The motionless traveler by the author Aspi Doctor
I thought it appropriate to play my Dalai Lama CD while contemplating the novel I just finished; “The motionless traveler” by the author Aspi Doctor. It helps me set the tone as I try to articulate the many levels of knowledge intertwined between the lines for the reader to grasp or just sit back and enjoy the ride. Yes, the Dalai OM’ing in the back of my conscientious mind overseeing that this review be done with honor. I think I would approve.
Aside from the fact that I am continually in awe of the phenomenal talent that lies off the beaten path of big book publishers and corporate monopoly distributors and retailers, who knew this Northern Ontario would be reviewing a “shining star”? from India.
To get the essence of the novel, it is important to understand a little about the man behind the words. Aspi was born in Bombay, India, into a family of Zoroastrians and avid readers. He first demonstrated his gift for storytelling in elementary school, much to the delight of his classmates. Among the many other demands of a vocation within academia and in pursuit of his passion for the written word, Aspi studied English Literature earning a Masters and Diploma in Journalism at the University of Bombay. Here Aspi received the honorable award of ‘First Standing’ in his subject group and went on to explore many other dimensions of the wonderful world of literature in drama and theatre, public speaking and writing radio scripts.
In 1969, Aspi finally began to put pen to paper in earnest beyond his full duties as Principal and Scholar of Tolani College and AP College of Commence, (affiliates of the University of Bombay). As a respected educator in his own right, he wrote and published several textbooks, including; Business Communications-25 editions, Bank Correspondence-11 editions, Communications Skills in English-12 editions, Mass Communications-6 editions and more.
In 1980, this quiet, wise, insightful, mild-mannered, always-smiling semi-retired professor began putting his wealth of knowledge into fiction with “The Still Traveler.”
A futuristic story that begins in Bombay India, in an era of post-fossil fuel depletion and overpopulation with a bored government worker named Krish. Knocked out of his routine life when he rescues a young woman from a street gang, Krish inadvertently embarks on a world-spanning adventure when he is given a “magical” statue of Buddha. Intertwined within the many levels of the story, the reader gets glimpses into the Indian cultural mind with hints of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, spiritualism with some key natural laws and quantum physics to ponder. Through the fine art of storytelling, we participate in Krish’s spiritual and metaphysical journey to an Arabian desert, to Africa, to Mexico, to New Mexico, to the United States, all to reach Canada. However, the true destiny will continue long after the Buddha is handed over to a scientific research group, whose intention is to unravel the mysteries of the statues amidst much intrigue.
Krish’s magical journey across oceans and continents brings thought-provoking insights to the reader as he grows into a new power and understanding of the laws of nature and, ultimately, of the evolution of humanity as a whole.
As with all great teachings, the story is innately and humblingly human as it touches on the sacredness of the spiritual journey toward a timeless, collective God consciousness.
Aspi continues to devote his so-called free time to his current writing endeavors, which include another fiction novel titled “Feet of Clay.” Several more textbooks are also in the works and pending publication.
Aspi is currently the Vice President of the Association of University Heads in Mumbai and an active member of the board of directors of two other educational institutions.
I look forward to his next novel in anticipation of another spiritual journey filled with ideas and the human condition. I am happy to recommend this job.
Addendum: It is worth the time to peruse the website http://www.ideaindia.com, a lot of talented authors, good books, free e-books and articles covering many genres and topics.
Critical:
Jan Porter – http://www.inspiredsoulworks.com