Understanding God,Face to Face
The news of the publication of the above titled book a few years back was brought to the esteemed members of the Bhatnagars-worldwide Group Forum on Yahoo by me through a communication posted to the Group Forum in response to a call given by the Group to focus on the literary contribution of the members of the community.
Now reverting back to the book, titled as above, it is authored by Mr. Ram Gopal Bhatnagar and published by Shubhi publications of Gurgoan, Haryana, India. Its hardcover edition is priced Rs.395 which seem to be a little on the higher side.
As such the book makes a fascinating reading, written as it is in a novel form of an imaginary interview with God. I will now prefer to quote from the jacket of the book itself to give a glimpse of what the book is all about. "It deals with some common issues about God, religion and
spirituality. The author has, through this treatise, made an attempt to reach the common man particularly the youth, who feels bewildered and lost in the material environment surrounding him."
"As the author proceeds to unravel the complexities of religions in general and Hinduism in particular through carefully framed questions, many of the readers are sure to keep wondering about similarities in the basic philosophies and thinking of different religions. The book in particular seeks to clarify and demystify various subtexts of religions. While elaborating the thinking of scientists' community about the Almighty, it comes to the conclusion that the notion of a creator is in no way inconsistent with scientific principles. The analytical discussion on body, soul and Supreme Being, who is the cause of all causes, and the relationship amongst them, is revealing. The emphasis that we are not our body and the often repeated phrase "Ahm Brahaman asmi - I am God" lead the reader to a new thought process."
"A noteworthy aspect of the treatise is the discussion on importance and relevance of prayers, different methods of worship with specific reference to rational of idol worship and significance of hymns and mantras. Readers may also find discussion on the 'law of Karma' and consequences of one's actions during one's life time particularly enlightening. All persons are destined to suffer the consequences of their actions and there is no escape from the operation of law of karma. The real deliverance therefore lies in acting without selfish motive, attachment and in a spirit of sacrifice."
"The author comes to the conclusion that the real purpose and mission of life lies in getting freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death and proceeds to discuss different paths leading to this destination. Given this goal, we need to leave our ego and its various components-attachment, greed, anger etc behind. Only then we would be able to open ourselves to a new experience - an altogether different world of peace, surrender and true bliss."
"The overview of prominent Religions of the World, underlining the similarities in philosophies of all religions serves as a backdrop for proper appreciation and understanding the discussions, intending to lead the readers on the path of interfaith harmony and religious and understanding and tolerance."
All this about the book will not be complete without giving the introduction of the author who has been a serious student of religion and spirituality from his early childhood. After doing his post-graduation from Delhi University, he did his Masters in Mathematics from the Hindu College in first Division. Immediately thereafter he joined the State Bank of India as a Probationary Officer and in due course rose to the position of Chief General Manager.
During his various assignments in the Bank, he got opportunity to travel extensively within and outside the country and interact with people in various walks in life. In spite of extremely busy schedule of work in the Bank, he was able to pursue his literary interests. He has been a regular contributor to various national financial newspapers. He also headed the Bank's apex Staff College for four years and it was during this period that he had an opportunity to study different religions of the world in somewhat greater depth. He has been deeply influenced by the teachings of Bhagwad Gita and the present book, in the words of the author himself, 'is a small effort on the part of the author to interpret, in his own humble way, the concept of God and His mysterious ways.'
We hope to see more such contributions from him in years to come.
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