Written by a former bureaucrat, the book carries his thoughts and opinions on every aspect of life and living. Two aspects hold out. He focuses on death in that matter-of-fact, realistic way. What is also off-beat are his thoughts on something as basic as our self-awareness. This book makes one sit back and ponder and introspect. A book review by Humra Quraishi
Title of the book- ‘Exploring Life- Knowing Spiritual Aspects of our Life.’
Author – Balvinder Kumar
Designed –Ishign Design Studio
Pages – 285
Price – Rs 995
‘Exploring Life – Knowing Spiritual Aspects Of Our Life’ is a large-sized volume. Perhaps, in keeping with life, with all its various dimensions and multi–layered aspects. But what stands out is the way this book has been designed. Informal layout, far away from any of the formal strains. Well spread out are the graphics and drawings and the written content. Making it an easy relaxed read, without any strain on the eyes, nor on the nerves!
Written by the former retired bureaucrat, Balvinder Kumar, it carries his thoughts and opinions and observations on every aspect of life and living. Two aspects hold out. He focuses on death in that matter-of-fact, realistic way. This is what he writes about death: “We must learn the art of accepting death and dying gracefully. The fact is, by not acknowledging and discussing death, we cause more harm to ourselves. Our quality of life would be improved considerably if only we could embrace death gracefully. We must take death and dying as a natural phenomenon in life and remove our inhibitions.”
And what is also off-beat are his thoughts on something as basic as our self-awareness. How very little we care to know about our own selves! Perhaps, if we understood ourselves, we would be more at ease, would be able to grasp the various setbacks and the so-called failures. As he puts across: “We know very little about ourselves. It’s one of the biggest dilemmas of life. In most cases, we know very little about ourselves but feel highly confident about our own self–awareness. You may be surprised to know that though 95% of people say that they are self–aware, but only 10-15 % of people are actually. It means a substantial percentage of people are lying to themselves. This study shows that we know very little about ourselves.”
Taking his observations further ahead, Balvinder Kumar also focuses on the connected reality that in this day and age no one teaches us self–awareness! This, when it is of prime significance, holds the key to better survival.
This book makes one sit back and ponder and introspect. As one reads through, the various aspects to our very basic survival hold out. Nudging one to read and re-read.
The forte of this book is, perhaps, in the simple, forthright and stark way it has been put together. The author is not trying to impress the reader. He is trying to connect and bond with the reader. In the hope that hundreds could benefit by the simple philosophy to everyday living.
How I wish, the price of the book could have been less, so that many more amongst us could afford to buy this valuable book.
