Books are the true friends of mankind; they are our guide, and by reading them, we quickly become acquainted with knowledge acquired through generations. It does not take long to change a person’s life if we contemplate this knowledge and absorb its essence in our hearts. Good books illuminate and enrich life at every stage and lead a life on the path of excellence, joy, and fulfilment. There is a limit to the acquisition of knowledge by oneself, but books expand this limit.
When we read books, we access the best ideas not only from our own country but the whole world. Books bring the core tenets from the lives of great men within our reach; the knowledge of generations is readily available to us. It is necessary to arouse a genuine aspiration and intense thirst for this knowledge, and once received, to hold onto it. Studying books enriches us on many levels. Reading books opens the doors of our intellects, and the scope of thinking also widens.
Our understanding of other civilizations and cultures develops along with their society, culture, history, geography, etc. Sensitivity towards nature and creation develops in the whole world, and in a true sense, we become good citizens of our country, society, nation, and the world. Without reading books, we remain undeveloped, like frogs in a well, and live a backward life constricted by our prejudices.
Books take us out of this limited circle. Undoubtedly, it becomes necessary to search and select the best literature from around the country and the world; luckily, this selection is not difficult in today’s globalization era. Due to this knowledge, we can have meaningful dialogue in a circle of knowledgeable people and make a worthy contribution. Books also increase our self-confidence, and we become entitled to respect from society. Good books console us like true friends in difficult times, giving us solace and encouragement to move forward.
Books related to a person’s interests and experiences are often seen playing a decisive role in providing accurate solutions and pointers at any problematic stage of life. Undoubtedly, it reduces our stress, decreases depression, and strengthens our mental health. Good books play the role of a good doctor in healing us. Our physical, mental, and also spiritual health is supported through the best books.
When we peruse literature revealing the core of human consciousness, we get acquainted at the deepest level with the highest possibilities of ourselves and our drawbacks and try to overcome them. It also paves the way for our overall development. The study of good books increases our memory power, along with strong analytical thinking ability. The habit of reading increases the concentration and ability of the person to focus. Indeed, this stops mental and intellectual deterioration and strengthens cognitive ability.
Based on research, it has become clear that the mind remains young, healthy, and disease-free by studying good books. It even proves helpful in keeping away diseases like Alzheimer’s, which is associated with forgetfulness. With study, our vocabulary is enriched, which also aids our writing capabilities. New ideas and novel words are needed to write, and the study of books makes all this easily accessible. It is a well-known fact that the person whose study is extensive and intensive can write well. The study of books is a source of pleasure for a person. A study habit at bedtime ensures pleasant and sound sleep. Along with this, life becomes more balanced and enjoyable, and longevity is improved. Studying the right books can turn a life around. The lives of so many people and great men have been seen to be transformed because of a great book. That is why it is said in the scriptures
– Swadhyayam Ma Pramadah – that is, do not be lethargic in increasing your abilities through self-study.
Knowledge acquisition is a lifelong process. Make it an integral part of your life. Always read the best books. In the words of Param Pujya Gurudev – Just as a yogi, chanting the name of the Lord, becomes engrossed in the light form of that Supreme Soul, in the same way, one who concentrates and gets engrossed in the study of positive thoughts becomes entitled to the light of knowledge by the grace of Akshar Brahma. In addition to yoga, the study of great scriptures is also one of the main ways to realize God.
A person established in simple yoga-like self-study attains his ultimate goal of salvation in some form or the other and becomes entitled to eternal happiness. That is why we must always take out some time for self-study of the best books. This is the way to gain new knowledge. Through self-study, knowledge increases, the mind matures, conduct becomes pure, and the light of God illuminates the soul. For this, it is necessary to choose the best books in every subject.
It is our great fortune that the literature of Param Pujya Gurudev is available in abundance in the form of Akhand Jyoti, Vangmaya, and more than three thousand books. Complete solutions are available on every subject in this literature to create a new era, benefiting the individual, family, society, and humanity at large. Therefore, we must study them and inspire others to read and thus become an instrument in spreading positive knowledge. Who knows which seed of thought will spark a revolution in someone’s conscience, which in turn will transform his life. The lives of so many families have been transformed by the presence of this wonderful literature of Gurudev in this era. Therefore, we should consider these valuable books as our best friends and our guides.
Akhand Jyoti Magazine 2021 Nov-Dec