3 comments about Deepak Chopra Presents India Authentic Volume 1: The Book Of Shiva (India Authentic).

1. I didn't know about this graphic novel series until Deepak Chopra mentioned his colaboration with his son during his Iconoclast interview with Mike Meyers.
   Easy to follow storyline makes it easy to understand the basics about some of the Hindu Gods. If you have any interest in learning about Shiva, Ganesh, Shiva, Kali, Uma and many more this is a great start. Also, the illustrations and colors look outstanding on the glossy paper.



2. I heard about this comic series produced by deepak's son on tv and ordered the comic within minutes.Well written and awesome artwork,which complement each other perfectly.They should make a whole series and then
   creat a coffee table artbook just perrrrfect!



3. This comic book is great. I love mythology and this book proved to be good at teaching some legends. The story of the Gods is well written, and the illustrations are great. In fact, I have ordered the following one, and pre-ordered the third one!!!

5 comments about Vedic Mathematics or Sixteen Simple Mathematical Formulae from the Vedas.

1. This book was given to me by a friend from India. I just have to say that this book is inspiring in such a way that it provides a new way of thinking in Mathematics. What I found most fascinating is that this way of thinking has been around for over 100 years and very little people know about it! It's a pity this is not taught in American schools because it gives a different perspective on how to solve problems - actually a much easier way to solve problems. If you have kids or you yourself want to solve problems easier (and faster), I strongly recommend this book.

   The majority of the American public is blind about the rest of the world's great achievements, not just mathematics, but also the arts and sciences. Truly unfortunate.

   Vince




2. This book makes "promblems" rename to "FUN." I never imaged math can be as fun and easy, but this book made it so. I gurantee it will make your brain work faster then the calculators. Shock your co-workers or professor with this methods and over smart your friends.



3. It is really amazing book of mathematics. I never knew that mathematics is so simple. Even it gave me explaination about current mathematic principles. After reading this book, I am able to solve equations very easily. This should be teach in every school. It is very easy and very interesting. I am shocked to realize that I did not knew about this book.



4. great book - my teenager is working his way through it in his spare time - wants to be able to wow his math teacher with doing difficult math in his head



5. While the subject matter is covered in the text I would not refer to it as "simple". The author is obviously a highly advanced mathatician and the material is presented with highly advanced terminologies that to some laypeople may be a little difficult to understand. That being said, if you stick with it you will learn different methods of doing advanced mathmatics in a much easier way than taught in the Western world.

5 comments about Hanuman.

1. This book has an amazing story and amazing pictures. It's great~



2. This is a children's rendition of the later portion of the Ramayana, pertaining specifically to Hanuman's role in freeing Sita from Ravana, her abductor. It has great moral lessons while still being an adventure. There is some violence that a very small child might find scary (we see soneone with a spear through him) and it's definitely a military motif, but given that Rama's identity is as a warrior that is appropriate. A great adventure with attractive illustrations!



3. I had ordered this for a gift for a young nephew, but think I may just read it to him and keep it for myself until he's old enough to appreciate the beautiful paintings that illustrate this ancient tale. It's a wonderful introduction to Hanuman, the most devoted of servants. Text and illustrations mesh perfectly, and there is so much life and movement, not to mention gorgeous color! High praise to everyone involved.



4. Its a good book but a bit lenghty. I bought it for my 5yr old daughter, she does like to read it but you can tell that after a while she loses focus or does not understand what is happening.
   Given the choice again I would still buy this book but may for her when she is 7yr.



5. For anyone who is new to Hinduism this is a great introduction to Sri Hanuman; perfect for children and adults. My book arrived today and I stood at the table in the post office, read the entire book cover to cover and could not help but get misty eyed.
   
   The illustrations are simply gorgeous. The lessons taught are even more beautiful; among them "There is no such thing as large or small when it comes to acts of love." also "Rama nodded and said: "All of these were gifts that you were given long ago. You have followed your heart and found these gifts inside of you.""
   
   This book is a must-have for every person who is even the least bit spiritual and one that I will read again and again for a long time to come.

5 comments about Back to the Truth: 5000 years of Advaita.

