New Book Offers a Lamppost Through Life’s Storms
Meditation, Writing Can Help You Attain Enlightenment by Pankaj Kumar! (Images Notion Press)
Pankaj Kumar’s book blends Buddhist wisdom, philosophical insights, and psychological thought to guide readers on a journey of introspection and inner clarity
By MANISH ANAND
NEW DELHI, August 3, 2025 — In an age marked by instant gratification and self-indulgence, author Pankaj Kumar offers readers a thought-provoking guide through life’s chaos with his new book, Meditation, Writing Can Help You Attain Enlightenment. With clarity and conviction, Kumar draws upon a lifetime of study to illuminate pathways to inner stability, even in the face of life’s fiercest storms.
Echoing American writer Elbert Hubbard’s sentiment—“There is no failure except in no longer trying”—Kumar prompts readers to examine the deeper puzzles of existence. Why do some individuals thrive with similar efforts while others sink into despair? What distinguishes those who persevere from those who falter?
Kumar’s answer draws from the Right Effort of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism, and the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on restraining agitating thoughts that obsess over outcomes. The book is part philosophical reflection, part spiritual guide, and wholly an invitation to deeper thought.
In under 150 pages, Kumar weaves a rich tapestry of insights—from Leo Tolstoy, George Orwell, Mahatma Gandhi, and Khushwant Singh, to Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, and modern psychologists like Philippa Perry and Sudhir Kakar. These references are not name-drops, but thoughtful anchors in his argument for introspection and autonomy of thought.
One of the key questions Kumar raises is whether peace of mind should really be the goal of meditation. Quoting Khushwant Singh, he reminds us that “great works of science or literature were often produced by restless or disturbed minds, and peace of mind was a sterile concept.”
Instead, Kumar echoes Jiddu Krishnamurti’s idea of the “integrated individual”—a person grounded in psychological transformation, not mere mental stillness.
The book also explores the therapeutic value of walking, quoting philosopher Søren Kierkegaard: “Do not lose your desire to walk… the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill.” For Kumar, walking is a form of meditation—rooted in ancient traditions like the Vrindavan parikrama, as well as modern practices inspired by thinkers like Osho.
In seeking well-being, Kumar advocates letting go of burdensome memories. Citing Mahatma Gandhi, he extends the idea of non-possession to include thoughts, suggesting that decluttering the mind is essential for clarity.
Yet, he also defends the value of independent thinking—quoting Arthur Schopenhauer, Tolstoy, and Albert Einstein—warning against the “dulling” effects of excessive reading and passive consumption. Instead, the book champions the autonomy of thought and intuition. Kumar quotes Buddhist writer Christmas Humphreys, who believed intuition to be “a reliable guide in life.”
Told in part through the lens of a character named Anil, whose life experiences provide a relatable backdrop, the book feels semi-autobiographical. But beyond narrative, it is “a minefield of knowledge,” offering a framework for self-discovery, emotional clarity, and problem-solving.
Spanning 14 chapters over 143 pages, the book—published by Notion Press—is a concise yet profound companion for readers seeking direction in uncertain times. In a world plagued by a growing mental health crisis, Kumar’s work raises a lamppost to light the way through the dark alleys of doubt, despair, and mental unrest.
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