Reviews of the books of Chaitanya Charan Das

Reviews of Gita for Daily Enrichment, the compilation of Gita-daily articles from 2012

Chaitanya Charan is both a scholar of the Gita and a practitioner of bhakti-yoga, which the Gita recommends, so his insights are based on personal experience and realization. He is also knowledgeable in science, psychology, sociology, politics, economics, philosophy, and many other fields, and he expertly applies the wisdom of the Gita with reference to these perspectives. He is also witty and adept with words, as seen in his pithy, provocative titles, such as “Expecting the default to change by default is a dangerous fault,” “Resting on our laurels? No resting! Not our laurels!” and the enigmatic “Cry, Vie, Lie, Die, Fie—Tie.”

-His Holiness Giriraj Swami

GBC, ISKCON

The book Gita for Daily Enrichment is intelligently presented in a way that unravels the deep spiritual and philosophical knowledge of the Bhagavad-Gita in a direct, easy-to-understand way, highlightingpractical wisdom and spiritual principles which can be easily understood and applied in one’s day-to-day life. Using analogies that convey a particular meaning, the message is brought easily to our doorstep. An expert teacher is one who can teach the same message to all levels of intelligence and age. Chaitanya Charan teaches the highest wisdom in a very simple way nicely unlocking the message for all to understand. He has done a brilliant job in presenting relevant messages of the Gita for all.

– His Holiness Candramauli Swami

Minister for Prison Preaching, ISKCON

Wisdom texts like the Bhagavad-gita become especially useful when they are brought into modernity by mature and articulate scholar-practitioners. Chaitanya Charan Das is one such person. Through his Gita for Daily Enrichment, he un- locks many of the mysteries of the text, allowing contemporary readers access to an otherwise often impenetrable scripture.”

– Steven J. Rosen (Satyaraja Dasa)

Editor, Journal of Vaishnava Studies and Back to Godhead Magazine, and author of some 30 books on spiritual topics.

The Gita for Daily Enrichment provides readers with succinct, thought- ful meditations based on verses from the Gita. It connects the transcendent scripture to daily life’s questions, struggles, and triumphs. It shows us how Krishna addresses our deepest concerns with profound yet sub- lime answers. It is written for those who are trying to live by the Gita’s tenets in the practice of bhakti yoga–both the beginner in bhakti and the serious practitioner of it. It is eminently useful both for the meditative monk and those wanting to connect with Krishna while living and working in the world. Each daily meditation can be read in a few moments, or savored longer while referencing the verse and purport of that day’s focus. Either way, the spiritual connection offered by these meditations will help to remind the reader throughout the day of the Gita’s wisdom and insight, and bring us to a higher dimension of life.

– Dr Edith Best (Urmila Devi Dasi)

Author of several acclaimed books for children, Member of ISKCON’s Shastric Advisory Council and Editor of Back to Godhead

Chaitanya Charan is a genuine Bhagavad gita scholar, in that he approaches this Indian classic in a reverential and meditational mood. His book offers that which may be called “Humanistic Hinduism”, i.e. a view which shows the relevance and vibrancy of Hinduism as a living tradition. It addresses a wide variety of topics such as divinity, desire, human psychology, religion and dharma. I very warmly rec- ommend not only reading but immersing oneself in this book

– Dr. Ithamar Theodor (Isvara Krishna Das)

Author of “Exploring the Bhagavad gita; Philosophy, Structure and Meaning,” Director, The Program for Hindu-Jewish Studies Dept. of Asian Studies, University of Haifa

Reviews of Recession – Adversity or Opportunity?

Chaitanya Charan das has been regularly writing in the spiritual columns of several Indian newspapers. Seeing his skill, I asked him to write on recession. After this book came out, I have gifted it to several dignitaries including the Prime Minister of India and they were impressed to see such an attractively presented spiritual perspective on an economic crisis.By persuasively presenting the timeless principles of lifestyle management drawn from the ancient Vedic texts, Recession reveals the root cause of recession and offers a definitive solution.

– His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami

Governing Body Commissioner, ISKCON

Recession has the merit of illuminating the path of millions of people the world over who have become overambitious and greedy in the accumulation of wealth. Furthermore, it provides prescriptions for people to come to reality by embracing the timeless teachings of harmonious living taught by Lord Krishna. A timely book, enriching and inspiring, to be read during these troubled times.

– Kailsah Purryag

President, Mauritius.

I have known Shri Chaitanya Charan Das for several years as a dynamic spiritual mentor, who is also well-versed in the scientific paradigm. In the illuminating and enriching book, Recession, he blends the modern and the traditional into the universal and the practical. To say that Recession is well-written would be an understatement. The vibrant examples from both modern and traditional contexts, the memorable quotes, the lucid language, the smooth transitions from one theme to another, the nonjudgmental tone throughout, the summary acronym WEALTH at the end – all these make Recession highly accessible and applicable. With the acceleration of the pace of our lives and with the decline of the culture of reading, especially among the youth, the small size of this book is also a great advantage. The three-point prescription “Simplify, Clarify and Purify” is like its mantra – brief, clear, healing, practical, universal, empowering. I hope that Recession will be widely read, discussed and applied.

– Padmashree Dr Vijay Bhatkar

Eminent Scientist, Developer of Param Supercomputer.

By exploring the personal and spiritual dimension, Recession cuts to the heart of the issue in a way that volumes of finance and self-help books on the market simply cannot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has had enough of pointing out the problem and is ready to be part of the solution

– Vineet Chander

Coordinator for Hindu Life, Princeton University, USA.