Food for thought in bite-sized portions
View(s):This masterly, self-help booklet by Rev. Dr. Victor Silva, Director of the Subodhi Institute of Integral Education at Piliyandala comes at a most opportune time where there is a drastic deterioration of healthy attitudes and values in every aspect of human lives.
I am reminded of a few lines in T.S. Eliot’s poem ‘The Waste Land’: “I think we are in rat’s alley / Where the dead men lost their bones”, implying the pathetic nature of modern man who is literally dead – emotionally and spiritually despite advancements in science, technology and acquisition of power, positions and material gain.
My association with Fr. Victor dates back to 1995, when I joined the academic staff of St. Joseph’s College. In March 1996 in the centenary year, Fr. Victor began to steer the ship of our alma mater imparting a holistic education to students and inspiring us to follow suit. Students and teachers eagerly looked forward to his ‘Thoughts for the Day’ in the mornings which served us as ‘bread for daily living’. Fr. Victor himself followed these value-laden reflections proving the old adage that “example is better than precept.”
His deep-rooted humanism with virtues of forgiveness, tolerance, empathy, resilience and that fine sense of humour are seen in the reflections.
Fr. Victor writes, “It is not always possible to be without pain; but it is possible to rejoice and be happy with all type of situations at all times.” Easier said than done, but how invigorating, encouraging and even comforting these words are, especially in these most trying circumstances. It is no exaggeration to say that throughout the book, there is optimism coupled with a realistic tone in relation to all the reflections. For example, he depicts love as a great source of energy, and goes on to elaborate in several reflections what the power of love is capable of. The spirit of sacrifice and sharing, gratitude, kindness, good deeds, optimism, liveliness in everyday living, leadership and service, true friendship, strength of character, forgiveness etc are indeed indispensible for life.
His views of human imperfections, criticism, a false sense of pride, procrastination, self-confidence, creativity and innovation, good manners, time management, prayerfulness, rest and relaxation, self-worth and independence, right direction and right effort, etc. give us amazingly wide scope for reassessment of our thoughts and attitudes.
‘Thoughts for the Day’ encapsulate 50 well planned reflections of many aspects of life itself. Dedicated to teachers and principals, he expects them to instil values into the youngsters ensuring quality education.
He presents his food for thought in bite-sized portions in his interesting and inimitable style with quotes and empirical inputs, interesting anecdotes and fables, generous pinches of wit and paradoxes complete with a few captivating pictures .
Fr. Victor implies that we will be promised of a better quality of life with improved social interactions with our brethren pleasing to God provided we all abide by these essential values and virtues.
| Book Facts | |
| ‘A Reflection or Two’ by Rev. Fr. Victor Silva. Reviewed by Dimuth Fernando |
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