In Malati-gandha-gunavid, states an ancient Sanskrit aphorism, losely translated it states that a bee that has been intoxicated by the scent of Malati flower, will settle for nothing less ordinary thereafter. The derivative of the same is that, one should always set ones standard high and strive to achieve things bigger than one possibly can. The wisdom of this ancient proverb is much relevant even in this day and age. Sanskrit, though on the edge of extinction, still has much to give to this world.
Shashikant Joshi has done a brilliant work in distilling such ancient wisdom and compiling them in a book form, named Attitude Shift. The book is a collection of Sanskrit axioms and proverbs, explained in an easy day-today language using instances from Bollywood, history, politics and all else. What truly sets this book apart is the interpretation, Joshi has made an exemplary effort to explain these axioms and anecdotes into a business-like format. Bringing to fore, the hidden essence of the such anecdotes and more, Attitude Shift, transmutes into an essential guide on leadership, not merely linguistic scholarship.
In a strange karmic way, Joshi, who is an IIT-Kharagpur alumni and ex-database manager at Yahoo! India, was most suited for such an effort. Over the past many years, he has been running a rather esoteric grouping on Facebook, termed as Practical Sanskrit. Through the group, Joshi has been explaining the nuances of Sanskrit anecdotes and turning them mainstream. The book is an overreach of the group postings. And yet, Attitude Shift, goes beyond the limitations of a constricted page, explaining each of these gems in much detail.
The selection is much delectable as well, each one chosen to build a framework on personal development. So, in the start, Joshi's advice through an anecdotal story of an opium-eater or Ahibhuk, is to go beyond labels and titles, it ends with story of a baby seagull, that implies know your limits. Through the pages, one will be astounded by the knowledge and depth of these anecdotes. Sanskrit has still much to teach this world, the book just underscores the point.
Thus, anyone who is interested in culture, language, anecdotes, stories, and leadership, this book is a must read. Attitude Shift, can be a handy guide, that can be both inspiring and interesting simultaneously. Costing something around Rs. 195, the book can be ordered both in print and Kindle format from the online from Thinking Hearts Website (>http://corp.thinkingheartsonline.com/2011/02/attitude-shift-book.html).
Returning back to the maalti-obsessed bee story, after going through the book, it is hard to settle for anything ordinary. Attitude Shift is a prized possession in one's collection.
- Book: Attitude Shift - Sanskrit Maxims for Contemporary Life & Leadership
- Author: Shashikant Koshi
- Publishers: Thinking Heart
- Price: Rs. 195
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