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Invincible Arjuna
Tell me what you can see, Arjuna,’ repeated Drona ‘Do you see the tree?’
‘No,’ said Arjuna.
‘Do you then see the bird?’ There was a sense of rising excitement in Drona’s voice.
‘No! I can simply see the eye of the bird, nothing else,’ responded Arjuna without taking his eyes off the target.
‘Now, shoot!’ Drona commanded in a shrill voice.
Everyone who stood there saw Arjuna’s arrow whizz past and heard a sharp click. The arrow was stuck in the middle of the bird’s eye.
That day, a legend was born. Arjuna was declared a shreshtha, a supreme human talent. Arjuna’s most powerful weapon was not his Gandiva. His power came from ekagrata—his one-pointed concentration.
Arjuna re-defined the limits of human achievement. He conquered his enemies with the sword of clarity and the shield of discrimination.
In this creative re-imagining of the story of Arjuna, Debashis Chatterjee mines the Mahabharata and discovers nine precious lessons that will enable any one of us to become heroes in our own lives. Whether it is gaining mastery over life, harnessing our will power, or prioritising action choices—these life-lessons from that most charismatic of Pandavas can truly put each one of us on the hero-path.
A magical blend of mythology and management, this book is worth reading, and re-reading, many times over.
‘No,’ said Arjuna.
‘Do you then see the bird?’ There was a sense of rising excitement in Drona’s voice.
‘No! I can simply see the eye of the bird, nothing else,’ responded Arjuna without taking his eyes off the target.
‘Now, shoot!’ Drona commanded in a shrill voice.
Everyone who stood there saw Arjuna’s arrow whizz past and heard a sharp click. The arrow was stuck in the middle of the bird’s eye.
That day, a legend was born. Arjuna was declared a shreshtha, a supreme human talent. Arjuna’s most powerful weapon was not his Gandiva. His power came from ekagrata—his one-pointed concentration.
Arjuna re-defined the limits of human achievement. He conquered his enemies with the sword of clarity and the shield of discrimination.
In this creative re-imagining of the story of Arjuna, Debashis Chatterjee mines the Mahabharata and discovers nine precious lessons that will enable any one of us to become heroes in our own lives. Whether it is gaining mastery over life, harnessing our will power, or prioritising action choices—these life-lessons from that most charismatic of Pandavas can truly put each one of us on the hero-path.
A magical blend of mythology and management, this book is worth reading, and re-reading, many times over.
- GenresPhilosophyMythology
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2016
50 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Debashis Chatterjee
22 books27 followersProfessor Debashis Chatterjee has taught leadership classes at Harvard University and at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) of Calcutta, Lucknow and Kozhikode for nearly three decades.The longest-serving director of a first-generation IIM, he was reappointed to head IIM Kozhikode for a third five-year term in June 2023. Prof. Chatterjee has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship twice for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral work at Harvard University. A prolific author, he has published fiction and non-fiction, including Leading Consciously, Krishna: The 7th Sense and Timeless Leadership, which have been translated into several national and international languages. He has taught the art and practice of leadership to more than hundred thousand managers globally in Fortune 500 corporations and over fifty thousand school leaders. Prof. Chatterjee is credited with transforming a small-town B-school into an institution of global recognition that is now counted among the top three IIMs in India and the top seventy-five management schools worldwide according to the Financial Times rankings. He can be reached at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2k...
https://in.linkedin.com/in/debashisch...
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2k...
https://in.linkedin.com/in/debashisch...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 11, 2017
Arjuna was my Childhood hero. After reading this book, I realized why he is ought to be called one. A truly inspirational work. Would recommend to anyone looking for some motivation.
One of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Our real nature is infinite compared to the finite situation that we find ourselves in. Whenever Arjuna's mind begins to believe that he is grater than his situation, he finds success."
One of my favourite quotes from the book:
"Our real nature is infinite compared to the finite situation that we find ourselves in. Whenever Arjuna's mind begins to believe that he is grater than his situation, he finds success."
August 1, 2024
The Invincible Arjuna” by Sweety Shinde is a retelling of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of one of its central characters, Arjuna. The book explores the life and adventures of Arjuna, known for his unparalleled skills in archery and his moral dilemmas.
The narrative covers key events from Arjuna’s life, including his role in the Kurukshetra war, his relationships with his brothers, his divine interactions, and his complex emotions. The author delves into Arjuna’s internal conflicts, his sense of duty, and his struggles with righteousness and destiny.
The narrative covers key events from Arjuna’s life, including his role in the Kurukshetra war, his relationships with his brothers, his divine interactions, and his complex emotions. The author delves into Arjuna’s internal conflicts, his sense of duty, and his struggles with righteousness and destiny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
கதாநாயகன் எப்படி இருக்க வேண்டும் என்பதற்கு அர்ஐினா எடுத்துகாட்டு.
