The Journey Within: My reflections on Kafka on the shore

 

Kafka Tamura, the strongest 15-year-old in the world.

If you know and are here, chances are you already know him and have read his story OR are wanting to know about him. If it’s the latter, I would suggest stop here and go read Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami first. I have not read other works of Murakami yet, however, for this one I can say it is meant to be read and interpreted with a fresh perspective without external bias.

While the book in itself is a whole world, I would like to shift my focus and bring my observation for the three characters I enjoyed very much:

Kafka Tamura – The conscious thinker:

We are introduced to his world with the boy named Crow (his imaginary friend).

Growing up under his father’s menacing shadow, Kafka lived with a constant reminder of his supposed fate - a prophecy etched into him from childhood: that he would fall in love with his mother and sleep with his sister.

He decides on running away on turning 15 with his imaginary friend Crow by his side. This is not just some rebellious fantasy, but a resolve to escape his supposed fate.

Kafka is on a journey to free himself from this supposed fate, in this journey he meets Sakura who is older to him and treats him as a younger brother. However, he is instantly attracted to her and this makes him believe she is his long-lost sister. Nevertheless, she helps him on his way and provides much needed advice.

He then meets Oshima at the prestigious library who is perceptive of his situation and offers him a helping hand.

Kafka begins living and helping out in Komura Memorial Library which becomes a place of refuge, introspection and quite transformation for Kafka gradually. Kafka alternates between the library and Oshimas secluded cabin in the mountains to avoid too much attention from the police.

He is intrigued by the dense forest behind it, however, stays away from the entrance to the forest due to Oshimas warning. When push comes to shove, he decides to venture in the jungle, ready with necessities.

Kafka in the middle of the jungle, fighting hard to breathe, to find his way and finally giving up his material possessions (water canteen, ruck sack, with essential items) symbolizing his surrender to the jungle becoming a part of it. His journey to the edge of the world, where time dissolves into abstraction, becomes a powerful symbol of his inner struggle against deeply buried demons.

Kafka’s journey to the edge of the world yet being trapped within his mind, nevertheless the awareness of the action to be taken, this moment is one of transcendence. To hold onto your sense of self while you have only been groomed to turn into a monster. This awareness does not erase struggle but illuminates the path forward.

Kafka at 15 years old is an epitome of a conscious thinker, someone whose outward journey mirrors the journey within, a quite determination of holding onto his sense of self. To recognize right from wrong, to knowingly step into what feels wrong, and still emerge on the other side with a deeper understanding of the change that is needed, this is real awareness.

Mr Hoshino – The unconscious seeker:

One of the best character development arcs I have come across in a novel. A seemingly aimless and shady young truck driver who for reasons even he cannot explain, decides to help this gentle cat talking old man (Mr Nakata) on his strange journey.

What had begun as a random act of kindness takes Hoshino on a journey of transformation. Hoshino who once drifted through life without direction and was an example of unconscious living. His transformation is subtle, here Murakami’ music sensibility is revealed when Hoshino comes across Archduke trio in a jazz café, when he is awakened to the subtle changes within him.

Rather than being anxious he welcomes the change in his thought, in his action, grateful even for the awakening due to his acquaintance with Mr Nakata. He decides to see it through to the end.

His transformation is not loud or heroic - it is subtle, steady, and deeply human. What Nakata’s educated family could not understand, Hoshino embraces instinctively. And even after Nakata’s passing, Hoshino chooses to continue what they started, patiently waiting for a sign, trusting something beyond reason.

Hoshino symbolizes you can drift through life without direction just being alive but not living. However, life at any given opportunity may find you. And when it does, what matters is you grab the chance and make the most of it.

Sada (Oshima’s elder brother) – The silent witness, Steady support:

The only one, apart from Kafka who has experienced the forest for what it truly is, has been to the edge of the world and returned.

A silent yet assuring presence, who does not impose any suggestions / ideas. Instead he provides the space to Kafka to absorb his experiences and find his way through it. A quite friend, who after his journey to the edge of the world, facing his demons and has found peace. He chooses to live freely, on his own terms without explanation or intervention.

Since we do not have a backstory for him, we can interpret his journey as once a unconscious human who dared to break through the dense forest of his inner demons and journey to the edge of his world coming out the other side.

The closure conundrum:

While there are many questions remain unanswered by the end of the book, you do not feel the need for closure. Because in life may not everything offers a closure, instead you learn to work your way through its inconsistencies and create your own sense of closure.

If you have read Kafka on the shore by Haruki Murakami, I would love to hear your thoughts and interpretations. The book is rich with content to be interpreted and reads like an incomplete poem.

A Letter from a Theist to an Atheist: In Devotion to Shaheed Bhagat Singh

I just finished reading “Why I Am an Atheist” by Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

When writing this, I feel at the time many would have thought the personality of this man is so very different from his name “Bhagat”.

The name Bhagat typically evokes the image of a devoted soul—one who serves God with deep emotion and unwavering faith. However, there is this very contrasting personality of Bhagat Singh, questioning the very existence of God and a view point rooted in clarity, courage and integrity, often hard earned through doubt.

