Workshop : Brida

by Paulo Coelho on July 1, 2009

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{ 207 comments… read them below or add one }

butterfly August 10, 2009 at 4:35 pm

I think Brida is one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. It brought me to tears on a number of occasions and shook me to my very core. I don’t think I have ever been moved so much by a story…
The subject of soulmates is what first drew me to this book. Like so many other people I too am searching for my soulmate. What really shocked me was that I had someone who I am very close to and had always thought that they appeared to have a special light, especially from their eyes, unlike anything i had ever seen in anyone else. Then I read Brida… and got scared, really scared. Things are progressing with this person slowly, (extremely slowly) as we acknowlege our feelings but are both afraid…Only time will tell if he is meant to be my Lorens, or my Magus…or something else entirely.
But Paulo, thank you, for if I had never read this book I may never have understood that special light.

richa August 10, 2009 at 1:09 pm

Dear paulo coelho,
I read brida yesterday . It took me to another world and I felt as if every word is being spoken to me.
For last few months I was tryin to understand friendship with a particular friend of mine who lives farway . Brida came at the right time for me and put everything in the focus.
Thank you for guiding me!!

alka August 7, 2009 at 8:49 pm

brida is close to my heart.
i was bowled over by the soulmate concept and the way it is lit up in brida.
but, but, but … i want brida to go with magus
may be in some reincarnation brida will … soulmates unit at right time probably …
:-)

yelsha August 6, 2009 at 3:31 pm

some time in life we ask the question ” why am i alive? ” then we give all our time to find the answer instead of continuing living and accepting that there are things beyond our comprehension. the answer that we are looking for are not meant to be found but to be felt…words are not enough to explain this but for the time being we can say that we do not know.

i will not be certain of what awaits me in my next lifetime but i feel it will be better.

astha August 6, 2009 at 12:04 pm

a book tht will give meaning to ur lyf..a gurl who aspires for nothing actually turns out to be learning wht she had craving for.. but was it really she wanted to learn tht way or she wanted everything ready in her plate but does she hav any other choice or she has to learn by practicing..den she realizes in her own fiddlings tht she has two soulmates and she has to choose one but one has given her valuable tym and another her share of world of magic..she ultimately chooses the preacher but the other wins without being chosen as he nvr had her and hence he lost nothin..a lov maybe pinching but gives immense bliss..its a bond woven in silken threads..soft but includes a lot of strength..so flow into it and forget till u reach ultima..

Aninha Filha das Estrelas August 6, 2009 at 9:16 am

Brida eu li 3 vezes, me mostrou o quanto ser mulher é maravilhoso e sofredor ao mesmo tempo, este livro desabrochou em mim toda a beleza de ser uma Bruxa… e achei que todo o medo tem poder, tanto que voltou a ser colocado em prova na Bruxa de Portobelo, quando ela vence seus medos na escuridão… fantástico…

Rachel July 30, 2009 at 11:51 am

Just wanna ask about the letting go part. I didn’t get the meaning the Magnus always having Brida even though he let her go.

stella July 30, 2009 at 7:26 pm: Rachel

I have been thinking a lot about your question…I have no one answer. I understand that it is said you can never lose what you do not have, so the Magnus will never lose Brida as he never had her, do we ever have anyone ? I also know from experience that after someone has gone be it through choice or death you can still hold that person in your heart and they are indeed very real. However if I am honest my preferred answer is as follows:

the Magnus was Brida’s twin flame. They have been joined since the beginning of time and will be for ever after. I think this may account for the different qualities associated with their lovemaking in comparison to Brida and Lorens’ lovemaking. Twin flames sometimes get brief glimpses of each other before it is time for them to come together, both must be ready because this union is not predominantly a romantic relationship supporting the development of two people, more an already perfected union that informs the world/all. Lorens is the key. He is not my favorite character in this book, my heart draws me to the Magnus. Yet there must be unfinished business between Brida and Lorens, something that will equipt her better for her relationship with the Magnus in the future and something Lorens needs too. Life is perfect.

