cities in Asia. The traditions of journalism he influenced continue to resonate in the modern era.

Otis frames this legacy beautifully through a prologue that traces Hicky’s mysterious final days. Fast-forwarding to October 1802, the narrative finds an elderly Hicky aboard the ship Ajax, en route to Canton, China. His exact official role on the ship remains an enigma. He may have traveled as a surgeon, given that he kept silver-plated surgical tools, medicines and anatomy books at home; alternatively, he may have intended to trade in porcelain and tea. In truth, he was neither a trader nor a surgeon anymore. Among the many hats he had worn in his life, he had ultimately found his true purpose: he was a journalist.

For months during the voyage, Hicky was confined to his bed in the ship’s dark holds. His handwriting shook, his body was unsteady and he lived in constant fear of being carried out of the world by violent convulsions. Eventually, the old man collapsed. The Untold Story of India’s First Newspaper is a masterful work of historical non-fiction.

Andrew Otis, who holds a PhD in Journalism from the University of Maryland, dedicated five years to researching and writing this book. His extensive archival work was supported first as a Joseph P. O’Hern scholar and subsequently as a Fulbright Fellow in Kolkata. Otis has successfully resurrected a forgotten chapter of history. Engaging, neutral, and deeply informative, it stands as one of the most interesting and essential books ever written on the origins of the Indian press.

Beyond its historical significance, the structural flow of Otis’s writing deserves special mention. The author employs a narrative non-fiction style that allows the book to read with the pacing of a gripping historical novel rather than a dry academic text. The flow of the narrative is carefully calibrated; Otis seamlessly weaves dense archival research ranging from old court documents to maritime records into a fluid, engaging storyline. By anchoring the broader political and legal struggles around Hicky’s deeply personal triumphs and tribulations, the narrative maintains a steady, compelling momentum. This structural choice not only makes the complex colonial history highly accessible but also ensures that the reader remains deeply invested in Hicky’s unpredictable journey from the first page to the last.

If I were to rate ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’, written by Andrew Otis, I would give it 9 out of 10.

Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts and opinions may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered or re-examined. We all are humans and we can make mistakes.

Request you to visit the Book Review and Book Recommendation website:

https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar

Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

Like most people who have found a home between the pages of a book, my initiation into the world of words began in the nooks and corners of my childhood home in West Bengal, India. My late father, Prodip Mazumder, was a college lecturer by profession. I remember my childhood days watching him get lost in the pages of books collected from dusty stalls, colorful fairs or the local library. His passion lay largely in political science.

I remember waking in the middle of a soft, dark night to see a sliver of gold spilling from beneath his door. Peeping in, I found him huddled over his desk, his table lamp casting long shadows as he painstakingly made notes. It was a culture of curiosity that filled the air back then. My mother, too, contributed to our domestic sanctuary; I recall the day she returned from a bookshop with the complete works of Rabindranath Tagore. Those volumes soon sat proudly on our shelves, like silent guardians of wisdom.

In my part of the world, where I hail from, we like to talk about Tagore—we admire his philosophy and chant his verses but we do not often ask his ideas to join us for tea. It is only when the dark clouds of suffering gather and the soul feels worn out that we turn to these ancient “mediums” known as books. They are, after all, the voices of the past that reach out to hold us up in the present.

I often wonder, what was it that kept my father awake through the lonely hours of the night? In this age of flickering screens, digital games and the frantic buzz of social networks, have we truly made our lives more “delightful”? We have outsourced our memories to silicon chips and hard disks, giving our own brains a free pass to forget. We possess two memories now: the one behind our eyes and the one in our pockets. But has this technology eased our worries or nudged the global happiness index an inch higher? I suspect we already know the answer.

We have made the simple life of living complicated. We do not compete with our neighbors anymore; we compete with the world. We compare ourselves to the “highlighted” artificiality, afraid that if we are not “highlighted,” we have somehow failed. We connect online, but the skill of sitting together in the open air is being lost. It is a peculiar way to evolve. Just as the tailbone or coccyx is a vestigial reminder of what we once were, I worry that our independent memory may become a relic as well. If you lost your phone tomorrow, would you even remember your mother’s number? If the answer is “no,” then we are lost without our technology.

So, why return to the book? To me, the reasons are as clear as mountain water:

A Bridge of Imagination: A book allows us to walk in the author’s thoughts. When life feels grey, the characters we’ve met in stories return to us, offering a line of dialogue or a spark of courage to help us move on.

The Brain’s Garden: Reading is an exercise for the mind. It keeps the neurons firing and the spirit nimble. Whether the scientists agree or not, I feel a mind that reads is a mind that stays young.

A Lingering Afterglow: A film ends and its magic often evaporates before the popcorn is finished. But a good book leaves a “hum” in the soul that lasts for months.

The Joy of Words: I still find pleasure in noting down a new word and its meaning. It is a practical sort of magic, expanding the horizons of how we express our inner selves.

Beyond the research that says reading strengthens the brain’s networks or brings a deeper sleep, there is the simple truth that it allows us to relax and wander into a fantasy world. These are lessons I carried away from my father’s lamplight.

I invite you to give just thirty minutes from your day. Set aside the glowing screen and pick up a book. I began this habit in earnest four years ago and it was that very quietude that gave birth to this website (https://www.majumdarbookreviews.asia). You may agree with these wandering thoughts of mine or you may not—but the invitation remains.

The door is open and the story is waiting.

Read a Book: Help Yourself and Help Others.

Mainak Majumdar

Book Critic at https://www.majumdarbookreviews.asia

(Please Note: The above opinions are personal)

I had the opportunity of reading the book ‘When God Steps In, Miracles Happen’, written by Neale Donald Walsch. This is a work written for souls languid from day-to-day challenges, those in a state of ramshackle who hold an inner acquiescence that things might not change for the better. Tut! This may not be true. This book uplifts your inner low feelings with many examples that showcase the better parts of life, instilling every chapter as an update that your soul requires to understand that “Miracles Happen” — if only you believe in them. The core of this book holds to the concept of God, suggesting that having faith in the Divine makes the impossible; possible.

The writer, Neale Donald Walsch, is an author on spirituality and personal development. As mentioned in the book, his works have sold copies worldwide and have been translated into various languages. As noted in the book, from every corner of the world and all walks of life, readers of ‘Conversations with God’ have written to Walsch about their own experiences of God’s presence in their lives. Their stories of incredible contemporaneity, extraordinary coincidental circumstances and everyday miracles make the book a source of joy for seekers of spirituality.

This book is the crème de la crème of positivity and a reverie for a depressed mind. The language is simple, but the message is powerful. Through a collection of stories, the book invigorates positivity in the minds of readers and help them understand that having faith in God help one to move forward in life, challenging any difficult situations. The author states that this is a re-issue of a work produced in 2001 under the title Moments of Grace.

From a critical perspective, Walsch’s work serves as a fascinating bridge between anecdotal testimony and spiritual philosophy. While skeptics might view these “moments of grace” as mere statistical probabilities or confirmation bias, the book’s strength lies in its psychological utility. It functions as a reframing tool, encouraging the reader to shift their “internal gaze” from scarcity to abundance. However, the narrative structure occasionally leans heavily on emotional resonance and theological deep-diving, which may leave those seeking a rigorous academic study of the miraculous wanting more. Nevertheless, as a catalyst for hope, it is undeniably effective in its mission to prove that perspective is the primary lens through which the Divine is experienced.

