CONTEMPLATIONS AND MUSINGS IN THE PURSUIT OF SPIRITUALITY

Chirdeep Malhotra . Updated: 11/3/2020 1:17:23 PM Books and Authors

Book Review: "Lockdown 21 – Me to Messiah" by Bhavin Shastri

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world in different ways. However, as lockdowns were initially imposed to curb the spread of the pandemic, it also slowed the fast paced world in some ways and gave people some time to introspect and engage in reflective thoughts. Many people also utilized this time to read books that they wanted to read but were not finding time, and many authors completed their books during this time.

Bhavin Shastri, a celebrated Sufi singer, found solace in his myriad spiritual musings during the lockdown. It is these reflections and musings that have found place in his book “Lockdown 21: Me to Messiah”, which has been recently published. According to the author, the book’s narrative is the journey of all those who have lived through the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores the themes of spirituality and thoughtful meditation.

The book was written in 21 days during the lockdown, as the title suggests. The chapters of the book are titled ‘Day 1’ to ‘Day 21’, with appropriate subtitles, which reflect the thoughts of the author on that day when the chapters were written. One chapter is titled ‘Day 1: It was just the beginning’ and one is titled ‘Day 21: Knowing the nothing’. The author’s reflections, his conversations with the Messiah, thoughts, and spiritual musings have been presented in an eloquent manner in the book.

The book focuses on holistic mindfulness, and forays into the explanation of various philosophical ideas. The choice of erudite and adorned words is great to read and will be liked by the readers.

Many of the self-help books are in the form of guides and they describe steps on practising mindfulness. This book’s format is one in which conversations and reflections are provided –and the reader also gets actively involved in the book. However, many readers would also find some parts of the book esoteric or outright arcane.

The book’s themes draw upon the wisdom and the practices of the world’s religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Baha’i, Jainism and Buddhism, and many more. Spiritual and intellectual Learning, and examples from the lives of many important personalities also find a place in this book. Many inspirational quotes have also been incorporated in it.

In the author’s quest for meaning and purpose, the book also puts forth the inner churning and spiritual endeavour of every individual and at the same time leaves them with an opportunity to know themselves.

The book leaves the readers with the all-embracing message –“Explore yourself, interact with self, find the self and dissolve in self. The seeker and the seeking are one.” This book should be read by those who want to delve into the quest of understanding the self, and those wanting to read something which is thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating.


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