I imagine a clue is in the way Lorens is depicted, he is not a spiritual seeker as such, but a scientist. Yet he has a good heart. By staying with Brida his heart will develop and he may become a scientist who thinks with his heart/brain. Like Einstein let’s say, this is what the world needs, as love is not only the energy of romance but also technology and all things. From what I can remember in Brida’s past life memory, she was not as spiritually sophisticated as Lorens, he was a Cathar and a keeper of truth ? I’m not sure, but she opened his heart and made him want to be the best that he can be. She can do this again and learn that spirituality is not about sophistication or formalities, it is about love, love of life, love of other and good intentions. I wonder how else Brida may benefit from this partnership ? When the time is right the Magnus and she will be together again. He has her always as they are one.

This is just from my favored interpretation, it makes me feel happy, I notice how we(in this workshop and other discussions in this blog) have different focuses and interpretations of this book, and I guess these tell us more about ourselves than the book’s actual meaning. Maybe that is why the author does not intervene too often with the “right” answer. I don’t know.
Nayla August 1, 2009 at 9:38 pm: the magus is after all a human being, whether he is a magi or a witch, the point is that he combined feelings of both worlds and was able to demonstrate and show them to the only one after wicca, who was Brida, the Magus is aware that brida is not for him anymore,but the feelings he felt keep lingering in him because they have been extraordinary, therefore, even if he lets her go, he still has her, emotions and feelings alive!

stella July 29, 2009 at 7:39 pm

I am so excited to find this blog…

I had so many questions after I read this book. I devoured it in 2 days, very unlike me. Thank you Paulo you are a beautiful man, I love all of your books, but Brida came just at a time I had to consider I may have 2 soulmates in my life at once. The answer I got was not the answer I expected.

I believe Brida stayed with Lorens because of her past life memory of the Cathars, she wanted so badly to re-live it. I believe Lorens is her partner from that time as he shows a fear of fire at the witches gathering and he loves her in the same way. Brida was warned by Wicca not to delve into that story. It is all energy, we get what we ask for ?

I want to understand why Magnus saw a light over Lorens’s left shoulder at the gathering, he at first thought it was Brida. Paulo please tell me 8-), I wonder if they were from the same soul family. Then there is the question of twin flames, some believe our soul mates get us ready for our twin flame relationship.

Like Rachel(posted above) my lesson from this book is one of non-attachment and unconditional love. The man whose eyes shine for me may be lost to me, the feelings he has given me never will, everytime he leaves me I let him go with love – it is a beautiful feeling. Quite unexpected ! then at night he comes to me, as if we are allowed to exist in another dimension together, he is always available to me. I have never had this before.

I am going to read Brida again, I am inspired by the posts I have read on this blog. Thank you.

Renato Augusto Avino July 29, 2009 at 3:22 am

Caro Paulo!

Este livro, assim como os demais, é muito bom! Emprestei para minha namorada e ela também está adorando.
Esta mistura de magia, amor, paixão e alma gêmea é envolvente.

Abraços!
Renato
(From São Paulo, Brazil).

Olha July 27, 2009 at 6:05 pm

Dear Paulo, thank you for this unusual book. I have read it before some days up to a solar eclipse. I think this is a signe:))) But seriously, this book has given not only a lot of new information for me and 2 my friends, but it became a confirmation of my way, in one of the moments of my doubts. So, thank you again for your book, cause this is real pleasure to read it.

Alejandro G. July 26, 2009 at 9:56 pm

Paulo:

Brida es un libro excelente, lleno de misterio, amor, soledad, sabiduría y tantas otras cosas maravillosas que con el paso de los años uno podrá comprender.

El mago deja ir a Brida sabiendo que siempre la recordará y de igualmente la amará, sabe que solo así su soledad va a desaparecer y tendrá un motivo más para sentirse orgulloso y felíz.

Felicidades éste es por mucho uno de los mejores libros que he tenido el privilegio de leer del gran PAULO COELHO!!!

michelle July 26, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Dear Paulo,

I am a vivid reader of your novels. But I was disappointed becuase there were still novels which I can’t find where to buy them. In fact, novels always sold out here in my country. I was in university when I started collecting your novels one by one. Your stories actually inspired me to continue reading and now reading became my hobby.

