The book is thus a reflection of my experiences as a medical doctor, a university student, a spiritual seeker and a young man who could never stop asking questions about why we are here, and what it really means to search for our deepest purpose.
On leaving school I had the opportunity to study modern science - especially physics, neuroscience and biology - yet I was also brought up a practicing Catholic, so there was a 'schism' in my own mind about how to view reality. Yet this was just one of many paradoxes I was brought up with.
What am I supposed to do with my life?
How can I live up to the expectations of my family and loved ones?
Why don't all the world's religions get along with each other?
Where does love fit into the picture?
What is the difference between someone who is just drifting through life, and someone who has really found their purpose?
These and many other questions kept haunting me.
One day I came across some of the teachings of the Buddhist tradition (known as Madhyamaka), and later I looked into Western theories of how we acquire our view of the world based on the language and concepts we inherit (such as relational frame theory and cognitive therapy). Gradually it became clear to me that finding one's purpose (including my own purpose!) was all about letting go - letting go of all the assumptions, stories and ideas that pull us away from simply being present and connected to who we really are.
The idea of writing a novel to express views about philosophy was partly inspired by Sophie's World, a brilliant exposition of Western philosophy to a young girl called Sophie. It seemed a good way for readers to build a connection with the subject, and evolved after quite a few failed attempts to explain these ideas to my parents and friends. I acknowledge that many readers may not be all that interested in the philosophical/spiritual context of the book (as one member of the local writer's group stated - 'I'm more interested in whether he gets the girl at the end!')... so I hope it also comes across as a readable and entertaining yarn. But not just a yarn; a yarn with a message.
For those who are interested in reading the book, I sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!
