Author Archives: Sankirtana das, USA

Educational Resources For All Ages
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Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest: (Picture above) This highly acclaimed & award winning rendition of India’s ancient epic offers a good literary read, great read aloud, and for book study groups. Is studied in high school AP and college courses. Paperback / 6X9  / 281 pgs / Cover price $16  

Three Acclaimed Audio CDs:

1) Hanuman’s Quest – Award Winning Story Concert is a spirited journey through stories and music, celebrating Hanuman’s adventures from India’s beloved epic The Ramayana.   For kids & adults.   54 minutes /  Cover price $14 

2) Brahma’s Song: A Story Concert  a special mix of stories of Krishna & Brahma, w/music & chants. For kids & adults.   52 Minutes / Cover price $12

3) Sacred Voices is a pilgrimage into the world’s sacred traditions thru Stories & Poems w/music. For grades 6 and up. 48 minutes / Cover price $12)


Also available: Two Unique Award Winning Story Booklets:

1) The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner – An exciting storytelling version of  Coleridge’s epic poem  with selections of the original 1798 poem for grades 5 & up. 

16 pgs / 8 ½ X 11 

2) The Magic Horn & Other Tales of Enchantment — 6 stories from around the world for grades 3 & up.   20 pgs / 8 ½  X 11  

AND A GREAT FAVORITE:
The Fish Who Wouldn’t Stop Growing  and Other Wisdom Stories  from Ancient India – Twelve Stories of Wit, Wisdom and Wonder   For grades 3 and up. Paper / 6X9 / 86 pgs /

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Sankirtana das (Andy Fraenkel) is a recipient of  a WV Artist Fellowship Award,  a National Endowment of the Arts Grant,  an Ohio River Border Initiative Grant, a Next Generation Indie Book Award,  a  2016 Storytelling World Resource Award. 

Sankirtana is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a 40 plus year resident of New Vrindaban.
Award-winning book & CD — www.Mahabharata-Project.com – Still Free Shipping in USA

Publishing & Projects — www.FlyingMountainPress.wordpress.com  


Questions: story108@juno.com

Standing Rock: An American Kumbha Mela
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

I want to acknowledge the boldness, heroism and humility exhibited by the US veterans, both men and women, and including Tulsi Gabbard — a warrior and congresswoman. In solidarity, they joined the Native Americans and many others at Standing Rock. They are truly warriors and leaders. I practice the Vaisnava/Krishna tradition. And these vets, and indeed all who have gathered at Standing Rock, are for me paragons of my tradition. Three reasons:

1- There’s a Krishna prayer that “one should think of themselves as straw on the street, be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of false ego, and ready to offer all respects to others.” That’s what I see happening in these photos of the vets.  

2 – In my tradition, it’s also explained that you should leave a place cleaner than you found it. So rather than thinking ‘I didn’t make this mess. It’s not my problem’ one should think ‘Ok, there’s a mess here. I didn’t make it,  but I take the responsibility to clean it up.’ So these vets are ready to do whatever they can to bring about healing in our nation, even to humbly submit themselves before others. This is courage.

3 – Finally, the Native American elders said their gathering was not a protest, but rather a gathering for prayer to protect the river and the land. This is in keeping with the long spiritual history of India. At Standing Rock I see the spirit of Kumbha Mela, a pilgrimage held every twelve years, by sacred rivers, welcoming all people everywhere to attend. The Kumbha Mela has been going on since time immemorial. The event takes place in northern India in January, the coldest time of the year. 

There, and at many other events, people have gathered in large numbers for prayer, chanting the sacred names of God for the benefit of all and the protection of Mother Earth. These gatherings also give the attendees a chance to perform austerities in the form of fasting, bathing in the river’s frigid water, facing a harsh climate, and sleeping on the earth rather than in a soft bed. I’m sure those who have gathered at Standing Rock know what I’m talking about.

America, and the world, sorely needs these types of examples more than ever. But warriors have to be leaders and courageous and generous, all at the same time. It’s not easy. The responsibilities of a warrior/leader are brought in sharp focus in the ancient epic Mahabharata.  I think Mahabharata is one of the most valuable stories for healing and for seekers of spiritual wisdom in our time.

The story is about five warrior brothers – the Pandavas – struggling to stand up to tyranny and at the same time keep their humanity. There’s a monumental battle that takes place. One of the most important things for them is to abide in the Dharma, to live with integrity. They strive to live in the courage, justice and humility that is required of them.

But just like the rift in our nation, the Pandavas don’t always see eye to eye. They have their contentious moments, but they work through it. This is the very task set before us today. In closing, I humbly request of those who are organizing various events to include prayer, chants, and sacred ceremony as a show of unity among all spiritual traditions. Mitakuye Oyasin.  

PS: I have been on a journey with Mahabharata for over three decades; first offering it as a full-length drama and later as sacred storytelling and more recently in a ‘fast-paced, cinematic’ book.  For more on his award-winning rendering of the epic see www.Mahabharata-Project.com

The Mindfulness Dilemma
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“I’m making a failed attempt at mindful dishwashing,” exclaims an exasperated Ruth Whippman in an Op-Ed in the New York Times:

What’s this world coming to when we’re having a ‘mindful moment’ and we still feel miserable, not having found the happiness we think we deserve? What’s the value of meditation if it only makes us all the more aware of our mundane reality?

Is it any wonder that we would want to retreat from a world that offers news of constant strife? What have we to look forward to? A world of uncertainty, a lackluster economy, a people divided, everyone talking past one another, hurtling slogans and accusations, and never connecting nor really listening to one another.

With these burdens weighing upon us, meditation doesn’t seem to be enough. Maybe it’s downright ineffective! At the end of her article, Ms. Whippman evokes some studies which conclude that the results of meditation are “underwhelming” and that it might only “bring some small benefits. . . . compared with pretty much any general relaxation technique at all, including exercise. . . .”

Uh-oh! I can see millions of folks bailing. Is the multibillion-dollar meditation industry about to implode? Haven’t we already had enough game-changing moments this year. Maybe we’ve forgotten what meditation is for. Or perhaps we never fully understood it’s purpose to begin with. This is a opportunity to take a closer look at what meditation is all about.

“Mindfulness,” explains Ms Whippman, “is supposed to be a defense against the pressures of modern life.” Well don’t tell Arjuna that. His mindful meditation took place on a battlefield. The Bhagavad Gita, which was spoken by Sri Krishna to the warrior prince Arjuna, is the original and superlative guide to meditation. A few points:

* Firstly, the Bhagavad Gita helps us understand that our existence is beyond the temporal body and mind.

“Never was there a time when I did not exist, nor you, nor all these kings; nor in the future shall any of us cease to be. As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The self-realized soul is not bewildered by such a change.” Gita 2:12-13

* At Arjuna’s inquiry, Krishna goes on to describe the qualities of those who live the spiritual life, so that we may ourselves understand what to strive for.

“One who is not disturbed in spite of the threefold miseries, who is not elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind.” Gita 2:56

“One who can control his senses by practicing the regulated principles of freedom can obtain the complete mercy of the Lord and thus become free from all attachment and aversion. For one who is so situated in the Divine consciousness, the threefold miseries of material existence exist no longer; in such a happy state, one’s intelligence soon becomes steady.” Gita 2:64-65

* Meditation helps us to regulate our senses and mind to attain inner peace.

“A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires—that enter like rivers into the ocean which is ever being filled but is always still—can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.” Gita 2:70

“For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same.” Gita 6:7

“He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.” Gita 6:17

* The Gita gives us a true understanding of detachment from worldly affairs and provides insight on how to rise above the dualities of life.

“The intricacies of action are very hard to understand. Therefore one should know properly what action is, what forbidden action is, and what inaction is.” Gita 4:17

“He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady both in success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.” Gita 4:22

“The Blessed Lord said: One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic: not he who lights no fire and performs no work.” Gita 6:1

* Meditation helps us to see God working in our lives and to reawaken our relationship with that Supreme Transcendent Personality.

