2090th BLOG POST
36th
Book of 2023!
I always get
excited whenever I get to know that a spiritual leader/personality has written
a book because their perspective of seeing things is always very optimistic and
calm than how we look at things. I wanted to finish my reading target of 36
books for the Year 2023 with one such book. Hence, I picked up recently
released book written by Swami Mukundananda named “Questions you always wanted
to ask”. The book is published by Rupa Publications in around 190 pages. One
can easily finish the book within a single sitting itself but the kind of spiritual
and insightful gems author keeps on sharing with us doesn’t allow us to read it
in speed but give each chapter its own time and reflect upon the same.
As the title of the
book says, it is about the questions we generally have in our mind about life which
we wish to ask to a spiritual guru and learn from them on how to handle our
issues. Author has cumulated all such basic questions and tried giving answers
from his perspective unapologetically. Author doesn’t shy away from writing
solutions which might sound quite biased in terms of spiritual process but he
assures that he only responds back to a question with an answer as experienced
by him rather than giving some random templated answer. The book starts with
talking about faith on how can one classify between blind and true faith. This
chapter itself gives a solid foundation to the book as it clarifies how people
generally falls into the cycle of blind faith without understanding what devotion
actually is.
Swamiji is very
crisp in his responses to every question and doesn’t end up writing long
generic pieces which we have already read in some newspaper articles or Facebook/WhatsApp
post. He gives short answers but with a very effective tone. Even while reading
the answers, you start feeling some positive changes in your mindset and
attitude. It is understandable the kind of impact it would make to us if we start
following those advises and suggestions. In one of the chapters, author
clarifies how all of us have misunderstood the concept of visualization and we
believe that just by visualizing some ideal situations, we would manifest it
into truth. He throws upon the light on how equal amount of effort is also required
from our end in order to make our visualizations turn into true events.
Author doesn’t
confine the book in either – spiritual or practical world but tries providing
modern solutions even to the old-school questions. His intention is evident in
every word that he wants to help readers in receiving the answer they’re
looking forward by investing their time in this book. He has written every page
with responsibility and ensures that the reader gets the maximum benefit out of
the book and mostly, he has been successful in his endeavour.
There are topics where
author has provided insights on the subjects such as reincarnation, past lives,
destiny, life’s purpose, spirituality, religion, meditation etc. On the other
hand, author has widely discussed about modern topics such as work-life
balance, finding time for devotion, searching for a spiritual guru,
self-confidence, enthusiasm, family life etc. Similarly, author also speaks
about practical implementations for several topics such as reading scriptures
and from where to start it – why Ekadashi fasting is necessary and how should
one initiate it – how can one perform daily sadhana and meditation and for how
long – the benefits of providing Seva – adopting vegetarian lifestyle etc.
Reading this book
is like sitting in a breeze and enjoying pleasant flow of wind. The tough
conditions and situations of our lives are also being talked of so easily that
we don’t feel uncomfortable while reading them. For anyone who has never read spiritual
books or didn’t perform spiritual practices, this book will be a good start to
enter into the world of spirituality. The topics are nicely divided into
different chapters. Every topic is then beautifully segregated in terms of several
questions which helps us understand the direction in which the answer is being
drafted.
Talking about the
drawbacks, I must say that the author has provided very basic answers in
certain sections which people keep on hearing anyway in their life. People
expect something extra when they pick up a book from a spiritual personality
like Swami Mukundananda. Secondly, author has promoted his belief right in our
face without realizing that this book could be picked by anyone – either an atheist
or people belonging to other religions as well. It felt very immature from the
author’s end. Thirdly, author regularly gives reference of his own initiative
and markets it while giving few answers. I think it should have been avoided.
Overall, this is a
good read and can be gifted to anyone falling above the age of 12. I give this
book 4.25* out of 5.
Thanks!
WRITING BUDDHA
0 CoMMenTs !!! - U CaN aLSo CoMMenT !!!:
Post a Comment