Dharma (Ik)

“Even God does not play dice with the Universe,” famously proclaimed by Albert Einstein, is one tenet, amongst others in the scientific and philosophical realm, that gets tested in the trilogy, Dharma (spoiler alert: he does - literally!). This fantasy work, aimed at teen/young adult readers, is loosely rooted in the Kurukshetera War, fought over the throne of Hastinapura, between the Kauravas and their cousins, the Pandavas in the Sanskrit epic, The Mahabharata. Both sides of the conflict believed themselves the rightful heirs to the throne (with plausible justification on either side) and their allies include kings, legendary heroes, and gods. Dharma, which roughly translates to “duty,” takes place at the Davinci Institute for Nurturing & Education (DVINE), a school for the gifted located on an idyllic Pacific island, The story closely follows the socially awkward and academically brilliant teen protagonist, EHLANA LALITA BARR, who is a female reincarnation of tragic, legendary Mahabharata hero Karna. Throughout the three books, told mainly from Ehlana’s perspective, she grows and gains awareness of her own past incarnation as well as some of the key individuals from the Kurushetra War who have also been reincarnated along with her. These others are influenced by their previous incarnations, though all come to realize and may choose their own fates to some extent, if they have the courage. Ultimately it becomes clear that Ehlana has the power to save the world, if she so chooses – the price though, is her life. While key players in the Mahabharata appear in this story, it’s not necessary for the reader to have an understanding of Indian mythology to enjoy it and understand the sequence of events, in the way that it is not necessary to have read Ulysses to enjoy Mr. Joyce’s Dubliners.