The Way To Liberation (Moksha-Dharma Of Mahabharata)

Introduction

The Mahabharata is the mother of the world’s most popular scripture - the Gita, which contains the teachings of Lord Krishna. It was composed by Sage Vyasa many centuries before Christ. This grand scripture consisting of eighteen volumes is an extraordinary religious epic.

His Holiness, Sri Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda, the author of over fifty books on Yoga philosophy and related subjects, has written this book steeped in profound knowledge of the Mahabharata for the aspirants of the East as well as the West. The writings of Sri Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda contain a unique blend of simplicity, literary beauty, mystic insight, and a light to guide you on the path to Self-realization.

Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda’s genius lies in writing his profound thoughts and making them alive, almost walking with a dynamic movement. Each one should give this book the fullest and most careful consideration. Consequently, you will feel rushing within a breeze blessed with blazing dispassion, that will dispel fear and doubts which have been restraining you upward movement to the Self-realization.

The Mahabharata is known as the fifth Veda because it deals with all the topics that concern the individual soul on its way to spiritual evolution. It details upon Dharma (ethical value), Artha (material value), Kama (vital value), and Moksha (the infinite spiritual value of life). There is a popular saying, ‘What is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found in any other scripture. Whatever is there in other scriptures is definitely present in Mahabharata”

Moksha Dharma Parva of the Mahabharata contains the sublime teachings that enable an aspirant to understand the problems of his life in the light of the primary duty of his existence - the attainment of liberation or Self-realization. The teachings were given by Great Bhishma who was a mighty hero among the warriors of ancient India, and even a greater hero in the spiritual field of life. Though lying on the bed of arrows, this majestic personality continued to counsel King Yudhishthira, day after day, on all important subjects that enrich human life and enable the soul to move towards its final attainment - liberation.

The present book contains selected portions of Shanti Parva, the Volume dealing with Peace, retold by Sri Swami Jyotir Maya Nanda in a manner that will enable the reader to gain a deep insight into the beauteous writings of the Mahabharata. The very study of this book is considered highly auspicious. Pious men in India read this section of the Mahabharata to promote harmony and peace in the atmosphere, to remove obstacles and adversities, to acquire health, peace and prosperity, and to move on to the glorious summits of spiritual perfection. Actual chapter numbers are included to help serious students of the Mahabharata.

Stories and parables, illustrations and poetic images, pithy instructions and penetrating insights are blended in this book. Through the study of this book, along with the first volume, one can gain the storehouse of ancient wisdom which is so needed in the troubled times of the present world. May God bless you!