False Propaganda

 Some Indians have a superstition about keeping Mahabharata in their homes because it contains so much violence and is the story of a feuding  family. They don’t want to have that type of energy in their houses.  One Indian gentleman who expressed this was with his teenaged kids. I had just showed him my new book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. I asked the kids what type of reading material they keep in the house. They mentioned Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and a couple of other books that have violent or sexual content. I pointed out the apparent discrepancy – “You are keeping these books in the house, but object to Mahabharata?”  

I explained how there has always been false propaganda in society, and gave the example that many people think  Obama is a Moslem and that he was born in Kenya. There’s even a false Kenyan birth certificate circulating the internet. But the strange thing is that the Kenyan document is dated several years before the country was even named Kenya.   I mentioned that in the end of Mahabharata, Vyasa, the author himself, declares that one should keep the text in a special place in the house and wrap it in a silken cloth to remind one of how valuable it is. Why not believe the author rather than some superstition. The gentleman took out his wallet and purchased Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest.   

Also, there are several professors who plan to use the book in their college courses.

Please check out a great article about the book on ISKCON NEWS at

http://news.iskcon.org/pro-storyteller-releases-new-fast-paced-mahabharata,4005/

and my own site about the book and project 
www.Mahabharata-Project.com

And a brief interview with me about writing Mahabharata at www.Bhaktiwriters.com

The Mahabharata is Available

My book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest is finally available in print. After two major glitches with my computer (an Apple no less), a final edit and re-edit, and bringing all the book’s elements  together, it’s been an intense several months, and sometimes I really wondered if I could get through it. I’m pinching myself now. Writing Mahabharata and fitting all the pieces together and finding the unique elements of each scene has been a wonderful meditation for me. Somehow or other Krishna has prodded me forward to finish this.  At 280 pages, I’ve walked a tightrope in making it an interesting read for those who are familiar with the book and those who are new to it.  Reviews on the book and more info at  

www.Mahabharata-Project.com

If you would, there are several ways you can help the Mahabharata Project. Order copies for yourself and as gifts for friends. Start a Mahabharata study group. Go to your local or college library and personally request them to order Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. If you’re on Facebook or have a blog or just have an email list of people you keep in touch with, please share the site www.Mahabharata-Project.com with them.

You can also find a brief interview with me about writing Mahabharata at www.Bhaktiwriters.com

     

The 50th is Coming - A Reminder

It’s speeding down upon us. The days are rushing by, turning into weeks and months. It’s only a year and a half away, but there’s still time.

2015 and 1016 mark the 50th anniversaries of Srila Prabhupada's arrival in America and the formation of ISKCON respectively. These anniversaries are ideal opportunities for devotees to speak about Srila Prabhupada, the Movement he created and demonstrate the impact it has made.  The media and the public are inclined to take notice for anniversaries.  It’s a time to re-introduce ourselves afresh to the public. It’s time for devotees, individually and collectively,  to formulate projects as an offering to Srila Prabhupada and have them ready to go  for these two years.  Imagine if there are a thousand or five thousand projects (small or large; kirtanas, festivals, books, music, dance, films, seminars), presenting Krishna Consciousness, the Vedic culture and Srila Prabhupada, all reaching the public during this time. They could certainly make a concerted  impact on the culture.  

A year and a half is not very long. Now is the time to begin to prepare an offering for this singular occasion. Maybe devotees are planning things already. One thing that would be helpful is to have a site where devotees can communicate about The 50^th to  share ideas, offer assistance or suggestions, and promote events. 

Mahabharata: The Movie?

Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest

As some may know, I was involved in theater in the Movement for many years. That was back in the 70's and 80's.  (Over the last twenty years I transitioned into dramatic storytelling, which I also do professionally.) Lokamangala prabhu and I performed Mahabhharata Off Broadway in NYC over 25 years ago and also toured with the play to temples, colleges and special events. We touched a lot of people with  this play wherein we each took on several roles, including storyteller. Devotees often suggested we work on a Mahabharata movie. That’s a bit out of my reach at this point, but I thought I would write the story in a way that it would feel like a film. 

I've been working on my Mahabharata rendition for some years. And at the end of July the book will finally be available.  One scholar, Subhash Kak, PhD at  Oklahoma State University, has written in the foreword:  "A great book needs to be retold afresh for each generation. The Mahabharata is one of those books... Fast-paced and cinematic, this rendition captures the scope and breath of the great epic."

My title is Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. The amazing thing about the  Mahabharata is that it contains all genres: action-adventure, romance, humor, tragedy, horror, mystery, mystical and apocalyptical. It's all there, and more. It's the living sacred story of an ancient land and an ancient tradition. 

The book is geared to readers - young adults and up, and especially for study in college classes.  My daughter is doing a full color cover. The book has a $16 price tag. To see more reviews & details & to pre-order the book go to   http://mahabharata-project.com/

Until further notice I am only accepting orders in the USA. If you're outside let me know and I’ll see what I can do. 

But I have a special request:  If you would like to help in the printing of the book AND be listed on the acknowledgement page in the book for supporting this Mahabharata Project  AND receive four autographed copies And be able to get copies at wholesale prices for as long as the book is in print (they are going to make great gifts)      - You get all that for only $108.   - TIME SENSITIVE -  You will need  to email me at  - Story108@juno.com   - by Tuesday, April 23 if you would like to help out in this way and have your name in the book as a supporter. 

  

If you have any questions don't hesitate to get in touch.

your friend and servant,  

Sankirtana Das

www.sacredvoices.com

PS: Srila Prabhupada writes, "In this age, the Mahabharata is more essential than the original Vedas."