Dear subscribers,
I am pleased to bring you an update on my new poetry book. Initially, I shared the proposed book cover in a previous post; however, my publisher suggested a comprehensive revision, leading to the updated content and the inclusion of the proposed book cover image.
I want to acknowledge that a significant portion of this content was generated using artificial intelligence. Please accept my advance apologies if any segment appears less coherent, though the majority of this post does maintain clarity.
The title of the book, "The Light of Asia", is a reference to the Buddha. Now, in the realm of Buddhism, I have gained insights from notable figures in the West, including Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. I also want to make a mention of the blog posts of one Atanu Dey. Although I was initially somewhat intrigued by his posts, I later came to believe that his blog posts are very problematic. It is essential for him, in my opinion, to address certain posts that, in my opinion, lack linguistic precision or connection with reality. In this matter, he shares an awful lot with Wendy Doniger, whose problematic characterizations have also been roundly criticized.
For instance, Dey has articulated concerns regarding Islam, expressing discomfort with individuals who follow this faith. His viewpoint raises questions about the compatibility of reasoned discourse. In a specific statement, he mentioned, "I don’t have any problem with anyone following Islam. My problem is that faithful Muslims consider it their religious duty to either convert me or to kill me." This is a really bizarre thing to say. In another specific statement, he mentioned that he considers Islam to be a "death cult". While one can criticize Islam in many ways (and I should mention that I have made it my policy to never discuss Islam as such in public forms to any significant level of detail), one cannot really call it a death cult. There are important differences between death cults and Islam, as any historian would acknowledge.
It is imperative to approach Internet discussions on religions with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding religious ideologies. While acknowledging differences in belief systems, it is essential to foster conversations that encourage intellectual engagement, respect, and tolerance. In this context, Dey's characterization of Islam as a "death cult" prompts reflection on the importance of employing precise language in discussions concerning historical and religious matters.
While diverse perspectives exist, promoting a more accurate and nuanced dialogue enhances the quality of discourse. It is unimportant that he acknowledges me or my perspective. In fact, when I tried to make some comments about it, he actually threatened some sort of legal action. The whole episode was shocking when all I really wanted to do was to bring to his attention the lack of linguistic precision in his blog posts. The only response I ever got from him when I tried to engage him earlier was his accusation that it was me who had the problem. I don't know what to even say. Here are his exact words, written as a response to one of his commenters.
"I don’t have any problem with anyone following Islam. My problem is that faithful Muslims consider it their religious duty to either convert me or to kill me. If you don’t understand why this is a problem for me, I am afraid that you are not a person who can be reasoned with. Actually, if you could be reasoned with, you would not be a follower of an Arab death cult. You would reject the inhumane ideology of Islam and if not become an atheist, at least you would adopt a peaceful religion like Buddhism, Jainism or Hinduism."
I visited Malaysia, not once but twice. At no point of time did anyone try to do the "convert to my religion or die" thing. When I read those words, I was unsure whether to laugh or to sit down and compose a reasoned response to Atanu. I don't think he even has any idea how laughable his posts sound. I don't want to spend any more of my time trying to reason with him, in any case.
I try to spend as little time on the Internet as possible and I consider Atanu Dey & Reuben Abraham small fry in the right wing world, in any case. I have posted some critiques of the ideas of Gary Becker and Richard Posner as a series of posts elsewhere in this blog. I prefer to discuss things with professors directly via email or, sometimes, Facebook.
Je trouve étrange de penser que, sachant que les décisions de la Cour suprême de l'Inde porteraient sur les conseils d'administration du Waqf, par exemple, quelqu'un puisse encore penser que l'Islam est un culte de la mort. I just find it strange to think that when we know that the Supreme Court of India's rulings would deal with Waqf Boards, for instance, somebody would still think that Islam is a death cult. Again, this sort of stuff just hurts my brain to think that somebody wouldn't realize the folly of making these sorts of posts.
Any way, thank you for your continued support and engagement with my content. See you all on Facebook!
Best Regards,
Anand Manikutty
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[UPDATE: update of June 30, 2023 - redid the whole post using our A.I. Here it is below.
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We are thrilled to announce the release of "The Light of Asia," a captivating collection of poetry by Anand Manikutty, to be made available on Kindle! Embark on a wonderful journey through India's monuments and experience the radiant beauty of this poetic exploration.
In "The Light of Asia," Anadn Manikutty artfully weaves together words and imagery to illuminate the timeless monuments of South Asia. Drawing inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of the region, each poem is a gem. Some of them are true gateways to self-discovery, inner peace, and enlightenment.
Journey through the sacred landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Bengal and beyond as the poet delves into the heart of this ancient and beautifully decorated land. From the tranquil lake palace at Udaipur to the bustling streets of Varanasi, these verses transport readers to a realm where ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities intertwine.
"The Light of Asia" invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of these ancient monuments, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. It celebrates the light within each of us and encourages us to find our own paths to illumination.
Delicate haikus, lyrical verses, and poignant reflections blend seamlessly in this poetic tapestry, offering glimpses of profound truths and inviting readers to contemplate life's mysteries. Each poem is a flickering candle that guides us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
To embark on this soul-stirring journey through the wisdom of Asia, get your copy of "The Light of Asia" now available on Kindle at [the following link].
Join [Anand Manikutty] in this poetic exploration of Eastern spirituality and let the verses of "The Light of Asia" inspire and uplift your soul. Together, let us illuminate the path to inner peace and wisdom.
Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and future projects from [Anand Manikutty]. Thank you for your support!
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