Oksana July 25, 2009 at 9:10 am

Dear Paulo,
I cannot say which of your books is my favourite, I don’t think it’s a good idea to compare them, but as far as Brida is concerned, I can say that it is SPECIAL to me, it is very MINE.
I first read it in Spanish a few years ago, when it still wasn’t translated into my native Russian. When reading, I got immediately attracted to and deeply interested in a few points:

1) the “trick” that Wicca applied to awaken Brida’s awareness when she was trying to read the Tarot cards. I noticed that there is really something special going on with our attention when we are involved in a long, dull phone conversation which we are unable to break. I knew it subconsciously and always kept a note-pad and a pencil in my proximity. After reading Brida, I understood why;

2) the issue with the clothes, that it should always be worn. But more than that, I liked the way you described the three reasons why we go out to buy ourselves a new item of clothing (which I extend to anything we buy for ourselves at all);

3) that all people can be divided into two groups: the builders and the gardeners. When I read it, I immediately felt myself belonging to the gardeners. Later, I discussed the issue with my friend and she said that she thought there were two more groups at least: those who watch both the builders and the gardeners and estimate them and judge them and consider them both to be fools, but doing nothing themselves. And those who watch both the builders and the gardeners and learn from them to implement the experience of both into their lives thus becoming a fourth and very special category;

4) opening up and using all your senses while making love;

5) and the light over your soulmate’s shoulder, of course.

This spring, when I was re-reading Brida in Russian, I was truly fascinated by the mother’s story – about being in love with two men at the same time. It is so beautiful!
And I paid attention to the exercise that Brida did with the shopwindow. And then, when she was sitting at her favourite place in town and watching the children frolicking around her, she thought that all of them liked reading fairy-tales about witches, but neither of them could imagine that a real one was sitting close them right that moment. I keep thinking how many witches/magus/angels I come across on a daily basis without even realizing it. Amazing!

Thanks for the great book!

Samila July 21, 2009 at 11:32 pm

I want you to know that I have read this book, Brida, about 4 times. It’s amazing! When ever I miss myself and even miss Paulo I read it, and now I’m doing it now for the 5th time! It will be never boring and when ever I read it, I learn many new points.

Paulo is miracle and I’m crazy about him

Samila

kunza July 22, 2009 at 9:11 pm: I read the book….Simply Smazing Sir…and i have to agree with u Samila…..even after reading it a 100 times or even more, i will never be bored by it….its truely awesome!

virescentgirl July 20, 2009 at 4:58 pm

I am currently reading Brida. I started on my journey a few years ago, learning the rituals and rites of a past I am quite sure I have lived before…and reading this book has reaffirmed my belief in this path, but I very much struggle like Brida…feeling like ‘what if I get this wrong’. But, this struggle, is part of the waking up of the voice within… something I very much desire. I am working the tarot exercise now. So far, the same card has come up and it comes with a familiar sense – a notion – a feeling of having been here before.

Sharon July 20, 2009 at 12:17 am

Dearest Paulo

I absolutely love Brida, this book had such a profound effect on me, from really understanding what love means to learning to embrace those feelings and intuitions that are part of my life . I read this book 2 months ago, about 8 days after I had completed a 10-day silent meditation course which opened my eyes to so many things and was my ‘road to Rome’.

Intuitive feelings have always been apart of my life since a young age and although I accepted them I have, from time to time, tried to find a rational explanation for them. The meditation helped me to totally accept them and to embrace them, and now I feel completely in touch with my soul and the journeys that it has been on throughout the centuries. When I picked up Brida it was as if it was meant for me and was so in tune with what is happening in my life at the moment. It has also encouraged me to look, in more detail, at Wicca as this is something that really speaks to me.

