This book is a commentary of the epithets for Soma in the Rg Veda.
Soma is many things. It is a deity; it is a divine force; it is a religious
ceremony; it is an astronomical body; it is a plant; it is a mental state; it
is an experience of religious being; it is a substance obtained, brewed,
and consumed like beer. It is indeed all these. Or, Soma may be nothing
at all. It may simply be a mental construct, an edifice imagined by the
Rishiis and later by worshipers, erected for the purpose of directing their
visions and prayers. It may be a presence as ephemeral as the Holy Spirit in Christianity, elusive yet all-pervasive. It is most likely all these things. Its very pervasiveness presupposes an actual substance called “Soma” known to people and worshipers. ... Or, it may have been a contemporary fiction, forever talked about but in reality not existing, an archetype or boogieman or specter, similar to, for example, … “Voter Fraud.”
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Reviews for "One Thousand Names of Soma"
Reviewed by Rebecca Moore
5/13/2023
"One Thousand Names of Soma" by James Kalomiris is the second book in a series that aims to educate, entertain, and inform readers about the rich history and wisdom of Hinduism. In this book, James focuses on the mercurial entity known as Soma, which has multiple meanings in the Vedic dharma. Drawing from the Ninth Book of the Rig Veda, the author presents one thousand epithets for Soma, offering readers a complete picture of this complex and multifaceted entity. Through this exploration, the book sheds light on the nature of Soma and its significance in Hinduism.
James Kalomiris does an excellent job of providing a comprehensive and detailed explanation of who and what Soma is, as depicted in the Rig Veda. The book contains one thousand epithets or names for Soma found in the Ninth Book of the Rig Veda, providing a complete picture of this important entity in the Vedic dharma.
The writing is lively and engaging, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. Kalomiris' passion for the subject matter shines through in his writing, and readers will appreciate his efforts to make the complex subject matter accessible. One of the strengths of the book is its ability to capture the complexity of Soma's meaning in a single volume. The author skillfully weaves together different interpretations of Soma to give readers a nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
Overall, "One Thousand Names of Soma" is an informative and engaging book that will appeal to anyone interested in Hinduism or Vedic culture. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars and students of Hinduism, as well as general readers who want to learn more about this fascinating subject. It is sure to leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of this ancient tradition.
Reviewed by Bridget Ball
5/8/2023
Soma means a variety of things in the vedic dharma. This book helps break down the many definitions of Soma clearly and concisely and is both entertaining and educational. I used to have a difficult time pinning down the meaning of Soma until I read this book. The book is divided into different categories that helped me absorb the information to where I could finally comprehend it. I would recommend this book for anyone who is seeking more insight on Soma. This book is a great teaching tool for beginners as well as seasoned followers because it is a thorough deep dive into Soma and all of it’s glory. This is the second book in the series and I cannot wait to check out the next volumes and discover the mysteries within. Namaste!
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