BOOK REVIEW OF WHEN HEAVEN MEETS EARTH
(MAKING MEANING OF THE MARITAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE LENS OF THE SEVEN HINDU VOWS)
by Swarna L. Singhal, Ph.D.
The book describes in detail what the seven vows mean to anyone trying to understand why these vows are such an important part of a Hindu marriage. The author makes the explanations gripping by sharing personal stories from her own marriage and marriages of her friends and clients. The book takes a reader on a personal journey of self-reflection. It inspires a reader to contemplate deeply on the significance of such concepts as commitment, acceptance, respect, love, and spirituality and what they might mean to them in their own marital and other relationship.
To my dear readers,
The author has poured her heart and emotions in this book which made me emotionally connected.
I would like to add that the book has been a great eye-opener to thousands of people as it is divided into 2 parts – the VOWS and the Further Reading. The first section describes the seven vows and their value in a successful marriage. The Further Readings contains many essays the author has written on various aspects of human relationships such as sex and spirituality. It appears that the author has done a thorough research to gain knowledge of Hindu philosophy and has described complicated concepts in simple words for anyone to understand. This section also includes a chapter of the rituals performed in a Hindu marriage.
In the essay “A Meditation on Marriage”, I felt Dr. Singhal has spoken some truths not generally described in other books on marriage. In the weddings I have attended and even in the movies I have watched, the priest usually does not describe in simple language what each of those vows mean. This book does that.
The book holds facts about Hindu wedding ceremony which is so important for the youngsters to know because it holds importance in the todays world where there is a need to know about the religion and the culture which is somewhere lost.
WHY SHOULD ONE READ THE BOOK
1) To learn about the fundamentals and the essence of marriage and why it is important to follow the vows.
2) To become responsible husband and wife.
3) To understand that the simple three words, “I LOVE YOU” cost nothing, but they help in keeping the marriage prosperous.
4) To be mentally and physically strong in a marriage.
5) To act as a support system for each other.
6) To know about the true meaning of “om ravas santu joradastyaha”
7) To take care of the marriage life and fulfil all wishes.
The tittle “WHEN HEAVEN MEETS EARTH” has great significant
In this title the heaven is the husband, and the earth is the wife. Earth and heaven complement each other. There is a close relationship bond that is formed between two people before getting married. They can use the book as a guide to write their own personalized vows. Recently a couple in California used the book to write their own vows.
I also liked the Last chapter titled, The Epilogue, which encourages couples or anyone reading the book to become their own friend, their own ‘self-partner,’ to make their own life journey meaningful.
“When they begin to embrace their own uniqueness, it becomes easier for them to accept their partners as they are”
- Swarna L. Singhal, Ph.D.
Recommendation –
They book is highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience a journey to know a detailed version of what the importance of the 7 Vows is and why the marriage is something which needs time and understanding. This book is also meant for them to understand how they can plan and lead a successful marriage life.
I gave the recommendation first as I would like to add the purpose of the book. The author wants to add some values to the society by her attempt to bring a book which is a complete package for your loved ones who are going to be married soon. The book not only acts as a guiding light but also adds a spiritual concept of love which will heal your inner self. This book is a great gift for the guests invited to a wedding. It makes a great gift for anyone, period.
ADVANTAGE OF THIS BOOK –
1) The bride will be calm and peaceful before marriage if she reads this book as this book provides strength to carry on life with dignity and self-respect.
2) The book will make the groom understand the importance of his wife after marriage as it will add a sense of responsibility.
3) This book is a complete book which will guide you and your family when you need someone to understand a difficult situation.
The book is published by – Notion Press which is available on Amazon, flip cart, and Walmart. The book is of 110 pages. To know more about the book, do buy your copy from amazon in india or anywhere else in the world.
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