Movie Reviewed: Berkeley Square (1933), starring Leslie Howard
This is a fascinating time travel movie (1933) and perhaps the first of its kind that tells the story of a young American who goes back in time to London, after American Revolution, and meets his ancestors and his fiancée. Unlike the modern day box office hit, “Back to the Future,” starring Michael Fox, in this movie Leslie Howard as Peter Standish goes to his family, which obviously creates some strange situations. For example, during the conversation with his fiancée and other members of the family he seems to know the future and predict events as it would happen. This makes them very suspicious and uncomfortable of this visitor from future. Sometimes it gets a little amusing since these folks belong to another culture are ill at ease when Standish uses modern English and puts himself in awkward situation. This is secondary to the romantic fantasy that evolves but which he doesn’t anticipate. He had pledged his love to one woman, but falls in love with her sister played by Heather Angel. This becomes a fantasy and the love story where he and Helen Pettigrew (Heather Angel) expresses true love for each other. They both starred in the Broadway version and it naturally builds up in the movie when they become caring couple. Helen understands that Peter is from the future and through his eyes sees the destructions of war and the cultural change brought forth by technologies, it terrifies her. On the other hand Peter is nauseated with the lack of good hygiene of the 18th century folks, and public hangings, etc., stirs his conscious, hence he doesn’t want to stay in the past. The sad truth of the story is that Standish must accept the fact he will never find Helen in future, and thinking about someone long dead is very much in his mind. He lives in a state of emotional despair looking for the woman he loved 200 year ago.
Time travel is a fascinating concept for centuries for human beings and Hollywood is no exception to this mythical reality. Although this movie is more than 80 years old, the possibility of going back in time is increasingly real and possible according to the current understanding of quantum physics and recent developments in technology.
Leslie Howard offers a brilliant performance as Peter Standish and rightfully nominated for the Academy Award in the best actor category. I strongly recommend this movie to all fans of Leslie Howard and anyone interested in back to the future movies. Very fascinating indeed!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Father takes a wife (1941), Starring Gloria Swanson - A wonderful family comedy
Movie Reviewed: Father takes a wife (1941), starring Gloria Swanson
I am a sucker for family movies, especially comedies, and this one stands out pretty good in my book. Anyone who likes Gloria Swanson would love this movie, except that she was already a star in Hollywood, but surprisingly she accepted to play the role of a wife to a secondary actor like Adolphe Menjou. After seven years of inactive life in movie business, this is rather surprise comeback for a super-star like Gloria Swanson, and she waits another nine years to make Sunset Blvd., a true masterpiece.
In this movie, she gives up her career as a stage actress to marry a middle-aged shipping magnate played by Menjou. He hands over his business to his son John Howard and marries his sweetheart and goes on honeymoon. During their trip they meet a young singer played by Desi Arnaz, The story moves quickly when Swanson who had given up her stage career takes keen interest in the singing career of the young man. This does not sit well with her husband who acts like a jealous husband. To a certain extent, this movie reminds me of Sunset Blvd in which Norma Desmond lives in a dream world and becomes insanely obsessed with a much younger man played by actor William Holden. In “Father takes a wife,” she manages the career of young Desi Arnaz, but does not have any fascination for the young Latin hunk. The movie ends rather colorfully when Swanson announces that she is pregnant. It doesn’t jibe as great as it would be if Ms. Swanson was 20 years younger. But nevertheless this happy news brings the quarreling couples to reconcile their differences. This is an enjoyable movie and I strongly recommend this movie to all the fans of Gloria Swanson.
I am a sucker for family movies, especially comedies, and this one stands out pretty good in my book. Anyone who likes Gloria Swanson would love this movie, except that she was already a star in Hollywood, but surprisingly she accepted to play the role of a wife to a secondary actor like Adolphe Menjou. After seven years of inactive life in movie business, this is rather surprise comeback for a super-star like Gloria Swanson, and she waits another nine years to make Sunset Blvd., a true masterpiece.
In this movie, she gives up her career as a stage actress to marry a middle-aged shipping magnate played by Menjou. He hands over his business to his son John Howard and marries his sweetheart and goes on honeymoon. During their trip they meet a young singer played by Desi Arnaz, The story moves quickly when Swanson who had given up her stage career takes keen interest in the singing career of the young man. This does not sit well with her husband who acts like a jealous husband. To a certain extent, this movie reminds me of Sunset Blvd in which Norma Desmond lives in a dream world and becomes insanely obsessed with a much younger man played by actor William Holden. In “Father takes a wife,” she manages the career of young Desi Arnaz, but does not have any fascination for the young Latin hunk. The movie ends rather colorfully when Swanson announces that she is pregnant. It doesn’t jibe as great as it would be if Ms. Swanson was 20 years younger. But nevertheless this happy news brings the quarreling couples to reconcile their differences. This is an enjoyable movie and I strongly recommend this movie to all the fans of Gloria Swanson.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Vedic Mythology by A.A. MacDonell
Book Reviewed: Vedic Mythology by A.A. MacDonell - The religion and mythology of RgVeda (Rig-Veda)
This is a scholarly work of Sanskrit scholar and Oxford University Professor A.A. MacDonell. In this book he examines the religion and mythology of RgVeda and describes methodically the origin of the concept of gods, and enumerates on Vedic cosmology and eschatology. The author gives a good introduction to the fundamentals of the Vedic religion and compares it with the Avesta mythology. He lucidly explains the general characteristics of Vedic Gods (and their classification) and spiritual evolution through the period of Brahmanas.
