The Reading Group-Invites ONLY- 1 |p146| - Page 117

Originally posted by: pinkisluv91

Summary of the proceedings of our reading group

Significant incidents:

Mohit's summary impressed everyone, thanks again for laying out the basic outline. Mohit's grammar also made everyone grammar cautious. Pinki discussed school and other totally irrelevant subjects with Smita and Mohit. Mohit shared an interesting epiphany (page 36); and revealed his neuroses (talking to himself, etc.). Ekta declared that she gets bored of seeing the same faces (Mohit and Pinki) again and again and so when Smita arrived she was really overjoyed. Ekta and Pinki discussed DPs, Asterix, Gauls... and were joined by Smita in deciding that books shouldn't be adapted to movies. Ekta said she would post her personal legend but ended up forgetting about it completely. Ekta, Smita, Pinki and Mohit discussed why people need God; and whether He is dispensable. Ekta, Pinki and Samia talked about beaches and beachwear. Smita caught a flu and Bella wasn't around. Both of them were sorely missed. Samia (page 44) and Yash (page 46) introduced themselves.
• RainbowWarrior joined the discussion and informed us all that the style of the book is may not necessarily reflect a translation of the Quran. She further added that the older translations of the Quran were in old English (much like the translations of the Old testament)...
  

Matters discussed:

• The role of the old man in the context of the book and in a hypothetical religious text

* Since he exhorts Santiago to go and look for the treasure, Smita postulated that had this been a religious text, the old man would've been the devil.
* Pinki and Mohit read the question in haste and contended that the role of the old man is that of God.
* Smita agreed partially, and insisted that the old man was a figurative epiphany.

• Is there a universal language? Can we understand it/ learn it?

* Pinki felt that she could never understand "the universal language". She can understand what her heart says but definitely not the wind and butterflies!
* Smita doesn't think that there is a universal language...
* Mohit believes that Paulo wants to say that we can all figuratively become alchemists and talk to the elements of nature, but the talking will be word-less... Like we can communicate with our hearts... similarly we can connect with inanimate things.
* Pinki agreed with Smita and said that she doesn't believe in "the universal language".
* Smita conceded that she believes in positve energy/aura (and explained instinctive likes/dislikes based on this)...

• Omens and superstitions

* Smita said that we should stop looking for omen and signs and think of them as coincidences (She believed in Cheiro's numerology; doesn't anymore.)
* Mohit agreed that looking out for omens is impractical.

• Paulo's definition of the word alchemist

* Pinki expressed her confusions: She had believed until now that alchemists only turn any metal to gold and make life elixirs, but didn't know that could transmute into other things.
* Pinki fished out Paulo's definition of an alchemist (page 31), in which the word GOLD is not mentioned; and thus indicates a more mystical role of the alchemist.

• Personal legends

* Ekta kept trying to change the direction of her life, but kept returning to the original starting point. (No details were forthcoming.)
* Smita shared that her life was governed by "man proposes... God disposes". It never went as planned, but ended well nonetheless.
* Mohit decided that he still has to ponder over the legend. The purpose is still not clear to him.

• What would the story be without Santiago's quest for treasure? Would it still mean the same?

* Ekta was of the opinion that the treasure meant nothing in the whole story; and Santiago was not motivated by it.
* Mohit agreed that Santiago's quest was for things that money couldn't buy. But, it did begin with a dream about a treasure...
* Pinki pointed out that Santiago acquired everything because he wanted the treasure.
* Ekta countered that there would be other things that Santiago probably valued more than the money; and wouldn't regret taking on the journey (even if the treasure were not on the line).
* Pinki quoted Santiago: "I'm going to hate those who have found their treasure because I never found mine." This was to impress that he really wanted the treasure.
* Smita was of the opinion that only someone who has not felt the need for money can dismiss it.
* Mohit agreed that the role of the treasure could perhaps not be replaced by anything else.

• Could the story have been the same without being set in the desert?

