Customer Reviews

The Wishing Tree: The Presence and Promise of India

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In this essay Kak covers all the fundamental facets of the Indic tradition. He sheads light on previously misconcieved notions of the European view of India. A must read for any Indian. An enriching educational experience! The book was based off of lectures I saw @ Stanford.

'Subhash Kak presents what is arguably the most complete, articulate and up-to-date overview on the entire Indic tradition. More notably, he speaks not from a dry academic standpoint but from one in contact with the very soul and spirit of the culture. His panoramic view covers spirituality, science, linguistics and history, making clear India's important role in world civilization past, present and future. He dispels the many current distortions and misinterpretations of India, the cobwebs of colonial and Eurocentric thinking, and reveals her vast civilization in its true light. Everyone interested in India and in human civilization will be fascinated and transformed by his many-sided insights. They will never look at India again in the same way.' This is how David Frawley describes the book and I believe that is a fair assessment. The book is based on lectures at Stanford and California universities.

I liked this book for several reasons: it provided a chronological overview; explained the meaning of the Indian ritual; showed the logic behind the architecture of the Hindu temple; showed the importance of the mirroring of the outer into the inner in Indian thought. I believe I understand the esoteric aspects of Vedic spirituality much better after reading this book. I found it very enjoyable!

I liked this book because it is off the beaten track in highlighting the essentials of Indian civilization. It is a small book, but full of surprising insights.

Enjoying reading this panoramic introduction to India and her spiritual heritage!