I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho almost a decade ago. At that time it was all the rage in Pakistan. I enjoyed the story – and that was that. To me it was just a ‘feel-good’ story about a shepherd, Santiago, who saw in his dreams that he will find a treasure at the Pyramids of Giza and set off to realize it. The other ‘teachings’ in the book seemed like mere platitudes and didn’t had a much profound impact on me. After reading 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne in 2012, I noticed the similar themes preached in both books. 'The Secret' excited me a lot and for me the next two years were very blissful; I wasn’t much a practitioner of the ‘Law of Attraction’, however it helped me with positive thinking. It was from 2014 onwards that a ‘series of unfortunate events’ occurred in my life which made me disillusioned from all the ‘happy thoughts bring happy outcomes’ mentality. I came to a point where I started to dislike Rhonda Byrne, Paulo Coelho and the whole of ‘Law of Attraction’ became a bunch on nonsense in my eyes. It was only a few days ago, that I had a conversation with someone who I consider as one of my mentors, regarding the summary of 'Secrets of the Self' by Iqbal, that the talk moved towards the concept of Self and later on, unexpectedly, towards the Law of Attraction. I shared my doubts and skepticism about it. He shared his personal experiences and logical arguments which softened my cynicism. He recommended to read 'The Alchemist' again with an open mind. Thinking that a wise and practical person’s advice needs to be followed, I decided to give it another try. I had lost my copy in the sands of time and therefore one day on my way back to home from office, I impulsively bought The Alchemist. Now that I’ve read it again – I must say that I had been a fool. This book is a treasure indeed! We, the bibliophiles, often disregard a book if it achieves popularity among the masses, thinking it to be either too gaudy or vulgar. It is one of our weaknesses that our minds are enslaved towards the complex ideas and we rarely appreciate wisdom which is simple in its appearance. To understand The Alchemist, the preface by Paulo Coelho and his interview with Laura Sheahen (both included in the Harper Collins edition) need to be read first. After reading them I realized that The Alchemist is not just a story thought by an author in a coffeehouse but these are rather that distilled lessons learnt by the author during his life. As Coelho had himself experimented with alchemy, his understanding of the concepts are at a much higher plane than that of an average person. While reading 'The Alchemist' again with a fresh mind, I also seemed to connect the dots with 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne, and with ‘Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul’ by Titus Burckhardt - a serious treatise on exploring the concepts of alchemy and their explanation in terms of spiritual purification and transformation – the real objective of the practice of alchemy. Below is a detailed analysis of core themes and lessons presented in the Alchemist along with my thoughts. Please note that there would be spoilers. Accepting the truth after rejecting it: In the preface, Coelho says that ‘we only accept a truth after we have first wholeheartedly rejected it’. He said that in the context of his own personal failures and that it was only during the period of his ‘spiritual exile’ that his teacher encouraged him to again study alchemy but with a different lens and this time Coelho succeeded. The reason is that once we have rejected a truth, we have identified the reasons which lead us to rejection of it; and once these reasons are in concrete form we can answer and dismantle them one by one, which is much easier than dealing with an amorphous doubt. This is why we see that ‘born again’ Christians, Muslims or devotes of any other faith are much more firm in their beliefs as they have battled with their doubts and skepticisms and have come out of them with conviction. Sheep: Santiago, the protagonist of The Alchemist is a shepherd. During his monologue with himself in the start of the book he shares that his sheep do not have dreams, can’t make decisions, and don’t have dreams. The sheep are only concerned with food and water and therefore are dependent upon others for their survival; which means that they don’t carry an independent existence – someone may shear their wool, or slaughter them. Most of us are like the sheep too, only concerned with material comforts, abandoning our thinking, dreams and the power of decision making, bleating with despair when ultimately we are lead to the knife or scissors. What makes life exciting? The mere possibility of a dream being materialized or be fulfilled is what makes life exciting; otherwise we are no different than sheep. Interpretation of the dreams: When Santiago goes to the Gypsy woman for dream interpretation, she says that she can interpret the dream if it in the language of the world, but if the dream is in the language of the soul only he can interpret it. Others can only give us information about directions; it is us who