Tattva-viveka
Stop everything you are doing and please listen to me!
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:05 pm
Got you attention? Good. And I will make sure I warrant the time I'm about to steal from you. Because it is my great pleasure to announce that our newest book has seen the light of day!
And without any hyperbole I can with both my modesty and humility say that it is the most beautiful book of the year. As I also told every potential customer who came within audiable distance from our sales table at the Helsinki comic book convetion.
But pretty is only on the surface - this book goes further than that. It is a story most sublime, and in harmony with many of the discussions currently on tattva viveka speaking of post modernism it too has something new to offer in that regard. For instead of just telling a one-sided story, it tells one story from three perspectives.
Staring no other than the loveable Audaryavasi (or should I at this point say Madhuvasi?) Gurunistha. It tells about his road from punk to monk, letting his mother tell her side of the story, giving the oportunity for his ex-girlfriend Eija to reiterate her version, and finally Gurunistha to speak about his recollections.
All in all it is a hefty 3 x 40 pages, amounting thus to a very readable 120 pages. And with two panels per page, you will definitely be in for a true treat. A warning though, after reading it, you might feel an insurmountable urge to give up everything and start running for Audarya. Thus not recomended material for those who still want to remain in the deep well of material existence.
And YES, in case it still remained unclear, we are very proud of this book!
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:14 pm
Now some cynical people might wan to costrue my proclamations as mere soulless sales pitches intended to make you part with your hard earned money.
As reply to this imaginative claim I offer you a collection of shining happy people to back up my claims of the healing effects of our fine books. Meet the folks from the Helsinki comic book conventin from two weeks ago. See, they are happy.
Wouldn't you want to be among them?
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:17 pm
Now, I know five people might still not sway you. But what about ten?
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:18 pm
Did I say ten? I meant fifteen!
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:22 pm
More, more!
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:25 pm
Is there no end for those lining up for the soothing mercy of Sri Chaitanya's sankirtan movement?
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:27 pm
And yes, the people in the pictures actually bought the items they are portrayed with! No trickery here.
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:32 pm
And our book table with the hostess with the mostess, Krishangi, who due to the incessant flow of clientel didn't really have any time over for her knitting.
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:36 pm
But a good salesman or woman should not forget about the customer's needs. They need scriptures, and we provide them with some. In an easily digestable form. Got to start somewhere!
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:39 pm
Will this posting never end?
Kamalaksa Das - September 26, 2008 7:40 pm
Yes, it will. About now. Thank you, and good night.
Rathi Krishna Dasa - September 26, 2008 8:22 pm
Yes, please.
Syama Gopala Dasa - September 26, 2008 10:32 pm
You better reserve a copy for me before you sellout to those gunshooting Finns! 
Tadiya Dasi - September 27, 2008 12:36 pm
Kamalaksa, your photos remind me of the sankirtana photos of the Finnish ISKCON 
The comic book looks indeed beautiful and I can't wait to read it (though it might take awhile for me to be able to afford it 
)
Citta Hari Dasa - September 29, 2008 12:09 am
Awesome cover!
Madeleine Brodd - September 29, 2008 9:26 am
How can I get this book? & How much is it?
Karnamrita Das - September 29, 2008 10:19 am
Yes a beautiful cover, and I am sure the book will be of the same great quality as your others. So when will they be available for us broke Americans with only dollars to spend, and how much? Whoops Madeleine just posted the same question. O well, I guess that makes it more urgent to answer!
Kamalaksa Das - September 29, 2008 3:16 pm
I am glad you asked about the price. It is high. Yet certainly worth every penny*.
If you are from the States, we will ship you a copy for $50. (In case you are quick enough to place your order before all your banks claim bankruptcy...
And if you are from Europe you will receive a book after depositing Euro 35 on our account.
Krishangi will return with details on our PayPal account. I guess.
*) Remember that apart from all other exquisite qualities the book also consists of a three part story with each part hand bound by an local artisan
Nitaisundara Das - September 29, 2008 4:01 pm
I am glad you asked about the price. It is high. Yet certainly worth every penny*.
If you are from the States, we will ship you a copy for $50. (In case you are quick enough to place your order before all your banks claim bankruptcy...
And if you are from Europe you will receive a book after depositing Euro 35 on our account.
