3 Lives, in search of bliss

by Srini Chandra

3 Lives, in search of bliss is an inspirational fable of a New York city cab driver who, upon his unfortunate and sudden death, finds himself being offered three chances at redemption and finding happiness. The book is about the 3 lives he leads, the choices he makes in those lives and attainment of eternal wisdom and bliss.

After his death, Ray is offered three lives, each designed out of his choices, to find happiness. What starts as a journey towards wealth, health and knowledge turns into a discovery of eternal wisdom, and ultimately leads to bliss.
Exotic, evocative and haunting, the tale of Ray Cordoza’s three lives will make you ponder the choices that you make in your own life towards the pursuit of happiness.
The book is a celebration of the beauty of this wonderful universe and our lives as human beings. It falls into the genre of spiritual fiction - a format in which a fictional narrative is interlaced with philosophical and spiritual concepts. It could also (easily) be categorized as inspirational, self-help and motivational, depending on the perspective of the reader.

3 Lives is a product of inspired passion which aims to present eastern and western spiritual concepts in a manner that demonstrates the one-ness of everything in this world that we find ourselves in. That we all share the same fears, desires and aspirations. And, that we all have the same questions. That we share, at a fundamentally spiritual level, a deep and abiding desire to find and hold onto happiness.

Whether you're looking to be inspired or to comprehend the seemingly incomprehensible pain and disappointments that come our way in life, this short novella is bound to leave a deep and lasting impression on you.

Happy journeys!

Genres: Fiction, Philosophy

148 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2011

About the author

Srini Chandra was born in the city formerly known as Madras in India in 1968, where he attended Christian Protestant schools, learned to play the violin and received a pre-diplome in French from the Alliance Francaise. He received a bachelor’s degree in engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, where he played on the cricket and athletics teams, captained the volleyball team and served as 3-term student senator. After college, he went on to receive a master’s degree in engineering from Ohio State University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States, where he was awarded the prestigious Heinz Fellowship.

After over a decade of study, work and life in the United States, he moved from the US, lived a year in Singapore before settling in Bangalore, India since 2003. Srini has spent a good part of the last two decades in leadership roles in general management and marketing at some of the world’s leading high technology companies.

Srini is an avid reader of non-fiction, in particular of philosophy, science and spirituality. His travels which have taken him to over 40 countries around the world have served to reaffirm his abiding belief in the one-ness of all things. He blogs regularly in a humorous vein at What Ho! (http://whatho.in), a blog recognized as one of India’s best blogs and which enjoys popular support.

He lives in Bangalore, India with his lovely wife and two daughters. 3 Lives, in search of bliss, is his first published literary work.

Reviews

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theresa Gallab told me that I should take a look at this book and I am glad that I did. The simple act of opening yourself up to the possibility of the universe is something that I can relate to. We search for happiness without knowing that happiness will find us if we only allow ourselves the oppurtunity for it to find us.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book <3

[Bhuvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any one. A must read, if I may say, for those in search of food for the soul. I plan to read this again. And, again.

[Subramanyam K.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death Comes in many forms. To Ray Cordoza it came in the form of an eighteen year old with thin eyebrows, a gaunt face and sunken eyes that reflected the torment of his soul.” This is how Srini opens his 130 page book “3 Lives … in search of bliss.” Well, I would extend his death analogy to knowledge, I would say that knowledge and bliss also follow the same path. They come to a person in many forms, and it’s upto him or her on how he/she wants to get it and use it. How else can one explain, me reading Srini’s humorous article on The Unreal Times , then visiting “what ho” to read more of Srini’s articles and then finally ending up reading this wonderful book from Srini.

“3 Lives in search of Bliss” is one of the best books I have read till date, even now I wonder like how so much can be told in so few words. As I mentioned before, the book starts with Ray Cordoza’s death, his frustration on “why me” ? and then his conversation with a Voice and then his quest for happiness. How he is given 3 lives ? (each designed to fulfill his wishes like wealth, health, long life , knowledge etc….) and what he learns from each of his life and enriches himself and his living experience form the crux of the story.

