COMPENDIUM OF REVIEWSOF
'THUS SPAKE KRISHNA'
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Top review from India
5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must read for any sincere spiritual aspirant.
Reviewed in India on 18 January 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is an outcome of decades of indepth spiritual discipline. I've personally been witness to his devout weekly sessions on Gita for years in our Purva Fairmont gated community in Bangalore. He is a tremendous inspiration for the youth of sacred Bharat and the world alike. This blessed nonagenerian had painstakingly written each of the 700 verses of the Gita in his own handwriting and put cross references both within Gita as well as what the great Rishis like Shankaracharya, Sri Aurobindo, etc had to comment. A wonderful, scholarly and practical treatise knowing that Sri Krushna talks to us through this blessed instrument in Divine service. May it help you understand our rich and ancient heritage better. Amen. Radhey Radhey 🙏 🌹
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Review of THUS SPAKE KRISHNA by Saimani Iyer
The book ' Thus Spake Krishna ' by our revered Prof. V.Krishnamurty is not just a
verse by verse translation of Srimad. Bhagavad Gita, but a lucid exposition of the Gita
directives in such simple and systematic manner, that even a reader who is not
exposed to formal spiritual concepts, can very easily understand the essence of Gita.
The main content of the book begins with Gita's core message of Realization of the
Supreme Self in the cave of our heart.
** आत्मनि आत्मना आत्मानं पश्य **
translated into 10 languages. One realizes after reading this book, that all the
Gita sermons are finally aimed at achieving this final goal of blissful union with
The SPARK of the Higher Energy which is within our hearts.
Chapter Zero is the gateway to this book, where Prof.VK , has , in his own inimitable
style, summarized all the eighteen chapters, systematically with clear classification of
the teachings of Gita into distinct heads which are refereed time and again while
explaining the eighteen chapters of Gita. This enables clear understanding of
The Gita sermons, as we read along.
The highlight of this book is the 5 star rated shlokas in each chapter of Gita,
chosen and explained in great detail by Prof.VK. The discussions on each of these
verses are extensive, with references and links from Srimad Bhagavatham, Upanishads,
Sanat Sujatheeyam, Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, Thirukkural and many more spiritual texts.
This reflects the enormous study done by the author on various texts
over so many years, the essence of all of it assimilated and put in this book, much to the
delight of the reader. One could just flip open the book , pick up any 5 star verse and
take it up for manana and nidhidhyasana. This will become a spiritual sadhana by itself.
In fact ,the discussions on some 5 star verses are so extensive that each of them will
be a booklet on their own.Author's elaboration of the verse यत्करोषि यदश्नासि
(9.27) and सर्वधर्मान् परित्यजय (18.66) are fitting examples.
The exhaustive treatment of the Sharanagati verse 18.66 is a spiritual treat to the
reader. The author seems to have left no stone unturned on this topic… the Transcendance
and Immanence of the Lord, the Six components of Sharanagati as per the Vaishnava
tradition, extollation of Vibhishana sharanagati, Charama shloka of Ramayana, the numerical
play of verses by Sri Vedanta Desika and Sri Tirumoolar, glorification of the devotees over
in ancient scriptural history by Sri Kuresa , Sharanagati in Soundaryalahari verse and many
more…. If one such topic expounds so much , one can imagine how much the whole book
has in store .
The book also has a huge appendix section which has ready reckoner charts of
various aspects of Gita along with a vast number of topics on Sanatana Dharma.
. My personal favorites are :
1). App. A 3 : Chart on " The Self " as per Advaita Philosophy.
2). App. A 4 : A conceptual chart of Advaitic Cosmology.
2). App. B 4 : Jiva , Atman and Soul.
4). App. B 18 : 27 selected verses of Gita, which are Krishna’s teachings for
Our Spiritual Ascent.
Prof. VK's " Thus Spake Krishna" is not just a book on Gita but an Encyclopedia by itself to be
kept readily for reference and contemplation all through our life and preserved for our children
and grandchildren.
I am only a beginner trying to put my first step in the Spiritual Ascent and I am sure this book
is going to guide me all along. I offer my prostrations to my most revered academic and
Spiritual Guru, Prof.V.Krishnamurty and seek his blessings.
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REVIEW OF THE BOOK ‘THUS SPAKE KRISHNA’ (By SVR Iyengar)
Yet another amazing book from Prof. V. Krishnamurthy, my friend, guide and philosopher. The book under review is not a mere conventional type of writing on the GITA with word to word meaning & explanation. It is full of references to other spiritually well-known works such as Srimad Bhagavatam, Sanatsujatiyam and the Prakarana granthas.. The author has broken every chapter into different lessons and has given a unique title to different sets of verses, using illustrations, titles etc. Some articles such as the Appendix A-4 ( page 513) Chart as per Advaita Philosophy compel one to contemplate.
