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Clarity is the Only Spirituality
About the Book
Do dogmas, doctrines, beliefs, prayers, pilgrimages and religious practices of any kind really take us anywhere? Do they help us change our inner selves and embark on a spiritual journey? Can we really change anything at all about the world outside of us unless we try and change our inner selves?
Genuine spirituality is the quest for Truth, the eternal verities and not the search for peace and happiness. That serious quest entails, above all, discovering the truth about oneself, warts and all. But how many of us are ready to face the facts and see ourselves exactly as we are in the mirror of awareness?
In a variety of essays ranging from a discussion about the benefits of sexual abstinence to contemplating death, Clarity is the Only Spirituality negotiates through the landscape created by the waywardness of the human mind.
Written in a simple and lucid style, the book approaches controversial questions in the sphere of spirituality with a certain freshness that will stimulate the psyche and force one to rethink and relearn.
About the Author
Susunaga Weeraperuma, who lives in the quietness of a medieval village called Les Arcs-sur-Argens in the south of France, devotes his time to hatha yoga, pranayama, organic gardening, creative writing, reading and meditation. He is a pacifist, a vegetarian, an animal rights activist, a connoisseur of art, a classical music buff and a traveller. This prolific author’s wide variety of publications range from entertaining short stories and novels to in-depth studies of religion, Buddhist philosophy, J. Krishnamurti’s teachings and meditation. Of late, he has been writing books of essays, like the present one, that are self-searching in character.
Do dogmas, doctrines, beliefs, prayers, pilgrimages and religious practices of any kind really take us anywhere? Do they help us change our inner selves and embark on a spiritual journey? Can we really change anything at all about the world outside of us unless we try and change our inner selves?
Genuine spirituality is the quest for Truth, the eternal verities and not the search for peace and happiness. That serious quest entails, above all, discovering the truth about oneself, warts and all. But how many of us are ready to face the facts and see ourselves exactly as we are in the mirror of awareness?
In a variety of essays ranging from a discussion about the benefits of sexual abstinence to contemplating death, Clarity is the Only Spirituality negotiates through the landscape created by the waywardness of the human mind.
Written in a simple and lucid style, the book approaches controversial questions in the sphere of spirituality with a certain freshness that will stimulate the psyche and force one to rethink and relearn.
About the Author
Susunaga Weeraperuma, who lives in the quietness of a medieval village called Les Arcs-sur-Argens in the south of France, devotes his time to hatha yoga, pranayama, organic gardening, creative writing, reading and meditation. He is a pacifist, a vegetarian, an animal rights activist, a connoisseur of art, a classical music buff and a traveller. This prolific author’s wide variety of publications range from entertaining short stories and novels to in-depth studies of religion, Buddhist philosophy, J. Krishnamurti’s teachings and meditation. Of late, he has been writing books of essays, like the present one, that are self-searching in character.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 11, 2018
Can we really change anything at all about the world outside us unless we try and change our inner selves ?
BOOK REVIEW - ...........
About the book + My thoughts :
_________________________
🌿I came to know that genuine spirituality is the quest for Truth not happiness through this beautiful book written by Susunaga Weeraperuma.
It tells that clarity really helps to get rid of our fears in life. And certainly it is true ! As clarity has helped in my own life solving problems.
🌿I feel this is a light read book which deals in various topics - like tolerance for religions,humanity,forgiveness , chastity, fear of death ,etc written in a lucid way but it provokes the thoughts of the reader to think beyond our regular life.
🌿The book is divided into different chapters , making it easier and faster to read.The author mainly focuses on these points by using examples of his life through French people at his village in France . He also talks about his experience in his motherland Sri Lanka and his few visits in India.
🌿The true beauty is to be aware and not to search for happiness. If you are aware you will find peace. Happiness is just a state of mind.Awareness helps to achieve it faster.
--------------------------------
Cons - ✔No cons as such , but a few times I felt a bit bored.But then I changed few books in between and again I felt interested again :) .
✔It was a light read , I wish he went a bit deeper in to the subjects. But this was my first read of his work.
I do look forward to read more so that I can know more about his writing style.
------------------------------
I got to know about it via : @haloofbooks
And as I was looking for a change in my reading style I bought it. It is my first non fiction book.