* Ekta commented that Paulo wouldn't have been able to do justice to the story the way he did using the desert. More so because Egypt, desert and pyramids go perfectly with the myths about the treasures.
* Yash agreed that Paulo tried to capture nature's language in the book by staging it in the desert, where one would only have the sand and the wind to interpret.
* Mohit was of the opinion that as far as chasing dreams is concerned, even the ocean would be nice. The desert was symbolic of hardship... Paulo's message was that one has to struggle before one gets the rewards...
* Pinki believed that the story needs the desert since it fills it with the struggle, the heat, the sand, and isolation. It brings a learning experience for Santiago.


Important Matter of Concern:

• Proposed change in the reading plan
  

* Mohit proposed a change in the plan for the reading group. Since we aren't many people and since the current book is very deep, we'd possibly be better-off with a simpler book, in which we can find ourselves / our life.
* Ekta and Pinki agreed in principle and the three of them are in favour of discussing "A Long Way Down" after we complete this book.
* We'd like to know whether you are completely intent upon "Three Cups of Tea", or would like to follow the idea of a light-hearted book.
* Suggestions for other books are also welcome!

Originally posted by: pinkisluv91

Significant Incidents:

BluePandora introduced himself (pg. 54) and provided and excellent analysis of his readings.👏 Rainbow Warrior provided her excellent analysis. 👏 We decided to vote on what book to read, the book choices were "A Long Way Down" and "Three Cups of Tea". For now ,A Long Way Down seems to be our next venture. RW made a reading group badge. It was really appreciated by everyone.👏 We decided to institute member awards for each book. Smita introduced the Simplified Synopsis Challenge to which RW and Mohit replied impressively (they could be future poets) and Ekta and Smita came up with simplified summaries which were great. Pinki never did try but if she did it would be like Ekta's and Smita's ,since she isn't too creative especially with words.😆 Smitha80 introduced herself (pg. 53)
Smita wanted to know what everyone thought about Santima's love story.😛 Kezia(Ashrozia) introduced herself (pg. 62) as an avid vampire follower. Mohit and Ekta were super busy in recruiting new members. 😆 Mohit described Santiago's physical appearance so Pinki would fall for him(it didn't work) 😆 Pinki made a racist comment according to Mohit but he refused to argue since he can't argue with Pinki anymore. 😃. Smita and Mohit made Pinki happy (is that significant enough to add it to the list or am I rambling?) 😆 We rambled endlessly on vampires ,teen pyali chais and classical music 😛 Ekta came to a conclusion, that if she doesn't bribe some members she won't get to read "Three Cups of Tea". More endless rambling which is bound to continue until this CC is over, since we decided that when we start a our new book with a new CC. Ekta, Smita and Kezia discussed Telangana. Mohit averted a major war between Kezia and Pinki by playing classical music.
• The voting for the summary challenge has started, it will end sometime next week and results will be announced.
  

Matters Discussed:

RW reminded us of the similarity of the quote "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." And the dialogue "Kehte hai agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaaho toh poori kaynath tumhein usse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai."
• If the book was a bollywood movie, how many songs would be in the movie and where would they be placed?

Originally posted by: immunoblot

That is absolutely true... Santiago's quest was for things that money couldn't buy. But, it did begin with a dream about a treasure...
The reason I asked the question was because there is probably nothing in this world that religion deplores more than money... But money is what the world sways to, and hence Paulo wrote the story with something that the world could connect with... I mean, the book would probably classify as chick-lit, and not a modern classic, if the hero takes off on a journey to find the girl he truly fell in love with in a dream... And if the story ends with him getting true love, AND also the ability to communicate with the Soul of the World, what would be higher? The love or the ability??
The point being: Could Paulo have made a story without Santiago dreaming about the treasure?

I think, the contrast is deeper the way he wrote the book... A treasure was what he started for, but eventually he ended up with something that the treasure would pale in comparison to... that is the intended message and that is preserved...

Originally posted by: immunoblot

I remembered that there is a comment by Pinki and Smita ji that I had to replied to... this is the last thing that I do tonight...