“That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend; therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science.” Gita 4:2

“For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.” Gita 6:30

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.” Gita 10:8

My article is not meant to criticize Ms. Whippman. Her general assessment is correct. The meditational process is difficult and even Arjuna has his doubts about it. But Krishna goes on to explain how we can achieve success in our meditation. He puts it quite succinctly to Arjuna in several places in the Gita. most notably: 

“And of all yogīs, he who always abides in Me with great faith, worshiping Me in transcendental loving service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of all.” Gita 6:47

“Always chanting My glories, endeavoring with great determination, bowing down before Me, these great souls perpetually worship Me with devotion.” Gita 9:14

In our times, the kali-yuga (the age of rampant quarrel, greed, cheating and hypocrisy), the most potent and satisfying meditation is meditation on God’s holy names. God’s names are abundantly found in traditions all over the world. Especially recommended is the maha-mantra, the great mantra of peace: Hare Kṛiṣhṇa, Hare Kṛishna, Kṛishna Kṛishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. It’s freely given. It can be sung, chanted softly on pray beads or it can even enhance one’s silent meditation by saying the mantra in the mind. The meditation is most effective when performed with humility and gratitude, and complimented with works of devotion.**

All quotes from Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Sankirtana Das, (ACBSP) is an award-winning author and storyteller. For more about his book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest, a ‘cinematic’ rendition of the ancient epic, see www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Four Excerpts from my Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Bhima Fights Baka:

Bhima, however, grabbed the Rakshasa’s throat with one hand and held him at bay while he reached for yet another tasty item. Baka was incensed. With his face contorted and his red eyes bulging and his black, matted hair flying and showing his four rows of teeth, he raised a blood-curdling scream. Bhima threw him to the ground.  Baka quickly rebounded and uprooted a nearby tree and hurled it at Bhima. Bhima dodged it, and in an instant, they both ripped trees out of the ground and charged at each other, smashing one another relentlessly.  After those trees were shredded, they uprooted more trees, hurling them at one another.  The forest around them became decimated and the Rakshasa turned to find another tree. But he did not get far. Bhima jumped and rammed his knee into Baka’s back and broke his spine. Baka fell flat on his face. As he tried to get up, Bhima quickly twisted his neck. The Rakshasa’s eyes bulged out. He vomited blood and fell dead.

The Pandavas Enter The Himalayas

The way was steep and treacherous. All around them the skies darkened. Fierce winds were suddenly upon them and enveloped them in a dust storm. They lost sight of one another.  The winds howled so fiercely that the Pandavas were nearly swept off the mountainside. The group held on tightly to boulders and scraggly trees as the winds ripped at their faces and took their breath away.  Angry winds lashed at them from one direction and then another. But soon the winds ceased as suddenly as they had come.

The Pandavas felt relief only momentarily.  Pounding rains came fast upon them as thunder flashed against distant clouds. The group scurried higher, frustrated and in tears and not knowing where to turn.  Out of nowhere, or perhaps as if the Celestials had placed it right in their path, they came upon a cave. There they took shelter from the storm, which continued to rage throughout the night. 

From Gita
Arjuna asked, “What are the qualities of one who is in divine consciousness? How does he act?”

 Krishna spoke, his voice serene and majestic. “Such a person is not disturbed by the constant changes of this world. He is beyond the dualities of success and failure. Beyond profits and losses. Beyond pleasures and pains. Beyond the constant flow of desires which come and go like the waves of an ocean.  He is forever free from fear and anger.  His senses are restrained.  He eats, speaks, sleeps and works in moderation. He is not attached to the results of his work, but neither does he try to avoid work. He sees that all worldly pleasures, which first appear sweet and alluring, ultimately sour. They have a beginning and an end, and he does not strive for such things.

“Rather, he is situated in the pursuit of transcendence. He is happy from within. He rejoices and is illumined from within. Gradually his heart opens.  He sees all beings with equal vision and acts for their welfare. And he sees Me dwelling patiently in the hearts of all as the Companion. He is centered in knowledge, peace  and compassion. A person in this consciousness remains fixed, even at the moment of death. Such a rare soul readily attains Vaikuntha, My supreme spiritual abode, free from fears and anxieties, and above heaven itself.

The Battle Begins

In the heavens, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Charanas gathered to watch the battle below. A moment of silent anticipation descended upon Kurukshetra, a moment which hung heavy, a moment of waiting, of postponing death a little while longer, and then drums and bugles sounded and warriors blew their conch shells, and Time once again ground forward as battle cries arose from the ranks of the armies and rolled across the valley, and like a great beast stirring from its slumber, the warriors shook their weapons and rushed at one another and collided together with a thunderous force. 

Copyright, 2013, Andy Fraenkel 

To see acclaim by scholars, another excerpt and to order go to www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Special Offer
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I hope all is well. This holiday season I am offering a special discount to devotees looking for gifts for friends, family and especially for people you’re cultivating. My book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest has received a 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Award – awards for independent publishers and authors.

And my CD Hanuman’s Quest received a 2016 Storytelling World Resource Award – in the category ‘Good Resource For Any Age- kids, teens, adults.’ Also have two other CDs – Sacred Voices – stories and poems from the world’s sacred traditions (great for interfaith contacts), and Brahma’s Song (stories of Brahma & Krishna). 

All prices below include shipping expenses in USA to one address.
Mahabharata: 6 copies for $72 (that’s $12 each) and 10 copies for $100.
Any assortment of my three CDs: 6 for $42 (that’s $7 each) and 10 for $65 ($6.50 each).
There is more information on the book and CDs, including my standard prices, at https://mahabharata-project.com/order/
My background is in theater and I have tried to use my dramatic skills to create these resources to both inspire folks and serve as a bridge to help people appreciate the Vedic/Bhakti tradition. My book is being used in several college courses. My CDs include music along with the stories for a great listening experience. Your purchase will support my work to prepare more books and Cds of this nature.
Take care, your servant, Sankirtan das (ACBSP) 

Election Day Blues and the Leadership Vacuum
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Election day is upon us. The battle lines are drawn. Many voters are entrenched on one side or the other. Many more are yet undecided and perplexed  by the choice of candidates. 

Today, many people are angry by the failures or inaction of one side or other; angry with a do-nothing government which doesn’t consider their needs; angry with the moral failures of leadership.  And rightly so. But anger and frustration don’t provide a platform from which to make a sound decision.

The Bhagavad Gita gives an ample description of what will happen. Krishna explains in the second chapter that if one gives way to anger it will  only blind them.  This leads to delusion and  bewilderment.   In this state one loses all intelligence. Around us we see people so frustrated they succumb to degraded activities in the form of  intoxication and violence. When people are angry and frustrated, their reasoning capabilities are diminished and they become susceptible to being exploited and lead astray.

To make a decision, voters must first understand what the qualities and behavior of a leader are.  A leader has far more responsibilities than the common person, and thus their decisions have far greater repercussions. Since a leader sets an example for others to follow, it would be prudent to seek someone who exhibits leadership qualities and proper behavior better than we do ourselves.   

The qualities of leadership are explained in the Gita and to a greater degree in Mahabharata. In Mahabharata these qualities are displayed by personalities like Yudhisthira and Arjuna who care for the citizens they govern and are in turn loved by them.  Leadership is also discussed at length by Narada Muni, Grandfather Bhismadeva and Lord Krishna Himself.  And leadership in all its negativity  is especially displayed by Duryodhana, who is greedy, envious and arrogant.  

Unfortunately,  proper understanding, as well as proper training in leadership, is sorely lacking in our modern educational systems.  How is a leader to be trained or to be recognized by the people who want to vote?  For this reason, the Mahabharata offers valuable guidance in our confused times. Therein, we are given not only instructions on leadership but examples of how a leader should and should not behave.

The leadership vacuum is not going to go away after election regardless of who becomes president. The so-called leadership of those who want to exploit their position, who only want to serve their own or their party’s interest, is worthless.

The schisms which have arisen in America and in other countries around the world can only further divide and alienate people. The hatred and distrust of government is unprecedented.  But government does and can work if run intelligently, even if we have to go back to ancient Greece or India to find examples.

Now is a time for devotees everywhere to serve society by providing a true and unbiased understanding of leadership, and not by being a sounding board for any one side. The devotees are trained by Srila Prabhupada as wisdom keepers and must humbly offer the wisdom of the Gita and Mahabharata for all to consider.   Now, in these confounding times of flux and turmoil,  let those who have receptive ears hear this philosophy and consider this process of Krishna Consciousness.