Author : Susunaga Weeraperuma
Pages - 224
Paperback.
Pages and text size are of good quality.
@fingerprint_publishing
Price : 139/- at amazon.
.
BOOK REVIEW - ...........
About the book + My thoughts :
_________________________
🌿I came to know that genuine spirituality is the quest for Truth not happiness through this beautiful book written by Susunaga Weeraperuma.
It tells that clarity really helps to get rid of our fears in life. And certainly it is true ! As clarity has helped in my own life solving problems.
🌿I feel this is a light read book which deals in various topics - like tolerance for religions,humanity,forgiveness , chastity, fear of death ,etc written in a lucid way but it provokes the thoughts of the reader to think beyond our regular life.
🌿The book is divided into different chapters , making it easier and faster to read.The author mainly focuses on these points by using examples of his life through French people at his village in France . He also talks about his experience in his motherland Sri Lanka and his few visits in India.
🌿The true beauty is to be aware and not to search for happiness. If you are aware you will find peace. Happiness is just a state of mind.Awareness helps to achieve it faster.
--------------------------------
Cons - ✔No cons as such , but a few times I felt a bit bored.But then I changed few books in between and again I felt interested again :) .
✔It was a light read , I wish he went a bit deeper in to the subjects. But this was my first read of his work.
I do look forward to read more so that I can know more about his writing style.
------------------------------
I got to know about it via : @haloofbooks
And as I was looking for a change in my reading style I bought it. It is my first non fiction book.
Author : Susunaga Weeraperuma
Pages - 224
Paperback.
Pages and text size are of good quality.
@fingerprint_publishing
Price : 139/- at amazon.
.
May 18, 2018
I always look forward to reading unique books that are different altogether. This is a kind of self-help book (but a little different), which can teach many things. So let’s know more about this book.
Summary:
We all know the truth that human mind can never stop thinking. Even when we are concentrating on something, our mind travels far away. We are highly influenced by religion, speech, locality, and upbringing. But does our mind need to be impacted by this? Consciously or subconsciously, our thought reflects these influences. Can we stop this? Can we make our mind clear? The author of this book has tried to answers these questions.
Divided into 18 chapters, the author has presented many aspects of the life that we are going through.
The author has written about religion and how a particular religion impacts humans. If we think that our religion is great then we can never learn anything good from other religions. I really loved author’s view that every child should have the freedom to choose his/her own religion.
After this, the author has talked about some ignored yet important things which can help every human being, like good communication, the importance of writing a letter and virtue of forgiveness. I really loved these parts of the book as nowadays we are hardly giving them any value.
In another chapter, the author has talked about people who do not want to learn another language just because they think that their language is great.
He has elaborately talked about chastity and J. Krishnamurti’s practical approach to sex.
After this, the author has written about the importance of spending leisure time and how this can productively help one. He has also written that the younger generation is losing interest in reading.
In the last few chapters, he has beautifully talked about the importance of being happy and calm and that we have nothing to gain or lose, how the fear of falling ill and death can destroy one’s peaceful life and how one can cope with this fear.
At last, he has urged readers to find peace of mind as it can make one clear-sighted and we can see what is right and wrong.
Writing style:
The author has used easy language which can be understood by every type of reader. The narration is seamless.
My perception:
This book is a great reminder of the things which we are ignoring in this busy life. Really, did we ever give importance to having a clear mind? Never, but I think this is the need of today’s life where we have to accept the good and discard the bad. The author has shared various examples of his life and has emphasized more on eating an organic food, doing Yoga, living near to nature, embracing the simplest happiness and living a peaceful life. While reading, I have found many of my opinions in the book. The author has a clear and practical approach towards life and we should also learn from this. Although this book seems small, but it contains profound concepts which can be understood if you read it slowly.
Overall, this book is totally unique and I enjoyed it. I recommend this book to those who want to learn and live a quality life.
You may read more such review on http://www.haloofbooks.com/ do connect with us!
Summary:
We all know the truth that human mind can never stop thinking. Even when we are concentrating on something, our mind travels far away. We are highly influenced by religion, speech, locality, and upbringing. But does our mind need to be impacted by this? Consciously or subconsciously, our thought reflects these influences. Can we stop this? Can we make our mind clear? The author of this book has tried to answers these questions.
