Oct 20, 2005 11:40 AM
5275 Views
(Updated Oct 20, 2005 09:14 PM)
Why I Read This I have always loved stories be it reading or listening. So when I found this with my friend I did the best thing I cud do – borrow it. I haven’t yet planned on returning it.. Hope he doesn’t read this ;-)
What kind Of book the book is aimed at helping personality development. But this is quite different from other books of this kind bcos of its approach. The book follows a full of stories approach. We have seen many books that run like prose into paras & chapters often denying the reader a chance to ponder. This book uses a technique called ‘STORY MEDITATION’ – stories impregnated with philosophy, princliples & self improvement practices are presented. The end of the story is not given immediately & the readers are to come with their answers, made to think n relate to their own life situation. The reader is urged to read each story with open mind, guess for possible answers to questions given at end & the look for answers given, to self check how one fared. Reading the book for mere entertainment doesn’t help.
The book is available thru ATC B’lore, 180pgs, 5x8 inches, Rs 150.
Who shud read this This book finds readers among people who see the need for a personality development or a need to change. Also people who like stories for the modern man will find it interesting. Suitable for all age group readers. The book is also suggested for category of people like teachers, motivational speakers, priests, counselors who in turn can use its contents to help others towards personality development.
Content & Rushes: The book has 200 stories with each not exceeding a page. Each story follows a standard template. The template consists of a small story whose end isn’t instantly given. Following this are 2-3 questions asking the reader to what the end wud be, what the implication or moral of story wud be, then comes the answers. The ball is definitely in the readers court bcos he must make an effort to read the incomplete story, take the question, guess his answers, then find out the given answer. If you are not doing this purposefully, you will end up reading the story, question, answers without gap, without thinking. when these exercises are done in group thru a teacher/leader it can be more enjoyable & educating.
The 200 stories cover most aspects of life with wide ranging titles. The index can help in finding a story for a certain topic. Some examples of a story title wud be know the truth, work sharper not harder, patience pays, antidote for worry, arguments are futile, how to conquer anger, beware of ur negative emotions, public speech – how it should be, remedy for depression, discard hero worship, lesser wants greater joy, as u giv so u get, lincoln’s humility, and etc etc etc ;-) each of the 200 stories have something to teach each of us.
Its futile to revu the stories one by one, and no space too. But I will briefly mention a story so one can get an idea of the content of the book. I liked this one from the story titled what it means to be Buddha? a man came to Buddha & asked him, “tell me Buddha, are u God?”
“no I am not god”
“are u an angel?” “no I am not”
are u a prophet?” “no not a prophet either”
“what are u then?” whereupon Buddha answered….
Questions: a)what was buddha’s answer? b)what is the implication of this story?
Check ur answers only after you have tried coming up with ur answer.
Answers: a)” I am AWAKE”
b)most of us are not awake. We are always in slumber. We are not aware of our own thoughts, feelings & actions. We function most of the time like automation. The enlightened are those who are AWARE & AWAKE.
With so many writers on MS wanting to be famous(read starr), a story tells how to be one. Its titled how to become a well known writer the novelist Sinclair lewis was talking to a group of undergraduates all of whom had literary ambitions.
“how many of u really want to be writers” the author asked
every student in the room lifted his hand.
“in that case”, said the novelist …..
questions:a)what did the novelist say to students b) what is the implication of this story
I wont give the answer bcos if I give many of u will become SW giving me competition ;-)
Similary one comes across many a gem of stories & anecdotes. Read to know more. The book doesn’t have to be read end to end, as the stories are independent on their own. One can even try opening one story randomly for a day & try to do the corresponding questions.
Author & Works Dr G Francis Xavier, Phd is an author & motivational speaker & founder of Think Achieve Prosper(TAP) Foundation that conducts TAP YOUR GENIUS program for personality development. He has to his credit ‘Mental Filling System’, a memory improvement technique. Of the 11+ books he has written few to mention are Vibrant Health Through Yoga & Nature cure, Practical Palmistry, Fundamental & Advanced Accounting, stress & time management for professionals, memory & study techniques for students, subconscious meditation. He also has cassettes on stress management, wealth creation.
I Say this is a good book to have in your shelf. This can be read by any irrespective of age which makes it a family book. The story based approach is good & the questions make one think which might eventually end in personality development – if only reader implements what is read. Real good books to buy or gift to someone you want to see improved, besides yourself ;-)
