The age old Bhagavata Puran not only reveals interesting and soul enriching stories but also, at its "core", tells us that the soul or jivatma is paramatma only. How jiva takes forms and how it is bound and obtains enlightenment? In discussing these issues, topics like creation, karma, jiva's disillusion, liberation, cause for creation, pralaya etc., and many others are discussed through stories (including Krishna's life and times). Such esoteric questions like what divine principle could be discerned behind creation, how does it work etc., are answered through stories narrated to King Parikshit. Krishna's stories and advices are of eternal interest. His life and times were marked by bitter struggles and pain and his very survival against his enemies Poothana to Kaliya, Charuna to Kamsa, Sisupala to Jarasangha, Rukmi and others border on fantasy. His meeting Pandavas, Narada discovering him as one God seeming as many, setting up the Mahabharata war etc., and the many stories of men like Chitraketu, Bhageeratha and others should hold our intimate attention. The mythological stories of Siva, Sati, Brahma and other Devas like Indra, Varuna, Yama will prove to be wonderful. And stories of saints like Ambareesha, Durvasa, Kashyapa muni and his wife Devahuti, Kapila and Rishabha, and those who taught the path of devotion etc., will prove delightful. The exposition on Samkhya Shastra, Udava Gita, Bikku Gita and other philosophies and the teachings of kriya yoga, pralaya etc., will be permanently enduring.

KRISHNAMURTHI CHIDAMBARAM, MA, LLB, DLW (Distinction) (Was awarded Dr. Anantha Rao Kulkarni Prize by the Bombay University for standing 1st with Distinction in Industrial Relations.)

In the first volume, after introducing the subject of Virat Swarupa, the stories deal with the concepts of action, work and deed and ways and means of adopting the path of bhakti in approaching god. At the out-set it must be mentioned that for this a guru is necessary to impart the necessary knowledge.

The starting point for the study of the topic is to understand that the creator has created everything by his mere wish (sankalpa) alone and he himself is the material cause, as well, for this creation. And the joys and sorrows of the individual are because of the individual's karmas alone.

One can learn and see as to how the concept of maya works, clothed by gunas. The origins of the mahabutas and their inherent characteristics can also be understood from the chapters in this volume.

Then, there is this concept of Virata Purusha in whom kriya and jiva shaktis reside from which speech, form etc., arise. The great sages have explained these concepts including time and its division for us. They are useful in understanding how the various creations take place. Inter-woven into these concepts, we have about twenty wonderful stories for both children and adults to enjoy for not only these stories tell us about India's soul but also of its men, gods and culture.