Like many books, I ended this one with a marathon session. This is the second novel by Deepak Chopra that I read. At one point of time, I thought it was going to take over my all time favourite "the return of merlin" but the author despite weaving a fascinating tale, fails to take you to that crescendo you expect it to culminate into.
But beyond anything, what amazes me is how much fascination even a known story can create when narrated from a new angle. The life of Buddha, as he must have gone through is really an exciting journey. Discerning ones might pick up a few jewels here and there, the rest can enjoy reading a fascinating story.
But as always, let me try and put what was running on my mind as I finished the book. It was clearly heavy. There were several points in the book when I wanted to stop and ponder. But I did finish it with a marathon 6 hr session, so as you would expect my brain was busy trying to answer too many unanalyzed questions. The equations formed in my mind had not balanced out. Some of what I read made sense, others questioned my beliefs and most were too threatening to ponder upon. I somehow felt I did not want to dwell upon these unbalanced equations.
At the end of the book is a section called "a practical guide to Buddhism". And of course it is not enough. The author has tried to answer some questions but left a lot more to be answered. The simple question that was heavy on my mind was that, "Do I know any religion at all?" I mean : Am I really certain about what any religion truly teaches. Of course the primary religion in question is Hinduism, but then I also have some idea of Buddhism and Jainism. But how do I know that what I have in mind is what the prophets really wanted to preach. Through the ages, it might have got distorted and by no means can I be sure that the sources from which I learned about them are good enough . Do I need to understand Buddhism and its teachings OR is it a luxury that people like us living in a fast paced, materialistic world can't indulge in?
As of now, I think NO. Don't have enough time to analyze suffering and the meaning of detachment that Buddha preached. But I believe "Each one is Buddha" Looking into self is worthwhile exercise and meditation does bring a sense of tranquility that strengthens something within you.
Well... to wrap up, certainly a book I would not hesitate to recommend to the right kind of people.
Here are a few lines that hang on to my mind .
"Suddhodana knew how to organize a battle campaign, and the first rule is that victory is more important than the cost it entails."
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Siddhartha shook his head, "The mighty don't go around."
"Is an ant so mighty?"
The boy ignored her amused tone. "He thinks he is. That's what counts."
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Can you be still, without thinking? Don't talk to yourself. Just breathe gently.
Sit and close your eyes. Wait for silence. Do nothing to make it come to you. It will come of its own accord."
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A prowling tiger crouching in wait or an eagle in its aerie way find it simple to be alone, but humans don't. We have many ways of being alone and each has its peculiar complications.
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I am part of the world. If you want a teacher, turn to the world.
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Thus Siddhartha learned a basic lession: whatever runs can also stand still.
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You are wonderful because ....
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"There was one old woman, stooped and nearly blind, who did something I couldn't understand. If a thread snapped, she would unload her loom completely and start over again. I asked her why she destroyed a week's work over a single thread, She answered me in a word: Karma
"Karma keeps good and evil in balance. Karma is divine law. When the law is violated, however innocently, it cannot be undone. One snapped thread alters the whole design; one misdeed alters a persons destiny."
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