LE MORNE: A World Heritage Site (A book review by Vimal Kodai)

LE MORNE: A World Heritage Site

(Book review by Vimal Kodai)

            This sensitive and historical booklet marks the great many facets of botany, history, geography, geology, and the epic journey of slaves and indentured labourers—in the very surroundings of Le Morne. I truly adapt to this booklet as a very mere reader who cherishes lots about the rich history of the Republic of Mauritius. I have learnt from other newly fed events depicted from this booklet which were brought forward and well-set by the author, Mr. Abdool Wahab Owadally.

            My having been a student of Mr. Jocelyn Chan Low (from Form I to Form 3) has obviously driven my curiosity and increased my eagerness to learn about what Mr. Owadally is so willingly quoting from excerpts taken from the former’s written historical masterpieces. I have diligently skimmed through this booklet, before reading it minutely, and while sharing an open mind as to how certain events shaped Le Morne to what it displays on this very day. The author suggests and distinctly mentions that this particular region is today a monument and moreover “A World Heritage Site.” I lay my convictions upon certain issues that trace this ‘heritage site’ and others that would suggest better characteristics of its Fauna and Flora that have shaped and which still to this day shapes the coastal area of Le Morne. To a broader extent, certain moral and ethical factors which have evolved around this site as it happens to claim its symbolic emblem, are by all means meaningful and embellishing—obviously, I refer back to slavery and its impact on this world ‘heritage site.’

            I truly believe that the booklet is rich; keen merit is deservingly aimed towards the author for the amount of research he has done, and for his provision of historical facts to shape his masterpiece. I regard this book as an accomplishment of high degree for it compiles botany, geology and history in a harmonious manner. I have revived certain key issues that slaves and indentured labourers faced during their early arrivals to Île de France and also during the British rule. My knowledge of botany is very poor, and I vividly say that likewise, any reader of my nature would have been overwhelmed to know all the Latin names of Flora that existed and which still exists in the region of Le Morne. Mr. Owadally sets aside a richly blended flavour of his very expertise of botany, geology, history and geography in his writing.

DIRE STRAITS: British Rock' n' Roll music band of the late 70s, mid-80s and mid-90s

 Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler  

       Mark Knopfler

          Mark Knopfler, lead singer and guitarist of Dire Straits successfully brought his 80s music band to well-deserved fame after the release of hit songs: "Once upon a time in the West", "Water of Love", "Sultans of Swing," "Money for Nothing", "Why Worry?", " "Walk of Life", "Brothers in Arms" & "Romeo and Juliet."

From left to right: John Illsley, Mark Knopfler, Pick Withers and David Knopfler

The British singer-guitarist-songwriter was the son of an architect. His brother, David Knopfler and he began learning the guitar while still in their teenage years. With much to look forward to, the two brothers teamed up with John Illsley, a University of London sociology student, and Pick Withers, a studio drummer, to officially launch their music entertainers’ career in July of 1977.

Dire Straits

The band of four began their U.K tour in 1978. Afterwards, with increasing commitments towards song-writing, song-composing and most of all, through their ingenious in guitar-playing, Dire Straits entered the 1980s with several thousands of fans entailing them. Admirers of Dire Straits mostly crazed for the sound of music derived from Mark's magical guitar touches. In the United Kingdom, Europe and around the globe, Dire Straits has been reckoned for its original music and songs. The band has also performed musical scores and soundtracks for movies, such as: "The Princess Bride" and "Local Hero."

Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD... A book review (By Vimal Kodai)

The Story Book of Lord Krishna

      In 3500 B.C, there came an avatar of Lord Vishnu who brought upon theories, practices and principles set forth to transform and promote the lives of human beings. He restored order in the form of blessings; he undertook the responsibility of getting rid of demoniac presences from the surface of our planet and he delivered the most absolute and confidential transcendental knowledge through a prevailing discourse known to us all as the Bhagavad-Gita. 

Lord Krishna and Radha Rani

            

     Lord Krishna, the splendid avatar of Lord Vishnu blessed both evil and good by reinstating spiritual, social and political order in the lives of those forming part of the Yadu and Kuru kingdoms (or, Yadu dynasty and Kuru dynasty.) Descending as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, while demonstrating truthful and magnificent supremacy in the form of Lord Krishna, is no natural everyday occurrence which any human would witness for whichever predictable and obvious causes. As such, The Lord presented himself in the embodiment of Kṛṣṇa in order to reinforce measures which mankind needed to take when dealing with the then reigning tyranny and deceptions.

