THIS book is about the reality of life, the journey through life and not about what we want from life, but what life wants from us. It is neither in favour of indulging exclusively in worldly pursuits nor excessively in spiritual pursuits; it advises “best of both”. The author says that living life only for material well-being is a sort of material narcissism while living a life with total renunciation is escapism. To renounce the world means giving up attachment to the world and worldly affairs. The purpose of life is not to detach oneself from life but serve others. In order to serve mankind, one has to remain in the society and work for its welfare.
Similarly, the journey of life is not about caring for God and ill treating mankind nor does it stand for caring for mankind without remembering God. Life wants from humans a perfect balance between fulfilling his obligations towards mankind and God. One cannot attain God’s blessings without caring for His creations.
The author points out that in the olden times, monks used to teach their disciples the complexity of life through paradoxical statements because they knew that it takes time to grow in wisdom and acquire inner growth.
(Macmillan Publishers India Ltd, 2/10, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110 002; www.macmillanpublishersindia.com)
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