Tanmoy Das, who has been associated with Indian Newslink since his arrival in New Zealand in 2001as a student, has since established himself not only as one the finest photographers and travel writers but also as a staunch devotee of Lord Krishna. He and his British wife Sukanthi Radha Devi Dasi derive immense pleasure in spreading the message of the Lord and the teachings of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), popularly known as the ‘Hare Krishna Movement.’ He is currently promoting ‘Sri Bhagavatam’ comprising 12 cantos of everything that human beings should know, compiled in 18 volumes. The following is a brief note on these works.
One of the most significant aspects of Hinduism is the catholicity of thought and approach that remains relevant to people of all faiths at all times. In essence, it is a great teacher and guide, perpetuating piety and wisdom. While the four Vedas contain everything about the Universe, ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ provides the pathway to righteous living, with the aim of attaining salvation.
Universal appeal
It is an epic that encompasses every aspect of the Universe with a high note of literature and philosophy. Its prominent position in India’s voluminous written wisdom has neither been surpassed nor questioned on the vast canvas of time.
The Vedic texts that form the core of the past, the present and the future, were believed to have been written by Srila Vyasadeva (Sage Vyasa), who was later inspired to write ‘Srimad Bhagavatam.’
Known as ‘the ripened fruit of the tree of Vedic literature,’ Srimad Bhagavatam is a comprehensive and authoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge, covering everything from the nature of the self to the origin of the universe.
Spiritual progress
The first verse states that the Book is intended for people serious about spiritual progress and that it does not deal with sectarian religious ideas, philosophical conjecture or worldly concerns.
The second text promises that those reading the Book systematically will achieve the spiritual success meant for all human beings.
Apart from narrating the story of human beings from the beginning, the Book describes a number of topics that would interest modern-day physicists, scientists, philosophers, politicians, businesspersons – in fact, anyone keen on pursuing a meaningful life.
Superior knowledge
These include ancient atomic calculations of time, accurate astronomical readings taken 5000 years ago, description of life on other planets, detailed study of the development of the embryo in the womb from the moment of conception, prediction of the arrival of Buddha 2500 years earlier and science and technology.
The 18 volumes contain translation of the original Sanskrit text into English by Swami Prabhupada with appropriate commentary.
According to a scholar, the Book rejects deceitful religiosity of ulterior motives.
“One finds in it the highest that can be comprehended by selfless, truth-loving people. Herein that is offered what factually implies the well-being that uproots the threefold miseries (as caused by oneself, others and by nature). What would be the need of other stories when one finds in this book the beautiful story of the Fortunate One that was compiled by sage Vyasa?”
The 18 volumes are priced low ($400) to enable a larger section of the communities to purchase and read the contents regularly. Further information can be obtained from Tanmoy Das on 021-021-1066323
Email: dasphotography@yahoo.co.nz; Website: www.tanmoydas.co.nz