Months before a friend of mine had emailed me the description of the Anima Mundi, as I had met a man I believe is my Soul Mate, it was beautiful and I thought that I understood it, but it wasn’t until I had undertaken the meditation and read Brida for myself that it made complete sense to me. When I met this man I was so caught up in what I thought love was and how I wanted him to fulfill my ideas of that and my needs that I wasn’t really listening to what he was telling me and what he was teaching me. I still have the messages that he sent me and now when I read them I see what a kind and gentle and wise soul he is. He is my Magus, he came into my life for a reason and at the right time and has been a part of this wonderful transformation that has taken place in my life.

I truly believe that this man is my soul mate, because he has taught me to really understand what universal love is. He is living in another country with another woman and I don’t know if I will ever see him again, but he is happy and is with someone who loves him and that makes me happy.

We were in each others lives for a short period of time and although we may not be together again physically I really believe our souls will forever be entwined because they are one and the same.

“-Las personas dan flores de regalo porque en las flores está el verdadero sentido del Amor. Quien intente poseer una flor, verá marchitarse su belleza. Pero quien se limite a mirar una flor en un campo, permanecerá para siempre con ella. Porque ella combina con la tarde, con la puesta de sol, con el olor de tierra mojada y con las nubes en el horizonte.

Brida miraba la flor. El Mago volvió a tomarla y la devolvió al bosque.Los ojos de Brida se llenaron de lágrimas. Estaba orgullosa de su Otra Parte.

-El bosque me enseñó esto: que tú nunca serás mía y por eso te tendré para siempre. Tú fuiste la esperanza de mis días de soledad, la angustia de mis momentos de duda, la certeza de mis instantes de fe.

Adriana July 19, 2009 at 8:29 pm

Brida is the book of my soul …
Thank you so much, Paulo.

Georgi July 18, 2009 at 10:33 pm

Paulo’s best book…? It’s a difficult question. I first read Alchemist (and thought the best book ever I’ve read)..Then read Brida (thought it okay)…Then I read Valkyries (started to talk more with myself, after this book)…Just 1 month before I’ve finished reading Zahir (this was great).

For me each book was a journey? No rather I will say a lesson.

Alchemist thought me to go after my dreams. It thought me that dreams should not be kept side because of loved ones in your life. Also Santiago’s life at the crystal shop thought me that “NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW, IF YOU ARE READY TO GIVE YOUR BEST…LIFE HAS A GREAT POSSIBILITY”

Brida – Maybe I was not at ready for this book. For years people recognized soul mate by the light in their eyes (Oh…How PEOPLE LIKE ME FORGOT THIS LESSON?)

Valkyries, It should be studied by everyone

Zahir – The book was good, especially the art of conversation.

faith July 16, 2009 at 12:56 pm

i havent read the book yet where can i read it online?

supia July 16, 2009 at 2:41 am

Dear Coelho,

Brida wasn’t translated yet in our country.
Could you summerize?

salome July 14, 2009 at 4:22 pm

I have to be honest! Brida is the best book i have ever read ! i am reding it right now i began ro read it in the morning at 12 o’clock and it’s 6.20 in my country now and i am finishing the book… i can’t take my eyes of this book, it so interesting full with interesting ideas abou the soulmate, love and sex… i looked on many things in different way and i am writing the interesting quotes out, because i know i will need it in fuure. adore Paulo Coelho and his books.

Brenda July 13, 2009 at 6:24 am

lo mas bonito de Brida para mí, fue descubrir que existia alguien que podia plasmar con palabras esa “Brida” que llevo dentro, mas aún me encanto la manera en que el escritor describe los sentimientos del Mago y Brida fue una comunión..

Maritza July 13, 2009 at 2:53 am

Bridas… mi libro favorito. Lo lei hace mucho tiempo, apenas se publico y desde entonces, siempre esta cerca de mi mesa de noche. Excelente, le agradezco inmensamente tantas ensenanzas.

Alba July 11, 2009 at 5:12 pm

Escuche que se estaba preparando la pelicula de Brida, podrian informarme de si ya esta concluida, cuando se estrenaria o si esta disponible en video?