Sankirtana Das  (ACBSP) is an award-winning author and storyteller.  For more about his book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest see www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Hanuman’s Quest CD Wins International Award
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I recently won a Storytelling World Resource Award for my dramatic storytelling CD Hanuman’s Quest. I’m also a recipient of  a WV Artist Fellowship Award,  a National Endowment of the Arts Grant,  an Ohio River Border Initiative Grant, and a Next Generation Indie Book Award for Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest, my ‘cinematic’ rendition of the ancient epic.

For many years I used my background in theater to write, act and direct Krishna Consciousness dramas.  Today, I offer dramatic storytelling programs in a variety of venues. The following interview was conducted by Abhay Charana Dasa at New Vrindaban Communications.

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Q: What do want to accomplish with your cd’s and books?

SKd: I see my work as a bridge in presenting Krishna Consciousness to the general public. Through my storytelling programs, books, cds and slide shows, I want to do two things: present it in a way to inspire devotees and to make Krishna Consciousness interesting and relevant to people in general.

Q: You recently won a Storytelling World Resource Award for your CD Hanuman’s Quest. What did this mean to you?

SKd. I’ve been involved with the national storytelling community for 25 years now. At one time I was the West Virginia liaison for the National Storytelling Network. I’m also with the WV Storytelling Guild. So it’s certainly an honor to be recognized in the field of my peers.  Besides the international storytelling community, the Storytelling World Resource Awards are also of great interest to teachers who use storytelling in the classroom.  The Awards are a way of acknowledging  important resources for these communities.

Q; You are also an award-winning writer and storyteller. Which do you identify with more?

SKd: Whether you’re focused on the written word or the spoken word, it’s all about storytelling. My background is in the performing arts. I enjoy being in front of people. But I also  enjoy writing and the challenges it presents. I enjoy using whatever creativity I have in Krishna’s service. Basically we are all creative beings. People need to be encouraged to connect with that and use it in Krishna’s service.

Q: So what’s your secret about storytelling?  

   

SKd:  First of all, storytelling is a vital tool for anyone who wants to present Krishna Consciousness. Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, Ramayana – these books depict transcendental knowledge through  stories and they are especially meant for us conditioned souls of the Kaliyuga.  Basically, storytelling is about using words to create images and action. Images can impact people’s minds. Ideas and concepts only to a lesser extent.   In Krishna Book, Prabhupada explains that we have a natural aptitude to hear stories through reading literature and seeing dramatic performances. When we redirect our hearing to Krishna’s pastimes we can more easily attain transcendence.


Q: Why do you think you won this award?    


SKd:  For one thing, the story of Hanuman is a fantastic, engaging story.  And Hanuman is an endearing personality.  Also, the musical background on the CD really compliments the storytelling, and I think that  helped sway the judges’ decision.   The exciting musical score is by Tommy Raga and Sada Ruchi. Sada Ruchi also did the recording and mixing. I am indebted to them. 


Q: But what did you bring to the telling?


SKd: Krishna has kindly helped me develop a dramatic sensibility. The elements of tension and suspense; of creating a scene or character with a minimum amount of description; of pacing and moving the story along in a clear and concise way which the listener can easily grasp. These are all part of the storyteller’s, and  the writer’s, craft.


Q: When did you know you had this talent?


SKd: Well, you didn’t really know. Uncertainty can be a compelling force. It keeps you on your toes. But just like a carpenter – you do have to know the tools of your craft. You have to work at it. You have to sweat. You have to piece it together. It’s both a craft and an art. And finally you have to pray that it all comes out right. Man proposes. God disposes.


Q: Do you have anything in the works you would like to share with us?

SKd: For the 50th celebrations,  both last year and this year, I’ve focused on taking my slide show Journey To The West: Why & How the Hare Krishna Movement Came to America to colleges and other venues.  I’m also working on two new books. I have nothing to say about them at this point. Usually, I like to have a few things in the works that I can bounce back and forth to.

Q: Thank you for sharing your craft with us.

SKd: And you know, I want to offer more workshops and coaching sessions to pass this craft along to others. Thank you.



Photo: My recent dramatic storytelling performance of Mahabharata at University of Cincinnati


For more information on my award-winning  CD and book visit  www.Mahabharata-Project.com 

Time Magazine – The Answers Issue: A Closer Look
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The cover of the recent Time is intriguing – The Answers Issue – with dozens of little cubes, each asking questions about some of today’s most important concerns, and looking like some information terminal.  I thought that this would surely be a breakthrough in journalism. I thought that maybe I could find some answers to our troubled existence and why so many of us feel burdened all the time,  or about breakthroughs in curing the common cold and societal ills, especially the perpetual political and economic problems which plague us today. 
SPOILER ALERT!!! The magazine contains no real answers.  The issue is just mostly filled with data and statistics, as if they could provide any real solutions to problems (or answers to life’s persistent questions – sorry, Guy Noir). 

But if you want to know what outer space smells like, or the average distance of a home run, or the best cities for singles, or if you like to dream about what you could buy with $18 trillion (our national debt), The Answers Issue is for you.

If you’re planning a trip to the beach, the mag will let you know the best ones. It will also be comforting to know that hardly anybody dies of shark attacks, but that each year 200,000 deaths are attributed to snails and 755,000 to mosquitoes. So watch out for those snails and mosquitoes.

The Effective Workout page is promising but skimpy. And two whole pages are dedicated to the likely ways we can die at different ages in our lives. I guess that’s good to know since we’re all going to die sooner or later.

The Answers Issue might make you feel guilty if you drive over 13,400 miles a year (the average), since it claims that car emission is the biggest factor to our individual carbon footprints.  Eating meat comes in second. Something to consider for those who want to make an impact on their carbon footprint but can’t bring themselves to give up driving.  Other lessor categories are our use of air conditioning, air travel and beer drinking, etc.  The interesting thing is that the mag is silent on the carbon footprint of our purchases of goods from overseas, since we can hardly buy anything that’s’ manufactured in America anymore.

If you’re a filmmaker or singer, it might be important to know of potential movie remakes people are eager to see, or the makings of a great summer song. You’ll find that in the mag.  And for those who are planning to cut school budgets, you can read about how art and theater can change our lives for the better.

And maybe it’s important to know that you can’t buy alcohol in Indiana on Sundays, or that Mississippi gives the biggest tax refunds, or that Texas has the largest bat colony,  and that California is the biggest supplier of milk and New Mexico has the most wanted bank robbers – 59 (although the mag neglects to mention how many bank robbers actually work in banks, whether in New Mexico, Wall Street, or elsewhere).  But I guess these are all good things to know if  you’re planning a move or a career change.

The most fundamental questions asked in The Answers Issue:  Is world peace possible? Questions we should be asking? What defines us?  In regards to the latter two, the subsequent questions posed for consideration are dismal.  It’s seems that journalists nowadays don’t know how, or feel too uncomfortable asking the probing questions that should be asked. Or is it because they don’t understand the nature of the problems to begin with? 

As for the first question – Is world peace possible? – rather than look at the sacred literatures of the world, the best they could come up  with are a few random quotes from contemporary thinkers. Yoko Ono thinks it’s possible “if all of us think it is possible.”  Someone else says it’s ‘theoretically possible.”  By far the best was a quote by James Baldwin – “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” OK. The Answers Issue has spoken. Now what?

Unfortunately there was no deeper probing of the core problems to world peace. Our misidentification with the body, our unregulated senses, our personal and corporate greed, the wholesale slaughter of animals, our inability to view the world around us as personal & sentient and  that we all spring from a common source and have a common father are all ignored. 

Ultimately, The Answers Issue does not provide the reader with any real knowledge. On the other hand, a few simple verses chosen from Sri Isopanisad immediately addresses the question of world peace:   

“Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord. One should therefore accept only those things necessary for himself, which are set aside as his quota, and one should not accept other things, knowing well to whom they belong.” Mantra 1

“He who sees everything in relation to the Supreme Lord, who sees all living entities as His parts and parcels, and who sees the Supreme Lord within everything never hates anything or any being.” Mantra 6

“One who always sees all living entities as spiritual sparks, in quality one with the Lord, becomes a true knower of things. What, then, can be illusion or anxiety for him?” Mantra 7

We all have the same hopes and joys and fears. We all breathe the same air and make use of the earth’s God given resources. We are all truly connected.  And indeed, we are all spiritual beings. Such knowledge is liberating. With knowledge, we can become proactive. In contrast to the flimsy, scattered approach of The Answers Issues, the Vedic literatures – the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahabharata, and Sri Isopanisad – understand that our time is precious.  Thus, they provide concise knowledge in a tangible, straight forward way for our consideration.  It is up to us to simply apply it in our lives.