Smita ji said it correctly. Mostly the poor believe in God with passion. The rich don't.
Most people who feel insecure/vulnerable search for an idea that God will serve justice and watch out for them. Most religious doctrines support this idea. And it is good, because if there is no hope in their lives, these people would not be able to live their lives.
Those who are already blessed with abundance, those people have already been served the justice, and thus look beyond the need for faith in God; and mostly they do well in life...

What trumps at the end is faith in oneself and a code of moral principles. (And, at least Hinduism recognizes unity of the individual with God; so believing yourself amounts to believing in God!)

Originally posted by: RainbowWarrior

There are various translations of the Quran available in English so I won't say there is any particular style.

Previously, the predominant translations were in old style English similar to what you might find in the Old testament, Bible. This translation is often coupled with detailed analysis and commentary by the author to further understand the meanings and context of the verses being translated.

Simplified and current English translations are readily available now, but since the Quran cannot be translated 100%, just interpreted, it is best to read the translations with the added analysis. The Quran is best understood in it's native original Arabic and there is no translation in any language that will be accurate to the t.

Originally posted by: RainbowWarrior

Brilliant summary Pinki / Mohit 👏

Looks like I missed most of it (well all of it really 😃)

It's not really my fav. line but I like it, and it made me laugh out loud the first time I read it, not because it was funny but it was just so familiar. Familiar from SRK of course 😛

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - Melchizedek, The King of Salem

In Hindi, 'Om Shaanti Om' dialogue:
"Kehte hai agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaaho toh poori kaynath tumhein usse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai"

I never watched that film in whole but it's the only line that stuck in my head, and now I know why. It stands out quite vividly in the book as well. To think, that the entire universe desires what you desire is perhaps every person's biggest dream; the hope for a helping force that is not limited to our own space but is beyond that and far greater.

But the important portion of the line I think is the first part "when you want something". When we want something, naturally we will work towards achieving it and if we do not do anything, it implies in most cases, that we don't want it badly enough. The King of Salem might peg it down to beginner's luck, but really it only work's for the people who get up and 'begin' their quests.

If you don't desire something, you never take the first step and nothing ever changes. But if you do, everything changes. The world around us reacts, changes and re-forms around the changes that we make in our lives, in our selves. Basically, when we decide to make a change, the world has no choice but to change in return to accommodate us. But the change, of course is never in our control, as we see with the case of the boy (who's name we are never told for some reason?!! 😊)

I also like thses...

"People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of." - Melchizedek, The King of Salem

"I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man." - Camel driver

"People become fascinated with pictures and words, and wind up forgetting the Language of the World." - The Alchemist

I think there is a universal language, but it's not necessarily one we all speak fluently.
a) The language we use before we learn to speak, with our mothers is one that all mother's of infants understand, even though we (and they) forget it once we start to talk.
b) Unspoken gestures convey more than words at times and these expressions are common the world over. A nod for 'yes' being the most common.
c) Animals are in tune with the language more than us. They live by the elements and with them, if not within them. My cats always know when there's a storm coming, even though they live indoors.

We, as humans, have our lives full off clutter and endless noise. Our senses have become too limited to hear or see the continuous communication that is going on around us. But there are day's when we may dream, sense or see things that change our decisions for that day and we put it down to coincidence, ESP or sixth sense. But what might be happening is that we are listening to the language for a change, but we forget it the next day (lost in an endless cycle of daily routines).

I'm not saying we will see omens/signs if we look hard enough, only that we can hear ourselves clearly when we listen more closely (minus the background noise please 😃) and pay attention to the reactions our actions create.

hmm... gone off quite a bit here.. END! 😃

Originally posted by: RainbowWarrior

Nice work Pinki 👏 (and rambling is a good thing 😉)



I forgot about this one! I'll tackle it now 😃

Firstly, the name of the film...

The Hindi cover of the book does not help much (see below)



The strap line reads "Apne Sapno Ko Saakaar Karne Ki Ek Andrajalik Kahani ", most folks (like me) won't know the meaning of 'Andrajalik' (Mohit, help?!), so can't use that.. need something simpler and yet silly like 'Dhund - The Fog'....

