James Hilton's tyrst with Tibet- Kailash

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

When I was still in my late teens, I took a coverless, battered book

which my sister had studied for her pre university course as a

supplementary reader.

 

That book was " Lost Horizon' - a novel by

the pre war English writer James Hilton. A strange feeling enveloped me

as I went through the book. The initial curiosity gave way to awe and

admiration. Then finally they also vanished when I was into the core of

the novel.

 

It was more than a novel. It was a mystery. No, it

was no mystery, it was a spiritual novel.Not even simply a a spiritual quest

perhaps, it is that which awaits one when the most bizarre and intriguing

circumstances are faced in life. But, they also lead to a silent spirituality.

 

It is about a group lost in the

wilderness of Tibet. Hilton coined the now famous 'Shangri la' in this

book only. Now it is meant to denote any sanctuary for a noble cause.

 

This

book is noble. The cause for which the party lost themselves in the

wilderness is noble. This book is not for understanding. It is for

experiencing.

 

I am sure that the Mountain that Hilton talks

about is Kailash. The pyramid shaped pinnacle, and the sheer

inaccessibility all point to Kailash only where we still believe life

originated and where lies the key to all divinity.

 

It is this

Mountain that Hilton uses as a setting to elaborate the keys to

immortality, though rather in an occidental way of explanation and with that

misplaced enthusiasm of a school boy who thinks an Atlas is the world. But even

that has made me enjoy this book and

that, exactly was what made me an eternal fan of this book. An eastern

philosophy emerging out of a western writer.

 

I reread the book

at periodic intervals just to relive my original admiration. Now I have

a new copy which I intend to pass on to my sons after they come out of

school.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the book available online for free download.

Get the book at

http://www.scribd.com/doc/8060294/LOST-HORIZON-by-James-Hilton

 

You

might be required to register at scribd site before downloading. Do it.

It is worth it. If you find your palms perspiring, feet cold, and

sighing in admiration and excitement, it is all a sign you are the most

suitable one to receive this gift.

 

Enjoy.

J Venkatasubramanian

 

 

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