1. The most refreshing thing about Dennis Waite's books is the fact that he makes no claims for himself as to whether he is `self realised' or not during his forays into the great nondual teachings. (Indeed, it has always been a mystery to me that as soon as anyone `gets it', they can't wait to tell everyone that this is the case.) So here, for the first time to my knowledge, is someone who has spent a great deal of time researching and documenting the Advaita tradition from both ancient and modern sources, without the obligatory first chapter on how he `became one with the universe'. Essential reading for serious students of the mystical path.



2. Being a student of Advaita (non-duality) Vedante (the culmination of The Vedas),can be a daunting task for the western student. There are a myriad of resources, many in apparent contradiction to each other: traditional Indian texts, promoted by many different splinters of religious thought within and without the Hindu community, a highly self published group of western contemporary teachers espousing hybrid interpretations of "The Direct Path" as well as interdisciplinary sects laying claim to teachings which result in "enlightenment".
   "
   Additionally,traditional Advaita teachings are encumbered with prolific use of Hindu and Sankrit terms which make the task of comprehending them even more daunting.
   
   Emerging from this choatic assemblage of information comes Dennis Waite, a highly educated and prolific author, who has spent a career inventorying and attempting to survey the entire arena. "Back to The Truth" is a continuation of the effort he began with the publication of "The Book of One", considered by many to be an essential reading on Advaita.
   
   The effort required to traverse Waite's new book is well worth the effort. In addition to explaining the many paths available to the student, Waite has painstakingly referenced hundreds of resources available for further study. The book assembles an abundance of quotes of both contemporary teachers and the original texts, complete with appendices which detail how to locate the source material. Waite has compiled website links, bibliographies,a glossary of common Sanskrit terms, even teaching lineages to assist in the readers search.
   
   The great irony is that Waite offers this road map to enlightenment while repeatedly noting the obvious:"enlightenment" can not be achieved by the conceptual mind. As Jim Swartz [...] so aptly put it: "In spiritual circles it has become an article of faith that a the quest for spiritual knowledge is an 'intellectual' and therefore misguided pursuit."
   
   Thus, as some neo-advaitins love to point out, some may decide that the effort of study is unnecessary.
   
   Ultimately, this conclusion is a fallacy. More by Swartz: "...it should be noted that anyone seeking enlightenment through the 'heart' or other paths would necessarily be motivated by the intellectual belief that he or she was limited, inadequate and incomplete i.e. unelightened. To pursue experience is natural but to pursue it at the expense of understanding is foolish because it is only misunderstandings about our true nature that make us think we are unenlightened in the first place. The Self realized beings who went before left a vast body of information to help us purge erroneous concepts that stand in the way of appreciating who we really are."
   
   Dennis Waite has provided the penultimate resource to assist readers in this pursuit. It is first and foremost a service to humanity. If you have a serious interest in discovering your true self and uncovering the nature of reality, this is as close to an road map and instruction guide to the apparently confusing world of Advaita as you will find. I strongly recommend it.



3. This book, while almost encyclopedic in its coverage, is still very readable, especially for the person who has at least some background in non-dual thought. As I read it, I bit off a good chunk at a sitting and found I could chew it for a long time.
   
   I especially appreciated the author's fair approach to the various ways of understanding Advaita, which like so many other spiritual viewpoints is like the proverbial blind men trying to describe an elephant by touching it's various body parts.
   
   There are many references in the comprehensive appendices that are truly useful for the person who wants to do more study.
   
   At first I was a bit turned off by the author's use of the Sanskrit transliteration method known as ITRANS, designed to help properly pronounce Sanskrit words, which usually come into play whenever the historical aspects of non-dualism are discussed. However, he includes a helpful explanation of how to use this technique in an appendix, if you're interested.
   
   Most of the historical references are from Indian sources with very little acknowledgment of the Chinese (Ch'an) and Japanese (Zen) contributions to non-dual expressions. However, if these had been included it would have required multiple volumes.
   
   This is the best and most readable book I've seen covering the full range of thought on this topic from many different perspectives, filled with quotations from a wide variety of writers, both ancient and contemporary.



