🕯️ Occult Philosophy

The Monkeys and the Mango Tree: Teaching Stories of the Saints and Sadhus of India

✍️ Johari, Harish
Reader Score
4.6
(2 reviews)
$12.95
Temporarily out of stock

Currently unavailable

This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.

In stock now — readers of this book also loved:

El USO Mágico Y Ritual de Las Hierbas Miller, Richard Alan
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Miller, Richard Alan
El USO Mágico Y Ritual de Las Hierbas Miller, Richard Alan
$12.95
86
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Ibn Arabi, Abd Al-Kerim Al-Jili, Rabia Terry Harris
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat (Original)
$12.95
86
Fasting the Mind: Spiritual Exercises for Psychic Detox -12%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Gregory, Jason
Fasting the Mind: Spiritual Exercises for Psychic Detox
$14.95 $17.00
86
UFOs and the National Security State: Chronology of a Cover-Up: 1941-1973 (Rev)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Dolan, Richard M
UFOs and the National Security State: Chronology of a Cover-Up: 1941-1973 (Rev)
$38.95
81
The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing (Revised) -43%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Goldman, Jonathan
The 7 Secrets of Sound Healing (Revised)
$17.99 $32.00
78
Rumi's Little Book of the Heart
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Maryam Mafi, Azima Melita Kolin
Rumi's Little Book of the Heart
$14.95
86
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Harish Johari curates a collection of twenty-five narratives drawn from the Puranas, Upanishads, and Mahabharata, alongside his personal experiences. These stories serve as living vessels for spiritual instruction, translating complex metaphysical truths into accessible folklore. Readers encounter scheming deities, benevolent genies, and wise ascetics in a tapestry of moral and mystical teachings. The work functions as both an exotic fable collection and a gentle entry point into the depths of Indian spirituality, offering timeless insights wrapped in narrative charm for all ages.

🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Inner Traditions International 📖 160 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780892815647
Fun Fact
Johari succeeds in distilling vast Vedic traditions into digestible, enchanting vignettes. The prose is lyrical yet clear, making it an excellent primer for those new to Eastern mysticism. However, scholars of Sanskrit literature may find the adaptations too loose. It occupies a unique space between children’s folklore and adult spiritual guide, offering warmth and wonder where dry academic texts often fail.

📝 Description: The Monkeys and the Mango Tree: Teaching Stories of the Saints and Sadhus of India

These beautifully illustrated tales capture the mystery, enchantment, and profound spiritual teachings of India. Story-telling has always been the way that India's holy men, the saints and sadhus, taught their students the vital lessons of life. Stories provide a living environment for the lesson of each story, and they can convey sophisticated concepts in simple language. Abounding with powerful genies, scheming gods, and wise mystics, The Monkeys and the Mango Tree can be read as an exotic Aesop's Fables, as a source of classic wisdom, or as a simple and memorable introduction to the stories of the most spiritual civilization on earth. These twenty-five beautifully illustrated tales capture the mystery, the enchantment, and the profound spiritual learning that is India. Drawn from the great Indian epics?the Puranas, the Upanishads, and the Mahabharata?as well as from the author's own remarkable life, these tales put ageless Indian wisdom into the form of stories that are delights for young and old alike.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Harish Johari curates these narratives with care, offering a tapestry of moral and mystical teachings that function as a gentle introduction to Indian spirituality. The work succeeds in translating complex truths into accessible folklore, appealing to those who enjoy exotic fables and mystic lore. However, this book does not suit readers seeking rigorous theological analysis or historical criticism. Scholars looking for academic depth will find the allegorical approach too simplistic. Additionally, those preferring direct philosophical discourse over narrative charm may feel disconnected from the material. It is best appreciated as a spiritual companion rather than a scholarly text.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a gentle yet profound entry into Indian spirituality will find this collection invaluable. It transforms complex metaphysical truths into accessible folklore through twenty-five enchanting tales involving scheming deities, benevolent genies, and wise ascetics. The book serves as both an exotic fable collection and a living vessel for spiritual instruction, making timeless insights available to all ages. Those who appreciate vivid allegory and mystic lore will gain a deeper understanding of the saints' wisdom without the barrier of dense academic theory. It is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the moral and mystical teachings of the sadhus through narrative charm rather than dogma.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
Seekers of Eastern philosophy, lovers of mythic storytelling, and spiritual practitioners looking for accessible, narrative-driven introductions to Sadhu wisdom and ancient Indian metaphysics.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 2 reviews
5
1
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
O
Opal T.
December 27, 2024

Took a chance on this and glad I did. Solid binding, decent paper — holds up to heavy use. Five stars from me.

E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Harish Johari curates these narratives with care, offering a tapestry of moral and mystical teachings that function as a gentle introduction to Indian spirituality. The work succeeds in translating complex truths into accessible folklore, appealing to those who enjoy exotic fables and mystic lore. However, this book does not suit readers seeking rigorous theological analysis or historical criticism. Scholars looking for academic depth will find the allegorical approach too simplistic. Additionally, those preferring direct philosophical discourse over narrative charm may feel disconnected from the material. It is best appreciated as a spiritual companion rather than a scholarly text.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Yes, the allegorical nature and engaging narratives make it accessible to younger readers, though adults will appreciate the deeper metaphysical layers.
They are adapted from the Puranas, Upanishads, and Mahabharata, blended with the author's personal encounters with saints, rather than being literal translations.

📖 Who should read this

Seekers of Eastern philosophy, lovers of mythic storytelling, and spiritual practitioners looking for accessible, narrative-driven introductions to Sadhu wisdom and ancient Indian metaphysics.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Mystical Allegory

Vedic Wisdom

Spiritual Pedagogy

📜 Historical context

This work sits within the rich tradition of Indian Gnostic literature, where the Guru-disciple relationship relies on Katha (story) to transmit knowledge beyond logical discourse. By drawing from the great epics and the author’s own life, Johari bridges the gap between classical Sanskrit textual tradition and modern, accessible spiritual literature, preserving the oral heritage of the Sadhus for a contemporary audience.

