About the Book
This book is less about Sri Vaishnavism as a creed and far moreabout a modern Sri Vaishnava’s outlook on life.
Understanding the ancient Indian spiritual and religious tradition of Sri Vaishnavism can never be complete without some acquaintance with its scriptural literature that is found written mostly in the Sanskrit and native vernacular. In India today, English-educated modern youth, as well as young Indiancommunities at large in the global diaspora, lacking mastery in either language, completely miss out being able to appreciate and experience life, and the world itself, in the many rare, brilliant and quite “unusual” ways in which their distant ancestors saw it all and recorded their experiences too as scriptural insight.
This book is a collection of 50 delightful essays in truly felicitous English, each one of which enables and then vividly brings to life for readers a deep and fresh understanding of the ancestral verities of India.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK “The Unusual Essays of an Unknown Sri Vaishnava”
“A book of personal essays on subjects related to a particular Hindu sect….Many touch on thinkers from the Western canon, as well. William Blake, William Shakespeare, and William Wordsworth all receive mentions, and it’s in this blending of influences that the book achieves its unique, inviting perspective….enlightening dive into Sri Vaishnavism.”
— KIRKUS INDIE REVIEW (April 2018)
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“……this book is certainly an engrossing read with the most complex of philosophies, practices, culture and other aspects of a global citizen’s daily life explained in an engaging yet easily comprehensible style of the author.”
— THE HINDU (August 2017)
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“(This book) is a journey of discovery…. the search (for the author) that began two decades ago, continues….”
— NEWS TODAY, Chennai— May, 2017
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“The book …. has the unique distinction of receiving the blessings and appreciation of the presiding pontiffs of all 3 principal and extant Vedantic schools in India —VisishtAdaita, Advaita and Dvaita.”
— “MYLAPORE TALK”, Chennai, Dec 2017
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“The author brings to bear a refreshingly new focus on various traditional concepts and scriptures while taking care to toe the traditional (Sri Vaishnava) line mostly, … With an impeccable language and excellent narrative style…. this book impresses one with its nice turn of phrases, the facile rendering of even difficult ideas in comprehensible terms …. This book would form a welcome addition to anyone’s library … especially useful to expatriate youth of today — it would help them find their traditional spiritual moorings despite being cast adrift in the ocean of international commerce with no polestar to guide them”.
— “Nrsimha Priya”: (official English Journal of Sri AhobilaMutt, India – Nov 2016)
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“This book contains a wealth of information in simple language and can fulfill the needs of those who have not been formally tutored in tenets of Sri Vaishnavism…. all the fundamentals are illustrated with examples (taken) from the context of the modern world for immediate understanding and association. … This volume deserves to be in the collection of those who value the hoary heritage and culture of Bharathavarsha….”
— Dr Chitra Madhavan, TATTVALOKA (Aug’2018), official magazine of the Sri Sankaracharya Mutt of Sringeri
READERS COMMENTS:
“The whole set of essays beautifully integrates author’s own religious background with the world around him. The easy way in which the Author engulfs all that he sees around him and all the world religions, places and people is enjoyable. Of course, the array of topics covers wide range of in-depth themes of the Hindu and the Vaishnavite faiths, without imposing the same on you.”
(V.KrishnanKrishnan Venkatachalam <krish1951@gmail.com>)
“EXCELLENT work. (The author’s) command over the subject as well as the languages (English, Sanskrit and Tamil) is superb. (He has) …written it in such a language that is easily accessible to even a novice like me. The scholarly treatment of the subjects/topics makes it a treat for researchers and laymen alike – A must read for Advaitins, Vishishtadvaitins and Dvaitins and all those who are interested in the subject of Vedanta. It is said that – “Dharmo rakshati rakshitah” — By this exquisite work (he is) protecting dharma which in turn will not only protect him but also those who will read this book.”
(Dr. L.R.Chary<lrchary@gmail.com>)
“It is an exceptional high-octane intellectual journey. Raises several vital philosophical and religious issues with aplomb and venturesomeness. There is a common thread of viewing our heritage with a discernment that is off-beat. I have just savoureda couple of chapters. Shall take time to get engrossed and enjoy this rare treat.”
(S. Parthasarathy velamur33@gmail.com)
About the Author
M. K. Sudarshan is a graduate of the Madras University from Loyola College, Chennai and a qualified Chartered Accountant. After a 35-year old long and successful international career in corporate finance, he now lives with his wife in Chennai, pursuing wider interests in Indian philosophy, world history and comparative religious literature, studies and writing. His related interests are classical South Indian music, the history of Hindu temples in India and travelling worldwide. His contact: mksudarshan2002@yahoo.co.in. Facebook: Unknown Sri Vaishnava @ Prapadye
