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Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Arun Tiwari
olicooper's review
4.0
I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book. I was lent this book by an owner of a market near my work. I pop in all the time, always with a book in tow. I guess seeing me reading frequently, he wanted to lend me a book of his. He called for me to wait after I made my purchase, brought back with him this book, offered it to me, and said I should take it with me and learn it.
So I started reading, again, not sure what to expect. Was this a self-help type book, would it be a preachy call to religion? It was neither one of these things, but it was a truly inspiring. APJ Abdul Kalam was a scientist and president of India. The book is a recounting of his time with his spiritual guru Pramukh Swami, the application of his spiritual guidance, an argument for the compatibility of science and spiritualism, and effective leadership.
There is a lot that the philosophy of the book has to say, but a couple that stuck out to me:
1. Diversity- Not only accepting, but appreciating and learning from. Diversity is necessary for growth and development...in life, in science, in politics. It applies everywhere. How refreshing is this in today's divisive partisan politics that are dominating the news cycle.
"All human beings are not supposed to be the same, feel the same, think the same, and believe the same things. The key to continued expansion of our universe lies in diversity, not conformity and coercion. If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is right, I will happily change. For I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance—in spite of hearing the truth—who is harmed. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." (20)
2. Forgiveness. Simple in concept, difficult in practice. Or so we think? There is a lot of character building and self development that seems to be required for true forgiveness. But in the end, he really makes the case for forgiveness being the path to the way forward. He quotes Nelson Mandela, after he asked how he felt after being released after years in prison, "As I walked out of the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison."
There is a lot more to glean and learn from this book , from Kalam, and from Pramukh Swami. I am glad I made enough on an impression on my new friends as a reader, to lead them to recommend this book. I am not sure if I would have come across it otherwise. Even though we don't share motherland, religion, or culture, we can share ideas. This sharing of ideas and listening to each other is what builds relationships, respect, and productive and progressive dialogue.
I think everyone can really learn something by taking a page from this book.
EDIT: Also, I learned a lot about India, neighboring countries, and world affairs (and science!). I think I try to stay well informed about what is going on in the world, but there is so much that is missed, not reported or stressed in the US. Reading this has me interested to pull other non-fiction work from around the world.
So I started reading, again, not sure what to expect. Was this a self-help type book, would it be a preachy call to religion? It was neither one of these things, but it was a truly inspiring. APJ Abdul Kalam was a scientist and president of India. The book is a recounting of his time with his spiritual guru Pramukh Swami, the application of his spiritual guidance, an argument for the compatibility of science and spiritualism, and effective leadership.
There is a lot that the philosophy of the book has to say, but a couple that stuck out to me:
1. Diversity- Not only accepting, but appreciating and learning from. Diversity is necessary for growth and development...in life, in science, in politics. It applies everywhere. How refreshing is this in today's divisive partisan politics that are dominating the news cycle.
"All human beings are not supposed to be the same, feel the same, think the same, and believe the same things. The key to continued expansion of our universe lies in diversity, not conformity and coercion. If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is right, I will happily change. For I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance—in spite of hearing the truth—who is harmed. Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." (20)
2. Forgiveness. Simple in concept, difficult in practice. Or so we think? There is a lot of character building and self development that seems to be required for true forgiveness. But in the end, he really makes the case for forgiveness being the path to the way forward. He quotes Nelson Mandela, after he asked how he felt after being released after years in prison, "As I walked out of the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison."
There is a lot more to glean and learn from this book , from Kalam, and from Pramukh Swami. I am glad I made enough on an impression on my new friends as a reader, to lead them to recommend this book. I am not sure if I would have come across it otherwise. Even though we don't share motherland, religion, or culture, we can share ideas. This sharing of ideas and listening to each other is what builds relationships, respect, and productive and progressive dialogue.
I think everyone can really learn something by taking a page from this book.
EDIT: Also, I learned a lot about India, neighboring countries, and world affairs (and science!). I think I try to stay well informed about what is going on in the world, but there is so much that is missed, not reported or stressed in the US. Reading this has me interested to pull other non-fiction work from around the world.
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