A very brief and simultaneously insightful look into the history, politics, religion, poetry, and spirituality of India.

At times, I would find myself getting bored and slowing down in certain sections. However, upon reflection, Paz truly painted this place with a well-educated and unique sense of vision.

His work offers a musical, colorful, and fresh way to read about India. It is as if he has composed a symphony of words that bring the diverse aspects of this ancient land to life.

The history unfolds like a beautiful melody, with each note representing a significant event or era. The politics are presented in a vivid and engaging manner, allowing the reader to understand the complex power dynamics at play.

The exploration of religion and spirituality is both profound and thought-provoking, inviting the reader to delve deeper into the mysteries of the human soul. And the poetry! Oh, the poetry! It is like a burst of colors that add a touch of magic to the entire narrative.

Overall, Paz's work is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of India and its rich cultural heritage.

I've read a little of Paz's works. However, I had no inkling that he served as Mexico's ambassador to India for a full six years.

This discovery serves as a wonderful introduction for someone like me, who has very limited knowledge about this particular area.

I firmly believe that this account is just about as excellent as one could hope for when attempting to cover a population of a billion people and a history spanning ten thousand years.

It provides a valuable insight into a region that is both rich in culture and history.

Although I have only scratched the surface, I am eager to learn more about this fascinating area and the role that Paz played during his tenure as ambassador.

Perhaps this newfound knowledge will inspire me to explore further and gain a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse world that we live in.

Oh dear Octavio:

You are truly one of a kind. In this vast and diverse world, your individuality shines through like a bright star. There is something about you that sets you apart from everyone else. Your charm, your personality, and your way of looking at things are all unique to you. You have a special quality that makes people drawn to you and want to be around you. Whether it's your kind heart, your infectious smile, or your brilliant mind, you have a way of making a lasting impression on those who meet you. You are a rare gem, and I feel so lucky to know you. Keep being the wonderful and unique person that you are, and never change for anyone.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

I just finished reading this book after coming back from a month-long trip to India. The Mexican poet who wrote this book truly has a deep love and understanding of the country. At least, he tries his best to understand it. After all, India is a huge subcontinent, and even Indians themselves sometimes have a hard time navigating through its complexity.

This book serves as a great primer on Indian history, its various cities, and the unique modus operandi of the Indian people. It provides valuable insights into the rich and diverse culture of India, which is a melting pot of different religions, languages, and traditions.

Reading this book has made me appreciate India even more and has given me a better understanding of its people and their way of life. It has also inspired me to explore more of this amazing country in the future.

If reading is traveling, then this book is a magnificent journey to India, guided by the astute and erudite gaze of Octavio Paz. It is a mystical, political, historical, and religious journey, where one learns as much about gastronomy as about mythology and sexuality. Moreover, it is a comparative journey, a method through which the work rises and dazzles the reader. The insights into the meaning of time, freedom, and liberation/redemption in the Indian cosmogony compared to the Chinese and Western ones are delicious and engaging.

The author's exploration of India is not only a description of its various aspects but also a profound analysis that reveals the unique essence of this ancient civilization. Through his words, we can envision the vibrant colors, the rich aromas, and the diverse cultures that make up India. We can also understand the complex relationships between its people, its history, and its beliefs.

This book is not just a travelogue but a literary masterpiece that offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. It invites us to open our minds, expand our horizons, and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Whether you are interested in India or simply in exploring different cultures and ideas, this book is sure to captivate and delight you.

I was gifted this book by one of my friends from Mexico.

I initially thought that the author would vividly account for his experiences of living in India. However, to my disappointment, that's not what the book is about.

Rather, the author has delved into so many diverse topics such as history, politics, and religion. Mind you, these are highly sensitive topics, and without being supported by strong evidence, they mean very little.

In this book, many of the statements related to the politics of religion are controversial and one-sided. Moreover, the book lacks a clear focus.

The author has indeed tried his best to balance the discussion of different religions and has put forth arguments to confront some of the text. Yet, he completely ignores the aspect of faith.

If one attempts to find logic in faith, one has to be much more considerate.

Nevertheless, I did like the chapter where the author discusses time. It was quite interesting and thought-provoking.

Overall, this book has its pros and cons, but it could have been much better had the author focused more on his personal experiences and been more objective in his treatment of sensitive topics.

Octavio Paz had a remarkable period in his life when he served as the Mexican Ambassador to India.

This tenure led to the creation of this book of essays.

Some of the essays within vividly mirror his experiences during his time in India.

However, there is another set of essays that lean more towards an academic nature.

When Paz delves into writing about his own personal experiences, his writing takes on a lyrical and poetic quality.

It is as if he is painting a beautiful picture with his words.

On the contrary, his other essays are unexpectedly dry.

This came as a rather surprising aspect to me.

I found these dry essays far less enjoyable compared to the ones that were more lyrical.

Overall, the book presents a diverse range of Paz's writing styles and perspectives, making it an interesting read despite the differences in the quality of the essays.