Krishangi will return with details on our PayPal account. I guess.
*) Remember that apart from all other exquisite qualities the book also consists of a three part story with each part hand bound by an local artisan
Is Audarya going to get a complimentary copy?....and yes wise-guy our bank has already claimed bankruptcy . But dont be alarmed it actually does not affect us because they were bought over by another bank so nothing will change for the customers.
Kamalaksa Das - September 29, 2008 7:24 pm
A copy is well on its way to Audarya - packed and sealed as we speak. Just line up, and wait for your turn to read the story of your own mr Gurunistha. (Who reportedly has said that he is ashamed of some parts in the book - which ones those are you will have to figure out by yourself. In case we won't divulge that information volontarily.)
Rathi Krishna Dasa - September 29, 2008 8:51 pm
(In case you are quick enough to place your order before all your banks claim bankruptcy...
Seriously. Have you seen the new one dollar bill design?
Guru-nistha Das - September 29, 2008 11:02 pm
(Who reportedly has said that he is ashamed of some parts in the book - which ones those are you will have to figure out by yourself. In case we won't divulge that information volontarily.)
Ugh, what a sly sales tactic.
Kamalaksa Das - September 30, 2008 7:09 am
Ugh, what a sly sales tactic.
Wasn't it that these books are to be sold by hook or by crook...?
Kamalaksa Das - September 30, 2008 9:35 am
But why should you listen to me? Listen to our readers:
I have read the book - so nice with many dimensions, a super story and visually fantastic! Thank you! I immediately wish to order two more!
Hugs, N.
Kamalaksa Das - September 30, 2008 9:36 am
Hi,
I already read the book last weekend, but I've been too busy with a deadline week to comment upon it earlier.
You are surely a master in depicting life. Many times while reading it came to my mind that "this is exactly what we humans are like", and simultaneously that "this is what I am like". These are the kinds of books that make me read comics, these are the kind of books that make me feel that comic books can be as compelling literature as anything else out there.
The sturcture of your storytelling works really well. The different narrators change place in a natural way, each seamlessly giving their own addition to the story. Such a low key way of telling the story gives an impression that the author has a real grip on the story.
What also impresses me is how you are using the high and narrow panels. It works so fluently that it took me a while to even think about how hard it has to be for the artist to compose the pictures so that they won't come out as looking forced.
Like I have probably said earlier on, I especially like your ability to depict the hard things in life without subtracting anything from the hardships, yet maintaining a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. And I like your view of life, such as I see it through your books: there are no good or bad (persons) but people who have learned things to varying degrees in different walks of life.
I feel that your depicting of the great change in a persons picture of him- or herself, equating it with death, as very to the point. I myself went through something similar a few years back, when I first had given up my dancing career due to a burn out, and shortly there after got diagnosed with ms. A process you surely went through with your amputation. It appears that a way of experiencing things like that is typical for the human psyche.
It is also nice how you always think of different ways to "package" your products. The Japanese bookbinding is really beautiful. At first the books felt a bit weird, as the double pages inside were thicker than the covers, but it was something I got used to very quickly. (....)
As a reader I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to be able to get a hold of an artists work such as yours so soon after its publication. Once again, thank you for this experience!
P.
Kamalaksa Das - September 30, 2008 9:36 am
I was completely hooked, and once I started to read the book last night. I am sure I will still return to it many times. The story was intriguing, the storytelling too of course (great small details at the Mäkinen's place, such as the Aalto vase and the paintings).
A change of lifestyle is an idea most entertain at times, but very few go through with it (I am not counting having children in the category of change of lifestyle here...) I think that "success stories" such as Gurunistha's are very encouraging. Not that everyone should have a complete make over of their lives, but it is comforting that if you really want to it can succeed, one day at a time.
There is too much of a contrary mentality in the world, unwillingness to change, and too much scorn and blame, in regard to people's choices and failures.
Even the other persons points of view were interesting to read/look at.
And the small cows were wonderful!
a.
Kamalaksa Das - September 30, 2008 9:40 am
And before someone asks: no, I did not write them myself. Though I did translate them from Finnish and Swedish, so any errors in the text can be attributed to me.