decide what destination we ought to go. Simple things are the most difficult: When the Gypsy woman demanded one-tenth of the treasure, Santiago complained that she had only interpreted what he already knew. It is then that the old woman tell him that ‘it’s the simple things in life which are the most extraordinary’ and that only the wise understand it. This is true in our times; we reject that which seems the simplest truths of life, trading them off for more complex ideologies and dogmas, thinking that truth can’t be THAT simple! Whereas the truth is in fact quite simple; it’s just our inability to accept it that is the obstacle. This comes across later in the book as well during the discussion between the Englishman and the boy. The Englishman was irritated that Santiago couldn’t appreciate the complex symbols and drawings in the books he had given him to read. The boy shared that the truth is that these truths are so simple that they can be written over an emerald (referring to the Emerald Tablet). An advice on friendship: The shepherd, Santiago, thinks to himself that when people spend too much time with people, you become a part of their personal life and consequently they want you to change according to their desire and if you resist they become indignant. It reminds me of what Robert Greene said in his book, 'The 48 Laws of Power’ – Use absence to increase respect and honor. World’s biggest lie: During the conversation between Santiago and Melchizedek, the old king told the shepherd boy that the greatest lie in world is that at a certain point of our lives, we lose control of our lives and our lives go under the control of fate. The message being that we are always, at any point of our lives, able to change our lives. ‘People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what the dream of’. The great truth: Melchizedek shared with the boy that there exists one great truth: that regardless of who you are or from where you belong, when you really want something, it’s because that originated in the soul of the universe and that is our true mission on earth. Our only duty is to realize our destiny. When we truly want something, the universe conspires to help you achieve it. This is where Law of Attraction is mentioned. It is very simple to follow, but as mentioned above, it’s the simple things in life which are most extraordinary. The force of flowing waters: The old king told Santiago that ‘Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing waters and it is buried by the same currents.’ This is a very subtle hint towards the power of thoughts. We realize our goals and dreams if our thoughts are in harmony with them. Thoughts in harmony with our dreams will help us achieve them, whereas thoughts not aligned with our dreams will only push us further away from them, to a point that they would be buried forever. There is no free lunch: Now here comes a bottleneck: our dreams are more of wishes. We expect that by just wishing we would realize our dreams. This is why most people get disillusioned by the power of thoughts. Everything in life has its price. When Santiago tries to outsmart the old king by promising him one-tenth of the treasure (something he hadn’t possessed yet) instead of one-tenth of the sheep (something he already had in hand), Melchizedek said that if you start promising to give others which your hand doesn’t possess yet, you’ll lose the motivation to work towards your goal. Anything which doesn’t carry a price is often taken as for granted; in contrast if we pay for something we hold it in great value. By paying the price we mark our commitment towards achievement of our dreams. The only obstacle: When Santiago was in the dilemma of either to go back to Spain or to take the journey across Africa to fulfill his dreams he realized that the only obstacle in his dream was himself. He was the only thing which was between him and his destiny. It was only when he cast out the thoughts of going back that he was able to begin his journey. Principle of favorability: Better known as ‘Beginner’s Luck’, The first hand which is dealt by the novice often results in winning because you are almost sure to win (due to your thinking that there is low stake which is involved, and thus less hindrance of the mind), along with the universe giving you a taste of success and of what more can be achieved if you strive towards fulfilling your dreams. It also shows the alignment of the universe with your journey. Omens: Omens play a major role in The Alchemist. They can be thought of as indicators placed throughout your life journey. Heeding the omen brings favorability. These omens are not like superstitious omens such as a black cat crossing, but rather they are more of alerts and messages from the universe regarding whether you are on track or going astray. These omens can only be interpreted by someone who has aligned himself completely with the soul of the universe. Decision Making: Although the old king, Melchizedek, gave Santiago the two stones, Urim and Thummim, to help him in decision making when he is unable to read the omens, he advised him not to use them much often and that it is better to make