History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Mahabharata: The Greatest Spiritual Epic of All Time (Great Classics of India)

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Faithful and fascinating rendering
A good read for those who are unfamiliar with the story...
Krishna Biased rendering
NOT AVAILABLE
Great Epic, good book in simplified language

Mahabharata: The Greatest Spiritual Epic of All Time (Great Classics of India)
Krishna Dharma
Manufacturer: Torchlight Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1887089136

Book Description

A powerful and moving tale, the Mahabharata recounts the history of the five heroic Pandava brothers. Cheated of their kingdom and sent into exile they set off on a fascinating journey.Profound spiritual themes underlie the thrilling narrative, making it one of the world'ss most revered texts. Culminating in an apocalyptic war, Mahabharata is a masterpiece of suspense, intrigue, and illuminating wisdom.

Customer Reviews:

Faithful and fascinating rendering.......2006-05-08

The Mahabharata says of itself, "What is not found here in the realms of religion, economic development, pleasure and liberation, will not be found anywhere else, and what is found anywhere else in these realms will also be found here." The original text contains a hundred thousand Sanskrit verses (although it is also said that in higher planets the text consists of a million verses), so there is certainly enough scope for this statement to be true. And having read the original several times I for one would not want to argue. The wealth of both material and spiritual wisdom found in the Mahabharata is phenomenal, truly mind-blowing to use the modern vernacular, and what is most wonderful is that it is presented in such a palatable way, through the medium of so many fascinating tales. We hear of kings and sages, of gods, demigods, nymphs and angels, and of heroes dedicated to the path of holy virtue. As we read we feel uplifted and edified, transported to some amazing ancient world where life had a purpose, where everyone understood that we are eternal spiritual beings, and that all of us are on a journey that ultimately ends in liberation, in freedom from the cycle of birth and death and all its concomitant suffering.

It would take a brave man therefore to attempt to contain all this in a single book, and Krishna Dharma is to be commended for his effort. His main aim has plainly been to convey the spirituality of the text, but he has not done so at the expense of the critical elements of the story. The narrative flows smoothly and entertainingly. Dharma's turn of phrase is stirring, elevated and often wryly humorous, which is quite in keeping with the original. Indeed, he has adhered closely to the original, as far as I can see, very much keeping the voice of the sage Vyasa - the book's original author - resounding throughout the pages. I believe this was a major concern of his, and in fact he is a disciple in a spiritual line that descends from Vyasa himself, so it is hardly surprising.

Although Dharma has used a writing style somewhat similar to a modern novelist, it has to be remembered that the Mahabharata cannot be compared to a contemporary novel. It is not a book of suspense that aims to titillate and keep us on the edge of our seats until some dramatic climax occurs. Rather it seeks to present profound spiritual truths and worldly wisdom, couched in various stories that are all woven around one central narrative. There is therefore a certain amount of repetition and Dharma has often abbreviated lengthy and repetitive sections of the original to make it more readable, but without losing the essential points. His treatment of the Bhagavad-gita is a good example. This forms one chapter of the work and consists of seven hundred philosophical verses in the original. Dharma has expertly condensed it into a fascinating narration, managing at the same time to present the core messages in an easily assimilable way.

One thing I particularly liked about this version was the way that Dharma gives insights into the inner life of the characters, which is rarely found in the original text. This is a real strength of the book, in my view. He brings the characters to life in a dramatic fashion that keeps the interest of his reader as well as any fast paced novel might do. Like one of the professional reviewers cited here, I also found that I could hardly "tear my mind away." But more than that I found myself moved on a deep spiritual level, inspired to embark on the inner journey that the Mahabharata so vividly portrays through the pastimes of Krishna and his pure followers, the Pandavas, who are the book's main characters. At the end of the day, this was the intention of Vyasa, so I would say that Dharma has succeeded in this endeavour. Certainly the best modern rendition that I have read. Highly recommended.

A good read for those who are unfamiliar with the story..........2006-04-30

But I'd say that if you already know about the Mahabharat, then this version won't do much for you. Here's what I enjoyed about Krishna Dharma's version:

It is very descriptive. He obviously enjoyed writing this piece of work. There's even a family tree in one of the appendices. The vastness of this version is largely attributed to the detailed descriptions he uses for battles. These parts are written well.

