Review #6 : Tiny Buddha : Simple Wisdom for Life's Hard Questions

Book Title: Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life's Hard Questions
Author: Lori Deschene
Year Published: 2012
Publisher: Conari Press (San Francisco, CA, USA)

My Tidbits

Now tiny daily wisdoms come handy! =D I can’t recall when and where did I find Tiny Buddha, since reading the postings has slowly but smoothly integrated into my routines. I still eagerly wait for the mails sent to my inbox, absorbing as much amount of wisdom as possible once I get to read an article posted in the website =) like every reader who feels benefited from contributors’ generous sharing, there’s a wave of gratitude that flows inside me =’)

The chapters are separated into several life issues that are easier said than done: Pain, Meaning, Change, Fate, Happiness, Love, Money, Possibilities and Control. In every section, Lori addresses a question used as a basis to answer the main topic. The interesting part is that the questions addressed were answered by Twitter users around the world. It is comforting and interesting to find great wisdom not only from great people’s sayings, but from our own folks. Our fellows who face daily life’s struggle like us =)

Lori excellently combines with her personal stories with thorough researches from various sources; from Viktor E. Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” to the famous saying in “Jerry Maguire”: “You complete me.” Frankly, I wonder how did she does it – choosing a life story based on memories and relates it to the topic - because I can’t remember everything that I went through! =p. The readers will also get a bite of Lori’s experiences working for various employers and her encounters with new people she met during the ‘journey’ =)

At the end of every sub-topic, Lori also put a series of simple checklist to help the readers overcome the concerns. I found them are very helpful, with specific examples (“Are you ignoring what you really feel about something so that other people think you’re being positive?”) attached to the steps =) Sometimes we are just not that sure about our own feelings!

Written with passion, simplicity and good humor, “Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hard Questions” just like what is written on the back cover: a little book with big heart <3

Review #5: By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

 

Book Title: By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept
Author: Paulo Coelho
Year Published: 1994
Publishers: Editora Ltd (Brazil)
                   HarperCollinsPublishers (UK)


My Tidbits

Okay, so after finishing the biography of the author, I decided to read one of Paulo's masterpieces. And I just realized that the feeling of jumping straightaway to fiction after reading a non-fiction is totally different. When we read non-fiction, we churn the ideas and facts that are served to us, while trying to link the concept to our real life events. Fiction needs my imagination and at the same time, that ability to translate the hidden message behind the flowing beauty of words =) I admit that I need to concentrate more to read fiction (and constant reading time - blame my short span of attention :p), than when I read non-fiction. But of course, I love both! haha xD

This book tells the story of Pilar, a girl from a small town called Soria, and her meeting with a childhood friend and also an old flame of her life. Pilar hasn't only re-ignite the sparks, but also involved in a journey to re-discover her faith. After 11 years, Pilar is a university student and her unnamed leading man is now a charismatic spiritual teacher with a gift to cure illnesses. From attending a spiritual conference that he led, Pilar travels with him to meet people who introduce and talk about the feminine side of God to her. The story goes on how the feminine side of spirituality, often referred as Great Mother, actually presents in many religions and faiths and earn the highest respect from the devotees. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church recognizes Virgin Mary as an important figure, but has yet to fully accept her as the feminine face of God.

I'd say that 'By The River Piedra...' has an interesting mixture of love tales and longing for worldly desire and divine light. Pilar struggles to learn to listen to her heart and following her dream to live with the man, while fighting her doubts. Meanwhile, the spiritually-gifted gentleman finally chooses to let go of his gift and leads a normal life with Pilar. What I love is that it's not a 'grandeur' love story - the exquisitely simple and straightforward words chosen echo in my heart loudly. There are about two or three scenes in the book that actually moved me to tears, and those are short but sweet ones like saying "I Love You" :')

And I really love the part where the man gives a lecture in the conference on taking risk to fully use the gift or talent bestowed upon us, and that miracles do exist in our everyday life. What he says in the lecture sound true to me and I found myself paused for a while to let the words came to my mind and stayed around =)

This book offers me to view love from real-life perspectives: our fear to speak out loud our dreams; our struggle to believe in ourselves and see what's true of us; the willingness to go through ups and downs in life with our loved ones; and the power of true love.

