Author: Kadambari Kaul

Publisher: Leadstart
(Pp: 539, ISBN 978-9381836705, Rs 499)

From the unreal to real, from darkness to light, from death to immortality: these three profound prayers emerge from the distilled soul of eternal India. They are the quintessence of the Brihadaranyaka that ranks amongst the oldest of the esoteric revelations which constitute the Upanishadic corpus.

Brihadaranyaka means great (Brihat) Forest (aranyaka) book because of its size and because it would be better to study it in the silence of the forest.

This pristine work of intuitive wisdom, having at its core the wondrous insight of Yajnavalkya, its pioneer-sage, offers a veritable roadmap, guiding worthy seekers of knowledge on a course of spiritual ascendance and ultimate liberation – with faith, logic and contemplation, as the pilgrims’ wherewithal.

This volume presents an innovative transcreation of the Brihadaranyaka in simple, free-flowing verse, supported by an eclectic array of elucidations and commentaries gleaned from the works of many master interpreters. The book helps the reader reach the goal of freedom of mind and testifies to the intellectual superiority of the wise. Spread over six chapters, the book affirms the absolute identity of atman and Brahman which is universal, undifferentiated, absolute pure consciousness.

- Vasu V

The Arithmetic of Breasts and Other Stories

Author: Rochelle Potkar
Publisher: 20 Notebooks Press
(Pp 116, ISBN 978-93-51-749004, Rs 200)

First look at the book will give you a feeling of it being an erotic fiction but once you get down to read the book, you will be immersed in it sensibilities and sensitivities. There are nine stories in total – where seven stories are complete while two stories are left to the imagination of the readers.

Each story, though has lust as an integral element, has a deeper meaning. Readers can find romance, love, happiness and sadness in these stories.

Some of the characters in the stories seem so real... that you feel you know them. The language and the choice of words are apt, taking you deep into the essence of the storyline. It is human nature – needs becoming wants and emotions leading to complexities. But life does not run on these alone...there’s a deeper meaning to life and one cannot ignore it. Sooner or later, one realises it and gives a new dimension to one’s life.

All in all, it is an excellent read...especially for married people...as it gives an insight into the minds of men and women.

- Varsha Verma