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"......... Bishwedebah Shantih Brahma Shantih".  
"Who is standing in my shoes, alone? Bulleh​....I know not who I am."----- Bulleh Shah     
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 The Book of Secrets                                                                Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho
 
 
It is arguably the most difficult and intense book I have ever read in my life. It is essentially Osho's
 commentary on the 'Tantra Shastra', also kwown as 'Shiva Sutras' or 'Vigyana Bhairaba Samhita'. It is written
 as a dialogue between Shiva and his consort Shakti. It enlists 112 methods of enlightenment taught by
 Shiva, the Adiyogi. Osho lucidly explains each method along with similar practices from various esoteric
 schools. The concept of consciousness in action and Vipassana meditation was particularly striking for me. 

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   The Tao Te Ching                                                           Author: Ralph Alan Dale
 
   
'The spirit of life never dies. It is the infinite gateways to mysteries within mysteries'.
   Tao Te Ching is a renowned spiritual poem by Lao Tzu, the legendary teacher
   contemporary to Confucius. This book is the soul of Taoism, which advocates the
   eternal play between 'Ying' and 'Yang' aspects of life. Wonderful short book.

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   Jonathan Livingston Seagull a story                                              Author: Richard Bach
 
   
During my first trip to Maldives, one friend gifted me this nice fable written by Richard Bach. It
   is the shortest book I have ever read and it has a profound message. There are lot of mental
   barriers in our life created by our great mind itself. This book has a central character, a seagull
   names Jonathan, who keeps challenging himself against societal and personal stigma/ fears and
   keep flying higher and higher. Fly On!

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   Gene Machine                                                 Author: Venki Ramakrishnan
 
   
Nobeal Laureate Prof. Venkataraman (Venki) Ramakrishnan has written this
   popular book giving glimpse of his personal life, education, global movement
   (from and to) various renowned labs, race to discover the ribosome structure
   and interpersonal matters. Fantastic book with great insight and humour.
   Venki gave a talk on this book at our Institute and I got his autograph.

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    The Buddha Said.....                                             Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho
 
   
In this book, Osho dwells into the teaching of Lord Buddha. Commenting on
    Dhammapada, Osho explains the Diamond Sutras by Buddha with an approach of
    Vipasanna. The rules of living by Sanyama is explained by Osho taking each shloka of
    Buddha. World is an illusion and its offerings are momentary. Taking great pain in achieving
    them and developing attachment is a root cause of misery. This book portrays the
    teachings of Buddha downplaying the materialistic world and encouraging conscious way
    of living. A great reading for any egoistic man.   

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   Aghora Trilogy                                       Author: Robert E. Svoboda
         * Aghora I: At the Left Hand of God
         * Aghora II: Kundalini
         * Aghora III: The Law of Karma 
 
   
In this trilogy, the author has masterfully accounted the teaching of his 
   Guru Aghori Vimalananda. It gives a glimpse of the Aghora branch of 
   esoteric practice. The manyfold personality of Siddha Aghora Swami
   Vimalananda and his teaching and encounters with mysticism is lucidly 
 captured by the author. The concept of karma (action-reaction) and consciousness is a great lesson. Encounters with Mahadev,
​ Maa Tara and spiritual gurus are wonderful to read. Overall, it was a treat for me to read this trilogy on Aghora.

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     The Alchemist                                                           Author: Paulo Coelho
     
Who Moved My 
Cheese?                                      Author: Dr. Spencer Johnson
     The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari                                       Author: Robin Sharma
 
     
I thoroughly enjoyed reading these three popular books on self-discovery and
     motivation by three contemporary writers Paulo Coelho, Spender Johnson and
     Robin Sharma. Wonderful reading on self-discovery and self-values.

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     From Sex to Superconsciousness                          Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho       Body Mind Balancing                                      
     Love, Freedom, Aloneness: The Koan of Relationship                                       
 
     
These thought provoking books by Osho shed light on key aspects of psycho-somatic
     health, relationship and consciousness. A whole man is a holy man!

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      The English Teacher                              Author: R. K. Narayan
      
Malgudi Days
                           
      The Financial Expert
      The Guide                            
 
     
I got this series by R.K. Narayan, which reminded me of
      television serial Malgudi Days which I enjoyed during my
      childhood. They attest Narayan's lucid storytelling skill.

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     The 5 A.M. Club                                                                   Author: Robin Sharma
     The Greatness Guide                                      
                                          
     
Robin Sharma has written two wonderful works since his masterpiece 'The monk who sold his ferrari'.
     The 5 AM club relishes the age old sayings 'early to bed and early to rise keeps a fellow healthy and
     wise'. The second work ponders on values and treats necessary to excel in professional and
     interpersonal endeavours. They lay foundation for a disciplined life-style for excellence in life.

