Synopses & Reviews
Harish Johari’s revelations on the lessons and predictions in this classic Indian epic
• Examines the lessons of the main characters in the Mahabharata and how each symbolizes an aspect of human consciousness
• Explains dharma in modern terms, shedding light on major events in our time
• Contains a modern retelling of the Bhagavad Gita, the essence of Indian philosophy
• Includes teachings on the relationship between energy, the elements, and the chakras and on the causes for war in this epic story
• Compiled and Edited by Wil Geraets
Harish Johari (1934-1999), the distinguished North Indian author and Tantric scholar, spent a lifetime studying the Mahabharata and the lessons it contains. Known the world over for its famous chapters on the story of the hero Arjuna and the Bhagavad Gita, this ancient epic is more than just stories. As Johari reveals, the Mahabharata’s teaching tales contain insight on justice and injustice, individual and cosmic consciousness, Indian philosophy, and the four eras of humankind, including our current era, the Kali Yuga.
Based on numerous talks given by Johari, this book presents the deeper layers of the Mahabharata, revealing its wisdom and teachings in a contemporary and often entertaining way. Examining the lessons of the main characters and how each symbolizes an aspect of human consciousness, Johari explores the lives of Bhishma and Arjuna, the events in the Pandava and Kaurava families leading up to their battle at Kurukshetra, lesser-known stories such as the tale of Karna’s previous life as a demon, and a modern retelling of the Bhagavad Gita. Johari explains the complex concept of dharma in present-day language, shedding light on events unfolding in our current age, the Kali Yuga, and offers insights on the relationship between energy, the elements, and the chakras and on the causes for war in this epic story.
Review
“. . . very strongly recommended, core addition to personal and academic library collections on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy in genera, and the works of Harish Johari in particular.”
Review
“. . . very strongly recommended, core addition to personal and academic library collections on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy in genera, and the works of Harish Johari in particular.” < i=""> Midwest Book Review <> , September 2011
Synopsis
Harish Johari’s revelations on the lessons and predictions in this classic Indian epic
• Examines the lessons of the main characters in the Mahabharata and how each symbolizes an aspect of human consciousness
• Explains dharma in modern terms, shedding light on major events in our time
• Contains a modern retelling of the Bhagavad Gita, the essence of Indian philosophy
• Includes teachings on the relationship between energy, the elements, and the chakras and on the causes for war in this epic story
• Compiled and Edited by Wil Geraets
Harish Johari (1934-1999), the distinguished North Indian author and Tantric scholar, spent a lifetime studying the Mahabharata and the lessons it contains. Known the world over for its famous chapters on the story of the hero Arjuna and the Bhagavad Gita, this ancient epic is more than just stories. As Johari reveals, the Mahabharata’s teaching tales contain insight on justice and injustice, individual and cosmic consciousness, Indian philosophy, and the four eras of humankind, including our current era, the Kali Yuga.
Based on numerous talks given by Johari, this book presents the deeper layers of the Mahabharata, revealing its wisdom and teachings in a contemporary and often entertaining way. Examining the lessons of the main characters and how each symbolizes an aspect of human consciousness, Johari explores the lives of Bhishma and Arjuna, the events in the Pandava and Kaurava families leading up to their battle at Kurukshetra, lesser-known stories such as the tale of Karna’s previous life as a demon, and a modern retelling of the Bhagavad Gita. Johari explains the complex concept of dharma in present-day language, shedding light on events unfolding in our current age, the Kali Yuga, and offers insights on the relationship between energy, the elements, and the chakras and on the causes for war in this epic story.
About the Author
Wil Geraets has been a student of Harish Johari since 1978. He began transcribing these talks as a way to cope with Johari’s death in 1999. A scientific researcher with a Ph.D. in experimental physics, he lives in the Netherlands.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part One
Setting the Scene
1 Dharma in the Mahabharata and in Life
2 The Four Ages of Time
3 Power and Penance
4 Wish-fulfilling Trees and Cows
5 Curses and Promises
Part Two
The Story of “Great India”
6 Shantanu, Ganga, and the Birth of Bhishma
7 Satyavati, Shantanu, and Bhishma’s Terrible Vow
8 Tangled Dynasty
9 The Birth and Abandonment of Karna
10 Birth of the Kauravas and Pandavas
11 Drona, Drupada, and the Legacy of Revenge
12 How the Pandavas Got Married
13 Yudhishthira Gambles and Loses Everything
14 Forest Exile
15 Devayani and Kacha
16 Arjuna in Heaven
17 Preparations for War
Part Three
The Bhagavad Gita
18 Arjuna Refuses to Fight
19 Fighting for Justice and Truth
20 Krishna Shows Arjuna His Glorious Shape
Part Four
War and Its Aftermath
21 The Start of the War
22 Corpses of Three Generations
23 Kunti Loses Her First Son
24 Duryodhana’s Defeat
25 Picking Up the Pieces
26 Arrival of Kali Yuga
Epilogue: Mahabharata and the Game of Life
Index
About Harish Johari