Dear Reader,
I’ve lived for many years in Africa but as you know, Peru isn’t in Africa. And let me confess that I’ve never been to Peru; this book I read transported me to it, literally!
March began with an electrifying start - nearly everyone I’ve spoken to tell me that ‘too many things are happening at one go!’ - and it sums up the month for me too! My secret rendezvous with Japanese fiction seems to have come to a standstill. At least, for now. I’ve read too many Japanese books at one go - guess I need a break before I am tempted to shift to Japan, permanently! Just kidding, of course.
Few weeks ago, I was at Om Bookshop in Noida, browsing through some books when a book fell off the shelf and I caught it in the nick of time. Curious, I flipped it around and it read ‘Dream Beyond Shadows: No Ordinary Tourist’, written by Karthikeya Ladha.
I was about to place the book back onto the shelf when I felt tempted by its stunning cover. I began to skim through the pages and I found myself glued to it.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Who ami? What is the true purpose of my life? What is stopping me from reaching it?”
If you have asked this question, this book is for you.
Travelling teaches you acceptance because events take place regularly that you can’t anticipate.
- Karthikeya Ladha
There was something about this book that gripped my attention - so yes, I bought it. Plonked myself comfortably at Dunkin Donuts with this book - I sat there and read the book for three hours at one go.
I forgot I was thirsty. The lemon iced tea remained untouched till I finished reading.
When I finished, I was in awe of what I’d read.
The book packed in quite a rollercoaster ride, a seeker’s compelling travelogue with many candid moments that takes courage and conviction to write about.
The author has a dream that he should go to Peru - guess what, he follows that dream!
How many of us would leave a fancy paying job in New York to follow the trail of a dream?
In the first part of the book, you are taken through the author’s glitzy life in New York where he is among the top earners for his company and is highly ambitious and successful. Out of the blue, a call from within becomes too powerful to ignore. The young man does the unthinkable - he quits his job, visits his parents in India and then heads to Peru!
Who looks outside, dreams;
who looks inside, awakens.
- Carl Jung
This ground-breaking context sweeps you through the globe alongwith the author’s candid observations and thoughts on the unexpected journey he is set to undertake.
The crux of his journey pertains to a thrilling spiritual adventure, where he undergoes a rigorous training to invoke the powerful energy of ‘Mother Ayahuasca’.
I had never heard or read of anything related to the famed Ayahuasca journey before.
That this spiritual journey is one that brings seekers from across the globe adds another fascinating layer to the travelogue. So much of what the author experiences is almost unreal.
The precision with which he is able to capture every experience offers a fascinating window into how travel can ignite the spiritual fire within; of finding out who we really are and what our real purpose is.
While renouncing a well-paying job in New York city to ‘awaken the soul’ is not a calling every successful individual happily tunes into, this young man from India finds himself hurtling towards it with rare passion. He is ready for it though nothing in life had ever prepared him earlier for this tough calling. That his parents support his decision is a critical aspect.
We all know that it is quite unusual to receive that kind of parental support on a decision that is highly unconventional for a young Indian. Usually, Indian parents would be up in arms if their son were to give up a job in New York.
Your heart is always right and the decisions that come from the truth in your core can never be wrong, regardless of what others say.
If your true inner voice is telling you something, you’d better listen to it. - Karthikeya Ladha
Drifing in and out of subtle consciousness and body consciousness, the author takes us through the exploration of his inner self through this unique Peruvian journey that is unknown even to many people in Peru itself.
One of the things I asked myself after reading this book was, “Would you do what Karthikeya did - travel to a faraway place like Peru and take up the hugely daring Ayahuasca journey?”
My answer is a clear ‘No!’
Each of us have our own paths to explore - I recognise that Ayahuasca isn’t mine. But I respect that seekers have been drawn to it and the rich soulful insights it gave them.
Having said that, I know I learned a lot of interesting things about it by reading Karthikeya Ladha’s life-changing experiences through Mother Ayahuasca, which is why I strongly recommend ‘Dream Beyond Shadows’ to you, dear reader.
Incredible things happen to you only when you let them happen.
- Karthikeya Ladha
What I liked about Karthikeya Ladha’s book
Candid, authentic and honest - Takes conviction and courage to open up like this
Powerful impact - As a reader, I felt I was journeying along, witnessing everything! Sentences flowed easily, insights were deep, you could relate to it!
Part Autobiography, Part Travelogue, Part Spiritual - A rare combination!
Well-written, profound insights - It read so smoothly, like butter on toast.
Plus, I found myself jotting down notes while reading his observations!
Exceeds expectations - I didn’t expect it to be this good when I bought the book!
Get Out Of Comfort Zones - The author argues - follow your passion, abandon your comfort zone; it doesn’t help you to grasp your highest purpose or potential.
Kodak moment: Mahashivaratri in Delhi
Reading Corner | Links To Read
Why Flight Attendants Always Sit On Their Hands During Take Off
You Actually Should Stand Up When The Plane Lands!
I LOVED reading about Sister Mary Cornita Kent and these rules via on Substack. Don’t miss this!
In other news……
In the coming months, India is all set for elections - there’s such excitement! But I find myself thoroughly disappointed to read some of the Western media reports on the same. Their obvious bias against India comes through strongly and it is hugely unfair! It’s even more depressing to read what some Indian journalists write - the less said about their political biases, the better.
I watched Manjummel Boys, an amazing Malayalam adventure thriller which deserves to be celebrated - if it is in your nearby theatres, watch it, folks! Check out my Manjummel Boys movie review right here!
For all those who are passionate about the world of books, here’s a must-read article on how Bloom Books Partners with Self-Published Authors and how they deftly mastered a win-win approach.
Bloom Books refer to themselves as a ‘books change lives’ organisation. It’s not about the sales figures or the number of books - it’s about readers. #Respect
Indian publishers could take a valuable insight from their mantra: “Our job is to put books in the hands of readers. It’s about more readers, not more books.”
last thing
I’m reading a book on Winston Churchill. As most Indians know, he is quite a controversial figure in India and not particularly liked. But the book offers fascinating insights about his persona. I think it’s always important to read different perspectives when we look at historical figures. Whether we agree with them or not is a completely different matter.
If you missed this link: I Visited Busselton Jetty in Western Australia
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