📚 Glossary

Sadhu
Puranas
Upanishads

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Which character in these tales best represents the struggle between ego and enlightenment?
  2. How does the use of animal allegory change your perception of the moral lesson compared to direct instruction?
  3. What modern life situation can you interpret through the lens of one of these Sadhu stories?

✍️ More books by this author Johari, Harish

All books by this author →
Spiritual Traditions of India Coloring Book -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Spiritual Traditions of India Coloring Book
$12.95 $17.00
86
Los Chakras: Centros Energéticos de la Transformación (Original) Johari, Harish
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Los Chakras: Centros Energéticos de la Transformación (Original) Johari, Harish
$19.95
86
Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation (Rev and Enl) -56%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation (Rev and Enl)
$19.95 $46.00
86
Respiración, Mente, Y Conciencia (Original) Johari, Harish -28%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Respiración, Mente, Y Conciencia (Original) Johari, Harish
$12.95 $18.00
86
The Healing Power of Gemstones: In Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology (Original) -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Johari, Harish
The Healing Power of Gemstones: In Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology (Original)
$16.95 $22.00
78
Numerología: Con Tantra, Ayurveda, Y Astrología Johari, Harish -21%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Numerología: Con Tantra, Ayurveda, Y Astrología Johari, Harish
$14.95 $19.00
86
Numerology: With Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology (Original) -32%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johari, Harish
Numerology: With Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology (Original)
$16.99 $25.00
86

🏛 Books from this publisher Inner Traditions International

All books from this publisher →
The Secret Society of Moses: The Mosaic Bloodline and a Conspiracy Spanning Three Millennia -18%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Barbiero, Flavio
The Secret Society of Moses: The Mosaic Bloodline and a Conspiracy Spanning Three Millennia
$26.95 $33.00
81
How the World Is Made: The Story of Creation According to Sacred Geometry
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
John Michell, Allan Brown
How the World Is Made: The Story of Creation According to Sacred Geometry
$40.00
86
The Elixir of Immortality: A Modern-Day Alchemist's Discovery of the Philosopher's Stone
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Cox, Robert E
The Elixir of Immortality: A Modern-Day Alchemist's Discovery of the Philosopher's Stone
$16.95
78
The Warrior Is Silent: Martial Arts and the Spiritual Path
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Shaw, Scott
The Warrior Is Silent: Martial Arts and the Spiritual Path
$16.95
86
Becoming Osiris: The Ancient Egyptian Death Experience (Original) -34%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Rossini, Stéphane
Becoming Osiris: The Ancient Egyptian Death Experience (Original)
$16.95 $26.00
86
Secretos Sexuales: La Alquimia del Extasis = Sexual Secrets Douglas, Nik
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Nik Douglas, Penny Slinger
Secretos Sexuales: La Alquimia del Extasis = Sexual Secrets Douglas, Nik
$26.95
86
Rumi's Four Essential Practices: Ecstatic Body, Awakened Soul
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Johnson, Will
Rumi's Four Essential Practices: Ecstatic Body, Awakened Soul
$14.95
86
Medicina Con Plantas Sagradas: La Sabiduría del Herbalismo de Los Aborígenes Norteamericanos Buhner, Stephen Harrod
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Stephen Harrod Buhner, Brooke Medicine Eagle
Medicina Con Plantas Sagradas: La Sabiduría del Herbalismo de Los Aborígenes Norteamericanos Buhner, Stephen Harrod
$19.99
86

You might also like

See more →
Respiración, Mente, Y Conciencia (Original) Johari, Harish -28%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Johari, Harish
Respiración, Mente, Y Conciencia (Original) Johari, Harish
$12.95 $18.00
86
Spiritual Traditions of India Coloring Book -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
6
Johari, Harish
Spiritual Traditions of India Coloring Book
$12.95 $17.00
86
The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation and Commentary (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Feuerstein, Georg
The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation and Commentary (Original)
$14.95
92
Yoga Spandakarika: The Sacred Texts at the Origins of Tantra -22%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Odier, Daniel
Yoga Spandakarika: The Sacred Texts at the Origins of Tantra
$16.95 $22.00
92
Heart of Asia: Memoirs from the Himalayas (Original) -55% 🔥 Bestseller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
8
Roerich, Nicholas
Heart of Asia: Memoirs from the Himalayas (Original)
$12.95 $29.00
86
Eyes Wide Open: Buddhist Instructions on Merging Body and Vision -19%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Johnson, Will
Eyes Wide Open: Buddhist Instructions on Merging Body and Vision
$12.95 $16.00
86
El USO Mágico Y Ritual de Las Hierbas Miller, Richard Alan
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Miller, Richard Alan
El USO Mágico Y Ritual de Las Hierbas Miller, Richard Alan
$12.95
86
Symbol and the Symbolic: Ancient Egypt, Science, and the Evolution of Consciousness (Original) -23%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Schwaller De Lubicz, R A
Symbol and the Symbolic: Ancient Egypt, Science, and the Evolution of Consciousness (Original)
$12.95 $17.00
86
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat (Original)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Ibn Arabi, Abd Al-Kerim Al-Jili, Rabia Terry Harris
Journey to the Lord of Power: A Sufi Manual on Retreat (Original)
$12.95
86
Esoterism and Symbol
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.7
4
Schwaller De Lubicz, R A
Esoterism and Symbol
$12.95
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Esoteric Meaning

Concepts in this book

Saints →India →
Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist