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This is an intriguing, rich and erudite book of contemporary travels in
India. Dalrymple, an acclaimed writer that spends his time in between London
and New Delhi, gives nine portraits of very different spiritual Indian sages
practicing vastly distinctive forms of yoga. All nine, through their proficiencies
and rituals, seem to be able to attain the state of union we are all yearning
for.
Travelling throughout India over many years and living with
each one of the characters for a good period of time, the writer makes them
come to life through their faith and their understanding of God. And they
all are at opposite ends of the spectrum, or so it seems: there is the Jain
nun slowly ending her life; a Dalit dancer becoming God at night; the Sufi
poet that declares 'Don't kill infidels, kill your own ego'; the blind Baul
minstrel that chants his way to nirvana; and even a prostitute dedicated
to the goddess Yellama.
The book offers a tapestry of humanity and landscapes that
is very moving and speaks to the very rich religious heritage of a deeply
inspiring country. "The truth is one, the paths are many"… and so they are
indeed in this travel book of the year.
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