Finding a purpose in life: Pilgrimage to the soul

Author: RM Lala
Publisher: Harper Collins
Price: Rs.150
Classification: Non-fiction

It’s not the journey but the destination that matters. Life is one such never-ending journey where many often get lost trying to reach their destination. Giving up the expedition, they  go astray, seeking refuge in drugs and alcohol. Few are however determined to continue the endeavour and arrive at the destination of their choice. Others aspire to achieve spiritual awakening, which spiritual leaders down the ages have said is the ultimate purpose of human existence.

RM Lala’s new book titled ‘Finding a purpose in life’ takes the readers on a journey of awakening, enabling them to reflect, retrospect and rethink on their lives. The book is divided into six parts describing 26 powerful people who have contributed to society in various remarkable ways. Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Schweitzer, Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata, Nelson Mandela, Sudha Murthy and APJ Abdul Kalam are some of the personalities whose experiences with life have been highlighted in the book; the experiences that led them to become the people they are and helped them achieve a higher plane of existence will especially appeal to the youth of today.

The author explains the difference between ambition and purpose and career and purpose. He also stresses upon how purpose can either be acquired or be instinctive by citing profound examples. The chapters discuss various aspects of human nature such as love, nobility and reaching out to the youth. The aspect of compassion is elaborated upon with a riveting quote from a conversation between the Buddha and his disciple.

Written in a simple yet powerful style, the book is bound to appeal to readers of all ages and professions. ‘Finding a Purpose in Life’ is not just another self-help book, it is a pilgrimage to the inner self which is often left dormant to decay in the flurry of mundane and routine activities of everyday life. The readers are compelled to retrospect and ask questions. The answers they arrive at will eventually help them to find a purpose in their lives which is socially useful and personally satisfying, the key to which lies in a belief in truth and faith in oneself and God.

Available in most leading book stores, the book proves to be light on the wallet. However, its thought-provoking content will weigh on the minds of the readers in the long run.