Mari Raphael July 9, 2009 at 11:10 pm

Eu Amei esse livro.
Diversas coisas, que vc. escreveu no livro existe realmente.
Gostaria de saber, se vc. viu algumas das coisas / experiências que vc. conta na história do livro.
Num dos meus sonhos, eu já vi duas vezes essa luz que vem do meio da nuca , quando encontro com um homem que não vejo o rosto. Quando ele me dá as mãos e entrelaçam-se as minhas, eu vejo no meio do nosso corpo, uma taça que brilha forte, muito forte. Quando começamos a andar, de mãos dadas,como que indo embora, as nossas costas tem um fogo, um brilho que sai da nuca de cada um.
É aquela história,… a gente não pode ficar falando essas coisas pra muita gente, porque pode ter várias interpretações.
Mas, para mim desde que sonhei nunca mais pude esquecer.
Quando Li Brida, vi que tinha muita coisa a ver com o meu sonho.
Eu só escrevi isso aqui, nesse momento, porque é o workshop do livro e assim como eu, alguém pode já ter visto ou passado por experiência semelhante; antes ou depois que leu o livro. E eu gostaria de saber. As vezes a gente tem certas experiências e fica se perguntando sózinha, o que seria “aquilo”.?
Mas,…também lembrei-me do sonho que tive na semana passada sobre a passagem da bíblia da carta de Paulo a Timóteo ou seja se a gente tem FÉ, e AMOR temos Deus no coração e o coração é a vida, mesmo que existam pessoas que duvidem.
Beijos,
Mari.

Fr. Jose Mariadas July 9, 2009 at 8:52 pm

For the last many years I read Paulo’s books. Though I have not yet red “Winner stands Alone”. As you know I have my own difficulties as a person from a traditional catholic family to accept the concept of re-birth. At the same time my Hindu Friends always talk about it. I never get in an argument with them over this. However, Brida, helped me to look at this from another view-point. “Matter can neither be created nor be destroyed”. Then, whatever we see around us are different combinations or different expressions of the same reality.
One more thing: Does Paulo make use of the description in Bible, Christ’s Transfiguration, at Mount Tabore, where the chosen desciples, Peter, John and Jacob, also experience entering a trance?

Fr. Jose Mariadas July 9, 2009 at 8:45 pm

For the last many years I read Paulo’s books. Though I have not yet red Winner stands Alone. As you know I have my own difficulties as a person from a traditional catholic family to accept the concept of re-birth. At the same time my Hindu Friends always talk about it. I never get in an argument with them over this. Howbêver, Brida, helped me to look at this from another view-point. “Matter can neither be created nor be destroyed”. Then whatever we see around us are different combinations or different expressions of the same reality.
One more thing: Does Paulo makes use of the description in Bible Christ’s Transfiguration, at Mount Tabore, where the chosen desciples, Peter, John and Jacob, also experience entering a trance?

Merlin July 9, 2009 at 7:41 pm

Brida is my favourite of all your books, simply because I deeply identify with her hunger for knowlege. The first line of the story is ‘I want to learn about magic’- Brida was speaking to the Magus. It was as if i was hearing my own voice, but in a place where there was someone to hear. Where i live such people are few and far between.

I felt that this book came into my life when it did for a reason. And i am still looking forward to my own ‘road to rome’

Marcelle DÄlessandro July 9, 2009 at 6:31 pm

I´m Sure soul mates exist!

When i met my soul mate, I was part of an audience and he was speaking in a presentation. I was not particularlly attracted by his phisical apperance, but the world stood still and his words sounded so clear and meaningfull. While he was talking i saw my future children in his face. At the end of the presentation my friends invited me to talk with him. I was so atonished by the experience that I refused to talk with him and went home.
Next morning I woke up with my room full with butterflies and all kind of insects on my bed.
After three days of burning Inside and outside could not
belived that the cause of my state was this casual encounter. I went out to a class and the place was locked.
As I walked home my soul mate stood infront of me, all smiling at me, seeing me for first time without knowing
that I saw him first. We stayed toghether 12 wonderfull years before he die. The last thing that stayed with me, was that special shine in his eyes.