Essence of Bhagat:

To me, if you look closely, he represents what the name “Bhagat” truly stands for. Devotion, Servitude and courage.

Devotion to the cause of freedom which best termed as “Swaraj”. Servitude to the people of the country and Courage to fight for their rights.

A true devotee who sacrificed his life to ignite revolution in the minds of the masses.

Revolution, not just freedom:

“Swaraj” an idea rooted in the legacy of great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; was given a radical and revolutionary edge by Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his comrades, who envisioned not just political freedom but a complete transformation of society. At a time when many within the Congress were negotiating for Dominion Status, they called for true independence - of both thought and nation.

Greats such as Bhagat Singh (I put his name in front as he is the inspiration for this article), Shaheed Shivaram Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar, Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad (most commonly known names) worked hard to promote revolutionary ideals among the youth of the time and encourage the idea of “Swaraj”.

Atheism and Clarity:

Bhagat Singh calls himself an atheist through out the essay, after all Atheism finds freedom in questioning, in doubting and finding the answers yourself, it is a lonely, however, a clear-sighted path as he describes.

My Letter to Shaheed Bhagat Singh:

Dear Sir, allow me to refute you on this point and put forth my argument. This is my personal view only based on the limited understanding of history, politics and religion that I hold.

To me, despite the claims of being an atheist, you are a theist in his truest form.

Theism signifies comfort through belonging to a tradition, a god, exploring the mystery of the universe. A theist believes in their god and works tirelessly to appease their beloved deity.

Your devotion to the revolution:

Tell me, is there a greater devotion than the devotion to your motherland, a greater emotion of service than the will to serve all your people without discrimination and courage to stand upon your belief come what may. The only difference – their belief in God while you believed in a bright future of our great nation and worked tirelessly for your ideal.

My final argument:

You sir were a believer and a strong proponent of Swaraj. Swaraj to you was not just passing on the baton from the British imperialists to Indian elites, you championed the ideas of a socialist economy and equality for all.

It was this belief for which you put forth your life and attained martyrdom. Your struggles whilst in Jail, in the face of adversity to stand true to your ideals is this not truly a “Bhagat’s” duty?

So dear sir, forgive me for saying so but in my eyes, you are the essence of the name Bhagat and its meaning.

As a person who identifies as a theist, I believe we can learn a lot from your life and the devotion to achieve your goals. It is my sincere wish that we as an individual and as a country we can one day truly be worthy of you and your comrades sacrifice.

A Revolution, a Hope within:

To me Shaheed Bhagat Singh symbolizes the revolution needed within, a radical change for personal growth to achieve one’s goal. Only through individual hard work and integrity can we expect to contribute to the collective consciousness and

Inquilaab Zindabad!

Gregor Samsa and the Dharma of Suffering By Hema Jethwani

Most readers are already familiar with the plot of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
Its common interpretations explore themes of alienation, capitalism, and existentialism.
However, for me, the tale of Gregor is more about spiritual endurance, unconditional duty, love, and detachment from the self.
The story begins with Gregor already transformed into an insect. There’s no horror or panic in him, no questioning of why or how this has happened. He simply accepts it—with quiet determination—and continues to focus on one goal: to provide for his family, no matter the situation.
He doesn’t stop to consider how his family might react or wonder if they could help him. He isn’t worried about the chief clerk either. In his mind, once he explains the delay, all will be well, and he can still make it for the 8 o’clock train.
To Gregor, his thoughts remain clear. But to others, his voice is just incomprehensible noise. They do not see a man—they see only a monster.
Yet there is no rebellion in him—not in word, not in action, not even in thought.
Has he resigned himself to his fate? Or is this the expression of his deep capacity to endure suffering without losing sight of his love and duty toward his family?
Even in this condition, Gregor thinks of how to make life easier for his sister, who brings him food. He longs to see his mother. He hides under a sheet just so she won't be distressed by his appearance. When she faints upon seeing him, he feels no anger—only understanding.
As his sister begins to tire of caring for him, as the family grows indifferent, Gregor accepts it all. No bitterness. No resentment. Just a quiet desire not to burden them further.
When he overhears them speaking of being "done" with him, when even his mother offers no protest, he makes no sound. He doesn’t blame them. He simply resigns himself and quietly breathes his last.
To me, this story reflects not the inhumanity of Gregor’s condition, but the lack of humanity in those around him. Gregor, despite his appearance, never loses his kindness or sense of duty.
This is the essence of spiritual endurance as understood in Indian philosophy—where suffering, if borne with grace, becomes a path to liberation. While Western readings may interpret the story as absurd or bleak, I see in it a quiet transcendence, an echo of the Indian concept of dharma.
Gregor Samsa’s journey—his refusal of food, detachment from the world, silent suffering, and peaceful death—mirrors the quiet path of the yogi or sanyasi, who renounces the world with no regret or resentment.

A past to hold on...

