The Oath of The Vayuputras (Shiva Trilogy #3)

by Amish Tripathi

‘Often, our immediate reaction to a sudden crisis helps us save ourselves. Our response to gradual crises that creep up upon us, on the other hand, may be so adaptive as to ultimately lead to self-destruction.’

weak people never admit that they are responsible for their own state. They always blame either circumstances or others.

Ati sarvatra varjayet. Excess should be avoided; excess of anything is bad.

if the universe is trying to maintain balance, we must aid this by ensuring that Good is not enjoyed excessively. Or else the universe will re-balance itself by creating Evil to counteract Good. That is the purpose of Evil: it balances the Good.’

Creation and destruction are the two ends of the same moment. And everything between creation and the next destruction is the journey of life.

‘A lot of people are capable, Neelkanth. What makes a capable person truly dangerous is his conviction. If we believe that we’re fighting on the side of Evil, there is moral weakness in our mind. Somewhere deep within, the heart knows that we’re wrong. But what happens if we actually believe in the righteousness of our cause? What if your enemy genuinely believes that he is the one fighting for Good and that you, the Neelkanth, are fighting for Evil?’ Shiva raised his eyebrows. ‘Such a person will never stop fighting. Just like I won’t.’

‘No. The purpose is not the destination but the journey itself. Only those who understand this simple truth can experience true happiness.’

The purpose is not the destination but the journey itself. Only those who understand this simple truth can experience true happiness.’

‘Rather than the destination it is the journey that lends meaning to our lives, great Neelkanth. Being faithful to our path will lead to consequences, both good as well as evil. For that is the way of the universe.’

‘People have a tendency to do what they want to do rather than what they should be doing.’

Anger is your enemy. Control it. Control it.

‘There is no wrong way to do the right thing.’

scarcity engenders ingenuity.