decisions yourself whenever it is possible. Decisions carry a strong energy with them which move us to places and situations we would not have faced if we hadn’t made those decisions. The story told by Melchizedek: Before parting their ways, the old king told Santiago a story in which the wise person told the boy to look around the castle and come back without dropping the oil drops he had placed on the spoon. This is the secret of happiness he said. To visit the whole world and to enjoy and appreciate its beauty without being distracted from your goals. Thief: Santiago trusted the man in the bar in his first encounter. Thinking that he has found a guide who will lead him towards the pyramids, he entrusted all of his money to the stranger who spoke his language, without realizing that he was about to be pilfered. Although the owner of the bar had tried to warn Santiago, he didn’t paid heed not much because of the language barrier but more of being charmed by the thief. In our life we come across many charlatans and thieves who promise us ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes or other fanciful ideas which require almost no effort, resulting in us being bereft of our possessions or bearing losses. We should be wary of such wolves in sheep’s clothing. Avoiding ‘victim mentality’: After losing whatever money he had with him and the emotional turmoil resulting from it, Santiago got a hold over himself and decided that he would not fall into the victim mentality. He would rather consider this turn of events as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. This mentality was perfectly used by the shepherd boy while working at the crystal shop – helping the shopkeeper in increasing his business and earning enough money for himself so that he can journey to the pyramids. Cleaning the crystals: The owner of the crystal shop shared with our protagonist that by physically cleaning the crystals, we also clear our mind from negative thoughts. This is found true in most cases. Physical or mental activity/ work allows us to focus on the task at hand, helping us clear the mind from all the negative energy. Concentrating on our work, shifts our mind from negative feeling and thoughts, allowing our mind to get cleared and allowing us to see things with better clarity. This also comes in another form halfway across the book during the discussion between Santiago and the Englishman. When the lives of the alchemists were discussed, the Englishman told the boy that the ancient alchemists spent too much time during purification of metals that gradually they also purified themselves of worldly vanities Not realizing your dreams: The shopkeeper had an old dream of earning enough money to help him in making pilgrim to Mecca. Over the time, he kept dreaming, but due to the fear that he would have no reason to live after fulfilling his dream, he never put effort to actualize it. Many of us have grand dreams but due to this thought, we abandon them. The solution to this dilemma is to have another dream and to follow it if you have already fulfilled your original dream. Growing business: The shopkeeper was content with the size of the shop and whatever sales he made. It was only after Santiago started working for him and start to come across unique ideas to increase the sales of the shop that the shopkeeper started earning more. Most of entrepreneurs reach a point in their life when we start to go into the comfort zone, when in reality they could do so much more to increase their business and help potential customers. At first, the shopkeeper was resistant to any kind of change, but realizing that ‘every blessing ignored becomes a curse’, he agreed with Santiago’s desire to make changes to his business. Here lies an important lesson for businessmen: the universe comes to us with many moments of great opportunity, which when ignored, become a source of great remorse. Just read about the time when Yahoo had the chance to acquire Google. Maktub: Everything that happens is already written by the Hands of God – this concept being referred to as Maktub. Our destinies are already written; we are here just to realize them and experience them. Believe in fate also helps us in overcoming fear and grief. If what we have faced was already written then there is no need to worry for it was destined to occur anyways. On the other hand, the mind who doesn’t believe in destiny or fate loses its sleep as it cannot fathom why an unexpected loss or grief came across. Small successes: Our morale is boosted when we achieve small successes earlier in our journey. They act as a catalyst and allow us to dream bigger and work towards our dreams with even more enthusiasm. This is how our protagonist felt after he had transformed the crystal shop business and was prepared to continue his journey towards his treasure. ‘The closer one gets to realize his destiny, the more that destiny becomes his true reason for being’. Intuition: Intuition or ‘gut feeling’ comes into play when our soul is aligned with that of universe. When we are in harmony with nature, we start to understand the word much better and our intuition comes across creative ideas and