There is a memory in the bylanes
Waiting to pounce on me every time something happens,
A past that I hold onto no matter how much I try to let go
A past which is a part of my life and taken away from me,
Every time a glimpse of it threatens tears in my eyes
A past which I so dearly want to hold onto but have no choice.
I wish I could be there again playing, laughing, reading and chatting away with friends,
Oh there is so much to say but no words to express what I feel.
A past I yearn for in the present while I pray for a better future,
A past that I so dearly hold onto...

THAT's JUST LIFE AFTER ALL: Dear Big Bro/ Bbbbhhhhaaaiii...

THAT's JUST LIFE AFTER ALL: Dear Big Bro/ Bbbbhhhhaaaiii...: Well at the risk of sounding cheesy, which i don't mind as of now, i dedicate this post to my bro who is out of country for work and co...

Dear Big Bro/ Bbbbhhhhaaaiii...

Well at the risk of sounding cheesy, which I don't mind as of now, I dedicate this post to my bro who is out of country for work and couldn't make it here... Well that's irritating to say the least but I know it's for good reason and figured since I couldn't tie it to him why not make a post for him :)...
So, My dear Bro what to say for you that you don't know about yourself ;)...

One thing I would like to start with is to say thanks to you for reminding me in your own direct and indirect way that you care about me, that you worry about me, it reassures me every time that you're are always there for me no matter what, even if I don't face you when I pass by your place so that you don't see the murder, the frustration, the irritation and the confusion for those feelings mingled together in my eyes so as not to worry about me, but you surprise me by noticing that gesture and knowing that I would never do so and worrying about me and in that small gesture reassuring me as always... Thank You, words aren't enough :)...

I remember there being a time when I was a child wishing that I had an elder brother who would take care of me, protect me, be there for me and not having one left me sad, where ever I did put my hope in that place I would get to see that it was no use to hope. Tying Rakhi was something I waited for every year and was excited until some events did open my eyes and actually left me not wanting to, doesn't mean I thought of or loved anyone less, anyhoo, it wasn't much for me until Bhai Dhuj would come and there was a younger brother I would see and treat as my own brother.

Then came the day years later when I tied Rakhi on you're wrist for the first time, I don't remember what day it was or what age I was or how it came to be, I just remember that day as per my feelings, what I saw with my eyes. I remember feeling a bit uncomfortable tying rakhi on your wrist as I had always seen you as a friend and never a brother and based on past experience's I wasn't much enthusiastic about it as I never thought I could have a brother I wanted but I tied it to you as you had always been there so I did it.

Well, as time passed I started looking forward to the day so I could tie you rakhi, with time and with experience I came to see you as a brother not because I had to but because I saw that you were truly my brother not because you had to be but because you wanted to be, well if that sentence makes sense to you then all the more better. Lols. I remember on one of my birthday feeling dejected and angry because you hadn't come to wish me or wished me anyhow, don't remember which one was that but it was a long time ago and you were THERE, so know that I had actually made up my mind NEVER to speak to you again. I guess I had kept to much expectations from you without realizing or knowing your situation or mindset, I was being stupid after all. But then you called and I came to my mind. I am actually happy for that day as when I think of it that was the day I truly and wholeheartedly came to see you as my brother and the important lesson of never to have expectations which is a good thing and there's been no turning back.

Well, I had and have thought of many things I truly desire and of them was a brother. I never had the brother that I wished for instead got a Brother I never thought I could or deserved to have.
So Thank You dear brother for always being there whether I know or not. For being irritated with my choice and almost fighting with me to drop it but at the same time understanding what I want and what I need to do and supporting me. I know that you're there for me and I know you know but let me say this out aloud right now I will always be there for you no matter what and will always wish for you to get all the success and happiness that you deserve. Thank You from the bottom of my heart for showing me that more than the blood that we do not share, Its the bond of Rakhi, the bond of souls as a Brother and Sister that matters more than anything else. I love you and you will always hold a special place in my Heart (as long as you get me good gifts, JOKING, no I am not, YES I AM...), hehehe... Well you know... :p

This Dear Big Bro or Bbbbhhhaaaiii is my gift for you. Well we will be waiting here with your Rakhi to tie on your wrist the moment we get the chance... Hehe...

HAPPY RAKSHABANDHAN :D :D :D :D

P.S.: As I'm not a very vocal person in regards to my feelings and rarely do voice them, don't mind when I do meet you and feel a bit awkward... Lols... ;)

Your Loving Sister

A lifetime ago...

A lifetime of knowing someone
And one day they are just gone,
Twelve days of rituals to mark the life that was once led,
Yesterday they were here
Today they are not,
Memories which feels like a lifetime ago,
Makes me wonder whether it was a dream I saw or was it real,
No matter how many days friends and family cry or not it's not about the count,
What it is about are the lives touched by the life once led and whether you cry or not the beautiful and pure memories will remain with you in your heart and head...
A tribute to the lives once led,
No matter what but you are the ones who taught us how to Tread...