Iracema Gretchen July 13, 2009 at 9:03 pm: wow..amazing story! So do you think there is just one soulmate?

Enelya July 8, 2009 at 10:05 pm

Me encantó el libro!!! lo lei 2 veces, la primera fue superficial… en la 2da vez casi dos años despues me fascino!! porque?? me habia enamorado y viví una historia muy similar. Un pequeño detalle hizo la diferencia. Ese libro es nuestra historia, nuestro secreto de amor, de ese hombre, de mi mago (como yo le digo) y yo =) Nos reconocimos y estoy segura que el esmi Otra Parte, es como la sensacion de ver la luz en el hombro yo si creo que se la e visto a el. es un libro lindisimo y sobretodo entendible y aun mas magico si estamos enamorados. Gracias Paulo!! grandeeeeeee… Visita El Salvador por favor!! =)

franklin montero July 9, 2009 at 1:41 am: disculpa que me meta en tu comentario, dices que viviste una historia similar, al final de tu historia te quedaste al lado del mago o de lorens? disculpa que te pregunte pero es que yo tambien vivi una historia similar, pero como en esta novela me paso como al mago que apesar de su amor por brida, fue consiente, realista y renuncio a estar al lado de ella, por su propia felicidad, vivi lo que vivio ese mago y te puedo decir que no es facil renunciar a un amor, es como una mala jugada del distino cuando en alguna reencarnacion se cruzan mas de una otra parte, hay una parte del libro donde brida le pregunta a wicca:
-¿Podemos encontrar más de una Otra Parte en cada vida?
“Sí -pensó Wicca con cierta amargura-. Y cuando esto sucede, el corazón
queda dividido y el resultado es dolor y sufrimiento. Sí, podemos encontrar
tres o cuatro Otras Partes, porque somos muchos y estamos muy
dispersos.”

yo tube o tengo, mi propia Brida en mi vida, y supongo que la fuerza del amor que siento por ella fue la que me dio el valor para dejarla libre y asi con mi sacrificio evitar el sufrimiento de ella porque su corazon estaba dividido. le doy gracias a Coelho por haber escrito este libro y le doy gracias a dios por haberlo colocado en mi camino 2 años antes de estos echos que estoy relatando brevemente, ya que gracias a este libro y atros como a orillas del rio piedra me sente y llore y la quinta montaña tube la madures para comprender muchas cosas de la vida y del amor.

y cito un estracto de la novela Brida:

“-Las personas dan flores de regalo porque en las flores está el verdadero
sentido del Amor. Quien intente poseer una flor, verá marchitarse su belleza. Pero quien se limite a mirar una flor en un campo, permanecerá para siempre
con ella. Porque ella combina con la tarde, con la puesta de sol, con el olor
de tierra mojada y con las nubes en el horizonte.
Brida miraba la flor. El Mago volvió a tomarla y la devolvió al bosque.
Los ojos de Brida se llenaron de lágrimas. Estaba orgullosa de su Otra Parte.
-El bosque me enseñó esto: que tú nunca serás mía y por eso te tendré para
siempre. Tú fuiste la esperanza de mis días de soledad, la angustia de mis
momentos de duda, la certeza de mis instantes de fe.
“Porque sabía que mi Otra Parte iba a llegar un día, me dediqué a aprender
la Tradición del Sol. Sólo por tener la certeza de tu existencia, es por lo que
continué existiendo.”

margaretha July 8, 2009 at 9:28 am

Är i slutet av boken och anar att Mästaren kommer att se Brida
gå vidare med Lorens. Varför vill jag inte det?!
Jag värjer mig så att jag har svårt att läsa de sista sidorna.
Hjälp!