See www.Mahabharata-Project.com about my award-winning book Mahabharata; The Eternal Quest

Praise for Mahabharata:The Eternal Quest
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Second anniversary of  my award-winning book is coming up. Below is praise from around ISKCON Also hailed by scholars from around the USA –  see more at  www.mahabharata-project.com

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“Wonderful! Your storytelling art – which quickly gets to the essence of everything – has opened the world of Mahabharata to me , for it has opened up the world of the feelings and emotions of Mahabharata.” Sacinandana Swami

“Got the books. Already finished the first chapter….really nice. Have a friend who teaches comparative religion classes at the University here, I’ll give her a copy.” Trivikrama Swami, FL

“Andy Fraenkel’s very readable and insightful narrative allows immediate entrance into the Mahabharata, an epic known for its inscrutability. His deliciously distinct version of this martial text conjures up images of an ancient storyteller, sitting at a campfire surrounded by listeners who rightfully hang on his every word. Not to be missed!” –Steven J. Rosen (Satyaraja Dasa), author of 31 books & founding editor of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies,  www.sjrosen.com

“Andy Fraenkel provides us with a remarkable story in his adaptation of Mahabharata. . . He captures the essence of the epic and relates the unfolding action in a most interesting and exciting way.”  Stephen Knapp, Author (Books on India’s ancient Vedic culture)& founder of Vedic Friends Association,   http://www.vedicfriends.org

“Such a great job – deep and flowing. You are truly gifted to share this profound story the way you have. Outstanding!” Krsnanandini Dasi, Author & Workshop Leader

“(This is) The first Mahabharata I can read aloud, placing me in the drama with Krishna, Arjuna, et al. Andy Fraenkel is today’s Sanjaya, the Gita’s reteller and seer of the Kuruksetra War. The book is lyrical.  I am reminded of the verse in CC Adi-lila 1:106 –  ‘Essential truth spoken concisely is true eloquence.’ The path to transcendence has never been brighter!” Suresvara Das, Workshop Leader

This book is an incredible rendition of one of the oldest written books on the planet. I highly recommend it if you want to immerse yourself in the most amazing drama and intrigue ever recorded.” Darrell Martin, Blue Boy Herbs, 


Our Universal Family
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

 

‘“Nonhuman animals do not have legal rights any more than they have legal responsibilities,” said Bob Kohn, a technology lawyer in Manhattan who has filed briefs opposing efforts to secure human rights for chimps and other animals. “For a court to hold otherwise would have tremendous adverse legal and moral implications for mankind.”’          

And later in the article….

‘Ms. Prosin said her group (Nonhuman Rights Project) was saying not that animals were people, but that they were “autonomous beings, who are self-aware and self-directed.”’  
— From the April 21, 2015 NY Times – “Judge Orders Stony Brook University to Defend Its Custody of 2 Chimps” by  Jesse McKinley. 

One no longer has an excuse to be ignorant on this topic. Simply by scanning the many posts and clips on the internet  we can directly see the dealings between humans and animals, and animals and animals, even between different species. New books have appeared and research has been done exploring  the intelligence and the emotional capabilities of animals.

The sages of India tell us that animals are like our young children. Bob Kohn should know that our two or three years olds have no legal responsibilities and yet we have both a legal and moral obligation to care for them.  Animals also are sentient beings who show affection and experience happiness, fear and pain.

In the pages of Srimad Bhagavatam (7:14:9), written thousands of years ago,  it is explained, “One should treat animals such as deer, camels, asses, monkeys, mice, snakes, birds and flies exactly like one’s own son. How little difference there actually is between children and these innocent animals.”

The rights of humans, of the unborn, and of animals, in one sense, all goes hand in hand. Spiritual awareness is a matter of education and knowledge, to understand that all life holds a soul and that we are all connected.

People are conditioned to think, “I don’t need to care about that one because they are not of my race, or my religion, or nationality, or my species.” In this way we create excuses to kill, harm or neglect others. To acknowledge the rights of all creatures and to see them as part of our greater  universal family is the beginning of civilized culture. 

Later in the Srimad Bhagavatam (11: 7:33-35), it goes beyond this to explain that the animals, the environment and the elements (i.e. the earth and mountains, sky, water, fire, spiders, pigeons, deer, elephants) are also our teachers. The materialists only want to exploit these things to increase their wealth and derive pleasures. Unfortunately, they wander in the world, rarely going beyond this narrow mindset. In the meantime the earth is being torn apart and life forms are being decimated, just to increase the wealth of a very small fraction of the population.

But the introspective souls see all things as part of a greater educational process.  They seek to respect all life. They are awed and humbled by the world around them. In this way, we can gradually learn to see the hand of God working in all beings and in all situations.

My award-winning book at www.Mahabharata-Project.com 

Caitanya Mahaprabhu – 2 of 5
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

In Navadvipa, Caitanya began the Sankirtana Movement at the beginning of the 16th century. It immediately created a spiritual revolution, bringing together people from all walks of life and different religious traditions.  Caitanya designated Hari Das Thakura, who was a Muslim, as the Namacharya – master of the holy name. For hundreds years Navadvipa had been  a center of learning and scholarship. In his youth, Caitanya was a well known prodigy, and already a teacher within the academic community. When the British arrived over two hundred years later they dubbed the area the “Oxford of Bengal.” Navadvipa means the place of “nine islands.” There, the Ganges, had teamed with fresh water, river dolphins. The river is sacred to all Indians. It originates high in the Himalayas and flows for 1500 miles. In Navadvipa the river meanders passed rice and wheat fields and passed coconut and papayas groves, and finally spills  into the Bay of Bengal. 

Please visit site of my award-winning book – www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Caitanya Mahaprabhu 1 of 5
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

The appearance day (birthday) of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is coming up this Thursday – March 5. Caitanya (1486-1534) inaugurated the Sankirtana Movement just over 500 years ago. Sankirtana is the public chanting of sacred mantras.  At that time,  the district of Navadvip in West Bengal was ruled by the Muslim governor – Chand Kazi – who had received complaints from both Muslims and Hindus alike about this sankirtana activity. The Kazi outlawed the chanting and imposed sever penalties on anyone who did not abide by the restriction. As a protest, and  hundreds of years before Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr,  Caitanya organized the first massive, civil disobedience in recorded history. 
Please visit site of my award-winning book – www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Krishna, The Gita, and Dharma
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

The Bhagavad-gita is considered by many sages and scholars to be the essence of all Vedic knowledge. It was spoken five thousand years ago by Lord Krishna to the warrior, prince Arjuna.  This  discourse is one of the most profound philosophical literatures in the canon of the world’s religious texts. It takes place  right before a monumental battle.  The whole story is very dramatic and is contained in the epic Mahabharata,  the classic of ancient India. The Mahabharata is eight times longer than the Iliad and Odyssey combined.  It tells about the rulers of those times and, in doing so, describes the qualities of genuine leadership and the importance of understanding Dharma.

Krishna had appeared  on the earth at the request of  Bhumi – Mother Earth – as well as the demi-gods,  in order to save the earth from the demoniac kings who sought to plunder this world.  Krishna had originality taught the principles of Dharma to the sun-god Vivasvan, millions upon millions of years earlier.  Now he had descended to the earth to re-establish those principles in the midst of turmoil.

Bhagavad gita means “The Song of God.”  Therein, Krishna describes to Arjuna  the various paths of yoga, and also the very goal of yoga. He describes karma yoga, jnana yoga, astanga yoga, and bhakti yoga. He describes the three modes of material nature (goodness, passion, ignorance) and their effect upon the living entities. He describes the divine and demoniac natures. Krishna describes the process of renunciation and transcendence. In the Gita, Krishna reveals that He is none other than the Supreme Godhead Himself.     

In one sense Arjuna is the proverbial everyman.  Krishna is offering this teaching to him as well as to all of us.  But why does Krishna specifically offer the teaching to Arjuna?  Because Arjuna is “not envious” and “seeks to be a friend to all living beings.”  In our lives, we also have to strive for this. In that way, we can turn jnana (knowledge)  into vijnana (realized knowledge).

