This book was a spur of the moment pick in a conference where I had the Soubhagya of sharing the stage with Vid. Veena Bannanje avaru. When I sit down to pen down the review, I am at a loss of words to describe the book. Is it an experience journey? Is it a journey? Is it an evolution of an individual? Is it the shedding of skin to be reborn? Or is it a collection of Miracles? At best, I can describe this as a human tale which may sprout many a question in the minds of the reader.
This is an “as-is” told account by Veena Bannanje, a scholar and Vidwan in her own right. Being born in an illustrious family as the daughter of the very revered and respected Vid. Bannanje Govindaacharya avaru, she was having an exciting life until her encounter with Satyakama. A mystic, a philosopher, a guide, a father figure, Satyakama becomes the catalyst of Veena Bannanje’s evolution from a teacher to a sadhaka. The experiences narrated could be confounding to common mind, but as reiterated in the book, one needs to have an open mind to absorb the same.
Along the way, there are many interesting anecdotes and tidbits of wisdom interspersed within the narrative. The transformative journey that concludes or rather hits a stage with the shedding of mortal coils of Satyakaama makes it a very engaging read. Human experiences are always the best encyclopaedias to derive lessons from and this is no different. This reminded me of another book, Apprentice to the Himalayan Masters by Sri M, which is equally inspiring
Overall, a very engaging and thought inducing book. Do read, but with an open mind and heart.
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