Amidst busy schedules, bustling routines, staggering to-dos, slogging studies people forget some simple things in life which in fact are the basis of improvement of the self. Paying attention to humdrum chores will unleash a whole new view of creativity, and keeping things simple makes the finish even better. That’s what Paulo Coelho seems to say in The Pilgrimage.
The Brazilian belonging to a cult religious faction named Tradition is all set to walk the Road to Santiago spanning from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Compostela in Spain in search of his Sword along with a guide. All the learning he imbibes through his walk is captured in the book; the very reading of it converts us to pilgrims carrying knapsacks with Scallop shells(sacred symbol of pilgrims) ready to face devils and Gods, away from our monotony.
The author uses direct, simple language that is comprehensible for anyone willing to take the book and read. The guide teaches the author of simple rituals or exercises which are very useful in elevating oneself. Some examples to be cited are the Seed Exercise that makes us forget our wrongdoings in past and face the world with an all new face and confidence which the author calls it a Rebirth and Invoking of Messenger where the author teaches to talk with the subconscious self to achieve anything anyone wants.
The philosophy conveyed is very effective and the teachings are quite practical to an extent to have some impact or improvement in the readers life. Though the book might be a bit philosophical, the message conveyed and the vivid descriptions makes the book all the more interesting to read. In short this book is a very good non-fiction work aimed at development or elevation of individual souls.