Janak and Ashtavakra

Introduction to Topic

We all know about the Bhagavad Gita, but there is more than one Gita. The Gita is a conversation with questions and answers, like the Upanishads, but it's in song form rather than normal conversation. The Ashtavakra Gita is also one of those that came in Ramayana time, way before the famous Bhagavad Gita of Mahabharata time. This conversation was between Raja Janak (the father of Sita) and Ashtavakra (a wise boy with eight abnormal curves in his body).

The seeking of truth and permanence after realizing that the nature of life is temporary in every sense starts the journey of every student of spirituality. The question "Who am I?" is considered the biggest and most important one in a seeker's life. Raja Janak also had this realization, and thus began his journey.

Story Summary 

Janak's dreams were not letting him focus on his regular work, making him wonder if they were just normal thoughts or a warning sign of upcoming big trouble for him and his kingdom. He was seeking answers for all those dreams and wanted to prevent any upcoming disaster or calamity. But what will happen? Find out by reading this amazing story.

Thoughts on book

This book maintains focus on the main topic while providing amazing facts and knowledge about the background story before the creation of Ashtavakra Gita. Anyone who has read the original may know that it focused on the main conversation rather than on other characters around it like Raja Janak's brother, Sita, Ashtavakra's parents, sages, etc.

With small chapters, easy language, and lucid, crisp narration, one can't put this down. And I can't stop myself from praising the simple yet attractive cover design.