About Open-Eyed Meditations

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Fingerprint! Publishing

Format: Paperback

Pages: 280

Genre: Self-Help

Self-Help Books and Me

I will be the first to admit I am not a fan of the self-help genre. I know a lot of people love self-help books but I run away from them. In my opinion, most books in this genre tend to either exaggerate or simplify life.

Given this I was quite skeptical about reviewing Shubha Vilas’s new book. I have read a few books by the Vilas before and I enjoy his writing style. It is simple and to the point. (You can read my reviews of the author’s other works here and here). I agreed to review the book because I like the author’s previous works.

What is the book about?

Valentine's Day coexists with Ramayana rather peacefully within the pages of Shubha Vila's latest book. More on #Poohsden Click To Tweet

As one would expect from the author, the book draws heavily from Ramayana and Mahabharata. It links these historic texts to present day living. With numerous examples from ancients texts, the author tries to make modern day living a little easier.

We are always seeking happiness and Open-Eyed Meditations tells us how to get there. The book talks about the things I crib about in 2017 – communication, relationships, money, leadership, positivity, talent, hard work, perspectives and acceptance.

What Works?

The author works hard in making us view known characters (from the epics) in a different perspective. Shubha Vilas, successfully makes us see what we should be learning from the epics. Be it Draupadi’s marriage to the five Pandavas or Bhisma’s inability to deal with problems he had created.

The book is divided into small chapters which focus on a topic. I really liked the condensed short notes at the end of each chapter. It took me back to my school days where I used to write notes on different chapters so that I can go back to them.

I specially enjoyed reading the author discuss leadership successions. His discussions on imported leaders and in-house leaders was illuminating. I also enjoyed the writings of the author on the topic of perspectives.

Relationships are all about perspectives. Your perspective of looking at people and your perspective of looking at yourself, carves your ability to forge meaningful relations.

As I mentioned earlier, I find it hard to relate to the self-help genre. Reading Open-Eyed Meditations did not change that. While the book is split into short chapters to keep the reader focused, I found myself skimming over words and chapters in an attempt to get to the end.

Bottom Line

Open-Eyed Meditations: Practical Wisdom for Everyday Life, is exactly what the title suggests. It is practical and nuggets of wisdom we seem to push to the back of our minds in the craziness of routine life. I did enjoy the book but I have not become a fan of the genre. It is worth a read especially if you are a person who needs that extra push. This book’s perfect mate is someone who enjoys reading about Indian mythology and self-realisation.

Open-Eyed Meditations is different from other books in the market for a reason. It stands out with its simplicity and ties to the Indian roots. That makes this book a winner.

 

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!