Kishore Satsang Parichay


Book Description




Sahajanand Charitra


Book Description




Songs of Kabir


Book Description

Songs of Kabir Rabindranath Tagore - Kabir lived in the 15th Century (1440-1518); born to Mohammadan parents; he came under the influence of the famous Hindu saint; Sri Ramananda and delved deep into the mysteries of Hindu mysticism. A true worshipper of God; he emphasized the purity of mind and selfless devotion to God. He openly opposed the weaknesses of both Hinduism and Islam.During his life time he composed many poems. They are usually two line couplets; known as dohas; recited by many scholars even today to denote some deep philosophical truths.All these songs of Kabir were translated into English by none other than Rabindranath Tagore; the mystic poet and the Noble Laureate; the first edition; published by The Macmillan Company; 1915; New York.This book shall prove to be an asset for the Kabir lovers who can't enjoy his writings in Hindi.




Vachanamrut in English


Book Description

It is a great pleasure for us to publish the spiritual scripture Vachanamrutam translated in English, by the grace of Purna Purushottam Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. There is an acute demand for English Vachanamrutam, not only from the devotees from India and abroad but also from other learned persons interested in philosophical literature, specially in the philosophy professed by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan Mahaprabhu. Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot has published a number of religious and philosophical books. Further Shikshapatri has been published duly translated in English and this book will be an appreciable addition not only to the literature of Shree Swaminarayan Mission, but also to the Philosophical Literature of the World. It was the desire of Reverend Pujya Sadguru Shastriji Maharaj, Shri Dharmajivandasji Swami, the founder of Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot and its branches, to get the Vachanamrutam translated in English. Rev. Purani Swami Shri Premprakashdasji was also giving inspiration for this important translation. By their blessings and resultant God's grace, the Vachanamrutam, translated in English is now published by shri Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot. Pujya Shastriji Maharaj always emphasised the need of reading Vachanamrutam daily and for understanding the same. His method of explaining the underlying principles of Vachanamrutam was extraordinary and unique. At this juncture, I am pleased to note here that the translation of Vachanamrutam done by Late Dr. Jagmohandas J. Mody was handed over by him to this Gurukul for publication, thro' Shri Mahendrabhai Shelat, the Late editor of Sadvidya. The most valuable services rendered by Dr. Shri Jagmohandas Mody for this will ever be remembered. He has done this translation in his retired life with deep interest. Further his eldest son Dr. Shri Raghuvirbhai Mody has also taken the opportunity of rendering some monetary services fot this publication. May Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan bestow eternal peace to Late Dr. J. J. Mody in His divine abode Akshardham and give happiness and affinity to our holy fellowship to all his sons Dr. Shri Raghuvirbhai Mody, Shri Kunjviharibhai Mody, Dr. Vibhakarbhai Mody and Shri Sudhakarbhai Mody and his family. Shri Mahendrabhai Nandlal Shelat has minutely gone thro' the translation and has rendered good services for editing and carrying out necessary additions and alterations in the translation of Vachanamrutam and also in the Introductory Chapter to put the translation in proper and final form for publication. He had also compiled the informative Index and translated the Vachanamrutam, known as 'Khagol-Bhugol' Vachanamrutam. May Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan bestow eternal peace to Late M.N. Shelat in His Akshardham and give happiness to his son Ambarish and bestow more strength for rendring services for Shri Swaminarayan Mission. I am glad to note here that the introductory chapter has been translated by Hon. Justice Shri S. D. Dave the High Court Judge, of Gujarat High Court, sparing valuable time from his active busy life. May the choicest blessings of Bhagwan shri Swaminarayan be showered on him and his family for all kinds of happiness and for still higher achievements in life. Here I take the special note of our institute Hyderabad Gururul where computerised type setting has been done accurately and carefully for this third crown size edition. Moreover Swami Laxminarayandasji the editor of 'Sadvidya' has taken the special care for proof checking and page setting work. He also tried his best to revise as well as to review this translation and has corrected some references wherever required. May Lord shree Swaminarayan give him more strength for rendering services for Religious literature. Our elderly Saint Pujyapad Shri Jogi Swami Shri Hariprakashdasji who has the references of all the Vachanamrutams on the tip of his tongue and who is always engrossed in meditation and devotion conveys his blessings to all who have given services for this publication directly or indirectly and to all other devotees and readers of this Vanchanamrutam. At this juncture I hope this english translation of the Vachanamrutam would be instructive and inspiring to all for achieving the final goal of life.




