Devdas Menon

The Mahabharata, widely regarded as one among the world’s great epics, has been translated, retold and reinterpreted in many different ways. What makes this version unique, however, is the author’s imaginative use of a commentary by Vidura that enables a very deep and nuanced view of the epic’s core theme of Dharma. This commentary by the pivotal character of Vidura, considered as immensely wise and righteous, is used very effectively to delve into the many moral and ethical dilemmas faced by various characters. It becomes clear that what is Dharmic or Adharmic is not always obvious, and many subtle aspects come into play in taking the right action in a given context or set of circumstances.

Book 1, aptly titled “Beginnings”, is written in an engaging and readable style as it takes the reader through the backstory of the Pandava and Kaurava princes. It portrays their playful childhood, growing rivalry, the partition of the Kuru kingdom and the fateful game of dice that lays the foundation for the great war at Kurukshetra.

What possessed Yudhishthira to gamble with not only his kingdom but Draupadi herself? Where was Dharma in the events that followed as indignities were heaped on a defenceless woman in the presence of wise, learned and powerful elders?

Even for those who are already familiar with the story of the Mahabharata, this book (the first of a four-volume set) by Prof Menon is a fascinating read!

The Mahabharata, a layered epic as it is, has lent itself to several narrations, evolving over time and staying alive in the perspectives of every new version. However, every perspective has only rekindled dharmic thoughts, and so does Devdas Menon's 'Vidura's Mahabharata- Book 1: Beginnings '. The narration in simple language effortlessly induces the reader to explore the inner self and to engage in contemplations about righteousness.

In the narration, we constantly feel the presence of destiny, of cosmic forces at work, impacting the life of the individual - his thoughts, actions and consequently his karma. The illusion that earthly life is and the objective of a soul to attain moksha is reiterated. The author reflects holding Vidura's vantage position, as a participant with first-hand knowledge of events and characters and the balance and objectivity to evaluate situations.

Devdas Menon efficiently transports the epic battle so that every reader's mind turns into a Kurukshetra that weighs actions, alternatives, inevitables, and tames the mind to accept destiny pivoting on the subtlety of Dharma.

The second volume, Preparations for the War, is thoughtfully narrated through the insightful perspective of Vidura. I found myself deeply impressed by how Vidura’s reflections mirror those of an ordinary person, grappling with doubts and dilemmas as the story unfolds. Yet, what sets him apart is his remarkable ability to find profound solutions and wisdom amid these uncertainties. This, I believe, is a lesson for us all; to reframe our perspectives, deepen our understanding, and apply such wisdom in our own lives on the path to enlightenment.

The twelve years of exile in the forest and a thirteenth year living incognito endured by the Pandavas were far more than a mere punishment; they represented a profound spiritual odyssey that tested, purified, and elevated their souls. Amidst the solitude of forests and the trials of hardship, they cultivated virtues such as patience, humility, and detachment. Yudhishthira’s steadfast commitment to dharma, Bhima’s measured restraint, Arjuna’s focused discipline in mastering divine weaponry, and Draupadi’s unwavering endurance all stand as a testament to their deep spiritual evolution. The exile stripped away their ego and pride, drawing them closer to their higher purpose. They learned to surrender to divine timing and to prepare with devotion and equanimity rather than haste or anger. Their readiness for the great battle of Kurukshetra was not merely a physical or martial preparation but a spiritual awakening; an embrace of the righteous fight, free from hatred or malice. Thus, exile became a sacred crucible of transformation, forging warriors of virtue rather than vengeance.

