Timeless Wisdom: A Review of 'Vacanāmṛtam - Nectar of Sayings'

Vacanāmṛtam - Nectar of Sayings

Vacanāmṛtam - Nectar of Sayings

Mangesh Venkatesh Nadkarni’s 'Vacanāmṛtam - Nectar of Sayings' serves as an enthralling portal into the deep-seated insights of the Śiva Śaraṇas from medieval Karnataka. This enlightening anthology comprises 320 meticulously curated Vacanas, or 'Sayings', drawn from an extensive pool exceeding 20,000, making it an indispensable asset for both Anglophone audiences and Kannadigas. The tome illuminates the remarkably avant-garde perspectives of the Śaraṇas on societal issues, such as their staunch resistance to the caste hierarchy, promotion of women's rights, and their strong advocacy for industriousness and altruism. Nadkarni’s translations artfully encapsulate the essence of these Vacanas, striking a delicate balance between fidelity to the original Kannada and the clarity necessary for contemporary readers. As a component of Manipal Universal Press’s laudable initiative to broaden the reach of Vacana Sahitya, this volume stands as a tribute to the timeless significance of these ancient teachings, imparting sagacious guidance for cultivating a meaningful existence in the modern era.

  • Author: Translator: Mangesh Venkatesh Nadkarni
  • Publisher: Manipal Universal Press (9 June 2024); Manipal Universal Press
  • Genre: Religion & Spirituality
  • ISBN: 978-8197136948
  • Pages: 370 pages