David R. Slavitt

Within its 200,000 verse lines in Sanskrit the Mahabharata takes on many roles: epic poem, foundational text of Hinduism, and, more broadly, the engaging story of a dynastic struggle and the passing of an age when man and gods intermingled. David R. Slavitt’s sparkling new edition condenses the epic for the general reader. At its core, the Mahabharata is the story of the rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two related noble families who are struggling for control of a kingdom in ancient northern India. Slavitt’s readable, plot-driven, single-volume account describes an arc from the conception and birth of Bhishma to that hero's death, while also introducing the four goals of life at the center of Hinduism: dharma (righteousness, morality, duty), artha (purpose), kāma (pleasure), and moksa (spiritual liberation). The Mahabharata is engaging, thrilling, funny, charming, and finally awesome, with a range in timbre from the impish naivete of fairy tales to the solemnity of our greatest epics, and this single-volume edition is the best introduction available.

Mahabharata

Diana Platgalve

Mahābhārata is the longest epic ever written, originally in sanskrit. David R. Slavitt in his adaptation of Mahābhārata is covering story of power between branches of Bharata family: Kaurava and Pandavas, with main accent on great arc Bhishma. Overall, I must agree with the author that the adaptation is and isn’t Mahābhārata.
The epic was greatly organized for clarity purposes. Mahābhārata is often cited as being unstructured and chaotic (H.Olderberg), however, the particular assamblence brings clarity to the main idea behind particular translation the author had. 
The modified version is somewhat helpful. Even tho the main story is put on Bhishma and war, some components of spirituality, that has greatly affected Indian culture, still can be found. Particularly valuable dialog on great existential human questions is included in “The Yaksha” story. 
The religious aspect and importance of the book is somehow muted, even tho some core Hinduism beliefs still can be found throughout the book. Some previous knowledge on Hinduism would be beneficial to recognize those points (dharma, artha, kāma, moksa). The author purposefully has left out most part of the dialog between Krishna and Arjuna due to finding it preachy. And again I have to agree, that core ideas are still found in the ACTIONS of the main characters. 
The meta-view of Mahābhārata is impressive- from creation of the Universe and core religious beliefs to war over power. Even if particular version left out most of the original writing, I still appreciate stories told as they hold a certain moral value. It often asks to value asceticism and vedic teachings, however the morale of whole adaptation can be questionable for modern society.
Telling stories is a way to pass cultural beliefs, and the epic is a great insight in some of the most ancient views humanity withheld.

Mahabharata

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