RgVeda is one of the ancient cultures of humanity which gave rise to the concept that the humans were created by the divine power. The sense that human’s existence and welfare depends on those powers made the Vedic Aryans feel the desire to worship gods in various natural forms. One of the most commonly evolved methods was to make offerings to the gods and perform sacrifices and follow certain ritualistic practices that became the part of the Vedic culture. In the evolution of faith and the belief system, the interdependence of gods in protecting the universe was essential. The Vedic tradition also provided for the existence of forces that are disruptive to the rule of gods. Hence, according to the Vedic literature gods had to engage these destructive forces, called rakshas, in constant battles to preserve the divine order and bring peace to the world he loves so dearly. Vedic gods were friends and guardians of honesty and righteousness, and morality in general. They are upholders of the moral law. Gods are angry with evil-doers, but they are also forgiving. Agni is supposed to free us from sin; Varuna and Indra are punishers of sin, and so on.
Nature became the major form of Vedic worship. Earth, mountain, river, plant, air, sky, sun, wind, fire, cow, horse and other animals became symbols of divine power. In some verses gods are described as human beings with supernatural powers and the difference being that gods are immortal. The ancient Vedic interpreter Yaksha (Nirukta 7:4) states that the Vedic deities are not necessarily anthropomorphic as we observe in the case of earth, sun, wind or water.
The author has a given a brief description and discussed the nature of several RgVedic gods in categories; Celestial gods (Varuna, Mitra, Surya, Vishnu, etc.); Atmospheric gods (Indra, Rudra, The Maruts, etc.); Terrestrial gods (Agni, Prithvi, rivers (Sarasvati), Soma, etc.); Abstract gods (Prajapathi, Aditi, etc.); Mythical priests and heroes (Manu, Bhrgu, Angirases, etc.); animals and inanimate objects (horse, bull, cow, goat, birds, serpent, etc.); and finally demons, rakshas and fiends (Vrtra, Vala, Asuras, Panis, Dasas, etc.)
This is by no means an exhaustive work but an excellent introductory book to understand the religion of RgVeda from one of the leading Sanskrit scholars of nineteenth century. For a more in depth study, I recommend “The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads” (2 Vols) by Arthur Berriedale Keith.
This is a scholarly work of Sanskrit scholar and Oxford University Professor A.A. MacDonell. In this book he examines the religion and mythology of RgVeda and describes methodically the origin of the concept of gods, and enumerates on Vedic cosmology and eschatology. The author gives a good introduction to the fundamentals of the Vedic religion and compares it with the Avesta mythology. He lucidly explains the general characteristics of Vedic Gods (and their classification) and spiritual evolution through the period of Brahmanas.
RgVeda is one of the ancient cultures of humanity which gave rise to the concept that the humans were created by the divine power. The sense that human’s existence and welfare depends on those powers made the Vedic Aryans feel the desire to worship gods in various natural forms. One of the most commonly evolved methods was to make offerings to the gods and perform sacrifices and follow certain ritualistic practices that became the part of the Vedic culture. In the evolution of faith and the belief system, the interdependence of gods in protecting the universe was essential. The Vedic tradition also provided for the existence of forces that are disruptive to the rule of gods. Hence, according to the Vedic literature gods had to engage these destructive forces, called rakshas, in constant battles to preserve the divine order and bring peace to the world he loves so dearly. Vedic gods were friends and guardians of honesty and righteousness, and morality in general. They are upholders of the moral law. Gods are angry with evil-doers, but they are also forgiving. Agni is supposed to free us from sin; Varuna and Indra are punishers of sin, and so on.
Nature became the major form of Vedic worship. Earth, mountain, river, plant, air, sky, sun, wind, fire, cow, horse and other animals became symbols of divine power. In some verses gods are described as human beings with supernatural powers and the difference being that gods are immortal. The ancient Vedic interpreter Yaksha (Nirukta 7:4) states that the Vedic deities are not necessarily anthropomorphic as we observe in the case of earth, sun, wind or water.
The author has a given a brief description and discussed the nature of several RgVedic gods in categories; Celestial gods (Varuna, Mitra, Surya, Vishnu, etc.); Atmospheric gods (Indra, Rudra, The Maruts, etc.); Terrestrial gods (Agni, Prithvi, rivers (Sarasvati), Soma, etc.); Abstract gods (Prajapathi, Aditi, etc.); Mythical priests and heroes (Manu, Bhrgu, Angirases, etc.); animals and inanimate objects (horse, bull, cow, goat, birds, serpent, etc.); and finally demons, rakshas and fiends (Vrtra, Vala, Asuras, Panis, Dasas, etc.)
