Author: Pankaj Rajput

Pankaj Rajput Genre: Religious & Spiritual Fiction

Religious & Spiritual Fiction Paperback: 300 pages

300 pages Publisher: Notion Press; 1 edition (11 July 2014)

Notion Press; 1 edition (11 July 2014) Language: English

Synopsis as on Goodreads:

An atheistic millionaire is forced to find and help his long lost friend achieve self-realization in a mystical City of Nine Gates known only to the Gods and the wisest sages of the Advait and the Sankhya. Assisted by other friends in the City, he leads the City on an inward enlightening journey, only to realize at the end who his friend is, what actually the City of Nine Gates is and who is that beyond all regions knowing which one never comes back …

“When the Gods descend to devastate, When Kalyuga meets Apocalypse, Out of a Billion, Only one strives, Of those who strive, Only one achieves, What those sages realized, and you still haven’t, knowing which, one never comes back. Rise O’ Cities! It’s time to liberate, It’s time, to realize…”

Spirituality is a boring subject to discuss for the masses yet at some or the other point of time, we do wish to dwell upon it. You know why? Because we humans are bound to search within in order to find ourselves. That’s the primary purpose of our lives. That’s how we are supposed to live – discovering our true self and purpose behind living!

This world is a thought. Reality is a reflection and thus, creation is a beautiful mistake.

City of Nine Gates is a spiritual fiction which would be a different taste to your mind and intellect. In the beginning, I found it hard to connect with the book but as it went ahead, I could feel what was going on. Though at some points, I felt that the story has been unnecessarily stretched yet in the end, I guess, it was all worth it. This book demands patience and a right frame of mind and attitude to consume what it has to offer you.

It starts with the description of the two schools of thoughts – Sankhya and Advaita Vedanta. Both of them are distinct yet same in their vision. Gyan, an atheist and successful Start-up guy, come across a mystical discovery during his excavations at an archaeological site. That mystery intrigues him so deeply that the subsequent series of events he faces surprise you out of the blues. His rendezvous with Budhi and their camaraderie is amazing to read. The book opens up the gates to the city of nine gates – the human body! Human life composed of the secret knowledge of Purusha and Prakriti is of utmost importance for every being. This revelation is the most fantastic part of the book.

The well-developed narrative answers our questions pertaining to grief and suffering. It teaches that Pain is the key to the path of Moksha. It is in pain when the human being loses attachment and is directed on the path of salvation. We have several Vrittis holding our existence. The book draws the relationship between Vrittis(thoughts), Manas, Buddhi, Karmphal, Gyan, etc. Never before I have come across such an enlightening spiritual fiction.

The book goes on to tell us that the whole world is a thought itself. A continuous battle between Manas and Icha is inevitable because this is how we tame our futile desires. In the war for Moksha, Desire is the epitome of Nishkam Karm. It is when the Atman realizes who it is in truth and remains established in truth, it attains Moksha. And by the end, the ultimate truth embraces us –

Atman is Brahman

Brahman is indestructible.

A surreal narration won the game though it could have been more gripping and subtle. Moreover, the book needs a round of editing to polish it. Rest, the language is fine. The character introduction, as well as gradual description, is very good. To top it all, the imagination of the author made the ball to fall into his court. For people who absolutely love to know about the intricate details of their body and enigma underlying their existence, this book would be a good treat. Remember, it demands patience to receive the best out of something. Be it money, fame, or oodles of wisdom.

MY RATING: 4/ 5

BOOK YOUR COPY: CITY OF NINE GATES

Thank you The Readers Cosmos for the review copy!

“This book review is a part of The Readers Cosmos Book Review Program and Blog Tours. For details, check http://www.thereaderscosmos.com/“