Publisher's Synopsis
In the historical novel, the main character is a disciple seeking knowledge of the Brahman, the Supreme Lord of the Upanishads. The story is set in ancient India and explores the deep spiritual teachings of this time.
The inciting incident occurs when the disciple poses a series of questions to his teacher about the nature of consciousness and existence. He asks who commands the mind to move towards its objects, who directs the life-force, and who controls speech, sight, and hearing. Through these questions, he seeks to understand the fundamental nature of reality. As the story progresses, the conflict rises as the disciple grapples with the answers to these questions. He learns that it is the Brahman who controls all aspects of existence, and that true knowledge of the Brahman is the key to immortality. This realization causes him to question his own understanding of the world and his place in it. The cause-and-effect relationship between the conflict and the main character's journey is explored in-depth over several paragraphs. As he delves deeper into the teachings of the Upanishads and gains a greater understanding of the Brahman, he becomes more devoted to his own Higher Self. The virtues declared in the sacred texts become manifest in him, and he gains strength from this knowledge. The climactic scene occurs when the Brahman appears before the Devas, or minor aspects of Deity, after winning a victory for them. The Devas become elated and think that they have achieved the victory on their own. However, the Brahman appears before them and reveals that it was through His power that they were victorious. Through this revelation, the Devas learn that they are only instruments in His hands and that their idea of glory and victory is based on ignorance. The story ends with the disciple gaining a deeper understanding of the Upanishads and becoming established in the eternal and highest abode of Brahman. Overall, "Kena" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the nature of consciousness, existence, and the divine. The historical setting adds depth and richness to the story, and the teachings of the Upanishads are presented in a way that is both accessible and profound. This is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, or ancient Indian culture.