A total overview of the argument given in the introductory chapter which is called ZERO Chapter, a title given by the mathematician writer, Prof. Krishnamurthy, has prepared the ground to build the edifice. As one proceeds further, it will be noticed that the author prefers to avoid untranslatable words like " SOUL" referring to "JIVA".
This book contains 660 pages, key to citaton and method of presentation and an index of occasionally occurring key words besides eighteen supplementary aricles (Appendix A & B).
Frankly speaking, one cannot finish the book in one sitting and as such my humble review is incomplete since I keep reading and reading while trying to introspect and contemplate. I must confess I cannot do justice within a short period of time. However, I find the book as an Encyclopaedia of Krishna' s teachings in Gita.
My wife, Kamala and myself are very fortunate to get Prof. Krishnamurty's blessings and guidance for more than a decade when the author with indepth knowledge in spiritual and religious matters conducted weekly Gita classes for over two years besides Vishnu Sahasranaama recitation at Purva Fairmont, HSR Lay Out, Bangalore. Whenever Prof. Krishnamurthy takes up a subject matter for discourse, he is thorough and always makes sure that the audience is well informed. It may be because of his unassuming and humble nature, we were able to interact which might have prompted him to write this book under review.
Finally, by the Grace of The Almighty, Prof. Krishnamurthy still receiving blessings and guidance of his Guru & Father Brahma- Sri R. Visvanatha Sastrigal (1882- 1956) who had written a mammoth commentary in Sanskrit to the GITA which the Prof. published with great devotion and painstaking labour.
To conclude, I must say that Prof. Krishnamurthy's zeal in indulging in study, teaching, contemplation and writing , even at this ripe age of 90 Plus is admirable and a model to everyone of us.
SVR IYENGAR, Bangalore.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021
By Vanaja Shivakumar
“Divine song of the God” is heard with such lucidity in the book “Thus Spake Krishna” by Prof. V. Krishnamurthy, it transports us to yet another beautiful world. I have had the opportunity to read Bhagavat Gita during my college years but never had understood the true meaning and its practical application to the life that we lead. The author had achieved this effortlessly in this book. As he aptly remarks in his introductory chapters “Each sloka is an integrated whole” and he has achieved such wholesome integration by citing and cross-linking the context and purport from several other slokas which made the understanding of the intent easily. I especially loved the chapter “0” which tells the reader what to expect in subsequent chapters. The main theme “discharge of duties without any attachment “is not only an obligation but leads to a full-filled life, is substantiated with evidences gathered from throughout the book. Many questions that would come to the reader are answered succinctly either in the descriptive texts are in the appendices and are thought-provoking.
There are many tactics the author has taken to anchor the intent of the Gita in the mind of the readers. He has not just explained the teachings of Gita, he had made sure to highlight the teachings by stressing them through “Foundational Maxims” (FM). An approach like this benefits the readers immensely. I found FM1 brought the excellent truth and were the essence of pragmatism. Knowing “This too shall pass” gives us a lot of comfort and strength when faced with difficulties.
Many of the arguments expressed by the author appeals to readers’ scientific bent of mind – he has simplified the Vedantic fundamental in the expression “Of the non-existent there is no coming to be; of the existent, there is no ceasing to be” which parallels Newtonian maxims. Prof. V.K has handled controversial topics on Varna cleverly (Varna: “it is not what you are born to, but it is the one you trained on or engaging in...)"
Introductions to upcoming discussions are well laid through his arrangement of five-star slokas and act as a teaser to what we would be seeing subsequently. He has effortlessly set the tone for what comes up next. His division of the entire Gita in three parts (sextets), each part (sextet) showing the ascent from individual to merging of the self with the Divinity through worship. That is the essence of Gita simply told.
Another strategy employed by the author to explain certain points through the appendix without distracting the reader was effective. The appendices attached are by themselves are stand-alone pieces and could be enjoyed in equal measure with the main text.
This book will be of immense value to casual, but curious readers as well as seekers of knowledge.
The spiderweb-like design of the cover with radials in a purple hue and the pulsating title in the center further enhances the magic of content. One might say it opens up to many interpretations, and for me, the design was as if to induce the reader to follow Krishna’s maxims to extricate him/her from the web spun by the “Maya”. A clever design for the book, indeed!
