Book: Touched By Truth

Compiled and Published by Sandy & Jael Bharat

Pages: 155

Kathmandu:

Touched By Truth, a contemporary Hindu Anthology, offers a unique collection of personal reflections of some 22 renowned people across the globe. They have — with the help of various interesting anecdotes — tried to explain what really has inspired them to lead a spiritual life.

The 155-page book captures some of the unforgettable moments in the lives of Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Karan Singh, Swami Nirliptananda, Swami Dayatmananda and many others. Among the 22 contributors — who share their insights about life, love, religion, humanity and spirituality — the book features only one Nepali, Dr Chintamani Yogi.

Touched By Truth tries to explore some of the essential and yet most controversial aspects of human society like dharma. Literal translation of dharma in English is religion, but dharma is more than a mere religion. Dharma has a wider ramification than religion. According to the book, Hinduism offers potent insights on religious plurism, non-violence, and brotherhood in our troubled world. As Arun Gandhi writes, “The good that Gandhi found in Hinduism is its openness and acceptance, which does not exist in any other religion. It is the most accommodating and accepting. This makes Hinduism more than a religion. What can we learn from Hinduism? Hinduism, in a sense, is about dharma — Duty — which enjoins upon those born into this fold to perform their duties diligently, not to temple or a priest but to humanity at large.”

Going through the book is like a spiritual cleansing. This book is not just about Hinduism. It is, in fact, an unusual combination of the inner journey of some of the spiritually illustrious personalities in our society.

True religion does not spread hatred and violence rather it should promote non-violence and tolerance, the universal brotherhood and love to the whole of the humanity. And the book aims to contribute to the process of community bridge-building and human understanding through the uplifting and illuminating reflections.

While the world is drifting towards fundamentalism, Sandy and Jael Bharat have worked hard to compile this book and presented a new way of looking at the religion and especially Hinduism.