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The book “Journey to the East” has become a household name for book enthusiasts. It stands as one of the best-selling books of all time. However, the experience of reading it is hard to express in words or language. “Journey to the East” is not an easy-to-read entertaining book, but rather a philosophical, religious, and physical training. The book is truly a journey, guiding how to live a happy and healthy life.
During the reading process, readers become participants in a challenging journey, similar to “Journey to the West” with its 81 challenges. Not everyone is patient enough to overcome every challenge, and without deep awareness, the experience may not achieve the 'enlightenment.' Let's explore what special insights Mytour Blog brings to you in the review of the journey to the East!
A Glimpse of the Author Baird Thomas Spalding
Baird Thomas Spalding, an American spiritual writer, lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite debates about his birthplace, he gained fame as a renowned spiritual author with the work 'Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East.'
His life journey primarily involved working in the mining industry in the American West. In 1894, he embarked on a profound spiritual adventure, marking the beginning of the creation of the 'notorious' book series mentioned earlier.
A Glimpse of the Author Baird Thomas Spalding (Source: Internet)Review of the Journey to the East Book
Journey to the East is a unique memoir detailing the exploration and research expedition of a team from England to India. Surprisingly, the journey primarily unfolds in India, a country renowned for its diverse cultural heritage. However, India is just a part of the 6-book series, all written by the author to convey the philosophies and mysteries of the East. Currently, only one book is translated from the expedition in India, done by translator Nguyên Phong.
This book has sparked strong controversy and contradiction since its first publication in India in 1924. Controversy and skepticism spread from England to the United States and then throughout the West. The British government banned the publication of this book, which is not difficult to understand.
Journey to the East can be considered a detailed memoir, documenting the journeys of the expedition from England to India. Initially, their goal was to understand and decode the mysteries of the East through the 'intellectual' and 'scientific' perspectives of the Westerners. However, through encounters and experiences, the members of the expedition changed their views on the East, seeing its extraordinary and profoundly humane nature.
Review of the book 'Journey to the East' – A Grand Expedition (Source: Internet)The journey within the book is not merely about uncovering the mysteries of the East but also imparts profound philosophies about life, happiness, humanity, and liberation. This increasingly captivates the expedition members, going beyond the initial purpose of deciphering the mystical.
The journey had to halt due to the decision of the British government. They issued an ultimatum: either return and disclose no information about their experiences in India or leave everything behind and continue the journey. In the end, only three scientists decided to continue the expedition, seeking the truth about life and spiritual practice in the Himalayan range. Professor Spalding was among them. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each corresponding to a different expedition meeting with spiritual guides who alter their perspectives on philosophy and spirituality. It can be divided into two main parts: philosophy of life and humanity, along with methods for soul and physical training.
The journey within the book is not only about exploration but also contains profound philosophies (Source: Internet)Unraveling Questions about Humanity and Life
Unlike Western scientists, the Indian sages don't attempt to explore bizarre phenomena to prove their rationality; instead, they view them as a natural part of the spiritual and physical development of humans. Supernatural occurrences are not their goal but, similar to human perception, they are considered 'inevitable.' From the early chapters, the encounters between expedition members and sages, directly or indirectly, reveal the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of Eastern and Western cultures: the West focuses on external values, the strength of the body, muscles, and intellect, while the East has a lifestyle based on intuition, willingly trusting in miracles, sometimes irrational.
However, the book primarily focuses on the positive impacts of that philosophy and lifestyle on the practices and experiences of the sages, as well as the culture of the East. It demonstrates the profound impact that path has on the training and spiritual experiences of the sages, as well as its influence on Eastern culture.
Journey to the East explores hidden truths between humans and everyday life (Source: Internet)When it comes to happiness, peace, and liberation, the Indian sages have deep explanations and philosophies on how humans can experience simple peace. While everyone craves happiness and peace, human greed and desire are ceaseless, always wanting more and never being satisfied. Similar to the story of Alexander the Great and Aristotle, when Alexander said he would conquer Egypt and Turkey, Aristotle asked: 'What next?' Alexander thought and replied: 'After that, I can peacefully rest.' Aristotle laughed and said: 'Why can't you peacefully rest tonight?'
Tranquility and peace are not dependent on societal class, status, or wealth. Whether an emperor or commoner, we all have the right to choose a state of tranquility to find peace. Unfortunately, as many Indian sages have expressed, humans often prefer action and conflict, willingly forsaking the present to seek distant wonders.
Journey to the East is a place for us to explore about humans and life (Source: Internet)The journey to the East can be seen as an adventure to explore the profound nature of God. So, who is God? Is God Christ, Buddha, or someone else? No, not at all. Although India is a land of religions and spirituality, and the sages practice and worship God, they are not lacking in their own insight and refinement.
Through the expedition's journey and the stories told, the philosophy of the sages reveals that God can be anyone in the present world. God is the creative force behind everything but does not control anyone's destiny as we often think. Instead, God is a collection of good values and ideals, organizing this world in an order. God can manifest in any deity we pray to, hidden in any form we desire to see.
It's truly surprising when Indian meditation masters, spiritual guides, and monks, with their profound knowledge, not only can explain spiritual factors but also apply mathematical, physical, and biological perspectives to explain God or the destiny cards of humans. This approach can bring about remarkably convincing arguments.
Body and soul are continually cultivated
Journey to the East is not just a philosophical work and scripture but also provides explanations about the history, origin, and noble values of various forms of practices, especially Yoga. In the book, documented and memoirized by the author, Yoga is not only a form of exercise to make the body flexible but also a divine creation to help humans train the body and thereby control the mind, along with extending longevity.
The sages used a scientific explanation method to understand the power of Yoga, from its inception to the present day, along with the mystique surrounding this discipline.
Beyond self-cultivation through Yoga, the sages and individuals encountered on the journey always affirm that the path of spiritual practice is endless, with countless ways of personal progression. No path is absolute. Self-cultivation not only holds significance for life training but also prepares for death. We often harbor fear and curiosity about death. Journey to the East provides a perfect insight for those who want to understand the end of the body, namely our physical form.
Body and soul are continually cultivated (Source: Internet)Conclusion
It cannot be denied that Journey to the East is a worthwhile read, opening the opportunity for introspection about one's fate and purpose, especially in the context of the modern and tumultuous society. Not everyone finds it easy to open up to new ideas, thoughts beyond personal needs, and resist the deep-rooted prejudices in today's society.
So, Mytour has joined you in reviewing the journey to the East from the subjective perspective of readers. Wishing you an enjoyable reading experience, discovering your inner strength, and living happily and peacefully.