forewarnings which may seem even supernatural sometimes. For this we have to tune ourselves with the ‘universal current of life’. Skills: During the journey across the Sahara Desert, the camel driver told Santiago that he used to have an orchard near Cairo. After flooding he lost whatever he became a camel driver. He shared his personal wisdom that one should not fall into fear or despair if one faces a disaster if they have the capability to achieve their needs and wants. I would like to paraphrase it as a skilled professional need not to worry about losing his job or possessions; if he or she is skilled at something, they would never have to worry about poverty or hunger. Each has its way: Santiago, after his discussion on alchemical texts with the Englishman, said to himself that regardless of their different approaches, each them was searching for their destiny and for this reason he is going to respect him. Here lies a very beautiful message regarding unity in diversity – each of us have different desires, dreams, preferences, way of life, yet each of us is trying to become our destiny and are therefore similar in that approach. All of us are experiencing being human. Live in the present: The camel driver shared another piece of wisdom – that, the secret of happiness lies in focusing on the present and living in it. This was explained further along the book that the tribesmen which were fighting lived in the present because they have to be prepared for the surprises which they might have to face in the battle. He also shared that a seer once told him that by not worrying of the future we achieve two things: if something good happens, we would be delighted; and if something adverse occurred we would suffer less as compared to contemplating them in advance. He also shared that by living in the present we would be better able to understand the omens and would be predict the future outcomes, preparing in advance before we are caught by surprise. Also, by focusing on present, rather than worrying or daydreaming about the future, we would be able to improve our present condition and will consequently improve our future as well. The Alchemist also tells Santiago to say to this heart if it worries too much that the ‘fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.’ ‘Patience ensures victory’: At the oasis, Santiago wondered that from the day he started towards realizing his dream, he encountered various obstacles and tests. He reasons that this is because so that he doesn’t become impatient and commits to and action is haste – which may result is disaster. He thinks that had he acted out of impulse, he might have missed the omens placed on his journey by God. This reminds me of a beautiful saying by Ali ibn Abi Talib: ‘Patience ensures victory’. On Wars: While discussing the tribal wars, Fatima told Santiago that this war is not a battle in which one faction is good and the other one is pure evil, but rather this is a fight for balance of power and this war may extend as God is on both sides. Sometimes we come across conflicts which are not binary in nature. They cannot be labelled as ‘1’ or ‘0’. There are other factors involved which should be considered while developing our view of the world. Life attracts Life: While searching for signs of life in the desert, the Alchemist tell Santiago that he would be able to do so as life attracts life. It is a subtle reference to the Law of Attraction: Like attracts Like. Soul-mate: In the beginning of the novel, Santiago incessantly thought of the girl in Tarifa. However, when he entered the oasis and met Fatima, he knew that she was the girl he wants to settle down with. Fatima encourages Santiago to follow his dream and get his treasure from the pyramids. When Santiago argues with the Alchemist regarding what if he abandons his quest and settles with Fatima, the Alchemist shares with him a sequence of events that would result in this scenario; initially they would be very happy but with time Fatima would be unhappy as she would think that she is the reason why Santiago abandoned his quest and didn’t fulfil his dream. Though he would become prosperous, he would lose his sight for omens after rejecting them through the years and in the end would later regret not following his dreams. The Alchemist beautifully says that true love doesn’t keep a man from achieving his dreams or realizing their destiny. If this so occurs, it’s not true love. Soul mates encourage each other to fulfill their dreams. Learning through action: When Santiago complains to the Alchemist that he didn’t learn anything from the alchemical texts which the Englishman had given him to read, he tells the boy that action is the only way by which you truly learn. Knowledge become learning only after we have practically applied it. The journey is the destination: While inquiring about the alchemists who failed in their quest for the philosopher’s stone, the Alchemist shares that they failed because they were more interested in the material aspects of their dream – i.e. gold, without realizing that the actual destiny was the journey itself – the transformation of the soul. Often we are caught up with the tangible