“Graceful Exits” by Sushila Blackman reviewed by Bianca Gubalke
Cape Town, 24 April 2009 - by Bianca Gubalke
Graceful Exits by Sushila Blackman
“Death is only an experience through which you are meant to learn a great lesson: you cannot die.” Paramahansa Yogananda
When I received “Graceful Exits” as a gift to help me pass through some very difficult times not too long ago, I didn’t know how powerful it would be in calming and connecting with “Source”. It is a perfect support during gruelling times when fear of losing a loved one or going through that process oneself without preparation is both paralyzing and isolating. Yes, I say ‘preparation’ as I believe it is important to approach one’s transition from here to there in the most conscious and therefore ‘gracious’ way possible - and this without fear. This book helps wonderfully with just that and Deepak Chopra says it perfectly:
“This beautiful little book is a gem. It contributes to our understanding that we are truly timeless.”
While our Western Culture is still struggling with ‘heaven and hell’ concepts instead of integrating Life as a circle of coming and going - celebrating the ‘going’ as a triumph of having lived an exceptional, a responsible and a debt-free life with a right for some rest before transcending to ‘the next step’, this is rather normal for many people in the Far East who share and practise very different beliefs.
In this remarkable compilation of death stories, Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist and Zen Masters summarize their life teachings in final gems of wisdom, which are often their last words… in many cases quite humorous… and always, without exception, sovereign and fearless!
As a result, this book is actually about Life and how to live it fully more than anything else… and this in a very inspiring and refreshing way with a wealth of food for thought and meditation.
Here an excerpt that I find absolutely extraordinary, following the passing of Swami Sivananda on 21 June 1963, his last words having being… “Happiness comes when the individual merges in God” :
“…In his loving tribute, Venkatesananda wrote: “… He created an inside, and has entered it. Now he works inside, out of view, but more truly and purposefully active, therefore.”
As you see, these words have meaning for anyone, even if young and healthy and especially if having an interest in the spiritual meaning of our existence. Sometimes a sudden interest arises exactly within these moments of trial where we look for answers and guidance.
Zen
On another level, “Graceful Exits” is also about a courageous woman - the author - who had lived a fascinating life and was terminally ill when writing this book. She died peacefully and consciously a month after completing her legacy to the world.
“How wonderful! The waves of the individual selves according to their nature rise up, play for a time, and disappear. I remain the shoreless ocean.” ~ Ashtavakra Sahita
Certainly a book you will get back to from time to time and there will always be a loving answer.
Bianca Gubalke
.
Tags: Semiomantic Publishing, Media Marketing, Online Media, Semantic Publishing, Yorgo Nestoridis, YORGOO Press