What amazes me is the maturity level and the superior level of understanding Ray exhibits as he goes from one life another. Was Srini speaking about the changes in the level of consciousness the soul and the body it takes exhibit as they change lives and accumulate more and more knowledge on the inner self? Again, the conversations between Ray and the voice are profound. Srini Chandra did a brilliant job on that. While I was amazed by the maturity displayed by the Anwar-Al-safi, I was more than floored by reading the accounts of Jill and Tenzing. The way knowledge transforms the soul and the body that it takes was very very beautifully illustrated. I was reminded of the verse “Avidyaya mrutyum teertva vidyayaa amrutmasnute”.

Feeling blessed that I read this book, I somehow got connected with the theme of the book. The conversations between the characters are really profound. There are quite a number of places in the book in that made me actually underline the sentence with a feeling that it is a great one and I should keep reading it again and again. I have always loved Srini’s style of writing, so enjoyed this one too. The book is fast paced, a page turner you would not like to put down. The way Srini combines philosophy and fiction to teach us some life lessons is real good.

I also liked the way in which Selim and his soul have been handled, the way the journey begins for that soul also is good. The same is true for Nashima as well. I am controlling my self from giving away more details as this is something one has to read and experience for one’s self. It would be like doing a fast paced course on happiness and contentment.

One thing I did not understand though, is the fact that all the lives of the soul seem to have some overlap . For Ray was a cabbie in New York, so the chances are that he would have lived in the last one hundred years, then we have Anwar-Al-Safi’s life, we also get to see Jill who witnesses the Mumbai attacks and then Tenzing who is a part of the monks migration to India. To me all theses events happened in the last one century. I donno if the author wanted to weave a truly fictional account of things, or if he wanted to say that there might be parallelism among the lives of the same soul. I would re read the book to make sure.

That apart, I really loved the book. I would give a full five on five for it. I strongly recommend the book for anyone who is interested in understanding, life happiness and bliss. It’s a must-read, for, as we read the book it’s not accumulating or assimilating content, it’s actually experiencing and enjoying our own lives.

Do pick the book and you would have done a good service to yourself.

This review first appeared on my blog. http://satyasurya.wordpress.com/2013/...

[Ankit Agrawal · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book from Free Giveaways Section on this site. I thank Mr. Srini Chandra for delivering the book properly and on time.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Even though Philosophy is not my thing I would still say that if it is written in an entertaining fictional manner it can be one of my favourite genres. Unfortunately I found this book like most of the Philosophy books. Just like most of the Philosophical Books I found this book too boring and a lot more demanding and appealing rather than provoking and inspiring. And the reason for boreness is usually the same. The first reason is that it is too much filled of quotes and less about story or fiction. Messages are tried to deliver through quotes and not through the story, story is not centralized properly. If I just take out the quotes from this book than it would make a short 'Book of Quotes' itself. You can have so many quotes but then the stories have to be longer as well. The stories in this book were way too short, should have been elaborated. The book was just 148 Pages and each page just had 15-20 lines on an average. There was one Philosophy book Jennie Gerhardt which I read, which was filled with a nice number of quotes as well but it was fictional philosophy and the story was lengthy enough for the message to be delivered more through the story rather than the quotes. I not only liked that book pretty much but also gasped in the message.
If the story or stories in this book would have been lengthy enough than I would have certainly loved it and rated it 5 stars because the message delivered was really beautiful. The lives of all the 3 persons on whom this book is surrounded should have been elaborated a lot more. The stories were way too short.

The writing style of this book was a bit different though for which I would like to praise the author. The writing style was a bit like the popular book The Alchemist which I didn't like much as well. People those who liked the Alchemist would certainly like this book as well.

Another reason why I didn't rate it higher was because I don't agree with quite a few concepts or theories mentioned by the writer in this. Although the main message is clear that Happiness shouldn't be found but rather happiness is around us and we should just give it enough space to find us there were many other theories which the writer has left us confused with. I won't mention all of those concept/theories in this review because then it would be very lengthy but I would surely welcome those who want to share it and I would share it with the writer as well if he doesn't mind it.

