Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3 comments:

  1. It was a fun book review meet today. Lots of new insights. Please post your notes here if you like.

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  2. Sycamore Tree Significance:

    The Sycamore tree was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, who considered it to represent three of their major goddesses.

    "A tree in El Matareya near Cairo called the Virgin Mary Tree is said to be a resting spot of Mary, Jesus and Joseph and is a pilgrimage spot for Christians. The tree died in the 17th century and a new sapling in 1672 was planted. That died in 1906, and a new one was planted, which is what is present today. The tree is enclosed in a compound and the government charges admission fees to it. Both Coptic Christians and Muslims visit the site for healing by the Virgin."

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  3. Book Review Notes

    To me its a spiritual journey from the head to heart.

    First is to find your "Personal Legend"- I keep trying to recall what it could be from going back to childhood.. But I don't see it there yet..
    But the author says that "any action that makes you feel enthusiastic, and gives you joy and happiness is part of your personal legend"

    There is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It's your mission on earth.

    For the PEP course in AOL- Ones Passion, Talent are the guides to ones personal legend.

    Once you find your legend or purpose in this life- There are 4 obstacles

    1. External Conditioning that it is impossible to accomplish that legend- Being a football to other peoples opinions
    2. Attachment- Not wanting to hurt people, or fear of society and its norms, sense of (false) responsibility, feeling that people are dependent on you
    1. True Love - Rejoices in your happiness, is the part of your legend, supports and stimulates one.
    3. Fear of failure- Ignoring the voice of the heart for fear of failure..
    4. Obstacles that come in the way- Discouragement, Disillusionment,


    The whole story goes through these steps and along the way wisdom is generously sprinkled on the path..

    Representation of the Characters:

    The Boy- Every human
    The father - Initially obstacle 1 - How hard it is to be a Shepard, and travel..etc. 1st Obstacle
    The treasure - The personal Legend/Guru Tatva/Mumukshatvam
    Sheep - Are the mundane attachments and conditioning's.. Materialistic wants.
    The Gypsy - Matlabi people in the world, who are looking to use you..
    The King - The first Guru. His story about the boy and wise man- Be in world, enjoy every bit of it but with full awareness and centeredness. See and enjoy all the beauty but keep the oil drops on the spoon..
    The Thief - Takes away all the all the past baggage?? Is this some trauma in life, that really makes to look into youself and find your faith? Make the surrender complete?
    The Crystal Shopkeeper - Experiences and opportunity that prepare you for your journey on the path..
    The English man- The like minded people we meet in life in our journe... Suddenly , co-incidentally and we click.
    The desert - The deep silences and meditations
    The girl- Fatima: Your true love, who wants your success and happiness. It stimulates, pushes you forward. 2nd obstacle becomes stimulator when it is true and pure.
    The Hawk and falcon- Deepened intuition. Ability to sense danger and desire to serve and help. Self lessness increases
    The Alchemist's fight- Courage increases. Don't be football to other people crystallizes- OVercomes fear of failure. Guru comes for you in various forms.
    Alchemist's Demo- Guru miracles
    Fight with the pirates- Complete surrender. Just complete the journey and surrender..
    Sycamore castle - Heart. Treasure in the heart. Used for love and service.

    My Favorite Quotes:

    When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

    Universal Language- Language of the heart.

    Universal Soul - All things are one.

    Follow the omens- See the omens in life. The Omens and incidents in life are strung together by the chain of GOD leading you to your personal legend..

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