If I were to rate ‘When God Steps In, Miracles Happen’, I would give it 8 out of 10. This rating reflects not only its research and analysis but its ability to evoke profound introspection and a shift in one’s spiritual climate.

Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts and opinions may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered or re-examined. We all are humans and we can make mistakes.

Thank you for pointing them out.

You may also visit the Book Review and Book Recommendation website:

https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar

Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

My recent read was the book on Devi Purana (A Rendition of Srimad Devi Bhagavatam), written by Dinesh Bhatia, which I read after many days of learning about spirituality. There was a time when I thought, whether reading about Devi Bhagwatam would be boring or it would be something which I need to do much research on. The book states that all the Puranas are essentially collections of stories narrated by Suta who was the disciple of Maharishi Veda Vyasa.

From my reading I understood that the stories, in their original form are woven like a web and not easy to comprehend as there is no defined order, be it chronological or otherwise. The spiritual concepts and philosophies are either intertwined in these stories or emerge out of the narration. This rendition attempts to segregate and simplify the stories and their philosophies as well a present them in a simple comprehensible modern English language. This book also reorganizes their flow and order and presents them as a direct narration by Vyasa to King Janamejaya, the grandson of Abhimanyu, while retaining the essence of the original work.

The writer states that the original work on the original Sanskrit text of Srimad Devi Bhagavatam available in the public domain, its English translation by Swami Vijnanananda and also the abridged Hindi version published by Gita Press, Gorakhpur. Numerous other open sources on the internet were referred to while working on this publication.

The objective of this rendition is to introduce and generate interest in Devi Purana. The language of the writing is simple and I personally felt that it have the ability to generate interest in the readers. The book has so many stories, one is the death of King Parikshit, Sarpa Yagna, Muni Astik, Devi’s Darshan by the Trinit, Satyavrata, Sudarshana, Navratri Puja, Vasudeva and Devaki, Nara and Narayana, Parhlada, Brigu’s curse on Vishnu, Shukadeva, Hayagriva, Buddhadeva, Pururava, Videha, Bhimshma and Satyavati, The Birth of Krishna, Krishna, Mahishasura, Devi Maha Lakshmi, Mahishasurmardini, Shumbha-Nishumbha, Devi Chamunda, King Suratha, Vritranihantari, Nahusha, Maharishi Vashistha, The Hiahayas and many more chapters. The chapters are written in a story telling form and it is an enjoyment for the readers.

I feel that this Devi Bhagavata Purana, ‘the old book of the goddess’, is an integral part of ancient Indian mythology. It is important for the Shakta sect of Hinduism, which describes the Devi as the foundation of the world and equivalent in stature to Brahman, the supreme being. As per many scholars, the original text was written in Bengali and consists of 318 chapters and 18,000 verses, all praising the Devi as supreme and describing instructions for her worship, including temples and rituals such as the annual ritual of Durga Puja which is celebrated all over India, especially in Bengal.

The Devi, revered as the mother of the Universe, is honored in India in various forms such as Goddess Durga, Kali, Shakti, and Saraswati, among others. This book also narrates the incarnation of the Devi as Goddess Durga and the epic story of her victory over the demons Rakthabija and Mahishasura. The story of the origins of the sacred Indian rivers, Ganga, Padma and Saraswati is among the many rich tales of our ancient heritage, intricately woven into this literary work on Indian mythology.

That’s all from me in this brief article. I hope you enjoyed my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the book review and recommendation of the book: Devi Purana (A Rendition of Srimad Devi Bhagavatam), written by Dinesh Bhatia.

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From ancient times, the ‘Sun God’ used to be worshipped, prayed & revered as one of the Supreme Lords who governs the existence of our Soul. People of ancient times used to pray to the Sun, who can change the ramshackle of one’s mind, the remover of languidness of the weak mind & supports to fight back. So, the idiom ‘in flying Colours’ sometimes fits perfectly for describing the qualities of the Sun. Like a flotilla of life, the Soul moves forward, removing obstacles from one’s path.

For many, praying to the Sun God, it is a great way to bring opulence in one’s life. Sometimes I feel that many generations back, our forefathers in different parts of the world used to wake up early in the morning, each day to pray to the Sun God, the most revered visible God, and bring opulence.

Sun as a God had been worshipped for millions of years, perhaps the time when this Earth & Human existed. A visible God, who has the ability to exhilarate one’s mind with joy. In Hinduism, the Sun God, as Surya, has a special place in one’s mind & Soul.

The Sun God is a great source of light. Without Sunlight, there is no existence. During historic times and in ancient civilizations, most people of this world used to pray to the Lord Sun, Helios, or Phoebus Apollo.

In ancient civilizations, the Sun was seen as the cycle of transformation and rebirth. It is the planet that has Invigorated Strength in the minds of the weak; it has worn the symbolization of the king and has always been a support for the enervated souls. This veracious truth has been passed from generation to generation and has been the cause of extol rhythms, for those who seek spirituality.

This book, ‘Surya Mantra Mahima’ (Ancient Chants for Health, Strength & Daily Spiritual Practice) by Mrs. Payel Chakravarty, BTECH (IT), MTECH(IT), is a combination of hymns and mantras for the Sun God, and as per Hinduism, it teaches us Surya Moola Mantra, Surya Gayatri Mantra, Surya Kavacham, and many more. The author has tried to bring together the spiritual essence, practical applications, and the transformative power of the Surya Mantras.

Happy Reading.

If I were to rate the book, I would give it 8 out of 10 for its ability to evoke spirituality and introspection in equal measure.

(Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts, and opinions after reading the book may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered and re-examined. Thank you once again for pointing it out.)

That’s all from me in this brief article. I hope you enjoyed my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the book review and recommendation of the book: ‘Surya Mantra Mahima’ (Ancient Chants for Health, Strength & Daily Spiritual Practice) by Mrs. Payel Chakravarty, BTECH (IT), MTECH(IT)

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There comes a moment in every seeker’s life when the noise of the world begins to fade and one starts to listen, not to the voices around, but to the whisper within. For me, that moment arrived not in the midst of travel or conversation but through the gentle turning of pages as I read a small book called Dewdrops: Daily Quotes from the Holy Mother.

It was not the first time I had read about Holy Mother, ‘Ma Sarada Devi’, wife of one of the greatest Saint ‘Sri Ramakrishna’, the quiet flame that burned beside one of India’s greatest mystics. But something was different this time. The book felt less like reading and more like remembering as if her words had been waiting for me, patiently across time.

I began writing about Ma Sarada not as a scholar but as a pilgrim who had found water after a long journey across the desert of thought. Her story, simple and luminous did not demand belief; it only asked for attention.

Ma Sarada Devi was born on 21st December 1853 in Jayarambati, a quiet village in Bengal where the earth still remembers the rhythm of prayer. She was not surrounded by luxury. Her hands learned the language of simplicity tending the fields, cooking, cleaning, caring for others and through those small acts, she touched the infinite.

She was married to Sri Ramakrishna at a very young age as per the traditions in those times, the man who would one day awaken the world with his realization of God in all beings. But destiny did not bind them in the ordinary sense. When she came to Dakshineshwar years later, she found not a husband waiting but a soul absorbed in the divine. And yet, there was no distance between them.

Sri Ramakrishna looked upon Sarada Devi as a special manifestation of Divine Mother of the universe. In 1872, on the night of the Phala-harini-Kali-puja, he ritualistically worshipped Sarada Devi as the Divine Mother, thereby awakening universal Motherhood latent in her. When disciples began to gather around Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi learned to look upon them as her own children.

