Mahabharata: The Fifth Veda

The Mahabharata has for centuries been one of the greatest sources of historical epics and mystical wisdom in India. It contains tales of romance, greed, lust and revenge, stories of souls tormented by material attachment, fierce warriors and their bloodthirsty and romantic exploits. Thus it may appear, at first perusal, to be merely superficial storytelling, but at the heart of Mahabharata is dharma, the path of religious life. It is illuminated by the instructions of liberated sages throughout its pages. The stories serve as the illustrations by which the sages are able to make their profound philosophical message clear. The readers, being initially attracted by the stories, nevertheless derive the benefit, in the end, of association with saints.