But the flaws:

He is constantly telling the reader that Krishna is God. Constantly. K. Dharma must have thought his readers had short term memory loss after every page.

He strips away the political aspects. Instead of showing a family grappling for power, he makes this is a good vs. evil story. And that is the point of view of ISKCON, I believe. So that makes sense. But it makes the entire story boring. He doesn't delve into the Kauravas motives, or Bhisma's conflicted state, or Vidur's pain of seeing his country torn. By making it good vs. evil, a lot of character development is killed. This makes the story bland.

Seriously, the best Mahabharat I've seen is the B.R. Chopra DVD set. The acting is ok, but the script is phenomenal. Characters are richly developed, and you can completely connect with each character's point of view, even the villains.

Don't buy this, borrow it. I'm still searching for a better literary version of the Mahabharat.

Krishna Biased rendering.......2006-02-13

Although this book is indeed a great read, I think it should be fully warned that this book is written by a Krishna Priest, and therefore far more Krishna oriented than e.g the beautiful rendering by William Buck and the great full translation began by Van Buitenen. I too believe that Krishna is a reincarnation of God, but I'm afraid the story doesn't get better by augmenting this point at every possibility.

NOT AVAILABLE.......2005-08-24

August 23, 2005 -- gave up waiting for Amazon to ship this book

Great Epic, good book in simplified language.......2005-01-05

I remember the first time I read the story of Mahabharata. I was 11 yrs old, and was never able to forget it, such is the story of this great epic. Then came the story of Mahabharata on TV from B.R. Chopra to refresh the memmory and further creating an everlasting impression.
It was long time now for me and I thought I forgot this epic story so got hold of 16 DVD set of Mahabharata by B.R.Chopra, and I was very intrigued by some of the facts or lets say short stories rather. I thought it is high time to verify what does original mahabharata says. I went on and found the actual 1,00,000 lines poem but alas it was in Sanskrit, I can read sanskrit but its too long to follow up. I searched for a good book which shud be written directly from the this sanskrit poem and my search ended with this bbok.
The book is written nicely, there are lot of stories that were presented pretty well here. I read it to gain more knowledge on the subject and was very satisfying to know more abt stories like Killing of Anuj Keechaks, Arjuna killed by his son, Story of Ullupi, 10 names of Arjun, Narayana Astra etc etc
Giving 4 stars because I also wanted to know more abt the Third Dice Game which is missed out everywhere. I have read it in some specific research book but dont know why it is always missed out.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
A classic of Indian Buddhist literature

Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend
Kyabje Kangyur Rinpoche , and Nagarjuna
Manufacturer: Snow Lion Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1559392274

Book Description

This book appeal to any reader with interest in Mahayanna Buddhism and the great classic of Indain Buddisht literature.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2006-12-03

This is a very nice translation of the traditional text. However, equally important is the exceptional comments by Kyabje Kangyur Rinpoche & the supplemental information, including an index, glossary, notes and a structure of the teachings in this text. This book well surpassed my expectations of a good translation of an important text.

A classic of Indian Buddhist literature.......2006-03-08

Skillfully translated into English by Padmakara Translation Group, Nagarjuna's Letter To A Friend is an outline of the fundamental principles of Mahayana Buddhism as penned in the form of a poem by the Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna (1st-2nd century A.D.) to a South Indian King. Now a classic of Indian Buddhist literature, Nagarjuna's Letter To A Friend has only 123 verses yet covers the whole of the Mahayana path, in which followers strive for Buddhahood for the sake of all beings, and offers a practical approach to daily conduct alongside a theological discussion of the different stages leading to enlightenment. Kangyur Rinpoche offers a commentary that sheds light on the more technical or mystifying aspects of Nagarjuna's poem, offering full explanations of difficult concepts. A structural outline and Tibetan line index allow reader to quickly locate quotes used in other Tibetan works; notes and a glossary round out this "must-read" text for serious-minded students and practitioners of Mahayana Buddhism.

