Like the Flowing River

Title: Like the Flowing River

Author: Paulo Coelho

Publisher:  Harper Collins, 2011 (First published 2005)

ISBN: 978-0-00-724630-4

Pages: 232

Paulo Coelho is one of the most sought-out authors in the world. Difference in languages does not seem to pose a hurdle between the gifted writer and his enthusiastic fan be it in Chile, in Sweden or in India. There is always a hidden strand of comprehension running across the barriers of religion, language or culture, which binds the writer firmly tied to the readers. Perhaps we need not wonder at the sturdiness of the relationship. Man, being the same everywhere, the path and the vehicle to ride into his inner depths are the same – what a shrewd one needs to do is learn to ride the vehicle which bestows him the talent to disregard the make or brand. Coelho wields the supreme talent to directly speak to the inner selves of the readers. The subtle signals which emanate from one individual to make sense to another defy common sense, logic and the rules of semantics. That may be why Coelho exerts such a pull on book lovers everywhere on the planet. Like the Flowing River is a collection of thoughts and reflections of the author, published through his syndicated columns in news papers published in many languages. It consists of about 100 essays on various topics from self-improvement to community living to international peace. Always a conservative, the author treads cautiously and along with established religions whenever any of his utterances might seem to ruffle the feathers of established wisdom.

Spirituality is a double-edged sword. It leads enlightened souls on the path of rectitude by shining brightly before them on their arduous trail which is narrow and winding. The promise of this guiding beacon to transcend physical mortality to become one with the supreme being, or creator, or whatever we may call it keeps them straightforwardly riveted to the correct path. Atheists and agnostics, who are the beacons for quite a different route to truth, have no bones of contention with these straight souls who live a life of spotless clarity. However, there is another, dark, and sinister side of spirituality which is surprisingly rampant and eclipses its benevolent twin-brother. How else can we account for the fanatical and murderous tirades being enacted in many places of the world against the screening of a film which is supposed to have ridiculed the founder of one of the major religions of the world? Coelho’s spirituality and message thankfully belong to the former category which could provide solace and confidence to many individuals who falter in their steps without knowing the right thing to do.

The book abounds with pearls of wisdom and very practical ways for dealing with seemingly impossible tasks. In one of the essays, titled Statutes for the New Millennium, two of the author’s sixteen points deserve mention here. They are, 1) Every human being has the right to search for happiness, and by ‘happiness’ is meant something that makes that individual feel content, not necessarily something that makes other people feel content and 2) Every human being should keep alive within them the sacred flame of madness, but should behave as a normal person (p.115). Another essay, Charity Under Threat (p.127) describes how a swindler obtained money from Coelho’s wife posing to be a foreign tourist who has been robbed by local thugs. Even when it became clear that her generosity has been exploited by an unscrupulous guy, she says, “Well, that’s not going to stop me helping anyone”! It proves how the inner light that guides us from within is and should be unperturbed by the storms that may upset all external considerations. Since I was also personally a victim to such a gimmick 18 years ago in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, it touched a cord with me. Essays like The Second Chance, which says life always gives a second chance after the failed first is very encouraging for depressed persons.

The greatest thing we can find unappealing in the book is its overzealous dependence on spirituality and power of belief. Coelho seems to cross the line in promoting these vague ideas to the hilt. How could rational people be on the same page as Paulo Coelho when he says that “I have seen the weather being changed, for example; I have seen operations performed without anaesthetic. Believe me if you like – or laugh at me if that is the only way you can read what I am writing – but I have seen the transmutation of base metal; I have seen spoons being bent; and lights shining in the air around me because someone said this was going to happen (and it did)”? (p.129).

Even with the unfamiliar terrain of spirituality and belief, the reading experience was altogether a good one. With a positive outlook on life, many of the recommendations and Aesop’s fables-like moral stories are redundant to our personal lives. The book is easy to read and serves its purpose to impart a sense of belonging in the readers’ minds. The author has been immensely successful in achieving his aim.

The book is highly recommended.

Rating: 3 Star