October 17, 2020
Debashis Chatterjee is an academic writer. I loved the way he drew values from an epic character of Mahabharatha.The book is mainly written for students. But, anyone who keeps learning in life can pick this up. The author discusses Arjuna's biggest qualities like focus, concentration, goal oriented attitude and many other things in this book. It was a mix of motivation and spirituality.
March 6, 2017
A lot has been written about Arjun's character and his role in Mahabharat. This book offers a few fresh insights into the character of this multi faceted chief protagonist that could be of use to the present day manager/leader.
December 8, 2020
After having read Prof. Debashis’s bestselling book - “Timeless Leadership: 18 Sutras from the Bhagavad Gita” (more than once), I was delighted to see yet another mythological book titled - “Invincible Arjuna”, authored by Prof. Chatterjee, whilst browsing through books on the Amazon online store. In the blink of the eye, I placed an order.
In this creative re-imagining of the story of Arjuna, Prof. Chatterjee mines the Mahabharata and discovers nine precious lessons that will enable any one of us to become heroes in our own lives. Whether it is gaining mastery over life, harnessing our will power, or prioritizing action choices - these life-lessons from that most charismatic of Pandavas can truly put each one of us on a hero-path.
Heroes leave their footprints on the tracks of time. They inspire generations to look at those footprints as milestones on the hero path. Arjuna is a path maker. The torch of invincibility is taken over by a hero from a new generation. Heroes come and go. Stars flourish and fade away. However, the touchstones for heroism never really change.
A magical blend of mythology and management, this book is worth reading, and re-reading, many times over.
In this creative re-imagining of the story of Arjuna, Prof. Chatterjee mines the Mahabharata and discovers nine precious lessons that will enable any one of us to become heroes in our own lives. Whether it is gaining mastery over life, harnessing our will power, or prioritizing action choices - these life-lessons from that most charismatic of Pandavas can truly put each one of us on a hero-path.
Heroes leave their footprints on the tracks of time. They inspire generations to look at those footprints as milestones on the hero path. Arjuna is a path maker. The torch of invincibility is taken over by a hero from a new generation. Heroes come and go. Stars flourish and fade away. However, the touchstones for heroism never really change.
A magical blend of mythology and management, this book is worth reading, and re-reading, many times over.
February 5, 2020
The Invincible Arjuna exemplifies the concepts and skills which the great warrior Arjuna had in a beautiful way. The author keeps you intrigued by reciting anecdotes in each chapter which helps in understanding the milestones one needs to reach in order to become a modern life hero. It describes about Arjuna's great skills of focus and concentration which are essential for one's success in whatever he wants to achieve. The author has wonderfully simplified the Mahabharata and has adapted it to modern day version which would help us in our daily lives. It was a great read and would recommend it to anyone interested in Mythological heroes.
December 16, 2017
Outstanding Book.
This book is quite simply an outstanding book which would inspire readers and help them focus to achieve their goals. This book is a real tribute to one of the greatest and inspiring heroes we ever had. Arjuna had always been my hero and reading this book was a great experience for me. This book will inspire readers on how to have your singular focus in achieving goals and also teaches lessons of life to remain balanced and composed. I congratulate the Author for this masterpiece.
This book is quite simply an outstanding book which would inspire readers and help them focus to achieve their goals. This book is a real tribute to one of the greatest and inspiring heroes we ever had. Arjuna had always been my hero and reading this book was a great experience for me. This book will inspire readers on how to have your singular focus in achieving goals and also teaches lessons of life to remain balanced and composed. I congratulate the Author for this masterpiece.
July 8, 2017
A very good read for someone who is a student or has just started their career. The book is simply written and has many beautiful quotes. The author Debashis Chatterjee was director of IIM Kozhikode and a popular teacher. His ability to inspire and explain are evident in this book.
A short but insightful read filled with learnings.
A short but insightful read filled with learnings.
March 21, 2020
Many think Arjuna to be a born hero, rightly so. But he worked hard, built himself and made himself a man of character to reach the highest level. This has been described beautifully. In short, how was Arjuna different, what can we learn from him - One of the best self help book i ve ever read
November 3, 2024
I was looking forward to reading about my favourite topic, the skilled one Arjun* and the omniscient/omnipresent Krishn*. It was a breezy read with many takeaways for one’s life. Definitely leaves you with food for thought regarding selfless action.
However, think the book was a bit repetitive, forced at different junctures. This could have been at least 10% shorter.
However, think the book was a bit repetitive, forced at different junctures. This could have been at least 10% shorter.
September 24, 2017
This book I picked to get a different perspective of Arjuna as the world knows him, but it wasn't for it.
Throughout the book, it felt like a philosophical lecture where words were mixed and played around but could only produce the same effect on me throughout the book.
was not my cup of tea.
Throughout the book, it felt like a philosophical lecture where words were mixed and played around but could only produce the same effect on me throughout the book.
was not my cup of tea.
