Jul 12, 2007 04:48 AM
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(Updated Mar 07, 2009 05:58 AM)
In today’s fast paced technological life where we rely on internet even for social networking, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody ignores to come to where you have come. (this page of mine). I do not have the kind of spiritual bend what Kulbhushan Kharbanda was shown to be having in Deepa Mehta’s FIRE(that sucks). At the same time, I am completely in awe of the rich Indian heritage that I come from. May be I am too proud of it. And why not?
Even then, there were/are so many unanswered questions I had/have about the rituals we follow/ed. Like the reasons behind ’hypnotism as an alternative for anaesthasia’ or ’horoscope matches for marriages’ or ’spirits or unforseen events’ or ’Deja Vu kind of events’. Am sure each of us is interested to know about the dreams that we dream every night and how some are able to recollect all of them while others like me able to just recollect disconnected events? More interestingly, aren’t we all curious about Life after Death? Lot of them have been "kind of" cleared over a period of time. But there are many that aren’t.
During my last visit to India while talking about Spiritualism and (so many) spiritual Babas claiming randomly about cure for one and all diseases(Guess at that time Baba Ramdev claimed to have found a cure for AIDS), my Uncle had once again suggested me to read the only book that one should ever read on Spiritualism, "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Yogananda Ji. Not to mention though this pushing was done many times before (even by my Father). Considering that both of them were never religiously inclined except for following traditions, I thought I sure will do it. Some day.. At last that day arrived albeit after so many years.
Last week, away on a vacation at the beach, I thought this could be the right time to try some of my lazy favs like sleeping or watching old desi movies(Its been a while) or gazing stars on a clear sky trying my luck to catch the International Space Station orbitting Earth (silly me). But reading a book on Spiritualism was the last thing I would have done that too while enjoying the coolbreeze of atlantic evenings and with angels mostly in their 20s all around during daytime (what else would you expect with a beach getaway during summer?). Something told me to stop procrastinating and pick up the Yogi book. From the introduction onwards, Yogi kept me so engrossed with his profoundly magnetic yet lucid language that I was compelled to complete the book during the vacation week. This is my first experience of venturing into the world of Spiritualistism. And sure it was an enlightning experience. Even more glad this being the first book of the kind.
It starts with Yogananda’s early life and the miraculous events that seem indigestable initially but slowly starts to make sense as you move on. By the time you finish the book, you will have nothing but an immense respect for a Yogi who was highly erudite, philosophical, warm with his words, spiritual and who has mastered the art of Kriya Yoga learnt from his Gurus.
The book is more of Reasoning, Belief, Gods, Goddesses, Saints, Scientists, Telephathy, etc. Above all its about searching God by way of Self Realization through the art of Kriya Yoga. And when there is mention of God, the author makes sure to encompass all the religious preachings with the same fervour as he does with his own.
There are so many things that are well explained, scientific as well as spiritual. One may not be able to digest each and everything that is written in the book but sure would give it a thought before disapproving.
BTW, there is an interesting explanation of the difference between a Yogi and a Swami in this book. Similarly lot of other things too. Also, even after reading this book, one can still be the same person as before but definitely, there will be lot of gyaan gained. One thing is assured that Reading the book will still maintain your sense of humour in tact. There is town here called MiddleSex and and an hour down the road there is another called Climax. :-) Am not sure if there was something at some distance before the first one.
I would say its an inspirational book taking you into a completely different space.
Read an old binded copy priced around 100/-. Not sure hwo it is priced today. If you can strain your eyes, one can find an free online version @ https://crystalclarity.com/yogananda/
As they say, if you want to, you will, one day.
Enjoy the book and realize Oneself.
P.S. This is a Self Realization Book so you can see the effect which resulted in so many I’s in the review. :-)
