Friday, 3 January 2014

Blog - 103 – “Aleph” by Paulo Coelho


          
"Travel is never a matter of money but of courage" - 

 To live is to experience the things, to experience you've to travel, not sit somewhere and pondering the meaning of life.


Last time in my 91st blog when I have had completed and reappraise “The Zahir” by Paulo, at that time I was on with “Aleph”. “Aleph” is fifth book that I had done reading by same author – rest are: “The Alchemist”, “Brida”, “Eleven minutes” and “The Zahir”. After completing many spiritual and self-journey, and non-fiction, and fictional love / crime / thriller opus, this time I decided to outset myself on a journey on one of the most recommended and acclaimed book of travel genre - “City of Djinns – A year in Delhi” by William Dalrymple.
          
          While when I come to Paulo, I used to read this author and personally praise his few work that need to sheer, not because someone just want to read a book; besides to know, what our primal heart tells to us that concealed somewhere in nook of deep heart. His book served as a lantern for millions, helping people to reconquer their own kingdom. I read his books not only for his teachings that he spread through his books, but also for the beauty of few sentences that have a lasting impression on everyone; at-least on me. Even though the novels originally penned in his own mother tongue and we got the English translation version, the magic of his words still remains same and at few lines / sentences it overwhelmed. Reading Paulo, in itself is like a magical experience, while his books doesn't contains any everyday fable and simply concomitant about our own inner growth and search and encourage us to open the doors of self-discovery, that even we didn't ever know existed. I can recommend all of his books to read: “The Alchemist”, “Brida”, “The Zahir” and “Aleph”.
 
          While when I come to “ALEPH” - This is truly a wonderful and amazing book. Without realizing it the author took me on journey of self-discovery that opened my eyes to the newness of the world. I feel that this book is on par with the Alchemist. In its own unique way it continues the story. A Journey from source to goal is one thing! But a journey made by Paulo is another experience; as it will be short from dreary to light to know own quest.

          This book takes us on an outward and an inward journey to unfold many struggles. It's a very down to earth book and author takes us on his own journey to find own quest of probing meaning of his own life's mystery and about its own personal legendary that he thought he hailed through his successful books across the world and across million of hearts. He is successful, he has money, he can travel anywhere, he can live a luxurious and a desirous life, even if he does not work or not work-well till death-bed. But, success is not a word that can outlined very easily, besides all of us faces the same struggle and problem even when we thought we're successful and have had achieved everything while in deepest of heart we know, we're still missing something.

          The book starts with a conversation between Paulo and his master cryptically name “J.” about his dissatisfaction with life, J. advices him to go on a journey to meet people that will lead him to the Aleph [ Aleph is first letter of the Hebrew word, which means truth. In Jewish mythology it was the letter aleph that was carved into the head of the golem which ultimately gave it life, Aleph in Jewish mysticism represents the oneness of God. - Source Wiki ] and help to find himself again.

          Guided by subtle signs he started a journey through Africa, Europe and Asia. “To live is to experience the things, to experience you've to travel, not sit somewhere and pondering the meaning of life.” the author writes. He traveled to six countries before starting prolonged two-month ride to the Trans-Siberian railway between Moscow to Vladivostok (his childhood dream); making book signing stops on his book tour of Russia. At his hotel in Moscow, a beautiful girl in her twenties; Hilal, the gifted violinist introduces herself to him before leaving. At first, he brushes her off and continuously denies her in every meeting, while she tried hard to recall his memory to remember her. At last he finally impressed by her determination and allows her to accompany him on his journey, despite the objection of his fellows. It turns out that her impression was right. There is indeed a connection between them and during one of meeting they found themselves at a place where all points collide and he discovers, she is the woman he loved five-hundred years before and he needs her forgiveness for a sin he committed against her in a past life due to his cowardice act. One of another special character of this book is “Yao” who can translate many languages and was not able to understand the difference and meaning of life and death after the death of his wife. He still remains in the dilemma of living a life with his wife.

          In my personal view, all the books of this author are good. “Aleph” is also as extraordinary as was “The Zahir”, but both are very different in the story-line, and we can not compare two books just because it is written by same author and our expectation with author are as habitual. While “The Zahir” was written to find the false meaning of attachment that we describes as; love, whereas “Aleph” is an attractive book that describe the complicated problems of lives and to find the inner peace knowing that life is a journey, a beautiful journey that's filled with adventure all the time. But probably all the books are not everyone's cup of tea and everyone's views are different for different work.
          
          Like all of Coelho's books – he makes you think about different aspects of your own life and takes you with him on his journey. Unquestionably I recommend this book to everyone because it gives you an insight into the beliefs and spiritual journey's of other people. I really love the book and I can say every book of this author [ bases on five books that I had completed ] makes me believe to don't stop reading some of his more creations. Seriously. Thank you once again Mr Coelho for your inspiring words.

About Author -::

          Paulo Coelho, born in 1947, is an author and songwriter and one of the most popular authors in the world. He has authored many books that changed the life of millions. His all books contains almost a same message to “Follow Your Passion – Follow Your Dream.” He has been awarded numerous prestigious international awards for his ennobling writing and inspiring millions through realm of his words.


Cheers!
Dhitendra
Keep Smiling :-) 

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