Divided into 18 chapters, the author has presented many aspects of the life that we are going through.
The author has written about religion and how a particular religion impacts humans. If we think that our religion is great then we can never learn anything good from other religions. I really loved author’s view that every child should have the freedom to choose his/her own religion.
After this, the author has talked about some ignored yet important things which can help every human being, like good communication, the importance of writing a letter and virtue of forgiveness. I really loved these parts of the book as nowadays we are hardly giving them any value.
In another chapter, the author has talked about people who do not want to learn another language just because they think that their language is great.
He has elaborately talked about chastity and J. Krishnamurti’s practical approach to sex.
After this, the author has written about the importance of spending leisure time and how this can productively help one. He has also written that the younger generation is losing interest in reading.
In the last few chapters, he has beautifully talked about the importance of being happy and calm and that we have nothing to gain or lose, how the fear of falling ill and death can destroy one’s peaceful life and how one can cope with this fear.
At last, he has urged readers to find peace of mind as it can make one clear-sighted and we can see what is right and wrong.
Writing style:
The author has used easy language which can be understood by every type of reader. The narration is seamless.
My perception:
This book is a great reminder of the things which we are ignoring in this busy life. Really, did we ever give importance to having a clear mind? Never, but I think this is the need of today’s life where we have to accept the good and discard the bad. The author has shared various examples of his life and has emphasized more on eating an organic food, doing Yoga, living near to nature, embracing the simplest happiness and living a peaceful life. While reading, I have found many of my opinions in the book. The author has a clear and practical approach towards life and we should also learn from this. Although this book seems small, but it contains profound concepts which can be understood if you read it slowly.
Overall, this book is totally unique and I enjoyed it. I recommend this book to those who want to learn and live a quality life.
You may read more such review on http://www.haloofbooks.com/ do connect with us!
February 24, 2020
Read this book back in 2018 . This was probably my first even book on spiritualism. It is a non fiction in which author talks about the attributes of one's nature , if can be absorbed and practiced , they bring contentment, bliss and happiness in life. The practice of empathy , reducing greed , helping others . He has described his life in Europe and in his native Sri Lanka . As spirituality is based on your own ethics and believes , you may find few things logical or you may disagree to follow few . Also at few places life in France and Germany was discussed to a limit I felt it unnecessary at times. But yes there were messages to understand. Nice read.
July 1, 2020
Loved this expressive book!!! Felt so light hearten after reading this. I wish I could take the psychological traits explained here to attain the fruit of spirituality. I felt the breeze of author's religious standpoint soothingly nice, in the way he lives and has evolved. I would say the book took me into a state as if, I took a small boat way off the shore, aloof and away from the disturbing forces, and let my mind, feel inward peacefully. Author has suggested the path to attain
the clarity through various forms of life, eventually to attain all but VOID or Emptiness, within our thoughts in all ways. I felt many things special in his book. Following
are some.
The book starts off in peaceful manner stressing the difference between sympathy and true spirituality.Seeking the real truth through self-awareness is what the author endorses as a way to walk behind the door of Spirituality.I loved his explanation that the pilgrimage visits, fasting, prayer, penance etc.., just increases the belief on religion but has no change in
the Psychological traits. The man is still the same beast as before. He rivets this as the base-camp to start the tour of Self-realization by suggesting to turn our thought process inwards devoid of Prejudices which he sort of classifies as judgmental and racist.
Religious beliefs should never be forced or even inherited. It needs to claimed through knowledge and education. Only then the society wouldn't blindly classify or interpret other religions or their beliefs as different with their own pronouns.
Book feels the communication without any forms hesitation and with pure heart to slash all the differences in society.
Authors cherishes the importance of naked expression and confession as a lost treasure(Hand written letters) buried deep in the recent
days for understanding and mutual affection.
Books definition of forgiveness gave me a new insight. Forgiveness shall be double sided. You shall/should forgive as a victim and as you yourself being the wrong doer you can seek forgiveness and grant it from your side itself, by feeling whole heatedly for what you have done.