This is by no means an exhaustive work but an excellent introductory book to understand the religion of RgVeda from one of the leading Sanskrit scholars of nineteenth century. For a more in depth study, I recommend “The Religion and Philosophy of the Veda and Upanishads” (2 Vols) by Arthur Berriedale Keith.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Celebration of Hollywood; A pictorial history from 1889 to 2003
This is a fascinating book that runs through the history of Hollywood from 1889 to 2003 in beautiful images that must be treasured by readers interested in the history of Hollywood. The photographs are spectacular and images are very clear. Comparisons of early pictures with the photograph(s) of the same place taken in 2002-03 are a fine way of articulating the effect of the passage of time and the rich of history of Tinseltown. It is a dream factory as columnist Walter Winchell said that Hollywood is a town that has to be seen to be disbelieved.
In 1886, much of Hollywood was covered with orange groves, fig and apricot trees. By the end 1900 the population was 700 but it was rapidly growing due to businesses and industries moving into the area. The first Hollywood studio was founded in 1911 by D. W. Griffith, but movie making had already started in 1907. In 1910, the Prospect Avenue was renamed as Hollywood Blvd.
There are many interesting pictures and photographs worth mentioning that includes a first tract map of Hollywood in 1887; The 1895 Hollywood panorama overlooking north from the hilltop property. The current view of the same place is filled with buildings and parking lots; the 1892 picture of Cahuenga Pass, and the same place is made of Hollywood Freeway; the unchanged view of Chateau Marmont at the heart of Sunset Strip, sitting for the past 80 years; 100 years of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood that has been in service for almost 100 years; the areas of Prospect Avenue and Wilcox, then (1900) and now; The Pictures of Immaculate High School in 1903 and now; the dedication ceremony of Hollywood sign in 1923; Griffith Observatory in 1934 and now; Hollywood High School in1922 and now; the 1916 photo of Christie film company and the photo of CBS affiliate at the same place now; Fox studio's then and now; Clune Studios in 1915 and the same place is occupied by Raleigh studios now; La Brea Avenue in 1921; 1931 picture of Charlie Chaplin with Albert Einstein; 1926 picture Hollywood Forever Cemetery, then and now, etc. The list goes on and you will be amazed at the quality of these photographs. This book is very strongly recommended for all movie fans and the readers of the history of California. This is also an excellent visitor's guide to Hollywood!
In 1886, much of Hollywood was covered with orange groves, fig and apricot trees. By the end 1900 the population was 700 but it was rapidly growing due to businesses and industries moving into the area. The first Hollywood studio was founded in 1911 by D. W. Griffith, but movie making had already started in 1907. In 1910, the Prospect Avenue was renamed as Hollywood Blvd.
There are many interesting pictures and photographs worth mentioning that includes a first tract map of Hollywood in 1887; The 1895 Hollywood panorama overlooking north from the hilltop property. The current view of the same place is filled with buildings and parking lots; the 1892 picture of Cahuenga Pass, and the same place is made of Hollywood Freeway; the unchanged view of Chateau Marmont at the heart of Sunset Strip, sitting for the past 80 years; 100 years of the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood that has been in service for almost 100 years; the areas of Prospect Avenue and Wilcox, then (1900) and now; The Pictures of Immaculate High School in 1903 and now; the dedication ceremony of Hollywood sign in 1923; Griffith Observatory in 1934 and now; Hollywood High School in1922 and now; the 1916 photo of Christie film company and the photo of CBS affiliate at the same place now; Fox studio's then and now; Clune Studios in 1915 and the same place is occupied by Raleigh studios now; La Brea Avenue in 1921; 1931 picture of Charlie Chaplin with Albert Einstein; 1926 picture Hollywood Forever Cemetery, then and now, etc. The list goes on and you will be amazed at the quality of these photographs. This book is very strongly recommended for all movie fans and the readers of the history of California. This is also an excellent visitor's guide to Hollywood!
Millie (1931); Fine story and a great cast
Movie Reviewed: Millie (1931)
This is a star-studded movie that includes; Helen Twelvetrees, Lilyan Tashman, Joan Blondell and Anita Louise. I was fascinated with the handling of a controversial story in which a wronged woman tries to fight to save her only daughter from a lecherous old man. In an act of rage she shoots and kills the man for which she is tried in the court of law. To protect her innocent young girl, she does not reveal her daughters' relationship with the murdered individual until her own daughter comes to her defense. At times this movie reminds me of another well-known classic, The Women (1939), starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell. It also bears similarities to the real life story of director and actor, Desmond Taylor. He was known to have a sexual liaison with the 19-year-old actress Mary Miles Minter. This alleged sexual liaison of the 49-year-old Taylor started when Minter was 17. Many reporters suspect that Charlotte Shelby, Mary Minter's mother shot and killed Desmond Tylor in 1922 when she found out about the affair. This case remains unsolved.