Book 2 covers the thirteen-year exile of the Pandavas and the attempts to reclaim their kingdom thereafter. The reader is rewarded with many nuggets along the way, not the least of which is the story of the Ramayana, which is narrated by Rishi Markandeya upon Yudhishthira’s request. The stories of Nala and Damayanti, Savitri and Yaksha Prashna are each an excellent rendering of parts of the Mahabharata that are not usually covered in the more commonly available condensed versions. The thirteenth year of exile, which the Pandavas had to spend in disguise, is captured in vivid detail, highlighting many interesting events. As it appears increasingly likely that war is inevitable, a despondent Dhritarashtra asks for Vidura’s counsel on morality and statecraft. Further questions on what death is, whether there is an afterlife, what moksha is, etc, are answered in the chapter "Vidura’s Niti and Sanatsujata’s Jnana". As always, the authors' simple, clear and engaging prose holds the reader's interest.

The book ends with the declaration of war after all peace efforts by elders like Bhishma, Vidura, and Drona fail. In what one may call - with a touch of irony - a last throw of the dice, Krishna himself is tasked with finding a peaceful resolution in accordance with dharma, but his attempt also proves futile. Whether it is destiny or the inexorable law of karma at work, everything leads ultimately to war on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

A large part of Book 3 is dedicated to one of the most significant occurrences on the Kurukshetra battlefield, the exchange of the Bhagavad Gita between Shri Krishna and Arjuna. Prof. Devdas' deep understanding of how a person can live to the fullest while performing the duties according to their prescribed Svadharma shines through his narration and his explanation of the Bhagavad Gita.

The 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are explained in great detail, but also in a way that one can relate across different concepts that were introduced in Books I and II of the series. The Bhagavad Gita is often sometimes misunderstood as something very esoteric. Reading Prof. Devdas' version motivates one to look into the Bhagavad Gita as a deep exposition of understanding several fundamental concepts, such as causality, one's place in the universe as explained by Shri Krishna, and, more importantly, living a fulfilled life, a life that is aligned with one's own make-up, that is one's Svadharma. Prof. Devdas' life as a householder and a karma yogi is reflected in his understanding and explanation of the Bhagavad Gita.

Though I had read these concepts several times before, regarding the three gunas: rajas, tamas, and sattva, I feel I grasped them in totality for the first time only when I read these volumes on the Mahabharata, since they are presented in a very logical way, and you see them introduced and described across multiple characters and situations. I have been drawn to delve deeper into understanding Svadharma, what my own Svadharma is, and how one can align one’s life and work to live in accordance with Svadharma, ultimately living a fulfilled life.

The first half of Book 3, “War at Kurukshetra”, deals with the Bhagavad Gita, which Prof Menon presents with characteristic lucidity. In the context of the impending war and Arjuna’s sudden moral dilemma about fighting with his Kaurava cousins, Krishna explains how the path of Karmayoga should be his primary guide. However, this apparently simple path that calls for action in accordance with Dharma and without attachment to the outcome is often violated by the noble heroes and warriors on both sides.

There are vivid descriptions of the apocalyptic war, staggering in its scale and brutality, but also punctuated with acts of great valour and skill. Midway through the war, an unarmed Bhishma is attacked and defeated by Arjuna (with Krishna as the charioteer), in what appears to be a stunning instance of adharma. However, Bhishma himself emphasises that the greater purpose of the war is to establish Dharma across the entire kingdom, and this higher Dharma must ultimately take precedence. This moral ambivalence is a common thread through the latter part of the war as the deaths of Drona, Abhimanyu, Karna and Duryodhana are accompanied by half-truths, deceit, treachery and the flouting of basic rules of warfare. One of the highlights of this book is the author’s clear-eyed and unflinching account of this apparent contradiction between the teachings of the Gita and the actions that unfold on the battlefield thereafter.

"The Aftermath of War" is yet another profound continuation in this timeless series. A work that delves deeply into the delicate interplay between power and freedom. Often, victory brings with it a sense of pride and dominance. Yet here, we find Yudhishthira once more as a man burdened by confusion and sorrow. Despite winning the war, he is gripped by pain and guilt, unsure how best to wield his newfound power as king. His inner turmoil becomes the canvas for Bhishma’s Moksha Dharma; a series of teachings so profound they reverberate with the eternal message of the Gita, now offered through an entirely new lens of wisdom and grace.

