Aug 10, 2003 01:30 PM
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(Updated Aug 10, 2003 01:30 PM)
''Panchatantra''
Author : Pandit Vishnu Sharma
Panchtantra is written in the form of a chain of simple stories, and each story has a philosophical theme which has stood the test of time and so is true even in morden times- an age of atomic fear and madness. it guides us how to attain sucess in life by understanding human nature.
The original text of the panchatantra in sanskrit was probably written about 200 BC by a great hindu scholar, Pandit vishnu Sharma. But some of the tales themselves must be much older. According to some scholars, panchtantra is the oldest collection of indians fables surviving. So far it had been translated in 50 or more languages of the world.
The panchatantra is woven around the frame of a tale of a king who entrusts his 3 'dud' sons to a learned man, to enlighten their minds within six months. The brahmin promices to educate them and takes them to his 'Ashrama'. There he recites to them his specifically composed tales divided into five tantras ( tantra = parts; Panchtantra = five parts) of how to deal with people in life. the language of author is both elegant and artistic. The tale is narrated in prose while the exposition of a philosophical and moral theme is put in verse; maxims or wise sayings are also expressed in verse; which either sums up the narration or introduces the next tale.
The story tellers art sugers the pill of his sober philosophy. He sets story within story and keep us waiting for the sequels and so leads us on through the five 'tantras'. As one fable follows another, people and animal are constantly changing places and they share the same characteristics of love and hatered, compassion and wit, selfless courage and base cowardice, generosity and meanness.
The panchatantra is a rare book, for in no book will you find philosophy, psychology, politics, music, astronomy, human relatioship, etc. all discussed together in such a simle yet elegant style. And no doubt millions of listeners and readers for the last 2200 years have benefitted from this most unique book.
The book is intended for the adult mind, though children will love it as well. I loved it in my childhood too. though I think many children are not aware of this sort of book, it might happen that some parents doesnt know about it either. and reason could be one of the simplest ones: this stories don't have flashy magic tricks.
Want to wake people and show them the source of best read for self and life improvement,
Sãumyã.