In the end, Krishna tells  Arjuna – “I have given you this confidential knowledge, now reflect on it, and do what you think is best.”   Krishna goes on to expllain that anyone who studies and reflects upon this sacred text of Bhagavad Gita  worships God by the use of their intelligence.

Sankirtana Das (ACBSP) is a sacred storyteller, workshop leader and author of the  award-winning  Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest.  See  – www.Mahabharata-project.com

Journey to the West
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

People never tire of  hearing about bold adventures and journeys.  There’s the Pandava’s pilgrimage during their exile, the story of the Odyssey, the Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings,  and even Jack Kerouac’s On The Road.  This entire year marks the  50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s  journey to the West at the advanced age of 70.  How he hitched a ride on a freighter. How he brought with him the Mahamantra and the Srimad Bhagavatam.  And how he  came to fulfill a 500 year old prophecy.  So we have an opportunity to captivate listeners with this remarkable story. I’ve put a presentation together for myself to present to visitors here and to take to colleges and  venues in the tri-state area around New Vrindavan. I request everyone to take special advantage of  2015 to share Prabhupada’s story.

If you have a moment please also visit www.Mahabharata-Project.com

The Miracle Food
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

About a mile down the road from me, at the New Vrindaban Dairy, I get a half gallon of whole milk fresh from the cows. Here’s a pic of Ananda Vidya, the cowherd guy. He and/or his wife milk seven cows daily like clockwork, at 7:30 in the morning and 6 in the evening. The cows produce close to 25 gallons a day. Usually they give milk for 2 or 3 years. One cow gave milk for over 5 years. This is because they feel calm, happy and protected. One thing about milk – for kids its great, but as you get older it’s better to cut back. If you have problems getting to sleep, best to have a piping hot cup in the evening (with a little honey) before retiring – this creates a sound and restful sleep.



My award winning book at www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Kaliyuga ‘Warriors’
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

You know how things get watered down over time. They get mixed up, polluted and only lead to confusion. The idea that warriors who die on the battlefield go to heaven, and that beautiful, heavenly damsels are eagerly waiting to receive them, actually has its origins thousands of years ago in the Mahabharata. But today, the concept of a ‘warrior’ has been bent way out of shape. So much so that they equate the death of a warrior on a battlefield to going into a school or café and murdering children and women. In the Kaliyiuga no one is exempt. On one is spared.

The Mahabharata, however, has very strict codes for warriors. First of all, the fighting is done away from the civilian population. That means it’s only among willing participants. And usually you have to fight with an equal. And if someone’s wounded and they want to leave the battlefield, they are not to be attacked. These and a bunch of other stuff. It was clear on what it meant to be a warrior. There were responsibilities and rules of civility for warriors, leaders and for all branches of society. In many ways, the world we live in is in a deep hole. It’s very sad. And many people suspect this, even if they don’t know about the Kaliyuga.

Material Self Knowledge Vs Spiritual Self Knowledge
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

A recent article in the Op-Ed of the Dec 8 New York Times entitled  “Know Thy Self – Really”  by Quassim Cassam, philosophy professor  at the University of Warwick, UK., asks “How do you know you believe you are wearing socks?” and explores the conundrum of many philosophy professors that their work is of no relevance to the human condition.   He continues by stating  that “Knowledge of such beliefs is seen as a form of self-knowledge.”

The noble professor tries to elevate the discussion in saying, “What is missing from this picture is any real sense of the human importance of self-knowledge. Self-knowledge matters to us as human beings, and the self-knowledge which matters to us as human beings is substantial rather than trivial self-knowledge. We assume that on the whole our lives go better with substantial self-knowledge than without it, and what is puzzling is how hard it can be to know ourselves in this sense.”

Professor Cassam, however,  sees the question about the socks as trivial self knowledge rather than substantial self knowledge. But real self knowledge can never be trivial. It’s always substantial, because once we understand ‘self’ we can understand our relationship to every thing around us. It’s all about posing the right questions. The Bhagavad Gita explains that we can’t come to self knowledge if we mistakenly think that our mind or our body is the self. In the Gita, Arjuna asks, “What happens to a philosopher who becomes confused or gives up the path of self knowledge. It seems that such a philosopher will achieve neither spiritual nor material success.” Krishna responds, “A philosopher who asks beneficial questions and is engaged in beneficial activities will not meet with failure, for  one who does good is never overcome by evil.” 

At this point Krishna helps us to distinguish between matter and spirit. He explains that we need full knowledge, both physical and metaphysical to draw proper conclusions. And that which is comprised of earth, water, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego make up the lower, material energies.  And the living being, comprised of life force, is part of the superior, spiritual energies. This distinction is a vital step toward self knowledge. We first have to know who the self is and know what the self is not, otherwise all discussions on the topic will be flawed. If I could I  would like to assure the professor that  self knowledge is not as hard to obtain as one might suspect.

“One who understands this philosophy concerning material nature, the living entity and the interaction of the moods of nature is sure to attain liberation.  He will not take birth here again, regardless of his present position.” Bhagavad Gita 13:24

For info on my award-winning book visit  www.Mahabharata-Project.com  

On Gita Jayanti
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

On this day, the warriors assembled
Where, generations before,

Virtuous Kuru sat in meditation.

The warriors made ready

For victory or the afterlife,

Yet they did not know

How thirsty the fields

Would be for their blood.

On this day, seeing

Friends, relatives and teachers

Opposed before him,

Arjuna felt the burden of his actions,

And his heart ached

As the mighty Gandiva

Slipped from his hands,

And tears flowed from his eyes.

On this day, Sri Krishna

Drove Arjuna’s chariot

And laid before him the secret teachings,

And revealed His fearful, cosmic form

And encouraged him to fight,

And yet, see friend and foe alike.

In one instance as He blessed Arjuna,

Krishna blessed us all.

“And I declare that he who studies this sacred conversation worships Me by his intelligence.” Bhagavad Gita 18:70

Visit the site of my award-winning book  – www.Mahabharata-Project.com  Free shipping in USA

A Mahabharata For Today
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Dharma teaches us that human life is all about regulation. Morality means regulation. Children and young people getting an education requires regulation. Married life requires regulation. And driving safely on the road requires regulation. Why shouldn’t this apply to businesses? After all, as some proclaim, “businesses are people too.” So why do some politicians insist that de-regulation, or absolutely no regulation, is the best thing for business?  Imagine the chaos if this unregulated dynamic were allowed to be played out by drivers on   the  road. It would mean pandemonium, pileups, meltdowns,  and death.

But it’s become a cycle.  Wall Street & big business demand deregulation.  When they get it, like little children, they run recklessly after quick profits.  Because of their foolish behavior, the investors become fearful and the stock market plunges. Regulation comes back and people feel secure again and stocks go up.  After a short while, people forget, and the cycle begins again.

To govern properly, and to live peacefully, requires education.  People need to be educated so they can  understand and identify the qualities of good leadership. When uneducated voters elect unqualified leaders, it becomes a case of the blind leading the blind. The foundation of an honest government is an honest and informed citizenry.  The main focus then must be on a higher and more profound level of education; an education that promotes the  principles of honesty,  compassion and sacrifice. This, in part, is the teaching of Dharma.

Most people have an intuitive sense of this.   People make sacrifices to get an education, to raise their children and to protect the country. Why shouldn’t big businesses make sacrifices and practice self restraint to keep our economy solvent. If Wall Street and big businesses are people, then some of them act like bullies or spoiled brats who think they are entitled to special treatment.

My book, Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest,  offers a contextual understanding of  dharma and identifies the qualities of true leadership. Unfortunately, all to often our so-called political and business leaders find ways to exploit their positions for their own personal gain. But leadership must assume the greatest responsibility and make the greatest personal sacrifice in time of hardship. They  must also be considerate of the most vulnerable citizens. The story speaks of a time when it would be a great embarrassment if leadership were remiss in giving proper protection. If citizens were robbed, it would be the responsibility of leadership to retrieve the stolen goods. And if they were unsuccessful in doing that, then they would have to replace the goods. When citizens are truly educated, they would demand more from themselves and their leaders.

