Samir Shukla
Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji
Author: A.P.J Abdul Kalam with Arun Tiwari
(HarperCollins India)
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam passed away in late July. Transcendence is the final book written by Dr. Kalam, the eleventh President of India and a brilliant, pioneering scientist. It is co-authored by Professor Arun Tiwari. The book describes Dr. Kalam’s spiritual experiences with and reflections on Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Sanstha. Dr. Kalam recounts the spiritual transformation he experienced during his fourteen-year association with Pramukh Swami. Dr. Kalam is also enamored with Pramukh Swami’s leadership skills, which has helped build the BAPS organization and many temples around the world.
Throughout the book, Dr. Kalam quotes and analyzes religious books, philosophers, scientists, and leaders into a philosophical tome that expands his thoughts and work to better India and serve humanity. The focal point of course is Pramukh Swami.
Dr. Kalam writes that he saw in Pramukh Swami “a true embodiment of transcendence,” and he and co-author Tiwari decided to title the book to reflect this belief. A month after this book was published Dr. Kalam died of cardiac arrest on July 27, 2015 at the age of 83, but was able to gift copies of the book to Pramukh Swami upon its release.
Dr. Kalam’s deep respect for Pramukh Swami is explored throughout the book. Both men enjoyed a close friendship and mutual admiration over a period of many years.
Dr. Kalam writes that the first meeting between him and Pramukh Swami took place on June 30, 2001 in New Delhi. He was instantly drawn to Pramukh Swami’s simplicity and spiritual calmness. In fact, he writes about feeling being in the presence of the Divine when he met Pramukh Swami. Later, he elaborates about the incident that inspired him to write the book. He met with Pramukh Swami after the terrorist attack on the Akshardham, Gandhinagar complex in September 2002. Dr. Kalam was moved by Pramukh Swami’s calm spirituality in the aftermath of the attack.
Dr. Kalam writes that he resolved to write the book in 2005 during the inauguration of the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. Clearly inspired by Pramukh Swami, he also speaks highly of BAPS organization and its works.
Transcendence comprises thirty-two chapters, equally divided into four sections. In the first part, Dr. Kalam writes about spiritual experiences and connections with Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In the second part he delves into the notable and charitable works of BAPS sanstha.
In the third part, Dr. Kalam elaborates on his own ideas and writes eloquently about the fusion between science and spirituality. It’s something Dr. Kalam is clearly passionate about as he notes examples of famous scientists in history who also held spiritual beliefs. The final part addresses leadership and how one can form functional and creative leadership, again using Pramukh Swami’s example along with others that inspired him.
The book is concise, effectively organized and written. It is part biography, autobiography, philosophical tome, spiritual adoration, and an ode to science. It’s not just a salute to his inspirations, but a useful manual for others to unwrap.