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     Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously                  Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho       Meditation: The First and Last Freedom                                      
     Awareness: The Key to Living in Balance                                       
 
     
These crisp books by Osho focus on awareness as a key to live life with full potential.   
     Awareness leads to meditative life giving courage to lead a conscious life.

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         Ikigai                                                           Authors: Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
 
         
This masterpiece seeks to discover the Japanese secret to a long and happy life. The people of Japan             and specially the folks of Okinawa believe that everyone has an 'ikigai'- a reason to live and love in life.
         'Ikigai' encompasses what we love, what we are good at, what can be our occupation and which can
         serve the world. Ikigai = Iki (life) + gai (realization of hopes and expectations). This book reveal some
         key points to have a long and happy life with the ability to stay young while growing old. With some
         case studies, Japanese proverbs and interaction with longest living people in Okinawa, this book
         unravel few simple methods to live, love and enrich life cherishing every moment of life.
         Everyone has an ikigai: one should find and rejoice.

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   The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck                                                               Author: Mark Manson
 
   
We care too much about many (unnecessary) things including others opinion, unrealistic expectations, societal
   norms, parents/ relatives' opinions and so on. These heaps of opinion/ expectation creates unwarranted burden in
   our life often limiting our efficiency and leading to guilt trip and frustration. Star blogger and writer Mark
   Manson writes this masterpiece to break such stereotype and educate us to live life with realistic expectation and
   honest enterprise. While its important to listen to all external influences, its equally crucial not to take them too
   seriously. One must learn the subtle art of NOT giving a f#ck. Who gives a f@ck! Live life in your own terms.

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     Gitanjali (Rabindra Rachanavali)                            Author: Rabindranath Tagore
 
     
Gitanjali is a collection of some poems by Maharshi Rabindranath Tagore. It literally
     means 'Songs of Offering' [Gita = song, Anjali = offering]. Tagore offers his prayers
     to almighty with profound gratitude. This work led to the 1913 Nobel Prize in
     Literature, which greatly benefited Tagore's university Shantiniketan. Great book!

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     Autobiography of a Yogi                                                                Author: Paramahansa Yogananda
 
     
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) was the first Indian spiritual leader to stay in USA and preach the nuances of
     Vedanta and Yoga to the Western World. In this autobiography, he reveals his encounters and teaching of his
     gurus Swami Yukteswara Giri, Sri Lahiri Mahasaya and Mahavatara Babaji. Kriya Yoga.....a branch of yoga teaches
     living life with awareness. This book is a great eye opener for novice people to the world of Kriya Yoga. 

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     The First and Last Freedom                                                                     Author: Jiddu Krishnamurti
 
     
Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1985) was an Indian philosopher, who was groomed by the theosophical society as a
     world teacher. He later withdrew from them and independently taught about nature of human mind, meditation,
     human psychology and awareness to various groups across the world. In this lucid book. Jiddu dispels many myths/
     superstitions in search of truth and freedom. He emphasises on meditation as a life style while discussing variety of
     topics like fear, death, sex, suffering, depression and so on. A deep and invigorating book indeed.   

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     Fame, Fortune and Ambition                                                            Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho 
 
     
This book deals with our incessant quest for fame, fortune and ambition to grow in 'so-called' ladder of growth.
     Whole life passes with continuous running around looking for happiness in future goals. And life exists in the
     present moments. The present is so delicate and gets crushed with the vast load of future expectations. One must
     enjoy the process of working for sheer joy without any expectation for future. Life is here and now. Live it.     

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     Living with the Himalayan Masters                                                               Author: Swami Rama 
 
     
Swami Rama (aka Brij Kishore Kumar Dhasmana, 1925-1996) led his entire life mostly under the tutelage of his
     Gurudev (Bengali Baba) wandering around the Himalayan mountains. During his spiritual training, he visited
     several monks/ monasteries and learned from many Himalayan masters. Swami Rama mentions his many
     wonderful encounters with sages of different schools of mysticism and various life lessons. A wonderful book. 

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  Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion's Life                   Author: Vishwanathan Anand
 
 
This book portrays the life and career journey of Vishwanathan (Vishy) Anand, the first Indian          Grandmaster, who appeared as a misfit to the Russian dominated world chess scene. With his
  diligence and talent, he went to win five World Chess Championships! He portrays the lessons about
  success and failure to win in Chess and more so in life. Some personal encounters with Chess greats
  like Kasparov, Karpov, Aronian, Carlsen et al as well as family members make it a great read.

