Surfing the Himalayas by Frederick Lenz

There are some books about spirituality that are meant for relaxation and not deep reflection.

This is one of them. I found and bought this book at a low-profiled book store in the city. Normally, I would read the synosis on the cover jacket and try to imagine what the rest of the book is all about.

One of the considerations that led me to purchase this book was its low price. I thought it was worth a couple hours of my time.

This book can be said to be a modern version and a watered down remake of Lobsang Rampa's books that began with The Third Eye.

It is interesting but somehow I got the feeling that you can interpret it whichever way you want but the bottomline is: don't be obsessed by it.

As with most of books of this genre, there's an unlying message. But don't fret if you can't figure it out. It is an interesting journey into what-ifs and if-it's-ever-possibles.

I confess I had a good time digesting the book and Mr Lenz gets a pat on the back from me. There are some inherent truths in his discourse about his imaginary journey in the Himalayas.

If you must, the whole plot sounds a bit Hollywood-ish but it's all in good fun. Frederick Lenz became what I perceive and believe to be a mini-celebrity among those who clamour for New Age religion.

But this book is not so much about religion as it is about self-discovery if you don't look too deeply or take life too seriously. That's one of the reasons why I found the book so refreshingly light.

Somehow I wish there were more books like this one. Books that skims the surface of that deep pool called spirituality are mostly dry-as-dust tomes. Who has the time to digest such books.

The first five paragraphs are enough to turn on the television. A writer can only succeed if he or she captures and hold the attention of his audience for an indefinite period of time.

Surfing the Himalayas is a bit of an adventure, a touch of inner self-exploration and a glance at the lighter side of life.

Frankly, life is meant to be enjoyed - fully. And if you must get serious about anything, it's all about gladdening the heart and soothing the soul. I hope that is not too cryptic for you guys.

If you want to read a book on religion mixed with a light dose of spirituality, this could very well be the title for you.

Even if you don't gain an ounce of spirituality in between the pages, you will have the honour of partaking in some of the antics that the writer indulged in throughout the chapters.

There's a thinly veiled sense of humour somewhere in the pages. That's the idea. Have fun, gain some knowledge but mainly watch time stand still as your mind skips the corners and bounce over the hurdles of life's imaginary obstacles.