This book presents Practical Vedanta as the Spiritual Revolution of the modern age for the good of the world. The book is in two parts. Part I summarizes the pioneering work of Vivekananda-Tilak-Aurobindo-Tagore-Gandhi-Tuttle, spread over the last 120 years. Part II is a simplified presentation of Practical Vedanta carrying the timely appeal, in Hindi and English-Arise, awake, move on from spirituality to social welfare, and stop not till you achieve world peace.
The expression 'Practical Vedanta' was coined by Swami Vivekananda in 1896. He delivered several lectures in London and explained how Bhagavad-gita has stressed the need to adjust religious practices to changes in time, place and circumstances. What is needed now, he said, is to update Traditional Vedanta.
This book is divided into two parts. Part I is entitled, "Spiritual Revolution for the Good of the World." It contains six chapters, describing the work of various Vedantins who have inspired my parents. This is a big subject and many Vedantins have made (and are still making) significant contributions. Chapter 6 of Part I marks the beginning of an effort by a 21st Century Vedantin, Will Tuttle, who is focusing on the issue of a vegan diet for a more compassionate and peaceful world.
Part II is a presentation on Practical Vedanta through poetic reflections written originally in Hindi by Urmila Agarwal, their English meaning drafted by Seema Agarwal-Harding and subsequently the reflections and their meaning given shape by both the authors ñ my parents. For the convenience of readers, the Hindi version is accompanied with its simplified meaning in English (not a strict translation). |
