BOOK REVIEWS (Feb )
By Swami Ashokananda, Sadhu Prof. V. Rangarajan, Fernando Wulff Alonso
Summary
The book *Swami Vivekananda in San Francisco* by Swami Ashokananda, published by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, is a paperback with 70 pages, priced at Rs.35. It commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s three-month stay in San Francisco during his second U.S. visit in 1900. Swami Ashokananda, who led the Vedanta Society of Northern California for over 30 years, delivered extemporaneous lectures that highlight Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual presence, teachings, and impact on audiences. The book emphasizes his teachings on monistic Vedanta, the "Worship of the Spirit by the Spirit," and the "Gospel of Manliness," which Swami Ashokananda describes as "exploding bombshells" due to their uncompromising assertion of human potential. Swami Vivekananda’s remarks about giving his "highest teaching in California" underscore the significance of these talks, which are considered the culmination of his teachings. The book provides a portrait of his character, dress, and spiritual magnetism, making it a valuable resource for devotees. *Hindu Rashtra* by Sadhu Prof. V. Rangarajan, published by Sister Nivedita Academy, Bengaluru, is an 80-page book priced at Rs.60. It explores India’s spiritual and cultural nationalism through the ideas of historical and modern leaders, including Vedic sages, freedom fighters, and spiritual figures like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo. The book argues that India’s identity is rooted in *dharma* and spirituality, tracing this vision across ancient texts, medieval kings, and modern reformers. It serves as an M.A. dissertation with extensive quotations and references. *The Mahabharata and Greek Mythology* by Fernando Wulff Alonso, translated by Andrew Morrow, is a 523-page hardbound book published by Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, priced at Rs
Conclusion
These reviews collectively highlight the enduring relevance of spiritual and cultural narratives, offering profound insights into India's intellectual and spiritual heritage. Swami Vivekananda's San Francisco teachings, explored through Swami Ashokananda's lectures, emphasize the culmination of his philosophy, advocating 'Worship of the Spirit by the Spirit' and the inherent divinity within humanity. Similarly, Sadhu Prof. V. Rangarajan's compendium on spiritual nationalism underscores India's timeless identity rooted in dharma, tracing its evolution through historical figures and movements. The comparative analysis of the Mahabharata and Greek mythology by Fernando Wulff Alonso reveals the interconnectedness of ancient wisdom traditions, showcasing shared themes of divine intervention and moral complexity. J. P. Vaswani's practical guide to spiritual life provides actionable steps for modern seekers, emphasizing bhakti and selflessness. Together, these works reinforce the universal and timeless appeal of India's spiritual and cultural legacy, serving as both historical documentation and contemporary inspiration.