With Balrama, his devotee and elder brother

        His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada hereby relates all about Lord Krishna with a thorough emphasis on every minute details and every single event in the latter’s life. These are brought forward with spiritual grandeur and splendour. This book about the Lord is the veridical truth which depicts the purpose of his birth, childhood, adolescence, adulthood—his pastimes and his actions as it is dictated in the Holy Scriptures. The many killings of demons by Lord Krishna, his adventures and misadventures, his encounters and deliverances, his daily activities and pastimes, as portrayed in the written masterpiece, Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD sheds enlightening and clear knowledge about the Lord and it describes very concisely and precisely the cause underlying his incarnation. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada illuminates the glowing adventures of the Supreme Being as per the latter's purpose on our planet. The swami has a specific objective in mind when he examines each and every daily encounters of Lord Krishna during the latter’s time spent among fellow humans. His devotees and close ones who are all part and parcel of his expanded self, develop a special spiritual attachment for him. They were blessed by his divine presences and by his footsteps marked on the several pathways of Mathurā, Vrndāvana, Gokula, Hastināpura, Ānarta, Sauvīra, Rājasthān, Kurukṣetra, Indraprastha and many other soils of India. 

With Balrama, leading the cowherd in the forests of Vrndāvana

       The genealogy of the Lord’s family circle and the extent of his kingship is described thoroughly by Swami Prabhupada. His participation in the battle of Kurukṣetra by leading the role of the charioteer of Arjuna (descendant of King Bharata,) is conclusively analyzed as being the ultimate cause of his incarnation as Lord Kṛṣṇa. Thereupon, the latter conveys the Bhagavad-Gita to the former.

With Arjuna, as the latter's charioteer on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra

      The prayers offered to Lord Kṛṣṇa are superseded by brief explanations of the Lord’s objectives behind his multiple divine presences. His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has hereby combed through all events that required Lord Kṛṣṇa’s input into the several incidents which the latter accessed. Kṛṣṇa: THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD is a book of valour which hails Lord Krishna as the owner and guide of the absolute truth.

The Millenium celebrates with Best Picture "GLADIATOR" and Best Actor, Russell Crowe

Year 2000 comes with...

Russell Crowe is & in

GLADIATOR

MAXIMUS DECIMUS IS "GLADIATOR"

THE GENERAL WHO BRAVED MANY ROUGH & TOUGH BATTLES...

FROM MAXIMUS DECIMUS TO GLADIATOR

BATTLES FOUGHT IN THE MIDST OF TERROR AND TYRANNY...

FROM GENERAL TO GLADIATOR

TYRANNY DEFIED BY THE GENERAL WHO BECAME SLAVE! 

A Critic of Wayne W. Dyer's "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits"

A book review & critic of Wayne Dyer's Excuses Begone!: How 

to 

Change Lifelong, Self-defeating Thinking Habits

(By Vimal Kodai)

          Wayne W. Dyer’s "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is a book which can be summarized by the following quote from Jean-Paul Sartre’s one-act play: “A man is what he wills himself to be.” In this plot, Dr. Dyer has hereby created a layout of a structure which indicates that the brain is entitled to be the most powerful as it possesses the intellect of God. The author dictates, “Your perceptions have the power to change your genetic make-up—-your beliefs can and do control your biology.” It is the author’s intention to make things clear as to why human beings need to stop laying blames on other people or on other circumstances whereby their fates are decided and set up by themselves. In fact, humankind is fully accountable for its past, present and future tense actions. Wayne Dyer maintains that human beings are part of a family unit known as the "human family" and that no one is obliged to fulfill a destiny which is dictated by others. "Excuses Begone!: How to change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is a very encouraging book of wisdom which denies the rights of human beings from making excuses for their past deeds. "The Biology of Belief" is one such key factor which Wayne Dyer uses to explain that certain characteristics and habits of humans are not always attributed to the traits of their ancestors or to their genes. Dyer also contradicts this very ideal by saying that DNA is not what makes a man who he is, but the latter has an inner strength to overcome emotional and mental calamities, regardless of his genetic make-up. The author even suggests that the way that a man thinks is the very same way he leads his life; as such, human beings sometimes lead their respective lifestyles while embracing the following: "It will be difficult… I can’t afford it…or I don’t deserve it." Dyer points out that human beings need to acknowledge that life has been either fair or unfair towards them without contemplating their past decision-making strategies. The author brings upon an ideal about strong will, the willingness and the will-power to make changes to ones life. Wayne Dyer makes a brief note on the fact that the willingness to be enthusiastic about ones actions makes one a better person. In the process of setting the record straight, the author is very subjective on issues related to keeping a calm and serene mind: he attaches lots of importance to the usage of mantras to do meditation; he claims that by accepting all of the many benefits from reading Holy Scriptures, one will derive fresh joy in ones life; furthermore, he confirms that a compassionate person is always surrounded by good people and that his/her life is full of bliss and good fortune. Dr. Dyer quotes from Carl Jung while stating the following: “Our most important problems cannot be solved; they must be outgrown.” Dyer makes use of the fascinating world of “Mindfulness” while he suggests that its practical application is of great essence to us, humans. Finally, he mentions that humankind needs to act and react wisely as the consequences of his/her actions will be felt very profoundly, thus he says, “Without excuses, there wouldn't be any way of creating obstacles for yourself. But, just thinking I am strong or I am smart begins to stop the excuse-making modes in their tracks.” His seven paradigms indicate by far how they are capable of bettering human beings' lives; they are questions and answers which are as follows:

