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A Book of Simple Living, brief notes from the hills
This personal diary records the many small moments that constitute a life of harmony—with the self, the natural world, and friends, family and passersby. In these pages, we watch a wild plum blossom and the moon come up between two deodar trees; we hear a redstart whistle and the rain drum on a tin roof; we recognize the ache of losing love and the consolation of old companions.
A Book of Simple Living is a gift of beauty and wisdom from India’s most loved, and most understated, writer.
A Book of Simple Living is a gift of beauty and wisdom from India’s most loved, and most understated, writer.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2015
244 people are currently reading
3646 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
680 books3,557 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
December 26, 2017
'and when all the wars are over, a butterfly will still be beautiful.'
Notes to self after reading Ruskin Bond.
1.Stick to what is your truth of observation, irrespective of a grand audience.
2.Keep it simple. Trust your first emotions in the face of nature.
3.Slow down. Observe. That is where all life is.
4.Take walks. Long ones. Greet others with a smile.
5.Hear sounds of birds. Pay attention to bugs on flower tips.
6.Love quietly under the quilt of moonless nights.
7.Hear the sound of rain falling on various things. Concrete terraces, mud, grass, tin roofs, car panes, glass windows, in the lonely corners of your heart.
8.Pour secrets from your soul into wells for others to draw and share upon.
9.Be a garden. Be a gardener. Bloom in spring. Be exuberant . Get naked in autumn. Be vulnerable.
10.Try kindness for a change. To follow cynicism is to follow the herd.
11.Read. Read more.
Have a bed in a library instead of a bookshelf in a bedroom.
12.Love. Receive it with both hands. Give it with both hands, limbs and mouth and kisses.
Notes to self after reading Ruskin Bond.
1.Stick to what is your truth of observation, irrespective of a grand audience.
2.Keep it simple. Trust your first emotions in the face of nature.
3.Slow down. Observe. That is where all life is.
4.Take walks. Long ones. Greet others with a smile.
5.Hear sounds of birds. Pay attention to bugs on flower tips.
6.Love quietly under the quilt of moonless nights.
7.Hear the sound of rain falling on various things. Concrete terraces, mud, grass, tin roofs, car panes, glass windows, in the lonely corners of your heart.
8.Pour secrets from your soul into wells for others to draw and share upon.
9.Be a garden. Be a gardener. Bloom in spring. Be exuberant . Get naked in autumn. Be vulnerable.
10.Try kindness for a change. To follow cynicism is to follow the herd.
11.Read. Read more.
Have a bed in a library instead of a bookshelf in a bedroom.
12.Love. Receive it with both hands. Give it with both hands, limbs and mouth and kisses.
December 22, 2023
বহুদিন পর একটা বই পড়ে জীবনানন্দের কবিতা পড়ার মতো গভীর প্রশান্তি পেলাম। এই প্রথম কোনো লেখকের আত্মজৈবনিক লেখা পড়ে আবার হিংসাও হচ্ছে। এভাবেও বেঁচে থাকা যায়! জীবনের প্রতিটা ক্ষুদ্র মুহূর্তকে ভালোবেসে, প্রতিটা ক্ষণ উজ্জীবিত থেকে বাঁচাই তো আমার কাম্য! জীবনের প্রতি বাড়তি কোনো প্রত্যাশা না রেখে, সময়ের পেছনে না ছুটে, মাকড়সার বাসায় পড়ে থাকা শিশিরে সূর্যের আলোর ঝিলিক দেখে, বৃষ্টিশেষে ভেজামাটির ঘ্রাণ নিয়ে, শীতল চাঁদের ছায়ায় শেয়ালের নৃত্য দেখে, নির্জন পাহাড়ি রাস্তায় কুয়াশায় মন ভিজিয়ে, খড়ের গাঁদার সৌরভ শরীরে মেখে, চেরিগাছে লেগে থাকা বৃষ্টির স্পর্শ মুখে নিয়ে, উঠে পড়ার তাড়া না নিয়ে শীতের মিঠেকড়া রোদ উপভোগ কোরে - এ এক অতি সাধারণ কিন্তু অপরূপ বেঁচে থাকা। এমনতর বই মানুষকে বেঁচে থাকার প্রেরণা জোগাতে পারে। সহজ জীবনদর্শন এর নাম নিয়ে অনেক লেখক বড় বড় কথা বলে কিন্তু এ বইটা সত্যিই সহজ জীবনদর্শনের। এই তিক্ত সময়ে এমন একটা বই পড়ার প্রয়োজন ছিলো আমার।
July 4, 2015
As a devotee of Mr Ruskin Bond,I confess that this book has every ingredient that leaves a lasting impression on the reader's mind.
