uring the holy month of Ramazan, Muslims worldwide are imbued with a profound sense of empathy, peace and faith. To deepen my spiritual journey, I recently delved into A Disciple: The Spiritual Path to Infinite Happiness by Feroze Dada, a captivating book chronicling a remarkable voyage with a universal appeal. Its pages overflow with insights and takeaways that encourage the reader to embrace the path of perennial wisdom. This book inspires us to yearn for something more divine in a world where material possessions often dominate our attention.

The book has two parts, each with a clear goal. The first part gives a brief and easy-to-understand explanation of what discipleship is, laying the groundwork for the ideas that will be discussed later on. The second part goes into more detail about the concepts and provides valuable knowledge about what it takes to be a genuine disciple. The author emphasises the significance of humility, surrender and commitment in the relationship between the mentor and the disciple. They also provide practical tips for developing these qualities.

The book offers an alternative perspective on life and its meaning. The author prompts readers to contemplate critical questions about faith and spirituality through meditation. Dada posits that we can establish a strong foundation for a more compassionate and empathetic future by cultivating a regular meditation practice.

Dada conveys his message in a refreshingly accessible style, eschewing any need for convoluted language or overly complex ideas. His writing is candid, drawing readers in with its engaging and relatable tone. The inclusion of allegorical stories, quotes from Rumi and the Sufi context add another layer of depth to the text, providing readers with rich insights and wisdom teachings that Dada has received over the course of his own journey.

As Dada points out, “The wise ones spoke in parables and metaphor because that is the form that penetrates and transcends our defences. We go to some deeper part of ourselves, non-linear and non-cerebral; this is what meditation is for.”

What makes the book exceptional is that it offers a compelling exploration of how meditation can unlock our potential and help us lead more fulfilling lives. It also has the power to effect transformational change in the world around us.

The book tells the story of Feroze Dada, who chose to give up his career and pursue spiritual enlightenment. Frustrated with his professional life, he experienced a chain of seemingly random events that altered his path. While talking to a client named Ustâd, Dada learned that Ustâd was a spiritual mentor.

Dada artfully conveys his message in a refreshingly accessible style, eschewing any need for convoluted language or overly complex ideas.

Ustâd shared with Dada a profound belief that they had been brothers in a previous incarnation. Moved by this spiritual connection, Ustâd offered to take Dada as his disciple, and Dada accepted the offer with gratitude.

Following his spiritual journey, Dada’s life took a serendipitous turn, with each event feeling like a deliberate arrangement that put him in the right place at the right time. During a family boat trip to Myanmar, they encountered a sudden storm and took refuge in a nearby monastery that happened to house numerous children orphaned by battles in the area. Dada saw an opportunity to help the monastery become self-sufficient by setting up a water-bottling plant. His efforts gave more than a thousand children the support and protection they needed to thrive under the monastery’s wings.

Dada had another chance encounter during his journey that led to an unexpected outcome. The monastery where he had sought refuge during a storm needed a doctor. By another stroke of luck, Dada happened to strike up a conversation with a woman at the airport who turned out to be a doctor. She agreed to provide medical care to the orphaned children at the monastery, adding another layer to the series of fortunate events that marked Dada’s journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Through his spiritual journey, Dada was led to various adventures, including a trip to Egypt, where he witnessed extraordinary visions and events. His travels also took him to Italy, where he met influential people who would change his life. Throughout his journey, he was guided by Ustad and the Spirit, who saw him as a willing and responsive foot soldier.

Dada candidly delves into the potential difficulties that may arise in a disciple-mentor relationship, such as feelings of scepticism or hesitation, and provides insightful strategies for navigating these challenges. He emphasises the crucial role of trust and vulnerability in cultivating a solid disciple-mentor connection. He encourages readers to approach their spiritual journey persistently and gently.

For those seeking divine inspiration and a sense of purpose, A Disciple by Feroze Dada is a must-read. The book highlights the loving role of the Spirit in guiding everyone’s lives, emphasising the importance of enlightenment, peace, and solace through deep breathing and meditation. With thoughtful and insightful exploration, the book offers a guide for personal growth and spiritual development.

A Disciple: The Spiritual Path to Infinite Happiness

Author: Feroze Dada

Publisher: Mensch Publishing, 2022

Pages: 208

The reviewer is a freelance journalist based in Karachi. She may be reached at sara.amj@hotmail.co.uk