Review #4: A Warrior's Life: A Biography of Paulo Coelho

Book Title: A Warrior's Life: A Biography of Paulo Coelho
Author: Fernando Morais
Year Published: 2008
Publisher: Editora Planeta Do Brazil Ltda (Brazil)
               HarperCollinsPublishers (UK)



My Tidbits

Yeap, surprised to see another post coming up from this blog? When even myself thought that I'd never touch it anymore? It has resurrected now for sure, thanks to someone =) and I will try my best to keep it 'alive and kicking'! ;)

I didn't even know that Coelho actually published a biography, until I saw this book in a bookstore in Dubai Airport. I have only read two works by him so far (I'm reading the third), but like the rest of the readers, I have no doubt that I have fallen for this magician of words =)  My first book of him was Brida, and I didn't think it was a good start as I wasn't able to comprehend fully the deep theme of spirituality shown in the book. It was only after I read The Alchemist, I was captured by the journey of the shepherd boy Santiago in search of the meaning of life. It will definitely raise a lot of question marks if it is not a bestseller! =D

Coelho, as described in the book, is not just a 'mere mortal' ~ a description which is not an exaggeration, in my opinion =)  Born in 1947 in Rio De Janeiro, he was notorious for his out-of-the-box way of thinking since his early days on Earth. Coelho wasn't a bright student in his schooldays, but he was certainly bright on something he knew he was destined to do: joining the literary society. Despite his parents' wish for him to be a bright student and followed Coelho, Sr. to become an engineer (he indeed showed a brief interest in this field, but it was too brief compared to his lifelong fascination with writing), he showed no interest in school life, and barely made his way to a prestigious school in Rio.

Rebellion was a noun that filled young Paulo Coelho's days. Frankly speaking, the paths he chose to live in his 20s were jaw-dropping for some goody two-shoes like me, as Coelho was close to drugs (he was constantly smoking cannabis and tried various drugs), a Don Juan, and even made a pact with the devil as he was also into vampirism and magic world. The hippie lifestyle that Coelho led has brought him to the walls behind the bars as well. Although it was not a serious crime that he committed, it was a tough era for Brazilian activists and a series of interrogation that Coelho went through left him in temporary paranoia.

Paulo Coelho is widely known as a bestselling author, but probably only a few of people knew that he was a famous lyricist in Brazil during 1970s! His duet with musician Raul Seixas was a hit in Brazilian music industry. However, the constant flow of money to his bank account and his popularity in music industry couldn’t fill his yearn to write a book. He fell into depression when his effort to become an author in London failed and he had to fly back to his hometown.

It was not until he met his spiritual master, often referred as Jean or J, and renewed his faith during his ‘Road to Santiago’ trip, that Coelho wrote his first bestseller book The Pilgrimage. By the end of 1987, 12,000 copies of the book have been sold in Brazil.

A Warrior’s Life was written with extensive details from Paulo Coelho’s diaries and interviews with closest individuals in 64 years of his life. It took me 2 months with sporadic reading time to finish the book, but it was too intriguing for me to give up finishing the 597-pages book =p. The exquisitely arranged facts – both important and trivial ones – are more than enough to give us an insightful glance to the world that Coelho has been living in. It is more than enough for me to look at the hailed author in different light =)

It will sound rather disparaging to say that this biography is just like another profile of famous persons. In my opinion, A Warrior’s Life is the encyclopedia of Paulo Coelho – you can find almost anything you want to know about this ‘immortal’ by simply turn the pages =) 

I am definitely a fan of Fernando Morais too, now! ;)