A surprising part of this 1931 movie is it presents Lilyan Tashman and Joan Blondell as the lesbian friends of the lead character Millie, played brilliantly by Helen Twelvetrees. This is one of the several "bold" movies the pre-code era studio's presented to the audience even though the clergy strongly deplored the morality of these movies. It is interesting to learn that Lilyan Tashman was a daring lesbian and made no secret of her sexual preference. Her sexual advances towards women in the powder room were almost legendary. Young Anita Louise who plays the daughter of Millie is somewhat melodramatic at times.
On the lesser side of movie is the sad and sudden end in the lives of two women of this movie. Helen Twelvetrees' career ended at a young age due to her unstable personality. Long forgotten, she committed suicide by a drug overdose at the age of 49. Lilyan Tashman died of cancer at the age of 38. This ravishing blonde beauty joined the list of blonde actresses such as Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow in departing at a very young age. Robert Ames, the lead actor died at the age of 42 due to sudden abstinence from alcohol. The actor was being treated from alcohol addiction in the last few months of his life.
This is a star-studded movie that includes; Helen Twelvetrees, Lilyan Tashman, Joan Blondell and Anita Louise. I was fascinated with the handling of a controversial story in which a wronged woman tries to fight to save her only daughter from a lecherous old man. In an act of rage she shoots and kills the man for which she is tried in the court of law. To protect her innocent young girl, she does not reveal her daughters' relationship with the murdered individual until her own daughter comes to her defense. At times this movie reminds me of another well-known classic, The Women (1939), starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, and Rosalind Russell. It also bears similarities to the real life story of director and actor, Desmond Taylor. He was known to have a sexual liaison with the 19-year-old actress Mary Miles Minter. This alleged sexual liaison of the 49-year-old Taylor started when Minter was 17. Many reporters suspect that Charlotte Shelby, Mary Minter's mother shot and killed Desmond Tylor in 1922 when she found out about the affair. This case remains unsolved.
A surprising part of this 1931 movie is it presents Lilyan Tashman and Joan Blondell as the lesbian friends of the lead character Millie, played brilliantly by Helen Twelvetrees. This is one of the several "bold" movies the pre-code era studio's presented to the audience even though the clergy strongly deplored the morality of these movies. It is interesting to learn that Lilyan Tashman was a daring lesbian and made no secret of her sexual preference. Her sexual advances towards women in the powder room were almost legendary. Young Anita Louise who plays the daughter of Millie is somewhat melodramatic at times.
On the lesser side of movie is the sad and sudden end in the lives of two women of this movie. Helen Twelvetrees' career ended at a young age due to her unstable personality. Long forgotten, she committed suicide by a drug overdose at the age of 49. Lilyan Tashman died of cancer at the age of 38. This ravishing blonde beauty joined the list of blonde actresses such as Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow in departing at a very young age. Robert Ames, the lead actor died at the age of 42 due to sudden abstinence from alcohol. The actor was being treated from alcohol addiction in the last few months of his life.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
A study in the interpretation of RgVeda Mandala III
Book Reviewed: The Rigveda Mandala: v. III: A Critical Study of the Sayana Bhashya and Other Interpretation by Siddh Nath Shukla and Vijay Shankar Shukla
There are many conflicting views among the commentators and translators about the meaning of words and phrases of RgVedic hymns. Sayanacharya, one of the leading commentators, interprets few words differently in different contexts. Hence his RgVedabhasya is critically examined and compared with other Indian interpreters and modern translators. In this book, the RgVeda Mandala III.1 to III.7 has been evaluated for the meaning of specific words, etymology, and grammar.
The language of RgVeda is archaic which contains grammatical devices and linguistic forms that are not easily comprehensible. During the Samhita period, people who were keeping with oral tradition of chanting during sacrifices did not understand the true meaning of the seer who wrote the hymn. To complicate things, in the ritual contexts some hymns were also bent to meet the poetical language that included configuration of similar sounds, words, metaphors, incongruous grammatical formation and the word economy. During the period of Brahmanas, many priests were skeptical about the authenticity of the meaning. Hence Yaksha, one of the leading interpreters of RgVeda says in Nirukta 1.20 that later generations did not have same intuitive insight as the seer who composed the hymn.
The first systematic attempt at interpretations was made by those who collected and compiled all the ambiguous and difficult words of doubtful origin and arranged them properly putting all words together which had similar connotations. This arrangement was called Nighantu and Yaksha's manuscript called Nirukta is the only oldest Nighantu that survived. This is the first available treatise that interprets RgVeda systematically. Before Yaksha there were many schools of Vedic interpretation as evidenced by Nirukta. Yaksha cites many names such as Adhidaivata, Adhyatma, Akshyanasamaya, Naidana, Purveyajnika, Yajnika, Parivrajaka, Vaiyakarna, and Nirukta. Yaksha also mentions 16 grammarians and etymologists who were the promoters' of the Vedic exegesis that impacted the tradition of interpretation. These treatises are not available anymore but they enriched the tradition of the Vedic interpretation. Many modern Indian scholars like Swami Dayananda, Velankar, Sri Aurobindo, etc. gave a spiritual dimension to this field.
