HAND-PICKED BOOKS: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/R271RQKRRFYL5O/ref=cm_pdp_lm_title_2 (most books recommended here are in this list in amazon) ~ Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad-Gita is like the sun, shining for everyone. It's not a sectarian doctrine, meant for a particular faith or class of people. It's meant for the enlightenment of humanity. Bhagavad-Gita is the essense of all Vedic literature. Though it's ancient (first of the books), it remains utterly vital today. It is not sentimental but is practical - a handbook of wisdom for our troubled times. Arjuna was experiencing many difficulties on the Battlefield of Kurukshetra. Today, we are likewise burdened with many serious problems. War, poverty, pollution and greed are everywhere, and getting worse. This is an age of anxiety. If a person is interested in his own happiness and that of society at large, the Gita can show the way. It takes us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. In the West, the Gita has had profound influence on philosophy and literature and has been studied by virtually all of the major thinkers. After extensive comparative studies of numerous translations, I found out that the following are the best translations because it faithfully retains the original message without any speculation / vagueness. - Bhagavad Gita: Talks between the Soul and God - Ranchor Prime (level: beginner) - Bhagavad Gita: The Beloved Lord's Secret Love Song - Graham M. Schweig (level: beginner/intermediate) - Bhagavad-Gita As It Is - A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (level: advanced) - Reviews various translations/commentaries of the Bhagavad Gita. Recommended for serious study. M ~ The Journey of Self-Discovery - A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (perspectives on science/philosophy chapter is a great read) In these thirty-one essays, talks, and informal conversations, the author reveals the central point of essential self-knowledge. The problems of war, hate, anxiety, mistrust among nations, etc. are the result of our failure to recognize the knowledge of Law of Nature. Understanding this knowledge will show us how to harmonize our actions so that we can overcome and eradicate all our difficulties and always live peacefully and joyfully. ~ The Power of the Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture - Stephen Knapp (introduction to Vedic philosophy / culture)
This has been especially written for those who want an easy reference and introduction to the Vedic philosophy and tradition. This provides a concise overview and quick guide of the major principles found within Vedic culture, and answers the most common questions people have about Vedic customs and teachings. ~ Krishna: The Beautiful Legend of God: (Srimad Bhagavata Purana Book X) - Edwin F. Bryant ; Publisher: Penguin Classics AYURVEDA: ~ Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing - Dr. Vasant Lad (highly practical book; this book will save your health / money) Clearly explains the principles and practical applications of Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world. The beautifully illustrated text thoroughly explains the basics of Ayurveda so you can imbibe them in your daily life. ~ The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Dr. Vasant Lad
The author, a leading expert in the field and founder of the Ayurvedic Institute, demystifies this ancient healing tradition from India and provides handy self-analysis charts to determine one's constitutional type and describes down-to-earth Ayurvedic home remedies and routines for over 120 health conditions. A helpful resource list and glossary increase his book's value.
~ Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide - Dr. David Frawley
Presents the Ayurvedic treatment of common diseases, coveringover eighty different ailments from the common cold to cancer. The book also shows the appropriate life-style practices and daily health considerations for your unique mind-body type both as an aid to disease treatment and for disease prevention.This extraordinary book is a complete manual of Ayurvedic health care that offers the wisdom of this ancient system of mind-body medicine to the modern reader relative to our special health concerns today. The present edition is an expanded version of the original 1989 edition, covering additional diseases and adding new treatments.
Most of the Vastu books on the market are real junk. So, here is the careful selection: ~ Fabric of the Universe - Dr. Dr. Jessie J. Mercay (level:beginner) An older edition of this can be previewed at http://www.scribd.com/doc/10281841/Fabric-of-Universe-The-Origins-Implications-and-Applications-of-Vastu-Science If you want the latest edition, it's available at http://www.aumscience.com/content/bookstore.html ~ Penguin Guide to Vaastu: The Classical Indian Science of Architecture and Design - Sashikala Anantha (level: beginner) ~ The Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda - DR. V. Ganapati Sthapati (seminal; level:advanced)
A complete compendium on the science of Vaastu Ved, with special reference to principles and practices of Vaastu based building architecture. Apart from the valuable textual matter, the book is also enriched with illustrations on the design process and aesthetic elevation treatment for buildings based Vaastu. For any serious student of Vaastu Shastra this book is an essential handbook.
COSMOLOGY / ASTROLOGY / ASTRONOMY:
YOGA: ~ Illustrated Light on Yoga - B.K.S. Iyengar (level: beginner/intermediate; practical book on hatha-yoga) ~ Yoga: The Iyengar Way - Silva Mehta, Mira Mehta & Shyam Mehta (level: beginner/intermediate; practical book on hatha-yoga) ~ The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary, with Insights from the Traditional Commentators - Edwin F. Bryantoga (the definitive translation and commentary) ~ Midnights with the Mystic: A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss - Cheryl Simone (light read and enlightening) EPICS: ~ Mahabharata: The Greatest Spiritual Epic of All Time - Krishna Dharma (comprehensive and the definitive, faithful to its original Sanskrit text, highly readable) "In the realms of ethics, economic development, worldly pleasure, and ultimate liberation, whatever is found in this epic may found elsewhere, but what is not found here will be impossible to find anywhere else." - Mahabharata, Adi-parva 56.33; ; If you have a taste for literature/reading, you will love this book ~ Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (4 Volume Set) - Kisari Mohan Ganguly (unabridged; level:advanced; for serious study only)
~ Ramayana: India's Immortal Tale of Adventure, Love and Wisdom - Krishna Dharma (comprehensive and the definitive, faithful to its original Sanskrit text, highly readable) "Probably no work of world literature has produced so profound an influence in the life and thought of a people as the Ramayana." - A.A.McDonald, Literary Historian; If you have a taste for literature/reading, you will love this book. ~ Ramayana / Mahabharata - C. Rajagopalachari (if you are looking for a concise translation)
VEDIC MATH: ~ The Natural Calculator - Kenneth Williams (level: beginner; children who learn this will develop strong analytical skill) ~ The Cosmic Calculator - Kenneth Williams & Mark Gaskell (the definitive; this 5 vol set is used in national curriculum in England & Wales) ~ Vedic Mathematics - Bharati Krsna Tirthaji, V.S. Agrawala (seminal/advanced; get this one, only if you really into math; not highly recommended) Pancha Tantra The famous collection of fables has enthralled audiences for centuries. Full of humor, wit, and wisdom, the tales combine artfully to convey basic life lessons. These famous stories, originally imparted by a sage to three young princes, all illustrate that knowing how to use knowledge is more important that knowledge itself. ~ ~ 71 Golden Tales of Panchatantra - Santhini Govindan & Jishu Dev Malakar ~ Pancatantra for the Young (Part 1 of the Vedic Heritage Teaching Program) Available at www.arshavidya.org (click bookstore) ~ ~ Vedic Stories from Ancient India - Ananta Sakti Das Available at www.rasbihari.com or www.krishnaculture.com ~ Tales from Vivekananda Available at www.chennaimath.org (click estore) ~ Puranic Tales for the Young (Part 2 of the Vedic Heritage Teach Program) Available at www.arshavidya.org (click bookstore) Tenali Raman ~ Stories of Tenali Raman - C.L.L. Jayaprada; Publisher: www.childrensbooktrust.com ~ Ramayana: A Tale of Gods and Demons - Ranchor Prime and B.G. Sharma (illustrator)
Wonderful art and easy-to-read. Ideal gift! VARIOUS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/R271RQKRRFYL5O/ref=cm_pdp_lm_title_2 (most books recommended here are in this list in amazon) http://mumpress.com/s_music.html (Gandhrava Ved - vedic music CDs) |