Recently I started reading a novel 'Forty Rules of Love' written by Elif Shafak. It was recommended by a Friend to whom I am extremely grateful for introducing it to me. Initially when I heard the name, I thought it must be some romantic/formula novel for love. Surprisingly I dont know what came over me and though I have not had the opportunity or time to read a book in past couple of years, I dont know what made me instantly order the book on internet and immediately start reading it as soon as it arrived...I now realise it was meant to be.... and probably the book is hunting for people like me who want to keep exploring about the Truth of existence!
In the initial part of the book the story moves around the lives of each character but the real joy starts after the meeting of a wandering Dervish named Shams of Tabriz and a Sufi poet named Rumi in the thirteenth century. From here onwards as I go on reading page by page, I can completely relate to every rule explained by Shams and feel as if its quenching the thirst of my soul....as if I have known the gist of all rules in this book since ages, just waiting to comprehend them in written words. This is the second time in my life I feel a step closer to the domain of Ultimate Truth , the first time was when I got introduced to Vipassana meditation four years back.
The pearls of wisdom revealed by Shams of Tabriz and the simplified meaning of verses from The Holy Quran in this book has reinforced my views that all religions have similar preachings. The description of Rules of love is in complete harmony with Vipassana and talks about the peace experienced during self-realisation in the present moment - Zen wisdom!
All in all, core remains the same and the practical experience of Vipassana helped me to assimilate this book better. There is a striking similarity between phases of Soul evolution described in Quran and Buddhist scriptures. Great men have trodden the same path repeatedly at different times and different places but the basic principles and direction remain the same...only languages and methods of practice differ!
To see the mysteries unfold in same fashion through different conduits is experiencing the ultimate truth repeatedly with every step leading towards ''The Only truth''
In the initial part of the book the story moves around the lives of each character but the real joy starts after the meeting of a wandering Dervish named Shams of Tabriz and a Sufi poet named Rumi in the thirteenth century. From here onwards as I go on reading page by page, I can completely relate to every rule explained by Shams and feel as if its quenching the thirst of my soul....as if I have known the gist of all rules in this book since ages, just waiting to comprehend them in written words. This is the second time in my life I feel a step closer to the domain of Ultimate Truth , the first time was when I got introduced to Vipassana meditation four years back.
The pearls of wisdom revealed by Shams of Tabriz and the simplified meaning of verses from The Holy Quran in this book has reinforced my views that all religions have similar preachings. The description of Rules of love is in complete harmony with Vipassana and talks about the peace experienced during self-realisation in the present moment - Zen wisdom!
All in all, core remains the same and the practical experience of Vipassana helped me to assimilate this book better. There is a striking similarity between phases of Soul evolution described in Quran and Buddhist scriptures. Great men have trodden the same path repeatedly at different times and different places but the basic principles and direction remain the same...only languages and methods of practice differ!
To see the mysteries unfold in same fashion through different conduits is experiencing the ultimate truth repeatedly with every step leading towards ''The Only truth''