One Man’s Seek for Religious Enlightenment Stretches Cultures and Continents

Karma and Kismet by Michael Shandler

“The person who comes again by way of the Door within the Wall won’t ever be fairly the identical as the person who went out. He can be wiser however much less positive, happier however much less self-satisfied, humbler in acknowledging his ignorance, but higher geared up to grasp the … systematic reasoning to the unfathomable thriller which it tries, without end vainly, to grasp.”

Creator Michael Shandler, in multiple method, in multiple time and in multiple place, was on a lifelong journey of self-discovery, usually regarding the phrases above by Aldous Huxley. By no means thoughts that Huxley was describing his expertise utilizing mescaline to assist unlock a religious dimension; it’s the message that counts, that resonated with Shandler, and that vaulted him from one scenario to the following, every with built-in or self-inflicted obstacles to navigate alongside the best way to in search of understanding and success on this factor we name life.

Shandler has masterfully documented his heartfelt story in Karma & Kismet (Koehler Books), a story that travels from his difficult childhood in apartheid South Africa to kibbutzes in Israel to communal residing in Canada the place studying and which means intersect with confusion and unlawful substances to color an image of a youth not in contrast to many looking for goal by way of philosophies, friendships and experiences.

The writer, a white Jewish boy whose story takes place in the course of the Sixties and Seventies, neatly crafts his narrative with a fluid, low-key and immersive writing fashion that propels readers in all places from his household dinner desk to huge potato fields. He’s formed early on by his father, who, whereas displaying love and accountability for his son’s future, is a wildcard able to violent habits on a whim. Shandler goals to please however reaches his restrict when he catches Dad red-handedly beating Mother. He punches Dad, within the course of additionally punching his ticket out.

The writer is an efficient pupil and a powerful athlete, traits that may solely carry him to date. They’ll’t cowl up for the racism and hostility he’ll confront. He works odd jobs, whether or not in his father’s manufacturing facility (they really reconcile) or his uncles’ electronics enterprise, at all times looking for which means that continues to allude him. 

He thinks he’s discovered the reply when he volunteers for a place in Israel. However all good concepts come to an finish. In Canada, his mates and mentors steer him towards a religious awakening, psychedelic medication and yoga, and as soon as once more he finds contentment. His journey brings him into contact with Ram Dass, the well-known religious instructor and guru.

Karma & Kismet is a revealing and substantive story of 1 man’s life and his quest for understanding, peace and contentment. Readers will gobble it up, notably Child Boomers who will simply relate their very own experiences to that of the writer, and people who have explored New Age Spirituality in some capability.

Shandler writes, “I’m stuffed with gratitude that I’m now not a hyperlink within the chain of abuse … I’ve discovered love and belonging.”

Generally, the writer learns, it’s finest to only get out of the best way, hand over any false management one may suppose she or he possesses, and let life occur nevertheless it could.

Possibly that’s the secret to the very difficult enterprise of discovering one’s identification. Some by no means will. However within the case of Michael Shandler and his shifting memoir, maybe it’s only a matter of letting destiny, or kismet, take over.

Publish Date: 7/20/2024

Style: Self Assist

Creator: Michael Shandler

Web page Rely: 326 pages

Writer: Koehler Books

ISBN: 9798888243824