Rathi Krishna Dasa - September 30, 2008 1:52 pm
Wow. Reading those reviews makes me want to read the book even more. I am fully ready to immerse myself in Gurunishta-lila. But, um, PayPal address? Did I miss it? Am I not qualified for such pastimes? Despite our miserable US economy, I willing to spend my hard-earned, worthless American dollars on some quality Finnish goods. Help a guy out!
Krsangi Dasi - September 30, 2008 2:18 pm
Yes! Send us money! The Paypal address is: kaisa@absolutetruthpress.com
The books will be shipped as Economy mail, in case you're in a hurry please add 10 dollars for Priority mail.
Rathi Krishna Dasa - September 30, 2008 2:37 pm
Yes! Send us money!
The books will be shipped as Economy mail, in case you're in a hurry please add 10 dollars for Priority mail.
Sent! Please hurry while my money is actually worth something!
Rathi Krishna Dasa - October 15, 2008 2:26 am
A week ago, I started watching the second round of US presidential debates, but after about 10 minutes or so, I couldn't stomach it and was completely bored with it. I could go into it more but I would never bring up anything political here on TV. Luckily, earlier that day I was happy to have received a copy of Audarya Lila: The death of Tuomas Mäkinen, which I read straight through that night.
The art and design of the book is much what we have come to expect from Krisangi and Kamalaksa. I found it quite exquisite. I love the way the three individual Japanese yotsume toji style bound books are held together with a ribbon bound hardcover. The clincher however, as with any good graphic novel, is not just the art but the story it tells. I found it very interesting the the three parts are done from three distinct vantage points.
Marketta Mäkinen tells her story of her son making a life changing decision in part one. It was touching to read of her doubts and fears as her son took part in something completely foreign to her. Ultimately she wants her son to be happy and pursue his dreams.
In part two, we are see Eija's side of things. Fiancée to Tuomas, we see Eija struggle as the boy she loves becomes more and more interested in his new found faith, one of the few things she doesn't share with him. "Tume had stepped on a path where I couldn't follow him," as she says.
In part three, we see Tuomas transform into Guru-Nistha (our hero!). The transformation is not an easy one as he attempts to acclimate himself to monastic life. Luckily, through the mercy of Swami and the help of his godsiblings, we see him prevail and flourish.
While reading through the eyes of our different narrators, one thing that was commonplace, was everyone had happy endings. Marketta was happy to see her son pursuing his dream. Eija eventually found her own independence and life now that she was on her own. And Guru-Nistha, well, we kind of know how things turned out for him. 
As one does, I couldn't help compare these things to my own life. Originally, I was very open with my parents about being interested in Krishna consciousness. It wasn't until my friend Luke told me when his parents tried to have him deprogrammed that things became weird. "My parents would never do that to me," I told Luke. His reply? "Yeah, that's what I used to think too." With this and some other events, my openness with my parents soon became very closed. Even now, it somewhat like the US military's stance on homosexuals serving - don't ask, don't tell. My parents know what I do, and I know they know, but we don't talk about it. It works about as well for us as it does for the US military. This is contrast to Tuomas' openness with his family as displayed in the book. I couldn't help but think how things would be different for me today if I was able to maintain that openness I once had.
Anyway, this isn't about me. It's about the book. And it's great! I was speaking about it to a friend of mine and she was so intrigued by everything I told her. During out conversation she kept saying how she had to see this book. Soon she will. Next time we meet, she is borrowing it. I am looking forward to hearing her thoughts when she is through.
Krsangi Dasi - January 29, 2009 8:00 pm
Yes, I know we should be posting photos from Costa Rica and several other occasions that we've neglected to describe here. 
But please bear with us and read how the Angouleme Comic Festival, the biggest and most prestigious comic art event in Europe, describes Audarya-Lila. We're very happy to have been shortlisted for their Alternative comics prize. And I'd also like to thank everyone here for your nice words about the book. We're getting them in small batches from the bookbinder, and selling them immediately when the boxes arrive on our porch. And none of the book's characters have sued us yet... 
Syama Gopala Dasa - January 29, 2009 9:26 pm
Nice, it is in French
Nitaisundara Das - January 30, 2009 3:24 am
And none of the book's characters have sued us yet...
but there has been talk.....I would be ready if I were you.
Bhrigu - January 30, 2009 11:52 am
Nice, it is in French
My French is almost completely corroded, but at least I could pick out "un magnifique objet" and "un dessin minimaliste très expressif". That sounds good, doesn't it!