goals of our pursuit that we forget the true goal – the journey itself. Becoming friends with one’s heart: During his journey towards the pyramids along with the Alchemist, the boy is told that he should listen to his heart. Santiago complains that his heart is agitated and treacherous, to which the Alchemist responds that it is a good thing that his heart is emotional and that it dreams and worries. If the boy listened to his heart regularly he will understand it and it will understand him. By constantly listening to one’s heart, you’ll not be suddenly surprised by it as you would have already known its desires and how to deal with them. As a result, the hearts of people who are working on realizing their dreams are guided by their hearts. The world is as you think of it: On another question, the Alchemist tells the shepherd boy that some people think that the world is a terrible place, and consequently the world indeed comes out to be due to their way of thinking. This is another reference to the Law of Attraction. Trials and tests: The Alchemist gives the final lesson to the boy that before one is about to realize their dream they are faced with trials – not because the world is evil – but rather so, so that we can master the lessons which we have already learned throughout our journey. This is the point where most people fail just like most ships sink near the shore. If the traveler began with the beginner’s luck, before his journey ends, this luck is tested severely to gauge the determination of the traveler. Eyes are the windows to the soul: When the Alchemist and Santiago are stopped by armed tribesmen, the Alchemist looks into their eyes and tells them they are just passing by and won’t be staying here for long. After this exchange, the tribesmen let them pass. Santiago remarks that the Alchemist dominated them with his glance to which the Alchemist responds that our eyes depict the strength of our soul. The stronger the soul, the stronger the will, which will reflect from the eyes. What makes dreams impossible to achieve? When the Alchemist and Santiago are again stopped by the tribesmen, he offers all the gold that the boy possesses to the tribal chieftain and tells them that the boy is an Alchemist. As proof he tells them that the boy will transform himself into the wind in three days; if this happens than the tribe will let them pass otherwise their lives are theirs for the taking. This deeply disturbs Santiago and he argues with the Alchemist regarding how he can turn himself into the wind. The old man tells him that he should not fear as one is afraid he cannot talk to his heart and that the fear of failure is the one thing which makes is impossible for someone to achieve their dreams. Reserve gold: After Santiago was successful in demonstrating to the tribal chieftain that he was allowed to leave with the Alchemist. Just before parting their ways, a few hours away from the pyramids, the Alchemist went to a monastery. He requested the monk in the monastery to allow him to use their kitchen. After performing alchemical operations he transformed a pan filled with lead into gold and broke them into four pieces: once he gave to the monk for his hospitality, one he kept for himself, one he gave the boy for his journey back, and the fourth one he entrusted in the care of the monk so that he can give it to the boy if he ever comes in need of it. It was the wise foreseeing at the Alchemist’s part that Santiago has already lost his money twice; once at the hand of a thief an Tangier and again at the hands of the warring tribes near Faiyum; and he therefore placed the extra piece of gold in the care of the monk in case of Santiago again being forced to part away with his wealth. This ultimately helped Santiago after he was robbed again as he now knew the actual location of the treasure – the abandoned church from where his journey began. This teaches us the lesson of always having a backup plan, so that we can fall back to it, and proceed forward to achieve our destiny. I will conclude on these words: May we have the ability to understand the Language of the Universe, to be able to read the Omens, and to be able to realize our Dreams and fulfil our Destiny. Amen. For further reading on the subject of Alchemy, I would like to recommend ‘Alchemy: Science of the Cosmos, Science of the Soul’ by Titus Burckhardt. References:
Photo: 'Alchemist' by Hans Splinter, Flickr. URL: https://www.flickr.com/photos/archeon/15286108816/ The writer is a professional in the field of Business Analysis and Project Management and is currently associated with FINCA Microfinance Bank Ltd.'s Project Management Office (PMO) as Team Lead IT Projects. He is an avid reader of books as well, ranging from Business to History, Literature and Philosophy. He can be reached out at Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author alone and do not reflect the views of his employer or any other organization. This article was first published on LinkedIn, November 22nd, 2020. © 2020 Fazal Ur Rehman. All rights reserved. |
What fear does the alchemist perform at the monastery?
Postagens relacionadas
direito autoral © 2024 mesadeestudo Inc.
