Spotlight on Dharma

In obedience to the command and guidance of His Holiness Jagadgar Sri Abhinav Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji of Sringeri Sri Sharada Peetham, this book was first published in the year 1983. Thereafter, in keeping with the instructions of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, the book was reprinted in the year 1998 with additions from Neeti shatakam and delightful Subhashitas (wise sayings).

Among the four Purusharthas presuharthas prescribed for men to attain higher good, Dharma is the foremost and thus when the same is practiced diligently it should lead the aspirant to the highest good namely ‘Moksha’ or liberation from the repeated cycle of births and deaths in this mortal world.

In our traditional system of learning, knowledge in imparted to the student from the Guru or the teacher. Thus what is right conduct or what is wrong conduct is also imparted to the student from the Guru only. However, it was thought that in order of facilitate and lead aspirants along the path of Dharma, who are under the stress of modern conditions, that leaves them no leisure for thinking and the nature of the purely secular education that is available to the masses, a guide that details the facets of Dharma ought to be offered to them. This book is thus an extension of this idea.

Apart from extracts from Manusmriti and Bhagavat Gita, mental worship and offering of prayers to the mighty have been included to aid the aspirant sin his entreatise to the Supreme. Together with Sanskrit rendering, a lucid English translation has been comprised to smooth the progress of understanding of the tenets of Sanatana Dharma.

Our ambition will thus fulfilled if this sweet compendium on Dharma aids all seekers of supreme Truth.

In obedience of the command, with guidance and by the grace of His Holiness jagadguru Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, ‘Spotlight on Dharma’ was first published over 15 years ago. Thereafter a Division of Sri Sharada Peetham, ‘Kalpataru Research Academy’ had brought out that boo by maintaining the same structure as the original one but enlarged substantially with the inclusion of over 75 additional verses.

Since the intention is merely to present a universal prayer, an aid to mental worship, some aspects of common Dharma and a glimpse of the teachings of the Bhagavat Gita, no commentary has been provided on any of the versed included. However to facilitate understanding of the verses by those not conversant with Sanskrit, English translations of the verses have been included.

Considering the demand for this book among the public, we are once again bringing out this book and I am sure the English translation of the verses will be very much useful for all those who are not conversant with Sanskrit.

I convey the benign Blessing of the Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji for all those who have contributed to bring out this book.