The Art of Man Making: 193 Short Talks on The Bhagavad Gita (Set of 2 Volumes)

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda made it a priority to revive the young generation of Indians, who were drifting through life without any clear goals, vision or direction. He believed that growth of the newly-independent India could only be achieved by a motivated and clear-headed generation of youngsters.

In order to inspire the youngsters of India and show them the possibilities of a nobler life, Gurudev delivered a series of fiery 10- minute talks on All India Radio, based on the Bhagavad-Gita. He gave this ancient wisdom a contemporary context and presented in a form that was palatable and practical to the modem youngsters.

Ideas in books, however sacred they may be, cannot and will never, constitute a culture, Bharateeya culture is there only when the generation strives to live the philosophical truths of the mystic Rishis in its everyday life. How to live spiritual beauty and bring its laughter and cheer into the world of fears and competitions, conflicts and confusions, joys and sorrows is the theme of the art of living discussed in our Bhagawad Geeta.

In short 10-15 minute talks on the salient themes of the Geeta, taking two or three verses at a time, I have tried to bring home to the youth of our nation this Science of Man-Making. These talks are ready in cassettes (and tapes). Schools can have them—each day one talk to be broadcast at the time of the ‘Assembly’. If students have this book with them, then they will read it at the time of listening to the tape, in silent attention, allowing these ideas to sink into them, slowly, imperceptibly. These are the values that created the mighty heroes of the past who built up the glory that was BHARAT.

We propose soon to get these translated into all regional languages—so that mothers can read and talk to their children before they retire to bed every day. I see clearly the reward of such psychological treatment with spiritual ideals. Do you? Will you not contribute to such a total national resurrection in our moral and dynamic stature?

Strong men and women constitute the bulwark of a nation. Swami Chinmayanandaji’s 114 talks based on the Bhagavad Geeta were floated on A.I.R. (All India Radio) and addressed to the youth of our country. These lectures were then compiled in a text form – ‘The Art of Man-Making’ and became very popular with people of all ages, creeds and religions as evident from its record-breaking circulation of over a lakh.

While, on one hand, this book is in great demand in schools and colleges for its teenage students, elite executives too have been using this book for various seminars.

We are happy to present this revised edition, hoping that it will reach and enlighten readers from all walks of life across the globe.

The ‘Art of Man Making’ by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, which details the art and technique of self-mastery and right living, is a life-transforming book, that has inspired millions of readers, especially the youth across the world.

At the heart of self-culture or ‘man making’ lies the awakening to one’s true identity or essential nature, which is divine, immortal and infinite. Such an empowering awareness of oneself instills untold courage, confidence and hope in the individual, helping him to rise above the turbulences of life. It is to that inmate spiritual strength that Gurudev gently awakens us through instructions and impassionate exhortations. The awesome power of his compelling language is reassuring and reaches out with a message of hope, to even the dullest weakling amongst us, as he unravels the secrets of sure success and abiding joy.

A challenge cannot be met if one feels weaker than what is confronted. Often, we are simply overwhelmed by the might and gravity of a situation. The ability to answer these challenges lies in a fundamental shift in perspective from a misconception of being limited and small, to that of abiding in one’s true nature of inconceivable might and power.

This unparalleled manual of life, which contains the quintessence of the Bhagavad-gita, is a masterpiece with excellent techniques to unify God and creation. It ennobles one’s vision to see life as something sublimely superior to a mere journey from womb to tomb. It thereby imparts a great purpose to life and bestows man with a grand destiny. In short, it is a ready reckoner for all seekers of Truth, and above all serves as a peerless guide to the youth.

These 114 talks in the ‘Art of Man Making’ were first broadcast on ‘All India Radio’ in the early sixties. While chapters 1 to 9 of the Gita have been completed therein, the text has also covered verses I to 7 of the 1 0th chapter. We now make a humble attempt to compile the remaining chapters, basing it exclusively on Gurudev’s discourses, during the marathon camps held in Sidhabari and Piercy, California during the years 1986 and 1992 respectively. Gurudev’s written commentary on the Bhagavad-gita has also been referred.

We seek our Master’s grace and blessings as we dedicate this work—’Art of Man Making’ Part II—at his lotus feet.