The notes are brief, personal and timeless. They will linger in the reader's mind, long after the readers have kept it carefully in their bookshelf. It is more of a journey that one embarks with Mr Bond. Simple, riveting and endearing are the three words that best describe this book.
The notes are brief, personal and timeless. They will linger in the reader's mind, long after the readers have kept it carefully in their bookshelf. It is more of a journey that one embarks with Mr Bond. Simple, riveting and endearing are the three words that best describe this book.
June 3, 2020
A meditative experience ♥️
A journey where nature guides everything, in this book Ruskin bond is letting us see the beauty in simplicity, a heartwarming canvas of mother nature .
If you want to escape the toxic noise of your busy life in the city by reading so this book is for you 😊
Highly recommended book .
Quotes :
"Forget and forgive at sunset, and then the day’s deeds are truly done. Then sleep.”
“Live close to nature and your spirit will not be easily broken, for you learn something of patience and resilience. You will not grow restless and you will never feel lonely.”
“Slow down, and listen. There are sounds that are good to hear”
“To be unconcerned about a desired good is probably the only way to possess it”
“Most of living has to happen in the mind”
“There are few comforts greater than the touch of a loving hand when your hopes have been dashed”
“In travel, as in life, give yourself plenty of time, so that you won’t have to rush - you miss seeing the world around you when you are in a great rush”
“To know one’s limitations and to do good work within them: more is achieved that way than by overreaching oneself”
“For most people loneliness is wrongly linked to unhappiness. Their minds are not deep enough to appreciate the sweetness and balm of solitude; they are afraid of life itself, of coming face to face with themselves”
“Fame is like the wind. It blows in all directions, then vanishes without warning”
“Later that day I get a phone call from a lady who has sent me a slim volume of her poems, self-published. I tell her the poems are lovely.
If, by telling a lie, one can make someone happy, why not tell a damn lie?”
“Happiness is as elusive as a butterfly, and we must never pursue it. If we stay very still, it may come and settle on our hand. But only briefly. We must savour those moments, for they will not come our way very often”
“Most of my life I have given of myself, and in return I have received love in abundance.”
“Somewhere in life
There must be someone
To take your hand
And share the torrid day.
Without the touch of love
There is no life, and we must fade away”
“It’s the simple things in life that keep us from going crazy. They contribute more to our general happiness and health than acts of passion and high excitement.”
A journey where nature guides everything, in this book Ruskin bond is letting us see the beauty in simplicity, a heartwarming canvas of mother nature .
If you want to escape the toxic noise of your busy life in the city by reading so this book is for you 😊
Highly recommended book .
Quotes :
"Forget and forgive at sunset, and then the day’s deeds are truly done. Then sleep.”
“Live close to nature and your spirit will not be easily broken, for you learn something of patience and resilience. You will not grow restless and you will never feel lonely.”
“Slow down, and listen. There are sounds that are good to hear”
“To be unconcerned about a desired good is probably the only way to possess it”
“Most of living has to happen in the mind”
“There are few comforts greater than the touch of a loving hand when your hopes have been dashed”
“In travel, as in life, give yourself plenty of time, so that you won’t have to rush - you miss seeing the world around you when you are in a great rush”
“To know one’s limitations and to do good work within them: more is achieved that way than by overreaching oneself”
“For most people loneliness is wrongly linked to unhappiness. Their minds are not deep enough to appreciate the sweetness and balm of solitude; they are afraid of life itself, of coming face to face with themselves”
“Fame is like the wind. It blows in all directions, then vanishes without warning”
“Later that day I get a phone call from a lady who has sent me a slim volume of her poems, self-published. I tell her the poems are lovely.