Numerous words that appear in Mandala III.1 to III.7 have been discussed in light of numerous translations and its meaning in terms of sacrifice, sociology, and theism. These include words like; Tavasam, Vaksi, Vahnim, Vidhate, Duvasyan, Mayah, Apasi, etc. For example, Mayah in RgVeda III.1.3 is interpreted as pleasure, well-being, lusty pleasure, etc. This becomes a leading concept in Upanishads and Vedanta philosophy. The word rajas (RgVeda III.1.5), which occurs 149 times in RgVeda is suggested as route, path, way, etc. This is another word that figure prominently in Bhagavad-Gita.
This book is written mainly for specialists in RgVeda and does not interest general readers of RgVeda (or Hindu scriptures.) However, this is a good book for readers interested in ancient history of India and the origins of Hinduism.
There are many conflicting views among the commentators and translators about the meaning of words and phrases of RgVedic hymns. Sayanacharya, one of the leading commentators, interprets few words differently in different contexts. Hence his RgVedabhasya is critically examined and compared with other Indian interpreters and modern translators. In this book, the RgVeda Mandala III.1 to III.7 has been evaluated for the meaning of specific words, etymology, and grammar.
The language of RgVeda is archaic which contains grammatical devices and linguistic forms that are not easily comprehensible. During the Samhita period, people who were keeping with oral tradition of chanting during sacrifices did not understand the true meaning of the seer who wrote the hymn. To complicate things, in the ritual contexts some hymns were also bent to meet the poetical language that included configuration of similar sounds, words, metaphors, incongruous grammatical formation and the word economy. During the period of Brahmanas, many priests were skeptical about the authenticity of the meaning. Hence Yaksha, one of the leading interpreters of RgVeda says in Nirukta 1.20 that later generations did not have same intuitive insight as the seer who composed the hymn.
The first systematic attempt at interpretations was made by those who collected and compiled all the ambiguous and difficult words of doubtful origin and arranged them properly putting all words together which had similar connotations. This arrangement was called Nighantu and Yaksha's manuscript called Nirukta is the only oldest Nighantu that survived. This is the first available treatise that interprets RgVeda systematically. Before Yaksha there were many schools of Vedic interpretation as evidenced by Nirukta. Yaksha cites many names such as Adhidaivata, Adhyatma, Akshyanasamaya, Naidana, Purveyajnika, Yajnika, Parivrajaka, Vaiyakarna, and Nirukta. Yaksha also mentions 16 grammarians and etymologists who were the promoters' of the Vedic exegesis that impacted the tradition of interpretation. These treatises are not available anymore but they enriched the tradition of the Vedic interpretation. Many modern Indian scholars like Swami Dayananda, Velankar, Sri Aurobindo, etc. gave a spiritual dimension to this field.
Numerous words that appear in Mandala III.1 to III.7 have been discussed in light of numerous translations and its meaning in terms of sacrifice, sociology, and theism. These include words like; Tavasam, Vaksi, Vahnim, Vidhate, Duvasyan, Mayah, Apasi, etc. For example, Mayah in RgVeda III.1.3 is interpreted as pleasure, well-being, lusty pleasure, etc. This becomes a leading concept in Upanishads and Vedanta philosophy. The word rajas (RgVeda III.1.5), which occurs 149 times in RgVeda is suggested as route, path, way, etc. This is another word that figure prominently in Bhagavad-Gita.
This book is written mainly for specialists in RgVeda and does not interest general readers of RgVeda (or Hindu scriptures.) However, this is a good book for readers interested in ancient history of India and the origins of Hinduism.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Does Bhakti Appear in Rgveda by Jeanine Miller
Book Reviewed: Does Bhakti Appear in Rgveda by Jeanine Miller
Title: The concept of bhakti exists in Rig-Veda
This book takes a view that the concept of bhakti is present in the Rig-Veda contrary to the thoughts of early Vedic scholars such as; Max Muller, H. Oldenberg, A.A. MacDonnell and M. Winternitz. But later scholars of mid-20th century like Louis Renou, Jan Gonda, Sri Aurobindo, A.C. Bose, and R.C. Dandekar took a different approach to understand the specific hymns where bhakti could be traced. By re-interpreting the role of the Vedic seer’s life vision is to achieving divinely power and immortality, and a deeper philological examination revealed that the meanings of key words that express bhakti were misunderstood by earlier philologists. The author follows the examples of latter philologists to find evidence that bhakti was always a part of Rig-Veda. She re-examines the meanings of specific words such as tapas (religious life which is incandescent), dhih (vision and revelation), apas (scared work), Purusa (the absolute in human form) and hrad (the seat of divine wisdom) and concludes that bhakti was expressed by the Vedic rishis with deep devotion. The hidden spiritual dimension of svar (light), amrta (immortality) and yajna (sacrifice) unravel the rapture in the heart of seer-poet welling out with bhakti and elaborate this communion by praising the Vedic gods; Indra, Agni, Varuna, Soma or Savitr. The word Brahman that appears in Rig-Veda has the same meaning as it is in post-Vedic literature. This book tries to build a bridge of continuity between Vedic Henotheism and Upanishadic Monotheism, and try to explain that metaphysical component of Upanishads in preliminary form that evolved in Principal Upanishads.
