Title: Diary of a Seeker
Subtitle: The Tales and Anecdotes of a Life Student (Vol 1)
Author: Daniel Hayashi
ISBN: 9798756697063
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Pages: 400
Genre: Spiritual
Reviewed by: Manik Chaturmutha

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Diary of a Seeker: The Tales and Anecdotes of a Life Student by Daniel Hayashi is a collection of short stories that explore the theme of spirituality. The author attempts to establish the existence of God and the personal nature of faith through multiple narratives. In ‘Heaven’s Translator,’ he describes an old man who receives signs from heaven in the form of messenger pigeons. Nirvana is expounded as the eternal power of existence. The writer thinks of God as an unconditionally loving entity who can only be known through self-enlightenment. In ‘The Voice Unknown,’ the narrator talks of an inner communion with God, which made him realize that God exists within oneself. ‘A Run with Bandit’ preaches unwavering devotion to the superior being. The writer also talks of a sojourn to the Nethers, guided by a nature spirit. In ‘A Fallen Choir,’ the fable of Hansel and Gretel is likened to humanity’s temptation and eventual redemption. In another anecdote, the journey of a river to the sea is compared to man’s spiritual journey.

The writer focuses on the many faces of silence. St. Refrain’s musical journey forms the theme of another story. The writer advises us to broaden the horizons of love to include all humanity. He also encourages the reader to impart compassion to his fellows. ‘Edwin and Me’ explore the concept of wealth and its division. In ‘Igniting the Eternal Fires’ the narrator elucidates that leaving the Earth is a cycle of ever-evolving experience. ‘To Fly with Eyes Closed’ enumerates the self-evaluation of the soul after death. ‘The Prayers that Intervene,’ one of the concluding chapters, paints a benevolent and loving picture of God.

Daniel Hayashi uses metaphors and poetic language throughout the book. The anecdotes and analogies are puzzling at times. They seem to be a bit flow-of-consciousness used to emphasize the writer’s perspective. The book also attempts to highlight the importance of faith and love.  Also, whether the stories are purely imaginative or based on any religious doctrine is uncertain. They may have connotative meanings. The book even has several illustrations whose significance is unclear how the author wishes to portray the visual importance, as they do not seem relevant to the topics discussed in the accompanying chapters. Overall, the book contains several poignant messages.  Additionally, Diary of a Seeker will have a meaningful spiritual impact on your life no matter what you’re specific intentions are.