OPEN EYED MEDITATIONS REVIEW

Open Eyed Meditations is a self-help book written by well-known author Shubha Vilas (Author of the bestseller Ramayana-the game of life). I received the book as a part of Blogadda Book review programme. After receiving it, I was expecting to come across some tips to cope up with everyday problems through meditation. A different perspective towards meditation has been explained, we all think meditation to be a close eyed phenomenon but the author differs from this view held generally by people. After finishing the book, I have decided to gift each copy of it to both my siblings. I think it would be a great gift for our near dear ones. It is not just any self-help book but an asset with a collection of topics which everyone from all age groups can relate to. I loved reading each of the 64 topics, as each topic has its relevance in today’s world. I personally felt, few topics covered in the book are exclusively written for me, to guide me where I was wrong and reflect upon my actions, so that I could move forward without regrets.

 

Another unique feature of this book is the inclusion of short stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata under each topic. In a very lucid manner each issue has been discussed. The short stories make the book more interesting and keep a reader hooked onto it. It also breaks the stereotype that only Ramayana and Mahabharata are relevant in Hindu Mythology and has no significance in today’s realty. There are people who find Ramayana and Mahabharata quite boring, however this book has a great collection of stories which anyone will find useful and can find solutions to their problems

This book is so addictive, I finished reading it within 4 days. There is so much to learn from this book, it gives us deeper insight into our complex lives. I

can go through it again and again. Now my mother has started reading it, she is someone who is very choosy when it comes to books and movies. So far she loves the book. There is one topic ‘Who drives your decisions?’ made me retrospect my actions made in past. Especially I have taken career oriented decisions either out of fear or force, and those decisions have backfired at the end. These days youngsters are under immense peer pressure. Due to peer pressure they get easily distracted and focus on momentary happiness. Instead of harnessing their potential and developing skills, their focus is on romantic relationships, enjoyments and excursions. There are certain topics covered in the book which I find completely apt and suitable for today’s younger generation. I would like to suggest few such topics to them:

>Valentine’s day secret tips.

>Do you need what you shop or shop what you need?

>Is real love in kisses and gifts?

>Are you scared to be offline?

>Conditions apply- in Love.

>Can I hurt others without getting hurt?

>Why do people once I loved now appear detestable?

Several topics on leadership have been covered and enough examples and short stories are given which will be very useful for people to identify their blind spots and inculcate new habits and manners that will make them efficient leaders in their area of expertise. I kind of felt, as if am going through a book on Organisational behaviour and development but with a twist and difference. Essence of each topic is given at the end of the chapter in form of snippets. This book not only makes one reflect on career oriented decisions and professional life but also on personal and spiritual life. ‘HIGHLY RECOMMENDED’.

Review by: Tapaswini Swain
Author: Shubha Vilas
Rating: 4.5/5
Publishers: Fingerprint! Belief
Price: Rs 250/-
Pages: 279
Cover: The image given has a deeper meaning and gives certain hints regarding what the readers can expect from the book.

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