#Book Review : ###Mani Darshan

Reviewer  Dr. Prabhat Kumar Singhal Author & Journalist, Kota

The prose book Mani Darshan by Udaipur-based writer Sulekha Srivastava arrived by post, and even its title signals a deep spiritual resonance. The word Darshan itself evokes memories of early morning Mani Darshan rituals at Rameshwaram—an experience rooted in devotion and introspection. As one delves into the book, this initial intuition proves accurate.

Comprising 60 thoughtfully structured chapters, Mani Darshan not only inspires readers towards spirituality but also instills strong moral values and cultural consciousness. The book seamlessly connects spiritual philosophy with contemporary family and social realities, making it both relevant and reflective. Against the backdrop of eroding family structures, social inequalities, and the labels imposed on children at birth, the author courageously opens the reader’s eyes to uncomfortable truths.

Each chapter carries a clear message, gently steering the reader away from negativity and filling the mind with positive energy. Alongside spirituality, the author’s core intent is to awaken inner strength and constructive thinking. The depth of thought and intense contemplation behind each essay is evident, yet the language remains simple, lucid, and accessible, even for younger readers. At places, the narrative adopts a storytelling and descriptive style, making philosophical ideas easier to grasp.

The opening chapter, “The World”, traces the origin of the universe, global population growth, the evolution of civilizations and cultures, traditions, lifestyles, trade systems, and the emergence of currency. It thoughtfully outlines India’s journey from Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga to Kali Yuga. The author observes that Kali Yuga has reached its peak, where inhuman behavior toward both humans and animals has become common. Yet, she also expresses hope—suggesting that the seeds of a new Satya Yuga have begun to sprout, opening doors for spiritual awakening and positive transformation (Page 1).

In the chapter “Meditation”, the author raises concern over meditation being commercialized as an industry. She reiterates that the true aim of meditation is attaining supreme peace, free from fear and suffering. With clarity, she explains how controlled thought, stillness, and inward focus help energy accumulate in the Muladhara Chakra, leading to Kundalini Awakening. As this energy ascends through the seven chakras, seekers may experience heightened awareness, vivid visions, and deeper spiritual insights (Page 3).

The significance of the seven chakras—Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara—is elaborated in relation to maintaining natural balance within the body and transforming negative energy into positive life force (Page 38).

Essays on The Power of Thoughts, Emotions, Intellect, Ego, Seven Layers of the Mind, Seven Forms of the Human Body, Seven Qualities of the Soul, Nine Human Powers, Attachment, Self-Knowledge, Conscious Meditation, Secrets of the Mind, Renunciation, Liberation, Duality and Non-Duality, and the Scientific Basis of Worship and Devotion collectively guide the reader toward ethical living and spiritual elevation.

One particularly impactful narrative, “The Path of Transformation”, tells the story of a military officer dismissed for repeated mistakes. Taking dismissal as a turning point rather than humiliation, he reforms himself, rejoins the army as a soldier, and later earns a Presidential Medal for bravery. Through this story, the author powerfully conveys that self-correction can turn failure into success (Page 115).

The chapter “The Importance of Understanding” highlights changing family systems, weakening values, and the growing ideological gap between generations. It reflects on delayed marriages due to career pursuits and the irony of elderly parents in old-age homes while younger generations seek counseling centers—an unsettling yet honest social commentary (Page 184).

Change, the author reminds us, is the eternal law of nature. Past lives remain unseen, future lives uncertain, and even the present moment is fleeting. Through logical reasoning, she demystifies these existential truths with remarkable clarity (Page 189).

Other essays such as The Need for Conservation, Reality and Shadow, Law of Karma, Peace of Mind, Is Life Complex?, Choices and Consequences, Mental Stability, Opportunity or Right, One Point Focus, and The Inner Voice gently nudge the reader toward human values and mindful living.

In the foreword, the author defines Mani Darshan as a prose work offering detailed spiritual discourse that accelerates one’s journey toward inner growth by cultivating detachment. Through simple yet profound expressions, she weaves reflections on evolving human emotions, intellectual growth, suppressed pain, inherent संस्कार (values), and life’s impactful experiences.

In conclusion, Mani Darshan stands as an exceptional spiritual guidebook—a meaningful effort toward awakening consciousness and re-establishing life values in modern society.

Sulekha Srivastava began her literary journey at the age of 13, with poems published in her school magazine. She holds postgraduate degrees in Hindi and English, along with a B.Ed., and writes fluently in both languages. Her repertoire includes bhajans, poetry, short stories, features, reports, essays, and light-hearted columns.

Her writings have been published and broadcast across TV channels, websites, All India Radio, and various national newspapers and magazines. After serving the Rajasthan Education Department with distinction for 33 years, she retired upon superannuation. She continues to actively contribute to the editorial team of the English newspaper “Royal Harbinger,” focusing on Indian art, culture, festivals, and social issues.