LIFE AND LIVING TRILOGY – WRITTEN BY A LATE DEBUTING SEPTUAGENARIAN AUTHOR
Reflecting on my retirement, I received a wealth of advice from friends, family, and even old acquaintances about staying mentally sharp as I aged. Many stressed the importance of keeping my brain active to prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. They recommended activities like Sudoku puzzles, reading, and learning new languages. Everyone seemed to have become an expert on brain health, passionately advocating these activities to fend off cognitive decline.
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As retirement loomed, I continued to receive well-intentioned advice. Travel to learn new things, gardening to stay active, but the most common suggestion was to stay curious. It seemed everyone agreed that staying busy and mentally engaged was key to staying sharp. With this advice in mind, I set out to explore various activities to maintain my cognitive health.
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Reflecting on my upbringing in a family of warriors, administrators, musicians, and writers, I chose to hone my writing skills in retirement. Nurtured with the adage "an idle mind is the devil’s workshop," I internalized the importance of staying mentally active, undeterred by the clamor of unsolicited advice.
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I remember the day I planned to start writing. My initial dilemma was whether to write in Hindi or English. My upbringing prompted me to choose Hindi, but I intentionally picked English to expand the reach of my message to a global audience. Please bear with my Indian English.
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We were a family of six brothers, with my mother assigning one room to be shared by two of us. My constant companion in this shared space was my elder brother, Udesh Soni, affectionately known as Kaku. While I pursued a general course in History and Political Science, he dedicated himself to English Honors. Despite our differing academic paths, our shared living arrangement fostered an environment of common company, care, and concern.
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Living in such proximity, we naturally became deeply involved in each other's studies. We frequently exchanged textbooks, exploring topics beyond our syllabuses and broadening our knowledge. In our free time, we discussed our areas of study, assisting each other in deepening our comprehension.
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I remember a distinct moment when my brother was struggling with an essay by Francis Bacon, part of his curriculum. Bacon's writing posed a significant challenge due to its complex vocabulary and phrases. When Kaku my elder brother became frustrated, he would often hand me the essay book and say, "Read this essay and tell me if you understand it." In those moments, I delved into Bacon's sophisticated prose, experiencing the same struggles as my brother.
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However, Francis Bacon distinctive writing style became ingrained in my mind during my late teenage years. Consequently, a strong urge to dig into his essays developed within me, as I grew older. While my writing differs greatly from his, the notion of Bacon as my muse has always remained with me. Despite our clear variances, this misconception still shapes how I view the world. I often ponder the fallacy of holding onto such a happenstance approach. I wonder. Can I compare candlelight with sunlight? When will I break free from this meandering mindset? I do not know.
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Trying to emulate the writings of Francis Bacon, the master of prose, feels like an insurmountable task. In the glorious era of Shakespeare, where theatre reigned supreme, Bacon stood out as the pinnacle of prose in a landscape dominated by poetry and drama. Seeking inspiration from him shouldn't be considered misguided; instead, it's a pursuit worth undertaking. Drawing from the expertise of a literary giant like Bacon, even if I can never match his great brilliance, still holds its own unsurpassable motivational value. Isn’t it.
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It's quite possible that everyone engages in a form of borrowing thoughts, sometimes edging towards what might be labeled as plagiarism. Our education system, in many ways, inadvertently encourages this tendency through methods of intellectual conditioning. Consequently, claiming absolute originality in authorship remains a persistent challenge. One might find it more fitting to assume the role of a compiler rather than a wholly original author. Compilers simply present their perspective, often gathering ideas from various sources to form a well-informed opinion.
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This practice of borrowing ideas to shape one's viewpoint is prevalent among writers like me. So, being termed a 'Reminder' or a 'Compiler' isn't necessarily a negative label. Furthermore, my language expression follows an Indianized version, which may not align perfectly with English literature norms. Hence, without sugar-coating it, I don't have solid grounds to boast that I'm a completely original author.
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Moreover, the line of thought encapsulated in my writings finds its roots deeply intertwined with the timeless wisdom of Vedic and Buddhist scriptures. As I articulate my reflections, I am acutely aware that I am merely a vessel, a conduit through which the profound insights of ancient sage’s flow. My words, though crafted through my own writing, carry the resonance of ages past, echoing the truths enshrined within the sacred texts of the Vedas and the profound teachings of the Buddha.
