Book Review by #LITEROMA PUBLISHING SERVICES :: ‘Sahaja: In quest of the innate’ by Dr. Prithwindra Mukherjee

** Thanks to the author for gifting us a review copy of the book.**

** Thanks to our reviewer Reetwika Banerjee for reviewing the book on behalf of #Literoma. **

The nonfiction book 'Sahaja: In quest of the innate', authored by Dr. Prithwindra Mukherjee, is an esoteric fusion of Bengali poetry through the ancient Charya and Baul songs. Etymologically, 'saḥ' means 'together with', and 'ja' derives from the root 'jan', meaning 'to be born or produced, to occur or to happen'. It is popularly believed that Sahaja (sahajata) means spontaneous enlightenment in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist spirituality. Sahaja practices first arose in Bengal during the 8th century among Buddhist yogis called Sahajiya siddhas. Ancient Bengali scriptures of Charyapada bears the signature of eminent Buddhist gurus who had penned primitive poetry following Sahaja. A millennium later, Baul songs of Bengal also touched the fragrance of Sahaja which became quite popular in the later years. This book by Dr. Prithwindra Mukherjee is an awesome endeavour to join the connecting links (commonly called 'forest of symbols') between these ancient Bengali poetry of Charya and Baul eras through Sahaja.

Only a genius like Dr. Prithwindra Mukherjee can attempt to author a book like 'Sahaja' - a classic attempt in every aspect, if not a lifetime read for common readers like us. Unfortunately, the cover image does not reveal the essence of the book fully, but will definitely create an interest to delve into the contents. The subject might appear tough at first glance but the book is written so perfectly that it can even make a non-music enthusiast a music lover.

I will like to rate the book as 4.5*/5* and would strongly recommend for readers who are genuinely interested in spiritual poetry and ancient Bengali literature. It is certainly not a passing read at all. Every chapter demands deserved time to interpret them aptly.

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