Joy of sharing materialistic and non materialistic things is bliss. I was enchanted by the author's thought process of how he wishes the relationship between humans need to be when we are helping others. It should be like the human feeding the birds without any sort of expectation though the birds eats it and flies away without any word.
Chastity is delicate topic author handles with care where he urges to direct you energy corresponding to it in a constructive way rather than being enslaved by tricky trap of mother's nature.
Moneyed and penniless have the feelings of anxiety and are incapable of staying still or moving slow. This he points as big issue in all in the recent days of running world.
Illness is an obvious part, every human being would face but how much thought he had taken care to face that is what that matters. Here he stresses the need for the author's routine of meditation, healthy vegan diet etc...
"Fear of death" episode of was my personal best of this book that thrills you the philosophical possibilities of after life and wishes you to reach that eventual part of life with VOID within us by all forms.
Book ends with the tag that unwinding of mind is the path spirituality.
the clarity through various forms of life, eventually to attain all but VOID or Emptiness, within our thoughts in all ways. I felt many things special in his book. Following
are some.
The book starts off in peaceful manner stressing the difference between sympathy and true spirituality.Seeking the real truth through self-awareness is what the author endorses as a way to walk behind the door of Spirituality.I loved his explanation that the pilgrimage visits, fasting, prayer, penance etc.., just increases the belief on religion but has no change in
the Psychological traits. The man is still the same beast as before. He rivets this as the base-camp to start the tour of Self-realization by suggesting to turn our thought process inwards devoid of Prejudices which he sort of classifies as judgmental and racist.
Religious beliefs should never be forced or even inherited. It needs to claimed through knowledge and education. Only then the society wouldn't blindly classify or interpret other religions or their beliefs as different with their own pronouns.
Book feels the communication without any forms hesitation and with pure heart to slash all the differences in society.
Authors cherishes the importance of naked expression and confession as a lost treasure(Hand written letters) buried deep in the recent
days for understanding and mutual affection.
Books definition of forgiveness gave me a new insight. Forgiveness shall be double sided. You shall/should forgive as a victim and as you yourself being the wrong doer you can seek forgiveness and grant it from your side itself, by feeling whole heatedly for what you have done.
Joy of sharing materialistic and non materialistic things is bliss. I was enchanted by the author's thought process of how he wishes the relationship between humans need to be when we are helping others. It should be like the human feeding the birds without any sort of expectation though the birds eats it and flies away without any word.
Chastity is delicate topic author handles with care where he urges to direct you energy corresponding to it in a constructive way rather than being enslaved by tricky trap of mother's nature.
Moneyed and penniless have the feelings of anxiety and are incapable of staying still or moving slow. This he points as big issue in all in the recent days of running world.
Illness is an obvious part, every human being would face but how much thought he had taken care to face that is what that matters. Here he stresses the need for the author's routine of meditation, healthy vegan diet etc...
"Fear of death" episode of was my personal best of this book that thrills you the philosophical possibilities of after life and wishes you to reach that eventual part of life with VOID within us by all forms.
Book ends with the tag that unwinding of mind is the path spirituality.
July 3, 2022
How often to do you think a human brain, your mind, is at peace? Not the ultimate peace, but the one from all the daily chaos that makes it scattered and eventually affects our decisions. Susunaga Weeraperuma who devotes different forms of yoga, organic gardening, creative writing, reading, and meditation, thinks has the answer to the above question and has come out with a book with the same level of wisdom to enlight his readers.
The book starts on a high note and directly with the first chapter. The author addresses the title of the book in the first chapter and goes on talking about 'attention' span of a human mind in the first chapter. The whole book is divided into eighteen chapters. Broadly, these chapters are about the importance of communication, religious tolerance, forgiveness, giving, societal activities, utilizing time, books and solitude, stress, chastity, and death. Each chapter is an essay which describes author's experiences with the title or the subject.
Sounds a like a self-help but I think it is not a traditional one. Moreover, it is a collection of essays that revolve majorly around one thing, YOU. The writing style is easy to understand and cope with. The flow of each easy is interesting as the author tends to build a story and then dives deeper into the matter. The length of the is around 220 pages but that does not make it a light read. It is time-consuming and heavy.