How about...
The Alchemist - Raigistan ke Dil se, Khazane ki khoj tak
The Alchemist - Follow your heart to the girl of your dreams 😛

Now, the songs...

Song 1: The Alchemist (title song)
The title song will play in the background in the opening credits similar to the film 'Aankhen' with Amitabh Bachan giving dialogues.

"AB: A dangerous adventure is about to begin..

Raigistan ke Dil se, Khazane ki khoj tak
The Alchemist, The Alchemist, The Alchemist

AB: Journey through dreams, with wind and sand..

Zindagi ki khoj se, Pyar ki jung tak
The Alchemist, The Alchemist, The Alchemist

AB: Speak to the earth, the world, the universe.. Agni-path, agni-path..
Oops! I mean The Alchemist, The Alchemist 😃


Song 2: Chal chala chal
A carefree happy song (before the journey begins) that Santiago sings on his travels with his sheep, running around trees, and chasing after merchant's daughters of various towns, he passes through.

"Chal chala chal, chal para mai, Akele hi, is raste par
Le jaye jahan bhi, hai mujhko nahi ab, koi bhi fikar

Bhair-bakri, mere saathi... urr chala mai, jaise pavan
Mera sapna, hai ek ladki, jo banaye mujhe, apna sajan

Chal chala chal, chal para mai, saari duniya, hai mera ghar
Mai jao jahan bhi, koi bhi rasta, lagta nahi mujhko darr"


Song 3: Kashmakash
A serious song that plays in the background while Santiago considers the words of the king of Salem, should he go forth on this treasure hunt?

"Kashmakash...
Kashmakash hai...
Kashmakash...
Kashmakash hai...

Kashmakash mai hai jo tu,
Yeh bhi sunta ja..
Hassil nahi koi,
Jisne koshish hi na ki
Manzil ko paoge kaise
Agar tum na aage bade..

Kashmakash hai...
Kashmakash...
Aaj tu hai.... ek kashmakash"


*Whew! hindi films have a lot of songs..* 😕


Song 4: Sheeshay ki Duniya
The song in the Crystal shop at the top of the hill, where our hero gives up his dream (almost) and turns to practicality.

"Sheeshay ke sapnay
Dekhe thay maine
Jo toote, to achha hua
Maine duniya ko bhaap liya

Sheeshay ke bartan
Baichay jo maine
Sapna naya hai mila
Maine Duniya ko paa liya

Sheeshay ke sapnay
Toote jo mere
Maine samajh liya
Sheeshay ki hai Duniya"


Song 5: Raigistan ka Dil
The desert song (duh!), plays in the background while Santiago treks through the sand. The song is a fast number, in complete contrast to the desert (that's hindi films for you 😊)

"Raigistan ka Dil
Raigistan ka Dil

Raith ka risna
Hawa ka chalna
Suno, suno awaaz ko....
Raigistan ka Dil, suno

Suraj ka ugna
Chand ka dhalna
Dekho, dekho is chakra ko...
Raigistan ka Dil, dekho

Raigistan ka Dil
Raigistan ka Dil, suno!
Raigistan ka Dil
Raigistan ka Dil, dekho!"


Song 6: Kab aaoge (question)
The love song, the song of seperation, the song of seperation in love, the song of love that's seperated, the seperated love song... you get the idea? 😉, borrowing heavily from Border 😊

"Urdtay chumman (flying kisses) aate hai, Woh pooche jaate hai
Ke ghar kab aaoge, Ghar kab aaoge
Tum bin, yeh Nakhlistaan (oasis) suna, suna hai"


Song 7: Mai aaonga (answer)
Santiago finds his treasure and sings with joy, once again borrowing heavily from Border 😊

"Mai wapas aaonga, Mai jald hi aaonga
Khazana le kar ke, mai is bahanay se
Nakhlistaan (oasis) mai ek ghar, banaoonga"


** THE END **


Hope you enjoyed that ⭐️

Originally posted by: immunoblot

I just realized that RW's Bollywood movie begins with a suitable title. Mine should too...
Since THE ALCHEMIST is already fixed, the strap-line must be suitably chosen... I remember a movie called: "Daag - The fire", so I propose the following, which are infinitely more sensible... (Though I wish, I'd have come up with the names that RW has invented.) *envy!

