Stressed out and looking to take a break by travelling the spiritual route? Then you need to acquaint yourself with spiritual gurus Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, whose simple teachings have time and again proved useful.
And what better start than visiting the book fair that is on at the Ramakrishna Mutt on Bull Temple Road at Basavanagudi.
From the early lives of these social reformers, their teachings, famous speeches to their disciples, the books priced between 50 paise to Rs 1,000, allow a glimpse into the simple beliefs of the leaders, all the time revealing life’s simple truths. Be it the ‘Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna’, ‘Life of Swami Vivekananda by Eastern and Western disciples’, ‘Letter to a student’ or Kuvempu’s ‘Swami Vivekananda’, the books are sure to provide a deeper insight into life and its ways.
“There is so much tension in today’s fast moving and competitive world. It is in such situations that the teachings of spiritual leaders like Vivekananda and Ramakrishna come in handy. I have come to pick up a few books,” says Vijayalakshmi, a visitor to the expo.
If you want to know about the Bangalore Mutt’s contribution, both spiritual and social, since its inception in 1904; of persons, who have nurtured the centre, not forgetting the significant events, then the book ‘A Spiritual Centre Blossoms: Ramakrishna Math Bangalore, First 100 years-1904-2004’ may come in handy. However, if it is research on Hinduism that you are looking to undertake, then you could consider booking a copy of Swami Harshananda’s ‘A Concise Encyclopaedia of Hinduism’, that is being offered at a pre-publication price of Rs 1,000.
The book that comes in three volumes, covers various aspects of Hindu religion, philosophy and culture.
Books on science and religion, personality development, Indian history, yoga, Vedanta are also available. Pocket books on Ramakrishna, Vivekananda and Sri Sarada Devi make for good gifts. Books are available in English, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Sanskrit and Telugu. In all 2,500 titles are exhibited. There is separate section for kids. CDs and cassette are also available. ‘Parables of Ramakrishna’, an animation movie, which depicts the teachings of Ramakrishna through stories is the highlight of the section. Calenders with the sayings of Vivekananda, key chains, posters and photographs of the leaders and Sri Sarada Devi are also up for sale.
“The expo is being held to mark the birth anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Bangalore has undergone a sea change, following the IT boom. There has been an erosion of moral values. Through these books we intend to restore the same,” says Swami Divyabhavananda of the Mutt.
The expo will conclude on January 15. It is open between 9.30 am and 8.30 pm. A discount of 10-50 per cent is being offered. Cultural programmes are being held in the evenings as a part of the celebrations.
