Review : Janaka and Ashtavakra by Ashraf Karayath
Janaka and Ashtavakra
By Ashraf Karayath
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Rating 4.7/5
Synopsis
The story of a sage Ashtavakra and his disciple king Janaka is one of the most gripping yet unknown episodes from the Ramayana. A young boy Ashtavakra goes to king janaka’s Court to debate the kingdom most learned sages but is ridiculed by the courtiers for his deformed body. After the boy triumphs in the debate, Janaka realizes that the boy has an extraordinary intellect and becomes his disciple. While Janaka is obsessed with his quest for spiritual liberation, a treacherous plan unfolds inside the secretive world of the royal palace. Very soon war clouds gather on the horizon of Mithila, but all Janaka does is devote more and more time to the young sage. Even though the whole world believes a calamity is imminent, Janaka stays on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Ultimately, with ashtavakra’s guidance, the king enters the realm of a new world which alters the reality for him and his kingdom. This novel is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual wisdom and philosophy, but with new interpretations of the concepts of liberation, enlightenment, consciousness and the realities of life. Among others, It seeks to answer the question: is everything we see indeed an illusion? This compelling story sheds light on the modern readers’ existential questions, leading them to relate to the king and his struggles.
The Review
" You are not your body , you are not your mind "
Janaka and Ashtavakra is a masterpiece by Ashraf Karayath. It's literal , this is the writers thematic arrangement of unknown episodes from the Ramayana.
He has precisely broken down this massive scripture with words that have deeper meanings than their appearance. If you have always wanted to understand Ashtavakra gita. You can take help of Ashraf Karayath's understanding. His gripping and engaging storytelling will make you fall in love with his austerity.
The simplicity he has tried to add to this otherwise complex scripture will blow your minds. I specifically loved the magic Ashraf Karayath has created through his words. While reading this book I felt many times , " the feeling to thank author for writing this masterpiece ".
Thank you!
" Imagine you are in a dark room , there are so many things in the room , but in the heart of the darkness you do not see them. Now , imagine you have a torch with you, the moment the light from the torch appears, things in the room become visible to you. "
This book is like that torch
This is consciousness
Book gives an unusual insight into the foundation of Indian mythology , ancient spiritual wisdom and philosophy along with the concepts of enlightenment , liberation , consciousness and deep realities of life. This is the debut book by this author and " what a debut " I must say. Feeling blessed that I've read it. I now intend to read more of his work.
Kudos to Ashraf Karayath . His knowledge and explanations are amazing and feel right. He isn't promoting blind faith but tries to explain the logic in enlightening ways.
Wonderful, thoughtful and insightful
Brilliant Writer
A must read for sure.
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