More about my book at www.Mahabharata-Project.com 

Ask about the current sale at story108@juno.com

Book Sale
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING JUST GOT A LITTLE EASIER! If you’ve heard about the exciting read of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest and want one for yourself, or if you have the book and want several copies as gifts, order now.   2 Books – $25; 3 Books – $38; Mahabharata book & my Brahma’s Song CD – $21; 1 CD – $10  and $6 each for additional CD’s. 

Offer good until DEC 1, 2014.All orders include shipping in USA only. You can send payment to Paypal, but I would  prefer a check – made to Flying Mountain Press. Send to Andy Fraenkel, 3322 McCrearys Ridge Rd, Moundsville WV 26041

Also, for special interest to storytellers, writers, and book lovers – I have a long, long list of books up for sale – send me an email.  Indulge yourself!!!  afraenk@icloud.com




Tracing Things Back
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

The founding fathers saw America as nation  with a new outlook on government and a new attitude towards religion and the role it would play. George Washington invited a rabbi to his inauguration and as president wrote this to a concerned Jewish congregation in Newport:  “The citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy — a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.”

The founding fathers saw an America  lead not by royalty or an elite class or any one religion, but by an involved and educated citizenry.  They placed a special emphasis on small enterprises, farmers and shopkeepers. They equated liberty with library. The citizens must safeguard their liberties by being well read and informed.  The new model would be a farmer who was comfortable behind a plow and the pages of a book. And as a century later, with the Statue of Liberty in New York’s harbor, America invited people to come and take shelter here and follow their dreams. 

This  America could be equated with Yudhisthira’s kingdom at Indraprastra, described in the epic Mahabharata 5000 years ago. After Yudhisthira’s capital city was established, thousands of people flocked the roads heading toward the new city with great hope in their hearts. Numerous languages could be heard in their midst.  And just like America, Indraprastra was established as a land of hope and  opportunity. The common adage in Vedic times was that before starting a family, one should first find a suitable livelihood and a righteous king to live under. The Vedic paradigm establishes that the duty of leadership is to protect the citizens and provide order and opportunity for all.

Visit www.Mahabharata-Project.comabout my award-winning book

Diwali
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Diwali is upon us. India’s Festival of Lights and the traditional new year. There are a number of stories associated with this festival. Several weeks before, Hindus celebrate a holiday from Ramayana commemorating the slaying of the demon king Ravana (who resided in Lanka) along with the defeat of hoards of fierce Rakshasas (man-eating warriors) who pledged their allegiance to him.


After defeating the demons, Rama, Sita and Laksmana, and accompanied by the monkey prince Hanuman, finally returned to Ayodhya after their years-long exile. They made their journey in an air-ship adorned with flowers. The city of Ayodhya spread across the plains of northern India for almost a hundred miles. The citizens, in anticipation of Rama’s return, illuminated the city with lights everywhere. And in the early morning hours, as the ship approached, Rama and Sita marveled at the countless lights which blanketed the earth beneath them. The lights of the candles & torches and the lights of the illuminated souls. 


Gita 5: 24 “One whose happiness is within, who is active within, who rejoices within and is illumined within, is actually the perfect mystic. He is liberated in the Supreme, and ultimately he attains the Supreme.”


Check out my award-winning book www.Mahabharata-Project.com

A Moment of Your Time
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das


It’s my goal to have my award-winning book – Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest –  eventually replace William Buck’s ambiguous and impersonal rendition which so many professors are accustomed to using in their college courses. To bring this goal one step closer, I am asking for your help.  Last year, if you googled ‘Mahabharata,’ my site was on page 20 and it’s now hovering between 2 & 3. Buck’s book is on page ONE.


My first step was to write a good piece of literature; the second was to have the book’s back cover adorned with quotes by professors, and now the third is to get maximum visibility on Google. I humbly request that you use Google to visit my site –   www.Mahabharata-Project.com   – to help  achieve this next step and bring it up to page one next to Buck.


Without being didactic, Maha:TEQ offers an authentic Vaisnava perspective in the understanding of who Krishna is, of dharma, of real leadership qualities, and of the foreboding nature of our age, the Kali-yuga. All this as the story moves steadily forward, and as the tension builds,  and all in under 280 pages (a comfortable read for a college or even high school course). Actually, the book has been hailed by the devotee and academic community alike, and is a great resource for devotees wanting to share the Mahabharata and it’s concepts with people they are cultivating. 


Thanks so much for your help. Below is only a small part of the response from the book:



 “Wonderful! Your storytelling art – which quickly gets to the essence of everything – has opened the world of Mahabharata to me , for it has opened up the world of the feelings and emotions of Mahabharata.” Sacinandana Swami


“Got the books. Already finished the first chapter….really nice. Have a friend who teaches comparative religion classes at the University here, I’ll give her a copy.” Trivikrama Swami, FL


“Hare Krishna. Very nice interview!  Much thanks for your ingenious service.”  Malati dd


“It is so beautifully written!” Robin


“Loved the book!” Charlotte Jones


“Thank you Andy for this wonderful book. As I sit here reading I feel whole regions of my mind and heart awaken. Soul food for our times.” Rasika Walkingfeather, MD


““Best storyteller ever! I’m reading Mahabharata book now. May you live for many years and keep producing wonderful stories that lift the spirits of all who hear them.”  Vegavati dd


“The book has brought Stephanie and I so much joy, we couldn’t put it down and read it to one another so we could both enjoy together. We also love the cover artwork. Our complements to the artist.” Luke Kopyar


“I am almost finished reading the book. Very mesmerizing.” Dheeraj Handa, CA


“I couldn’t put it down.” Vidya DD


“Andy Fraenkel’s Mahabharata is a transcendental experience on every page.” Steve Howard


“The book and website look really good. I’m excited that this important subject is getting attention.” Roi in Israel


“Very well written. You have kept the meaning of Mahabharata and have given life to the major and minor personalities.” Appa Roa Gollamudi, Hyderabad, India


“His book is an incredible rendition of one of the oldest written books on the planet. I highly recommend it if you want to immerse yourself in the most amazing drama and intrigue ever recorded.” Darrell Martin, Blue Boy Herbs,


 “A course with this book will be great!”Ashish


“There have been many renditions of Mahabharata in both the East and the West,but your book is the Mahabharata in its essence. Easy to understand, enlivening, and inspiring. Thanks.” Thakor Topiwala, NC


“Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. Your Mahabharata is brilliant. I loved reading it.” Stephanie, NY


“Thank you for this engaging rendering of Mahabharata. You’ve performed a great service.” Dr Vicky Jenkins, IN


“I could not put it down…. I am going to give it out to others who I think have an interest…. It’s a landmark work….. How difficult it must have been to reduce the volume of the text and not loose the threads of the story, nor the essence of the philosophy! Magnificent!” Josef Lauber


“Really enjoyed it. Amazing! ” Barbara K.


“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your unbelievable gift of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest… I found myself picking it up only minutes after putting it down and reading it all in every spare moment I had…… a great telling of the classic…… When I came to the chapter where you condensed the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, I found tears in my eyes. It was wonderful, concise, and exceptionally powerful.” Emil Sofsky


“Wow, what a wonderful book. We just finished it this morning … i’m sad it’s over…we’ll have to read it again!”  Mohanasini Lighfoot



“I just finished reading Mahabharata. Wonderfully done. Except I started to do the math to calculate the years of Kali-yuga remaining and… think I’ll just keep playing my flutes. Thank you a great read.” Lou Boden


“It’s a wonderful read.” Rasikananda Dasa, FL.


“I am loving the Mahabharata – its absolutely wonderful! An intriguing read. Its one of those books you can’t put down. The CD Sacred Voices is great as well! Hari Krishna!”  Joseph Baker,  WI.


“I loved reading this book and I’ve sent my copy on to a friend, who is also loving it, and selling it at her temple store too. If you are ever so inspired, it would be wonderful to host you here in Alachua for some storytelling.”  Mukhya dd


“Reading it the way we are (reading aloud) is taking much longer, of course,  but is such a lovely experience. Thank you for writing such a wonderful and rich rendition of the epic.”  Venkata Das (Vineet Chander – Princeton, NJ) 

Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest – www.Mahabharata-Project.com


New Storytelling CD: Brahma’s Song
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

My new CD – Brahma’s Song – is out, with a stunning cover by Rasikananda Das at DesignBrilliant in Florida.  The CD is my special combination of stories, music and chanting for your listening pleasure.   Cover price is $12. But right now the CD is only $10 and that includes shipping for orders in USA.  Contact me at story108@juno.com


My Award-Winning book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest at   www.Mahabharata-Project.com

The Real Secret
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

In Conjunction with Sutapa prabhu’s post – http://sutapamonk.blogspot.com/2014/07/spirit-secret.html  – about The Secret, just want to share an article I wrote back in 2007. entitled Listen, Do You Wanna Know A Secret

Several months back the Times ran an ad for a DVD of the book The Secret. The Secret is the newest sensation and darling of the New Agers. It’s beyond the New Age. I’m sure the Neocons are reading it behind closed doors. It’s a hot seller with the Walmart crowd. Oprah, on her show, made a big deal about it.