If, by telling a lie, one can make someone happy, why not tell a damn lie?”
“Happiness is as elusive as a butterfly, and we must never pursue it. If we stay very still, it may come and settle on our hand. But only briefly. We must savour those moments, for they will not come our way very often”
“Most of my life I have given of myself, and in return I have received love in abundance.”
“Somewhere in life
There must be someone
To take your hand
And share the torrid day.
Without the touch of love
There is no life, and we must fade away”
“It’s the simple things in life that keep us from going crazy. They contribute more to our general happiness and health than acts of passion and high excitement.”
February 18, 2022
Tomorrow will be another day of mad rush and chaos. The world would try to prove itself by showcasing its meanings of achievement. Everyone would again live for a moment and then wane into the same vortex of unhappiness.
Yet again I would be asked to participate in this act and again I would don a mask - for the loners attract unwanted attention. I would suffocate behind the mask and yet smile while anxiously waiting to reach back home to my solitude and my books.
For books like this one take me to a world where I find a place for folks like me. People like Ruskin Bond assure me that my happiness isn't imaginary; that it's ok to not be chasing what everyone else is running after. They remind me that it is difficult but perfectly fine to be different. They assure me that I am not alone...and that's all that one needs to know to live another day.
Yet again I would be asked to participate in this act and again I would don a mask - for the loners attract unwanted attention. I would suffocate behind the mask and yet smile while anxiously waiting to reach back home to my solitude and my books.
For books like this one take me to a world where I find a place for folks like me. People like Ruskin Bond assure me that my happiness isn't imaginary; that it's ok to not be chasing what everyone else is running after. They remind me that it is difficult but perfectly fine to be different. They assure me that I am not alone...and that's all that one needs to know to live another day.
June 14, 2020
হিমালয় ঘেঁষা দেরাদুনে থাকেন রাস্কিন বন্ড। নিঃসঙ্গতাকে সঙ্গী করেছেন, প্রকৃতিকে বেসেছেন ভালো। তাই এই বইতে বারবার প্রকৃতির প্রতি অকৃত্রিম মমত্ববোধের বহিঃপ্রকাশ দেখেছি। সাদাসিধা ভাষায় লেখা রাস্কিন বন্ডের অন্যতম বৈশিষ্ট্য। যারা লিখতে চান, তাদেরকে একই পথ অনুসরণের পরামর্শ দিয়েছেন মি. বন্ড। যা নিজে অনুভব করেন না, তা লিখে বোঝানোর ক্ষমতা কারো নেই। তাই নিজের অনুভূতির প্রতি সততাকে গুরুত্ব দিতে বলেছেন।
ছোট্ট ছোট্ট গদ্যাকারে লেখা। জীবনদর্শন নিয়ে চমৎকার কিছু ভাবনা আছে। লেখক এবং ব্যক্তি রাসকিন বন্ড দু'সত্ত্বাকেই এ বইতে পাওয়া যাবে।
এই বই না পড়লে রাস্কিন বন্ডের ভীষণ ভালো কোনো লেখা মিস করছেন এমন বলা যাবে না। বইটা সত্যিই খুব সাদামাটা। প্রকৃতিপ্রেমী, অন্তর্মুখী একজন ভালো মানুষের ভাবনাগুলো নিয়েই 'A Book Of Simple Living'
ছোট্ট ছোট্ট গদ্যাকারে লেখা। জীবনদর্শন নিয়ে চমৎকার কিছু ভাবনা আছে। লেখক এবং ব্যক্তি রাসকিন বন্ড দু'সত্ত্বাকেই এ বইতে পাওয়া যাবে।
এই বই না পড়লে রাস্কিন বন্ডের ভীষণ ভালো কোনো লেখা মিস করছেন এমন বলা যাবে না। বইটা সত্যিই খুব সাদামাটা। প্রকৃতিপ্রেমী, অন্তর্মুখী একজন ভালো মানুষের ভাবনাগুলো নিয়েই 'A Book Of Simple Living'
December 26, 2020
Oh boy, this book. This book is like a fresh breeze on a sunny day. Reading this book was like getting to know Sir Ruskin Bond a bit closely. It was as if I was reading his daily journal, like I was the kid who was racking through his brain in search of some wisdom. And yes wisdom I did found. Wisdom in his simplicity. The way he views and live life, I found kinship in it.