   Questions & Answers

1. Is it true? 

Probably not.

2. Where did the excuses come from? 

I allowed them.

3. What’s the payoff? 

I get to avoid risks and stay the same.

4. What would my life look like if I couldn't use these excuses? 

I’d be free to be myself.

5. Can I create a rational reason to change? 

Easily

6. Can I access universal cooperation in shedding old habits? 

Yes, by simply aligning with my Source of being.

7. How can I continuously reinforce this new way of being? 

By being vigilant. 

           Wayne Dyer advises his readers to make use of these paradigms several times so that the effect of its practice will be felt and reckoned to the very utmost. Thus, this book of Dr. Dyer’s gives a whole new perspective about rethinking the ways we act so that we shall always value their consequences for the better rather than for the worse. "Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits" is one such masterpiece which stands entirely for what its title indicates.

A test of courage and good-will

"Non-violence is not merely a personal virtue. It is also a social virtue to be cultivated like the other virtues"

~ Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ~ 

The Quintessence of Gandhi in his own words

Benjamin Wiker's version of Charles Darwin's biography

          Portrait of Benjamin Wiker       The Darwin Myth: The life and lies of 
                                                                      Charles Darwin

THE DARWIN MYTH: The Life and Lies of Charles Darwin is a book on factual and relevant information about the famous naturalist’s life and times (his real and ‘honest’ biography). Although his theory on Natural Selection was considered a threat to the civilized world, Darwin is still perceived as one of the key personalities to have strongly made his share of contribution to modern science. His real life highlights have all truly manifested in him as per his undertaken long voyages on board of the sailing ship, H.M.S Beagle, to lead his in-depth research on plants, insects, animals, and other species found across the globe; namely in the following countries: Tierra Del Fuego, Brazil, Uruguay, The Falkland Islands, Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, etc. Benjamin Wiker gives a whole new perspective on why? when? how? Charles Darwin became known as the father of his masterpiece, “Origin of Species”. Wiker gives true facts and information about the people and important personalities who helped Darwin in the process of his journey towards marking his name in the history of mankind. The naturalist's successful display of the evolution of species was the result of his profound studies on: anatomy of different species, transmutationism, Geology, origin of species, evolution of species, natural selection of specific breeds, the doctrine behind natural selection, and, anti-theistic views on the impact of evolution on species. Wiker insists that Darwin’s strong moral convictions on his views about God and about God’s ties to all life-forms on our planet, led him to create a structural concept between science and the world of the theists. Benjamin Wiker is truly magnificent when he stresses on many factual details by demonstrating that the famous naturalist was a man who had lots of moral values with his humility, his fatherly affection for his children, his fulfilling of duties as a perfect husband, his physical traits, his views on the Anglican church and Christianity, and, his influential role in the instating of an ideal known to us as ‘Social Darwinism’. Christianity and Darwinism, atheism and theism, and, Darwinism on scientific, philosophical, moral, and theological grounds—are presented in this book of Benjamin Wiker’s with so much intensity and thoroughness that it concludes without any doubts that Charles Darwin took all, if not, almost all the attributes for his “Origin of Species” to himself, and to himself alone. The biographer also emphasizes on Darwinism and its comparison and contrast to Nazism, The Bible and its ties to the contradictory notions with the creation of human races; and finally, the most admired of Charles Darwin’s literature is presented with a vivid acknowledgment of his much liked Shakespearean masterpieces. Wiker has hereabout provided a concise and complete biography of the naturalist and scientist, Charles Darwin. The Darwin Myth: The life and lies of Charles Darwin is a biography with the picks on minute details left out by previous biographers of the man whose contribution to Geology is quite well-recognized to this present day, and who ironically held a one and only degree, that of a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies on pre-divinity.