Blessing Power of the Buddhas: Sacred Objects, Secret Lands

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excelent overview of "miracles" in Tibetan Buddhism

Blessing Power of the Buddhas: Sacred Objects, Secret Lands
Norma Levine
Manufacturer: Element Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

excelent overview of "miracles" in Tibetan Buddhism.......1999-11-02

Norma Levine's close association with Tai Situ, Rinpoche, one of the highest Tibetan lamas, is used to highlight her examination of the phenomena of ringsel (spontaneously appearing relics), rangjung ("self arisen" rock and bone artifacts), beyul- the "hidden lands" of refuge, the career of Padmasambhava, Tibet's great culture hero, and ter, the teachings hid by Padmasambhava in rock or in the mindstreams of his disciples. Levine takes care to handle these topics with dignified sensitivity, helping us to view these "miracles" as the physical manifestations of blessing/inspiration.

Commentaries on the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita: The Three Branches of India's Life-Tree

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Enlightening Commentary and Spiritual Revelations
A good book of social and religious meanings.

Commentaries on the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita: The Three Branches of India's Life-Tree
Sri Chinmoy
Manufacturer: Aum Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0884971139

Book Description

This book brings toge ther in one volume Sri Chinmoy's commentaries on the Vedas the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita three ancient Indian scriptures which are the foundations of Hindu spiritual tradition. His approach is clear and practical and at the same time profound and richly poetic. In a style unmistakably his own Sri Chinmoy makes direct and personal contact with the reader who joins him on a journey through the wisdom of these celebrated classics. This book is both an excellent introduction for readers who are coming to the subject for the first time and a series of illumining meditations for those who already know it well.

Customer Reviews:

Enlightening Commentary and Spiritual Revelations.......1999-11-20

Enlightening commentary on all 3 ancient Indian scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita) in one book. Sri Chinmoy transcends mere commentary by providing us with spiritual illumination on the inner meaning of these important works. Sri Chinmoy is a fully realised spiritual master (who conducts meditation for the United Nations), and his very words provide us with direct spiritual inspiration/enlightenment.

A good book of social and religious meanings........1999-08-14

The story and meaning of the Sacred Tree is related well in this book. The social and religious meanings, as well as symbols, are expounded on. This is a good book for grades 10, 11, & 12.

Sacred Waters: A Pilgrimage up the Ganges River to the Source of Hindu Culture

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Wonderful Introduction to River Ganga
Sacred Travel

Sacred Waters: A Pilgrimage up the Ganges River to the Source of Hindu Culture
Stephen Alter
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0151005850

Amazon.com

Garhwal, boasting the four sources of the Ganges River in northern India, must qualify as one of the most sacred stretches of land in the world, and novelist Stephen Alter transports us there in his travelogue Sacred Waters. Countless pilgrims make the same trip every year, but whereas they now travel by bus, Alter does it the old-fashioned way, trekking to each of the headwaters on foot. Since this is also Alter's birthplace and childhood stomping grounds, we couldn't ask for a better guide. He knows each species of plant, bird, and beast by name and tells the grand tales of Hindu mythology associated with the ancient terrain. Fluent in the local languages, he also makes us privy to his chats with pot-smoking sadhus, greedy Brahmins, simple nomads, and pilgrims that he meets along the way. Although Alter has the tendency to slip into the emotionless detachment of a journalist in his descriptions, there remains enough wonder at the power of the natural landscape and color in the fantastic myths to make Sacred Waters a trek worth taking. --Brian Bruya

Book Description

This is an account of a journey taken in India. The destination is the source of the Ganges, the holy and most famous of Indian rivers. It is a physical journey, involving train rides across the vast plains and passages on foot far into snow-covered valleys and mountains. It is also a spiritual journey, taking a man deep into the heart and soul of the ancient religious culture of India.

Stephen Alter, who was born in the Himalayan foothills, crosses many miles, and several millennia, to search for the source of Indian religion. Along the way, as he reaches one holy spot after another, meeting grounds for pilgrims, remote towns, and forgotten temples, he delves into the myths and traditions of an antique land. He explores the tales of heroic derring-do, evil and good, and recounts the great stories of death, warfare, passions, and sacred wisdom that animate the vibrant history and religious traditions of India. As every pilgrim learns, a spiritual search involves travel but ultimately returns to the inner self. Sacred Waters is a richly told narrative of a beautiful land and of a man's interior journey, and is for readers everywhere who seek to plumb their own spiritual sources.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Introduction to River Ganga.......2004-07-14

Surprisingly, there exist very few good books on the rich myths, and natural history of the hill districts of Garhwal and Kumaon. Till date probably the best known figure from the region is Jim Corbett of the "Man Eaters of Kumaon" fame.

