Ashraf Karayath’s debut novel, ‘Janaka and Ashtavakra: A Journey Beyond’ redefines spirituality in the modern times
Set in the back drop of the epic Ramayana,Ashraf Karayath’s debut novel, “Janaka and Ashtavakra: A Journey Beyond”,sheds light on the present day world, where the key themes are stress, anxiety, fear and an attempt to set a new meaning inlife. For most of us caught in a vicious circle of mundane routine, every moment is tense and every day is a cross to bear in spite of our attempts to find solace from wherever it is offered.
The novel which is set in the background of Ramayana, the great Indian epic,is as modern as it is ancient and timeless, as the attempt is to explore the beyond. The book is an invitation to a less-trodden path and the sojourn is to go beyond the known and surface knowledge. An irresistible invite it may appear, but not an easy path to choose as it demands conscious efforts that may not end with the last sentence of the book, as in fact, the journey begins after the book. The offer here is to ignite the power within to be aware and to go beyond to attain liberation even from the very liberation. That is to reach the zenith of the being, breaking the chains and feeling the joy of every moment that is made to bring the eternal bliss. “You are the creator of your own destiny” may sound cliché, but still the book underlines that message and the narrative is pitched through the characters of the epic which ultimately gives the authenticity and power to the whole text and message.
The very concept of absolute realities of life are challenged and everything we feel absolute need not be. The book wants to tell the very idea of awareness and attaining the highest level of indifference. The author believes that the awareness can happen even in the split of a second and here, Ashtavakra Gita stands tall to support the idea of the book.
The story of an ancient Indian king, of his turbulent life, of impending war in his kingdom, and of treachery and conspiracy within the secretive world of his palace gives the required flavor to the narration and makes it dramatic and a compelling read. The fast-paced incidents,the portrayal of characters, and the description of the landscape gives the book the desired milieu of a story based on one of the most living epic of the world.All put together, these help a reader to relate to the story and at the same time augment the readability for a reader who may miss the message.
About the Author: Ashraf Karayath, hailing from Nadapuram of Kozhikode District in Kerala has twentyfive years of business experience in UAE in different fields like: F&B, technology,mergers and acquisition, coupled with exposure to international conferences and events.His attempt to encompass the Indian tradition of spiritual quest along with his own search for ultimate answers made his first book happen.
The author says, “This is the time where we all need to calibrate ourselves to the strength of our inner wellbeing, which is dominant and inherent in us. Spirituality is nothing but untapping those innate strengths.