Some of the essays do no conclude well in my opinion. They resemble the writer's personal opinion in particular situation or in life but that is not true for everyone. There are things which can be generalized such as the way he talks about stress, not many have done in their work. That kind of effort is appreciable but forcing down one's opinion and passing to the reader as a proclamation tells a lot about the writer and is disappointing.
3 out of 5
The book starts on a high note and directly with the first chapter. The author addresses the title of the book in the first chapter and goes on talking about 'attention' span of a human mind in the first chapter. The whole book is divided into eighteen chapters. Broadly, these chapters are about the importance of communication, religious tolerance, forgiveness, giving, societal activities, utilizing time, books and solitude, stress, chastity, and death. Each chapter is an essay which describes author's experiences with the title or the subject.
Sounds a like a self-help but I think it is not a traditional one. Moreover, it is a collection of essays that revolve majorly around one thing, YOU. The writing style is easy to understand and cope with. The flow of each easy is interesting as the author tends to build a story and then dives deeper into the matter. The length of the is around 220 pages but that does not make it a light read. It is time-consuming and heavy.
Some of the essays do no conclude well in my opinion. They resemble the writer's personal opinion in particular situation or in life but that is not true for everyone. There are things which can be generalized such as the way he talks about stress, not many have done in their work. That kind of effort is appreciable but forcing down one's opinion and passing to the reader as a proclamation tells a lot about the writer and is disappointing.
3 out of 5
May 6, 2018
How often to do you think a human brain, your mind, is at peace? Not the ultimate peace, but the one from all the daily chaos that makes it scattered and eventually affects our decisions. Susunaga Weeraperuma who devotes different forms of yoga, organic gardening, creative writing, reading, and meditation, thinks has the answer to the above question and has come out with a book with the same level of wisdom to enlight his readers.
The book starts on a high note and directly with the first chapter. The author addresses the title of the book in the first chapter and goes on talking about 'attention' span of a human mind in the first chapter. The whole book is divided into eighteen chapters. Broadly, these chapters are about the importance of communication, religious tolerance, forgiveness, giving, societal activities, utilizing time, books and solitude, stress, chastity, and death. Each chapter is an essay which describes author's experiences with the title or the subject.
Sounds a like a self-help but I think it is not a traditional one. Moreover, it is a collection of essays that revolve majorly around one thing, YOU. The writing style is easy to understand and cope with. The flow of each easy is interesting as the author tends to build a story and then dives deeper into the matter. The length of the is around 220 pages but that does not make it a light read. It is time-consuming and heavy.
Some of the essays do no conclude well in my opinion. They resemble the writer's personal opinion in particular situation or in life but that is not true for everyone. There are things which can be generalized such as the way he talks about stress, not many have done in their work. That kind of effort is appreciable but forcing down one's opinion and passing to the reader as a proclamation tells a lot about the writer and is disappointing.
3 out of 5
The book starts on a high note and directly with the first chapter. The author addresses the title of the book in the first chapter and goes on talking about 'attention' span of a human mind in the first chapter. The whole book is divided into eighteen chapters. Broadly, these chapters are about the importance of communication, religious tolerance, forgiveness, giving, societal activities, utilizing time, books and solitude, stress, chastity, and death. Each chapter is an essay which describes author's experiences with the title or the subject.
Sounds a like a self-help but I think it is not a traditional one. Moreover, it is a collection of essays that revolve majorly around one thing, YOU. The writing style is easy to understand and cope with. The flow of each easy is interesting as the author tends to build a story and then dives deeper into the matter. The length of the is around 220 pages but that does not make it a light read. It is time-consuming and heavy.
Some of the essays do no conclude well in my opinion. They resemble the writer's personal opinion in particular situation or in life but that is not true for everyone. There are things which can be generalized such as the way he talks about stress, not many have done in their work. That kind of effort is appreciable but forcing down one's opinion and passing to the reader as a proclamation tells a lot about the writer and is disappointing.
3 out of 5
June 12, 2018
Clarity is the only Spirituality, the title says it all. Susunga Weeraperuma discussed about different aspects of life which needs to be changed to attain perfection in life. The 220 pages of book is a different self-help book one would read.