Stephen Alter's latest book titled, "Sacred Waters," is a beautifully written narrative of his journey to the sources of River Ganga (or Ganges) in the Garhwal Himalayas. For the Hindus, the Ganga is a sacred river.

Alter's book is a welcome addition to the few goods books that exist about this region. The book is a wonderful introduction to understanding the history of the region, and the central place the River Ganga occupies for many Indians.

The book is an interesting mix of natural history, myths and Alter's own personal experience of River Ganga, whose source is hidden in the beautiful and rugged mountains of Garhwal, often called as "Dev Bhoomi," - the land of the gods. Alter paints a fascinating picture of the changing moods and nature of the river as it bursts from the mountains and courses down to the dusty Gangetic plains, and into the ocean.

Alter is a second generation Pahari-American, who was born and brought up in the hills of Uttaranchal. Pahari means someone from the mountain in Hindi.

Sacred Travel.......2001-10-29

Stephen Alter's marvelous book is reminiscent of fine nineteenth century travel writing in which the writer, in lucid, and sometimes poetic, style brings the reader with him to see and experience things most people never would otherwise. His credentials are impeccable: the son of missionaries who was raised in northern India, fluent in Hindi and conversant in other Indian languages and possessed of an encyclopedic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. A non believer, he traces the steps of an ancient pilgrimage, feeling the spiritual attraction of the place while wryly commenting on the religious hypocrisy he encounters along the way. For all of its gifts it is the writing that commends this fine book. For the author's wise and seasoned view of the world and understatement of the rigors of his journey I would compare it to Bruce Chatwin's, In Patagonia.

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Chola: Sacred Bronzes of Southern India
Vidya Dehejia , John Guy , and John Eskenazi
Manufacturer: Royal Academy of the Arts
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 190397383X

Book Description

Between the ninth and the thirteenth centuries, the Chola dynasty was the dominant cultural, artistic, religious, and political force in southern India. Though relatively unknown in the West, Chola bronzes are widely considered to be not only among the very finest works of Indian sculptural art, but the finest examples of bronze casting ever created. Among the exquisite examples here are the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Ganesh, and a portrayal of Krishna dancing on the serpent Kaliya—one of only two in existence. This sumptuous book includes essays exploring how and why these objects came to be made, and the role they played within Hinduism and Chola culture.

Dance of Divine Love: India's Classic Sacred Love Story: The Rasa Lila of Krishna

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Dance of Divine Love: India's Classic Sacred Love Story: The Rasa Lila of Krishna
Graham M. Schweig
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0691114463

Book Description

The heart of this book is a dramatic love poem, the Rasa Lila, which is the ultimate focal point of one of the most treasured Sanskrit texts of India, the Bhagavata Purana. Judged a literary masterpiece by Indian and Western scholars alike, this work of poetic genius and soaring religious vision is one of the world's greatest sacred love stories and, as Graham Schweig clearly demonstrates, should be regarded as India's Song of Songs. The story presents the supreme deity as the youthful and amorous cowherd, Krishna, who joins his beloved maidens in an enchanting and celebratory "dance of divine love."

Schweig introduces this work of exquisite poetry and profound theology to the Western world in the form of a luminous translation and erudite scholarly treatment. His book explores the historical context and literary genre of the work and elucidates the aesthetic and emotional richness of the composition, highlighting poignant details of this drama of divine love. Schweig illuminates the religious dimensions and ethical nuances of the drama, drawing widely from the commentaries and esoteric vision of masters of the Caitanya school of Vaishnavism, a prominent devotional Hindu tradition.

Themes such as transcendence of death through love, the yoga of devotion, the contrast between worldly love and passionate love for God, and the dialectical tension between ethical boundaries and boundless love are presented. The final event of the Rasa dance, the author concludes, presents a dynamic symbol of supreme love that provides the basis for a theological vision of genuine religious pluralism.

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Exploring India's Sacred Art
Barbara Stoler Miller
Manufacturer: University of Pennsylvania Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Banaras: Sacred City of India
Raghubir Singh
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0500241325

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