This book gives us an insight into our culture highlighting the moral and ethical values mentioned in the early literature. Indian philosophy, the evolution of Hinduism, the principle of Maya or illusion, Hindu Mysticism and Yoga are also covered in this book. The true path to be followed and how to develop consciousness and awareness by understanding the self and the nature are also elaborated. A proper understanding of all this is essential and will surely help one to rise above the ordinary run of life, to see life from a higher elevation and angle of vision. Then the life will become more enjoyable and fruitful. Those who are keen to preserve the nature for the prosperity by leading a responsible life and to know what our ancestors have already said on this, must read this book and should change their life accordingly.
The rapidly increasing pace of Life, Progress in Technology, New scientific theories and Inventions have tremendous influence on our lifestyle, thoughts and behaviours. Inorder to be modern, we have started looking at the so called developed countries and have begun to imitate their life style. In this process, consumerism has become more prominent overtaking our traditional way of life, where priority is given to spiritual, moral and ethical values. These changes has influenced the individuals first, then the societies and finally the whole nature itself. The mind has become narrow, social responsibility has been ignored, divisions have been formed, unity in society and care for the nature has vanished. People are thinking only about material world and are aiming progress at that level. The new lifestyle is affecting the nature and natural resources very badly. Social and environmental issues have been ignored. Life on earth is on the verge of destruction. But slowly, we are realizing this fact and have started looking for a solution.
Here is where, the importance of Indian culture and the traditional way of life based on the spiritual, moral and ethical values plays an important role. It teaches the spiritual path to be followed, moral values to be maintained and ethics to be practiced. This will influence our thinking and behavior and the whole environment.
Jawaharlal has rightly pointed out that 'If I were asked what is the greatest treasure which India possesses and what is her finest heritage, I would answer unhesitatingly it is the Sanskrit language and literature and all that it contains. This is the magnificent inheritance and this endures and influences the life of our people'
We have a vast treasure of texts which represent the highly intellectual and literary activities of more than 3000 years covering a variety of subjects. These include, Puranas, Epics, Lyrics, Kavyaas, Dramas, Biographies and Folklore. They throw enough light on the various stages in the development of culture and civilization in ancient India. We have philosophy, religion, art, literature, all leading to the development of social and moral ideas. Once we study these texts, our way of life, our thinking, thoughts and actions and everything around us will change. Our mind will transform and we will learn to live a social life in harmony with nature.
The Indian youth seems to be totally ignorant of this legacy and is going under the glitter of western culture. This is very dangerous. The younger generation should be taught these sense of values, morals and ethics and education should be value based. Morals and ethics should be made compulsory subjects from the Primary level. Popular age-old works like Hitopadesha and Panchatantra are really meant to inculcate the sense of values from our childhood, in order to make us noble and useful citizens. We need to teach these subjects which is not included in the present educational system.
Keeping these points in mind, the author has written this book in a very elaborate and lucid style making it a must read for everyone.