As I read about his walks in the mountain, I was transcended. I was there, beside him feeling what he felt. I was a kid when he was kid and I was an adult when he was an adult.
This book doesn’t need introduction but if you like his stories and love them, you’ll fall in love with him again. No wonder he is people’s favourite.
Even if you don’t seek wisdom, you’ll throughly enjoy the way he leads his life and a little anecdotes here and there.
As I read about his walks in the mountain, I was transcended. I was there, beside him feeling what he felt. I was a kid when he was kid and I was an adult when he was an adult.
This book doesn’t need introduction but if you like his stories and love them, you’ll fall in love with him again. No wonder he is people’s favourite.
Even if you don’t seek wisdom, you’ll throughly enjoy the way he leads his life and a little anecdotes here and there.
September 8, 2021
Yet another comforting book amidst the otherwise tumultuous life which we all lead. I could just sit down and listen to ruskin imparting his wisdom all along. At the end of the day it's the simple things which give us contentment and joy. I always find his writing soothing and therapeutic. One can pick this book up and just start reading from any page. Like the name suggests its indeed a book of simple living but with profound life lessons.
October 21, 2020
Beautifully simple, simply beautiful. I imagine this is the type of read that no matter when I pick it up & read it, it resonates with me. This was a truly lovely books & just what my heart & soul needed right now. I have every intention to read this over & over again.
September 24, 2021
a simple yet a deep book .
October 15, 2021
Declarations of passionate love or undying friendship are fine in their own
way, and perhaps necessary, but the important thing is to feel comfortable
with someone, and not have to keep proving yourself in one way or another.
this is that book I'm going to keep on my bedside table to hold when I don't feel like a person. this is that book I'm going to read when I need to remind myself that I can exist without constantly consuming everything around me.
so true of ruskin bond to write down exactly the thoughts I've been trying to find content about in the most lovable homely form love him for it. 10/10 THE most beautiful nonfiction I have ever read flew through it but i know i'm going to do so many rereads.
way, and perhaps necessary, but the important thing is to feel comfortable
with someone, and not have to keep proving yourself in one way or another.
this is that book I'm going to keep on my bedside table to hold when I don't feel like a person. this is that book I'm going to read when I need to remind myself that I can exist without constantly consuming everything around me.
so true of ruskin bond to write down exactly the thoughts I've been trying to find content about in the most lovable homely form love him for it. 10/10 THE most beautiful nonfiction I have ever read flew through it but i know i'm going to do so many rereads.
October 30, 2016
A book on living on hills and his experiences with it. I loved how he writes this one, like pages torn out directly from his personal diary. A book where he talks about things we are missing in our lives for living in the cities. Such simplicity is what I wish it was possible to inculcate in my busy life. A must read for each and everyone and for all ages. You don't wanna miss this cute book by Mr. Bond.
March 6, 2021
This is my first book by Mr. Bond, I thoroughly loved it.
It teleports you to all the places that have been mentioned in this journal. Reading this journal was such a meditative experience. Looking forward to read more works of Mr. Bond.
It teleports you to all the places that have been mentioned in this journal. Reading this journal was such a meditative experience. Looking forward to read more works of Mr. Bond.
June 22, 2018
To be read and re-read on all days, happy and sad, long and short, sunny and cloudy.
Beautiful.
Beautiful.
August 31, 2021
Everyone develops a nature fetish as they grow old. When they really enjoy nature, they need not trek to the top of the hills or deep into the forest. The things we catch sight of every day—buildings made of sand rocks, the barren trees on the roadside, and the sky—fall under the realm of nature, too.
It is invigorating to see how the author elucidates the simplest pleasures of watching a bird wing, tree swing, and winter sing. If simple is a realm, Ruskin Bond is indubitably the king of the expanse.
A pen, a simple view, a few birds, lush green plants, scattered sky, and solitude are the ingredients used to cook this diary of exhilaration with honesty and ingenuity.
Creative idleness is something I look forward to embracing from now on. I sulk the days I have missed hitherto. It is indeed a perfect read for any day when the wind is roving over the layers of your skin.
