Book Review: చింతనామృతం

Ancient wisdom for modern life

N. C. RAMANUJACHARY

CHINTANAMRITAM — Nectar of Contemplative Thinking: Sesham Ramanujacharyulu; Pub. by S Godadevi, LIG 27, Phase 4, Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabed. Rs. 150.

MUST NEWSPAPERS that inculcate a scientific spirit and rational outlook among the readers devote space for articles and features of religious import, contemplated a newspaper editor in Telugu for a long time. His conclusion was that such features would help develop an ethical base for human conduct and thus have contemporary social relevance.

This book is a collection of 80 articles on religious themes written by the author for a Telugu daily. He intersperses suitable quotes from Sanskrit and Telugu literature, annotates them effectively by drawing relevance to present times. The articles espouse self-discipline, right kind of living, discrimination and discerning wisdom, true spirit of patriotism, role models for humanity and sense of propriety in human action.

The present-day reader, particularly the youth do not have access to the ancient wisdom. They are unable to appreciate them without the help of commentarial analysis of the precepts. Such features fulfil this need.

The author explains right conduct in public life effectively. This compilation will help to strengthen the moral fabric of society and is therefore commendable.

Courtesy: The Hindu