A Village Called Me

Too many of us do not realise our full potential in life. Most talents are hidden, it seems, and even our striving to be a good person and contribute to our community often gets stymied by a lack of confidence. The great 19th century Indian spiritual master, Sri Ramakrishna, often referred to the mind as a mischievous monkey, and when a chimpish Mayor took over the reins of the village of Me he promptly threw a spanner in the works. Every positive idea the big-hearted elephant, Mawal, came up with to improve Me got the thumbs down, and it was only when Mawal dug deep within that she found the strength to overcome the spoiling monkey. In this allegory of the battle for supremacy between the heart and mind, our tubby heroine finds an ally in the soul, symbolised by a majestic swan. If you have ever practised meditation, or would like to learn, you should enjoy this book. Even so, you may learn something about your inner workings. Ultimately, Me’s battle for progress and success is a reminder that the mind needs the light of the heart and soul to become an enlightened servant of goodness.