Look inside yourself first

When I started to wonder about India's religions, I realized I can't just think in an objective, cerebral manner. As a matter of fact, I don't think anyone can rightfully think about religions without some degree of introspection.  

Last month I came across Diana L. Eck's Encountering God and borrowed a copy from the public library. This book captured my heart as well as my mind. I read every word and found so many surprises and confirmations.  I knew this was a good book because it passed the Bus Test: Any time I read a really good  book on the bus on my morning commute to work, I would miss my stop. :)

I'm now reading some other titles by Eck, including Darsan: seeing the divine image in India, and Banaras City of Light. So far I have not been disappointed. And yes, these two titles have already passed the Bus Test. 

Travel Guides

Back in 2007, I traveled to India for the very first time. Prior to my trip, I was reading this big fat book Lonely Planet India (it weighs 2 pounds and has 1140 pages!). As a solo traveler, I thought it would come in handy.
Yeah, right.
At the very last minute I decided to not bring it because it was just too heavy and too big for my purse.

Now, I plan to return to India this July 2011.

This time, I'm bringing with me a 2010 edition of Lonely Planet India.

It won't be the big clunky version because it's an ebook!

At first I didn't care for ebooks.

The first ebooks I bought were titles for technical reading (you know, books about education and librarianship). It was awful because I could not scribble notes, and it was hard to reread the text. 

Then I realized that ebooks are pretty cool for reading titles other than technical reading.

And the best part of reading ebooks is that you can ditch the reading glasses and enlarge the text.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Namaste!

I find television to be very educating.

Every time somebody turns on the set,
I go in the other room
and read a book.   
~Groucho Marx



Reading and Thinking Outside the Box

I'm almost finished reading Wanderlust and lipstick for women traveling in India, by Beth Whitman.
It's a must-read for anyone traveling to India. It's a fun and fast read, yet packed with practical advice.

My copy of In spite of the Gods: the rise of modern India, by Edward Luce, has finally arrived from the public library. Finally! I had to wait two weeks for this! I can't wait to start this. First, I absolutely must brew up some iced tea and then fluff up the pillows.

Thank you for visiting my blog.
Namaste!