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5.0 out of 5 stars A book for life
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021 in Amazon.com
Dr. V. Krishnamurthy has been an exemplary professor of not only mathematics but also a keen vedic scholar who have devoted his life even from his college days to Hinduism and demystifying the spirit and making it easy for all. After he retired from the top position in BITS Pilani, I have seen him devoting all his energy in the pursuit of making the Hindu / Indian scriptures to all and shared valuable insights to all. Continuing the tradition of the Family that imparted great knowledge of God, I see DR. V.K’s detailed work “Thus Spake Krishna” a treatise of the great Indian epic Mahabharatha. One of the biggest epics known to mankind, the Mahabharata is a vast treasure of knowledge and wisdom. Beneath the omnipresent premise of war, lies an infinite pool of teachings and lessons. Very few narratives have been able to capture the true essence of love, loathing, envy, lust, helplessness, greed and power the way Mahabharata has. While a lot of us have read bits and pieces of this epic, our understanding has always been on a superficial level and we had our perceptions rather than the real understanding.
This book has largely succeeded in providing a factual understanding of 18 chapters of the epic in a concise and understandable manner. This is not like any other book I have read and should be treated as a continuum of knowledge from divine and a reference for life. Every chapter has meanings and lessons that we can lead our life in the righteous manner.
Dr. V.K has also made sure that the slokas are classified based on his own opinion on what can have profound impact to what can provide key knowledge and understanding. He has also included good transliteration and pronunciation tips which are very vital to any of Hindu Sanskrit scripture as the sound and vibration has great impact on us human beings in a positive way if done correctly.
His ability to condense to provide the key essence of the teachings of Krishna in the “Chapter – 0” that provides a key initiation. Even reading just this chapter will provide a birds eye view and act as a motivation to the further chapters. In my opinion, this voluminous work need not be read in order of chapters but one could jump to specific slokas and derive inspiration and knowledge. In short this book is a must in one’s library and will provide endless source of wisdom, inspiration and fulfil our lives.
Every chapter is organised by lessons that cover a topic with one or more slokas making them contextual for the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the notes for each lessons and comparison of views of other scholars from Kanchi Maha Swamigal (Sri. Sankara Chariyar) to contemprories like Prf. Mahadevan of IIM Bangalore!
I can only say that I am amazed by the thoroughness and easy explanation of a unparalled scripture. This can only be done by some one who is blessed by the almighty and also from a lineage of scholars.
Thanks Dr. V.K for this great work and our pranams to you and wish you will write more and inspire generations to come. You make us proud as always.
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5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect guide to life in simple language, even to the beginners in spirituality.
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
Prof. V. Krishnamurthy, fondly called V.K.mama is a treasure house of spiritual knowledge. The knowledge gained by the guru shishya parampara from his father. I personally had the opportunity to attend his lectures on Gita for 50+ weeks. V.K mama has a unique way to classify what is important and has included many charts for easy understanding. This book references many scriptures as needed and is entertaining. Highly encourage everyone to have a copy of this beautiful book.
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7 Review by Dixit
I consider it a great fortune, privilege and honour to know personally Prof. V Krishnamurthy, the author of the book titled THUS SPAKE KRISHNA on Bhagavad Gita, for the past 16 years. It is also a great privilege that I was one of his students who attended his first round of Gita classes during the period 2008 to 2012. From an initial reading of the book I would mention without any hesitation that it is a one of its kind, very special and unique book on Bhagavad Gita I have come across in my life.
For the variety of informations, backups and cross references packed into this book besides the main body of Gita text and commentary; it can be termed as an outstanding ‘Single Window’ reference book on Bhagavad Gita.
Some of the salient special and unique features of the book are;
a) Insertion of Chapter zero to provide an introductory overview of Bhagavad Gita
b) Rating of picked special shlokas as Five star shlokas in the opinion of the author.
c) Elaborate Cross references to shlokas with similar meanings.
d) Contextual Cross references to the commentaries of all legendary personalities like Adi Shankara, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Chinmayananda, Dr S Radhakrishnan etc.
e) Contextual references to relevant statements from various Upanishads and other scriptures.
f) References to the great work of Sri Viswanatha Sastrigal, father and Guru of the author. From the description this work appears to be another Galaxy of knowledge and Spiritual value.
g) An elaborate provision of Appendices with charts running to some 90 pages provides very useful information and guidance.
h) The author has poured all the experience and knowledge gained by him in his lifetime from the scriptures and Hindu way of life in providing a par excellent commentary for the main text of Bhagavad Gita
With so much of knowledge provided into one book this can be easily termed as an Encyclopaedia on Bhagavad Gita.
