Konkani Kesari

Prarthana

4 Responses

1. 

   Ellen, on September 24, 2007 at 3:05 pm Said:

   What’s a Unitarian Universalist Buddhist doing reading Arun Shanbhag’s new translation of Hindu Psalms: Prarthana? A reasonable question, unless you’d ever met the author. If you had, you’d know that Arun is the kind of person you see and think to yourself “I’ll have whatever he’s having, thanks very much!”

   A positive energy surrounds him, and his smile just glows with peace and contentment. A scientist, athlete, blogger, avid reader and photographer, Arun’s engagement with the world inspires people — I ran a half marathon yesterday because of him — and connects people.

   So when Arun told me he was working on a book of Hindu prayers, to make them interpretable to those who don’t know Sanskrit, I was intrigued. My UU faith draws from Eastern religions, and I’ve already incorporated Buddhism into my spiritual life. I wondered what Hindu prayers might offer, since they have so clearly benefited Arun.

   What I found is that these prayers speak to something common to all of humanity: a spiritual impulse for light to dispel darkness; for connection to nature, to other people, and to the universe itself; for the courage to rise above our anguish or fears, to find hope and the best within ourselves, and to share our best selves with the world. In a time of great divisions, it is heart-warming to dip into another faith tradition and find common bonds, rather than alienation.

   As a UU, I responded in particular to the tribute to the earth and the sun, and the Gayatri mantra that calls upon “that quintessence of earth, air and heaven; May it bestow wisdom, enlighten our thoughts, and energize our consciousness!”

   I was moved by the Invocation of Peace: “May She protect us friends; May she nourish us; May we work together, And learn with purpose. May we never quarrel. May we be blessed with peace, peace, and perfect peace!” These words reach all of us, regardless of our faith tradition.

   In his engaging interpretations of the psalms, Arun calls for faith to remain a grounding force, but a flexible one that changes with human development. He weaves vivid story-telling about the Hindi gods with his own childhood experiences of the prayers, making them richer and more accessible to those not familiar with them.

   Arun, you’ve given us all another gift. Thank you for sharing yourself and your understanding of these ancient prayers with the world. We need people like you — the glue that unites us.

   Ellen Duranceau

   Reply
2. 

   Sheela, on January 25, 2008 at 2:40 pm Said:

   Namaste Arun Ji,

   I was spellbound by your book ‘Prarthana’. I feel every home should have this book, since nowadays children are not having the fortune of reciting these Sanskrit verses daily, which are potent with meaning.I hope and pray that this generation will be able to appreciate these values.

   I like the philosophy which I read -

   ‘LIFE is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the number of moments that takes your breath away.’

   Thank you Arun Ji

   With very best wishes,
   Sheela

   Reply
3. 

   Naumi Kak, on January 26, 2008 at 10:18 am Said:

   Your book is a gem. It has helped me start my own pooja practice daily, and I am so grateful that I was able to find my favourite stotra and stutis in one beautifully put together book. The Devi stotram specially took me back to my childhood and to the sounds of my parents’ chanting of it. Your book has also introduced me to the marvellous Venkatesa Suprabhatam

   Good luck with your second edition.

   –Naumi Kak

   (Cross-posted by A Shanbhag)

   Reply
4. 

   Jyoti Ramakrishna, on January 27, 2008 at 10:04 pm Said:

   I met Arun recently and bought a copy of his book ‘Prarthana’. It brings me back to my Hindu roots, enriching my memories of favourite prayers from my childhood, and adding a new depth. Some things that I had forgotten are now revived. Some things I never knew but have now learnt. And other prayers that I will now learn. The meanings are simple yet deep.

   This book is one of those that one goes back to over and over again, every time getting a little bit more out of it.

   Thank you, Arun, for giving these beautiful prayers new life!

   Reply