It is invigorating to see how the author elucidates the simplest pleasures of watching a bird wing, tree swing, and winter sing. If simple is a realm, Ruskin Bond is indubitably the king of the expanse.
A pen, a simple view, a few birds, lush green plants, scattered sky, and solitude are the ingredients used to cook this diary of exhilaration with honesty and ingenuity.
Creative idleness is something I look forward to embracing from now on. I sulk the days I have missed hitherto. It is indeed a perfect read for any day when the wind is roving over the layers of your skin.
November 13, 2024
Felt like hugging a tree
July 14, 2021
// A Book of Simple Living by @ruskinbondofficial
It's almost impossible to not enjoy Mr Bond's books, be it his fictional stories, essays or just his experiences. This gorgeous edition is by @speakingtiger and honestly is the best one in my collection so far. The cover matches what's on the inside, essays that are as beautiful as the flowers he describes, as cool as the breeze that flutters the leaves outside of his window and also like warm mountain sunshine. One of the things that I adore about his books are the simplicity that his words carry. There are no fancy words used nor are there any pretentious tales woven solely to impress the readers. It's just him telling us about the people, places and memories that he so adores. Perhaps this is why he is so cherished amongst the readers.
When he moved into the hills many decades ago, he knew he'd fit in perfectly well and he turned out to be right. With his adopted family to take care of him and the many birds and flowers that keep him company, he has led such a wonderful life. He has little to no regrets and finds happiness in the simplest of things like watching a flower that blooms from the cracks of concrete steps. His essays are so vibrantly written that one can't help but be teleported to the mountains and breathe in the clean fresh air. As he reminisces about his childhood, love both lost and found, people he met over the years, it almost feels like you're sitting with a beloved friend with a cup of hot tea warming your palms. This extraordinary book also makes all the worries seem insignificant, something that can be resolved with a bit of courage and determination. It preaches us to live simply, to give love and also to receive it fully, to derive joy from something as sweet as a tree with new leaves, from squirrels or birds that are chipper around us. A Book of Simple Living is exactly what the title suggests but somehow makes the entire reading journey profound.
Well, that's Mr Bond for you :)
I highly recommend this.
It's almost impossible to not enjoy Mr Bond's books, be it his fictional stories, essays or just his experiences. This gorgeous edition is by @speakingtiger and honestly is the best one in my collection so far. The cover matches what's on the inside, essays that are as beautiful as the flowers he describes, as cool as the breeze that flutters the leaves outside of his window and also like warm mountain sunshine. One of the things that I adore about his books are the simplicity that his words carry. There are no fancy words used nor are there any pretentious tales woven solely to impress the readers. It's just him telling us about the people, places and memories that he so adores. Perhaps this is why he is so cherished amongst the readers.
When he moved into the hills many decades ago, he knew he'd fit in perfectly well and he turned out to be right. With his adopted family to take care of him and the many birds and flowers that keep him company, he has led such a wonderful life. He has little to no regrets and finds happiness in the simplest of things like watching a flower that blooms from the cracks of concrete steps. His essays are so vibrantly written that one can't help but be teleported to the mountains and breathe in the clean fresh air. As he reminisces about his childhood, love both lost and found, people he met over the years, it almost feels like you're sitting with a beloved friend with a cup of hot tea warming your palms. This extraordinary book also makes all the worries seem insignificant, something that can be resolved with a bit of courage and determination. It preaches us to live simply, to give love and also to receive it fully, to derive joy from something as sweet as a tree with new leaves, from squirrels or birds that are chipper around us. A Book of Simple Living is exactly what the title suggests but somehow makes the entire reading journey profound.
Well, that's Mr Bond for you :)
I highly recommend this.
May 27, 2020
audio book: narrated by Udai Matthan
My 2nd 'Book at Bedtime' by Ruskin Bond. Where has this author been all my life? Perhaps it's only now that I'm ready to fully appreciated the wisdom and beauty of his words. A truly beautiful book about noticing the beauty in the small details of life and feeling joy in this.
Expertly narrated by Udai Matthan. Highly recommended.
