Author: Mahabharata Project

Mahabharata and Ramayana Critical in a World Spiralling into Decline

APARNA:  The concerns addressed in the Mahabharata are the concerns of humanity. How does the concept of Dharma, as outlined in the Mahabharata, address these concerns?

ANDY: You say, “The concerns addressed in the Mahabharata are the concerns of humanity.” This is a very profound statement. This applies to both East and West. I would say that most people want to live a peaceful and principled and meaningful life. But they are often confused. They don’t know how to do it. Even in the beginning of Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is confused. And like Arjuna, we have to ask the right questions from Krishna or His devotees, and then we can do the right thing. Otherwise, all over the world, ideals, morals and values are being diminished. We live in a time characterized by rampant greed, fear, and untruthfulness.

College professors here in the USA tell me that many students arrive in college ill prepared. Many students can’t write a decent essay. They are not critical thinkers. The educational system is failing the students. And when they get out of college students are under mounds of debt. Again, there is a lack of leadership to address these issues. This was very important for me in writing the Mahabharata – to convey the principles of Dharma and give examples of good leadership. It’s all there in the Mahabharata.

So our Krishna Consciousness Movement is an educational movement, to help people get trained in the Dharma, to develop good character, good leadership qualities, and to understand what the real goal of life is. It’s like the sun. The sun is not for Indians, Chinese or Americans. The sun is shining everywhere for all people. So the Mahabharata and Ramayana are classic literatures for all the people of the world.

Vedic literatures offer a holistic solution: to live a simple, uncomplicated, peaceful life, based on the principles of Dharma. Then, just like Hanuman, we can be of service to the Lord and to the wellbeing of the Earth through our efforts, our intelligence and our individual propensities.

Read the entire interview at:

https://www.softpowermag.com/mahabharata-and-ramayana-critical-in-a-world-spiralling-into-decline-andy-fraenkel/

More info about Hanuman’s Quest at

https://mahabharata-project.com/hanumans-quest/

February 7th is the release date for my newest offering – Hanuman’s Quest – the Book. There are three HANUMAN pages  on this site for more details. May all be well 

Top Banner:   KRISHNA KATHA – SACRED STORYTELLING

Andy Fraenkel, winner of a West Virginia Artist Fellowship Award, shares stories from ancient India with visiting students at the Krishna Temple in New Vrindaban, WV. 

(Photo by Shyam Pandey)

“. . . the original Mahabharata is an epic in every sense of the word. . The new volume is a condensing of this monumental text that keeps its heroic figures, mystical deeds, and 
philosophies on justice, honor, and perseverance at the fore-
front while relating the story with a lighter pace and a visually rich prose style that recalls Western works like The Lord of the Rings trilogy. . . A useful glossary, map, and an outline of the Vedic worldview are included. . . many of the concepts, from Brahmins to mantras, are organically introduced. . . There’s a surprising amount of humor in the story, with effective modern flourishes. . . An inherently approachable tale despite the vastness of the Indian mythology it taps into.”        Kirkus Reviews

“Absolutely love the book. Vivid imagery that is unique among all books in my spiritual library. I have many friends in the bay area that I know will relish this book.” Loren Steele, CA.

“I could not put it down…. I am going to give it out to others who I think have an interest…. It’s a landmark work….. How difficult it must have been to reduce the volume of the text and not loose the threads of the story, nor the essence of the philosophy! Magnificent!” Josef Lauber, Switzerland

“Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. Your Mahabharata is brilliant. I loved reading it.” Stephanie, Bamboomoves Yoga, Owner & Teacher NJ

“I am loving the Mahabharata – its absolutely wonderful! An intriguing read. Its one of those books you can’t put down. The Sacred Voices CD is great as well.” Joseph Baker, WI.

“Reading it the way we are (reading aloud) is taking much longer, of course,  but is such a lovely experience. Thank you for writing such a wonderful and rich rendition of the epic.”  Vineet Chander – Hindu Chaplin, Princeton, NJ

“I run a spiritual center in the middle of South Central Los Angeles. Thank you for writing this wonderful book. It has brought together the puzzle pieces of my spiritual education and made it complete. Please accept my hearty congratulations for a truly enjoyable effort. You are a gifted storyteller.” Mr. Wisdom, Organic Health Foods & Restaurant

“Wow. Just… Wow! Thank you for opening this world to me. …… the pleasure reading, such a joy. Entertaining and personally valuable in my faith research for work and my journey in real life.” Danny Boyd, Filmmaker, Graphic Novelist, WV

“I finished reading your Mahabharata and found it action packed. You kept up the intense story line well.” Richard Boyden, KS

“I read this book while on pilgrimage in India earlier this year. I had to buy this second one because I gave a friend from Sweden my original copy. It is an exceptionally captivating read. Thank you for writing it.” Laura, NYC

“His book is an incredible rendition of one of the oldest written books on the planet. I highly recommend it if you want to immerse yourself in the most amazing drama and intrigue ever recorded.” Darrell Martin, Blue Boy Herbs, MS

“Reading your book! Such a great job – deep and flowing. You are truly gifted to share this profound story the way you have. Outstanding! Makes for excellent reading and a wonderful gift!” Krsnanandini Devi Dasi, Family Institute, OH

To Order: https://mahabharata-project.com/order/ FREE SHIPPING IN USA

This highly acclaimed rendition of Mahabharata offers a good literary read that can  easily be studied in high school and college classrooms….    “I have read through many Mahabharatas and there is none as gripping and beautiful as yours.”

Gopal Gupta, PhD, Religious Studies@Department of Philosophy, Florida Gulf Coast University

And Professor Kevin Cordi’s Review of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest

“High school and college classes in the United States are known for teaching Homer’s epic journeys  as chronicled in the Iliad and the Odyssey; however, in Andy Fraenkel’s  new book (2013) we are reminded of another strong, just as dynamic  journey.  He tackles successfully the daunting task of retelling India’s epic Mahabharata in his work Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest.

The Mahabharata, has existed in various forms for thousands of  years.  Fraenkel draws on his ability as a storyteller for over 25 years  and maneuvers through the story’s monumental terrain with ease.  His powerful narrative captivates and sustains the listener.  Not only are the vivid battle scenes felt in Fraenkel’s skillful prose, but also the essence of the affairs of the heart as well. This is a human story.”

Scroll down to see full Professor Cordi review.