Book Review - Non-Fiction - Self Help

Book Review: ‘From Doubt to Dharma’ : By ‘Puneet Sharma’

Title: From Doubt to Dharma
[Finding Stillness and Strength through the Teachings of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Upanishads]
Author: Puneet Sharma 
Pages: 204
Genre: Self-Help
Publication date: 01 Nov 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Puneet Sharma writes not as a teacher, but as a fellow traveller on the path of self-discovery. Drawing from personal experiences and deep engagement with India’s spiritual traditions, he blends lived reality with philosophical insight. His writing reflects humility, sincerity, and a strong belief that clarity comes not from external answers, but from honest inner reflection.

In a noisy world chasing outer success, From Doubt to Dharma is a quiet call to look within. Rooted in the ageless wisdom of the Dharma and inspired by the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Upanishads, and everyday life, this book offers a pathway to inner clarity rather than quick fixes.

Each chapter offers:
• Reflections on the emotional and mental patterns that shape our lives
• Simple yet powerful practices to help you pause, observe, and transform
• Gentle questions that invite deep personal insight rather than surface-level motivation
• Stories drawn from real experiences, not borrowed philosophies
• Timeless guidance from dharma woven into modern life challenges

The author shares the process of healing and clarity with humility and sincerity through themes such as overthinking, comparison, fear, and inner restlessness. If you are ready to pause, reflect, and walk with sincerity, this book will walk with you—not as a guide from above, but as a mirror beside you. The path from doubt to dharma is not about perfection. It is about presence. It is about learning to live from the strength, calm, and courage that already reside within you.

dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ |
tasmād dharmo na hantavyo mā no dharmo hato’vadhīt ||

Manusmriti [Verse 8.15]
“Dharma, when violated, destroys; Dharma, when protected, protects; therefore, Dharma should not be violated, lest violated Dharma destroys us.”

From Doubt to Dharma” by Puneet Sharma is a self-discovery guide deeply rooted in the author’s reflections, personal experiences, philosophical insights, and contemplative impressions. Drawing upon the teachings of the Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, Itihāsas–Purāṇas, Upaniṣads, and his own experiential learnings, the author generously shares his knowledge to help readers cultivate a peaceful, balanced, and meaningful life.

Book précis!!!

Unlike most motivational reads, this book isn’t just another preaching guide. Through his writing, Puneet enables readers to analyze patterns, understand emotions, invite clarity and self-awareness, and rediscover the abilities that already exist within the inner self. For me, this book is like a torchlight that helps one move forward with the power source of courage and calmness.

As a passionate traveller, Puneet Sharma takes his readers on a treasured journey of inner exploration. This book is a purpose-driven guide that unveils the clarity leading to deep personal transformation. I see this book as Dharma intervening in the challenges of modern life. With its rich reflections, profound practices, timeless guidance, and stories inspired by real experiences, this book stands out as a must-read among spiritual works.

Corresponding to the number of Pārvas in the Mahābhārata and the Adhyāyas of the Bhagavad-gītā, From Doubt to Dharma is an Aṣṭādaśa Paricchedaḥ (Eighteen Chapters). Puneet explores the concepts of Dharma, Karma, Śraddhā, Śaburī, Smṛti, Kartavya, Anubhava, Sankalpa Śakti, Bhāva Santulana, Sahajata, Viveka, and more. Each chapter begins with a referential vākya from the Upaniṣads, thoughtfully connected to the theme the author intends to convey to the readers.

The Exercises and Key Takeaways sections in every chapter are must-read highlights. Personally, these serve as my key reference points for summarizing and reflecting on my learnings. This book ignited my jñāna jijñāsā (thirst for knowledge) and motivated me toward a dharmic affinity for attaining emotional stability, making value-aligned choices, and shaping personal life purposefully.

Puneet also draws references from trending topics like ChatGPT, Zomato, and Swiggy to illustrate the downsides of wanting everything instantly, which often neglects the vital concept of patience in life. He further enriches the discussion with meaningful use cases, experiential references, short stories, Puranic examples, wisdom snippets, and an intriguing Thanos reference from the Avengers series to guide readers along the pathway to inner clarity.

My special shoutout goes out to ‘ASHA AND DHAIRYA‘, which starts with the Kenopanishad verses explaining the hope rooted in patience. He calls patience a calmness and strength that makes a person stronger, driven by hope.

He adds the story of the great Shabari of Ramayana as a remarkable example of hope and courage. ‘SANKALP SHAKTI‘ speaks about Firm determination, which assures winning that is beyond thoughts; a firm determination unlocks the inner power of commitment towards self-determination. Puneet iconically pins resolutions we make on Dec’31 or Jan’01 as a prime example of Sankalpa (commitment) beyond casual thoughts.

As Puneet references numerous stories from the Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, Itihāsas-Purāṇas, and Upaniṣads, I was expecting a glossary at the end of the book. I’m thoroughly interested in referring to the specific books the author cites for each story and its classical references, given the many verses from the same Purāṇas across different philosophical schools.

This book whispers timeless wisdom to souls yearning for reflective depth and spiritual insight. It nurtures gentle inner transformation, offering true comfort to knowledge and wisdom seekers amid life’s uncertainties. Special mention to Hay House Publishers, who prove once again their affinity for societal benefit and motivational inspiration drawn from ancient works.

  • Time passes, yet people remain unchanged
  • Memories do not control us unless we allow it to.
  • Focus is like a rain-When directed, it nurtures; when wasted, it floods.

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