Shakuntala Introduction

SHAKUNTALA

Introduction by Michael Dolan/B.V. Mahāyogī

Ancient Sanskrit edition of Mahabharata

The story of Shakuntala is related in the Adi Parva of Mahabharata महाभरत, and retold centuries later by the great Sanskrit poet Kālidāsa probably in around the 5th century in his literary play, Abhijñāna-śākuntala, अभिज्ञानशाकुन्तल.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakuntala

Artist's conception of Kālidāsa

Kālidāsa's accomplishment in the composition of this work is indeed masterful, and in the opinion of many great scholars surpasses the original tale in the Mahābharata, both for lyricism and poetry as well as for the depth of his romantic vision.

Śrīdhara Mahārāja, known for his erudition

My own gurudeva, His Divine Grace Bhakti Rakṣaka Śrīdhara Dev Goswāmī, who was known for his erudition in Sanskrit as well as for his philosophical wisdom in Gaudiya Vaishnava siddhānta, particularly loved the poetry of Kālidāsa, representing as it does the best of ancient Indian culture and the highest virtures of Sanskrit drama. While it may be seen by some as merely a fairy tale or romance, the story of Shakuntala not only contains elements of drama far in advance of Shakespeare, but also delineates the moral and religious precepts of ancient India as shown in her mythology and spiritual culture.

Sanskrit Text

The story is often given summary form by story-tellers who cover the basic plot points, redacting severely the poetic sense of the work. In the interest of brevity, I am unable to give full justice to Kalidasa, but have tried to include some of his more lyric turns of phrase.

My particular retelling is a work in progress; I began constructing this version after going through various translations of Mahābhārata, particularly that of Kishori Mohan Ganguli (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15474/15474-h/15474-h.htm) long considered the most authoritative, for it is the only translation of all 100,000 Sanskrit verses into English.


Of course, the version of Kalidas varies with that of Mahābhārata, and for this I have consulted both the translations made my Monier Monier Williams of Sanskrit dictionary fame as well as that of Arthur Ryder. (http://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/1261) These versions are in the public domain and may be found at Gutenberg.org. However the language of these translations is circuitous and Victorian and sounds to my ear quite out-dated. The Sanskrit drama runs to more than 100 pages in translation and is difficult to follow, but for anyone who likes a deeper study of the work, it's worth the read.

Shakuntala by Raja Ravi Varma

So in my retelling here on the blog I have included ample illustrations from various sources: Movie posters, TV shows, still photos of dramas, Iskcon paintings, and the excellent artwork of Raja Ravi Varma.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ravi_Varma 


I have no particular permission to use these different illustrations.  But since my blog is not commercial and is for educational purposes only, I see no harm in including different paintings and drawings in different styles to bring the reader closer to the story.

The curse of Durvasa Muni

As a blogger, I'm inviting my readers to journey with me through the creative process. This retelling is undergoing editorial change on a regular basis; when it is finished it may take on a more formal aspect and be published as a book or graphic novel. At the present moment I have taken this on more or less as a hobby, something that might entertain my many friends and readers around the world.

I have been publishing this as a serial, a few paragraphs a day, for two reasons: one, to allow the reader to get involved in the story a little bit at a time, and two, for the purpose of editing gradually what I began last year as a larger project, the retelling of the entire Mahābhārata.



I thank you all for your patience in reading. I sincerely hope you enjoy this version and that it allows you to reflect on the traditions and wisdom of ancient India on your path to truth. I hope that my humble attempt to retell the stories found in  these great classics brings you some light.

Humbly,

Michael Dolan/B.V. Mahayogi