By Tish Malhotra

BOOK REVIEW

Today, as our society grapples with communal tension and strife, here comes a message showering a benign ray of hope. The harbinger of this auspicious spirit is the latest book, "Premanand Maharaj: Messenger of Religious Harmony and Divine Love”, co-authored by the couple Anand Mishra and Resham Mukherjee. This book is published by Om Shakti, an Imprint of Om Books International. Anand Mishra is a veteran journalist who has worked in prominent news organisations including Hindustan Times, Press Trust of India, Indian Express, DNA, Deccan Herald and Frontline. Resham Mukherjee also has rich experience in the field of journalism and working with Hindustan Time, The Telegraph and PTI.

Through its different chapters, the book vividly narrates the adventure in the religious life of the great contemporary saint of India Premanand Maharaj ji. At the tender age of 13, Anirudh Kumar Pandey, Swami ji's pre-monastic name, received the call of the Eternal and left home for the realization of God. Thus began his spiritual quest which first led him as a Shiv bhakta to Varanasi and from there ultimately to Vrindavan. At Vrindavan guided by his Guru, he went under complete transformation. Through his absolute and unshakable devotion he emerged as an ardent devotee of the lotus feet of Shri Radha Rani.

The book enables us to realize that at a time when India once again needed the manifestation of divinity in the forms of Sri Guru Nanak Dev and Ramakrishna Paramhansa, to lead it from darkness to light, the country has got the presence of divine saint Premanand Maharaj ji amidst us. People from all walks of life and so-called different religions, castes, and communities seeking solace keep coming to him for guidance, encouragement and to be blessed by his company.

Through the comprehensive narration contained in the book, it also becomes easy to understand that with his vast knowledge of the scriptures, the intricacies of the tough spiritual life and his own sadhana, despite painful kidney related physical challenges, Premanand Maharaj ji is relentlessly guiding humanity how to face challenges that life keeps throwing up at every step.

They may relate to spiritual development, karma, society, mental health, personal growth, money, duty, family, evil effects of drinking, gambling, and illicit relationships, death, after life, among so many others. His profound teachings offer a clear and compassionate way forward to overcome turmoil, stress, and conflict. They lead from darkness to light on one's journey towards clarity and happiness. They reflect deeply on the basic approach of Naam Japa and devotion to the Supreme. The pristine glory of his instructions, as mentioned in the book, is that they are applicable for seekers of every age, background and geography. He is invitation is open for the entire humankind.

We also find in the book that to bring humanity back onto the right path Premanand Maharaj ji doesn't hesitate to talk about issues that other spiritual gurus would not touch. This makes him an unconventional Guru. Topics covered in the book include immoral activities and their adverse effects on the physical, mental, emotional, educational and professional health of youngsters.

The other issues that come up relate to live-in relations, breakups, lust, anger, depression, student suicides, value of discipline, self-restraint, protecting the power of one's vital essence and life force, earning through righteousness means, corruption, etc. The list is endless. Social media is agog with his talks on these and related issues. The book also underlines the fact that Premanand Maharaj ji is completely in favour of the positive use of the technology for the betterment of society, with added emphasis on its proper application by the youngsters.

The other hallmark of the book is that it reveals that while striving to attain the Goal Supreme through years of deep penance, severe austerity, even remaining hungry for days together, and with single minded devotion he received the divine blessings and darshan of his chosen deity Lord Shiva. This resulted in his resolve of working harder to fulfill his spiritual destiny.

Another important anecdote in the book is  Premanand Maharaj ji recalling during one of his discourses about his having the vision of Sri  Guru Nanak Devji during his sadhana days in Varanasi on the river bank. He felt Guru Nanak Dev Ji manifested and looked at him with love.  The experience left Premanand Maharaj ji trembling and weeping. Through the narration of the incident, Premanand ji explicitly highlights the bestowal of grace on him by the divine Guru.

He also claimed to have the vision of Sri Chand-ji, the elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Vrindavan. Time and again the book reiterates these facts and asserts Premanand Maharaj ji's complete faith in the Guruvani.

The book's subtitle describes Premanand Maharaj ji as a true messenger of religious harmony and divine love. In this regard he is carrying forward the real essence of India's spiritual heritage, as personified in the lives of Lord Buddha, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhans, Swami Vivekananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, Neeb Karoli Baba, Dalai Lama, among others.

Seekers from diverse backgrounds, as can be observed throughout the book, come to Premanand Maharaj ji to take the blessings of a shared space and devotion. His teachings resonate the eternal truth that religions differ in form and practice but they all lead to divine reality. They are all means to realize this truth. He always emphasizes the benign vision of inclusiveness.

The study of the book makes it absolutely clear that Premanand Maharaj ji's teachings of faith becomes a bridge and devotion unites humanity beyond all boundaries of the caste, creed, community and religion. He is one of the most influential spiritual voices of our time. This is indeed the central message of the book.  We must not let it go unheard.  This has great lessons for these disturbing modern times.

The main purpose of the book seems to create an all-round awareness in the society that the unique, yet simple, instructions of Premanand Maharaj ji on religious harmony are vital for meeting the challenges of fundamentalism. They aim to promote love, peace and humility in the contemporary world. Indeed, they reflect on the very basics of Indian spiritual heritage that have always been relevant for entire humankind.

Revered by millions across the world and followed by seekers from all walks of life, Premanand Maharaj ji is transforming millions of hearts globally through his simple yet powerful teachings rooted in eternal wisdom. The book carries an open invitation to all to take full advantage of Premanand Maharaj ji's holy association.
(Tish Malhotra is an independent writer)