Day 33. Review-2

Chasing success is a book of mine published in 2010.

One thing is common to all of us- then, now and forever  i.e. Chasing…….what though differs. 

A review of the book at that time by an Economist is reproduced more so to reiterate on the larger issues covered in the blog-

Success, however, defined, is the one goal of all human endeavour. Yet, few achieve it to their satisfaction. Among the few who do achieve it, many savour it only for a brief time. The book under review is an earnest attempt to look into the dynamics of achieving sustainable success, work-life balance and ecstasy in life. Highly practical, it highlights certain facts of life, which have to be accepted if one were to progress towards enduring success.

Written by Dr. Bala Chandran, the book covers a vast array of topics ranging from the esoteric to the contemporary and offers a veritable feast of information, rejuvenating ideas and insight. He has brought out finer aspects of life, especially for the present-day youngsters, as would help them lead an excellent and ecstatic life.

The author, whose other works include some really inspiring books like "Nurturing Excellence", "Living/Leaving Gracefully. "Winning the Game of Life" and "Making a Difference" declares that "only a spiritual way of life would ensure lasting happiness for people in this fragile world.

This is remarkable coming at a time when divorces, attritions in reputed organizations, and rampant discontent even among the rich, have afflicted all countries, including the so-called developed India.

According to him, eventual success requires happiness in life, grace from the Supreme power and a realistic approach to problems. Ups and downs of life only reinforce one's firm belief in the hand of the supreme power in all actions. Accepting this reality would help one to attain peace of mind, the pre-requisite for lasting happiness. When bad things befall even good people, one has to accept the same stoically with grace as no amount of recrimination or weeping could undo the thing. One has to accept the bad thing, remembering that God had willed it that way and all things happen only for the good.

The author does not advocate inaction. Our efforts are necessary but one should do only one's duty and not think about the result. The result has to be left to Him and accepted as it comes. This is the realistic attitude to life and world, according to him. Without trying to pontificate, the author has deftly handled the subtle truths of life in a simple and cogent manner. Steering clear of the spiritualistic jargon, he has presented his ideas in a refreshing manner so that even a layman can easily understand them. It is indeed commendable that the author, who is by no means a philosopher, has been able to put together his thoughts on the subject in an insightful and thoughtful manner. For the young generation of today, relentlessly chasing success all the time, the book is a must read. And for the spiritually inclined, the book only reinforces many of their views on philosophical issues and should serve them as good reading material.

V Raghuraman,Former Chief Manager, Union Bank of India

(Corporate India, October, 31,2010)

Chasing Success, Taxmann Publications(P) Ltd,2010, pages, 240

The reviewer has culled out the essentials from the book which if pondered will give much solace in a world full of turbulence, violence, crime, fear, doubt, anxiety, uncertainty and above all discord/ disharmony.

Be happy. Be safe.

7.30 AM