Review of Looking Inwards
- N parvin
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Review of Looking Inwards
Looking Inwards: A Journey Into Turiya by Sameer Pendse is an exceptionally thought-provoking poetic masterpiece that delves into the author's self-expression, his life, and various diverse topics encompassing the physical and spiritual realms. While spirituality takes center stage, the book explores other facets of life, such as love, societal responsibilities, the environment, pollution, the respect of women in society, the afterlife, the author's personal journey, and his transitions from the USA to India and then to the UK. This book possesses the power to evoke a myriad of emotions in readers, a characteristic often inherent in poetry. The powerful and expressive poetry words transform this into an exceptional piece of art.
This exquisite book is divided into three parts, spanning 181 pages. The first part narrates the author's life in the USA, the second part details his journey in India, and the last part discusses his life in the UK, among other topics interspersed throughout. The author reflects on his spiritual journey and the supramental state, Turiya, a consciousness beyond the state of mind experienced through our three common senses. He emphasizes the significance of environmental conservation and illustrates the potential consequences if neglected. Addressing a poignant moment, the author shares his family's experience of a miscarriage in one of the poems, expressing both sorrow and a positive perspective on the situation. Throughout the book, the author pays tribute multiple times to Gurudev, from whom he learned extensively, expressing profound gratitude. An intriguing narrative unfolds as he explores Emily's afterlife journey, providing a unique perspective. The author extols poetry as the optimal form for self-expression, emphasizing its timeless beauty. He shares reflections on kindness, love, responsibility, and societal contribution. The book covers a plethora of delightful and intriguing topics, offering an overwhelmingly beautiful literary experience.
The aspect that impressed me the most is the author's skill in crafting a well-structured poetry book accessible to everyone, even those unfamiliar with poetry. This marks my first exploration into poetry, and initially, I harbored skepticism about comprehending the meaning behind each line. In poetry, every line and word must be meticulously chosen to convey significant meaning, ensuring readers do not feel lost. However, this book dispelled all my doubts. The carefully selected words in each line resonated loudly, clearly, and beautifully, eliminating difficulties in grasping the poetry's themes.
This remarkable skill underscores the author's writing prowess. Furthermore, the author's unwavering love for spirituality and higher divinity is truly commendable. The inclusion of personal life events, such as relationships with his wife and sons and the poignant loss of his unborn child, adds authenticity and depth to the book. The unique and intriguing perspective through which the author views the world and life elevated my thoughts. The inclusion of beautiful songs, complete with shared music notes, adds a delightful dimension. I express keen interest in experiencing these songs in audio form, envisioning them as the perfect meditative playlist.
The book introduces a unique spiritual concept rooted in Hinduism, particularly the unfamiliar yet captivating concept of Turiya. As an open-minded individual, I relished delving into these refreshing thoughts and learning from them. The author's incorporation of various aspects of life alongside spirituality ensures an enjoyable and engaging read for diverse audiences. Each poem carries its own unique message, elegantly put together. The perfect length of the poems, which personally suited my preference for concise writing styles, significantly contributed to my sustained engagement. This enlightening read stands out as a compelling book, evoking a spectrum of emotions with every turning page.
I found nothing to dislike about the book; it's a meticulously crafted piece that significantly enriches reading time. The book has undergone meticulous editing and is free from errors. Rooted in Hinduism, it delves into various topics, primarily focusing on spirituality. It steers clear of content that might potentially offend followers of other religions, ensuring accessibility for those open to diverse perspectives. Committed believers may not find it appealing, but it's inclusive of diverse readers. However, I believe the book may not resonate with atheists due to its emphasis on spirituality, divine power, and the path of God, which contradicts atheistic beliefs that reject the existence of God. Conversely, agnostic individuals, typically open-minded and willing to explore, may discover enlightenment within its pages. In my view, the book suits those who believe in Hinduism, individuals with various religious beliefs, and agnostics, but may not be suitable for atheists.
In conclusion, I discovered immense value in this book, gaining a refreshing perspective on spirituality. Each well-structured poem provided valuable life lessons. I confidently rate it 5 out of 5, finding no reason for a lower score. Highly recommended for spirituality enthusiasts, those interested in Hinduism, and anyone exploring different religions. Poetry lovers will relish the remarkably written verses. I wholeheartedly endorse this book.
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Looking Inwards
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