JAYA: A Book Review

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The storyteller sage was made to sit on a deerskin. a garland of flowers was placed around his neck, a pot of water and a basket of fruits were placed before him. pleased with this hospitality, Vaisampayana began his tale of the Pandavas and the Kauravas and of all the kings who ruled the land known as Bharata. this was Jaya, later to be known as the Mahabharata.

     

Mahabharata, a war between dharma and adharma. the epic tale told by Vyasa and written by Ganesha. this book is simply a retelling of the great epic. inspired by both the Sanskrit and regional variants, it is firmly placed in the context of the puranic worldview. Devdutt Pattanaik, the author has not only stayed true to the story but has given the reasons justifying the story.   

"who decides what justice is ? how does one end this unending spiral of revenge where everyone believes they are right and their opponent are wrong? "

the book includes Vana Parva (exile in the forest), Bhagavad Gita ( song of Krishna), Shanti Parva( Bhishma's discourse in a summarised yet beautiful format. the most important aspect in the book is that every local belief is mentioned and respected without the rupture of traditional discourse. the Mahabharata gives great importance to the law of karma and gives tons of examples for the law. it ensures that in every case the delusion is overcome by wisdom: Jaya over adharma.

the point of existence in this dynamic, ever-changing world then was not to aspire or to achieve but to introspect

the epic constantly reminds us that what is a good deed need not really be a good deed, for every moment is governed by factors that are often beyond human comprehension. this beautiful retelling of the epic along with wonderful illustrations is a treat for anyone with respect for Indian mythology.

life is like a river. you can struggle to change its course but ultimately it will go its own way. bathe in it, drink it, share it with everyone, but never fight it, never get attached to it. observe it. learn from it.   -Jaya.