8 Months Later the Publication of My Novella About Shankara - A Humble Spark of Reflection
I celebrate the 8th month since the publication of my novella "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi"
Adi Shankara in Varanasi - AI Image by Author (Microsoft Designer)
With a grateful heart, I celebrate the 8th month since the publication of my novella "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi" on June 13, 2023. During this time, the novella has ignited the curiosity of a diverse audience, sparking small flames of reflection and opening constructive dialogues.
A Journey of Quiet Learning and Sharing
The creation of "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam" was a journey of learning and deep inspiration, undertaken with humility and dedication. By immersing myself in the teachings of Shankara and the fascinating context of ancient India, I sought to distil complex philosophical concepts into a captivating narrative that resonates with the reader's innermost self.
Synopsis
In a time when spiritual darkness veiled India, one man's light shone through. Witness the story of the 8th century's greatest philosopher and the verses that echoed through eternity. Adi Shankara, a legendary enlightened master, ignites a revolution in Varanasi. As he spreads the liberating wisdom of Vedanta philosophy and the Bhaja Govindam's message of devotion and transcendence, Shankaracharya faces threats from forces fighting to preserve ignorance. Against this darkness, Shankara's divine vision transforms all in its path. When he encounters Raghav, a man trapped in superficial worship, Jagadguru's eternal teachings compel Raghav to confront his deepest desires and discover what immortality truly means.
An Ode to Humility and Inner Quest
When I first read about the life and teachings of Adi Shankara, I was struck by how much spiritual wisdom and insight this 8th-century philosopher possessed. Shankara revived and reinterpreted the ancient philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, teaching radical ideas of non-duality and the illusion of separateness. His verses known as the Bhaja Govindam inspire seekers to turn inward to find the eternal divine essence within.
I wanted to honor Shankara's profound teachings through fiction, to make his timeless message more accessible. But conveying spiritual themes requires a delicate, artful touch. My story had to simplify complex Vedantic ideas without sacrificing their depth and nuance. It needed vivid characters, evocative settings in ancient India, and a compelling plot to give life to Shankara's verses.
More than a finished literary work, "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam" is an invitation to introspection and self-discovery, without pretence. The story of Raghav, a man tormented by doubts and earthly desires, takes on the character of a universal archetype, reflecting the inner struggles each of us faces on our path to growth.
A Quiet Bridge Between Cultures and Disciplines
The interest the novella has generated among scholars of philosophy, Vedanta enthusiasts, and curious readers, especially here on Learn Vedanta Substack, from all over the world is a source of immense joy and deep inspiration. I hope that "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam" can serve as a quiet bridge between different cultures and disciplines, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding.
Adi Shankara in Varanasi - AI Image by Author (Microsoft Designer) + Animation (Luma Dream Machine)
A Free Offering for Shared Growth
As a token of humility and deep gratitude, I would like to make "Shankara's Bhaja Govindam: Chronicle of an Abduction in Varanasi" available for free download on Google Books.
An Invitation to Quietly Share and Reflect
I invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of this novella, to reflect on its teachings, and to share your experiences and thoughts. Together, we can nurture the flame of knowledge and inner growth, illuminating the path to self-realization.
Link to the free download:
* Google Books: Just click here!
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Stay updated on future developments of the novella.
I have woven tales to share, for any who care to read them. My books await you on Google Books. Check also my stories on Medium.com.
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Thank you for reading.