Shruti Arora is a software professional with extensive experience, having worked in various multinational corporations across India and the USA. Despite a successful career, she felt a deeper inner calling and decided to embark on a spiritual journey. Her path has been profoundly influenced by her upbringing in a close-knit joint family, where she experienced the warmth of togetherness and the deep impacts of loss. Growing up, Shruti faced the loss of several close family members, witnessing firsthand the cycle of grief and resilience. These experiences instilled in her a deep understanding of life’s impermanence and the strength found in spiritual beliefs. Her book deeply reflects her spiritual journey, offering insights and reflections shaped by her personal experiences.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write “Modern Souls On Eternal Path”?
Shruti Arora: “Modern Souls on Eternal Path” was born from my own quest for meaning and purpose. As I navigated the complexities of life, I found myself drawn to ancient spiritual wisdom. I realized that many others, like me, were seeking balance between tradition and modernity. I wanted to craft a narrative that would explore the human condition, bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life and inspire self-reflection and growth.
Through Ishant’s transformative journey, I aimed to create a relatable and thought-provoking tale that invites readers to reflect on their own paths.
The book is an invitation to explore the eternal questions:
• Who am I?
• What is my purpose?
• How can I find inner peace?
The Literature Times: Can you tell us about your own spiritual journey and how it influenced the themes in your book?
Shruti Arora: My spiritual journey has been a transformative and ongoing process. Growing up, I was fascinated by philosophical questions about existence, purpose, and the human condition. As I navigated life’s challenges, I found solace in spirituality, particularly Vedanta and Yoga.
Through meditation, self-reflection, and exposure to various spiritual texts, I began to grasp the impermanence of life and the importance of living in the present. My experiences with nature, relationships, and personal struggles also deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
These insights heavily influenced the themes in “Modern Souls on Eternal Path”. I explored the quest for meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world and the struggle to balance inner peace with external expectations.
Ishant’s journey in the book mirrors my own struggles and triumphs. His transformative experiences, though fictional, reflect the universal quest for self-discovery and spiritual growth.
The Literature Times: How did your experiences with grief shape Ishant’s character and his transformation throughout the story?
Shruti Arora: My experiences with grief profoundly influenced Ishant’s character development and transformation. Having navigated personal losses, I understood the intensity of emotional pain and the quest for meaning that often follows. Ishant’s journey mirrors this process.
Grief taught me that transformation often arises from the depths of suffering. Ishant’s story reflects this, demonstrating how:
1. Loss can awaken purpose.
2. Pain can foster empathy and compassion.
3. Healing requires patience, self-awareness, and support.
By infusing Ishant’s character with my own experiences, I aimed to create a relatable and authentic portrayal of grief’s transformative potential.
The Literature Times: Why did you choose to incorporate teachings from diverse spiritual traditions like Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism in your narrative?
Shruti Arora: I chose to incorporate teachings from diverse spiritual traditions like Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism to reflect the rich spiritual tapestry of India. Drawing from various traditions allowed me to showcase the country’s diverse philosophical heritage. It also helped in creating a universal narrative.
By weaving together threads from different faiths, I aimed to highlight the shared human experiences and spiritual quest that transcend sectarian boundaries.
Also, Ishant’s spiritual journey and exploration of multiple traditions mirrors the modern seeker’s tendency to draw wisdom from various sources.
Exploring commonalities and complementarities by juggling concepts like Advaita Vedanta, Guru Nanak’s teachings, and Buddhist mindfulness, I highlighted the shared goals of spiritual growth and self-realization.
Almost all the traditions offer unique perspectives on the nature of the self, the path to liberation and the importance of mindfulness and compassion. By integrating these teachings, I aimed to celebrate the diversity of spiritual expression while highlighting the shared human quest for meaning and connection.
The Literature Times: What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book for you?
Shruti Arora: Writing the book was a deeply personal and transformative experience. The most challenging aspects were:
1. Confronting personal emotions: Exploring themes of grief, loss, and self-discovery forced me to confront my own emotions and vulnerabilities.
2. Balancing philosophy and narrative: Integrating complex spiritual concepts into Ishant’s story required careful pacing and attention to detail.
3. Maintaining authenticity: Drawing from diverse spiritual traditions demanded cultural sensitivity, respect, and accuracy.
4. Crafting a compelling narrative: Weaving together multiple threads of philosophy, spirituality, and personal growth into a cohesive and engaging story.
The Literature Times: Can you describe the significance of the Gurukul setting in Ishant’s journey?
Shruti Arora: The Gurukul setting in book allows Ishant to reconnect with his roots to explore ancient wisdom. It symbolizes return to simplicity and authenticity from the materialistic modern world. Gurukul can be seen as a metaphor for a sanctuary for spiritual exploration that acts as a catalyst for Ishant’s transformation. It is a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and a bridge between past and present that testifies the power of mentorship and community.
The Literature Times: How do you hope readers will relate to Ishant’s struggles and revelations?
Shruti Arora: I hope readers will deeply resonate with Ishant’s struggles and revelations, recognizing aspects of their own journeys in his story. His quest for meaning and purpose, grappling with loss and grief, and navigating the tension between tradition and modernity are universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries.
As readers embark on Ishant’s transformative journey, I envision them reflecting on their own experiences, confronting fears and insecurities, and re-evaluating priorities and values.
By sharing this story, I strive to create a community where readers feel less alone in their struggles and more inspired to embark on their own spiritual quests.
The Literature Times: What role do you believe storytelling plays in spiritual awakening and self-discovery?
Shruti Arora: Storytelling plays a profound role in spiritual awakening and self-discovery. It fosters connection, reflection, and guidance, conveying ancient wisdom and spiritual teachings. Through stories, we integrate experiences, emotions, and lessons, cultivating self-awareness and personal growth. By sharing stories, we bridge gaps between individuals, unite in shared humanity, and ignite a spark within ourselves and others, illuminating the path to spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
The Literature Times: How has your background in IT influenced your writing process and themes?
Shruti Arora: My background in IT has significantly influenced my writing process and themes, imparting valuable skills and perspectives.
IT trained me to break down complex concepts into clear, concise language, enhancing clarity in my writing. It honed my ability to dissect and analyze complex systems, now applied to character development and plot structures. I approached challenges systematically, benefiting plot resolution and character growth.
The Literature Times: What message do you hope readers take away from “Modern Souls On Eternal Path”?
Shruti Arora: I hope readers take away:
“True peace and purpose lie within. Embrace your uniqueness, let go of fear and expectations, and trust the journey. Spirituality is a personal, evolving path, not a destination.”
The aim of this book is to make readers less alone in their struggles, more connected to themselves and others and inspired to embark on their own spiritual journey.