This is a very well researched academic work with plenty of cross-references to the hymns in Rig-Veda and post-Vedic literature. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Vedas and bhakti movement in Hinduism.
Title: The concept of bhakti exists in Rig-Veda
This book takes a view that the concept of bhakti is present in the Rig-Veda contrary to the thoughts of early Vedic scholars such as; Max Muller, H. Oldenberg, A.A. MacDonnell and M. Winternitz. But later scholars of mid-20th century like Louis Renou, Jan Gonda, Sri Aurobindo, A.C. Bose, and R.C. Dandekar took a different approach to understand the specific hymns where bhakti could be traced. By re-interpreting the role of the Vedic seer’s life vision is to achieving divinely power and immortality, and a deeper philological examination revealed that the meanings of key words that express bhakti were misunderstood by earlier philologists. The author follows the examples of latter philologists to find evidence that bhakti was always a part of Rig-Veda. She re-examines the meanings of specific words such as tapas (religious life which is incandescent), dhih (vision and revelation), apas (scared work), Purusa (the absolute in human form) and hrad (the seat of divine wisdom) and concludes that bhakti was expressed by the Vedic rishis with deep devotion. The hidden spiritual dimension of svar (light), amrta (immortality) and yajna (sacrifice) unravel the rapture in the heart of seer-poet welling out with bhakti and elaborate this communion by praising the Vedic gods; Indra, Agni, Varuna, Soma or Savitr. The word Brahman that appears in Rig-Veda has the same meaning as it is in post-Vedic literature. This book tries to build a bridge of continuity between Vedic Henotheism and Upanishadic Monotheism, and try to explain that metaphysical component of Upanishads in preliminary form that evolved in Principal Upanishads.
This is a very well researched academic work with plenty of cross-references to the hymns in Rig-Veda and post-Vedic literature. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Vedas and bhakti movement in Hinduism.
Movie: Scarlet Dawn - Triumphs and tragedies of Baron Nikita Krasnoff
Movie Reviewed: Scarlet Dawn, Starring Douglas Fairbank, Jr., and Nancy Carroll
This is a family drama of a Russian Baron Nikita Krasnoff and his household servant Tanyusha (Nancy Carroll). The movie illustrates the plight of wealthy Russians during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Survival and slipping out of the country to Turkey with whatever wealth they can carry was the biggest challenge in their lives.
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and household servant Nancy Carroll who later becomes his wife trek on foot to Turkey. They go through a difficult married life with some domestic violence and initial sexual harassment. Krasnoff works as a dishwasher and Tanyusha scrubs floors at a hospital for living. When restaurant patron Vera Zimina (Lilyan Tashman) finds her ex-lover Krasnoff working as a busboy, she seduces him and steals from his wife and then set him up a dirty moneymaking scheme. When Krasnoff realizes that his true love is for Tanyusha, he will go looking for her. Finally the Turkish police catch up with both of them and deport back to Russia where they have to face a grim future.
This movie makes me remember Clark Gable’s “Gone with the Wind,” that deals with domestic issues during the American Civil War. Fairbanks does his best as a man in control of things but it is Nancy Carroll who offers an excellent performance as an abused woman. Lilyan Tashman was a confirmed lesbian in early Hollywood and she made no secret of her sexuality, yet her role as a sexy man-snatching woman is somewhat hard to swallow. The music by Harry Warren is rich especially the one played during the wedding ceremony. This movie was great when it was released in 1932 but the domestic issues dealt in this movie could bother some viewers. This movie is highly recommended to all the fans of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nancy Carroll and Lilyan Tashman.
This is a family drama of a Russian Baron Nikita Krasnoff and his household servant Tanyusha (Nancy Carroll). The movie illustrates the plight of wealthy Russians during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Survival and slipping out of the country to Turkey with whatever wealth they can carry was the biggest challenge in their lives.
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and household servant Nancy Carroll who later becomes his wife trek on foot to Turkey. They go through a difficult married life with some domestic violence and initial sexual harassment. Krasnoff works as a dishwasher and Tanyusha scrubs floors at a hospital for living. When restaurant patron Vera Zimina (Lilyan Tashman) finds her ex-lover Krasnoff working as a busboy, she seduces him and steals from his wife and then set him up a dirty moneymaking scheme. When Krasnoff realizes that his true love is for Tanyusha, he will go looking for her. Finally the Turkish police catch up with both of them and deport back to Russia where they have to face a grim future.
