I feel fortunate after completing the reading of Ikigai, one of the greatest books of all time particularly for self-help and inspirational literature category. The book is unique for a number of reasons. The title of the book itself talks about the curiosity one must have in his or her life to search for the purpose he or she is sent herewith. The main message, therefore, is to live a life full of passion keeping one’s main purpose in mind always. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means the happiness or passion of always being busy and feeling of the real current of life in us. In a nutshell, the book says that Ikigai is the real art of living.
The writers of this book Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles have brilliantly explained the secret behind the joyful and stressless lives of many people who live in Japan and have tried to inspire the readers from these meaningful stories. The have written a number of real-life stories in the book which are phenomenal and inspiring. The concept and practice of Ikigai has helped many people to live great and meaningful lives.
The book contains a number of great lessons and teachings that would be phenomenal for installing good habits in the readers and followers.
It talks about a number of Japanese quotations and teachings that may guide us to live our lives properly and joyfully.
One such teaching is, ” Nana korobi ya oki” which means” If you fall seven times, stand for the eight.”
It teaches us to always keep fighting even after our failures. We are taught that till we do not surrender and give up we have always the chance to succeed. This is no doubt extraordinary stuff to inspire the readers and that too by providing real examples from the world who have proved that these are not some utopian philosophies. These are the real teachings which have inspired many human beings to live quality lives in this world.
Another teaching is “waby saby” which in simple words means that imperfection has real beauty in this world. We are always searching for perfection in different things and people but the reality is that the ephemeral nature of the things and people provides the things and individuals with the real beauty here. Since this world is itself temporary and thus ephemeral in many aspects, therefore, the most pretty things in it are those which are imperfect. It is hilarious to ignore these imperfect things while searching for the perfect ones.
Then there is another great teaching written in the book which I liked the most. It is ” ichi go ichi e” which means that the moment you are living presently is a unique one and won’t repeat itself in this world again. Whatever be that moment it is not less than a unique relic for us. It teaches us to enjoy every moment in our life. The uniqueness of every moment makes it great and holy for us. Life may seem a boring and monotonous affair to some of us but this teaching reminds us that we can witness moments of joy and happiness even among these seemingly mundane and ordinary moments too.
The book shares numerous words of wisdom with us. It teaches us to stay active always and never to give up or even think about our retirement in life. The readers are advised to always surround themselves with good friends. Because great friends provide us with the positive energy we always need. We are suggested to always eat moderately. Always try to avoid filling our stomachs hundred percent. It also teaches us the benefits of smiling and relaxing. The readers are taught to connect properly with the nature around them. Thanksgiving is another great teaching which the book teaches us. Thanksgiving makes us more vibrant and lively.
The book teaches us to follow our Ikigai. We are taught to follow the passion inside us, the unique talent that gives the real meaning to our lives.
In a nutshell, Ikigai is a must-read for the people who are searching for the real inspiration and love self-help books.
Author is a Govt Employee. He can be mailed at bukhari.hilalahmad5@gmail.com
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