Ganesha goes to Lunch
Classics from Mystic India
Mandala Publications, USA . March 2007
Ganesha goes to Lunch is a collection
of some of India's most insightful and
philosophical tales and myths from the Hindu
Tradition. Some are celebrated, others are
small gems not readily known to Western
readers.
The short stories encapsulate some of life's
essential truths. The gods of India in their
abodes, humans struggling with life's
problems, and gods and humans interacting,
all reveal their lessons. Adaptations from
the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas, and
Vedas illustrate the great spiritual and
practical themes of the human condition.
The author has recreated, embellished, and
dramatized these tales to reveal their
relevance to modern times.
Shiva and Parvati's wedding reveal a love
that includes but transcends the battle of
the sexes. Vishnu's incarnation as a boar
demonstrates the strength of the bonds of
attachment that even gods are not immune
from. Brahma's entrapment in the web of Maya
leads him to learn to free himself with his
mind. Krishna's compassion for a little bird
ensures that creation continues even within
the destruction of war. Markandeya's fall
out of Vishnu's mouth, and into the ocean of
chaos humbles him in the face of the mystery
of life.
These are a few of the immensely readable
and instructive tales included in the
collection.
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