New Delhi [India], January 02: In a candid chat with Esoteric Writers Community, author Ashraf Karayath settles to reflect on the transformative journey that led him to write his bestselling book, Janaka and Ashtavakra. For the writers and readers community, for the first time he opens up about the profound impact this book has had on his life and the process behind its creation.
“When I sat down to write Janaka and Ashtavakra, I had no idea that it would change me as profoundly as it has. This wasn’t just another writing project; it was a soul-searching journey that reshaped the way I see the world and myself.”
“The idea for Janaka and Ashtavakra was born the day I stumbled upon the Ashtavakra Gita. Its teachings were a revelation. They opened my eyes to the immense power of consciousness in shaping our reality. It was as though ancient wisdom had reached across centuries to answer the questions I’d been silently asking: How do we find peace? How do we deal with life’s struggles? These teachings resonated so deeply with me that I knew I had to bring them to life for others.”
Talking about the transformation of his thoughts to words, Ashraf said, “Reimagining the dialogues between King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra was no small feat. The original texts are timeless, yet I felt a responsibility to make them relatable for modern readers. Months of research and reflection went into weaving their wisdom into a story that could resonate today while staying true to its roots. The process was demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Each line I used to write, it felt like a step closer to understanding the essence of life itself.”
Janak and Ashtavakra not only received immense love on Amazon, but the famous American Author Deepak Chopra’s words about the book says—“This is a fantastic adventure story on the path to enlightenment”. Ashraf shared that this remains one of the highest compliments he has received. He says, “But beyond such accolades, what touched me most was how writing this book led me to confront my own life’s questions.”
“When the book finally reached readers, the response was humbling. People began sharing their experiences of finding solace and clarity through its pages. Hearing how ‘Janaka and Ashtavakra’ has helped others navigate their challenges affirmed why I wrote it in the first place. It was never just about creating a story—it was about offering an invitation to explore one’s inner world.”
At its heart, this book is a call to pause, reflect, and embark on a personal spiritual journey. It’s about finding the peace that’s already within you, waiting to be uncovered. The timeless wisdom of Janaka and Ashtavakra doesn’t belong to any one era or person; it belongs to all of us.
For his ending note, Ashraf leaves a message for the new writers too. He says, “As I share this behind-the-scenes glimpse, I hope it inspires you to dive into the book with an open heart and mind. Who knows? Perhaps it will transform you, just as it transformed me.”
Every word, every thought, and every story within these pages comes with a silent wish: that it may guide you toward clarity and peace. Writing Janaka and Ashtavakra was my journey; reading it, I hope, becomes yours.
- In a candid talk with Shambhavi Mehrotra, founder- Esoteric Writers Community.
To connect with author, join on https://www.instagram.com/author_ashraf/ and https://www.instagram.com/esotericwriters/