This movie makes me remember Clark Gable’s “Gone with the Wind,” that deals with domestic issues during the American Civil War. Fairbanks does his best as a man in control of things but it is Nancy Carroll who offers an excellent performance as an abused woman. Lilyan Tashman was a confirmed lesbian in early Hollywood and she made no secret of her sexuality, yet her role as a sexy man-snatching woman is somewhat hard to swallow. The music by Harry Warren is rich especially the one played during the wedding ceremony. This movie was great when it was released in 1932 but the domestic issues dealt in this movie could bother some viewers. This movie is highly recommended to all the fans of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nancy Carroll and Lilyan Tashman.
Moving beyond the Christian Myth: The beginnings of Hare Krishna’s in the Western World
Book Reviewed: Miracle on Second Avenue: Hare Krishna Arrives in New York, San Francisco, and London 1966-1969
by Mukunda Goswami
This is an excellent chronicle of the spiritual movement of Krishna consciousness in the Western World during the period of 1966-69. The author is one of the very first few disciples who were initiated into the organization. This is an intimate, lively, and highly engrossing story, and recalls the beginnings of the movement. It covers the life of his guru and the disciples on Lower East Side of New York (in the first section of the book), and later in Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco with flourishing hippie culture that believed in rebellion, LSD, love, music and sex (described in the second section of the book.) This is my favorite part of the book where the author recalls his personal experience in the opening of the temple at 518 Frederick Street. The story has a personal touch that turned into a major bhakti movement in North America. In one of his private conversation with an Indian friend, Srila Prabhupada states that hippies are the main “customers” of his movement. At that time very few thought this will turn into a major force in introducing Krishna Consciousness through devotional chanting and Shastric/Puranic practices that were totally alien to Christian America. The hard work and sacrifices of hundreds of early disciples of Prabhupada turned this into a main-stream religion. The biggest force in all this is the Founding Acharya himself who firmly believed that Lord Krishna will help and show him the way. The Mantra-Rock Dance event at San Francisco is a historic event that raised money for the SF temple. The movement started to grow rapidly after San Francisco became the second city to build the Krishna temple. Prabhupada proudly called this temple the New Jagannathapuri. The local government began to appreciate the new movement because of Prabhupada’s efforts to divert hippies away from LSD to lead disciplined lives. The office of the mayor of New York greatly appreciated his efforts in this regard. The main goal of ISKCON was to spread the spiritual knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita around the world through sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya, to bring mankind consciousness of Krishna and thereby attain peace, and to erect a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna. He also introduced eight rules for the devotees that included strict vegetarianism, no illicit sex, do not mix extensively with non-devotees, do not eat food prepared by non-devotees, no sports, and devotees must chant Krishna maha-mantra. He also ruled that all devotees must read Bhagavadgita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.
The third section of the book describes the involvement of Beatles, especially Georg Harrison in the opening of the London temple. His influence in bringing numerous devotees into the organization is huge and significant. The book also has many rare photographs which I have not seen anywhere else. In one picture, Prabhupada is presiding over a fire-sacrifice in the San Francisco temple; in fact there are several pictures of this temple in this book.
For those who are interested in the work of Srila Prabhupada in New York, I recommend Hyagriva Dasa’s “The Hare Krishna explosion: The birth of Krishna Consciousness in America, 1966-1969.” The style of writing of these two disciples, Swami Mukunda Goswami and Hyagriva Dasa are different. But from their personal experiences, reading Mukunda Goswami’s memoir of his work in SF and Hyagriva Dasa’s work in NY makes their books especially interesting.
by Mukunda Goswami
This is an excellent chronicle of the spiritual movement of Krishna consciousness in the Western World during the period of 1966-69. The author is one of the very first few disciples who were initiated into the organization. This is an intimate, lively, and highly engrossing story, and recalls the beginnings of the movement. It covers the life of his guru and the disciples on Lower East Side of New York (in the first section of the book), and later in Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco with flourishing hippie culture that believed in rebellion, LSD, love, music and sex (described in the second section of the book.) This is my favorite part of the book where the author recalls his personal experience in the opening of the temple at 518 Frederick Street. The story has a personal touch that turned into a major bhakti movement in North America. In one of his private conversation with an Indian friend, Srila Prabhupada states that hippies are the main “customers” of his movement. At that time very few thought this will turn into a major force in introducing Krishna Consciousness through devotional chanting and Shastric/Puranic practices that were totally alien to Christian America. The hard work and sacrifices of hundreds of early disciples of Prabhupada turned this into a main-stream religion. The biggest force in all this is the Founding Acharya himself who firmly believed that Lord Krishna will help and show him the way. The Mantra-Rock Dance event at San Francisco is a historic event that raised money for the SF temple. The movement started to grow rapidly after San Francisco became the second city to build the Krishna temple. Prabhupada proudly called this temple the New Jagannathapuri. The local government began to appreciate the new movement because of Prabhupada’s efforts to divert hippies away from LSD to lead disciplined lives. The office of the mayor of New York greatly appreciated his efforts in this regard. The main goal of ISKCON was to spread the spiritual knowledge of Bhagavad-Gita around the world through sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya, to bring mankind consciousness of Krishna and thereby attain peace, and to erect a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna. He also introduced eight rules for the devotees that included strict vegetarianism, no illicit sex, do not mix extensively with non-devotees, do not eat food prepared by non-devotees, no sports, and devotees must chant Krishna maha-mantra. He also ruled that all devotees must read Bhagavadgita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.