My 2nd 'Book at Bedtime' by Ruskin Bond. Where has this author been all my life? Perhaps it's only now that I'm ready to fully appreciated the wisdom and beauty of his words. A truly beautiful book about noticing the beauty in the small details of life and feeling joy in this.
Expertly narrated by Udai Matthan. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2025
I'm in love with this book and the writing style of Ruskin Bond. This is the first book of him I just finished. Simple, yet so beautiful.
Ah, better late than never 🌺🌺
Ah, better late than never 🌺🌺
March 17, 2021
A Book on Simple Living includes words of such melodious reflection and warm hopefulness that reading it allows us to naturally slow down from the rush of life and focus on the smaller things around us that, for one reason or another, escape our field of vision. Bond's thoughts, like the narrow-gauge trains on his beloved hillsides, chug the tracks in our minds, jogging free long-forgotten emotions hidden in the remains of our daily routine.
October 9, 2022
A simple book that makes you somehow feel content with whatever phase of life you are in. We often forget to appreciate smaller things like a good sunlight after a long winter...small flowers that bloom, animals. This book somehow makes you happy about things you see around as you walk by.
I was just listening to this book walking on road and started appreciate farm fields...smaller mud roads, dog that was always wags by as I walk near it.
And last time I missed to meet Ruskin Bond when I was in Masoorie... definately going again and meeting him.
I was just listening to this book walking on road and started appreciate farm fields...smaller mud roads, dog that was always wags by as I walk near it.
And last time I missed to meet Ruskin Bond when I was in Masoorie... definately going again and meeting him.
January 13, 2016
It was amazing !! It always makes me happy to read Mr.Bond. In this book Mr.Bond narrates stories from his life, some of journal entries about reading, poems and stories on hills,birds and so on.. what shall I say! It surprises me how an author can transfer one to magical world each and every time! That's characteristic of best author I feel. This book not only transfers one to magical world but also has some precious lessons for life.
Here's few things which I liked
"Happiness is a mysterious thing,to be found somewhere between too little and too much. But it is elusive as a butterfly,and we must never pursue it. If we stay very still,it may come and settle on our hand. But only briefly. We must savour those moments,for they will not come our way very often."
"Its the simple thing in life that keeps us from going crazy. They contribute more to our general happiness and health than acts of passion and high excitement."
"The pleasure of travel is in journey and not so much in reaching one's destination."
"Love your art,poor as it may be,which you have learned,and be content with it; and pass through the rest of life like one who has entrusted to the gods with his whole soul and all that he has, making yourself neither the tyrant nor the slave of any man."
-Marcus Aurelius
"Do what you know best,and do it well. Act impeccably. Everything will then fall into place.
In the effort lies the achievement; but only if the effort is true and made with all your heart."
Here's few things which I liked
"Happiness is a mysterious thing,to be found somewhere between too little and too much. But it is elusive as a butterfly,and we must never pursue it. If we stay very still,it may come and settle on our hand. But only briefly. We must savour those moments,for they will not come our way very often."
"Its the simple thing in life that keeps us from going crazy. They contribute more to our general happiness and health than acts of passion and high excitement."
"The pleasure of travel is in journey and not so much in reaching one's destination."
"Love your art,poor as it may be,which you have learned,and be content with it; and pass through the rest of life like one who has entrusted to the gods with his whole soul and all that he has, making yourself neither the tyrant nor the slave of any man."
-Marcus Aurelius
"Do what you know best,and do it well. Act impeccably. Everything will then fall into place.
In the effort lies the achievement; but only if the effort is true and made with all your heart."
May 24, 2022
A book of Simple Living.
Simple writing and that's what makes this book awesome!
I have probably book marked almost all pages in this book. Every page calms the mind. But then it's not a self help book, but still when one reads it, it just soothens the mind. It's as calming as meditation.
I would go back and re-read this multiple times as and when i feel like.
A 5 star from my side 😊
Simple writing and that's what makes this book awesome!
I have probably book marked almost all pages in this book. Every page calms the mind. But then it's not a self help book, but still when one reads it, it just soothens the mind. It's as calming as meditation.
I would go back and re-read this multiple times as and when i feel like.