I had an occasion to see The Secret video last year. I can only describe it as a testimonial to materialism. The height of Me-ism. At one point on the video there’s a women standing in front of a jewelry store longingly looking at a necklace displayed in the window. The next minute she’s wearing the necklace. There’s another scene where a kid wants a bike and then you see him happily riding the bicycle. This goes on to a woman being attracted to a man and later she’s walking with him hand in hand.

The Secret views the earth as just one big Kamadhenu cow ready and eager to supply everyone’s desire, as opposed to the paradigm of The Sri Isopanishad which tells us that everything in the world is controlled and owned by the Supreme Lord and that we should only accept what we really need for ourselves and not take anything unnecessarily, knowing well to whom it belongs. There is a delicate balance in nature and we should fulfill our needs and wants with the utmost care. Native American wisdom tells us that we must take into consideration the impact of our actions on the next seven generations.

But The Secret, endorsed by the “good guys,” would have us believe that the earth can completely satisfy our every desire and that we can have a fairy tale life wherein all wishes are fulfilled (that may have been the case in the Satya-yuga). The ad in the paper reads that The Secret can give you “…unlimited joy, health, money, relationships, love, youth, everything you ever wanted.” Yes. It’s all yours!!!You have just hit the jackpot, won the lottery, beat out everyone on The Idol, been invited on Oprah, postponed death indefinitely, moved into a new mansion and made a million new close friends. (This sounds better than all the snake oil remedies the quack doctors used to sell in the wild west.)

In these times, however, is it responsible to have a mindset and live a lifestyle advocated by the Secret? This type of unrestricted consumerism is the very mentality that has put us in the precarious situation we’re in today. Is the The Secret going to stop the ice caps from melting or bring back the ozone layer? Is it going to stop people from getting blown up? Is it going to stop disease and death? The Secret doesn’t mention that ultimately we cannot control what happens to us. We can only control our attitude and our intentions. As the ancients, to live peacefully, we must learn self control, to conquer our greed and anger, to respect all life and the environment we live in, and to offer ourselves in service to the Creator of all things.

One of the appeals of a secret is that people like to be in on something that’s exclusive. The Secret is special, and they are special and their knowing the Secret gives them a special advantage over everybody else. Of course, everybody else is thinking the same thing. Basically, the secret of The Secret is the law of attraction, when you think positive thoughts you get positive results. And when you know this “secret” you can have it all. And to prove that The Secret is bona fide, the narrator in the video (DVD) summons up some of the big movers in history like Jesus, Buddha, Lao-tzu, Confucius, Socrates, Shakespeare, Newton. They all knew The Secret, and that’s what made them so famous, successful and spiritual. I wonder why they didn’t mention Gengis Khan or Rocky Balboa.

Because of its popularity, I think devotees have a great opportunity to offer people an insight into the real Secret (In marketing this is called positioning – that you position your product with, or against, a product that is popular). Real knowledge is not on how to acquire material things and get a beautiful body, but how to distinguish between matter and spirit.

“This knowledge is the king of education, the most secret of all secrets. It is the purest knowledge, and because it gives direct perception of the self by realization, it is the perfection of religion. It is everlasting and it is joyfully performed.” Bhagavad Gita 9:2

Award winning book by Sankirtana das –  www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Mahabharata Receives Two Awards
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Just received two Finalist Medals for my book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest  from the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.  They had notified me last month about an award.  When two medals recently showed up in the mail I thought they had made a mistake. Looking at their letter again I realized I received the Finalist Award in two different categories – Spiritual & Religious Non-Fiction.


Also, I recently posted the first part of a talk I gave at the Wheeling library back in February about the book.  See my site http://mahabharata-project.com  The other two parts are on YouTube.


My intent in writing the book was three fold: 1) to deliver the story as good literature 2) to give it a cinematic slant, as potentially the basis for a film 3) to keep it at a length that could easily be studied in high school and  college classrooms.” Beside the Finalist Awards, the book has received acclaim from scholars across the country and is being used in a couple of courses.


Now the goal is to surpass William Buck’s impersonal Mahabharata as the go to book in the academic community. You can help by simply using Google to access my Mahabharata site above.  That will boost the book’s visibility. Thanks so very much. 



Mahabharata Talk on YouTube
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Earlier this year I gave a talk  about my book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest,  a ‘fast-paced, cinematic’  rendition of India’s ancient epic. You can watch the first part at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzeWfpdU454 

Andy Fraenkel’s talk at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, WV about his book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. The book received a Finalist Award from…
YOUTUBE.COM


It’s in three parts – on Youtube search for Andy Fraenkel to access the other two.

The book just received two Finalist Medals from the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.  The term ‘Indie” refers to Independent artists. The book awards are mainly selected from small presses, independent publishers, books published by universities  and self published authors. It’s said, “If its cool, creative and different, it’s Indie.”

My hope is that MahaTEQ will eventually replace William Buck’s ambiguous rendition of Mahabharata that so many professors are accustomed to using. To bring this goal one step closer, I am asking for your help.


If you googled Mahabharata, my site comes up on pg 3. Buck’s book is on page ONE.  Please help MahaTEQ  get more visibility.  I humbly request that  you visit my site –  http://mahabharata-project.com –  to help bring it up to page one next to Buck’s. You might also do a search on Google for it.


A big – THANKS!

Ys, Sankirtana Das 

The First 50th
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Next year marks the 50thanniversary of Prabhupada’s arrival  in the West.  This is the time for devotees to develop  projects as an offering for Srila Prabhupada in 2015. Think about some project that you would like to offer to honor Srila Prabhupada for his selfless and untiring efforts to help humankind. There should be hundreds and even thousands of events and projects manifested in 2015.

 IMHO, as ISKCON makes plans for 2016, equal attention should be paid to 2015 commemorating  Prabhupada’s historic journey to the West.  For 2015 I am planning to develop a power point presentation  to take to colleges, churches and various events to share Prabhupada’s story so that people may know of his remarkable contribution to humankind.

In the public eye, the story of individual effort always trumps the story of an organization.  People can certainly make a more visceral connection with Srila Prabhupada since they would be natural inspired by  his struggle against great odds.  (Look at how the world responded to the story of Nelson Mandela) And now especially as baby boomers head into their senior years (myself included), Prabhupada’s accomplishments will seem even greater.

We have to understand the potency of  STORY as way  of winning the hearts of people. STORY is a valuable tool.  This has been my personal experience as a professional storyteller and workshop leader for over 25 years.

And Prabhupada’s is a remarkable story.  He came with practically nothing save for the three volumes of first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam that he had prepared for the West.  He hitched a ride on a freighter, braved a month long voyage and struggled through a New York winter to present an ancient and venerable teaching to the West. And sociologically speaking, he came at a remarkable time when young people in the West were dissatisfied with materialistic culture and rejected the unprecedented wealth and education available to them.  

For 2015, we can each make some special offering. Imagine the impact of thousands, or tens of thousands of devotees all over the world,  sharing  Prabhupada’s story with the general public. 2015

Please visit www.Mahabharata-Project.comabout my new book. 

Interview With Award-Winning Author Sankirtana Das
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Sankirtana Das (ACBSP), a 38 year resident of New Vrindaban Community,  is a sacred storyteller, workshop leader and author of Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. The book was recently awarded Finalist in 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. He is interviewed by Lilasuka Devi Dasi, Communications Director at New Vrindaban.

Question From Lilasuka. Congratulations.  So how does it feel that your book is a Finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards?

