Kavishala's Review:
Acharyaji possesses a unique ability to guide individuals in the practical implementation of karma yoga in their daily lives. This book is an immersive journey, brimming with profound insights. It effectively dispels misconceptions about karma yoga (such as viewing it as pursuing personal desires without expecting outcomes) and corrects them by emphasizing that karma yoga involves selflessly performing actions that benefit the world, irrespective of personal preferences.
Symbolizing the journey of life, the book is divided into four parts, each holding significant meaning. It begins with 'Brahmacharya,' where one explores the right course of action with childlike curiosity. Progressing to 'Grihastha Ashram,' the responsibilities increase, and one ponders whether the chosen right action will yield the desired outcome. Transitioning to 'Vanprastha,' one gains an external perspective, realizing the interconnectedness of action and the individual taking the action. Finally, in 'Sanyas,' the book concludes with reflections and onward movement.
With meticulous attention to detail, each section delves into the intricate nuances of 'Karma,' addressing fundamental and crucial questions that often get overshadowed by societal norms and traditions.
Upon its pre-booking release, the book swiftly climbed the ranks to become an Amazon bestseller within the first week. It further achieved the top position on Nielsen Bookscan's list in August 2021, alongside esteemed titles like "Ikigai" and "Rich Dad Poor Dad," cementing its status as a national bestseller.
The success and impact of "Karma" owe much to the inquisitive seekers of Acharya Prashant, who fearlessly asked pragmatic questions, unafraid of being labeled as "unenlightened" by their peers.
Towards the end, the book extensively quotes from the Upanishads and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, bridging the concepts presented with the original scriptures. It establishes that the book offers a unique interpretation, rather than an absolute contradiction, to the teachings found in Indic texts.
About Book:
The meaning of Karma stands distorted by centuries of misplaced fictionalization. Karma remains a disquieting enigma to the few who refuse to accept compromised notions. This book is for them.
If to live rightly is to act rightly, what then is right action? This has tormented us since ages. The scriptures answer this, but without stooping from their cryptic heights. Nor do they advise how their ancient words apply to the present. Acharya Prashant's work provides the missing link. He imparts clarity, leaving nothing to conjecture or belief.
The book demolishes the myths surrounding action and decision by bringing to focus the actor, rather than action. When we ask, 'What to do?', the book handholds us into 'Who is the doer? What does he want from the deed?' This shift provides the solutions, and finally the dissolution of the question.
Acharya Prashant demolishes ubiquitous beliefs and outdated notions to reveal some simple truths. If you can challenge the tyrannies of tradition and greet the naked truth, you will love this book.
About Author:
Acharya Prashant is an emerging champion of socio-spiritual awakening in the world today. An alumnus of IIT-Delhi and IIM-Ahmedabad and a former Civil Services officer, Acharya Prashant is an acclaimed Vedanta Philosopher. Apart from that he wears various hats: a science activist, a campaigner against superstition, a veganism promoter, an environmental activist and a champion of essential human freedom.
Acharya Prashant's unique spiritual literature is at par with the highest words mankind has ever known. His talks make the world's largest online repository of wisdom content which is cherished by millions of followers across social media. A renowned speaker admired for his scientific and iconoclastic approach to spirituality, Acharya Prashant regularly speaks at TEDx, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIM Ahmedabad, Delhi University and other prominent institutions.
Through his words, Acharya Prashant attacks the mind vigorously, and simultaneously becalms it with love and compassion. His style is forthright, clear, mystical and compassionate. He plays with his audiences - taking them to the very depths of meditative silence, laughing, joking, attacking, explaining. On one hand, he sounds straightforward and practical, and on the other hand, it is obvious that these words coming through him are from a realization beyond the common.