4. What can I possibly say, that hasn't already been said, and said with better style, by all the wonderful reviews of this Landmark book?
   It's an incredible, awe inspiring work. Dennis Waite is truly a gift to the World. His web-site, Advaita.org.uk, has been my lifeline since I discovered it.
   It is an bottomless source of Wisdom, knowledge and resources, and a truly enormous amount of work goes into maintaining it--to do this, write books, especially a Masterwork like "Back To the Truth", while still responding to emails with hapless questions from, I'm sure, many `miserable seekers' like myself, in his quiet, totally accessible way, in incomprehensible to me.
   
   The style of Back To The Truth--his ability to draw from so many varied sources, from the most traditional of ancient Vedic Scriptures, to the most current (so called) `neo' Advaitin writings, What a skill! Then factor in his knowledge of Sanskrit.
   The appendixes are nearly overwhelming--offering more resources and reviews, plus a glossary of Sanskrit terms. OK. I'm done; this review could go on and on...but I must end it.
   I have to say this, however, before I do. To me, it is not the many quotes, and words of wisdom, past and current, that make this book so powerful, but Dennis's own words...his writing has a simplicity and clarity that is deceptive; like the gentle surface of a lake, there is great depth there.
   Don't be put off by the size or the scholarship of this book. The best thing about Dennis, his web-site, and his writing, is his generosity and his Integrity. It shines through everything he touches.



5. A profoundly astute and masterful guide to the field of Self-discovery. An authoritative scholar, Dennis writes with supreme clarity as he skillfully expounds, logically analyzes and insightfully integrates the wisdom of classical and contemporary teachers with the principles of Advaita.
   - Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

5 comments about Song of Kali.

1. I'll get to the point: the book is good, but not a masterpiece (understandably).
   
   Regardless of what the hype on the back cover claims, this is not the scariest book out there. It's not the goriest, not the most depraved, not the most chilling. It's a fascinating view of a city that the book claims is rotten to the core accompanied by a mildly compelling storyline.
   
   However, the story resolves itself suddenly without a satisfying conclusion or any real explanation of the book's events. It's an entertaining read, but not the 'masterwork' worthy of many re-reads like the 'Hyperion' books (by this author) are.
   
   If you're looking for a horror novel, check out an early-mid Stephen King work. If you're looking for a fantasy (or sci-fi) novel, check Tad Williams, Terry Goodkind, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Ursula K. Leguin.



2. Wow... worst book ever written. It's depiction of one of India's holiest cities and it's inhabitants is deluded at best, and diabolically racist at it's worst. Not to mention how many Hindus (myself included) his depiction of our beloved Goddess, Kali Ma... Hindus definitely don't sacrifice people to Kali... most Hindus are at the very least semi-vegetarians. Disgusting anti-religious sentiment and racist hatred is what summarizes this book best.
   Jai Sri Kali Mata!



3. I picked this up to read on the plane during a recent vacation and couldn't put it down. Simmons' writing never fails to engage the reader. Song of Kali started off a little slow, but picks up the pace and drags you in; and down to places you probably don't want to go.
   
   It would have rated 5 stars, but it seemed Simmons felt the need to soften the finale, which seemed a little out of place. Overall, this is an excellent story, and not one for the squeemish.



4. After reading the Hyperion and Iluim novels, I approached Kali with high expectations and was frankly disappointed. Maybe I'm jaded by images of human sacrifice, but reading Kali was like reading the novelization of "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," minus the comedy.



5. The strength of this book is its stunning power of setting: the misery and festering evil that is this version of Calcutta. The scenes live and breathe and are vicarious fun to drift through - just like a movie.
   
   However, the hero is extremely unlikable, constantly exploding like a five year-old prone to tantrums and impulsive behavior. Also, the plot has real credibility problems. Why did the hero take his wife and baby to such an awful place as Calcutta? He knew he was inconveniencing his wife (a math professor who had work to do), and he also knew that she, while Indian, was not steeped in the right culture to serve as an effective interpreter and guide for him.
   
   Why? Well, obviously to put them in danger as a clumsy plot device. Ultimately, the plot problems capsize the interest of the setting. I wouldn't recommend this one unless you want to try a library copy first.