Syama Gopala Dasa - January 30, 2009 4:20 pm
My French is almost completely corroded, but at least I could pick out "un magnifique objet" and "un dessin minimaliste très expressif". That sounds good, doesn't it!
I would expect Krsangi to show off her French skills by translating it, but alas. Luckily, my french is still quite okay and the review is very nice.
Nitaisundara Das - January 30, 2009 7:06 pm
Perhaps one of you fancy aristocrats would like to give a rough translation for the brutish Americans amongst us?
Krsangi Dasi - January 30, 2009 7:14 pm
Emboldened (is that a word? ) by your response I'll post another review, (in English, so that even you mono-literates get it ) written by a friend who just finished her bachelor's degree in literature in England. Please note that in the photo she's wearing a bathrobe that Kamalaksa bought from a flea market ca 1999 and later gave to her. She's using it as a coat and apparently getting some evil eye from the Brits. But I digress, and here's the review.
***
The Death of Tuomas Mäkinen is a story about crossroads, told from three different perspectives, with each tale confined to a separate book. Tuomas’s, or Tume’s, decision to join a Californian Hindu monastery is carefully depicted through the eyes of his parents, through the heart of his ex-girlfriend Eija and finally through his own experiences. The first book reflects on his youth, where his sensitivity against western traditions is discovered; he is upset when given too many Christmas presents and becomes somewhat enclosed in his own musical world which leads him to a life within the arts. Indeed, perhaps the first sign of Tume’s spiritual rebirth is through his grandmother, who during a birthday party presents him with books on philosophy and challenges him to think beyond material purposes. After his decision to leave Finland for an arguably uncertain path, his parents are forced to examine their influence on Tume’s life and are confronted with the divided traditions between western religion and eastern philosophy. Equally, Tume struggles with finding a balance between the two when visiting from the monastery.
The story of Eija and Tume is particularly bittersweet. The difficulties of trying to support a long-term partner who is going through a spiritual struggle, while finding the partner drifting further away, is delicately portrayed in K. Leka’s trademarked mouse characters. The book is dark; Eija’s despair is wonderfully familiar as their break-up contains all of the universal elements of bitterness, depression and longing. Yet here as well Tume’s path has widened Eija’s possibilities. Their separation forces Eija to see herself as an independent woman and not merely the girlfriend of a strong personality. She changes and re-emerges fully capable, a metamorphosis rather than an adaptation to a new situation.
Tume’s own point of view is crucial to the flow of the books. In the final book the purpose of his life-altering decision becomes clearer. Throughout the story he is searching for meaning and reason, and the monastery becomes like a calling. It is not necessarily about answers but understanding, and after speaking with the Swami Tume understands that his future lies in simplifying life and changing his goals. He maintains his faith through the insecurities despite little support from his loved ones. At the monastery he is confronted with a new set of challenges, where priorities change and rehabilitation begins.
The separate stories all centre around Tume’s philosophical search, emphasising that it is not something anyone ever goes through alone. K. Leka’s illustrations are simple yet portray the story effectively; the mice allow the characters to remain anonymous and therefore reachable for the individual reader. The three books are hand bound in a traditional Japanese style suitable to the tone of the story; the delicate and disciplined effect of the exterior honours the illustrations. They are contained in a hardcover folder with impeccable imagery. The choice of colour is a grey-blue that is tranquil and yet emphasises the weight of the subject matter; it compliments the simplicity of the layout. This is a beautiful and fragile story told with undertones of humour. The strength of it is in the humanity behind it, moulded into illustrations which give insight into a life-altering struggle in the search for peace. –Malin Bergström, 2008.
Krsangi Dasi - January 30, 2009 7:16 pm
I would expect Krsangi to show off her French skills by translating it, but alas. Luckily, my french is still quite okay and the review is very nice.
I would if I understood everything...
Syama Gopala Dasa - January 30, 2009 10:47 pm
"The book is dark" and the melancholy referred to in the French review surprise me a bit too. I can see what they are aiming at, but when I read the comic I didn't feel like that so much. Probably because I was forcing my own memories onto the story.
Bhrigu - January 31, 2009 9:07 am
Me neither, but I guess the name "The death of Tuomas Mäkinen" and the cover plays a part...