Review #3: The Accidental Buddhist

Book Title: The Accidental Buddhist

Author: Dinty W. Moore

Year Published: 1997

Publisher: Broadway Books, New York, U.S.A

My Tidbits

National Library is surely a good place to hunt books and they have numerous of good books on Buddhism. Actually any book that has a theme on contemporary issue on Buddhism would likely to get a chance to be grabbed by my hand. It's not that I refuse to study the core principles and stuck with the exoticism of this ancient religion, and I do read some philosophical Buddhist literatures, but I would want something that I will easily relate to my own experience, something practical. Needless to say, Buddhist books are getting better in variety =)

Moore was raised Catholic and as he grew older, he drifted away from the church and started to get curious on Buddhism. Moore ventured to different Buddhist centers and retreats; he started in Zen Monastery Mountain in the eastern part of New York state with strict Zen meditation practice. He went to Losel Shedrup Ling, a Tibetan Buddhist community in Atlanta and found a different Buddhist practice. He noticed that Tibetan Buddhist spent their times listening to the teaching and took notes, and the crowds were younger. Perhaps, because of the "Free Tibet" movement. Later on, he went to the annual Change Your Mind Day in Central Park and went accross the country to visit The Bhavana Society, a Theravadan monastery, in West Virginia.

Moore didn't only visit and sit the centres; he met the teachers as well, including a rare opportunity to ask the Dalai Lama a question when he visited Indiana University, and had a chance to interview some of the Buddhist practitioners - the American Buddhists. From the book, I can notice few differences on how Buddhism is practiced in America and Asia. The American monks are often holding some part-time jobs, whereas some Asian monks are still practicing daily morning alms round. In the rural areas in the late 90s, the communities were still finding it difficult to accept Buddhism [Buddhism in U.S may be more received nowadays].

The book was written in a light, simple way, while putting some Buddhist philosophies into someone's spiritual journal. I'd say that the book is suitable for anyone who's curious about practicing Buddhism in the U.S without too many deep principles. An introduction to American Buddhism, I suppose =)

Accidentally, I ran into Caroline Morning Design's website, a North Carolina-based meditation cushions (zafu) manufacturer. The business is mentioned in the book and Moore has interviewed the couple who own it. A karmic link? =)

Review #2: The Sampoerna Legacy - A Family & Business History

Book Title: The Sampoerna Legacy - A Family & Business History
Authors: Michelle Sampoerna & Diana Hollingsworth Gessler 
Year Published: 2007
Publisher: Putera Sampoerna Foundation



My Tidbits
Sampoerna is a legend in tobacco industry in Indonesia. Although no one in my immediate family smokes [my later grandfather did, but he passed away before I was born], I literally grew up watching many Sampoerna ads in my early teen years. Indonesia is known for lenient regulations towards tobacco trades as the cigarette companies are the top employers and major taxpayers in the country.

I did not pay any special interest on these tycoons, other than on their creative ads and promotion. However, since currently I am doing a research on Sampoerna, my quest for information eventually lead me to this beautifully illustrated book in a library. Sadly, since it is only for reference purpose, I couldn't bring it home =(

I expected the book would be the usual white and black, serious-looking book, but I was greeted with splurge of colors and pictures. By that moment, I knew it was going to be an interesting book! =D

The book tells about the history of Lim Seeng Tee, the founder of Sampoerna, who hailed from his hometown Anxi, China with his father and sister at the age of 6. When he was 11 years old, he started working and in 1913, together with his wife, they started the tobacco business. Lim succeeded in finding the right taste for his "kretek", a combination of clove, tobacco and 'sauce' that is distinct to Indonesia.  For the next 90 years, Sampoerna remained a respected company in the industry.

We can ensure that this success is not a fairy tale. Lim and family had to endure difficulties in the early years of their business when their simple shop was in fire, and during Japan occupation in Indonesia (1942-1945). His philosophy in success is known as "3 Hands Philosophy" - "win-win-win" solution for manufacturer, middlemen and consumer. After Lim passed away in 1956, Sampoerna was in a critical condition and almost went bankrupt. The second son, Lim Swie Ling (Aga Sampoerna) went to rescue the company. He is known as a  skilled businessman, just like his father, with excellent communication skill and good bonding with his subordinates. Sampoerna bounced back to lead the tobacco market.

