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Language and Reality

The ancient song about the nature of reality, Shivoham Shivoham sung by Jakob Weise , with a video illustrating the world of the novel by V.J. Sam, Like Two Rivers.

“But Babaji“ , Gabriel yelled, “Why?!”. The ascetic yelled back over his shoulder. “You must choose, do you want the truth, or do you just want a story that can entertain you?”. Gabriel wished he was older. A rumble was heard from the other side of the valley, from the many peaks that towered in front of him. “But… what is the difference… can’t it just be… a true story?” he mumbled to himself. His eyes found the avalanche that, like a powdery track of a frozen tear on the still face of a god, crashed down through a gorge on one of the rocky slopes. “Watch carefully. That which you decide to call true will define who you become, so above everything, seek wisdom. With wisdom, you will find that which will not be changed by what you randomly decide to think or believe”, Babaji said quietly to the mountains. Only I heard both.


This novel, Like Two Rivers, describes our attempt to untangle the mystery created by the stories that are the currency of social exchange. There are the stories we inherit, the ones we fabricate, the ones we try to unearth. Then there are the narratives we censor, the ones we hide, the ones we proclaim, and the ones we tell ourselves.

Like Two Rivers, explores the effect that this often unconscious behaviour has on our individual lives, our beliefs, and the fate of humanity. But most importantly: what happens when we consciously approach what lies beyond words? For the characters struggling to be free of a convoluted, inherited narrative, their actions and words sprout unpredictable branches and knots, which either threaten to ensnare them the more they struggle or compel them to look beyond.




Translation of the song, where Shiva in this context is not a god, but the eternal consciousness.

The Six Stanzas of Salvation by Adi Shankaracharya

I am neither the mind, the intellect, nor the silent voice within; Neither the eyes, the ears, the nose, nor the mouth. I am not water, fire, earth, nor ether— I am Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I am not the life-force nor the vital airs; Not the seven components nor the five sheaths. I am not the tongue, hands, feet, nor organ of procreation— I am Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

Neither attachment nor aversion can touch me; Neither greed, delusion, pride, nor jealousy are mine at all. I am not duty, nor wealth, nor happiness— I am Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I have neither death, nor doubt, nor class distinction; Neither father nor mother, nor any birth at all. I am not the brother, the friend, the Master, nor the disciple— I am Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I am not virtue nor vice; not pain nor pleasure; I am neither temple nor holy word; not sacred fire nor the Vedas— I am Consciousness and Bliss. I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I am not detachment nor salvation, nor anything reached by the senses; I am beyond all thought I am everywhere, and nowhere at all— I am Consciousness and Bliss I am Shiva! I am Shiva!