BRILLIANT AS THE SUN: A DRAMATIC RENDERING OF SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
Krishna Dharma: I and my good wife Cintamani-dhama have embarked upon a retelling of the Srimad Bhagavatam, entitled ‘Brilliant as the Sun’, attempting to dramatize and simplify the text to the best of our limited ability. Like my retellings of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the idea is to transparently present the exact narrative of Srimad Bhagavatam, weaving in the insights offered by Srila Prabhupada and other acharyas, whilst making it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all levels. We are rigorously endeavouring to ensure the core philosophical messages are not compromised, occasionally extrapolating from the verses only to expand upon the often sparse details offered in the original. We have included numerous appendices that organise some of the Bhagavatam’s more technical information into tables so the books might serve as study aids. Our hope is that by reading these compact volumes one will be inspired to delve more deeply into Srila Prabhupada’s books. He asked that his followers present his books in their own language, and this is what we have attempted. “Everything is there in our books; so…. reproduce what I have taught in your own language.” (Srila Prabhupada letter, 1/5/72)
We are serialising the work into handy-sized books that you can carry in your handbag or man-satchel, convenient for in-flight, beach or on-the-go reading. E-book versions are also available. You will find them on Amazon, or you can contact myself for copies.
Three volumes have been completed so far, and devotees seem to be appreciating them. Here is just some of the feedback we have received to date.
APPRECIATIONS FOR THE BOOKS
“An accessible, entertaining, yet faithful rendition of the great Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam… As in his other celebrated renderings, here too Krishna Dharma, teaming up with his wife Cintāmaṇi-dhāma, makes ancient stories and wisdom easily and dramatically available to modern readers.” -His Holiness Hridayananda Das Goswami
“Krishna Dharma and Chintamani Dhama Dasi’s exposition on Srimad Bhagavatam makes the stories and philosophical discussions come alive. One can literally visualize the discussions between the various personalities. It is a wonderful way to introduce the Bhagavatam to new readers and also help those who are familiar with it to enter more deeply into the nectar of the this most important literature.” ~His Holiness Bir Krishna Goswami
“Krishna Dharma and Chintamani Dhama Dasi have rendered the Bhagavatam into easy to read prose by combining Sage Vyasadeva’s teachings with essential points from Srila Prabhupada’s commentaries. The result is a freely flowing narration that will appeal to readers of all ages and aptitudes.” ~His Holiness Sivarama Swami
“I’m greatly appreciating your excellent contributions on the Bhagavatam and will immediately order ‘Vidura’s pilgrimage’.” His Holiness Sacinanandana Swami
“The reading is absorbing and flows very well from event to event, making it attractive, easier, yet interesting for today’s general audience, while keeping the essential message of pure devotion to Krishna.” ~His Holiness Chandramauli Swami
“It was an interesting read. Fascinating how you presented the conversation between Brahma and Narada within the ‘magical room’. Your work is also well documented with very clarifying footnotes and schematic outlines.” ~His Holiness Bhakti Prabhava Swami
“If you enjoyed Krishna Dharma’s novelistic treatment of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, you’ll love what may be he and his wife’s magnum opus: their retelling of Srila Prabhupada’s translation and commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam. The language is lively and the pace cinematic, as the philosophy and story of Vyasa’s epic brilliantly arise on every page. A must for those who would deepen their grasp of the text, especially for sharing its messages with others.” ~Suresvara dasa, ISKCON teacher & writer
“You have written Sages of Naimishiranya in a penetrating yet easy to read and digest format, even though the subject matter is of the highest caliber of knowledge. I am eagerly anticipating future editions.” ~Malati Devi Dasi, ISKCON GBC Member
“Krishna Dharma prabhu and Cintamani Dhama mataji have produced something invaluable. They have managed to deliver the philosophy, wisdom, and narration of Srimad-Bhagavatam in a digestible and easy-to-understand way. The seamless flow of their writing helped me to enter the spirit of the conversation in a very natural way. I found “The Mysteries of Creation” to be a useful book to read alongside the full translation of Srimad-Bhagavatam, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhatkivedanta Swami Prabhupada.” ~Sutapa Das, Bhaktivedanta Manor
“Absolutely amazing. You have made such a technical subject appealing and easy to understand. Krishna Dharma and Chintamani Dhama Dasi’s expertise in giving concise summaries of stories from the ancient epics is unbeatable. Their rich and fluid writing style gets the reader hooked and deep, profound, philosophical insights then start to unfold as complex mysteries about creation start falling in place. Brilliant as the Sun series is a great contribution for readers interested in philosophy. Looking forward to forthcoming volumes in the series.” ~Gaura Gopal Das, ISKCON Chowpatti
Your servant
Krishna Dharma Das
http://krishnadharma.com/
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