At the hand of third generation, Lim Tien Pao (Putera Sampoerna), the company continues to flourish and in 2001, it was handed to the fourth generation, Michael Sampoerna.

Such an inspiring book with eye-catching pictures and family stories! Michelle, the daughter of Putera Sampoerna and the sister of Michael Sampoerna, went into great length to provide the account of details and historical family pictures. The wonderful flow of story and fascinating illustrations by Diana Hollingsworth Gessler provide me with an insight of tobacco industry and Sampoerna family's nationalism. I admire them for their strong corporate culture, for being able to be distinctive in a competitive industry and unfailing love towards Indonesia. 


It is beyond words for me on how this book has captivated my heart and mind! =D

Review #1: How To Save Your Own Life

Book Title: How to Save Your Own Life

Author: Michael Gates Gill

Year Published: 2009

Publisher: Gotham Books (a part of Penguin Group, USA)

My Tidbits

This is my second book by Michael Gill, and it is just a simple choice to make it my first review as it is still fresh in my memory, i.e. I just finished it! LOL I just need to tell you one thing: this book was the first of two books that I encountered in a bookshop, although I made the right decision to buy the first title first, How Starbucks Saved My Life. 

I was already in love with his lemon-to-lemonade story in the first book, so buying this book is a token of my admiration towards his courage to take a leap in a mature stage of life, and also for his uplifting and descriptive style of writing =) 

Here, Michael lists down 15 life lessons that he has gone through that finally lead him to his happy life. He talks about on how actually losing (almost) every material things when he needed it the most, had helped him to understand that happiness in life actually comes from simple things like serving the Guests in his job as a barista in Starbucks, laughing with his young son or just simply by rising up in the morning and catches the sunrise.

Nowadays, these tips on how to lead a happy life are often found in articles all over the Internet, and it seems that it is easier to be said than done. We are living in a life where money literally runs the world. I mean it. Even as a person in my early twenties, I have thousands of reasons on why Michael is much happier than I am (sometimes) =p

I contemplate much on the chapters and as a Buddhism practitioner [just a newbie ;)], some lessons that he had learned makes much sense to me. Change is the only constant thing in life, and sometimes we have to gather our courage to leap with faith. It is fearful indeed, but sometimes we have just to close our eyes and see where will we land when we say yes to change. 

My favorite chapter is about asking oneself if we are really happy (Lesson 2). Michael gently reminds us to reflect at the end of every day, because it is not impossible to fall in love with our own life. We are in the driver's seat and trusting our heart is like trusting a GPS to navigate our way. A quote of Michael's summary in the end of the chapter, "I believe that a unique road to happiness is given to each of us, specially for each person - we just have to listen to our hearts to follow it".

My other two favorite chapters will be stories on the life of his father and mother (Lesson 7 & Lesson 8). As I have mentioned before, I love Michael's passionate way in describing details about a particular subject. In the two chapters, he revives the memory of his late parents. Michael's father, Brendan Gill, was a famous The New Yorker writer, who was described as an enthusiast of life. He was like a sun; a warmhearted and zestful man who enjoy sharing his passions in life with everyone. I love the stories on how gregarious he was and tried to seize every single day as he got older. I would love to meet him! =)

In the next chapter, Michael tells a moving story about the last days on his mother's life. She believed in miracles of life and she lived to the fullest, and never let time interfered it. I got the impression that she was as loving as her husband and indeed a great reminder for us to love all living beings =)

This book just came in time when I needed some 'supports' to lift up my chin and face the world. Michael made me sit back and ask myself on my true motives in leading my life and his wisdom and love of life got me to stand on my two feet firmly again =)