Personally I hate books in the Self Help genre. The truth is
that I am afraid of them, for they hold a mirror in front of you – a mirror
that tells you many unkind truths.
Well, The Calling is not like that. You embark on a journey
with Arjun, the protagonist, right from the beginning. Although your attitude might be "This is not my story, but Arjun's", you will find yourself identifying with the over stressed professional that Arjun is, torn between work
and family. Maybe our own work life balance is not in a situation as bad as
his, but if we do nothing about it, the difference would gradually disappear.
Arjun has a near fatal accident, and is miraculously brought
back to life by a sadhu. On his insistence, Arjun embarks on a journey to Gurudwara
Hemkund Sahib ji, a holy shrine set amidst the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh.
Just like we have to sort our problems ourselves, Arjun finds himself alone at
the start of his journey, as his best friend and travel companion, Jay was
needed elsewhere.
Instead, he finds company in Chandu, his transporter, who is
just 18 years old. Arjun is overwhelmed by the beauty around him, which he had
ignored till then, only to witness events he did not understand. When asked,
Chandu cheekily says, “It takes long, sahib”.
The best part of the book is when a second sadhu gives Arjun
three tests… situations we are faced with in our own lives, that are deeper than
they appear and it is how we respond that defines how our lives would
ultimately be. Also, towards the end, Arjun realizes he was reaping
effects of the seeds of misery he had sown himself. You would find yourself
nodding as you realize that the protagonist is an extension of yourself, and his
journey is actually leading you to that unkind mirror, where you can take a
stronger look at your own actions.
It is a must read for all.
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