5 comments about The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic (Penguin Classics).

1. The story of Ramayana is in the blood stream of everyone from India. The original epic was written in the 4th century BC in Sanskrit, by Valmiki. Poets in every Indian language have retold this story. This present book relying on the Tamil Kamban version, presents before the reader the essential story of Ramayana. R.K Narayan, with the command of the English language and love for fast story movement, narrates the kernel of the epic poem in an engaging manner, for the sake of the English reader not familiar with the original version. Naturally, some of the elaborate details had to be left out and some narratives had to be condensed. This made the enormous epic into an enjoyably gripping story, in less than 200 pages.



2. As a fan of Narayan's work, I was fascinated to see how he would tackle the grand subject of the Ramayana, a work that runs through and certainly influences all of Narayan's stories. The result is one of his most delightful and beautifully written novels. I think it is important to approach this book not as "THE" Ramayana, but one storyteller's unique vision of the timeless epic--even as a variation on one of his Malgudi novels (the characters certainly bare a distinct resemblance). Narayan's writing is extremely sensitive, refined, yet full of humor and charm. Throughout he adopts the tone of a storyteller, openly acknowledging that he is only "retelling" a story by a much greater storyteller, and leaving out the juciest parts at that. His little asides where he explains, "And here the poet described the scene so touchingly..." are at once reverent and amusing, as Narayan wisely omits anything too excessive or poetic that might derail his narrative. But the story itself is wonderful, a colorful, full-blooded telling of the Ramayana, sparse, fast-moving, but with all the hallmarks of Narayan's style. This book is a must for any fan of Narayan's fiction, Indian writing, or mythology. Narayan effectively conveys the epic's timelessness, with characters and situations that echo throughout literature and film, full of profound human emotions. And this is always one of Narayan's chief strengths, to create believable, complex human characters. In his treatment, even Rama and Sita emerge as sympathetic individuals, not the cardboard cut-outs all too common given their extraordinary powers. In short, this is a magical and engaging work that I know I will read again and again in the years to come. I invite you to do the same!



3. This book was required reading for one of my college classes. It proved to be interesting and not terribly difficult to read.



4. I'm an anglo-American who works at a U.S. company that includes thousands of Indian. Like everyone, I've found the more I know about a person's culture the better we work together. I think this stems both from better understanding values and thought tendencies, as well as good will from making the effort. While I've studied a lot about Japanese and European history and folklore, my knowledge of what an Indian child learns does not extend much past having watched the movie "Ghandi".
   
   My 12-year-old son has been interested in Indian mythology and chose this book. I found it lying on the table one day, scanned the intro and got hooked. The fact that Ramayana is so pervasively known across the diverse states of India made it seem like an essential book for me.
   
   As I enjoyed the adventures, romance and morality stories I kept wondering about what the original poem is like. Others reviewing here seem to agree that the while Narayan's adaptation is modern, accessible and abbreviated, it is faithful to the spirit of the original.
   
   I plan to read it again, or perhaps another adaptation, in order to commit the character names to memory. It will be fun to discuss with my Indian friends -- especially if I remember it better than they do!



5. I should say immediately that I have no background of any kind in Indian culture, myth or religion. So in reading this small volume I was a complete outsider and a complete beginner in the Ramayana epic. For me, this retelling (in prose) was an excellent first step into unknown territory. I was able to follow the thread of the story and at the same time get a good sense of the epic grandeur behind the myth. I learned about the inviolability and power of a promise, no matter how whimsical or ill-conceived it appears when given; the sacredness of all life, even that which appears lowly; the presence of gods among us in a great variety of forms; and at least one idealized view of the relationship between a man and a woman.
   
   Oh, and it was a whopping good story, much deeper and more packed with meaning than the Greek and Roman myths I was raised on as a child. As I think back, I can recall the Greco/Roman mythology only as a collection of pleasant stories of gods who behaved like children, made decisions for petty reasons and who liked to interfere in the lives of men simply to cause trouble, fulfill sexual desire or seek revenge. I remember wondering when I read Greco/Roman myths how anyone could have "believed in" such gods or even taken them seriously in the way religion is taken seriously today.
   
