Belief and Beyond: Adventures in Consciousness from the Upanishads to Modern Times
Mukunda Rao
4.13
15 ratings8 reviews
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Belief and Beyond delves into the realm of the mystic - Adi Sankara, Allama Prabhu, Kabir, Nagarjuna, Gaudapada, Akka Mahadevi, Lalleshwari, Anandamayi Ma, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Aurobindo, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Jiddu Krishnamurti, U.G. Krishnamurti, and the Buddha - bringing to life their spiritual quests and the philosophical messages they left behind for humanity. The book explores the search for the non-dual state of being - sahaja sthithi or the natural state - which is not in the realm of experience at all, but a state of being where the borders and boundaries of the divided self have been transcended. The author also weaves in narratives from many difficult-to-access texts, including the Upanishads, the Ashtavakra Gita and the Avadhuta Gita. Written with depth and simplicity, this book is for the seeker and the curious alike.
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360 pages, Paperback
Published February 18, 2020
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Mukunda Rao
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The Bookish Elf
402 reviews · 48 followers
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July 31, 2019
What thing I am I do not know.
I wander secluded, burdened by my mind,
When the Firstborn of Truth has come to me,
I receive a share in that selfsame Word.
The book, Belief and Beyond, opens with above lines from Rig Veda. This is a very profound book and has provided me many new perspectives. I will re-read it because the idea density is so high! It offers many tools for improving self-awareness. Author writes in an efficient manner that gets quickly to the message. I'm so glad to have encountered this on my nascent spiritual journey.
I found Belief and Beyond to be a very valuable and insightful discussion on non-duality, Vedanta, enlightenment etc. It was clear, concise, and interesting to read. There is some excellent discussion on what enlightenment is NOT.
The book of returning to the simple state of nothingness. This is a direct guide to your true nature of existing, from nothing, to the whole essence of just being. Author Mukunda Rao explains step by step the profundity of how our community, thinking, reasoning and everything we know externally, determines our reality. Returning to a state of complete joy and fulfilment is what every human being is in search for, and here Author tells us that this state we are in search of is located deep within our conscious mind, we just need to learn how to let go of all our perceptions and begin to contemplate how not knowing is the beginning of it all. Author Mukunda Rao stats, "Consciousness is the only reality but appears as objects..."
The format of this book is laid out in such an accessible way for such an inaccessible subject matter. Author Mukunda Rao gives the reader plenty of time to come to terms with the topic and argument of understanding for each chapter. But the goal of the book isn't to give yet another map or belief around what self, mind and consciousness are. It's to directly challenge your beliefs on them, and open the door towards directly experiencing them. This isn't a book to read. It's a book to study.
The deeper you go into the contents, the more the depth of the contents becomes apparent. I recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their understanding consciousness from a different perspective.
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Wanderingg__soul
403 reviews · 41 followers
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September 6, 2019
A belief system helps us interpret our everyday reality.
Belief and beyond: Adventure in Consciousness from the Upanishad to Modern Times by Mukunda Rao is an insightful collection of beliefs and ideas, insights and revelations, spiritual authority that exists in India to this day.
The book explores the search for the non dual state of being-sahaja sthithi or the natural state- which is not in the realm of experience at all, but a state of being where the borders and boundaries of the divided self have been transcended.
Vedic culture has propogated the importance of spiritual awakening from thousands of years. The interpretations of these teachings have changed over the years. Through this book the author weaves narratives from many difficult to access texts like the Upanishads, Ashtavakra Gita, Avadhuta Gita and mystics like Kabir, Akka Mahadevi, Lalleshwari, Anandamayi Ma and many more.
This book gives you an opportunity to dive deeper into the unknown realms of consciousness.
Written with depth, it's a heavy read. Pick this up if are curious and patient.
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Balbir Bajaj
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May 14, 2021
“A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”, this is how I can describe the contents of this book (not sure whether it is a fiction nonfiction book.)
Though the writer has taken great pains to explain various religious spiritual philosophies from amongst various Hindu streams, yet one does not get any wiser after reading the book as it seems to be very difficult to go to the depths of the views expressed therein and become more aware therefrom. It is your own pick as to what could be the ultimate truth if at all there is one. I lost my interest after reading 2/3rd of the book as I could not make out much of the paradox that the life on the universe as described in this book.
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Anindita Sinh
18 reviews · 9 followers
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May 3, 2020
Definitely a book I will keep going back to. It offers an insight into various strains of philosophical thought in Hinduism through the teachings of the various developers of those perspectives. Very well researched and provides a good introduction to the deeply philosophical topics at hand, while not dumbing down the teachings of the same.
non-fiction
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David
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March 11, 2021
I really enjoyed this book as I have not previously explored Indian spirituality.
This is a carefully curated collection of Indian spiritual wisdom over the centuries.
Beautiful and thought-provoking.
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Chresann Dsouza
194 reviews · 9 followers
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August 27, 2019
Belief and beyond by Mukunda Rao is a nonfiction book. It fits moreover into the nonfiction- philosophical genre a very small part of this book caters to the field of self help.
This book is divided into various chapters and subcategories to help a reader filter out information based on his liking and curiosity more effectively.
The writing style of the author is pretty impressive, it is simple and yet keeps one engaged with it.
The language is simple and unsophisticated. It was amazing to learn how such deep topics were presented with such simplicity that it doesn't overburden the reader , yet it covers all the major aspects of the chapter.
The cover and the title are pretty innovative and appropriately chosen.
The book is divided into various parts such as the upanishads, songs in dualism and non dualism ,beyond gender etc, my personal favourites are the word and birth of self and coming of the buddha.
Speaking about the pace, it's a pretty slow paced read.
The only part wherein this book disappointed me was when it became too slow and some chapters seemed over stretched.
Overall, I had a fairly good time reading this book. It was a pretty informative and an insightful read. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a unique non fiction read.
MY RATING : 4/5
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Diti Shah
189 reviews · 11 followers
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July 29, 2019
"I saw a lion come,
Devour another
And itself die.
I saw inwardness
Without an interior,
Outwardness without refuge.
I saw in a field
Flowers without petals, and
Beheld a magnificent form
Take shape,
And the whole world.
O Allama Prabhu,
Salutations to you. "
.
.
This was a totally different read for me. While I do believe that there does exist an external power which looks upon us, someone who takes care of us, I have never given much thought to this.
The author with very simple words, with very lucid language explains to us various messages that Upnishads, Bhagwad Gita other sages and mentors like Adi Shankara, Allama Prabhu, Kabir, Lalleshwari, Sri Aurobindo, Ramana Maharshi and others have given.
From ancient times to modern times sages, how the interpretations of their messages have changed, how the ways of mentoring have changed, what remains mutual and such have been discussed. The author has given plenty of illustrations and has thoroughly discussed various topics in this domain.
I must say the author has done a fabulous job in researching and penning it all down. Kudos to the author for bringing ancient messages that Upnishads give to today's generation, something that is not discussed commonly.
Overall, a great and different read. Much wanted change. .
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Dev
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December 4, 2019
I would say this book is a dictionary for spiritual seekers...it covers bhakti, jnana and other streams of spirituality!
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