INDIA: In Search of the Fourth Veda

INDIA: In Search of the Fourth Veda explores the esoteric culture of India with a variety of questions. Why are arranged marriages preferred? Why is each birth recorded by the minute? Why are horoscopes so common that computer stores offer them? Why are palmistry and numerology popular? Why is a caste system important? Why are there so many gods? A native English teacher explained, "Our culture is based on four sacred texts called Vedas. The fourth Veda gives instruction on astrology, horoscopes, palmistry, numerology, and other practical skills which make India unique." The author traveled from Delhi to Coimbatore witnessing the fourth Veda influence that blankets the country. While living in a cockroach-infested lodge she taught English at a private school and jungle villages. She describes interviews with swamis, brahmins, entomologists, film producers, astrologers, holy men and everyday householders who all declared that the fourth Veda is a storehouse of knowledge. "Astrology," a physician insisted, "is definitely a science. You people in the West don't have any idea what we have here in India." Daily events in the memoir provide humor and personalize the research. A Masters Degree in English as a Second Language earned the author an invitation to teach in India. Her minor in Ancient Religious Texts helped connect India to other ancient world views covered throughout the book. "The sacred Vedas," she writes, "are the essence of the Indian soul, the structure of generational DNA that has kept an ancient civilization intact for thousands of years." In a five star review Charles Remington of Readers' Favorites says, "Reading Ms. Gunderson's unflinching narrative you will get an understanding of India's long history and spiritual background without involving yourself in years of study. To achieve this in a single book is nothing short of brilliant."