Sri Ramakrishna saw in her, the mother of the Universe. One night, during a sacred ritual, he worshipped her as the Divine Mother herself awakening in her the consciousness that she was not merely a woman, but a living embodiment of compassion and purity. From that day onward, Sarada Devi was no longer just a person; she became Ma, the mother to all who came to her. The relationship that Sri Ramakrishna shared with Holy Mother was very pure, divine and spiritual.

In a world obsessed with power, beauty and recognition, Ma Sarada chose invisibility. She lived in a small room, cooked for her disciples, washed her own clothes and smiled even when her body was weary. She never preached in temples or wrote great scriptures. Yet her silence carried the force of mountains, her tenderness the strength of oceans.

There is something profoundly moving about a woman who does not seek to be known and yet becomes eternal. She had no desire but to lead only through love and compassion. And perhaps that is the greatest lesson spirituality can offer us that peace is not found in escaping the storm, but in standing still within it.

Her life was not a succession of miracles, but a meditation in motion. She cooked, she served, she blessed and through those everyday acts, she taught that divinity does not descend only in moments of revelation, but in the smallest gestures of love.

When I began reading Dewdrops, I did not expect it to change me. It was a thin volume, just a collection of her sayings, she had spoken to her disciples long ago. But as I read, something began to shift. Her words were like small mirrors each one reflecting a truth. One saying stayed with me for days:

“Each has to get results of the actions he earned for this life. A pin at least must prick where a wound from a sword was due.”

The first time I read it, I felt a strange stillness. There was no anger in those words, no resignation — only acceptance. It was as if she were telling me, “Whatever happens was always meant to happen. And whatever you are meant to learn, life will find a way to teach you gently, if you listen and harshly, if you resist.

Another of her sayings touched me even more deeply:

“One must bear with everything, because everything is determined by actions (karmas). Again, our present actions can counteract the effect of past actions.”

In those lines, I found both humility and hope; the humility to accept what cannot be changed and the hope to act rightly now. Ma Sarada’s wisdom went further, it whispered that when you want peace, the universe also conspires to bring you silence.

I did not write about Ma Sarada Devi to describe her life. Her life needs no description; it is written in the hearts of those who still find strength in her quiet words. I wrote because her presence brought peace to my own restless heart.

In her simplicity, I saw the reflection of something eternal that true spirituality is not in withdrawing from the world, but in embracing it with gentleness. That forgiveness is stronger than pride and patience deeper than knowledge.

When I think of Ma Sarada, I see her sitting in the courtyard at Jayarambati — the dust beneath her feet, the sound of village life around her, and her face calm as the evening sky. People came to her with their pain and she absorbed it like the earth absorbs rain. They came to her with guilt, and she smiled as if to say, “You are already forgiven.”

As I close the book, Dewdrops, I feel as though I have touched something sacred, not outside me but within. Her words linger like the fragrance of sandalwood long after the flame has gone out.

In a world that celebrates speed and ambition, she teaches stillness. In a time when everyone wishes to be heard, she teaches the power of listening.

And as I write these lines, I realize that peace is not a destination. It is a way of being that Ma Sarada Devi lived every day of her life. Perhaps that is why her disciples called her The Holy Mother.

Who am I to rate this book. I am just an ordinary soul. However, if I were to rate the book, I would give it 9 out of 10 for its ability to evoke devotion, peace, spirituality and introspection in equal measure.

(Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts and opinions after reading the book may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered and re-examined. Thank you once again for pointing it out.)

That’s all from me in this brief article. I hope you enjoyed my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the book review and recommendation of the book: ‘DEWDROPS’ Daily Quote from the Holy Mother, which is published by Adhyaksha, Sri Ramakrishna Math.

This book is about conversations of the Holy Mother had with her disciples and devotees, which have been compiled in the book published by the Math. To benefit the larger section of the devotees, this book brought out an English version of that booklet with some modifications, titling it as Dewdrops. The book thanks Smt. Latha Balasubramaniam for helping in the compilation of these quotations. (Taken from the Book : DEWDROPS)

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Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

References and for further reading:

https://chennaimath.org/sri-sarada-devi

https://indore.rkmm.org/sri-maa-sarada-devi

https://rkmsvem.in/

https://belurmath.org/sri-sarada-devi/

There are moments in a life rare, divine moments, when something unseen brushes against the soul. It comes quietly, without warning, without reason. A whisper more than a word. A pull more than a thought. And it says, almost tenderly: “This is where your journey begins.”

For Margaret Elizabeth Noble, that whisper came on October, 1895 in London. The room was plain, the kind of room where no one expects miracles. A few chairs, strangers murmuring, the soft shuffle of coats and shoes. But there, amid the ordinary, the extraordinary unfolded. A monk from India — Swami Vivekananda — stood before them, his presence as still as the eye of a storm. His eyes carried the calm of oceans and the depth of something eternal. His voice deliberate, measured and yet vast, filled the room with a quiet certainty that seemed to silence, time itself.

He spoke not of religion, but of awakening. Of the divinity sleeping within each human heart. Of the light that lies buried beneath fear and forgetfulness.

And something inside Margaret stirred something ancient, like a memory she didn’t know she carried. It was as if she had waited all her life to hear those words. As if her heart, tired of searching through faith and intellect and good works, finally found its home.

That day, her world changed. The way dawn changes the night, silently, completely.

They say that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. For Margaret, he had appeared — not as a scholar or saint, but as a mirror. Through him, she saw what she truly was.

In Vivekananda’s eyes, she wasn’t just a curious listener. She was a soul on the edge of surrender.

And so, She left her homeland, her family, the life she had built. She crossed seas not out of adventure, but devotion. Calcutta, gave her a new name — Nivedita, “the Dedicated One.” She would live up to that name with every breath.

Her first days in India were wrapped in humility and wonder. She met Sri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother, a meeting so gentle, so profound, that it seemed less an encounter and more a recognition. Nivedita would later say that to meet the Mother was to meet purity itself; unspoken, unpretending, eternal.

Then came her mission; a mission born not from duty, but from love: to serve the women of India. To teach them not only letters and numbers, but dignity, strength and the quiet power of belief.

She walked through Calcutta’s narrow lanes where suffering during those times had long made its home. Where hope had grown faint. And she whispered courage into the corners where despair had settled. Her school in Calcutta was small, built not with riches but with faith. She taught girls that learning was not just for the mind — it was nourishment for the soul.

Every child who passed through her hands carried a spark of her dream — that one day, India would rise again, guided by its awakened daughters.

If Swami Vivekananda was the sun — fierce, radiant, unyielding, Sister Nivedita was the moon. She did not blaze; she reflected. She took his light and carried it to the quiet corners where it was needed most.

And when the Master left this world, she did not crumble. She did not retreat. Her grief was deep, yes, but it became the foundation of her purpose. She wrote The Master As I Saw Him, not as a biography, but as respect to her divine teacher.

After reading the same, it felt like stepping into a temple at dusk, when the lamps flicker and the air hums with prayer. Her words do not worship him; they unveil him — the teacher who was human and divine, tender, distant yet intimately near. Through her writings, we see not only Vivekananda, but the possibility of such divinity within ourselves.

Her life — Margaret’s life, Nivedita’s life was a story of surrender. And surrender, she taught, is not weakness. It is strength, the strength to let go of everything known and trust what cannot yet be seen.

She did not know what awaited her in India, only that her soul had been called. And so she obeyed.

In that obedience, she found freedom. In that sacrifice, joy. In that service, eternity.