02/28/2022
Three years ago, when the thought of visiting India for a wedding crossed my mind, this essay collection became an important read for me. It was a remarkable piece of work that managed to be both compact and grandiose simultaneously. Each paragraph seemed to distill years of knowledge into poetic and beautiful sentences. Maybe it was the novelty effect at play, or perhaps the books I read later countered the idea that India and its politics and religions could be presented in an easily digestible way. But now, this book doesn't hold the same sway and esteem it once did. However, the sections on poetry and the author's tales of his sojourns around the country still remain utterly mesmerizing. In fact, these should be the main reasons for anyone to give this book a try.

01/29/2019

\\tPROOF
\\tHer skin, saffron toasted in the sun,
\\teyes darting like a gazelle.
\\t—That god who made her, how could he
\\thave let her go? Was he blind?
\\t—This wonder is not the result of blindness:
\\tshe is a woman, and a sinuous vine.
\\tThe Buddha’s doctrine thus is proved:
\\tnothing in this world was created.

This book is truly an absolute gem. It is a tour de force, a half-commentary-half-poetry breakdown of Indian politics, history, religion, and society. There were entire chapters where I couldn't help but smile, simply out of sheer appreciation for the talent and breadth of knowledge that went into creating such a beautiful book. India is a concept, an idea that is unfamiliar and indescribable from a Western point of view. It seems to take a poet to point out all the necessary information to understand a culture, a philosophy, or a religion. To show where to shine the light and how to look at something so far beyond what one is used to. In doing so, I feel that I learned just as much about my own Western roots while reading this book as I did about the Indian subcontinent. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone interested in India or in exploring different cultures and ideas.

I have a deep affection for this particular perception of India as seen through the eyes of a foreigner. It is a vision that transcends the common stereotypes of snake charmers and is not muddled by the senseless mysticism often associated with the so-called "mysterious East".

Paz appears to be an individual who has truly grasped the essence of India. For, in the end, India is more than just a physical place; it is a concept. It embodies a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and ideas that have evolved over thousands of years.

O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!

- Robert Burns

Just as Robert Burns wished for the power to see ourselves as others do, we too can gain a better understanding of India by looking at it through the eyes of those from outside. This allows us to break free from our own preconceived notions and biases and truly appreciate the complexity and beauty of this remarkable country.

This book is indeed poetry in prose. Octavio Paz, a renowned Mexican poet, Nobel Laureate, and former ambassador to India, delves into the rich tapestry of India's history, philosophy, poetry, and culture with remarkable grace and felicity. Paz is an erudite scholar whose knowledge and depth of analysis are truly staggering. His understanding is informed by the common experience of colonialism that both Mexico and India endured, which liberates the book from the standard Western tropes that often shape the global perception of India.

Paz explores a wide range of subjects with brilliant originality. His analysis of Sanskrit poetry is particularly engaging, as is his exploration of the erotic in Indian philosophy. His study of the conception of time in Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Christian cosmologies and its rupture by the modern idea of linear progress is also fascinating. Additionally, his comparison of the colonial experiences of India and Mexico provides valuable insights.

For example, consider his comparative exposition on the meaning of time in different philosophies. In Hinduism, time has no meaning other than its obliteration by total Being, as Krishna tells Arjuna. This explains the lack of a historical consciousness among Hindus. In contrast, for the Chinese, perfection lies in the past. The dawn of civilization is also its noon, and the imitation of the ancients is the path to knowledge and virtuous government. Among the Muslims, history is a chronicle, and civilizations are subject to the laws of birth and death, but they contain a timeless element in religion.

In Light of India is not an easy read, as Paz packs a great deal of profound thought into less than 200 pages. However, there is much to be learned from this book, not only about India and the world but also about the effective use of language. Paz shows how the right combination of words can elevate a text from knowledge to wisdom. He truly reveals himself as a first-rate poet even in this collection of reflective essays. Highly recommended!

Returning to India will be the best part of the adventure!

India is a land of rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant colors. The moment you set foot on its soil, you are greeted with a sensory overload that is both overwhelming and exhilarating.

From the majestic Taj Mahal to the bustling streets of Mumbai, there is something for everyone in India. You can explore ancient forts and palaces, sample delicious cuisine, or simply soak up the sun on a beautiful beach.

But it's not just the tourist attractions that make India special. It's the people. The Indians are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people you will ever meet. They will welcome you into their homes, share their stories with you, and make you feel like a part of their family.

So, if you're looking for an adventure that will change your life, look no further than India. Returning to this amazing country will be an experience you will never forget.

Octavio Paz is truly great.

He is an outstanding observer with a keen eye for the details of life and the human condition. His works are a reflection of his deep understanding and profound insights.

Through his poetry, essays, and other literary forms, he explores a wide range of themes, from love and loss to the meaning of existence.

Paz's writing is not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally moving. It has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers and inspire them to think deeply about the world around them.

His contributions to literature and culture are significant, and his works will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come.

Octavio Paz is a literary giant whose influence will always be felt in the world of literature and beyond.