The Adventure of Life by Sri Chinmoy. Book Review

The sweetness of the Heart, flows with the jewels that add meaning to life; that augments tranquility, serenity and peace. This is much needed, in a world where one is constantly battling with ignorance; pushing through dark clouds of this earthly sojourn. It is at times like these, that the wisdom-Light of Love, filling the pages of a book, like the soothing rays of the sun, enhances one’s energy, so that life becomes a beacon of hope.

My own journey began in the sweet serenity of autumn 1982, when, interestingly enough, I read a book called The Path: Autobiography of a Yogi, which ultimately led to the author of this very book I’m reviewing, called The Adventure of Life. Those sweet psalms, mantra-like sayings of Sri Chinmoy; those beatitudes of the Heart, had a captivating effect on me then, as they do now, some thirty-four years later.

A simple to read, insightful and inspirational guide, this book comes from the Heart of a visionary, one of the foremost luminary Seers of the 20th and 21st century. The writing is lucid, eloquent, authoritative ... and will appeal to the beauty of aspiring seekers, earnestly searching for a more satisfying or purposeful life.

Of complete relevance to today’s world, the book covers – with eloquence and authority – themes such as yoga, spirituality, wisdom, peace, patriotism, concentration and meditation, among many others. Should one be inclined to delve deeper, it sheds insights on the question of evil, the higher worlds, consciousness and the nature of man. It even touches on the social and spiritual welfare of family life.

Browsing through this motivational and uplifting book, one will find dispersed throughout the pages, many lofty maxims or poems, conveying the spirit and beauty of the inner life. In this concise and powerful piece below, Sri Chinmoy speaks wisely and gracefully about Love:

“Love is the pioneer of all divine qualities. So when you cry for God, feel Love – immediate, spontaneous, unreserved and soulful Love.”

In the essential Chapter on Meditation, Sri Chinmoy takes us to the root; the basics of this necessary subject, answering questions from seekers in a most informative and illumining way. ‘Meditation is not an escape’, he says, ‘Meditation is the acceptance of life in its totality, with a view to transforming it, for the highest manifestation of the divine Truth here on earth.’

“Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest.”-Sri Chinmoy

“Be sincere in your thoughts,
Be pure in your feelings.
You will not have to run after happiness.
Happiness will run after you.” -Sri Chinmoy