But her path was not easy. The world rarely spares those who love it too much. She faced illness, isolation, criticism. She worked through pain, through exhaustion, through the long hours of faith tested by fatigue. Yet she stood beside India, not as a foreigner, but as a daughter.

She reminded everyone she met and all of us still through her work, that the power to change the world begins not in revolutions, but in the awakening of the heart.

Near the end of her book, she wrote:

“May God grant that this living presence of our Master, of which death itself had not had power to rob us, become never, to us his disciples, as a thing to be remembered, but remain with us always in its actuality, even unto the end!”

Every time I read The Master As I Saw Him, I feel that promise flicker to life, that gentle reminder that the soul’s journey is not measured in distance, but in surrender. That meaning is not found in grand gestures, but in quiet acts of love and faith.

We live in an age that searches endlessly for purpose, for peace, for something to fill the silence. But the answer has never changed. It is found in the act of giving oneself to something greater than the self.

For Nivedita, that something was India.

And somewhere, beyond the dust and noise of our daily lives, I like to think Sister Nivedita still walks — quiet as moonlight, unbroken by death, whispering courage into those who still dare to love without condition.

“Here reposes Sister Nivedita, who gave her all to India.”

(An inscription on her memorial in Darjeeling, India)

Her spirit still walks not in monuments or marble, but in the unseen places where love for service labors quietly, asking nothing in return.

***

If I were to rate the book, ‘The Master As I Saw Him’ by Sister Nivedita, I would give it 9 out of 10 for its ability to evoke devotion and introspection in equal measure.

(Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts and opinions after reading the book may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered and re-examined. Thank you once again for pointing it out.)

That’s all from me in this brief article. I hope you enjoyed my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the book review and recommendation of the book: ‘The Master As I Saw Him’ by Sister Nivedita

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You may also like visiting my Book Recommendation and Book Review Page: https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

References:

https://wimbledonsociety.org.uk/museum/wimbledon-stories-and-collections/margaret-noble/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sister_Nivedita

https://arisebharat.com/2011/03/21/sister-nivedita-a-beacon-for-freedom-fighters/

Book Review of ‘The Essentials of Vedic Astrology’

The History of Astrology dates back to thousands of years. Some says that it was the Indo-European people, who during the 3rd millennium BC have made roots in the calendrical systems and used to predict based on their celestial calculations. It was interesting to read the science which made them look at the stars and prognosticate one’s future. It was those times, when most of the administrative decisions taken were based on this science. The Kings and Queens used to respect the knowledge mostly carried on by the priests. It was during the 17 century BC when astrology took news forms and entered the political and cultural circles. Astrology is also used for finding our problems, their roots and ways to overcome from the celestial perspective.

The Vedic system of astrology consists of twelve houses and each house has its own implications. For example, the first house in astrology denotes self or the Atma (soul). The first house is all about yourself and your looks. The first house states as to who you are as an individual. This provides a very important information about the type of the person. Similarly, there are other eleven houses which has its own meanings and values. Some states that sixth, eighth and twelfth houses are not good. But each of these houses have their own importance. For example, the eight house in not only about birth, death or suddenness, it’s also about understanding yourself deep and is about major happenings in your life including your parental property. So, every house in Vedic Astrology aspects many parts of one’s life.

Each house is divided into Nakshatras and is divided into degrees. Planets are positioned in the degrees and they give their respective benefits which may be beneficial or malefic depending on the placements and their depositors. A prediction is done based on a seeing other parameters like Maha Dasha, Antar Dasha, Pratyantar and Sooksma dasha. From a single chart many charts are prepared. The main important chart is the D1 chart which is called the Lagna Chart. It’s from the Lagna chart that other charts like D2 — Hora Chart, D9 — Navamsha Chart etc are derived. Those charts help to understand in depth the occurring of an event and reason for which an event is not likely to take place. Also I want to mention that there are different types of horoscope charts prepared viz eastern style, northern style, southern style etc which are same charts but viewed differently based on the comfort of an astrologer. For example astrology being my hobby, I am comfortable in Charts created in Eastern Style.

Then an astrologer also needs to focus on the strength of the planets and many astrologers see it from navamsha and the Shadbala — Bhavbala table. So, a good astrologer needs to take care of all the parameters and charts before pronouncing the predictions.

The Book ‘The Essentials of Vedic Astrology’ by Komilla Sutton is an excellent book on learning ‘Vedic Astrology’. Komilla Sutton is an internationally renowned consultant, teacher and lecturer of Vedic astrology. Her work on Vedic astrology had helped the readers to understand the connection between Western and Vedic Astrology. Western Astrology generally is based on the “tropical calendar” and the four seasons. Vedic Astrology on the other hand calculates everything based on the sidereal system, typically based on the observable constellations. Vedic Astrology is more about Karmas, dharmas, rising signs etc.

Komilla Sutton wonderfully expresses the four cornerstones of Vedic Astrology through the four pillars like Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. The book provides great detailed explanation on the Journey of the Soul, how the planets work in Vedic astrology, the importance of each planet, the Karmic Axis, The Nakshatras, the Vimshottari Dasas, the Gochara transits, the Vargas, the Gunas, The Yogas etc.

The author has beautifully described the Principles of Vedic Astrology and explained with few lines about Vedas and about the Upanishads. The author Komilla Sutton in the book, The Essentials of Vedic Astrology, have written:

The Soul undergoes all sorts of experiences, but it still has to retain its purity. We start to believe that what is actually an illusion is, in fact, reality; the illusion and the reality become confused in our minds and the souls gradually becomes attached to the material world. As we move towards a higher consciousness, we start to understand that all earthly attachments will be shed when we die.

If I have to rate the book on 10 stars and 10 being the highest, I will give the book 9 stars.

(Please Note: The above are my own personal thoughts after going through the book. Your views and opinions after reading the book may differ)

This is all from me in this article. Hope you have liked my personal thoughts and opinions.

Request you to visit the Book Review Website:

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Thanks and Regards:

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

Embracing Divine Joy: The Spiritual Journey of ‘Shree Shree Ma Anandamayi’ – A Book Recommendation

One of the books that has always held a special place in my heart is those on spirituality. This profound subject often penetrates our thoughts, especially in moments of crisis or when intuition hints at deeper truths. Even young professionals and juniors, seeking to dispel negative thoughts, find solace under the vast canopy of spirituality. Among these treasures, the book on Shree Shree Ma Anandamayi by Gurupriya Devi stands out, infusing one’s heart with unparalleled joie de vivre.

Shree Shree Anandamayi Ma was born on April 30, 1896, and departed for heavenly abode on August 27, 1982. She was an Indian saint, teacher, and mystic, her life steeped in Bhakti Yoga. She epitomized “divine grace,” inspiring countless souls to walk the path of service, love, and ceaseless remembrance of the divine. Her followers were witnesses to her spiritual gifts, including precognition, faith healing, and miracles. Paramahansa Yogananda translated the Sanskrit epithet Anandamayi as “Joy-permeated” in English, a name bestowed upon her by her devotees in the 1920s to describe her perpetual state of divine joy.

Shree Shree Ma herself was the embodiment of bliss and happiness. Always joyous, she was devoted to alleviating the suffering and problems of others. There is something about a mother that transcends the intellect of us mere mortals. She was that ‘mahabhava’—a state of supreme ecstasy and peace that we can only imagine but rarely experience. This article in the form of book recommendation is my humble offering, a holy oblation, to that eternal power in human form, through my deepest respect and love for the divine.