A 5 star from my side 😊
August 26, 2019
What a wonderful reading this was. Ruskin Bond is known for his narration that vividly paints a picture straight out of the mountains. I went back to being a child, strolling mindlessly through the school library when I was first introduced to Ruskin Bond. The book is full of quirky notes on everything about life.
My favorite excerpt--
1. A philosophy for living? You won't find it on your TV sets or in discourses by the loud lieutenants of the gods. You will learn more from your paan-wala or a street vendor.
'And what is your philosophy?' I asked my sabzi-wala.
'You have asked me this before, sir' he said, as he chose a bunch of fresh greens for me.
'Yes, but what is your philosophy today?'
'The same as it was yesterday. Anything that helps me find a good customer.'
'My money will make you happy?'
'Only if my palak makes you happy and you come back for more,' he said and sent me on my way.
--end of story.
The stories are not more than a page long but they all stick with you. (Especially if you're like me, trying to find some sanity and contentment in life. I suppose old age!) Ruskin subtly points out the things that matter in life or atleast supposed to-- flowers, touch of your lover, smell of the rains, forgiveness, compassion and if you should ever chase for success in life (NO, duh spoiler!!)
Want to hug the book to sleep.
Recommended reading before going to bed.
ps: will add more excerpts when I find time.
My favorite excerpt--
1. A philosophy for living? You won't find it on your TV sets or in discourses by the loud lieutenants of the gods. You will learn more from your paan-wala or a street vendor.
'And what is your philosophy?' I asked my sabzi-wala.
'You have asked me this before, sir' he said, as he chose a bunch of fresh greens for me.
'Yes, but what is your philosophy today?'
'The same as it was yesterday. Anything that helps me find a good customer.'
'My money will make you happy?'
'Only if my palak makes you happy and you come back for more,' he said and sent me on my way.
--end of story.
The stories are not more than a page long but they all stick with you. (Especially if you're like me, trying to find some sanity and contentment in life. I suppose old age!) Ruskin subtly points out the things that matter in life or atleast supposed to-- flowers, touch of your lover, smell of the rains, forgiveness, compassion and if you should ever chase for success in life (NO, duh spoiler!!)
Want to hug the book to sleep.
Recommended reading before going to bed.
ps: will add more excerpts when I find time.
July 6, 2019
Its a sheer treat to read Ruskin Bond. This book is a gem, one of those which deserves to be there on our bookshelf for long long time and keep revisiting it. The book is a mixture of diary notes and wisdom. Also adding to its beauty are those simple pictures spread randomly across the book. Nice cover as well.
I would like to think that there is bit of a Bond in each of us (perhaps the reason why we find his simple stories and wisdom so touching).
I would like to think that there is bit of a Bond in each of us (perhaps the reason why we find his simple stories and wisdom so touching).
February 12, 2017
Ruskin Bond has never written 'words of wisdom' per se. But then this book is something of that, even though he doesn't say it out loud.
June 1, 2021
The advice of Mr. Bond is simple, like his writing. I agree with him when he says life resides in small, simple and little things like seeing the rainbow after rains, love, compassion and contentment.
The book is like a breath of fresh air and easy to read. The wisdom is timeless and eternal.
See some passages and admire the beauty:-
It occurs to me that perhaps the cat is a monk. By this I do not mean anything austere. I doubt anyone in single-minded pursuit of enlightenment ever finds it. A good monk would be a mild sort of fellow, a bit of a sensualist, capable of compassion for the world, but also for himself. He would know that it is all right not to climb every mountain. A good monk would know that contentment is easier to attain than happiness, and that it is enough.
.....
We must love someone. We must keep loving, all our days, Someone, anyone, anywhere Outside our selves; For even the sarus crane Will grieve over its lost companion, And the seal its mate. Somewhere in life There must be someone To take your hand And share the torrid day. Without the touch of love There is no life, and we must fade away.
......
I think I have learnt something of the value of stillness. I don’t fret so much; I laugh at myself more often; I don’t laugh at others. I live life at my own pace. Like a banyan tree. Is this wisdom, or is it just old age?
....
