First impression

ACCORDING to the author, a simple tale or myth told at the right time could have an effect on the lives of others, it could transform that life and bring order to its chaotic existence. It becomes evident that myths contain the keys to the deeper structures of the psyche. It is these myths that Rashna Imhasly- Gandhy has been using and working with for her clients. Imhasly- Gandhy has put together her experiences in this book and suggests that all the themes of love and life that man continuously plays and replays have occurred before. She has used them in therapeutic practice successfully and is convinced that a lot of these myths are relevant to modern man and the crises that their partners face.

In an interesting manner, Gandhy puts together her work in three parts. Book one deals with the workings of the mind according to the western psychological process, book two introduces the transpersonal paradigm whereas book three alters some of the terminology used to make it relevant to the eastern psyche. Gandhy makes an interesting observation here where she compares the Indian myths to Greek ones. Indian myths, she states, allow one to show us as way out by transcending the external conflicts whereas Greek myths often have no resolution of the perpetual drama of life.

The Psychology of Love: Wisdom of Indian Mythology, Rashna Imhasly-Gandhy, Namita Gokhale editions, Rs. 350.

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CAN you imagine Mumbai without the panwalla, the fisherwoman, the pattiwala or the ever present dabbawalla who works with a precision that would even put an MNC to share? Mumbai the teeming metro, that feels all roads are paved with gold for those who dare. How many of us can even visualise this city except for its ridiculously tall buildings where people are crammed in tiny rooms? Mumbai means many things to many people but there are some people that make for the very basics of this city despite the onslaught of modernisation. The kamatis, the channawalla, flower vendors and the local priests who go from shop to shop or house to house asking for those who seek the lord's blessings. Even today the bhist (water carrier) is a common enough sight through the bylanes of Mumbai. All these characters have been captured in black and white sketches compiled into a book. "Life in Mumbai" is the artists tribute to his city. It has also been used as an efficient and interesting introduction to some western nations as the what Mumbai is all about, besides the cars, Bollywood, the glitter of the lights and its umpteen millions.

Life in Mumbai, Vasoo B. Dholekar, English Edition, Rs. 495.

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SHE says very often our expectations of what God is can ruin it all for us. She's also into demolishing everyday ideas and myths that we must all be led by the hands. Julia Cameron goes all out to destroy a few of those hard-held myths and notions on how to find God and then finally stay put there. But what I cannot fathom for the life of me is why on earth is she out to deconstruct each individual's very private notion of how they would like to find their Gods, clay feet and all? Sure, God is no "laughing matter" and sure we've all got our own way of discovering who or what may constitute this term on earth or in heaven. So do we need a Julia Cameron to tell us what big fools we are to follow a faith, a clergy or a lone dissenter who thinks he's the way to salvation? May be a Cameron is valid in the west where searching for God is suddenly very fashionable. It could be any religion, any icon but you've got to have faith. So what's Cameron's poison?

The trick, as she writes, is to treat God like a blind date and who knows how he may turn up in your life. He could be in the shape of a blonde sublime, or a handsome hunk or in the shape of Mom or Dad or a friend or even a ratty colleague. God after all does have these amazing powers to show himself to you through some of the most unexpected apparitions. But give the devil its due, Cameron attacks the defenders of faith who vehemently protest in the name of the lord and try and act as the moral conscience keepers of the world. Her word of caution here is welcome. Beware of those who try and act too moralistic. Who are they after all to tell you what is right or wrong?

God is No Laughing Matter,

Julia Cameron, Pan, £ 9.99.

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MATHEMATICAL puzzles? Brain teasers, number crunchers? This little book by Rowland Morgan is an absolute delight to any child interested in the numbers game. Filled with a number of mathematical puzzles, these questions test your mental reflexes and speed of calculating by putting you in an everyday kind of situation. You might read about a knight and how he needs to find out how tall he is with his horse as compared to his competitor or then you could be put in the place of a little boy living in the future coping with the bizzare but possible spectre of drought. The time limits set for the calculations vary as per the problems and though it may involve only addition, subtraction, multiplication or division they are a tricky lot. Promises to be a lot of fun and full of challenges for 10 to 14-year-olds.

Coupled with this is Scholastic's Around the World in 80 Puzzles, where children in the age group five to nine can unite the states, travel places or make travel plans all over the world. Though a series of puzzles, fill-in-theblanks and crosswords they get to learn about their geography and history. A must for all kids this summer.

Absolutely Mental, Rowland Morgan, Macmillan, £ 2.99.

Around the World in 80 Puzzles, Scholastic, $6.95.

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