The Man Who Wanted to Meet God: Myths and Stories That Explain the Inexplicable

From Library Journal\nSaraswati is the guru and leader of a group of Hindus in northern India who trace the founding of their group to Shankara, the ninth-century Hindu philosopher. Consequently, the point of view expressed by Saraswati is that of Advaita, or nondualism. This book is a series of meditations from this Hindu perspective on themes such as nonattachment, desire, spiritual discipline, renunciation, etc. The 17 major sections of the book are divided into two- or three-page chapters in which Saraswati presents his viewpoint and illustrates the topic under discussion with a story. Many of the stories are from the two major Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, recast in Saraswati's own words, though the source of each specific story is not identified, a major shortcoming. However, the brief, clear, and interesting ways in which Saraswati's thoughts are presented and the engaging power of the stories he selects make this book an excellent introduction for lay readers to the elements of spiritual life from the viewpoint of Advaita Hinduism, even if colored by the author's particular perspective on the issues.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino
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