The Path of Light: Tales from the Upanishads, Jatakas and Indic Lore

The book bridges ancient philosophical traditions with modern moral landscapes. Culled entirely from foundational roots like the Upanishads, the Jatakas, and varied South Asian folklore, the text presents a geographic narrative landscape sweeping from the banks of the Yamuna and Kaveri rivers out across the eastern seas to show how the ordinary can transform into the extraordinary.

Renuka Narayanan is a prominent Indian author, journalist, and commentator who writes extensively on religion and culture. She has served as the Arts Editor for The Indian Express and the Editor for Religion & Culture at the Hindustan Times. She was also the start-up director of the Indian Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Bangkok. Her other widely read titles include The Book of Prayer, Faith: Filling the God-sized Hole, and Mahadev. She currently resides in Delhi

• • The core of this book revolves around the duality of human nature, showing people capable of both extreme cruelty and inordinate kindness. Rather than offering preachy lectures, it brings alive specific hidden legends, such as the rarely discussed story of a boy sold into servitude during the reign of King Harishchandra (sourced from the Aitareya Brahmana section of the Rig Veda). The collection tracks the spiritual journey of mortals, monks, and historical thinkers alike, using humorous and contemplative situations to lay bare the natural flaws and ultimate resilience of humanity.