"The Alchemist - Ghode par sawaar"
"The Alchemist - Saazish aur khazana"
"The Alchemist - The conspiracy"
"The Alchemist - The oasis & palm trees"
"The Alchemist - People will buy anything"

Mohit's summary impressed everyone, thanks again for laying out the basic outline. Mohit's grammar also made everyone grammar cautious.Pinki discussed school and other totally irrelevant subjects with Smita and Mohit.Mohit shared an interesting epiphany (page 36); and revealed his neuroses (talking to himself, etc.). Ekta declared that she gets bored of seeing the same faces (Mohit and Pinki) again and again and so when Smita arrived she was really overjoyed.Ekta and Pinki discussed DPs, Asterix, Gauls... and were joined by Smita in deciding that books shouldn't be adapted to movies.Ekta said she would post her personal legend but ended up forgetting about it completely.Ekta, Smita, Pinki and Mohit discussed why people need God; and whether He is dispensable.Ekta, Pinki and Samia talked about beaches and beachwear.Smita caught a flu and Bella wasn't around. Both of them were sorely missed.Samia (page 44) and Yash (page 46) introduced themselves.
• RainbowWarrior joined the discussion and informed us all that the style of the book is may not necessarily reflect a translation of the Quran. She further added that the older translations of the Quran were in old English (much like the translations of the Old testament)...
  

• The role of the old man in the context of the book and in a hypothetical religious text

• Is there a universal language? Can we understand it/ learn it?

• Omens and superstitions

• Paulo's definition of the word alchemist

• Personal legends

• What would the story be without Santiago's quest for treasure? Would it still mean the same?

• Could the story have been the same without being set in the desert?

• Proposed change in the reading plan
  

Significant Incidents:

BluePandora introduced himself (pg. 54) and provided and excellent analysis of his readings.👏Rainbow Warrior provided her excellent analysis. 👏We decided to vote on what book to read, the book choices were "A Long Way Down" and "Three Cups of Tea". For now ,A Long Way Down seems to be our next venture.RW made a reading group badge. It was really appreciated by everyone.👏 We decided to institute member awards for each book. Smita introduced the Simplified Synopsis Challenge to which RW and Mohit replied impressively (they could be future poets) and Ekta and Smita came up with simplified summaries which were great. Pinki never did try but if she did it would be like Ekta's and Smita's ,since she isn't too creative especially with words.😆Smitha80 introduced herself (pg. 53)
Smita wanted to know what everyone thought about Santima's love story.😛Kezia(Ashrozia) introduced herself (pg. 62) as an avid vampire follower. Mohit and Ekta were super busy in recruiting new members. 😆Mohit described Santiago's physical appearance so Pinki would fall for him(it didn't work) 😆Pinki made a racist comment according to Mohit but he refused to argue since he can't argue with Pinki anymore. 😃.Smita and Mohit made Pinki happy (is that significant enough to add it to the list or am I rambling?) 😆We rambled endlessly on vampires ,teen pyali chais and classical music 😛Ekta came to a conclusion, that if she doesn't bribe some members she won't get to read "Three Cups of Tea". More endless rambling which is bound to continue until this CC is over, since we decided that when we start a our new book with a new CC. Ekta, Smita and Kezia discussed Telangana.Mohit averted a major war between Kezia and Pinki by playing classical music.
• The voting for the summary challenge has started, it will end sometime next week and results will be announced.
  

Matters Discussed:

RW reminded us of the similarity of the quote "And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." And the dialogue "Kehte hai agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaaho toh poori kaynath tumhein usse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai."
• If the book was a bollywood movie, how many songs would be in the movie and where would they be placed?