I am always a bit wary of saints and godmen, preachers and teachers, who are ready with solutions for all our problems. For one thing, they talk too much. When I was at school I mastered the art of sleeping (without appearing to sleep) through a long speech or lecture by the principal or visiting dignitary, and I must confess to doing the same today. The trick is to sleep with your eyes half closed; this gives the impression of concentrating very hard on what is being said, even though you might well be roaming happily in dreamland.
In our imperfect world there is far too much talk and not enough thought. The TV channels are awash with gurus and experts telling us how to live, and they do so at great length. TV anchors are prone to lecturing and bullying the guests on their shows. Too many know-alls. A philosophy for living? You won’t find it on your TV sets or in discourses by the loud lieutenants of the gods.
You will learn more from your paan-wala or a street vendor. ‘And what is your philosophy?’I asked my sabzi-wala. ‘You have asked me this before, sir,’he said, as he chose a bunch of fresh greens for me. ‘Yes, but what is your philosophy today?’
‘The same as it was yesterday. Anything that helps me find a good customer.’‘My money will make you happy?’‘Only if my palak makes you happy and you come back for more,’he said and sent me on my way.
The book is like a breath of fresh air and easy to read. The wisdom is timeless and eternal.
See some passages and admire the beauty:-
It occurs to me that perhaps the cat is a monk. By this I do not mean anything austere. I doubt anyone in single-minded pursuit of enlightenment ever finds it. A good monk would be a mild sort of fellow, a bit of a sensualist, capable of compassion for the world, but also for himself. He would know that it is all right not to climb every mountain. A good monk would know that contentment is easier to attain than happiness, and that it is enough.
.....
We must love someone. We must keep loving, all our days, Someone, anyone, anywhere Outside our selves; For even the sarus crane Will grieve over its lost companion, And the seal its mate. Somewhere in life There must be someone To take your hand And share the torrid day. Without the touch of love There is no life, and we must fade away.
......
I think I have learnt something of the value of stillness. I don’t fret so much; I laugh at myself more often; I don’t laugh at others. I live life at my own pace. Like a banyan tree. Is this wisdom, or is it just old age?
....
I am always a bit wary of saints and godmen, preachers and teachers, who are ready with solutions for all our problems. For one thing, they talk too much. When I was at school I mastered the art of sleeping (without appearing to sleep) through a long speech or lecture by the principal or visiting dignitary, and I must confess to doing the same today. The trick is to sleep with your eyes half closed; this gives the impression of concentrating very hard on what is being said, even though you might well be roaming happily in dreamland.
In our imperfect world there is far too much talk and not enough thought. The TV channels are awash with gurus and experts telling us how to live, and they do so at great length. TV anchors are prone to lecturing and bullying the guests on their shows. Too many know-alls. A philosophy for living? You won’t find it on your TV sets or in discourses by the loud lieutenants of the gods.
You will learn more from your paan-wala or a street vendor. ‘And what is your philosophy?’I asked my sabzi-wala. ‘You have asked me this before, sir,’he said, as he chose a bunch of fresh greens for me. ‘Yes, but what is your philosophy today?’
‘The same as it was yesterday. Anything that helps me find a good customer.’‘My money will make you happy?’‘Only if my palak makes you happy and you come back for more,’he said and sent me on my way.
April 5, 2019
I have always loved the descriptive writing style of Mr.Ruskin Bond. In this book, he has described his life in mountains so beautifully that it makes me want to pack my bags and leave for the mountains. While reading through this book, you can easily visualise the forests, the birds, the beautiful weather, in short, this book has a calm n soothing effect
June 11, 2021
A lovely book, perhaps best enjoyed in the hill stations to fully soak in the atmosphere Ruskin Bond tries to create in these pages. Interestingly, I was reading this along side Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations - could there be a greater contrast! Meditations is written by a stoic emperor, gathering his thoughts on what practices can give life a sense of purpose. This book on the other hand, is written by a sensualist writer, sharing the little joys that have filled his years with a sense of wonder and fulfillment. It says something about us I think, that we can find so much to learn from both :)
February 28, 2022
A book that everyone should read. Not because it’s too intellectual or too mind bending. But purely for the fact that life’s beauty lies in its simplicity. As you read through the book, every page flip literally slows down your thoughts! In the fast paced life we all live, this one was a beautiful read!
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