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  Hit Refresh                           Author: Satya Nadela, Greg Shaw and Jill Tracie Nichols
 
Hit Refresh portrays the quest to rediscover Microsoft's soul and imagine a better future for
  everyone. Expressed as a personal tale of Microsoft's current CEO Satya Narayan (Satya)
  Nadela, the author emphasises the pursuit of soul searching and finding culture and core 
  competency of a company. One word that caught my attention is 'empathy'. Keeping
  empathy intact, we must always try to reinvent (refresh) us in this ever changing world.

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     Ten Non Commandments                                                               Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho 
 
     
Countering the well known ten commandments, Osho writes this book mentioning the importance of freedom
     and independent thinking and spontaneous living. He emphasises on ten important commandments: Freedom;
     Uniqueness of Individuality; Love; Meditation; Non-Seriousness; Playfulness; Creativity; Sensitivity; Gratefulness and
     A Feeling of the Mysterious. These attributes are must to live a joyful and creative life full of awareness.   

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 Himalayan Lust                            Author: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev   Mystic's Musings                                      
 Adiyogi: The Source of Yoga                                       
 
 These books by Sadhguru shed light on facets of yoga, Shiva, Himalayan
 travelogues and interaction with Sadhguru on various aspects of life.

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     The Nature of Life: Beyond the Four Sexes                                                         Author: Phillip Olson 
 
     
Energy of Love is so powerful it can heal the most terminal diseases. As young children, we all were masters of such
     energy. As we grow up, we deny this childhood mastery for many other mundane things. How do we give up
     perfection for imperfection, love for fear? For the rest of our mature years, we are destined to seek the inner child,
     our mastery of love, where the world will always be there, to pause and pick us up when we fall.

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     Relativity: The Special and the General Theory                                                   Author: Albert Einstein 
 
     
Albert Einstein is undoubtedly the most famous scientist of the 20th century, who rose to fame with multiple
     pathbreaking theories in 1905, the year known as annus mirabilis (year of miracles). While photoelectric effect led
     him to 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics, the 'theory of relativity' etched Einstein's name in history forever. Here, Einstein
     lucidly explains the general and special theory of relativity to common audience in simple terms. Simply superb!  

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     The Art of Living                                                                         Author: Acharya Rajneesh Osho 
 
     
How many people truly and intensely live? This book gives a glimpse into what it means to live totally and
     consciously, and how living can become an art. Osho elucidates five principles: non-violence, non-possessiveness,
     non-theft, non-desire and non-unawareness. Osho invites the reader to begin his own unique inner journey
     towards the state of ultimate liberation that is the ultimate potential of every human being. Thats the art of living.

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     The Complete Works of Kahlil Gibran                                                               Author: Kahlil Gibran 
 
     
This masterpiece is a compendium of twelve short books by Kahlil Gibran. These books are: The Prophet, The
     Wanderer, Sand and Foam, The Madman, The Forerunner, The Earth Gods, Nymphs of the Valley, Tears and
     Laughter, Between Night & Morn, Secrets of the Heart, Spirits Rebellious and The Broken Wings. Particularly, the
     Prophet is very heart touching, rendering subtle messages on all aspects of life. Let there be spaces.    

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     Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance                                                         Author: Robert Pisrig
 
     
Life is a journey full of surprises. It is a mixture of wanted and unwanted circumstances/ happenings. This work
     narrates the story of a father and son going for a summer motorcycle trip from Minnesota to northern California. 
     Their journey is full of events leading to many moments of happiness, frustration and philosophical discussion. This
     marvellous book is not about zen buddhism, neither is about motorcycle! Life is a great journey......Enjoy the Ride.

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     The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment                                            Author: Eckhart Tolle
 
     
This book dwells on the concepts of self reflection and focus on being in the present moment to live a peaceful life.
     Written as a question - answer sessions, it emphasizes the art of living in the present moment, which relieves
     unwanted reactions of pain-body and past memories. Avoid past and future worries, merge into the power of now.

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     Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results                                                   Author: James Clear
 
     
Drop by drop makes an ocean. Brick by brick builds a citadel. Dollar by dollar makes a billion. Such is the power of
     tiny things in creating remarkable things. This masterpiece begins with a tragic saga in the childhood of the author
     and how it influenced his life. Addressing all adversities, the authors could refocus, reassemble and conquer the
     challenges posed by life. Using pragmatic points, he renders notes to build atomic habits leading to giant results!

