Nagesh Sonde
Rigveda – A Study on Forty Hymns
By: Nagesh D. Sonde
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A Study on the Select Forty Hymns original in Sanskrit, with transalation and explanation Review :
“Apart from the fact the hymns are learnyt by rote, there has been need to familiarize the general reader with the nature and value of the vedic literature through English and other languages. Th present work is designed to cate to the needs of the English knowing Sanskritists and is well suited for the purpose. Th Introduction gives in a nut shell all the general informationrequired by the reafer . The work is doe exceedingly well and will be of a great use to the students of Vedic literature,”.
M/s Reathy, Hindu, Cheenai.
“It is refreshing to that you see the Rigveda in a way radically different from the one that is found in scholars and laymen alike … One thing which you have seen which, as fara as I know , has not been seen by any other person, and that is that Rigveda is a collecton of all sorts of things hich were available at that time in the oral tradition of India, and that the primary task was to collect and preserve everything that was avaibale as far as possible and not bother unduly about the nature or quality of the content that was to be collected and preserved.”
Daya Krishna, Journal of Indian Council Of Philosophical Research, Jaipur.
Nagesh Sonde has been studying Rig Veda for years and yet he is very modest when it comes to presenting a translation and a commentary on the forty Rig vedic hymns ... The point is, as Sonde makes it plain, scriptures contain concealed meanings and therefore they should not be read for intellectual stimulation, but for spiritual insight …
Sonde, it is only fair to say, does not claim any spiritual superiority over any one, but expresses his immense satisfaction in finding solace in whatever form wisdom approaches, making that particular receptivity well-established. He has sought meanings to the words, listening with heart and intellectually re-appraising, revising and re-dedicating to broaden his perception of the true essence of the hymn. Sonde is a bit sceptical of western scholars. He wants one to source the meaning of hymns not from the intellect and the mind but from the heart …
According to Sonde, in spite of their erudition and labour, western Indologists could scarcely source the meaning which the original seers had concealed in the hymns Sonde’s translation and especially delving into the meaning of hymns commands special attention. As he points out, the seers were addressing their hymns (sutras) to the generations in which they lived and communicated and one must re-locate to those times for a better understanding of their efforts, a very difficult exercise but one worth pursuing if one wants truly to appreciate the sheer mind-boggling thoughts that are presented often in so few words. As Sonde stresses, a Truth is not realised by quoting Scriptures but by experiencing it. One who strips himself of beliefs and faiths without raising them to the level of dogmas is a man with a receptive mind.
M.V.Kamatha – Organisor 27th December 2009
In ancient days commentaries on the complete Vedic texts in Sanskrit was aimed at, from the scholars point of view or from seeker’s point of view ... In the line of Vedic anthologies the present book is also noteworthy to mention. Sri Nagesh D. Sonde is an independent researcher in Indology. His writings are are emerged from his pure experiences, deep thinking and contemplation and his elevated interpretations are of high spiritual order. He has to his credit some 15 books and all are as spiritual and philosophical discipline.
The uniqueness of this work stands on several significant factors . The number FORTY signifies a Mandala which is very significant. … The selection exposition, introduction, translation are very apt and appropriate. He successfully removed the misconceptiontha knowledge is every thing in life. He has proved that how the Veda is the reservoir of Wisdom, which is divine, sublime, and elevated over and above the knowledge … I congratulate the author for his thoroughness in explaining the hidden wisdom of Rigveda for the larger benefits of modern society.
M. Prabhakara Rao –Sri Venkaeshvara Oriental Journal Vol XLIX.
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