The author of this book, Sri Gurupriya Anandagiri, had the profound fortune of spending most of her life with Mother and was affectionately known as ‘Didi’ or ‘elder sister.’ As the book recounts, Sri Anandagiri shared nearly 50 years with Ma Anandamayi, her world beginning and ending with Mother.

Didi Gurupriya was born in February 1899 in Silchar, Assam, where her father, Dr. Shashanka Mohan Mukherji, served as Civil Surgeon. Despite her talents, she was drawn to an ascetic lifestyle, shunning worldly affairs. Her life transformed upon meeting Sree Sree Anandamayi Ma for the first time in Shahbagh.

In her own words, Gurupriya Devi writes:

“I was very shy by nature. It was extremely difficult for me to talk to strangers or even to come out before visitors at home.... Yet I did not shy before Mother. I approached her confidently and stood near her as if I had always known her. It is beyond my power to describe the personality I saw...”

(Excerpts taken from the book: ‘Shree Shree Ma Anandamayi’, written by Gurupriya Devi)

This meeting in 1925-26 in Shahbagh, Dacca, marked the beginning of a sacred journey. Didi Gurupriya left a precious legacy for the followers of Sree Sree Ma Anandamayi through her diaries, meticulously recording Mother’s words and ways from 1926 almost until her last days. Her writings offer a detailed account of Mother’s teachings and travels across the nation.

In one of her dialogues with Gurupriya didi, Mother imparts profound wisdom:

‘...That is why I say that we should not demean anyone. If someone is in sadhu bhava, then it is appropriate to show respectful attention (shraddha). Accept whatever good there is in each one. When plucking a rose, do not pay attention to the thorns. Offer pranam acknowledging that this is also a part of that expansive greatness. And do it with shraddha. Shraddha bhava contributes to the well-being of both sides. you should converse with the same attitude. That could result in the transference of some of the influence of their tapasya bhava to you...’

(Excerpts taken from the book: ‘Shree Shree Ma Anandamayi’, written by Gurupriya Devi)

This book beautifully captures the essence of Mother’s ‘bhava’—her divine moods—as she journeyed across India. It is a testament to the days when Gurupriya didi was in her sacred company.

This book is a beautiful testament to the days Gurupriya didi spent with Sree Sree Anandamayi Ma.

You may explore this book if you yearn for spiritual wisdom and wish to delve into the lives of the saints of this great nation, India. It is a beacon of light and love, illuminating the path for seekers of the divine.

I read the book and, if I were to rate it out of 10 stars, with 10 being the highest, I would give it 9 stars.

(Please note: These are my personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts, and opinions after reading the book may differ. Feel free to comment if you believe any facts in this article should be reconsidered.)

That’s all from me in this brief article. I hope you enjoyed my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the book review and recommendation of ‘Shree Shree Ma Anandamayi’, written by Gurupriya Devi.

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

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Photograph of the Book, ‘Fear Not BE STRONG’

( Original Article Was Published at https://www.majumdarbookreviews.asia )

It was once said by Swami Vivekananda,

‘Do you know how much energy, how many powers, how many forces are still lurking behind that frame of yours? What scientist has known all that is in man? Millions of years have passed since man first came here, and yet but one infinitesimal part of his powers has been manifested. Therefore, you must not say that you are weak. How do you know what possibilities lie behind that degradation on the surface? You know but little of that which is within you. For behind you is the ocean of infinite power and blessedness…

Fill yourselves with the ideal; whatever you do, think well on it. All your actions will be magnified, transformed, defied, by the power of the thought. If matter is powerful, though is omnipotent. Bring this thought to bear upon your life, fill yourselves with the thought of your almightiness, your majesty, and your glory.’

(Above quote of Swami Vivekananda taken from the book, ‘Fear Not Be Strong’ written by Swami Tathagatananda)

Swami Tathagatananda was a Hindu monk of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna mission. He was a Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York from November 1977 to June 2016. It is said that this is the first Vedanta Society in the United States, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1895. He practiced philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which is a school of Hindu Philosophy . In this book, he wonderfully brought out the ideas, advice and thought of the great spiritual monk Swami Vivekananda.

In one of his sayings on ‘Power of Thoughts In building Strength and Character’, he writes about Swami ji that addiction to materialism makes the mind restless; the imperishable spiritual truths make the mind peaceful. Swami ji says, “ Doing is very good, but that comes from thinking… Fill the brain, therefore, with high thoughts, highest ideals; place them day and night before you, and out of that will come great work.”

One of the finest lines which I will ever remember of this book for which my respect for Swami Tathagatananda increased manifold is his writing simplicity and explaining a thought of Shri Ramakrishnan Paramahansa, Guru of Swami Vivekananda:

“Do not care for doctrines, do not care for dogmas, or sects, or churches, or temples or mosques; they count for little compared with the essence of existence in each man, which is spirituality; and the more this is developed in a man, the more powerful is he for good. Earn that first, acquire that and criticise no one, for all doctrines and creeds have some good in them. Show by your lives that religion does not mean words or names or sects but it means spiritual realisation. Only those who attained to spirituality can communicate it to others, can be great teachers of mankind. They alone are the powers of light.”

(Above quote of Swami Vivekananda taken from the book, ‘Fear Not Be Strong’ written by Swami Tathagatananda)

Swami Vivekananda wanted to inspire people to work and have a good health. In one of the sayings he taught,

“It is weakness, says the Vedanta, which is the cause of suffering. We become miserable because we are weak. We lie, steal, kill, and commit other crimes, because we are weak. We suffer because we are weak. We die because we are wealthy. When there is nothing to weaken us, there is no death or sorrow.”

(Above quote of Swami Vivekananda taken from the book, ‘Fear Not Be Strong’ written by Swami Tathagatananda)

Photograph of the Book, ‘Fear Not BE STRONG’

Swamiji wanted everyone to be strong and have courage to face adversaries. His sermons preached about holiness as well as ways to be brave and have strong nerves. The entire book have numerous sayings of Swami Vivekananda and any reader is likely to get motivated to move ahead and face challenges of life with determination.

Narendranath Datta was born on 12 January 1863, who was later known as Swami Vivekananda, was an Indian Monk, who followed Hindu Religion. He was a philosopher, author, religious teacher and one of the key disciples of Swami Ramakrishna.

Swami Vivekananda’s birth took place into the well-known family of the Dattas of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata). It was said that Rammohan Datta, the great grandfather of the Swami ji was a flourishing lawyer in the city of Kolkata. His Son was Durgaprasad, who later followed the Spiritual line leaving behind a Son Viswanath to perpetuate the line.

Narendrath’s father was Viswanath and his mother’s name was Bhuvaneswari. Narendranath’s father was a very generous human and had a passion for music and poetry. It was said during those times, since the family was devoid of any male child, Bhuvaneswari Devi did a special worship of Lord Vireswara (Siva) of Kasi and Narendra Nath was born of a prayer.

It was a very hard life for Swami Vivekananda, especially after the demise of the great saint Swami Ramakrishna. It was during those times and especially after the death of the monk, his devotees and admirers could not support his disciples. Hence the rent accumulated and remained unpaid. It was then Narendranath decided to convert a dilapidated house at Baranagar into a new ‘math’ (monastery) for the disciples who still remained during those times. This ‘math’ became the first building of the Ramakrishna Math.

“At the head of all these laws, in and through every particle of matter and force, stands One through whose command the wind blows, the fire burns, the clouds rain, and death stalks upon the earth. And what is His nature? He is everywhere the pure and formless One, the Almighty and the All Merciful. Thou art our Father. Thou art our beloved Friend.”

