Mahabharata: Relevance and Application in Contemporary Thought” by Bharat Thakker
Mahabharata: Relevance and Application in Contemporary Thought” by Bharat Thakker
BOOK REVIEWED BY AKHILA SAROHA (India's Top 10 Book Reviewer)
Epics are not just stories, but they are a reflection of society, culture, and the human psyche. The characters and events in these epics depict the values, morals, and customs of the era in which they were written. However, the beauty of epics lies in the fact that they are not limited to their historical context. They have a universal appeal, and their relevance transcends time and space. “Mahabharata: Relevance and Application in Contemporary Thought” by Bharat Thakker is one of the few books that transcends the limit of being a mere epic and extends its hold on the lives of people and the resultant impacts they experience.
The storytelling technique used by Bharat Thakker in "Mahabharata: Relevance and Application in Contemporary Thought" is a powerful tool to engage readers and connect them with the text. By narrating the epic as it happened, the author creates a sense of immersion that draws readers into the world of the Mahabharata. As the story progresses, the author skillfully weaves in contemporary events, drawing parallels between the epic and modern times. By highlighting the relevance of the Mahabharata not only to Indian people but to the world at large, the author demonstrates the universal appeal of the epic. He explores a range of important questions, from the role of women and their power, to the flawed concept of equality, to the social constructs that shape people's lives.
The psychological relevance of the Mahabharata is also a primary theme that runs throughout the book. The epic deals with complex human emotions like love, jealousy, and anger, and it offers insights into the workings of the human mind. By examining these themes in the context of contemporary events, the author shows how the lessons of the Mahabharata can be applied to modern life. At the same time, the readers may also experience a calming effect as many of the burning questions of the day may be answered through the epic. This is one of the salient features that can only be experienced when the readers go through the book. This eventually further draws them to the text, and they read ahead.
Despite the rapid advancement of technology and the digital era in which we live, the Mahabharata still manages to connect with people in meaningful ways. This is a testament to the enduring wisdom of the epic, and it highlights the fact that ancient sources of wisdom like epics will always be relevant, no matter how much the world changes.
In fact, the spiritual and philosophical insights offered by the Mahabharata are perhaps more important today than ever before. In a world that is often driven by materialism and the pursuit of wealth and power, the lessons of the Mahabharata offer a much-needed reminder of the deeper meaning of life. The epic challenges readers to consider questions of morality, ethics, and the nature of existence itself, and it provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of human existence.
