The Vedas ,until I read this book, were mysterious, superficial and materialistic to the point of being nonsensical. The verses didn't make scientific or even rational sense. However, having read the book, I now understand the mystical nature of the knowledge that ancient Indian seers wanted to hand down to generations.

James Kalomiris approaches the text like any genuinely curious scholar and puts together a coherent interpretation of the hymns, his objective is not to veil, but to uncover; not to assert that the meaning is secreted away in an inaccessible spiritual realm, but to show that the meaning is easy enough to access consistently. The hidden meaning of the words and passages become clear upon reading the book and every chapter is another experience in thinking, "wow! that was a surprise!"

Personally, while I've been able to appreciate the brilliance of Indian philosophy over the past few years, the Vedas (particularly the Rigveda) have always eluded me. James' writings on the Vedas are an absolutely invaluable resource. If you're reading the Vedas without having at least exposed yourself to his interpretive approach, chances are that you are missing much of what is going on there.

I am not a philologist nor am I in anyway an expert on the Vedas but I found his interpretation compelling and illuminating There is a lot, lot more to this than just what I've written above. Also, I don't see any point in filling up a review with quotes. I would recommend this text to anyone curious about the Rig Veda and its relationship to the rest of Hinduism as a religious tradition.

"All About Agni: The Many Fires of Agni" is a fascinating volume in a series that offers a unique and insightful perspective on the ancient Vedic texts. James Kalomiris has written an engaging and in-depth examination of the premier Vedic deity, Agni, and his many forms, including the inner essence of the Vedic force and how it manifests in the material world. The book explains the inner essence of Agni and how it defines and provides the basis for his many aspects.

"All About Agni" is an enlightening volume in a series that delves deep into the hidden meaning of the Vedas. The author's purpose is to reveal the true nature of the Vedic deities and unravel the mysteries of the ancient texts. In this volume, the focus is on Consciousness, embodied in the fiery force of Agni, one of the three great themes of the Vedic dharma.

The author explores the many fires of Agni, which define and provide the inner essence of this mighty Vedic force, as well as the manifestations of Agni in our world. The book's exploration of Consciousness, as concentrated in the fire of the Vedic force of Agni, is especially intriguing. The reader is presented with a thorough and complete picture of Agni, showing just how comprehensive is the reach of this Vedic force.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, "The Secret History of the Vedas: Agni - The Vedic Fire" is a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient Vedic texts and their hidden meanings. Whether you are a scholar of the Vedic dharma or simply curious about this ancient tradition, this book is sure to educate, entertain, and inform. Overall, this volume is a valuable addition to the series and an excellent resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Vedic deities and the Vedas as a whole.