   The Ramayana conveys a completely difference sense of the divine which, although very ancient, is still significant in the modern world. In the Ramayana gods and humans are always seeking spiritual enlightenment, to do good in all the worlds and to honor each other. The Ramayana is inspiring in the best sense of word.
   
   I also found the introduction by Pankaj Mishra very helpful in understanding the history of the epic and its continuing importance to Indians. There is also a useful Cast of Characters with name pronunciations and a small Glossary at the end explaining some important terminology that appears in the book. If you're new to the Ramayana, as I am, I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Galactic Alignment: The Transformation of Consciousness According to Mayan, Egyptian, and Vedic Traditions.

1. For several years i was looking forward to get book such as this one. JMJ did as usuall great work. I like his style of writing. Filtered facts, returning to previous ideas, corection of the not well developed. Reviews of all passed parts. Great appendixies.
   In fact JMJ guide us in 2012MAYA cosmogenesis to understand the meaning and purpose of the 2012. In this book JMJ shows us how the alignment is binded to Mayas time and to Ours. Where, When and What. So you can take some software and check your self if he tells us truth. Also if you take some other books related to this issue, you will be suprised by relationships between the facts. PopolVuh + this book + 2012 Maya Cosmogenesis + Orion Mystery + Hamlet Hill are really good combo to get quick overview about the 2012 issue.
   I am not going to write and opose to the facts in the book, this review is just to guide other to buy or not to buy this book. So facts could be checked by orderer.
   -keep it readin'-



2. Clearly John Jenkins is extremely knowledgeable on his subject. The depth of detail in this book is quite amazing and is written concisely.
   
   For me however, I found the detail a little too much. I couldn't help but think this kind of academic, intellectual inquiry was some attempt to justify the validity of the Mayan Calendar. It seems a distinct possibility to me that one could get lost in the detail of all this and miss the very essence of the Mayan Calendar. The point, in my mind at least, it is to turn inside to the intuitive Self, which is arising so obviously in these turbulent yet exciting years.
   
   I can understand how an academic person would enjoy the deep analysis and mass of information, but a more "heart" directed person may find it all a bit heavy and drawn out.
   
   I suppose the one thing I would simply suggest is that if you are a "heart" type of person, as I am, then maybe this isn't the book for you. As a matter of interest, I found Carl Calleman's books easier and more direct.
   
   And in case you're wondering, I find the whole 2011 versus 2012 debate a little moot. That will show up soon enough. It isn't now. Be here now, in touch with your SELF. Practice that vigilantly, and the rest will follow perfectly naturally. Just like it's supposed to.



3. This book was interesting and a decent read. Jenkins brought a lot if info together and didn't go overboard on the religious rhetoric. I found it to be a good comparison of interesting facts brought together with some interesting opinions with nothing forced on the reader. You are left to make your own conclusions.



4. The book was delivered as was said. The Author brings out a lot of interesting information but is a little long winded at certain points. At times he seems to forget that not all of the readers of his book have his background in the things he writes about. Overall the book was a good deal.



5. Actualy that book is very informative, especially where it touches on the Vedic tradition and the work of Rene Guenon.
   
   Magical Christianity, Revised Edition: The Power of Symbols for Spiritual Renewal with a CD of Guided Meditations

5 comments about The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You (2 Volume Set).

1. I am still reading this wonderful book right now, and I feel a new sense of self-realization. Buy this book!!



2. When I first learned of Christ's teachings and life as a teenager I was deeply moved. I followed His message as best I could but, there were so many things I didn't understand and had to take on faith. These volumes have revealed so many deep and profound truths which before were shrouded in the obscure and mysterious language of ancient parables. For the first time many confusing and obscure biblical references have been clarified in ways which I hadn't thought possible. It has deepened my faith and given me a whole new appreciation for the depth of Christ's life, sacrifice and legacy and our place in God's creation.
   
   Far from being distracting from a Christian life, these volumes increase ones faith and understanding and love for Christ. It's a must read for anyone who is serious about deepening their spiritual life.
   
   Enjoy!



3. 
   Paramahansa Yoganada's presentation of the Second Coming of Christ is beautifully written, and has much to offer all seekers of wisdom. This set of books have impact and clarity to the subject. The words were brought to paper through daily meditations over a long time span. The quality of paper, pictures are of the finest quality and the subject matter is full of new and old wisdom. I highly recommend this set and have opted to offer it as presents to those I care for this season.



4. The book is one that is required reading for a class. It is a beautiful book. The print is not too small and is very easy to read. The pictures are exquisite. Of course, as one would expect, it is not fast reading as you have to go slowly in order to take in all the new concepts that are being presented. I have found that I stop a lot just to say "AMAZING". Reading this is a pleasure. It is also a joy to know that the knowlege imparted in these teachings is allowing my Soul to travel further along the path it so desperately wants to follow. This book is truly an incredible interpretation. As I read it, I am amazed at how these words resonate for me, more so than any of the other interpretations read or heard that are circulating today among "Bible scholars". To again hear the true meaning of the words of the Christ is a treasure and the fact that everyone has the opportunity, especially at this time, is a true gift. I thank my mentor for allowing me the opportunity to refresh my memories for, without his guidance, I would never have found this book.



5. Ponderous. Very difficult to read. The writing style is so formal that I feel entirely disconnected from the subject which in fact, interests me very much. A shame.

5 comments about Lord of Light.

1. This is the first Roger Zelazny book I read, and it's still the best. It's very complicated because of the Hindu and Buddhist names, characters and concepts, all imposed on an alien world that is both advanced and primitive technologically. To make it more confusing, Zelazny tells the middle of the story first, then the beginning, then the end (Part II, then Part I, then Part III chronologically). But it's an amazing read, with vivid characters and locations and a great story.



2. 
   I am a little bit embarrassed to admit that I have not gotten around to reading this before now. I am also a little bit embarrassed to admit that while I really really liked it, I did not love it.
   
   Like many readers, I came to Zelazny with The Chronicles of Amber. I read and reread that series many times. In the last few years I have been going back to read the other Zelazny books that I missed, largely been picking them up second hand since so many are out of print.
   
   Lord of Light is a clever and creative muse on the nature of power and caste translated into a science fiction/fantasy mix. It has laugh-out-loud witty moments and is occasionally extremely moving. As usual, Zelazny does a wonderful job at translating religious themes to the popular novel. Mahasamatman (or Sam, as he famously prefers to be called) considers his past attempts to break the spine of heaven while preparing himself for the next battle. He may not have wanted to be remembered for his anachronistic myth-making, but it is awfully nice to read.
   
   I am honestly not sure why I didn't love it. I think that something about the structure removed some of the immediacy. I also had a fair amount of trouble following the character and names for the first third of the book. Couldn't say for sure. I do know that many true Zelazny fanatics consider this his best novel.
   
   Recommended, in any case.



3. At the top of the Sci-Fi pile is Dune, some people will disagree of course, but generally, there it sits. What comes next is even more debatable, but for me there are 2 books that really stand out; Lord of Light and Tiger,Tiger (opps sorry - The Stars my Destination) by Alfred Bester (no not the Telepath in Babylon 5!).
   I have read Lord of Light over 30 times (easily, I 1st read it in 1974!), when I'm bored and can't be bothered to start a new novel, out it comes. It's a small gem of a book; it borders the line between Sci-Fi and Fantasy and can easily sit in both. In all this time no author has matched (imho) Zelanzy for using magic/magic like powers in novels.
   The idea is very simple, and follows an old adage by A.C.Clarke (I believe) concerning sufficiently advanced technology and magic/god like powers. Here some people with all the technology start believing they are gods, in this case from Hindu faith.
   Like many of his books the protagonist really doesn't want to get into the situation they gets into, he's happy with his world until someone decides that a change is required which of course directly affects him!!!
   The writing is pure Zelanzy, very direct with no excessive/ott descriptions; romantic and charming; and just plain sneaky with people change situations, alliances and it all, just works perfectly. In some respects the writing style remains me of Herman Hesse (though from a literary point of view even Zelanzy has to bow down to Herr Hesse) and unlike Dune (and like Stars my Destination) it's microcosm, (and of course relatively short).
   Of course other fans prefer the (excellent) Amber series, or even This Immortal, but for me it's Lord of Light followed by his take on the Ancient Egyptian gods; Creatures of Light and Darkness (when are they going to re-release this one so I can replace my coverless copy?), even more outrageous I've only read this about 20 times! And of course his short stories are a treat.



4. I struggled with the book. It does not grab you right away. I picked it up and put it down several times...and read everything else available before I waded through. The story picks up about half way through and I enjoyed the second half.
   The first half of the book might be better on a second reading but it was difficult to get interested in the story until you get to know "Sam" and develop an understanding of the story world.



5. Got your Eastern Gods straight? If not, you'll find slow sledding at the beginning of Roger Zelazny's science fiction classic, LORD OF LIGHT. Once you're into it, however, you will appreciate the philosophy and the mythology equally. As a bonus, Zelazny provides some interesting battle scenes, too.
   
   In one episode, a demon possesses the protagonist of many name's (I'll use Sam here, as that's the easiest) body, giving Zelazny an opportunity to riff on the extended metaphor of our innate capacities for good and evil. The purely evil demon gets his comeuppance when Sam gives him the "gift" of guilt, which sure ruins a lot of his debauchery and drunken pleasures.
   
   Ultimately, with gods dying and coming back to life in new bodies and with everyone switching sides in the epic battle of the heavens, my interest began to wane a bit. Just a bit. But you'll like this without fail if you are a fan of science fiction and are conversant in Eastern mythologies.
   
   My hope is that the AMBER series will now be republished in ten separate editions. Presently there's a big book of AMBER with all ten novels in one tome, but it's too unwieldy and teens who love science fiction and fantasy especially are shortchanged, as they seldom take to such formats. I hope, with the new issues of LORD OF LIGHT, that the publisher will now republish the much-loved AMBER series as well, starting with the beloved NINE PRINCES OF AMBER.

5 comments about The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow (Little Book).

1. with highly original illustrations and a beautiful layout from mr. patel, this book makes a perfect gift or coffee table book...



2. This book is just fantastic. I have been interested in mythology since I was a very small child, but the books on gods and goddesses never seemed to give enough information about the deities, and even fewer offered pictures. Those that did usually showed the same prints or statues. Not as interesting as they could have been.
   
   The Little Book of Hindu Deities caught my eye immediately in the bookstore. After a lot of soul-searching and attending different religious rites (and a long period of atheism as a teen), I have found the answers I have been searching for in Hinduism, but I still needed more info on the religion itself. I was looking for a good book to introduce me to the specifics, and the adorable art style grabbed me. Not only are the pictures squeal-worthy (Kali is the cutest little destroyer ever!), but the information about each god is well-written and easy to understand. Parts of it feel like it was written for someone much younger, but it still speaks to me on an adult level, and it doesn't candy-coat the information about the more dangerous gods as much as some other books do. The illustrations are very concise and easy to identify. A great book to help make a complicated pantheon of gods understandable, no matter what your age. And the pictures are just so CUTE!



3. As someone born of Indian parents but not raised in the culture, I always wanted to more about the Hindu deities. This book is a good introduction and the illustrations are adorable. I originally bought the book as a gift for my sister, but ended up buying a copy for myself as well. Some may be put off by the cuteness in which the deities are depicted, but I found it all the more charming and perhaps it is a way to attract the interest of children to their heritage if they are Indian, or to a new culture if they are not.



4. Fantastic book with succinct, child-friendly descriptions and colorful, charming, yet accurate, illustrations of many Hindu Deities. A must for ABCDs and their children - there is also probably plenty within its pages for many grandparents to learn from as well...



5. In addition to a lifelong appreciation of Hinduism, I've been engaged in serious research for the last two years and of the 50 plus books i have acquired and scores more i've read, this is my favorite. It has great insight in a light, enjoyable presentation. Hinduism's broad pantheon is represented in a colorful, appealing and descriptive style. I've purchased about a dozen copies for friends - i can't keep one in my house! Every time someone sees it, they fall in love with it. It's such a fun book - even people who weren't interested in Hinduism are now! I Love It!