SHORTTAKES
Vedic maths and materialism

Spirituality Unplugged
by Rajiv R. Gupta
Jaico. Pages: xvii + 262. Rs 196.
Randeep Wadehra

We live in a tense social environment, a result of the materialistic lifestyle. There exists a spiritual void in our everyday life. No wonder, we suffer from so many psychological and physical maladies. Therefore, wise men tell us, spirituality is essential for leading a balanced, healthy life. But, what is spirituality? More important, what is not spirituality? Obviously, the concept is wrapped in layers of myths and obfuscations. This book makes an attempt to demystify spirituality. While dealing with techniques for treading the spiritual path Gupta explains various yogic forms. Worth a read.

The Teaching of Vedic Mathematics
by Dr. SK Kapoor.
Lotus Press, N. Delhi. Pages 150. Rs 125

Vedic mathematics is not a commonly known discipline in our educational circles. In fact it has so far remained an esoteric topic to be tackled by some enlightened baba or guru ensconced in a vague Himalayan cave. But, when recently some western groves of academe, especially in Great Britain, began to evince serious interest in the subject, our intellectuals too have deigned to give it a thought. Kapoor has explained the concept of Vedic mathematics and its application in an easy to understand manner. Hope the concerned scholars would buy and read this book.

From IIM-Ahmedabad to Happiness
by Vijay K. Jain.
Vikalp, Dehradun.
Pages: xii + 115.
Rs 250.

Success and happiness seldom go together, and if they do then they part sooner than later. Because success comes at a debilitating price while true happiness rejuvenates. Is it possible to strike a middle-path and have the benefits of both? Different people have different levels of tolerance for materialistic quest. Some keep at it for life while others get put off by the sheer crassness of it all. The latter begin to seek happiness in non-materialistic pursuits.

Jain has tried to explain how the two types of activities can not only co-exist but also become part of our lifestyle. Happy reading!

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