The third section of the book describes the involvement of Beatles, especially Georg Harrison in the opening of the London temple. His influence in bringing numerous devotees into the organization is huge and significant. The book also has many rare photographs which I have not seen anywhere else. In one picture, Prabhupada is presiding over a fire-sacrifice in the San Francisco temple; in fact there are several pictures of this temple in this book.
For those who are interested in the work of Srila Prabhupada in New York, I recommend Hyagriva Dasa’s “The Hare Krishna explosion: The birth of Krishna Consciousness in America, 1966-1969.” The style of writing of these two disciples, Swami Mukunda Goswami and Hyagriva Dasa are different. But from their personal experiences, reading Mukunda Goswami’s memoir of his work in SF and Hyagriva Dasa’s work in NY makes their books especially interesting.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Arab Winter comes to America: An outstanding book by Robert Spencer
Arab Winter Comes to America: The Truth About the War We're In by Robert Spencer
Robert Spencer is an outstanding scholar of Islam who has been reporting about the evil effects of Islamic terrorism for decades. This book reference the now infamous failed Arab Spring, but this is not about what went wrong in Egypt, Sudan and Tunisia, but focusses on what has gone wrong with the United States in terms of its policies for handling rising power of Islamists and Islamic sympathizers in this country. What has United State and other Western countries have done to minimize the growth and radicalization by Islam.
The Arab Spring cracked regimes that had sought a middle ground between the unfettered savagery of Islamic law and the modern world. The Arab Winter is trying to do the same in Western world. Current laws and political policies of Obama are designed to silence the critics of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and branding them as Islamophobia. The political and religious groups linked to Islamic terrorism silence scholars like Robert Spencer who would denounce them for what they are while using the threat of youth “radicalization” as blackmail. The author warns that the real struggle between Western civilization and the medieval terror theocracy (such as Sharia laws that enslave women, amputation, stoning-to-death, etc.) has left the deserts of Arabia and has firmly established in the Western World and it is here to stay for a long-hard fight for its supremacy. The Jihad attacks in Boston and New York by home grown jihadists is as bloody as the one in Pakistan, Egypt or Syria. Our future will be as bloody as these Islamic countries. The weather outside may carry the warmth of a balmy spring, but as long as a cold wind blows out of the desert where Islam was born, it will continue to freeze souls and minds and whenever a bomb goes off or a Muslim kills a non-Muslim in the name of Islam, a chilly strand of that wind blows through our minds and hearts, yet powerless to do much about it.
This is a highly readable book by an outstanding Islamic scholar knowledgeable about Islamic history; it is a very illuminating book. I highly recommend this to any interested in understanding the true nature of Islam and its ultimate goal in the Western World.
Robert Spencer is an outstanding scholar of Islam who has been reporting about the evil effects of Islamic terrorism for decades. This book reference the now infamous failed Arab Spring, but this is not about what went wrong in Egypt, Sudan and Tunisia, but focusses on what has gone wrong with the United States in terms of its policies for handling rising power of Islamists and Islamic sympathizers in this country. What has United State and other Western countries have done to minimize the growth and radicalization by Islam.
The Arab Spring cracked regimes that had sought a middle ground between the unfettered savagery of Islamic law and the modern world. The Arab Winter is trying to do the same in Western world. Current laws and political policies of Obama are designed to silence the critics of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and branding them as Islamophobia. The political and religious groups linked to Islamic terrorism silence scholars like Robert Spencer who would denounce them for what they are while using the threat of youth “radicalization” as blackmail. The author warns that the real struggle between Western civilization and the medieval terror theocracy (such as Sharia laws that enslave women, amputation, stoning-to-death, etc.) has left the deserts of Arabia and has firmly established in the Western World and it is here to stay for a long-hard fight for its supremacy. The Jihad attacks in Boston and New York by home grown jihadists is as bloody as the one in Pakistan, Egypt or Syria. Our future will be as bloody as these Islamic countries. The weather outside may carry the warmth of a balmy spring, but as long as a cold wind blows out of the desert where Islam was born, it will continue to freeze souls and minds and whenever a bomb goes off or a Muslim kills a non-Muslim in the name of Islam, a chilly strand of that wind blows through our minds and hearts, yet powerless to do much about it.
This is a highly readable book by an outstanding Islamic scholar knowledgeable about Islamic history; it is a very illuminating book. I highly recommend this to any interested in understanding the true nature of Islam and its ultimate goal in the Western World.
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