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I do not lay claim to ownership over the wisdom I share; rather, I see myself as a humble messenger and custodian of timeless truths. Bestowing upon me any title beyond that of a simple "Reminder" or a “Postman†would be presumptuous. My true aim is not to highlight my significance, but rather to gently guide others towards enduring truths that have persevered through time, akin to any spiritual seeker striving to illuminate without seeking personal acclaim.
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In the vast expanse of human contemplation, I am but a fleeting presence—a transient flicker of light, a drifting cloud of thoughts, a cascading wave of words in the boundless expanse of human comprehension. Yet, within this ephemeral moment, I strive to pay homage to the profound legacy of those who came before me, seamlessly weaving their insights into the fabric of my words and thoughts, akin to a parrot echoing their wisdom.
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In the ancient Vedic tradition, emphasis was placed on the depth of the message rather than the identity of the messenger. Authors of Vedic literature often remained anonymous, understanding that the value lay in the wisdom shared rather than in personal recognition. This humility allowed their teachings to transcend individuality, serving as timeless guides for humanity. I held this same ideal close when I embarked on my writing journey.
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However, the challenge today lies in the inevitability of revealing one's identity on internet platforms. Though I would have preferred to remain anonymous to better align with this tradition, circumstances compel me to disclose my identity.
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In contemporary society, there exists a pervasive culture of celebrity worship and the elevation of authors to iconic status. Instead of valuing the depth of their insights, attention is often fixated on the individuals themselves—their personal lives and public personas. This phenomenon not only detracts from the essence of the message but also fosters a superficial understanding of knowledge and wisdom.
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To genuinely spark widespread awareness and foster a deeper understanding of important concepts, it's crucial to shift our focus away from idolizing individuals as heroes and instead concentrate on the essence of their ideas. Rather than treating authors as mere celebrities, we should acknowledge the profound impact of their contributions to human thought and encourage a more thorough exploration of their literary works.
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By emphasizing the importance of ideas over the cult of personalities, we can cultivate a society that values wisdom and knowledge for their intrinsic worth, rather than their association with fleeting fame or renown. This shift in focus can pave the way for a more enlightened and intellectually vibrant culture, where the richness of ideas is held in the highest esteem and not a person.
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The literary community often overlooks the efforts of seasoned debut authors who have retired, a tendency that can be disheartening for those who have weathered life's challenges and triumphs. Their wealth of experience and perspectives may not always align with current trends or popular opinions. It's crucial to recognize that what garners popularity in literature isn't always indicative of truth, and conversely, truths may not always enjoy widespread popularity.
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I count myself fortunate to have been born in an era defined by the internet. Without it, I wouldn't have had the means to share my writing with others. While my audience may be modest, the fact that there are few individuals who genuinely appreciate my work surpasses my expectations. In this regard, I believe I have achieved my goal. What more could I ask for? I need nothing more.
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Therefore, I am deeply grateful for the internet, for without it, my writing would have languished unseen, unheard, unspoken, and unnoticed. Rather than solely celebrating my endeavors, it is essential to recognize and honor the remarkable technology of the internet. It serves as an extraordinary platform where unknown individuals like me can openly engage and exchange their thoughts and opinions. Truely, the internet stands as a modern marvel of free speech.
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The internet has fundamentally transformed communication on an unprecedented scale, democratizing the dissemination of ideas and amplifying voices from every corner of the globe. Through its vast array of websites, forums, and social media platforms, it has empowered individuals to express themselves, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful discourse free from the constraints imposed by outdated media magnates, vested agendas and dictatorial regimes.
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Furthermore, the internet serves as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, offering aspiring writers, artists, and thinkers a global stage to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. Its accessibility has leveled the playing field, enabling people from diverse backgrounds to participate in public dialogue and contribute to the collective pool of knowledge.
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It's deeply concerning to witness certain state governments imposing restrictions on the internet. Such actions directly undermine the essence of democracy, stifling freedom of expression and silencing dissenting voices. This suppression of online freedoms not only erodes democratic principles but also restricts access to information. Any attempt to curb the openness of the internet is tantamount to infringing upon the fundamental rights of citizens.
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In reality, the imposition of restrictions on the internet represents a backward step away from democratic principles and towards authoritarianism. Instead of constraining online freedoms, state governments should strive to uphold and protect the open nature of the internet, ensuring that it remains a vibrant space for dialogue, dissent, and democratic participation.