What moved me deeply was the exquisite rendering of the Vishnu-sahasranama within these pages. It has been recompiled with such reverence and depth that words fall short. Reading it is not merely an intellectual engagement, but it is an experience, a sacred encounter with the divine.

Another jewel within this volume is the Anugita, “the subsequent song,” a gentle echo of the Bhagavad Gita, sung in the quietude that followed the tempest of war. Here, Krishna once again guides Arjuna, but this time with serene introspection. The Anugita is a spiritual mirror, reflecting the core tenets of liberation: self-knowledge, detachment, and the stillness that lies beyond the pull of worldly desires and action.

In conclusion, these four volumes transcend the realm of epic storytelling. They serve as a luminous guide for those on the path of inner awakening, illustrating how dharma, devotion, and self-inquiry can illuminate the way to MOKSHA or LIBERATION. Amid the chaos of the world, they point unerringly toward righteous living and spiritual awakening. These volumes are a sacred companion for seekers journeying inward, towards the Eternal Self.

At the start of the final volume of Vidura’s Mahabharata, an obsessive Ashwatthama is bent on avenging the deaths of his father Drona and close friend Duryodhana. He attacks the Pandava camp in the dead of night, killing many, including all five sons of the Pandavas, in a gory climax to the series of Adharmic actions during the war.

Following his side's victory, Yudhishthira is crowned as the King and after his grand coronation, he seeks Bhishma’s advice on all aspects of Raja-dharma and Moksha-dharma. Much of what is suggested by Bhishma as the Dharma of a ruler remains relevant for good governance and statesmanship even in contemporary times. The author is in his element in presenting the dialogue on Moksha-dharma, turning it into an oral treatise on the wisdom of the Upanishads. The chapters on the Vishnu Sahasranama and Anugita offer a fresh perspective to the reader.

As the epic comes to a close, the Ashvamedha Yajna is conducted to assert King Yudhishthira’s sovereignty over the empire, involving a display of wealth, power and the sacrifice of many animals. At a Vyavaharika level, this marks the triumph not just of the Pandavas but, seemingly, of good over evil and Dharma over Adharma. Vyasa notes, however, that at a Paramarthika level, this Yajna can be done in one’s mind by anyone who single-mindedly seeks Moksha alone. This insight, quite appropriately, points to the core message of the Bhagavad Gita, which has always been the most well-known part of this great epic.

The author makes one fall in love with the Upanishadic method of transmission. Such rarified knowledge might feel hard to access at first, given the ancient context. Still, the way the author puts our currently conditioned minds in touch with the reality the Upanishads seek to convey is a joy to imbibe. Getting in touch with the Mundaka Upanishad felt daunting, but this book makes it so relatable to how many of us feel, having lived lives of external achievement and noble living, yet not fully Whole.

The Trilogy of Awakenings series ensured, however, that we come into this, we are taken into the Purnata or Fullness of totality.

Grateful to come in contact with such profound wisdom, which is truly the treasure and inheritance of all beings from our Ancestors.

This book is a fitting capstone to Prof Menon’s Awakening trilogy. While the seeker of spiritual wisdom is the young but precocious Nachiketa in the first book, it is the well-educated but somewhat arrogant youth Shvetaketu in the second. The seeker here is the highly respected Shaunaka, a man who has achieved material success and the admiration of his peers. Despite this, he has a sense of dissatisfaction and unease in his life and seeks answers to various questions that arise in his mind.

His guru guides him through various Upanishadic concepts, of which two are particularly noteworthy. The first is discussed using archery as a metaphor to lay out a practical path in an individual’s quest for the ultimate knowledge. The second is the two birds – samsari and jnani – imagery, which points to the lack of true knowledge or avidya, due to which we are trapped in Samsara.

