A Life Transformed by Books

Give me a book and then I can changed my life and millions of people.

Books are the most miraculous creations in the world. They are nothing short of a Philosopher’s Stone, capable of transforming lives and elevating humanity.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar once said, “The ignorant worship stones, but the wise worship books.” This statement, profoundly true, underscores the immense value of books. When such words come from a towering intellect like Dr. Ambedkar, their significance multiplies manifold.

I must confess: all the good I have learned in life, every ounce of wisdom I possess, and the elevated state of my thinking are entirely due to books. Dr. Ambedkar’s book Buddha and His Dhamma changed my life, as did the works of great minds like Socrates, Confucius, Jesus Christ, and others who preached love and compassion. These books shaped me into a better person and a deeper think

I dream of a world where books bring the same joy and transformation to others. Every good person deserves the happiness that books can offer—they need only open this magic box and invite its light into their lives.

Ignorance: The Root of All Evil

Ignorance is the root of all suffering. It perpetuates anger, crime, dissatisfaction, and war. What we witness today—inequality, unrest, and violence—stems largely from a failure to teach and embrace the wisdom found in great books. If schools and colleges prioritized the teachings of Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, Kabir, and the universal principle of love, the world would be a far kinder and more peaceful place.

If someone were to ask me for one word that defines all religions, I would say: “Be good and do good.” This, in essence, is the message of Buddha. No ritual, no scripture, no deity can transcend this simple truth. This is the real worship of God, the essence of all true religion.

From Knowledge to Transformation

As Buddha said, no matter how many books you read or how many wise words you hear, they are meaningless unless you apply them in your life. Knowledge is the seed, and application is the fruit. Yet, how can people apply what they do not know?

There are two paths to acquiring knowledge:

1. Through meditation, as Buddha and Mahavira achieved enlightenment.

2. Through books, which is my preferred method.

Books are the gateways to understanding the great minds of history. For instance, Dr. Ambedkar’s Buddha and His Dhamma illuminated the teachings of Buddha for me. It gave me a profound understanding of life and its purpose.

Another transformative book I read was As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. It revealed a universal truth: We become what we think. Our thoughts shape our lives, and by cultivating positive, purposeful thoughts, anyone can live a happier and more fulfilling life.

The Treasure of Knowledge

The treasure of knowledge lies open before us, yet many of us choose to remain blind to it. I ask: Why endure unnecessary pain and suffering when a beautiful life is within reach? Books are a treasure accessible to all. As Buddha taught, following the Eightfold Path leads to ultimate happiness. Similarly, I believe that by reading great books and applying their lessons, anyone can attain peace, joy, and fulfillment.

A Vision for Spreading the Light of Books

To create a world enriched by books, we must first abandon the excuse of “no time.” If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time to grow. From my experience, the more you read, the more you feel compelled to share the light of knowledge with others. And as the saying goes, “The biggest charity is giving knowledge “

Imagine this: a person who reads a book shares its wisdom with three others, and those three people, in turn, share it with more. This chain reaction could educate millions, even those who cannot read in conventional ways.

The Role of Audiobooks

While nothing can replace the experience of holding a book, audiobooks are a powerful alternative. For those who are visually impaired or struggle with reading, audiobooks provide access to the same wealth of knowledge. In today’s world, where excellent books are available at affordable prices or even for free online, there are no excuses left. It’s time to stop complaining and start growing.

Conclusion

Books are the key to a better life and a better world. They hold the power to elevate individuals, transform societies, and make humanity flourish like a beautiful garden. As Buddha said, “An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

Let us open the treasure chest of books, embrace their wisdom, and share their light with others. By doing so, we can create a world filled with peace, happiness, and boundless opportunities. The path to greatness begins with a single step: pick up a book.