Susunga has divided the spirituality into 18 chapters or 18 aspects of life that needs to be changed. The author has covered different dimensions of life which is the highlight of the book. He brings in how religion affects a person’s perspective, how one should see the religion, how to change our communication, what we have forgotten about communication and so many other aspects.
I loved the way Susunga explained how our perspective and actions should change towards these aspects of life. His advices are highly important in the competitive world we live in. Though we know most of the thoughts he shares, we have forgotten everything.
The lucid language and practical approach of the author makes it a compelling read. Give it a try if you love self-help books with different colour to it.
Complete review at: http://www.etale.in/clarity-is-the-on...
Susunga has divided the spirituality into 18 chapters or 18 aspects of life that needs to be changed. The author has covered different dimensions of life which is the highlight of the book. He brings in how religion affects a person’s perspective, how one should see the religion, how to change our communication, what we have forgotten about communication and so many other aspects.
I loved the way Susunga explained how our perspective and actions should change towards these aspects of life. His advices are highly important in the competitive world we live in. Though we know most of the thoughts he shares, we have forgotten everything.
The lucid language and practical approach of the author makes it a compelling read. Give it a try if you love self-help books with different colour to it.
Complete review at: http://www.etale.in/clarity-is-the-on...
June 18, 2018
Was given this book by a friend to try out. while I'm not the biggest fan of self help books, I think this was an ok read because it was in the form of short lectures on different topics. I also liked that the author was unabashedly himself and didn't try to disguise his slightly controversial take on a few topics. All in all, this motivated me to get back to yoga.
May 8, 2018
[Detailed book review is available at: http://thinkerviews.com/books/english...]
This book is a compilation of various articles and speeches delivered by the author Susunaga Weeraperuma.
The author’s main aim is not to talk about religions or to be precise which religion is to be followed, he rather suggests that clarity in the thoughts and vision is a prime requirement to taking steps in the spiritual world.
The book will make you think that ultimately it is your work and vision which leads you to your goal, be it material or spiritual and I cannot hold myself back from referring “योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्|” phrase, which is an absolute truth.
The book talks about various topics including those which are considered as a taboo. Not talking about anything doesn't make the thing/situation good (or even bad, for that matter). Neglecting something is worst that talking about it in healthy manner. If you have differences of opinion with someone or about something, only healthy discussion can resolve it.
The author has closely followed J. Krishnamurti, and you can find references to him in this book as well.
The book is not written simply as a let of essays or articles, containing some idealistic talks. The author goes ahead with some real life experience, and casually he represents his views in nice and effective manner. Including lessons to learn from this book will spoil your reading experience, so we need to stop here.
I must add two points though:
The cover page of the book goes in sync with the content.
The publishers should be appreciated for getting such book published, as the readership of the book is going to be limited.
Summary:
It is a motivational and inspirational book for those who seek the peace of mind. It is not for everyone and it is not a light read.
Rating
I would definitely give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
This book is a compilation of various articles and speeches delivered by the author Susunaga Weeraperuma.
The author’s main aim is not to talk about religions or to be precise which religion is to be followed, he rather suggests that clarity in the thoughts and vision is a prime requirement to taking steps in the spiritual world.
The book will make you think that ultimately it is your work and vision which leads you to your goal, be it material or spiritual and I cannot hold myself back from referring “योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्|” phrase, which is an absolute truth.
The book talks about various topics including those which are considered as a taboo. Not talking about anything doesn't make the thing/situation good (or even bad, for that matter). Neglecting something is worst that talking about it in healthy manner. If you have differences of opinion with someone or about something, only healthy discussion can resolve it.
The author has closely followed J. Krishnamurti, and you can find references to him in this book as well.
The book is not written simply as a let of essays or articles, containing some idealistic talks. The author goes ahead with some real life experience, and casually he represents his views in nice and effective manner. Including lessons to learn from this book will spoil your reading experience, so we need to stop here.
I must add two points though:
The cover page of the book goes in sync with the content.
The publishers should be appreciated for getting such book published, as the readership of the book is going to be limited.
Summary:
It is a motivational and inspirational book for those who seek the peace of mind. It is not for everyone and it is not a light read.
Rating
I would definitely give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews