Parables (Brilliance of Vedanta, Through Simple Stories)

At time when the subtle wisdom of the scriptures may seem to overpower us intellectually, parables are able to imbibe in us the same subtle ideas and concepts. The practical manner in which these stories are presented, make learning a more joyous experience.

This book is a collection of parables as written by Swami Chinmayananda. Within each tale lies a fountain of wisdom to drink from and refresh ourselves.

Hailed as the second Swami Vivekananda, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993) has left a great legacy behind for mankind. On realising the true purpose of life, he worked tirelessly and with tremendous energy for more than four decades to spread the message of Vedanta. A great orator, writer, leader, patriot and spiritual giant, he is one of the finest representatives of Indian spiritual heritage. The sprawling worldwide organisation of Chinmaya Mission carries on the torch lit by this great Saint.

None of these stories that are attributed to me are really mine. These are stories that the old Mahatmas had told us while we were learning the scriptures at Rishikesh and Uttarkashi.

This is an old method - an intelligent application of audio-visual method of education for imparting knowledge of Vedanta. The ideas expounded in Vedanta are extremely subjective and therefore supremely subtle. Chances of misunderstanding or vaguely understanding are more than that of true understanding or right comprehension. As a methodology in communication of scriptural knowledge, our ancient Masters found that examples given from the gross outer world can perhaps correctly illumine the subtle inflections in the sensitive march of ideas in Vedanta.

Do not take these stories literally and apply them to the entire idea or concept each claims to illumine; no example or story can do this. The finite can never illustrate or totally bring into the vivid comprehension of the limited intellect the Supreme, the Infinite. Our equipments are limited; language cannot but stammer in its despairing limitation to express the beauty of all beauties. These parables can bring out in all brilliance the total light in each one of the great jewels of Vedanta. Those of you who read each one of them can give sufficient thought to its implication and can be benefited greatly in gaining a clearer glimpse into the subtle imports that are intelligently suggested by the pregnant mantras of the Upanisads and the galloping stanzas of the Bhagaoad-gita.