Sankirtana. I’m delighted. It’s a confirmation that the book has an appeal greater than just a devotional audience.  On the other hand, I also feel that I didn’t write the book, that somehow, Krishna, kindly, just let it all fall into place.  I’m amazed that all the major elements and personalities of  Mahabharata are all there in just 280 pages.

Q.  That’s certainly a major feat. Mahabharata is 100,000 slokas. How did you manage to fit it into 280 pages?

A.  I worked on it on and off for over ten years, strategizing on how to piece it all together to make it work.  The writing was at times both a joyous and a nerve wracking experience. It’s like a huge puzzle, and every piece had to fit into place.  Sometimes I had serious doubts about  if it would actually work.  I wanted the book to be for college courses, so the text couldn’t be too long.  The book is fast-paced. I applied the art of oral storytelling – which is to focus on the action and the characters with only minimal description. The idea is to just give enough description to activate the imagination of the reader or listener so that they themselves can fill in the scenes. Now that it’s out, the response from scholars and readers has been tremendous.

Q. How did you go about writing the book?

A. I knew pieces and segments of Mahabharata from Prabhupada’s first and tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and from performing scenes from it over the years.  But I didn’t know the details of how the entire story unfolded.   I wrote the book, primarily, to get a better understanding of it for myself. So I looked at those chapters from Bhagavatam and also used the first complete English translation of Mahabharata, written by Mohan Ganguli in 1896.

Q. There have been a number of Mahabharatas in the last few decades. What is the need for another Mahabharata?

A.  A few devotees have asked me that. Different renditions of a story serve different purposes. When Lokamangala prabhu and I toured with our two-man drama of Mahabharata years ago, people would sometimes say we should do a movie.  That never happened. So the question I posed to myself in writing this book was: what would the Mahabharata look like if I had the chance to make it into a movie?  In my rendition of Mahabharata I bring to bear my  background in theater, cinema and literature. I wanted to get to the essence of the Mahabharata and offer a very dramatic and cinematic reading experience. A book that is character driven.

Q. I think you’ve accomplished that. Who was your target audience?

A. Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest is meant as a resource to help devotees introduce Mahabharata to the public in general, and especially to their college audiences and contacts. I structured Mahabharata so it could easily be studied and enjoyed in college courses Right now many courses are using William Buck’s version. 

Q.  And what’s the difference between the two?

A. There are many discrepancies and omissions in his book. For instance, Yudhuisthira’s Rajasuya sacrifice is not there. It’s an important scene which motivates  Duryodhan to sink into his profound depression and envy.  Buck often departs from the meaning and intention of the original text. He’s popular because he intentionally leaves things nebulous.

Q. So, what’s the message of your book?  You spoke about getting “to the essence.” What do you consider the essence?

A. The essence is Krishna’s intimate relationship with the Pandavas. Drama is all about relationships and emotions.  Also, I wanted to give people a proper understanding of dharma, and to show succinctly  that this ancient text is still relevant today. In making Krishna Consciousness available to the public, devotees need to demonstrate its relevancy to today’s issues and concerns. And Srila Prabhupada explains that our philosophy is very relevant on many levels.  Mahabharata does all this while telling a fantastic story.  It’s for story lovers.  So, all around,  I think my book can be a vital tool for devotees.

Q. What advice do you have for writers?

A. Be focused. Be very organized. It will save you a lot of headaches. I’m speaking from personal experience. And if you let others read your work, don’t accept their advice unless you intuitively feel it’s right for what your doing. Have a good editor and proof reader go over it.

B. When did you begin to think of yourself as a writer?

A. When I was a kid – twelve or thirteen – I was struck by the impact books and movies made on me. I wanted to give that experience to others.

Q. And finally, what projects are you working on?

A. One thing – just promoting your book takes up a lot of time. I eventually want Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest to be the basis of a theater production, performed by a college drama department or regional theater company. And although I have two uncompleted book projects, I want to start on a third book which I feel is more important. Also, I plan to do several  storytelling CD’s. I’m just about ready with  Brahma’s Song. It’s thematic, all about Brahma. The subtitle is: A Concert of Storytelling, Music and Chants.

Q. Thanks for a great interview.  If readers want to know  more  about the book and  your professional programs they can go to www.Mahabharata-Project.com and www.sacredvoices.com

A. And thank you.  

The Word Is Out!
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

The response to my new book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest has been streaming in: 

“Wonderful! Your storytelling art – which quickly gets to the essence of everything – has opened the world of Mahabharata to me , for it has opened up the world of the feelings and emotions of Mahabharata.” Sacinandana Swami

“Got the books. Already finished the first chapter….really nice. Have a friend who teaches comparative religion classes at the University here, I’ll give her a copy.” Trivikrama Swami, FL

“Reading your book! Such a great job – deep and flowing. You are truly gifted to share this profound story the way you have. Outstanding!” Krsnanandini Dasi, OH 

“Thank you Andy for this wonderful book. As I sit here reading I feel whole regions of my mind and heart awaken. Soul food for our times.”  Rasika Walkingfeather

“I could not put it down…. I am going to give it out to others who I think have an interest…. It’s a landmark work….. How difficult it must have been to reduce the volume of the text and not loose the threads of the story, nor the essence of the philosophy! Magnificent!” Josef Lauber

“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your unbelievable gift of Mahabharata:The Eternal Quest… I found myself picking it up only minutes after putting it down and reading it all in every spare moment I had…… a great telling of the classic…… When I came to the chapter where you condensed the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, I found tears in my eyes. It was wonderful, concise, and exceptionally powerful.” Emil Sofsky

“Thank you for this engaging rendering of Mahabharata. You’ve performed a great service.” Dr Vicky Jenkins, IN 

“Wow, what a wonderful book. We just finished it this morning … i’m sad it’s over…we’ll have to read it again!” Mohanasini Lighfoot

“I just finished reading Mahabharata. Wonderfully done. Except I started to do the math to calculate the years of Kali-yuga remaining and…think I’ll just keep playing my flutes. Thank you a great read.” Lou Boden

“Hare Krishna. May you live for many years and keep producing wonderful stories that lift the spirits of all who hear them. ” Vegavati DD  

“The book has brought Stephanie and I so much joy, we couldn’t put it down and read it to one another so we could both enjoy together. We also love the cover artwork. Our complements to the artist.” Luke Kopyar

“I am almost finished reading the book. Very mesmerizing.” Dheeraj Handa, CA 

“I couldn’t put it down.” Vidya DD 

“Andy Fraenkel’s Mahabharata is a transcendental experience on every page.” Steve Howard, CO

“The book and website look really good. I’m excited that this important subject is getting attention.” Roi in Israel

“Very well written. You have kept the meaning of Mahabharata and have given life to the major and minor personalities.” Appa Roa Gollamudi, Hyderabad, India

“His book is an incredible rendition of one of the oldest written books on the planet. I highly recommend it if you want to immerse yourself in the most amazing drama and intrigue ever recorded.” Darrell Martin, Blue Boy Herbs


Mahabharata & Our Generational Challenge – #2
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das

Dharma has various nuanced meanings. It could mean one’s religion, or occupation, or moral responsibilities to family and society. It could mean ‘the Path.’ On a deeper level, it means who we are and our purpose in life and our eternal relationship with the Divine.  All these are addressed in the Mahabharata.

To maintain the Dharma in society requires good leadership. The pillars of Dharma are honesty, compassion, cleanliness and self-sacrifice. In all fields, especially in spirituality, politics and business, leaders need  to understand and practice these qualities. 

To whom much is given, much is expected. The people who have the most to lose have to make the biggest sacrifices  – not just the regular person on the street. The spiritual, political and business leaders have to lead the way. But where is such leadership? This is one of the important generational concerns before us today: to understand what is real leadership and to train leaders who can tackle the formidable challenges of the 21stcentury.  Justice. The environment. The economy. Moral inspiration.  We’re mired in some serious problems that are not going to go away soon. 

My rendition of Mahabharata addresses these issues. If we don’t know what real leadership is, then it’s a case of the blind leading the blind. Examples of good leadership are very rare in these times. Without it, the philosophy of ‘greed is good’ runs rampant.  If the leaders can’t be examples of self-sacrifice, then it becomes OK to give way to our desires, to secure material wealth and pleasure by any means.  When we lose sight of the Dharma, greed becomes dominant and society begins to unravel. Understanding the dharma is pivotal to what Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest is all about.

For reviews and more info see: www.Mahabharata-Project.com