Book Release of Sankara Vedanta for Environmental Harmony, written by Dr Diya Vandana Sharma and published by the Motilal Banarasidass Punlications, was conducted earlier this week, through a virtual session that witnessed present of many eminent luminaries, scholars and sages. It was telecast live on Ten News youtube channel and facebook, which was watched by thousands of viewers.
Anchored by Dr Kaushlendra Singh, this nearly two hours long session brought forward various aspects about the book. He started the session by inviting professor and senior scholar, Prof S.R Bhatt to give his inaugural address. “It is a novel interpretation of Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophy. Dr Vandana has done some thorough research and come up with this highly informative, significant work,” he said.
Speaking next, Prof Satheesha K.S, said,“I congratulate Dr Vandana for her scholarly work. At the core of the book is the phiosphy of Adi Shankara. The real meanings of Highest Ultimate declaration, the quintessential truth of Brahma Satyam Jagan-Mithya and Sarvam Khalu Idam Brahman is beautifully described and explored through the text.”
Taking the discussions forward, Pranav Khullar said, “Dr Vandana has some very unusual interests. In today’s time when there is so much crass attitude of people towards our rich past, her interest and knowledge of Adi Shankara, his ideals and philosophies is commendable. Her work sheds new light on the life of Adi Shankara. I have read some parts of this extremely well-researched book and this book brings forward the advait philosophy.”
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Sarswati Ji Maharaj, President Parmarth Niketan, started to speak next and recited an enlightening shlok in his melodious voice. “I’m very delighted that this significant work has been released today. I strongly feel that this book should be there in every household. Shankar Vedanta is not only for environmental harmony but inner harmony too. This philosophy of oneness and kindness is only going to work in 21st century,” he said, outlining that earth is our mother and we all are its children.
“We should imbibe the teachings and thoughts from this book into our life to make it divya,” he added.
Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati Ji Devi, president, Divine Shakti Foundation, “It’s a beautiful blessing to be a part of celebrating this extraordinary book launch. It has deeper meaning and deeper teachings imbibed in it. The essence, the core, the rasa of all of the Vedas and Saskritis and culture is given to us in this book.”
Speaking next, Shri Hariprasad Swami ji said, “Our religion has always been all encompassing. We always pray and wish good for all human beings. I’m a follower of advait philosophy and have lived all my life with it. Sanatan dharma has always talked about looking after all beings. It is at the core of advait and this book brings that part out.”
Joining the discussion, Dr Karan Singh, former governor of Jammu and Kashmir, said, “Advait represent the foundation of Hindu philosophy. Dr Vandana Sharma Diya has done a deep study of the subject. Her thesis makes for a very interesting read. She writes about the environment in a very broader sense. Her book guides people to attain higher wisdom. I take this opportunity to congratulate the author for this amazing work.”
Rajeev Jain, MLBD publication, also spoke during the occasion and gave his greetings to the author.