Finally I would say that this was not a book of my type. I firmly believe that Philosophical to deliver a message and to be provoking and inspiring have got to have more of a fiction in them and the stories have got to be long enough to be entertained or atleast not get bored. Philosophy books which deliver message mostly through quotes can not only be boring but demanding as well.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

DESCRIPTION
Ray Cordoza is a tired NYC cab driver, an ex-Catholic who lost his faith after the death of his mother. Life has been nothing but hard and unhappy for him. When his life is suddenly cut short, he has many unanswered questions for "the Voice." Ray blames his unhappiness on his life circumstances, complaining had they been different, he could have been happy. The Voice offers him a chance to find out if his theory is true over the course of three lives.

CONCEPT/PLOT - 5 stars
The pursuit of happiness is a timeless quest. It crosses all generations, all cultures, all walks of life. It was very interesting to see how "happiness" is defined by different people. Ray first comes back as a wealthy businessman, as his initial idea was that he could have been happy if his basic needs had been more easily met. He soon discovers that this question of "what is happiness" is not so easily answered, and he continues his pursuit over the course of his remaining lives.

This book approaches happiness from a philosophical, conceptual perspective versus a tangible one. One must read this book with an open mind to new concepts and definitions of happiness. Depending on what your own personal philosophy is, you will either love or hate the outcome of this story. Try to read it with an open mind.

WRITING STYLE/EXECUTION - 4 stars
This is a relatively short read, and it is able to be read quickly. However, there are many beautiful, quotable passages that really make you want to slow down and ponder. The story is easy to follow. However, I found that not enough backstory was given to most of the lives to make me really connect with the characters. For example, I would have liked to know more about Anwer Al Safi's life, but most of it is skipped over except for the "highlights." His sadness was only hinted at, but never truly shown over the course of time.

FORMATTING/EDITING - 2 stars
Oh dear, this is the part that I hate. I read the Kindle version of this book and unfortunately it was rife with grammatical errors and formatting issues. Not to the point that the book was unreadable, but it was annoying. I hate taking points off for this, but I have to. The grammar, punctuation especially, and formatting needs a good polishing before this book is ready for prime-time. I do hope the author invests the time into doing this, as I fear it will be a serious detractor for many readers. It would be a shame for this book to get passed over for something so easily fixable.

[Deepak Nare · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘3 Lives - in search of bliss’ by Srini Chandra is the story of Ray Cordoza who after his untimely death is offered a chance to live three lives of his design. What would you ask for if you get a chance to live a life of your choice? Money? Health? Wisdom? But are these things sufficient to turn one’s life into bliss? Answer to these and so many other questions can be attained when the reader starts with the voyage of Ray and compare with the choices he made and learn with the lessons he earned.
It’s a short book and can be read in single sitting, if you don’t get bored in the way. Being truthful, I don’t like motivational books. My theory is if you are motivated enough to read a motivational book, there is no need to read it in the first place. But a story which can keep you entertained and give out life teachings through the journey always makes a great read, and that’s the case with ‘3 Lives’. This is the kind of book you will keep along side of The Alchemist and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.
Author has done a profound job of carving his philosophies into a beautiful story, which even being implausible is highly relatable. So if you are looking for a light read with heavy contents, this is the one for you.
Read more..

[Vijay Menon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to Srini Chandra for having sent the book across (courtesy the goodreads giveaway)

After having procrastinated for almost a month, despite reading some fantastic reviews (yeah, I know, that’s a real shame now), I finally laid my hands on this one – a simple and concise masterpiece with only takeaways to part with.
Right from his careful choice of words, his wonderful sentences –many of which took a second glance to fully comprehend for, they undoubtedly were a result of his deep thoughts and reflections - and finally to all those inspirational quotes, reading 3 lives was an absolutely stimulating experience and I’m sure that Srini has overwhelming managed to achieve his objective – to transform the way we look at happiness - through this inspiration tale, which I feel is bound to have an impact on anyone who reads it.

