A Monk and His Girlfriend

by Maxin James

Kartik, the young monk, knows that he must choose between his monk-hood and his search for Moyana. He knows well that he is still not being able to get rid of the desires of his youth and his love for a girl. A revolt against the holy traditions of the Monks of Pangchi will put him under the curse of the masters. He is aware that after the death of his Master he might be the next torch bearer of the monastery and the tradition of the great Himalayan Monks. But he likes freedom more than anything. One day he runs away from his monastery for a quest -- a quest for his girlfriend. This fascinating novel by Maxin James is the story of Kartik's journey, the young monk, who follows the call of the Universe, struggle, destiny and surrender.

138 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Maxin James is passionate about mythologies, nature, culture, ancient traditions and other uncountable things like reading, meditation and rambling along the sea shore, trekking mountains and long walks in nature. His primary interest in fiction is more on subtle aspect of story telling especially on culture, arts, mythology and spirituality.

Maxin James lives in Kochi,India.

Reviews

[Ioana Corina Sava · Rating 2 out of 5]

O carte previzibilă şi plictisitoare - nu ştiu dacă "previzibilă şi plictisitoare" este pleonasm sau nu. Este o lectură uşoară. Am citit-o într-o oră şi jumătate.

Din punct de vedere structural urmează aceleaşi reguli ca "Alchimistul" de Paolo Coelho (carte care nu mi-a plăcut). Structura nu este singurul punct comun dintre cele două cărţi. Autorul încearcă să copieze întocmai "romanul" lui Coelho, lucru vizibil încă din primele pagini.

Este vorba de o călătorie iniţiatică. Kartik părăseşte viaţa monahală ca să dea de urma Moyanei, iubirea lui din facultate şi merge zile întregi ca s-o găsească. În momentul în care Moyana îl refuză, face cale întoarsă şi dă de culmea iluminării. Motivul pentru care nu ajunsese la iluminare era acela că încă nu renunţase la tot, inclusiv la sentimentele sale. Fiind refuzat, Kartik se vede nevoit să le suprime, renunţând astfel la legăturile sale pământeşti.

Nu mi-a plăcut deloc, însă îi acord încă o stea pentru monologul final al călugărului în legătură cu Dumnezeu şi pentru ideea de "no strings attached" (ţinând cont că o stea este din oficiu).

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable.. Simple and binding narration of story of a young monk who understand true meaning of monkhood through his journey in search of his lost girlfriend

[Caspian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty book about a young monk who discovers himself on a travel to meet his girlfriend (which actually is not his girlfriend, but he wanted to be). A book about introspection, life and dreams. A book with moral philosophy. I wanted it to be based more on the personality of the characters, not only on the action itself. But I recommend it for a one-day read.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, thought provoking read about a monk and his journey in search of true meaning of his life.