The Supreme Mystic: A Biographical Novel of the Early Years of Lord Krishna

Rating:
Summary: The Supreme Mystic - A good introduction to Krishna
Review: "The Supreme Mystic" by Amal Bhakta is a biographical novelised version of the story of Krishna, Vishnu's incarnation on the earth plane towards the end of Dwapara Yuga. The book follows the story as told by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa in the Tenth Canto of Srimad Bhagavath, written by Vyasa and a few other sources, given by the author at the end of the book.

Vyasa means diameter, spanning and by extension, who spans. Vyasa also is an Amsa (part) of Vishnu and a great sage takes on that role in every Maha Yuga, which is one cycle of four Yugas. Krishna has one meaning, dark colored. Dwaipayana was added because he was born on a small island in a river. And since he divided the Vedas, that is spanned them, he was known as Vyasa. So, Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa. The author could have explained this so that readers know the author of Srimad Bhagavat and other Puranas, epics etc. better. In fact, Hindu literature effectively started with Vyasa.

The book is very interesting to read. Though written by a western devotee, it follows faithfully the Hindu text in major details. The style is easy to read and holds the reader's interest. If you are interested in other lands, people and cultures, you will find the book interesting.

This particular book traces the story from birth of Krishna upto about 11 or 12 years of age when He killed Kamsa, His demonic maternal uncle. It is being followed by another book which covers Krishna's later years and which details His Bhagavad Gita, Song of God, given to His friend and disciple Arjuna on the battle field of Kuru Kshetra.

Amal Bhakta writes with sincerity and devotion. He succeeds in making the reader visualise the situation being described. Line sketches at the beginning of each chapter additionally help the reader visualise the ancient times to which this story pertains. A praiseworthy effort.

The author uses Hindi and Sanskrit terms without explanation, which may confuse the reader, not familiar with those words. A glossary at the end of the book, or a footnote explaining the terms as they occur, would have been better. A few names have been mis-spelt. The book also has a few minor editorial glitches, but is otherwise well-produced.

This type of story lends itself well to a Multi-Media presentation. A companion CD, giving animated scenes, explanation of terms and references for a particular incident narrated etc. and a few scenes from the movies which have been made referring to these events in history would have greatly added value to this fine book.

I commend Amal Bhakta's praiseworthy efforts in bringing Krishna closer to the Western World.

Rating:
Summary: "Suspenseful Enlightening Novel"
Review: From: Midwest Book Review by Sherry Russell (used with permission)

The Supreme Mystic magically swooshes the reader up in tornado fashion as you experience and discover the astonishing early years of Lord Krishna's life. This energetically paced easy to read novel weaves you in and out of the Krishna's many miracles, battles, pranks, romances, and inspirational feats as he tackles the terrains of the physical, mental and spiritual world. A few of the book's intended audience includes readers interested in Indian and Eastern philosophy, religious history, new age, and yoga. These readers will also find healthy doses of wonder, fascination, humor, and inspiration.

The author's studious well-researched scriptural accounts of Lord Krishna's life are tightly packaged in this suspenseful enlightening novel. It is evident that he has an impassioned declaration for people to understand ancient India's Vedic scriptures. Many people are aware the Krishna assumed the mantle of warrior but few people know of his playful dig in the ribs, loving and romantic side. With analogies such as comparing an audience of young ladies as "captivated cobras entranced by a snake charmer" keep the reader glued to the pages.

Amal Bhakta has upped the ante on how religious history can be related. He has provided a spiritual booster shot with The Supreme Mystic.

Rating:
Summary: Stories: the hidden treasure of Vedic India
Review: There is a well know poem by Muriel Rukeyser, in which she writes, "The universe is made of stories, not of atoms." A powerful new novel based on Vedic literature by Amal Bhakta is an extraordinary example of this. And For anyone who believes that stories have the power to transform us, even liberate us then The Supreme Mystic: A Biographical Novel about the Early Years of Lord Krishna by Amal Bhakta is a must read.

As the director of an international Yoga institute and a full time trainer of Yoga Teacher I found Amal Bhakta's novel an engrossing read. Additionally it is written in a direct and accessible manner. I have even taken to reading excerpts of it to my Yoga students.

This book is a great opportunity for yoga and new age enthusiasts to get an accurate insight into the rich tapestry of knowledge that is the Vedas, the source of Yoga and eastern philosophy.