(Extract from a prayer Swami Vivekananda delivered at the Chicago World’s Parliament of Religions September 1893)

Narendranath in his younger days showed a very high nature of generosity. However, he used to have a high temper for which his mother used to pour cold water on him and used to make him take the name of Shiva. His disciples saw him as an ascetic who has seen that reality cares nothing for the attraction of lust and gold. Swami Vivekananda showed that the monk who understands the riches of this infinite world cares nothing about joys and treasures of the world, which are just like dust and ashes to him.

During early days, there were times when Swami Vivekananda did not have food so that others in the family may be nourished. In those days, the so-called middle class had to go through many financial constraints. As shared by the author, one morning when Swami Vivekananda woke up, he understood that there is less food in the home. He said to her mother that he has an invitation and he needs to go out. Some days he ate little and some days he kept fast. He couldn’t tell these things to anyone outside.

Swami Vivekananda is still the source of generosity, bravery, humility and spirituality. Swami ji have travelled all across the globe, and there were days, when he had no food, starving, footsore and did not get food after days and days of walk, but still he continued and showed humility, patience and courage in times when any human could have crumbled under the circumstances, and may have given up.

The book ends with this words of Swamiji as written by Swami Tathagatananda,

“It may be that I shall find it good to get outside of my body — to cast it off like a disused garment. But I shall not cease to work! I shall inspire men everywhere, until the world shall know that it is one with God”

If you like reading Books on Spiritual Persons and learn about the thoughts of great souls in this world, this book may help you learn many facets of life from one of the greatest monks, Swami Vivekananda.

I read the book and if I have to rate the book on 10 Stars and 10 being the highest, I will give the book 9 stars.

(Please Note: The above are my own personal thoughts based on reading this book. Your views, facts, and opinions after reading the book may differ. You may please place your comment, if any facts written in this article need to be relooked.)

This is all from me in this short article. Hope you have liked my personal thoughts and opinions. Please share your views or comments on the Book Review and Recommendation of the book, ‘Fear Not BE STRONG’ Vivekananda’s Message of Strength and Fearlessness, written by Swami Tathagatananda.

Thanks and Regards:

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

The Photograph of The Book — ‘The Mountains Sing’ by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai Taken From Amazon Kindle

Recently, I bought the book ‘The Mountains Sing’ by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai on Amazon Kindle and I am sharing here a photograph of the same. I am deeply thankful to Amazon Kindle for making this knowledge treasure available to me — for without it, I would not have had the chance to read and share this recommendation. Truly, this is one of the most touching novels I have ever encountered.

I have read many books on war, but this one stands apart. It does not merely recount battles and strategies, but it awakens in us the higher truths of life: humanity, responsibility towards family, the destruction of war and the painful irony that men and women though educated in morality, can still lose their conscience and commit harm against those who never wronged them.

This book has taught me that in war, no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Yet if one’s good deeds are remembered, then that soul never dies. Though the body is consumed by the earth, the fragrance of virtue lingers. War shows us another bitter truth: even those who were once graceful and noble can become monsters — not from necessity but because evil seizes their hearts. And has this not been the story of mankind, through hundreds of wars since time began?

But the question arises: why this constant thirst for dominion? Why must men conquer? What do we gain in the end, when all must return to the earth? Is it supremacy, territory or power? These are illusions. The eternal law is simple: from the earth we are born and into the earth we shall return.

Those who perish in wars are not faceless masses. They are someone’s son, someone’s daughter, someone’s mother, someone’s father. We are all bound together in a universal brotherhood and sisterhood and yet we divide ourselves by mistrust, imagining that others mean us harm. It is but a play of the mind. As per my personal life teaches me that what you do comes back to you in manifold ways. Do good and good shall return. Cause harm and it shall revisit you with greater force.

By God’s grace, I have never seen war myself, nor do I wish to. Yet I feel the anguish of the innocent forced to leave this world without reason. And I ask: is it so difficult to live in peace with one another? Must nations expand by seizing another’s land? Must supremacy be proven by trampling those who live differently?

Once, I believed man could command his own destiny. But this book and my own personal struggles, have taught me otherwise. In times of crisis, ordinary citizens are like leaves in a storm falling by the thousands, scattered by forces they cannot control.

The Photograph of The Book — ‘The Mountains Sing’ by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai in my Amazon Kindle

‘The Mountains Sing’ is one of the noblest books I have read. It is inspired by the experiences of Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’s family and those around her, but it carries within it the voices of countless Vietnamese who survived war with courage and compassion. I was especially moved by the author’s gratitude to her English teacher, Trương Văn Anh. How wondrous it is that a lesson in language in the eighth grade should one day become the very instrument by which her nation’s stories are carried across the world.

The book speaks not only of the Vietnam War with the United States, but of the Great Hunger, the Land Reform Movement and the civil war between North and South. It reveals how great powers clashed upon Vietnamese soil, yet it is the ordinary people who bore the unbearable. At its heart is the story of Grandma Diệu Lan, her struggle through hunger, exile and war, her care for her children and her ultimate realization that life is fragile and fleeting. What matters is not the number of years we live, but the light we bring to those around us and the compassion we share. The story has characters Mr. Tran plus Mrs Tran, Mrs Tu, Grandma Dieu Lan, Cong, Minh, Ngoc, Dat, Thun, Hanh, Sang, Then, Nhan, Huong, Thong, Thanh, Chau etc.

‘The Mountains Sing’ is more than a novel — it is a cry of the human soul amidst the storms of history. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai does not merely recount the Vietnam War; she allows us to walk beside those who suffered it. Through the voice of Grandma Diệu Lan and her family, we feel hunger, fear that shatters childhood and loss that echoes for generations. What makes the book unforgettable is its insistence that behind every statistic of war lies a human face, a trembling voice, a broken dream. Quế Mai reminds us that war does not choose its victims — they are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, all bound to us by the same thread of humanity. In her delicate yet unflinching storytelling, we discover the painful irony that nations fight for power and territory, while ordinary people fight simply to live, to love and to remember. The novel asks us to confront a question we would rather avoid: if compassion were our guiding principle, would there ever be another war?

It compels us to ask: Why do we fight? Why do we hate? Why must brother rise against brother? The answer lies not in conquest or dominion, but in compassion, in unity, in the realization that one soul dwells in all. That awareness is the only true victory.

Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, born in 1973, grew up amidst the devastation of war. She has written many books in her own language, but in this book, she has given not only a novel but a testimony of suffering and survival. If I were to measure the book on content, it in the form of rating, I would give it nine out of ten. But beyond numbers, this is a book that shakes the conscience and awakens the heart.

That’s all for now. I hope these reflections have offered some food for thought. Please feel free to share your perspectives.

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

This is a photograph of the Cover Page of the Book, I bought from KINDLE AMAZON as on December 2024 of the Book — INDIA on the MOVE — when JAI SHRI RAM met BHARAT MATA KI JAI written by Marya Shakil & Narendra Nath Mishra

Authors Narendra Nath Mishra and Marya Shakil in the book India on the Move: When Jai Shri Ram Met Bharat Mata Ki Jai, undertake a political journey through the labyrinth of India’s political landscape, a narrative both complex and vibrant. The book oscillates between the meticulously and evocative reflections, offering readers a panoramic view of the tectonic shifts in Indian political democracy with the 2024 elections as its epicenter.