December 8, 2017
Fascinating Read
Well written and a fascinating read. Arjuna the timeless hero will continue inspiring us Indians for eternity and this book inspired to live life like the timeless hero Arjuna
Well written and a fascinating read. Arjuna the timeless hero will continue inspiring us Indians for eternity and this book inspired to live life like the timeless hero Arjuna
January 20, 2018
I like the perspective of the story. This book is about core human values that serves as the bedrock of human civilization. Every important aspects in mahabharatha related to arjuna are describe in modern aspect. Its a hit.
January 28, 2019
An extraordinary and powerful interpretation of the great Epic character Arjuna. As usual it sets the high standard for which Debashis is famous for. Many of the passages and phrases are so interesting and deep in their thoughts that it makes us to read it repeatedly.
March 16, 2020
Awesome book indeed that narrates via Arjuna - That with determination, focus and pursuit to achieve excellence is possible in anything. Karma with unwavering commitment does provide desired results, although one should not seek rewards or results rather do their part.
September 18, 2021
Loved the way a complex subject was explained. Mahabharat is an epic. To pick up 9 stories, narate them, explain the nuances of them and then contextualise them into contemporary context is a feat of its own. Debashis has done a wonderful job. Great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
A really nice book for motivation...It has a modern re telling of the old story of Shri Arjuna and The way he became invincible...This book has discussed about very easy simple and motivational ways to actually overcome your fears and become invincible yourself....Really a great read🫡
June 11, 2017
Great one. Liked the last chapter a lot
August 14, 2017
One among the best life lesson book read ever.
September 24, 2017
It is a really good book for self-help and motivation. The author explains very well all the aspects of the life of Arjuna and what we should take away from the instances. It is really a good read.
January 2, 2018
Started the first day of the year with a book on my childhood hero but it wasn't upto the expectation. disappointed 😞
June 22, 2018
Amazing description of Arjuna's life. Really absorbing story telling. An inspirational read, lots of knowledge to take in & apply in our own life.
September 17, 2018
Very well written. The leadership qualities are told using Mahabarath's story - mainly about Arjuna.
March 19, 2019
good awesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
A gardner work hard. But the flower blossoms by nature. The ignorant deluded by the ego think "I am the doer". But he just helped the plant by watering. The reality...
August 10, 2021
Okay one...
July 13, 2017
Great quick read. highly reccommended.
feels like a breath of fresh air in the clutter of so many me-too books that come out in the
business /leadership category. perhaps there is something in the timeless wisdom of sanatan dharam literature or perhaps the author's simplicity ; the sum of parts is much greater than the parts .
feels like a breath of fresh air in the clutter of so many me-too books that come out in the
business /leadership category. perhaps there is something in the timeless wisdom of sanatan dharam literature or perhaps the author's simplicity ; the sum of parts is much greater than the parts .
December 5, 2017
I just finished reading a fantastic book on management ‘INVINCIBLE ARJUNA’ written by the famous management guru Prof Debashis Chatterjee. The story telling in the book is simply mind blowing. In fact, I went back to read some of the chapters for the second time just to refill my dose of positive energy.
For sure, the book reignited my interest in Indian mythology which I had stopped reading after my school days. It was absolutely refreshing to revisit the story of India’s timeless icon, Arjuna, as reimagined by Prof Chatterjee for modern times. Drawing on his exquisite experience as a leadership coach, Prof Chatterjee decodes the journey of Arjuna with some invaluable insights on various facets of leadership.
In particular, I liked the chapter, where the author describes Arjuna’s mastery in archery as more than co-ordination of muscle and bone. He goes on to add, “It’s about bringing the whole of us to what we do.” In another chapter, the author beautifully explains the three stages of meditative mind, a process through which Arjuna brings his mind to the point of focus – his one-pointed concentration.
What I liked most about the book is that it describes Arjuna, the timeless conqueror, as an ordinary human being who acquires extraordinary powers against all odds. Therefore, ‘Invincible Arjuna’ is a must read for those who believe in the process of transformation.
For sure, the book reignited my interest in Indian mythology which I had stopped reading after my school days. It was absolutely refreshing to revisit the story of India’s timeless icon, Arjuna, as reimagined by Prof Chatterjee for modern times. Drawing on his exquisite experience as a leadership coach, Prof Chatterjee decodes the journey of Arjuna with some invaluable insights on various facets of leadership.
In particular, I liked the chapter, where the author describes Arjuna’s mastery in archery as more than co-ordination of muscle and bone. He goes on to add, “It’s about bringing the whole of us to what we do.” In another chapter, the author beautifully explains the three stages of meditative mind, a process through which Arjuna brings his mind to the point of focus – his one-pointed concentration.
What I liked most about the book is that it describes Arjuna, the timeless conqueror, as an ordinary human being who acquires extraordinary powers against all odds. Therefore, ‘Invincible Arjuna’ is a must read for those who believe in the process of transformation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews