Maral and the Wisdom of the Forest: A Quest for Truth By Riya Arini offers readers a lesson on mindfulness. The two lead players of this book embark on a forest journey of learning. The lead stars are Bilge, an elderly gnome, and Maral a sprightly fawn. Bilge educates Maral about all that a forest has to offer. Bilge informs Maral that nothing is out of place in the forest. Every inhabitant of the forest contributes to the rhythm of nature. The animate and the inanimate in the forest offer their wisdom to the receptive. The trees are symbolic of tenacity, adaptability, tolerance, and forever giving. The flowers are frail, but they derive their strength from their ability to forgive. The many boulders jutting out have endured and witnessed so much around them. They have weathered, and now shine, having been wind swept over the centuries. The animals are planners as they forage and store food for the winter. The bees and birds pollinate and help food production. However, it is not always a walk in the park; there is evil, as in life, lurking behind bends, bushes, and boulders. Evil is the other side of a coin that threatens to overwhelm us. The evil that consumes or destroys our souls.
Did Bilge and Maral face evil during their walk in the forest? If they did, how did they respond to the challenge?
I loved reading this book. The wisdom is simple but profound. It reinforces my belief that there is strength in simplicity.
When did I realize that the gentle breeze on my face is a beautiful gift from Mother Nature? Did I ever notice that trees could be nursing wounds (burls) but they nurture and give? The list is endless. How would I love to have the wisdom of Bilge and the innocent playfulness of Maral? The author has splendidly maintained humor in the conversation between Bilge and Maral. The poignancy is so heartfelt when Bilge passes away. Maral grows into a wise deer who accepts the impermanence of life. Maral spreads the good word. I cannot recommend this book enough for us who accept that our lives are always work in progress.
Word of the day- Burls : An outgrowth on a tree
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