Moving for Moksha by Alok Mishra – Book Review

What about illuminating the Soul? Do you even care to long for inner peace? In ancient days, inner peace used to be the top priority of sages, Munis, Mahatmas and Rishis along with the general public. However, with time, our priorities changed and we moved on the path of other pursuits. Recently, I came across a collection of poems Moving for Moksha by Alok Mishra, a notable Indian English poet and critic. In this poetry collection, the poet has tried to rekindle the supreme pursuit of mankind – being one with the One… seeking union with Parmatma or the most divine as believed in Hindu philosophy. Let’s dive into the content of the poetry collection and see what this is about – Moving for Moksha by Alok Mishra.

First of all, let me admit that Moving for Moksha by Alok Mishra is a captivating poetry collection. It is penned by the acclaimed English poet with rich symbolism and quality allusions that bring many things from ancient Hindu texts together to create an impactful version. In this anthology, Mishra invites readers on a profound journey of self-discovery, exploring the depths of the human soul and its quest for spiritual liberation. With his evocative verses and poignant imagery, Mishra delves into themes of love, introspection, and the eternal pursuit of inner peace. Moving for Moksha is a testament to the poet’s remarkable talent and his ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

There are a few key points about this short poetry collection that I would like to highlight.

1. The Power of Language and Symbolism:
Mishra’s mastery of language shines throughout the collection, as he weaves words into a tapestry of emotions and experiences. His use of vivid imagery and rich metaphors creates a sensory experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the essence of each poem. Mishra’s skilful manipulation of symbolism adds depth and layers of meaning to his work, enabling readers to unearth profound insights and connect with their own spiritual journeys.

2. A Quest for Spiritual Awakening:
Moving for Moksha takes readers on a transformative journey of spiritual exploration. Mishra delves into the universal themes of existence, the search for meaning, and the pursuit of inner peace. His poems resonate with the human longing for transcendence, offering glimpses into the essence of life’s experiences and the interconnectedness of all beings. Mishra’s introspective verses guide readers towards self-reflection, urging them to embark on their own paths to enlightenment.

3. Emotional Resonance and Authenticity:
The poems in this collection possess a raw emotional intensity that captures the complexities of the human condition. Mishra fearlessly delves into the depths of human emotions, baring his soul with honesty and vulnerability. Whether exploring themes of love, longing, or loss, Mishra’s verses evoke empathy and resonate with readers on a profound level. The authenticity of his voice allows readers to forge a genuine connection with the poet and his words.

4. Rhythmic Verses and Musicality:
Mishra’s poetic style embraces a musical quality, as his verses flow with rhythm and cadence. His use of alliteration, assonance, and carefully crafted line breaks creates a melodic reading experience. The musicality of his poetry adds an additional layer of beauty and enhances the emotional impact of the collection.

5. Balance of Light and Dark:
Moving for Moksha strikes a delicate balance between light and dark, hope and despair. Mishra skillfully juxtaposes moments of profound joy with those of intense introspection and sorrow. This interplay of emotions highlights the complexity of the human experience and offers a nuanced portrayal of the human psyche.

One also needs to keep in mind that this poetry collection is rather short. The length, usually a longer length becomes an issue, here becomes the downside of the poetry collection because it does not contain as much as a reader might have expected. Also, common readers, in some cases, might need to refer to various sources to be able to understand and grasp the depths of images and allusions used from the Hindu scriptures.

Conclusion:
In the end, it will be right to say, after carefully putting forth the facts one can find after reading the book, Moving for Moksha is a compelling and enlightening poetry collection that showcases Alok Mishra’s poetic prowess. Through his lyrical language, vivid imagery, and introspective verses, Mishra takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The collection’s emotional resonance, authenticity, and profound insights make it a remarkable addition to contemporary poetry. Moving for Moksha is a testament to Mishra’s ability to weave words into poetic tapestries that touch the depths of the soul, leaving readers inspired, enlightened, and moved. Have you read the book already? If not, you can get this poetry collection in Kindle format from Amazon India. The link to the collection is below.

Get a copy from Amazon India – click here

Review by BharatiyaSamikshak