[Reshmi Pillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Srini covers a controversial, common yet complex subject in a very simplified manner that makes the word journey of 3 Lives much fun. Through the story of the travel of Ray Cordoza’s soul living out three different lives, in different parts of the world, in different body forms, in different stages of spiritual evolution Srini drives home the strongest philosophy in the easiest manner. The book is deep, touching and very commercial. Anyone can pick it up, read it over the weekend, during travel or just at the traffic signals and get home to a world of truths we seek out in those thick, heavily worded, extremely complicated books on life. This is life crush, like the ones from Mapro, all in 128 pages! Full review: http://thetalespensieve.wordpress.com...

[Ifrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received the book via Goodreads First Reads giveaway..
The book makes the reader question his beliefs as to what is true happiness...having material things?having your loved ones with you..or simply wanting nothing so you have everything??
The author seeks to communicate the idea that finding happiness is not as hard or complicated as we make it seem to be...letting go can give you the serenity you have always chased.
Another idea that has been discussed is that our lives our connected on a level that is above and beyond time and space..that our souls are not governed by cycles of life and death.
This short and simple book can really make you think..

[Psbenjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about this book from a friend. It was a Kindle "special" - just a .99 download. Honestly, I almost never pick up the daily deals, so without his endorsement, I never would have read this little gem. What a surprise - I couldn't put it down. If you liked Siddartha, the Alchemist or The Shack, this book will intrigue you. The author beautifully weaves together Eastern and Western thought. exploring the personal journey, the concept of souls and soulmates, the afterlife and the pursuit of happiness (bliss). This is a lovely and compelling "search" - well worth your time.

[Vigneshwaran p · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all i thank the author of this book Mr.Srini Chandra and goodreads.com to gave me the opportunity to read this book through goodreads free giveaways. The author has done a terrific job weaving 3 different lives with a common thread of an individual's pursuit of happiness.The story line is interesting but not impressed because the three lives in this story were very short and not stick through the mind.

The book comes to an agreeable conclusion of "Let GO, Be Happy".The quotes usually i contemplate about any book that i read.But here the plot is hollow and didn't stick to my mind.

[Pinaki Sadhukhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book from Goodreads First Reads giveaway

For a book so small, it contains thoughts and beliefs so deep it takes lot of thinking to really contemplate their meanings. The story flows beautifully from one scene to the next in a concise manner. A must read for everyone.

[Manas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have written a blog post on this.

http://manasdash.wordpress.com/2012/0...

[Shaheda Mubeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"More Valuable mass in less volume". Indeed a small book ladened with great content. Thanks to my uncle for suggesting me to read this book.

Plot: 4.5
Content: 4.5

[Sophy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple sweet.. food for thought :)

[Siva shankar gantayath · Rating 5 out of 5]

i never thought that our insights of life can be explained in such a beautiful manner in just only 130 pages... truly, a great book.

[Aravind Ashok · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring tale that will transform the way you look at Happiness...

[Puja Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice readn, simplicity n truth of life

[Ganesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey of a soul and how it transforms / refines itself birth after birth.

Purpose of life explained in a simple way.

Must read for all.

[Mrityunjay Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around a journey of a soul in three different lives. Each life searches for something more than what they've achieved in the lifetime. An interesting and a gripping read with profound thoughts.

[panbucholan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really five star stuff. A must read to those who are madly chasing the so called 'happiness' or those who want to 'live the life' in bizarre ways. Philosophy in simple and elegant manner. Racy too. I have finished it in a single sitting. Strongly recommend it to all my friends.

[Alison]

on my kindle

[Vidya Sagar Penumatsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

the story line is interesting. Yet the philosophy, It never concluded anything

[Gunjan Hajela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you really wanna learn "letting it go" in life; pick this book straight away and dive into its message and learnings..

[Venkat Gururajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Materialism to Spiritualism -> A Must read book for everyone in the spiritual path / aspiring to be on the spiritual path <3, A worthy 3 hours or less spent in your life, Go for it!

[Bharathi Cheekati · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good read nothing amazing though.