Ganapati: Song of the Self (Suny Series, Religious Studies) [Paperback]

John A. Grimes (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (June 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791424405
• ISBN-13: 978-0791424407
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,459,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on Ganesha/Ganapati with Vedantic view, July 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ganapati: Song of the Self (Suny Series, Religious Studies) (Paperback)

Prof. John Grimes with a Ph.D. on Vedanta from Univ. Of Madras describes this work as a 'view from with in the tradition'. Thus it is a view of a Ganesha worshipper, and NOT of an outsider unlike many Western scolars. This is an important difference in the outlook. Like a spiritual aspirant's progress (Sadhana), the book unfolds as a personal journey wherein the form of Ganesha unfolds its higher meanings as it progresses. Ultimately, as the title suggests, Ganesha or Ganapati is the Song of the Self or Atman. Relating all the stories from Indian scriptures and highlighting the inner meaning is simply delightful learning. Prof. Grimes also relates a few personal spiritual experiences again highlighting the Upanishadic wisdom 'Tat tvam asi' - That Thou art' which Ganesh symbolizes.

Chinmaya Mission's book on Ganesh is very similar to this. Yet Dr. Grime's book brings all the threads together into a coherent story.

I Highly recommend this book for both Hindus and others.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent source of information on Ganesh, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ganapati: Song of the Self (Suny Series, Religious Studies) (Paperback)

I have read and reread this book several times. Each time, I find something else of worth. I have never yet read a book on a hindu diety written by a westerner that so captures the simple faith of the average hindu while simultaneously providing such a wealth of information to the reader. I would recommed it to any reader searching for information on Ganesh.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and informative, May 31, 2005

By 

Clara Ibanez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ganapati: Song of the Self (Suny Series, Religious Studies) (Paperback)

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I'm glad I purchased this volume, which is written from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta (I believe Dr Grimes is himself an Advaitin). There's many valuable scriptures and stories on Ganapati/Ganesha, accounts of the main Ganesha temples in India, good explanations of some mantras and names, instructions for worship, etc. A great book, inspiring the devotee of Sri Ganesha and the Jnana yogi/ni as well.