Knowing the author well, I would unhesitatingly name this as his Magnum Opus.
So, here it is, a magnificent treatise pregnant with the best of knowledge, information and guidance available readymade on a platter for the readers; from a true, dedicated Jnana Yogi and Karma Yogi.
It is a great contribution to humanity by Prof VK at this ripe age.
Over to the readers to avail the best of this Nectar of Knowledge.
From: D.S.Vijayakumar Dikshit
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8. Review by Prof. Mohan Ramanan (Hyderabad, formerly of BITS Pilani)
My Dear Mama,
First of all , may I thank you for your generous gesture in presenting me a copy of Thus Spake Krishna? I feel honoured and privileged .I have quickly gone through the sections till 2.11 and the Appendix on the simple account of Hinduism. If after reading these lucid pages one is not impelled to go on , as I have been , one must be truly unfortunate because one would be missing something extraordinary -- a compendium of Santana Dharma all in one place. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. I am eagerly reading a little every day.I realize that at your age this is an event which is nothing short of a miracle. God's Grace has been with you and yet you could not have done this without the long foregrounding of exposure to the great ideas from your revered father and the teachings of our Paramacharya , not to speak of your study of Sathya Sai Baba which I witnessed personally in Pilani, the lectures of Swami Chinmayananda( you were at the forefront of his visit to Pilani and you referred to his torrential outpouring of Vedantic wisdom in your Vote of Thanks) and others whom you mention. It is a valuable gift you have given me and I humbly thank you once again for it. Please remember me in your prayers and continue showering your blessings on me and my family.
Much Affection,
Mohan
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9. Three comments from friends:
By Nithin Sridhar: If there is one book in recent times that provides a comprehensive understanding of the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita, then it is this book. Do check it out.
By Runip Gopishetty: I have only read chapter 0 and some of the appendix B. Already, I can see the vast learning ahead of me. I have never seen a single person in my life who has read the Hindu scriptures in so much breadth and depth and explains to us in such a lucid fashion. My heartfelt namaskarams to the Guru Prof VK. –
By T.S. Mahalingam: "Thus spake Krishna' is written for common man in delectable, graceful and simple language. It brings out human psychology and how to overcome the mind blocks, useful in every day life. Prof. Krishnamurthy has written it to help us in everyday life. The book should be kept as a good guide and ready reference
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10. Review by Gidu Sriram in Amazon.com
A Book that will make Arjuna envious of us!
By Amazon Customer (Gidu Sriram) on Feb 14, 2021
Any product that we buy in our life comes with a user manual (often in multiple languages), so we don’t misuse the product & destroy it, and to understand the proper way to use it so we get the maximum benefit out of it. We are born in this world without a user manual for our parents or to self help ourselves later in life. The closest thing that comes to a user manual that teaches us how to live is the Bhagavad Gita. However, it is in a language (Sanskrit) that most of us do not comprehend well. Many of us shy away from this spiritual treasure for the fear of not understanding it, dismissing it as something that we could read when we have nothing else to do after we have already spent most of our active life.
This book could have been easily titled “Thus Spake Krishnamurthy”! While none of us can aspire to be like Arjuna to have Lord Krishna advise us, anyone who reads this book will be fortunate to receive the same advice that Arjuna received through Prof. Krishnamurthy’s commentary and explanation of the Gita in words that any of us can understand. Even Arjuna had only a short time in the middle of a battlefield to listen and comprehend the entire Gita while we have the luxury to read and assimilate Kirshna’s teaching from a Scholar like Prof. Krishnamurthy who has walked the same path that we are walking.
Prof. Krishnamurthy has spent a better part of his life studying the scriptures. He has also spent a large part of his life in the field of education, specifically Mathematics. A rational thinker by Profession and a spiritual seeker in life, it is a great combination that makes him ideally suitable to lift us up with his wisdom just like Krishna lifted up Arjuna. The teachings in this book will not only help us in our personal lives, but there are valuable lessons even for business management in any Corporation.
Chapter-0 speaks volumes about Prof. Krishnamurthy’s ability to succinctly summarize the entire teaching of Bhagavad Gita in 14 pages! Just reading that will get you hooked to the book, even though Gita preaches against attachment! Normally, most of us would ignore the Appendices in any book, but the two Appendices spanning 144 pages consisting of charts and 18 different articles in this book deserve to be a separate book by itself!
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking spiritual progress or simply wanting to know a better way to live and be ready to face any problems that may come one’s way!
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