Sahajanand Charitra


Book Description

On the life of Swami Sahajānanda, 1781-1830, founder of the Svāmīnārāyaṇa sect of Vaishnavism.




Pragji Bhakta, Bhagatji Maharaj


Book Description

On the life of Prāgajī Bhakta, 1827-1896, a leader of the Svāmīnārayaṇa sect of Hinduism.




An Actor’s Actor


Book Description

More than forty years after his death, Sanjeev Kumar remains a role model for all aspiring actors. He could light up the screen in underpants, paunch showing, in one of Hindi cinema's most lovable song sequences, 'Thande thande paani se nahana chahiye' (Pati Patni Aur Woh, 1977). Entirely unselfconscious of his image as a star, he would often be cast as the father figure to a number of his contemporaries, most famously Sharmila Tagore in Mausam (1975) and Amitabh Bachchan in Trishul (1978), or as the elderly Thakur in Sholay (1975) and yet leave an indelible mark with his presence and his acting prowess. After starting out in B-films in the 1960s, he caught the eye in Sungharsh (1967), where the manner in which he held his own against Dilip Kumar is now stuff of Hindi film folklore. Equally adept at comedy (Angoor and Manchali, for example) and dramatic serious roles (Anubhav and Koshish), he was truly an actor's actor. Hanif Zaveri and Sumant Batra's biography provides a glimpse of star's personal and professional lives, taking off from the traditional business of the Zariwalas, his romantic involvement with some of Hindi cinema's biggest names, his lifelong battle with loneliness and his glittering achievements on screen. An Actor's Actor is a succinct introduction to the life and films of a star who left us tragically at the young age of forty-seven but who continues to live through his unforgettable and remarkable contribution to Hindi cinema.




Ashtavakra Gita


Book Description

Ashtavakra Gita is regarded as one of the highest scriptures of Advaita Vedanta. It is a legendary discourse between the sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka, where the teacher expounds the highest spiritual knowledge to a deserving disciple. This book is a compilation of talks with Acharya Prashant on the Ashtavakra Gita. Seekers have come to clarify their doubts and find practical applications to daily living. Acharya Prashant brings the heights of the scripture to a level where the listeners can benefit from the verses, understand them, and ultimately rise to their heights. It doesn’t matter whether you are a veteran or a beginner in the spiritual field; this book is a must if you wish to get familiar with the timeless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta in a contemporary setting and language.







Musical Life in Guyana


Book Description

Musical Life in Guyana is the first in-depth study of Guyanese musical life. It is also a richly detailed description of the social, economic, and political conditions that have encouraged and sometimes discouraged musical and cultural creativity in Guyana. The book contributes to the study of the interactions between the policies and practices by national governments and musical communities in the Caribbean. Vibert C. Cambridge explores these interactions in Guyana during the three political eras that the society experienced as it moved from being a British colony to an independent nation. The first era to be considered is the period of mature colonial governance, guided by the dictates of “new imperialism,” which extended from 1900 to 1953. The second era, the period of internal self-government and the preparation for independence, extends from 1953, the year of the first general elections under universal adult suffrage, to 1966, the year when the colony gained its political independence. The third phase, 1966 to 2000, describes the early postcolonial era. Cambridge reveals how the issues of race, class, gender, and ideology deeply influenced who in Guyanese multicultural society obtained access to musical instruction and media outlets and thus who received recognition. He also describes the close connections between Guyanese musicians and Caribbean artists from throughout the region and traces the exodus of Guyanese musicians to the great cities of the world, a theme often neglected in Caribbean studies. The book concludes that the practices of governance across the twentieth century exerted disproportionate influence in the creation, production, distribution, and consumption of music.