Tenth Avatar by Dr. Kanchan Joshi

All the time that there is – past, present, future – is already here. We just interpret it linearly for our survival. There are multiple possible universes, and we create the universe we live in. Humans determine the outcome of Feynman’s probabilities and probability amplitude, and the force that we exert determines the outcome of events from the subatomic level up.

Tenth Avatar – The Plot

The above paragraph describes the book the best. We have two stories running in parallel to each other. On one hand, Hanuman is dealing with his existential crisis and waiting for the spiritual guide who will give meaning and direction to his life. And, on the other hand, Krish is trying to find the mathematical definition for existence.

According to Krish, the responsibility to make the world a better place to live exists with every individual. The goal is to make the individual realize the purpose of their life and the power that rests within them to exert the force which would collectively bring the change to do good and only good in the world. Evil can not reside if there is light and this light must be exuded by every single citizen of planet Earth.

For Krish, his goal in life and the power he can exert is simple – finding a mathematical definition for the theory he created and to prove that his theory would work in practice as well. While going through his purpose, he is pursued by the government and secret organizations who want to destroy his work forcing him to run for cover to India where he meets the love of his life. Once back to CalTech, his home university, he struggles with a mentally depressed wife, difficulties proving his research and his own inability to realize his potential.

The very arrow which shows Hanuman his path to realization is passed down to Krish through some cosmic interference to lead his way to the truth. How he achieves his peace and how he helps other people realize their potential forms the rest of the story. As you might have grasped by now, Krish is purportedly the Tenth Avatar.

Tenth Avatar – My Views

Tenth Avatar is ambitious. It makes some very good observations regarding the controversial decisions of Ram regarding his personal life.

When Sita was informed of Agnipariksha – “My husband has showed great love and respect for me by waging this great war and destroying Ravan, who dishonored me. I am the one and only woman in Ram’s life, and he is, and always will be, the only man in my life. He knows this well. But, nobody is above the law, especially not the ruler! And the population follows the actions, not the words, of their ruler!”

The spy informs Rama of what his citizens think after they return to Ayodhya and start ruling harmoniously – “These ungrateful people say that the king was so enamored by is wife, he accepted her even when she has lived in another man’s house for months! And because of the loose morals of the king, the entire population has a right to be lustful and indulgent.”

Rama says – “Economic prosperity is useless, even harmful, without moral and spiritual development. A king is like a father, and a queen like a mother. When parents see their child headed down the wrong path, they must take action. Our society is headed in the wrong direction and needs an urgent course correction. And, as the rulers, Sita and I have to bring them back, and if necessary, pay the price for such an action.”

On the unfair treatment being headed out to Sita when she gets exiled, Lakshman fumes with anger. When he says the people must be punished for their opinions, he is answered – “Punishing people for expressing their views, however false they may be, shall not be practiced …. we need the king here. Who will oversee the economic development? And who will guide the public along the right path? If the king leaves now, the economic engine will come to a halt, rebellion will spread everywhere, and there will be chaos.”

But, Tenth Avatar also deals in the abstract. Yoga has been used as a self-realizing potential but not many details about these yogic practices has been put forth.

“Hanuman was a natural leader. He spread yogic practices, created training centers, trained several disciples, and made spiritual pursuits part of everyone’s daily life. He advised his followers – The scriptures describe how to eat, drink, exercise, procreate, and enjoy life while not getting too attached to it, and maintaining a constant reminder of your true nature beyond the body. Create temples, festivals, and customs such that reminders of your true nature are intertwined with your daily life, and it becomes a way of living. This is the only way a balanced life and a balanced society will be created.”

“Enough theory, let’s get to the practical side of things ….. An experience is worth a thousand pictures so let’s start with that … Please sit up as straight as you can in your chairs. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and repeat the sound I make … The gist of the matter is that, if you felt something in the last few moments, you need to follow that experience and see where it takes you.”

Other things about the Tenth Avatar include the loose ends like where did the government and terrorist organizations who were attacking Krish in the start of the book disappear and what was he working on which was threatening enough because his realization to understand the reality of life started later on.

Overall, Tenth Avatar does leave us with an interesting premise that if we all started to realize our potential and start reaching for our goals, may be we can contribute to make world a better place. I am sure there is a lot to it but this is what I surmised from the book. May be your takeaway would be much more sophisticated!