I’m a late comer when it comes to Paulo Coelho, I have heard so much about him, especially for those who have read the famous “The Alchemist”. It would seem the book made quite an impact on their lives so I got curious. Paulo was an aspiring writer when he was young, his parents had to put him in a mental Institution for his ambitious dream. They wanted him to be an engineer, but Paulo knew he what he wants to be, a Writer. After knocking on a number of publisher’s doors and got disappointing sales early on his career, he persevered. Eventually, his works landed on the right publisher and on the right people, the rest is history. He gained recognition for his writing and recieved numerous awards.
Now my take on his book, “The Pilgrimage”. I wanted to read the “The Alchemist” but I thought I do his first work first.
“The Pilgrimage” recounts the story of Paulo’s pilgrimage on the Santiago de Compostela, to retrieve his sword to fully initiate him into the society of the Tradition. Guided by another pilgrim, Petrus, they travel the legendary road walked by Pilgrims since the middle ages. On their journey, Paulo recieves more lessons from his mentor, on the practices of the RAM. They also encounter mystical events and faced devilish opponents along the way.
I finished the book in 2 days actually since it’s compelling enough not to put down. Paulo has a way with words in his writing which make passages read so good and captivating. It is generally fluid work and an easy read for most people. If you are into new age, parapsychology, inspirational, or spirituality, this may be your cup of tea. The book is full of supernatural events and even the occult as we delve deeper into the practices of the RAM. This is where the New Age elements comes in, where detailed exercises are given, from RAM breathing, water and shadow gazing and other exercises which Paulo have done in the story. If readers wish to try and practice they can do so by following the instructions given. Personally I thought the shadow gazing exercise was quite useful, but as to the point of the exercises they are just variations of techniques of meditation and visualization. Here we also delve into the world of secret societies as we see a glimpse of “The Tradition” and even the world and a bit of history on the “Knights of the Templar”.
The most interesting conflict in the book is his encounter with a demonishly opponent in the form of a black dog. Honestly I have a change of view here when I look at dogs now. Hehehe. In how he fights the dog may interest you or may set a pathetic image of an opponent, but Coelho managed to create a rival that not only is threatening in the physical form but spiritually as well.
What is most important though is the wisdom he instills in every chapter. Wether in materializing the pain of being cruel to ourselves by burying our nails inside the skin of our forefingers whenever self-condescending thoughts emerge in our mind or simply having enthusiasm in following our dreams and not let our zest die by just being content with little. And I think the main point of the book is about Purpose. The sword is power which Paulo seeks, but with Petrus to give him direction and letting him realize that the purpose of his journey is more than the search for power, but knowing the purpose for this power.
The Pilgrimage is a good easy read with lots of wisdom like a box of chocolates which you can pick out on different chapter. It’s not only a book you read once but a reference. Probably on your own pilgrimage?
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
