George Kottis

Follow the Wind of Your Soul George Kottis

This book deals with one of the major challenges facing people today: the search for a purpose in life beyond the trappings of daily routine and material wealth. The principal characters, an American woman from Washington D. C. and a Greek man from Athens, suffer devastating emotional blows which cause them existential crises and loss of purpose and direction. Separately, they travel to India seeking solace, spiritual guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives. Two parallel stories develop containing a series of surprising adventures and philosophical discoveries. Towards the end of the book the two travelers meet each other and gradually discover that they have enormous resources within themselves to deal with life's greatest critical moments. Although most of the story takes place in India, there are chapters evolving in America and Greece. The novel contains several sub-plots, interesting secondary characters, unexpected psychological situations, love scenes and lots of traveling and sightseeing through some of India's most exciting sites. It also includes many discussions on spiritual issues and on great sages, comments on the beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists, Parses, Sikhs and Jains, and a description of Theosophy and some of its protagonists. There are also discussions focusing on Indian astrology, readings based on Naandi leaves, Indian classical music and classical dances. To stimulate the reader's interest the discussions about spiritual issues and about holy men appear as dialogues, talks of Gurus to disciples, lectures, confidences during chance encounters etc. The book contains a glossary of Indian and other terms and a bibliography. The writing of this book took three years and is based on extensive traveling, researching, studying and talking to people. Many of the events, visits, discussions etc. are based on personal experiences of the author and his wife.