Book Review
Title: Manual of the Warrior
of Light
Author: Paulo Coelho
Publisher: HarperCollins,
2002
Pages: 268 [Content only one
side, however]
You can work miracles if you wish. Miracle is a change
of attitude. Miracle is a matter of changing your way of looking at reality.
Paulo Coelho’s book, Manual of the
Warrior of Light, is a kind of handbook for those who wish to perform
miracles. But if you are looking for some shortcuts to miracles, or even some
practical psychological tips for self-improvement, this book will disappoint
you.
How do you transform your attitudes?
How to change your perspectives? Sit down and do some serious meditation. Probe
within. Probe deep. Question yourself, your thoughts and feelings, your beliefs
and convictions. This book can help you do that by giving some starting points.
Each page of the book carries a
particular thought meant to stimulate your contemplation. Many of these
thoughts may not be new to anyone who has read a lot of similar work. Some of
them may even sound like platitudes. A few examples:
A warrior of light always keeps his heart
free of any feelings of hatred. [86]
The warrior knows that no man is an island.
[102]
Yesterday’s pain is the
warrior of light’s strength. [158]
A few of the ideas are borrowed
directly from other writers and gurus like John Bunyan and Jesus. Examples:
The consequences of our actions are the
scarecrows of fools and the beacons of wise men. T. H. Huxley [45]
A warrior is as wise as a
serpent and as innocent as a dove. Adapted from Jesus [162]
If you are the kind of person who
sits in meditation for a while every day and would like to have a triggering
point for the meditation, you will find this book helpful. At any rate, this is
not a book for ordinary reading. There is nothing much to read in it. This is a
book that helps you to reflect. Read a page and let the idea play in your mind.
Probe the idea as far as you can go with it. The exercise will change the way
you look at yourself and the world. That is the miracle that this book can work
on us.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteI read The Alchemist and also The Pilgramage many years back... I never got back to Coelho's works, but they are accessible and truly inspirational. YAM xx
I too read the same two plus Eleven Minutes, the latter of which is rather uncharacteristic of Coelho.
DeleteExactly...Eleven minutes is not characteric of Coelho. His is a book of pondering and contemplation. He has given his ideas in a new bowl of motivation, it seems. But his writing is mesmerizing and miraculous indeed.
ReplyDeleteMiracle is left to the reader.
DeleteHe is one of my favourite writer. I love his writing. I read his alchemist and that is full of encouragement to keep moving you'll never miss your goal. Your review reminded me that my shelf has a few of his works which I have to read. I am going to open them now. Thank you Sir.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. It's always better to read what's left unread on your shelf.
DeleteI haven't read a Brazilian author.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on, and stay safe.
You can try. Coelho is inspiring.
DeleteI find his books very significant, as they make you think.
ReplyDeleteIndeed he inspires.
Delete"A warrior is as wise as a serpent and as innocent as a dove. Adapted from Jesus [162]" I recall this from your classes.
ReplyDeleteI keep repeating it even today. Important.
Delete