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     12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos                                                        Author: Jordan B. Peterson
 
     
In this masterpiece, the author (a clinical psychologist) enlists and elaborates 12 rules of life as an antidote to             chaos. One must be responsible for his own life, which many old religions renders as full of sorrow. One must take 
     charge of life and pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient). Take charge of life by standing up straight,
     set own house in perfect order, treat oneself with respect and surround oneself with good friends. Excel in life.  

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     Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know                                       Author: Adam Grant
 
     
We have goals, we set targets and put efforts to achieve the same. Early in life, we set too many goals by either 
     over estimating or under estimating one's capacity and inclination. Inertia sets in and one keeps moving. But, every
     now and then, one must 'Thing Again' i.e. do periodic recalibration of one's goal, ability and inclination. Here, the 
     author guides us how to rethink by individual rethinking, interpersonal rethinking and collective rethinking.

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     Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior                                      Author: Thomas Erikson
 
     
Each person is so unique! In our personal, social and work life, we are surrounded by variety of people; all having
     their personal (dis)likes, interest and way of thinking. In this book, the authors classify people in four broad               categories: Red (dominant | dominance | choleric | fire), ​Yellow (inspiring | influence | sanguine | air), ​​
     Green (stable | stability | phlegmatic | earth) and ​Blue (analytical | compliance | melancholic | water). Its a great
     read to understand these four types of personality (idiots). Remember... it's 'co-existence' or 'no existence'. 

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     The French Art of Not Trying Too Hard                                                           Author: Ollivier Pourriol
 
     
The general conception is any target can be achieved by perseverance, grit or 10000 hours of slugging. Or should
     one just work with 'let go' attitude? The later is the French attitude for centuries. The author stresses ease at the
     centre of success, creativity and happiness. The pursuit of success should be a pleasure not pressure. Warning!
     When you look so hard, you cant see. This art of effortless excellence (je ne sais quoi) has been described drawing
     examples of French stalwarts like Francoise Sagan, Rene Descartes, Stendhal and so on. Excel with effortless way.

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     Karma: A Guide to Cause and Effect                                                            Author: Jeffrey Armstrong
 
     
Elucidating the ancient sanatana concept of Karma, the author explores reincarnation and the law of nature and
     the eternal cause-and-effect circle in our lives. Universe is a profoundly interconnected closed system, where what
     goes around comes around. Target is to unlock the mystery and liberate oneself from this eternal cycle.   

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     Do/ Walk/ Navigate Earth, Mind and Body. Step by Step.                                         Author: Libby DeLana
 
     
Small things bring joy, but joy is not a small thing. The author portrays simple habit of morning walks as a
     therapeutic ritual, giving time/space to reconnect with surrounding world, process thoughts, enhance physical
     well-being, soul-searching and promote creativity. 'Every walk is a sort of crusade'.--- Henry David Thoreau

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     Nikola TESLA: The Life and Inventions of a Genius                                          Author: Aleksandar Marincic
 
     
Coming from an orthodox religious family in Serbia, Nikola Tesla carved a niche for himself in the world of science
     and engineering, thereby changing the mankind. Nikola Tesla was an extraordinary and intriguing scientist, who
     pioneered many breakthrough inventions focused on alternating currents and polyphased generators. Prof.
     Marincic of Serbian Academy of Science lucidly portrays early life, education, struggle and inventions of Tesla over
     the years. I bought this book from Belgrade, Serbia during my maiden trip to Balkan. Tesla is a hero to me.   

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     The Sun and Her Flowers                                                                                Author: Rupi Kaur
 
     
The author portrays the struggle and life story of her immigrant parents from Bharat, who slug to provide a better
     life to their kids and family. The mother said her daughter that similar to planted flowers in the garden, people too
     must wilt, fall, root, rise in order to bloom. It has five chapters: wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming.

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     Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence                                                         Author: Daniel Goleman
 
     
The author emphasises that in the era of unstoppable distractions, one must learn to sharpen focus if one has to
     survive let alone thrive in this complex world. Goleman stresses on three key parts- inner, other and outer focus.
     Only hard work (10,000 h principle) is not enough: one must have smart work practice, mindfulness, meditation,
     focused preparation, and recovery from setbacks, persistent attention and channeling positive emotions. In the
     world of distraction, remember to FOCUS for excellence in action and life.

"Learn from Nature, Her Secret is Patience."
​
Copyright (C) 2015-2025.      Professor Prabeer Barpanda.     All Rights Reserved.
Faraday Materials Laboratory (FaMaL), Materials Research Centre (MRC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, BHARAT.
[Query/Suggestion/Contact: prabeer-AT-iisc.ac.in, +91 94495 20638]
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