Reawakening Bharat: As I Think

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanada was a visionary spiritual leader known for bringing about worldwide Hindu renaissance. Swamiji's book As I Think is a powerful collection of 28 insightful articles that offer a comprehensive vision for India’s nation-building, deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Swamiji addresses India’s challenges, providing practical solutions inspired by ancient Indian teachings. This book is essential for anyone seeking to understand his vision for reviving Bharat's glory, a vision that is as relevant today as it ever was.Swamiji reflects on the once-glorious tradition of Hinduism, which has been misunderstood as superstitions due to historical conflicts. Bharat has become a divided nation, with little hope for unity, and the only force that can truly unite the country is a shared reverence for national culture. A ‘true’ religion, he argues, holds the solution to humanity's suffering.One of Swamiji's key concerns is the state of Indian youth, many of whom have lost touch with their cultural roots. They lack a sense of national pride, purpose and mistakenly seek happiness in material comforts. Swamiji calls this cultural bankruptcy, urging the education of youth to inspire them to rebuild their nation. In today's world, people need more than just food, clothing, and shelter—they need a true way of life that brings purpose.He argues that while issues like corruption can be tackled by legal means, true change requires a deeper transformation of individuals through the knowledge of Indian culture. As individuals transform, so too will the nation. He believes that this change must begin with the education system, which should be reformed to incorporate cultural values.Reinterpreting our history is essential and the cultural ideals of the past must be presented in a fresh, relevant manner. While earlier generations followed religion with unquestioning devotion, today’s youth require a logical understanding. Religion should move beyond temples into the public sphere, addressing contemporary needs. A blend of the sacred and secular—temples and factories, prayer and work—can create national unity. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, ‘Where the sacred Krishna and the dynamic Arjuna are together, there alone is peaceful prosperity.’.Swamiji emphasises that those who work to revive our culture must always keep their ultimate goal in mind and face all challenges with unwavering faith. In addition to this strong inspiration, he offers practical advice for those leading the revival of Hindu culture. He encourages regular self-reflection and devotion to an ideal personality, which can elevate one’s thoughts and bring a positive outlook to life. This positive approach of remembering is ideal and healthy compared to the priests persistently preaching the don’ts and condemning youth for lack of faith. Decadence in culture happened when only the negative aspects were focused on. For renaissance, the positive side must necessarily be taken up.I highly recommend As I Think, as it offers profound insights into Swamiji's vision. The problems he addresses remain incredibly relevant today. What is most striking is how he presents solutions from a Vedantic perspective, offering a depth of wisdom that encourages us to move beyond superficial solutions. The book inspires to appreciate Bharat’s rich cultural heritage and ignites a passion to work towards its revival. Swamiji’s advice for enhancing our personal sadhana is invaluable, as we are all soldiers working towards this higher cause.

Reawakening Bharat: As I Think

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