At the heart of the book lies the tale of the 2024 general elections — a spectacle of promise, hope and ultimately paradox. The authors unravel the fascinating dichotomy of major national parties and the projection of a national party by exit polls on the brink of an electoral landslide, only to fall short of the majority mark. Yet it emerged as the single largest entity, a testament to both the volatility and the vibrancy of India’s democratic ethos.

The party’s trajectory as mentioned by the authors, “hope in 2014, trust in 2019 and a guarantee in 2024” — resonates as a narrative, which reflects the aspirations of an electorate caught in the crosscurrents of progress and disillusionment. The authors meticulously dissect the factors at play, from the use of slogans to the subtle interplay of regional dynamics underscoring the electoral process as both a science and an art.

The book’s title itself captures a crucial motif: the transformation of slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram” from cultural expressions to potent political tools. The authors explore how these once-sacred phrases, steeped in reverence and spirituality have been co-opted into the lexicon of political partnership.

The authors while tracing the happenings from the Rath Yatra of the early 1990s to the feverish chants of contemporary rallies, the book offers a compelling analysis of how language molds political identity. The slogans, once parallel streams of cultural consciousness, now converge as rallying cries for a brand of nationalism that blurs the lines between devotion and politics. What elevates this book is its ability to contextualize contemporary developments within the grand happenings of India’s political history. The authors weave together episodes like the Mandal Commission’s recommendations, the construction of the Ram Mandir and the protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University, creating a narrative that is very engaging.

Through incisive commentary, the book explores the polarization of human society, where dissenting voices are often branded as anti-national, raising larger questions about the inclusivity of India’s democratic framework. These reflections are punctuated with anecdotes and interviews, bringing to life the human dimensions of political events.

In a particularly evocative section, the authors recount a fifty-one-hour journey aboard the Kerala Express, a metaphor for the pulsating lifeblood of the nation. This journey, traversing the length of India, becomes a tableau of its diversity, aspiration and contradictions. The Indian Railways as the authors observed, is not merely a transport network but a social institution, connecting not just places but people, ideas and dreams.

The narrative underscores how infrastructure developments — be it high-speed trains or rural roads — are not just policy measures but transformative interventions that resonate deeply with citizens. Such reflections lend the book an grand political analyses in the lived experiences of everyday Indians.

Perhaps the most admirable quality of India on the Move is its balanced approach. The authors refrain from descending into polemics, offering an exploration of both ruling and opposition narratives. By juxtaposing development achievements with critiques of governance, they provide readers with a holistic view of India’s democratic journey.

Their analysis is as much about the rhetoric of power as it is about the resilience of dissent. From the processions of the 1990s to the fervent debates of modern campuses, the book captures the evolving vocabulary of politics, where slogans and symbols carry as much weight as policies and programs.

Closing this book feels like stepping off a train after a long revealing journey, where every station offered a new perspective and every passenger a new story. This is not just a book for political enthusiasts but a narrative for anyone who seeks to understand the soul of India — a nation perpetually in motion.

As a reader, I find myself enriched by the insights this book offers, yet aware that this is but, one interpretation of a multifaceted narrative. I invite fellow readers to read the book and to reflect, critique and contribute to a dialogue that honors the spirit of democracy.

This book review is my independent reflection, unaffiliated with any individual or organization and seeks only to celebrate the intellectual rigor and emotional depth of a remarkable book. Your thoughts and perspectives are welcome. The entire above text/article/Book Recommendation is in no way connected to any individual or organizations.

You may also visit my web page at: https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

Book on ‘Shirdi Sai Baba — An Inspiring Life ‘ written by Dr Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, published by Harper Collins

My recent read is the book ‘Shirdi Sai Baba — An Inspiring Life’, written by Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy. For long I had cherished the desire to study the life of Sai Nath, the saintly master who entered Mahasamadhi in 1918, yet whose influence continues to radiate across India and the world. This book opens with the touching account of Baijabai Kote Patil, a simple woman of Shirdi, who was destined to be the first to recognize in him the fragrance of divinity. She lived with her husband and her young son, Tatya Kote Patil. One day, while walking in the thickets, she encountered a boy-like figure seated beneath a tree in solitary meditation. His eyes were closed; his countenance, though youthful, radiated a light not of this world. In that instant her heart knew she was in the presence of one touched by the Eternal.

Baijabai was overwhelmed with compassion. Seeing him in so neglected and uncared-for a state, she hurried home to bring food and water. At first he refused to eat, as if testing the depth of her heart’s sincerity. But her motherly persistence prevailed. When he opened his eyes, she implored him lovingly to accept her offering. He took a morsel and thus began the bond of devotion and service between her and the one who would soon be recognized as Shirdi Sai. She did not know the science of yoga or the scriptures of mysticism; but in her daily act of seeking him in the woods, feeding him before herself, she became an instrument of divine compassion. As per the book, in later years, Baba declared that she had been his sister in past incarnations.

The book also notes the uncertainty around Sai Baba’s year of birth — various dates are given by different sources. But of greater significance are his teachings, universal and timeless: brotherhood of man, cooperative humanism, simplicity in living and the soul’s reliance upon the Guru for both spiritual and earthly guidance. As his circle of devotees grew, Baba extended his daily ministrations. At Dwarkamayi and Chavadi he spent his days receiving, counseling, blessing and uplifting all who came, manifesting his role as God’s servant to humanity.

These events took place in a period of profound transition in India. Between his advent in Shirdi in 1872 and his Mahasamadhi in 1918, the nation’s destiny was reshaped. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 had already resulted in the annexation of India by the British Crown in 1858. The Mughal dynasty had waned and English was imposed as the official language, while Urdu declined. The religious conversions of earlier centuries diminished. In 1875, the Arya Samaj arose, renewing Hindu reform. Nationalist leaders Lal, Bal and Pal began their quest for freedom. Lokmanya Tilak ignited mass consciousness with Ganesh Visarjan and Shivaji Jayanti, inspiring religious nationalism in Maharashtra. Amidst these upheavals, Baba stood as a still point of divine light.

In his small village, he harmonized what the world sought to divide. He drew together people of every religion, caste, language and station in life, embodying in word and action his simple principle: Sabka Malik Ek — “There is but one Master of all.”

His methods were individualized for each soul, yet his principles never altered. However, the goal was one: healing. Though some opposed him, Baba remained unshaken. His heart absorbed all differences. Like the banyan tree that spreads its sheltering branches wide, unmoved by storm, Sai Baba gave refuge to all who sought him.

Baba’s life was simplicity itself. Yet miracles flowed ceaselessly from him both during his earthly sojourn and after his Mahasamadhi. Many learned and skeptical visitors came to test him, only to find themselves transformed by experiences that transcended reason. Such manifestations were not tricks but living assurances of God’s reality, bestowed to awaken faith.

The darbar of Shirdi was a living testimony to unity. Hindus and Muslims, rich and poor, men and women, young and old — all gathered with devotion. Many washed his feet with milk and water or worshipped him with flowers and tears of gratitude. In those days, when Hindu-Muslim unity was sorely needed, his presence dissolved boundaries. To Muslims, he was Awliya, Pir or Paigambar. To Hindus, he was Sadguru Maharaj or Avatar. From dawn until late night; his darbar was alive with prayer and reverence, centered upon him, yet pointing always to the One Spirit behind all forms.

This book reveals not only the life of Sai Baba, but the eternal message he bore: that divinity incarnates again and again to remind humanity of its forgotten unity. The author, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, himself a scholar, philanthropist and spiritual writer, offers a detailed portrayal of the saint. Recipient of six Honoris Causa and author of fifty-five books on saints, astrology, spirituality and divine incarnations — translated into sixteen Indian languages, English and four foreign tongues, his scholarship and devotion have rendered a faithful work.

