I am currently reading “A million miles in a thousand years” by Donald Miller. While reading it, I finished re-reading an all time favourite “Illusions” by Richard Bach. Krishnan’s first gift to me were three books – and “Illusions” was one of them. The similarities between these two books is amazing… Both talk of how our lives are fashioned by our thoughts, like a movie whose director and actor is me !
“Illusions” is the story of the author meeting a messiah who has quit his job of being a messiah. Its all about their conversations while they offer plane rides in small villages/towns in the US.
Here are some excerpts from “Illusions” messiah’s handbook to ponder over –
Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know it just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, teachers.
Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself. Being true to anyone else or anything else is not only impossible, but the mark of a fake messiah.
The simplest questions are the most profound. Where are you from ? Where is your home? Where are you going ? What are you doing? Think about these once in a while, and watch your answers change.
You teach best what you need to learn
Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.
You’re always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.
There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in its hands. You seek problems because you need their gifts.
Argue for your limitations and sure enough they are yours.
You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it though.
The world is your exercise book, the pages on which you do your sums. It is not reality, although you can express reality there if you wish. You are also free to write nonsense, or lies, or to tear the pages.
Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.
Here’s a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished; if you’re alive, it isn’t.
In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.
…… The best is the last one
Don’t be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.
Reading a beautiful book has almost a physical reaction … Like hearing a great piece of music or watching an amazing sunrise.
“Illusions” is a must read and a must collect.
Very well written, and very beautifully chosen parts from one of the best books that I have ever read. Thanks for bringing back my very fond associations with the book “Illusions”.
Have personally made use of the last quote to convince a few of my friends who were unsure of their reason for existence. You have to find your calling in life and there are several ways to find and know. You need to be aware and alert.