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As I have entered my seventy-fifth year, I'm excited to share the release of my latest book, "Life and Living Trilogy." This collection comprises three volumes: Book One - "Who Are We," Book Two - "The Purpose of Life," and Book Three - "Reality and Mystery." These books are now accessible in both paperback and e-book formats.
As I reflect on the completion of my latest book, "Life and Living Trilogy," I want to clarify its intent.
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This trilogy isn't intended as a highbrow literary endeavor; rather, it aims to illuminate the understanding of reality. Crafted for truth-seekers, it offers value to those who delve into its three volumes. However, it's a stark reality that non-fiction works often struggle to attract readers. Spanning three volumes, the trilogy is rich in content, with details woven into the narrative to deepen comprehension and offer a broader perspective on the subject.
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As I approach the end of the third stage of my life, I contemplate the beginning of a new chapter—an exploration of the final phase, the Sannyasa ashram, with its unique challenges and revelations, ultimately culminating in eternal rest. This realization strikes me: while vitality still courses within me, it's the ideal moment to infuse illumination into the pages of my books. With the curtain set to close, I find no compelling reason to undertake another writing endeavor beyond the "Life and Living Trilogy."
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The publication of my latest work marks the culmination of an eleven-year journey as a writer, which began with the launch of my website, https://www.thereligionlessworld.com/ in 2013. This period has been transformative, characterized by the release of six volumes delving into diverse facets of spirituality and the human condition.
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In 2019, I introduced "A Religionless World," inviting readers to embark on a journey of spiritual exploration. This was followed by "The Monk Who Gambled on the Game of Life" in 2020 and "Do Souls Exist" in 2022. Now, with the release of my fourth and final opus, "Life and Living – Trilogy (a set of three books)," in 2024, I am enveloped by a profound sense of fulfillment and introspection.
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For three decades, I found myself ensnared in the routine of a banking career, diligently fulfilling financial obligations for my household and family responsibilities, which seemed to stifle my creative spark. However, retirement ushered in a newfound sense of peace and purpose through writing. It became a vehicle for introspection, allowing me to probe the profound questions about existence, spirituality, and truth. Though I've only devoted a decade to this pursuit, I grapple with the notion that it might not have been enough time to leave a meaningful impact.
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While some critics may contend that a mere decade of writing offers only a fleeting opportunity to leave a lasting impression, for me, it has been a decade marked by introspection, continual refinement, and a steadfast commitment to distilling the essence of my message.
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My goal is to cultivate a legacy through my writings that profoundly resonates with those navigating life's complexities, offering solace and insight amidst its challenges. Only time will reveal the extent to which my efforts have made an impact. Even if I fall short or fail, I recognize that it's not a futile endeavor. After all, I understand that not all endeavors lead to success, but they are never without merit.
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As I near the conclusion of my literary voyage, I'm struck by the importance of clarity and sincerity in conveying my message. It's not merely about the quantity of words, but rather the quality of the ideas they convey. With each book, I've strived to deepen my understanding and articulate my beliefs with greater precision, aiming to offer readers spiritual guidance in a world fraught with uncertainty.
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In the pursuit of mental fortitude, refining the writer's craft stands as a testament to humanity's enduring spirit of ingenuity. As I traverse through time, pen in hand, I'm reminded of the timeless wisdom of Francis Bacon: "Reading makes a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man." Thus, within the power of the written word, the mind discovers its most potent defense against the encroaching shadows of oblivion.
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Advocating for the creation of a better society is not merely a choice but a moral imperative we must uphold without compromise. Genuine societal progress necessitates our active engagement and efforts. If we are to effect meaningful change, it is incumbent upon us to take action and be catalysts for a brighter future.
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As I conclude the final pages of this chapter in my writing journey, I do so with profound gratitude for the opportunity to share my insights and reflections with readers. Expressing "Thank you for supporting my writing endeavors" goes beyond mere courtesy; it is a sincere acknowledgment of the essence that fuels the creative journey. It serves as a reminder that achievements are born from the collective efforts of those who believe in the message and vision being conveyed.
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With folded hands, I extend my deepest gratitude to the readers for their unwavering support.
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READ OTHER RELATED ARTICLES.
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LIFE & LIVING TRILOGY – ANNOUNCING THE PUBLICATION OF MY LATEST BOOK?
LIFE & LIVING TRILOGY– THE PURPOSE BEHIND WRITING THIS BOOK
LIFE AND LIVING TRILOGY – THE EPIC ECHOES OF WRITING:
Source: Creative awareness Trust (CAT)
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