CHENNAI: What can two writers, writing in different genres and of two completely different generations, have in common that can create a riveting evening? A lot, evidently, as Writer’s Cafe played host recently to authors Krishna Trilok (Sharikrida) and happiness coach AVIS Viswanathan (Fall Like a Rose Petal).
Krishna, the 23-year-old first time author, and AVIS, a happiness coach and author who is living his life to the fullest despite going through a bankruptcy, engaged in a chat about writing, spirituality, life and its purpose. Excerpts from the conversation follow…
Writing as a reaction to experience in life
Krishna: I think all writing is a sort of reaction to something that happens in life. I was terrible in school, and wasn’t very social, and I started writing as an escape from what I was going through. For a large part of my life not even my parents knew that I was writing — at least for the first eight years. It was only later, when I realised I’d like to make something out of it that I told my parents about it.
AVIS: Writing my book was less an escape and more of immersing myself in the experience that put myself and my family into such grief. You need to lose yourself and challenge yourself to a higher power. Without the experience, there is no learning, and I realised that I was merely an instrument – I was put through an experience so that it could open my eyes to life, and I could tell others about it!
Spirituality
Krishna: I do not touch upon religion in any way in my book, though I often hint at it in certain senses. But I did read a lot on spirituality when I was researching for my book. I find it interesting that people think that spirituality is something you only find at the end of your life. I think people don’t realise that it can be a part of your normal life from your youth itself, and we associate it with enlightenment that happens at the end of life, which can’t be any farther from the truth!
AVIS: Spirituality is not packaged properly which is why so many people misunderstand it. It is usually packaged with a ribbon of religion. Many people do not realise it has got nothing to do with religion but instead it’s connecting with your inner awareness. Spirituality is living life to the fullest without postponing anything and through the problems — be it job loss, an accident, a bankruptcy. It’s also deeply personal — your idea of spirituality might not be the same as others.
Finding your purpose in life/dealing with problems
Krishna: I ascribe to what my mother used to say: don’t try to be the best, but be the best that you can be. I strongly believe I can do what I want to, but it’s up to the universe to decide whether I can reap the fruit of that action or not. The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you. It’s comforting to know that it’s not in my hands anymore!
AVIS: Whatever the outcome may be, you have to cultivate the art of non-frustration. If you’re going through problems, you are not your problem! It’s similar to what I tell people — if you have a problem, think whether you can do something about it. If you can, then stop worrying, and if you can’t, then there’s no point in worrying anyway!