Early on in this book, Shaunaka is told that when he is truly ready to receive the ‘ultimate knowledge’, the guru will appear before him. In this modern age, one hopes this book will, at least partially, fulfil the role of the guru for the reader.

This book is a masterpiece by Prof. Menon, who has distilled his experiential wisdom into words the uninitiated can appreciate. I have not read the Chandogya Upanishad, so I have no firsthand knowledge of it. I don’t know how simple or easy it is to understand, but I really doubt that it is as simple and lucid as Prof. Devdas Menon’s beautiful presentation in The Awakening of Shvetaketu. Prof. Menon brings his scientific and Engineering training to bear in conveying very effectively the reality of the That underlying the cosmic phantasmagoria that has us all in its thrall. This is a book written by an Engineer/Scientist for those with a similar bent of mind.

Here are the main takeaways I got from the book: 1)Anything which changes can only be an appearance; that which does not change alone can be reality, 2)There must of necessity be an unchanging reality underneath every appearance; That is the one unchanging reality that forms the essence of everything that is manifest, 3) Only in boundarylessness can the unheard be heard and the unknown be known; for a boundary implies there is something beyond with a separate reality, 4) Awareness of presence or presence of awareness are experienced in deep sleep and samadhi, and, 5) Changeless awareness is what makes possible the experience of all ever-changing appearances.

It is clear that Prof. Menon has reformulated his learnings from the ancient scriptures in terms of modern terms and concepts. For that I am grateful, for I, and most others, lack the mental model, and facility with the language, necessary to cognize the essential truths hidden in our scriptures. The Awakening of Shvetaketu has made it far easier to grasp the essence of That. To put it into practice and unlearn one’s ignorance is, however, a steep challenge, and each one of us must strive in our own unique way to make what progress we can. We are all Shvetaketus. Some of us are partially awake, some are in deep slumber, but we all need awakening. So rise, and read on, and be awakened!

Prof Devdas Menon provides yet another brilliant explanation in his latest offering. Continuing his work on the Upanishads (reference his excellent earlier book, "The Awakening of Nachiketa" ), he awakens the reader to the perils of conceit. Recreating powerful dialogues between a father, who is a rishi, and his son (the student), there is an opportunity for deep learning and introspection. A must-read for those who want to enhance their levels of awareness.

I found the writing extraordinarily clear and succinct. This encouraged me to stop whenever my focus drifted to ensure I went back so as not to miss any of the wonderful guidance that has been condensed so well and wrapped in the flow of an easily read story. The messages, although of Hindu origin, are generic and may have been written in the context of many deep paths. Beautiful !!!

This is an inspired work of a master. I was really amazed as the words and ideas just flew across the pages. Looked as though the author was trying to keep pace as thoughts just zoomed in from his mind to the paper. Effortlessly. I have read many in this genre. This ranks amongst the best. The simplicity is striking. Don't misunderstand me. The ideas presented are, by no stretch of imagination, simple. It is just that all the cobwebs have been cleared, and the core is presented in a very appealing way. Conversational. Looked to me like the author was in a Zone. I had a similar feeling while reading classics like "The Power of Now" and others.

In just a hundred pages and literally free, he has given us a valuable gift, one that you can read and re-read and emerge feeling happier, a few steps up in the spiritual ladder. I urge him to write similar books on the other Upanishads and related topics. Brilliant - about sums it up. I have not written a review this positive - ever!!

In a world of much turbulence and rapid changes, Spirituality at Work can help us find our own inner strength and serve as an inspiration to find new gateways. I thank Devdas Menon for sharing his deep insight and wisdom, and I very much recommend this book to anyone interested in self-development. This book is based on the wisdom from the ancient Indian scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. It draws inspiration from the famous sage of India, Sri Aurobindo, and the author’s own experiences and interpretations. The author makes the Gita come alive with his profound and inspiring way of presenting the message. He has introduced courses such as Self Awareness and Integral Karmayoga at IIT Madras with great success, and knows how to present ancient wisdom to young people in a modern world.