Amazon Create Space Category:  Literary Fiction Publisher: Anil Kumar Gupta ISBN-10:  1448632498 Pages: 403 Copyright: June,18, 2009 ISBN-13: 9781448632497 This novel ‘THE JOURNEY IS THE REWARD’ written by Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta is about the influences acquired by Salil, the main character, who was made to believe that he was a gift of God. He developed a mindset which was inquisitive, logical as well as spiritual and attempted to find out the scientific basis of religion and spirituality. Salil’s upbringing, infatuation with a little girl and her death because of him, his unsuccessful love affair left a lasting impression on his mind. An inquisitive person to the core, he found out the scientific and biological basis of failed love affairs, meditation and what happens inside their body when they indulge in spiritual exercises. He married a girl who he thought was destined to die soon. His efforts to stall her death by affecting changes in the quantum energy particles of her body through meditation producing resonance were revolutionary. His attempts to understand spiritualism led him to find the points of convergence between spiritualism and physical science. His analysis of the creation of Universe, Destiny, Free will, meditation and love affairs is carried forward in this novel through dialogues between different characters. His concerns are the concerns of an average person seeking scientific answers to topics like why love affairs succeed or fail, why meditation works, how the whole universe is entangled, what is karma?. From Newtonian physics to theory of Einstein and Quantum physics, all have been used to illustrate and explain human behavior and spiritual exercise in this gripping novel. As a product of passion, this novel is designed to address the curiosity and hunger of a person who likes storytelling and also someone who wants story having a meaning and creating a lasting impact. It also explains the hitherto unexplained but proven scientific facts about subjects of belief rather than subjects of knowledge.  ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta was born in 1956 in Dehradun, now part of Uttaranchal. He belongs to a family of Civil Service officers. His father was a Judge. He had his education in St Josephs School Nainital, and St John’s College Agra. He did M.Sc from University of York. U.K. He had equal interest in Humanities and Physical Sciences. He had English, History and Economics as his subjects in Graduation and obtained Masters Degree in History from St John’s College, Agra in the year 1977. Mr. Anil Kumar Gupta belongs to 1979 Batch of Indian Administrative Service. He has held senior positions as Secretary, Principal Secretary to Government of Uttar Pradesh for many years and now serving with Government of India. His father, who had a deeply religious personality, influenced him since his childhood. The youngest in a family of eight brothers and sisters he had been reading fiction and literature. He is interested in Spirituality, Cosmology and Religion. My latest Novel is ‘The Journey is the Reward’ published now. He is married and lives in Noida, UP.   Synopsis of the Novel   This novel is about the influences acquired by Salil, the main character, who being the youngest in family was made to believe that he was a gift of God. He learnt in life mostly through outside influences and developed a mindset which was inquisitive, logical as well as spiritual. He was fascinated by religious beliefs, spiritualism, and attempted to find out its scientific basis. His upbringing, infatuation with a little girl very early in his life and her death because of him, left a lasting impression on his mind. His unsuccessful love affair in College left a deep scar on his psyche. An inquisitive person to the core, he found out the scientific and biological basis of failed love affairs, why people meditate and what happens inside their body when they indulge in spiritual exercises. He married a girl who he thought was destined to die soon. His efforts to stall her death through affecting changes in the quantum energy particles of her body by meditation producing resonance were revolutionary. His attempts to understand spiritualism led him to find the points of convergence between spiritualism and science. His analysis of the creation of Universe, Destiny, Free will, meditation and love affairs is carried forward in this novel through conversations between different characters. Brown his teacher in school, Lal a retired physics professor, Drake a British national settled in Austria and Mathur a devotee of spiritualism, take the story forward making the reader think about and assimilate the interconnections between various branches of knowledge. All the characters and the intellectual discussion between them are woven around a gripping tale of Salil, the main character. His concerns are the concerns of an average person seeking scientific answers to topics like why love affairs succeed or fail, why meditation works, how the whole universe is entangled, what is karma?. From Newtonian physics to theory of Einstein and Quantum physics, all have been used to illustrate and explain human behavior and spiritual exercise. It’s a gripping story and a fiction, and as the story progresses it highlights and explains scientific facts and their influence, which gives the tale a revolutionary angle. As a product of passion, this novel is designed to address the curiosity and hunger of a person who likes storytelling and also someone who wants story having a meaning and creating a lasting impact. It also explains the hitherto unexplained but proven scientific facts about subjects of belief rather than subjects of knowledge. The novel is a product of deep passion and thorough research.     Excerpt Chapter 11 PROLOGUE ‘May I now call upon the Group CEO of Sterling International who is on his first visit to India after taking over as our chief, to address all of us present here?’ The CEO rose from his chair amidst a thunderous applause. ‘Ladies and gentlemen, I am privileged to be with you this evening. Almost thirty years ago when this company had a production facility and a marketing office in a historical town of India, a highly promising man was forced to start his career in this company. He did so not because he was looking for a job in the market. He obeyed the wishes of his father, wife and his father-in-law, thinking that his future with his parents and family means more than his career. He made a mark by his unorthodox style and dedication to work. He followed the dictates of his mind, his beliefs and showed everyone what commitment to family means. His spiritual bent of mind together with his early personal experiences of diverse nature turned him into a man with extra-ordinary personality. He found that religion and spirituality is as essential and integral to human beings as science is. He met likeminded people who influenced and guided him in his pursuit. He went on to establish beyond doubt that there are strong points of convergence between spirituality and the scientific findings of his time. Later researches have begun to corroborate what he always thought. His ideas were ahead of his time because he thought that like physical sciences, experiments on human behaviour and body can be performed through meditation, by influencing what we call energy particles or the building blocks in each of us. But he failed as he only had the conviction that physical sciences and human behaviour are governed by same set of principles not the methodology. But he was a revolutionary as he thought about applying the principles of physics to human behaviour. He could not save his wife from death though he believed he partly succeeded in his efforts. He could have been successful had two tragedies, one after another, not come in his way. Ladies and gentlemen, this person did humanity a great service and especially to me and my family, by writing down his experiences, otherwise I would never have known them. I wrote a book on the events of his life which he penned down in his diary. The many awards this book has received belong to him. He is my father Mr Salil Gupta and was a part of our organisation. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me present each one of you a copy of his life in the form of this book with the hope that it might be of use to everyone in your family, irrespective of age. I, thank you on behalf of my brother Rohan and sister Sonia who are not here with me but have immensely helped me in putting the pieces together and producing this book. Thank you all…..’ CHAPTER…. Salil woke up by the telephone ring in the morning. He looked at his watch. It was only five thirty in the morning and wondering who would call so early, picked up the phone. Then he heard the familiar voice of Mandy, his class mate who had just come back from an outstation trip and was calling from the railway station. He told Salil that he stood first not only in his college but in the entire university, in his first year postgraduate examinations. The result was announced late last evening. The result was there in the morning newspaper but since he was travelling with a university official in train Mandy got to know Salil’s rank as well. Rita, he said, stood second in the entire university. Mandy and Sheila also did well. ‘It calls for a celebration. When do we meet?’ Mandy asked. Salil jumped out of his bed, went to his father’s room and saw him getting ready for his morning prayers and announced his rank. Then he ran to his mother and woke her up and shared the news with her. She hugged him and asked about Rita. On hearing, that she also has done exceedingly well, she closed her eyes and prayed for a moment and asked Salil, ‘Call her and break the news to her. She might not know about it. Congratulate her from our side also.’ ‘Yes mother. I will.’ The next call went to Rita whose phone was picked up by her mother. On hearing Salil’s voice so early in the day she got apprehensive and then hearing the news, congratulated him first and then passed the phone to Rita. ‘Hi Rita, it’s really a very good morning. We have done it. We both are first and second in the entire University. The results are out. Mandy called and informed me. My mother asked me to congratulate you from her side as well,’ Salil announced a bit breathless. ‘Great. I was expecting a good result but certainly not like this. Who is first? Must be you. You deserve to be ahead of me,’ Rita said. ‘Yes I am first, followed by you in the entire university rankings. That’s what Mandy has told me. His knowledge is based on some inside information. The result is in the newspaper but not the ranks,’ Salil said. ‘Great. Let’s celebrate with the rest of the gang soon. Call up everybody and tell them. Fix a date and time. I love you Salil.’ Then she hung up sounding sleepy. It took Salil next two hours to call others but he informed as many students of his class as possible. Rita’s parents came in the afternoon to see Salil’s mother. Salil was surprised by Rita’s absence. He used this time in talking with Rita on phone, who told him that her parents left from the clinic without informing her. Salil’s suspense lasted exactly an hour and he was informed that his engagement with Rita shall take place next Sunday evening. ‘Only five days from now. Why so soon? What’s the hurry? How can we inform others?’ Salil expressed surprise at the sudden turn of events. His father said, ‘Rita’s parents had come. They asked for our convenience in this matter. Since it’s a family matter and a small ceremony, I agreed for the next Sunday. Only your brother and sisters have to come. There is still time and I shall manage.’ Salil broke the news to Rita who seemed very happy. Salil sought his father’s permission to call a few friends and two more persons, Brown and Lal. Father had no problem with that. Salil could see the telephone busy throughout the day. Later he called Brown who was beside himself with joy, and invited him. He planned to visit Lal personally. He didn’t want to tell his classmates at this point of time. He talked to Rita and they decided that the classmates should get a surprise. They should be invited at Rita’s home next Sunday to celebrate the examination results not the engagement which would be kept a secret till they arrive. Days passed like hours and Salil and Rita hardly talked on phone. Both were busy with preparations. Salil’s brother and two of his sisters confirmed their arrival. Next Sunday, they all reached Rita’s home just fifteen minutes late. They were welcomed with garlands and bouquets. Salil refused to wear formal clothes and was wearing a light blue striped shirt and black trousers. Rita was wearing a formal ‘sari’. It did not take long for their class mates to realize the actual purpose of the get together. Congratulations and hugs followed. Lal had come in Brown’s car and was seated next to him. Salil introduced both of them to the two families. Salil’s brother and sisters met everyone from college and Rita’s family. Later Salil’s mother, starting the ceremony put around Rita’s neck her own gold necklace. Two rings were brought in a specially decorated tray. Rita was asked to slip one onto Salil’s finger. The act was followed by a standing ovation. Salil also presented the second ring and slipped it on to Rita’s fingers. Another round of applause followed. Since the short ceremonial part was over, the guests were ushered into the adjoining rooms for drinks and food. The college gang did not leave Salil and Rita for a moment. There were jokes and cheerful conversations all around. Mandy and Sheila were advised to host their engagement party soon. Everyone forgot that they had been invited to celebrate the examination results. The results did not figure at all during their entire conversation. The party was over well after ten in the night. There were handshakes, hugs and feet touching. Salil and Rita were congratulated once again. Salil finally left at half past ten, sharing happiness with his entire family. A new phase in his life had commenced, he thought during the drive back home. He could see contentment in the eyes of his parents and other family members. On reaching home, he headed straight to the worship room and stood there, eyes closed and hands folded as if to thank God for everything. **** Their last year in college started on a good note. The newly engaged, Salil and Rita started sitting next to each other in the class. The news of their engagement had travelled to the faculty and there were congratulations and good wishes for their future. The Head of the History department personally congratulated both. He invited them to tea at his home. Rita wanted that both should come to college together and she picked up Salil on way to the college. They went back home together. Salil received a letter informing him that he had been selected to receive an annual tourist award in Shimla. The Tourism Guild had chosen him as the best guide of the year. Salil told Rita about the award ceremony in Shimla in September. She congratulated him though but her apparent lack of interest and happiness puzzled him. He asked, ‘Aren’t you impressed?’ ‘As a matter of fact I am not. I think for a University topper, working as a guide is not a big deal. Is it really necessary to spend time everyday working as a guide?’ she asked. ‘I do it in my spare time. It supplements my income as well. I have started enjoying it,’ explained Salil. ‘I feel that both of us should start our research work. First we have to identify areas of research and prepare a synopsis of the research methodology. It takes time. It requires lot of reading and consultation with the faculty. Think about it and decide. I don’t want to sound discouraging but your part-time guide work may not leave you with enough time to do research.’ Rita tried to make him see the reasons. ‘I think you have a point. Its time I should be doing some preparatory work for my research. Moreover, I must maintain my rank in the final examination this year. Let me think about it.’ Salil agreed with Rita but he could not tell her his other compulsions. He needed the job because of financial reasons. He had to not only supplement family income, but also needed money for his own expenses. He thought Rita was right in her suggestions but she had no idea about his need nor he intended to make her aware now. He continued to spend every evening with tourists. The job did not seem to have any potential for him. ‘I can’t make it my career’, he thought. This was one problem; he felt he had no immediate solution. He could not discuss this issue with either Lal or Brown. He thought Rita was aware of her compelling circumstances but he constantly avoided talking about it. Rita also had a vague idea about his finances but never tried to talk about it. Somehow Salil felt small, and his ego stopped him from talking about his family problems. He was caught between his immediate financial need versus his future career. Salil started feeling the pressure of work. By the time he came back home he was exhausted and slept like a log. **** ‘Sir I have topped the University results. I have also been selected for the tourist guide award. Got the letter from Delhi... They shall honour me sometime in September. Have to go to Shimla for that… This week has been pretty encouraging,’ Salil told his manager. ‘Great. It’s a prestigious award. I knew all along, that you are a strong candidate for it. Your knowledge of history and architecture and your articulation creates a lasting impression in the minds of tourists. Our company is the best in Agra. Congratulations. I shall be attending the ceremony myself. We shall go together,’ his manager proudly said. ‘But Sir I am seriously contemplating leaving this job. Actually, I need more time for studies. It’s my final year of college and I feel I should devote my time for research work. I am still undecided. I had started liking this job. I meet so many people from different nationalities and it has been a very enriching experience for me,’ Salil said, sounding unsure about his future course of action. ‘Well you are the best judge. It is true people don’t consider being guide as a decent career. They still want to walk on the beaten path. Though it is considered unorthodox to pursue a career like this, yet I feel that a guide can be known nationally and internationally. It requires expertise and passion. Like every other work it may sound repetitive in nature but you come across clients from all walks of life. In such a short time you have made a mark individually. None of our guides could achieve this in such a short span. Think about it. The best I can do is to keep you in reserve for groups of tourists which we feel are very important for our business. This way you can save time. No need to come every day.’ Manager said in a tone which was convincing. ‘Thank you Sir, I shall keep that in mind while making a decision. I shall let you know soon,’ Salil added. Having informed his manager, Salil thought he should decide his future course of action soon. At least he wouldn’t spring any surprise on him now. The offer given to him was also worth considering. **** He was still undecided after a fortnight. He evaluated his needs. He wanted to continue working as a guide only because of money. Apart from that there was no other reason, he thought. He required more time for studies and there was no short cut here. He had to maintain his rank also and begin work on some research project. ‘How would I manage without money?’ he thought. His parents did not need his money as their wants were limited. They in fact were not even aware that he worked as a guide. He needed money for himself. Not that he wanted to splurge but he did not want to take money from parents. At his age, he had genuine need. A bit of socializing required money. He was buying books and stationary from his own funds. Since he had savings, he could enjoy his Delhi and Mussoorie trip. In fact he was spending a bit of his earnings on family needs also. In case he leaves his job, all he would lose will be his present lifestyle. ‘But I don’t have an option’, he thought. Rita could not have suggested him to leave this job just because she felt bad that her fiancée works as a part time guide. Even if she does, then also there is truth in what she said. His mind was troubled by these thoughts for several days now. Unable to think in one direction, he went out for a walk. ‘Long walks help one in thinking clearly,’ he thought. His mind went back to his father’s farewell ceremony on the day of his retirement. His father was a respected figure in his work place. But did he plan or save for future? He thought. Why should he be feeling the pinch now if his father had made adequate provisions? Father only believed that God shall make arrangements when needed. Now when he required time for studies he has to work part-time for money, Salil thought. How God shall provide, he could not guess. Mother is ill. No one knows what can happen to her. Salil while brooding felt an unusual urge to smoke. He had never tried cigarettes, despite many offers and temptations. He reached a cigarette shop, bought one cigarette and lit it. He started coughing incessantly. He threw it and walked back home. He felt ashamed at himself and thought why did he try to smoke? Does it help thinking process? He kept brooding for long. Then he decided. He would leave the job and face future as it comes. He went to Rita’s home and sitting together in her front lawn, told her that he tried to smoke a cigarette. He thought she will be furious. But she was calm as a lake. All she wanted to know was what went in his mind when he thought of smoking. ‘I was thinking whether I should leave the part time job or not. Actually I was a bit disappointed that my father did not save enough for my future needs. I was comparing him with other parents. Honestly, I was a bit put off by what I feel his over dependence on God for everything. If I go to him for solution of my problem he always brings God in between. It’s really embarrassing. This is his way of procrastination. Mother, you know is not well. If something serious happens to her we don’t have the money to take proper care of her. Father leaves everything on God. I think he loves his God more than anyone of us. I am the youngest at home and there is still some time before I shall settle down. Has father ever asked me if I need something? When I came back from Delhi and told him about that incident, all he said was that he knew no harm shall come upon me. I don’t like his attitude. If he can not give us affection and love and leave everything to God it’s not going to help me. Now I have decided to leave the job and face a difficult time because my father has not planned for my studies or saved for my future. I was seething with anger and then I could not resist the urge to smoke. I know it’s harmful but I thought why I should care.’ Salil spoke with annoyance and complete dissatisfaction. Rita clutched his arm and tried to calm him down. When she thought Salil’s anger is exhausted she said, ‘See you are absolutely wrong in blaming your father. He loves you a lot and perhaps more than any of his children. Your mother also loves you a lot. He did his best to give everyone a decent upbringing. If you feel bad about what you call, his lack of planning or failure to save for your future, it’s wrong. He could not have planned for your mother’s illness. People plan for foreseeable future. If leaving this job results in changes in your life style, then change your life style. Why do you feel bad? Do you think I will feel awkward if you continue working there? No. I want you to study and do well. I shall rather marry a poor person who loves his parents and values, than someone who is rich but disrespects his parents. By thinking bad about your father you have demeaned yourself. If he believes in God it’s his belief. You may share his belief or you may not. It’s entirely up to you. When a person believes in God as strongly as your father, naturally one starts depending on the object of one’s beliefs. I know, he may suffer hardship to provide you whatever he can. Have you ever told him why you chose to take up this part time job? If you had told him he would have stopped you. He would sell off his things but not allow you to suffer this way. You chose to hide your job from him because you were afraid he might object to it. You started liking your job and the money you earned for yourself. You think I am ignorant. And you say that your father doesn’t love you. I am ashamed at your words. Instead of you feeling embarrassed, your father would be embarrassed by your acts. You should feel sorry. People realize the love and care of their near and dear only when they are not there’. Rita, visibly annoyed, admonished him as Salil kept staring down at the grass. ‘I am sorry. I lost my balance.’ Salil could only utter these words. ‘Your case reminds me of a story I read long back. You should also hear it as it concerns feeling of a mother towards her son who never understood her in her life time. There was a man whose mom had only one eye. He hated her as she appeared to him as an embarrassment. She lived alone and cooked for students. During school hours, once she came to say hello to his son. He gave a hateful look and ran out saying that you scare me and my friends and you should not come to our class. If you have to make me a laughing stock then better you die. Then when he got settled in life and had a house and family this poor mother could not resist the urge to visit her grandchildren. When she reached the door of the house, the children laughed at the one eyed woman and her son yelled at her saying that she should spare his house. His mother said sorry and walked away saying that she came to the wrong address. After a year or so during the reunion in the school, the son, out of curiosity asked the watchman about his mother who used to live in the shack behind. When he was told that she died a month back, then also her son did not shed a tear. Then he was handed over her last letter addressed to him, in her own handwriting. My dear son, I really miss you. I am sorry I came and scared your children. I won’t come again as it’s an embarrassment to you. When you were very young you met with an accident and lost your eye. As a mother I could not bear to watch you growing up without normal two eyes. Children were scared of you. So I gave you mine. I have been always proud of the fact that through my eyes my son was seeing the world and doing wonderful work. Since I may not be alive when you come here, I am writing these lines. Bye. With my entire love, son, Your mother. Her son could not pardon himself for his thoughts and actions. He cried his whole life. Salil started weeping. Rita wiped his tears and said, ‘never ever think this way about your parents.’ In the morning he resigned from his part time job, went home and touched the feet of his parents and hugged them while they looked at his face clueless and perplexed. Then he went to the room where his father made his prayers, closed the door and cried. **** ‘I am permanently moving to Agra in a month’s time. You are aware that I moved out of Agra when my son and wife died. Now its time I should come back and start something in their memory. I thought of a cricket academy in memory of my son earlier but decided against it as I can not physically contribute after a certain age. And I am not getting younger. Now I have decided to open an Institute for Career studies. I shall name it after my wife,’ Brown told Lal. ‘Great. I miss you Brown. I am happy that you shall be associated with academics. What kind of institute you have in mind? Will you be doing career counselling?’ Lal asked. ‘It will have one important purpose, to prepare students for a career after graduation. It’s not career counselling as I do not intend to advise students on their choice of career. I shall concentrate only on the subjects they have studied. As we know graduation is a watershed in one’s career. There are various career options available after graduation. One need not study for a Masters degree unless one wants to teach. Right from the field of science and engineering to tourism, hospitality to fashion designing, career options after graduation are plenty. To supplement what students learn in College I am thinking of starting coaching facility in few subjects like English Literature, Psychology, Economics, History, Geography, Chemistry and Physics. I have found during my stint as a teacher that passing an exam in college is different than acquiring subject knowledge necessary for career. Students in general are inclined to study for the college exams. I wish to provide different perspectives in the subjects they have studied as an undergraduate, which are less theoretical, more contemporary and career oriented. My approach shall be to go beyond the syllabus and prescribed curriculum of the colleges and universities, and make the subject appear interesting from the point of view of career. For this I shall hire retired professors who have spare time and invite subject matter specialists for lectures. I shall teach English myself. I do not want to compromise on quality. I don’t wish to start this institute for money, though there is lot of money in this field. I am passionate about my goal. I have come to seek your blessings, assistance and good wishes,’ Brown said. ‘You always have my blessings and good wishes. I am not sure how can I assist you.’ Lal asked looking at him and quite uncertain. ‘I want you to accept the job of Director of the Institute. I shall be there to help you. But you have to be the guiding force. Considering your age and circumstances I won’t involve you in day to day work. That can be looked after by a team of professionals.’ Brown made his request and Lal started considering it in his mind. ‘Let me think about it. Start with few subjects and see the response of the students. Then we can discuss finer details. When do you intend to start it? Any place in mind?’ Lal asked. ‘I have an old building having more than ten rooms on two floors. It is in the heart of city. We can even add few rooms. I have already spoken to few retired teachers and specialists. I have put up notice in most of the colleges in the city and university office that the Institute shall be taking admissions from July next year and students can get them registered now. So far the response has been very encouraging. More than fifty students have spoken to me in the last one week. As it will be a short informal course I do not expect delays in launch. Later it will depend on how we perform as a team and what the students carry from here,’ explained Brown. ‘Let’s be in touch. Keep me informed,’ Lal said. ‘I shall come back with more details about its progress later,’ Brown said while leaving. **** Sumati, mother of Salil suffered another cardiac pain in the night. Salil was at home and called the cardiac specialist from the Agra Medical College and Hospital. He also informed Rita who in turn told her father. They were the first to reach. The Heart Specialist took an E.C.G and administered a pain killer and dilator. He talked to Rita’s father for few minutes and left after advising her complete bed rest for two weeks. Salil escorted him to the door and asked him, ‘How is she doc?’ ‘Don’t worry. She should be fine now. You know she has few blockages in her arteries. Her heart valve is a bit affected. Because of her age and diabetes I don’t feel confident about advising an operation. She has to first control her diabetes through diet and insulin. Then we shall see what to do next. Meanwhile she should not exert and take rest,’ the Doctor said while leaving. Rita’s family stayed for about an hour and then left for their home. Salil thought it would mean repetition of old problems. But this time it was different. Rita’s mother offered a cook who could take care of morning work and she did not take no for an answer. It continued like this. Rita accompanied by her mother made a visit every second day. Alone, she visited everyday while on way to college. Salil attended his college and came straight back. He borrowed books from the library only in the evenings. He decided to walk both ways to the library and saved avoidable expenditure. While his mother was recuperating, he devoted his evenings and major part of night studying. His final year examinations were only few months away and there were lot of expectations from him. He regularly joined father in his evening worship. Life seemed to have regained some stability. Salil’s previous boss, the manager of the Tourist and Guide Company called him to ask if he would be going to Shimla to receive the award. Salil politely declined. He received in post a letter from Drake. In fact Salil had forgotten him and could not figure out from the envelope which mentioned the sender’s name. Only after opening it he realized his memory lapse. Drake mentioned about his forthcoming visit to Agra. He expressed his intention to see Mathur once again. Rest of the contents related to his work in Austria and fond memories of his last visit. Salil thought it to be of no great importance. Mr Mathur never went out of Agra. In fact he hardly stepped out of his home except to attend the religious assembly daily. ‘Arranging another meeting with him is no big deal,’ he thought. But it turned out to be quite an important experience in his life. Chapter …. ‘What is karma and why has it affected you this way?’ Aman asked. ‘I am happy that you have asked this question. Let me explain the fundamental truth my son. Everything you see in this world including our acts and thoughts are in the ultimate analysis, waves of pure energy. Scientists say, energy travels in wave form and turn into particles based on the thoughts and beliefs of the individuals observing it. Now what does it mean? It means that our thoughts are creative. Our acts and thoughts travel in wave form and they are energy and they attract additional particles and harmonize with their vibrational match and take physical shape. The science knows this much. But what I am going to tell you now is based not on any kind of belief or knowledge but on my revelations during my journey up to this stage. Therefore if you will ask me its basis I can’t cite any book, religious or scientific, to support my proposition.’ Aman, Rohan and Sonia sat upright to listen attentively. Salil said, ‘the whole universe is ‘entangled’ as quantum physics makes us believe. When we act or think, the impressions in the form of energy are preserved in the environment around us. They are moving energy waves. What we did in our past lives or have done in the present is all there in the form of energy. Don’t think that with so many people in the world how such impressions shall last. Energy is never destroyed. Don’t be surprised if I say that the acts of Abraham Lincoln, Elizabeth I or Mahatma Gandhi do exist in energy form. It can only be changed into something else but its basic character shall remain the same. Every act has a reaction and this is true of thoughts also. It is because acts and thoughts are no different from our point of view and they are both forms of energy. When we do good or bad acts, certain energy which is released, looks for those particles which harmonize with it in terms of their frequencies. Since there has to be a reaction of our good act, it can take place in two ways, either through our own mind, or through someone else. If it is through our own mind then the energy waves created by our good acts earlier, trigger by their association, our thought processes to make us act in a particular way which shall result in good for us. So by our own acts we shall succeed in achieving great things. People would say it’s the result of his or her past ‘karmas’. If it has to be through someone else, then the same energy particles would trigger thoughts in another person to either help us consciously or by commit follies by which we may gain. Again, it is our ‘karma’ which has rewarded us. Now think of the bad acts. When the energy waves generated by our bad acts present in the Universe harmonize with the energies of our mind they, make us take decisions which prove detrimental to us in the widest sense. We don’t blame our decisions but in common jargon say that our karma was bad so our decision or act produced a bad result. Similarly our bad act may trigger thoughts in others to damage us in every conceivable way.’ ‘But father we come across freaky incidents where neither conscious thought of someone or a deliberate act is involved. For example, a train incident or a car accident or some other type of accident where there was no will to do either bad or good. Why do they happen?’ Aman asked. ‘They are caused by our own thoughts or deeds. The medium is different which I shall explain. By way of an illustration, let us consider we have entertained atrocious thoughts or done heinous deeds against someone. The energies produced and floating like waves as a result of our thoughts or acts, search for waves which could be in harmony with them and result in resonance. They would trigger thoughts in others to produce decisions which would result in such accident. The driver of the car or train shall act in a way which would lead to the accident. That’s what we call human error. You could have asked what if a tree falls down on our car in which we are travelling. I have answer to this. Our act in the past must generate a kind of energy which could only result in the energy of the tree to resonate in such a way that it falls down on us. For such an incident to happen our act in the past has to be that bad which would merit such a punishment’ Salil explained. ‘Would that mean that it’s not God who punishes us but it’s the way he has designed the universe that for every action whether in thought or deed, there is an equal reaction?’ Aman asked. ‘Very true. You have understood what I meant. God cannot have all the time in this universe to sit and decide the outcome of each and everyone’s thoughts and acts. Nor that could be the intention. The universe has been designed in such a way that things happen by themselves,’ Salil said. ‘I have heard that if one prays to God his past acts can be condoned. I mean that results can be modified. Is it true?’ Sonia asked. ‘Religious literature would make us believe this. It can’t be done the way it’s presented in literature or by certain people who claim to be close to God. Prayer alone can’t do anything. I shall explain how it is done. Since I have already told you that our thoughts and acts produce energy waves and they are preserved for all time to come. If the consciousness within us increases by way of worship of God or meditation or by whatever conceivable reason, our mental energies get modified and the existing waves produced by our bad thoughts or acts earlier do not find additional identical energy waves in our mind to synchronize with and affect our decision making capability. If we are withdrawn from the material world we are away from the temptations which affect our decision making capabilities. But people ignorant of this fact may call it an answer to their prayers,’ Salil elaborated. ‘But can’t they find additional waves to harmonize in other persons so that we may get adversely affected?’ Aman enquired. ‘Yes they can and they in fact do. That’s why I said it is almost impossible to avoid the effect of past deeds and thoughts. One has to bear the fruits of one’s acts. Only redeeming feature is that one can modify one’s own mental energies and avoid taking wrong decisions,’ Salil said. ‘Why thoughts also produce results for us? I thought it is fair enough to face the consequences of one’s past acts, but why thoughts also have a reaction?’ Aman asked. ‘My son, it is so because we think our thoughts are only thoughts for us. But for the other person our thoughts become the source for taking decisions. If we hate someone, the energy waves our thought processes comprise of, travel and harmonize with the energy waves in the mind of other person and affect him in either good or bad way. Therefore thoughts result in accumulation of what we may call ‘karmas’. Therefore it is always better to avoid bad thoughts if possible.’ Salil answered. ‘Would science accept your theory about the basis of karma?’ Aman asked. ‘On the contrary I have taken science as the basis for my elucidation. It was a scientist who said that everything which we see or which we don’t in this universe is made of energy waves. It was a scientist who said that everything which exists in this world when broken down to its constituents is merely a vibrating frequency of energy which joins with other energies of same harmonious frequency to form what we perceive and observe. It was a scientist who said that for every force there is an equal force in the opposite direction. It is Science which believes in the cause and effect theory. But when I get revelation and put two and two together to explain the basis of ‘karmic’ results and if anyone has a problem with it I don’t care. I am simply trying to explain that there is a basis to what the theory of karma explains.’ Salil further said, ‘How many times we hear people say ‘we had bad luck’ or ‘we were unlucky’ or when we feel jealous of someone’s success and do not want to give full credit to his efforts, we say ‘he has been lucky’. How can we be selective in application of karmic theory or understanding its basis? If people believe in fate, destiny or karma let them explain how it operates, or at least these people should listen to others like me and think about it deeply. They will find the answers. I have used science and my own awakening to present this explanation of karma.’ ‘One important question father which now bothers me is if a person does good or bad acts as a medium to reward or punish the other person according to that person’s karma, does it really mean he has accumulated good or bad karmas?’ Aman asked. ‘It’s a good question and has an easy answer. There can’t be a reaction to a reaction. If the acts or thoughts of the person are a consequence of the other person’s acts then it can not result in the accumulation of ‘karmas’ for him. Even in science we say every act has a reaction, not that every reaction shall again have a reaction. And a reaction, though technically an act, can never become an act of the kind which merits reaction again,’ Salil replied. Salil added, ‘You earlier asked me why it has affected me this way. The answer is simply due to my past ‘karmas’ over which I have no control. I tried my best to modify my own ‘karmas’ and your mother’s, through meditation and spirituality, but could only succeed to a point where we neither did any wrong nor fell to any temptation which could affect us or make us take wrong decisions and hasten the reaction of our past acts or thoughts as effects of our past karmas. But ‘karma’ had to play the role so it did through others. Frequent tragedies in our lives took place when your mother herself was ill and trying to recover. Is it not surprising that doctors ruled out the possibility of surgical removal of her tumour in the lungs as it had spread and still she survived for so long and lived a normal life till her last day? Who knows she might have survived longer if we had not returned to Agra? But we could not avoid our past ‘karmas’. She herself and all of us suffered due to this. I am bearing the results of my own ‘karmas’ and progressively reducing their burden on me.’ ‘Why is it so that the results of deeds in the past lives, as you say are faced in next life?’ Aman asked. ‘It is not a rule. One may face them in the same life. But since they have to be faced, one life is sometimes not enough to face all the good and bad consequences of one’s thoughts and deeds,’ Salil replied. ‘But father do we have the means to know whether our acts taking place now are reaction to someone’s earlier acts or they are original acts themselves which would have reaction in some form in future? I hope you have understood my question. I don’t know how to put it across,’ Rohan who had been silent for long, asked. ‘Yes if we have the discretion or ‘free will’ to decide about any act or thoughts involving us, it is an ‘act’ or ‘thought’ for which we shall have to face ‘karmic’ consequences. But acts and thoughts over which we have no control, or our ‘free will’ has no influence, and are taking place only as ‘karmic’ reactions to someone’s acts, thoughts or deeds in the past do not add to our own ‘karmic’ burden.’ ‘Is it not a fatalistic view? I mean the concept of karma and how our past deeds and thoughts affect us,’ Rohan asked. ‘No my son. On the contrary it says that keep your thoughts and your deeds clean. My views on ‘karma’ place emphasis on discretion and ‘free will’ as opposed to pre-determinism. It calls for positivity in acts and thoughts. It advocates ethical and moral life,’ Salil explained. The children were not very sure whether they understood their father completely. But they found his theory highly interesting and were drawn towards further enquiry and pursuit and felt inquisitive about the concept. Salil understood this; a smile came on his face after long, a smile of contentment and achievement of a hidden purpose.

Bery Green
An Introduction to the Novel
By Beryl Green


Anil Kumar Gupta would never have liked a laudatory introduction to his book ‘The Journey Is the Reward’ and I don’t wish to flout his wishes. Instead, I would like to let you in on some of the thoughts he had while preparing to write this book.
He enticed me to discuss every evening a wide variety of subjects ranging from childhood memories and their influence to religion, Australian way of life and Indian spirituality, love affairs and meditation, science and sports, agriculture and tourism, either when I came to India (May-June,2009) or when he visited Australia. I hope nothing he left untouched. His thoughts indicated his inquisitive mind and confidence even when groping. His arguments were purposeful and luminously eloquent.
He did tell me about his book but he had thought a different title ‘Full Circle’. It was his wife who made the suggestion to make The Journey Is the Reward as the novel’s title.
In order to build the story Anil had to explain how and why certain influences worked on his main character in the novel. His answers found expression in dramatizing the character of Salil who tries to bridge the gap between two kinds of realities, factual and perceived.
He avoided presenting his characters in the novel either as heroes or villains, but as normal Indian family men. He shunned idealism and dissected the thought processes of average human beings and hunted for scientific answers. Though a fiction, the reader can not escape being mentally transported to common family life and its associated dilemmas.
I can not resist the temptation of mentioning about Anil’s brilliant analysis of advantages and reasons for meditation.

‘The human body functions as a result of energy signals supplied by brain. It has been proved that brain also gets its energy from somewhere else. Even without brain the functions of body may carry on. I believe that brain gets its energy from a reservoir or centre of consciousness which is called ‘soul’ or ‘atma’ or spirit. The cancerous cells do not grow according to their normal way but in a haphazard and irregular fashion forming tumors. The impulse to grow is supplied by the brain. I believe that if the consciousness is withdrawn from parts of body this growth can be impeded. If by altering the signals sent from brain to various parts of body, a change could be affected in the building blocks of the human body then it is possible that the growth and spread of cancerous cells be checked. In ancient times ascetics and yogis lived a long and disease free life. Mental calm, peace and the positive outlook creates vibrations which assist the normal healing process in the body. When we meditate we induce Delta waves which are the slowest of all four brain wave frequencies. Certain frequencies trigger the release of Human Growth Hormone, and the endorphin release properly primes the mind and emotions in such a way that will let the body do its healing most advantageously. Delta frequency is for deep sleep and has sleep regeneration potential and range between 1-4 Hz. Like sleep it promotes restorative process. Meditation can be a healing catalyst and a prime mover both, depending upon the circumstances and nature of disease. Our body during deep sleep repairs its tissues worn out during wakefulness and we feel rejuvenated.’
Anil’ thoughts about ‘karma’ and ‘free will’ are highly cogent. At the risk of disclosing the contents of the novel further, the conversation between father and his sons about karma and freewill towards the later part of the novel is illuminating and revolutionary. My son thought I was a compulsive reader. Yes I was. I could not put it down once I started reading it.
You decide.

Beryl Green
Unit 13,
124, Princess Street, Waratah,
Newcastle, NSW,
2298
Australia.
Tel- 61-249680775