Shirdi Sai Baba — An Inspiring Life presents us with a picture of one who, though seated in a humbly, encompassed within himself the vastness of eternity. He conquered no kingdom, yet won the empire of countless hearts. He proclaimed no new doctrine, yet renewed the ageless truth: the One Spirit alone is real and to realize it is the purpose of life.

If I were to assign a number as rating for the book, I would unhesitatingly give this book nine out of ten. Yet the measure of such a book is not in numbers. Its worth is in the upliftment it gives to the soul and the reminder that the eternal Master lives within us.

These are my reflections, shaped by my reading. I invite you to read and form your own. For Baba’s truth cannot be confined to words — it is to be felt, like the fragrance of a flower, by the heart that opens to him.

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Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

Cover of ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ by Satoshi Yagisawa, showcasing an illustration of a bookshop filled with books, a bicycle and a cat, highlighting its appeal as an international bestseller.

(The original article is published at https://www.majumdarbookreviews.asia )

Whispers Among Timeworn Shelves: A Journey Through ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’: Book Recommendation

Satoshi Yagisawa’s, ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ might lull you into thinking it’s a quiet story — a sweet little tale about books and a dusty old shop. Beneath the surface lies a deeper story in the corners of an old, forgotten room. This international bestseller, translated with meticulous care by Eric Ozawa, takes readers to Jimbocho, Chiyoda’s area of bookstores, a place that feels alive in its silence, brimming with knowledge received from the books. Though I have never been to Jimbocho, but looking at the images of the city from my online research, I am really happy and hope someday I may visit Japan.

The author, born in Chiba, Japan in 1977, paints Jimbocho with an almost otherworldly precision. The bookshops here aren’t just shops — they’re just vaults of knowledge. Yagisawa’s Chiyoda Literature Award win for this novel isn’t just a feather in his cap; it’s a testament to his ability to make a story come alive through his writing.

Takako, the 25-year-old central character in the book, arrives in this world adrift her life, a collection of loose ends. She doesn’t care much for books, a fact that makes her inheritance of the Morisaki Bookshop all the more ironic. Her uncle, Satoru has been the shop’s caretaker, his own life put on hold since his wife Momoko left him five years ago. The shop feels heavy with their shared history, its every creak and shadow a reminder of what’s been lost.

Takako’s entry into this world is reluctant, born of heartbreak after a doomed affair with a colleague Hideaki. Yet, as she moves among the shop’s dusty shelves, something stirs — a shift so subtle you almost miss it, like a chill in the air that raises the hairs on the back of your neck. The books seem to whisper to her, their secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The story unfolds in two acts. The first is quiet, almost meditative, as Takako begins to rebuild herself in the shadow of the shop. But it’s the second act, with Momoko’s sudden return, that delivers the jolt. Her reappearance isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a reminder that the past never stays buried. Old wounds are reopened and the shop itself seems to hum with the tension of things left unsaid.

Yagisawa’s descriptions are deep, detailed and vivid. The streets of Jimbocho, lined with books that tower like pillars of knowledge, feel alive. The shop’s air is thick with the scent of aging paper, each volume a vessel for a story that may be read again and again.

This isn’t a story of loud revelations or grand gestures. It’s a slow burn, the kind of tale where the real action takes place in the spaces between words. A cup of coffee shared in silence, a sidelong glance, the way the light falls on a battered book cover — these are the moments where the story breathes. But don’t mistake the quiet for simplicity. There’s a weight here, a sense of unease that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

For scholars, Jimbocho is a song of knowledge. It calls to mind other literary sanctuaries — London’s Charing Cross Road, Kolkata’s College Street — places where books become more than objects. Yet, Yagisawa’s novel is more than just a love letter to books. It’s a meditation on memory, on the things we carry and the things we leave behind.

In ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop,’ Yagisawa gives us a story that is as unsettling as it is tender. It’s a reminder that even in the quietest corners of the world, there are mysteries to be unraveled and life challenges that refuse to rest. The Morisaki Bookshop isn’t just a setting — it’s a riddle, a puzzle and a mirror, reflecting the perfection amongst the imperfect. It’s a Book Shop which have many answers amongst the knowledge of the books and perhaps these helps a human move even in difficult situations.

If I were to rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10 stars, with 10 being the highest, I would undoubtedly give it 8 stars.

(Please note: These reflections are my personal opinions based on my reading of this book. Your thoughts, facts and opinions may differ after reading it. I welcome any comments if you believe any details in this article should be re-examined. Thank you for your insights!)

That concludes my brief article. I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and opinions. Please feel free to share your views or comments on the review and recommendation of ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’, written by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa.

You may also explore my Book Review and Recommendation website:

https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia

I recently read the book, ‘Burn Anger Before Anger Burns You’ by J P Vaswani. In the course of human life, few enemies are as insidious and self-destructive as anger. It creeps into our minds quietly, often under the pretext of righteousness and before long, consumes reason, affection and balance. In Burn Anger Before Anger Burns You, Dada J. P. Vaswani has written with the clarity of a saint and the simplicity of a teacher about this old foe of mankind.

This book is not a theoretical treatise but a collection of Dada’s talks; each marked by gentleness of tone and firmness of conviction. He reminds us that anger, though natural, is not harmless. It erodes the peace of the mind, disturbs our health and injures our relations with others. The reader is made to understand that the one who allows anger to rule him becomes its servant; but he who learns to master it becomes truly free.

Dada Vaswani’s approach is practical. He does not preach renunciation from the world, but harmony within it. He speaks of forgiveness not as a passive virtue but as an act of strength. Understanding and laughter, he says are the medicines that dissolve anger at its root. It is striking how he links physical, mental and spiritual well-being together showing that peace of mind cannot exist apart from the discipline of emotion.

The stories interwoven in this book are simple but memorable and they bring home a truth that every man must learn: that anger serves no purpose. It may give the illusion of strength, but in reality, it weakens the spirit and clouds judgment. Dada reminds us that many of the world’s tragedies — wars, feuds and broken homes — have begun with anger that was not tamed in time.

The merit of this book lies in its plainness. It does not seek to impress the reader with difficult ideas or complex doctrines. It speaks to the ordinary man in the language of daily life, urging him to pause, reflect and act with moderation.

Learnings from the Book

1. Anger is self-defeating: It punishes the one who feels it more than the one against whom it is directed.

2. Forgiveness is active strength: It is not surrender, but mastery of self and situation.

3. Laughter lightens the heart: When one can laugh in goodwill, anger finds no place to dwell.

4. Peace begins within: No reform of society or politics can stand without the reform of the individual spirit.

5. Control of mind is civilization’s foundation: The cultured man is not he who knows much, but he who can keep calm when provoked.

Burn Anger Before Anger Burns You is a book of quiet power. It does not claim to change the world, but it can change a man — and that is where all change must begin.

If I were to measure the book on content, it in the form of rating, I would give it nine out of ten. But beyond numbers, this is a book that shakes the conscience and awakens the heart.

That’s all for now. I hope these personal reflections have offered some food for thought. Please feel free to share your perspectives. Your opinions may be entirely different and I respect all my readers views.

Thank you for visiting.

May I invite you to visit my Book Review and Recommendation website:

https://majumdarbookreviews.asia

You can also explore my blog page at:

https://majumdarbookreviews.blog

Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakmajumdar.dasgupta@rediffmail.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia