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Book Review
Spiritual text
UDDHAVA GITA — Part of Srimad Bhagavata Vol. I (Chs. 6-18): Pub. by Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Satsangam, C-8519, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070. Rs. 30.
AMONG PURANAS, the Bhagavatam has the distinction of being the complete exposition of the doctrine of Bhakti. It has 12 books called Skandhas and each one has some story or other related to the glory of Lord Vishnu, who incarnated Himself to protect the virtuous and punish the evil. Several episodes, like those of Prahlada, Dhruva, Gajendra and Adi Bharata, have become subjects of independent study, exposition and enjoyment of devotees over the centuries.
The tenth book is unquestionably the most enticing because it describes the manifestation, childhood pranks, superhuman activities and episodes of Lord Krishna and all the noble souls who were associated with Him during that incarnation. It is said that Sage Vyasa composed this Purana to gain mental peace, which he did not have even after composing the rest of the Puranas and the Mahabharata.
The volume under review brings out the original Sanskrit text of what is called the Uddhava Gita forming chapters 6-18 of the XIth Skandha with an English translation and brief explanatory notes. The full text of the Uddhava Gita contains a further portion from chapters 19 to 29. The publishers hope to bring out a second volume containing that portion. It may be pointed out in passing that compared to other Skandhas, the XIth is very rarely read by people. This is due mainly to the fact that it is highly philosophical in nature and is composed in terse language.
The Uddhava Gita constitutes the farewell message as it were, given by Lord Krishna to his foremost devotee, Uddhava. The essence of the message is the importance of right living. The Bhagavad Gita was taught to Arjuna on the battlefield at Kurukshetra, whereas the Uddhava Gita came from the lips of Lord Krishna towards the end of his earthy sojourn while he was staying at Dwaraka. The Uddhava Gita, when carefully studied, will be seen to have the same message as the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna explains here the significance of different stages of life (ashramas) starting with "sanyasa". He throws light on how and why the soul is bound to the mundane existence; he advocates association with good people and highlights the importance of discharging duty for the sake of duty; he insists on cultivating the quality of Sattva. He commends the path of one-pointed loving devotion (Bhakti) as the means of liberation.
The translation and brief explanatory notes provided by M. S. Venkatachalam are very helpful in following the otherwise difficult text. The publishers deserve our appreciation for this laudable publication.
M. NARASIMHACHARY
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