Svenja July 8, 2009 at 8:18 pm: kanskje du vill ikke gaa videre i ditt liv med “din lorens”…
jeg forstaa at de var vanskelig og lese den siste sidene hvis du ikke vill ha denne slutten

Asja July 8, 2009 at 9:23 am

In my opinion “Brida” was the first book without a real happy end. I love you for your belief in love, Mr. Coelho, but I think it is much more realistic, that the magus and Brida were seperated at the end of the book. Perhaps it is my personal story. I don’t know today, but there was a time, I did. Sometimes I think, I wasn’t reday for my twin flame, because when the room of love is so big, so endlessly, that you loose yourself in it, it is better to leave and let go.

Rachel July 8, 2009 at 9:17 am

I read this at a turning point in my life . I wasn’t sure about the soulmate thing as I feel we have many soulmates but I loved the story. One of our spiritual lessons is to unconditionally love and the magus let her go because he realised that and what their purpose was together. Call it sychronicity or suggestion but less than a week after that I saw the special light in anothers eyes and could see it in my own when I looked in the mirror. I have had to let go of the connection because he isn’t ready for it and so again practice detachment and unconditional love. This is what brida and life teaches us .

Albena July 8, 2009 at 8:51 am

This is my favorite book ever !!

Fi July 8, 2009 at 4:02 am

Hi all.
:o)

Brida:
Well….this book hit me like a tidal wave….so much so, it took me a great amount of time to read it….each page was both fascinating, touching and intriguing….but all with a slightly unsettling feeling that I’m sure was not intended. The hairs stood up on the back of my neck, at times.
I am a girl, who lives in Dublin, Ireland and often frequents the forests and hilltops for miles around and has, what society would call, an ‘alternative’ relationship with spirituality/’religion’….
it was like reading a childhood diary of mine.
Get out of my head, Paulo!!
;o)
On second thoughts…no…stay! Would you like a coffee while you’re here? Hehehehehe….

Seriously, I think the ideas of ‘soul mates’ and the ‘nature of love’ in this book are very powerful and interesting.
Love is selfless. The Magus let Brida ‘go’ because in fact there is no ‘letting go’. They were soul mates….cut from the same cloth…part of the same energy…whether they spent each day together or not, was irrelevant because that kind of love requires no ‘possession’. I think that this is kind of what Francesa refered to here earlier aswell.

Maybe this is the difference between ‘love’ and ‘need’?

Goldmund July 13, 2009 at 7:16 pm: I absolutely agree with you Fi! I was in almost completely the same story, and did the same thing Magus did – sent her uncover the hidden mysteries and beauty of our World by herself when I felt she is strong enough, because “there is no ‘letting go’”, we “were cut from the same cloth…part of the same energy…whether spent each day together or not, was irrelevant because that kind of love requires no ‘possession’”.
What I also learned in the years to come, is, that there are so MANY soulmates in this world, to spend the whole life with each of them. It is not the matter of falling in love with each pair of eyes that knock us down, it is the matter of recognizing them, and share the whole of your being with them, whether they are with us or not.
Being possessive is the only thing to prevent us from being the whole again; being open means that we eventually find ourselves being the part of the whole net of soulmates, we met here and there, with the constant flow of energy, even if we never meet some of them any more…

Svetlana July 8, 2009 at 1:17 am

I love it!Thanks for all emotions that I had))

Jommy July 8, 2009 at 12:46 am

Brida… (Deep breath!!)

Brida is for me one of the most important books that you have written. I identify myself with Brida because although, the story is about that twin flame, her path in order to reach for and to find out that twin flame take her to a more important task in live, she has to understand herself, she has to see herself face to face, to be able to made a decision… And I think that we all have gone through that path… we all have that moment in live in which we have to sit down and talk to ourselves thinking on us only…

I believe that we all have soulmates, but only one twin flame, and in some of our “lifetimes” we are very lucky and found our twin flame, and the circumstances are perfect… some others, we choose a soul mate, or even another person who will walk with us in a particular lifetime, in order for us to grow spiritually… then like Magus said, in another lifetime both twin flames are ready to be with one another…

Love this book… Brida is a path that many of us walk, without even knowing it…

Beatriz July 8, 2009 at 12:45 am

Brida! The book that changed my life! Brida is a magical book… At least it is for me… Brida arrived in my life just on time…. It was the year of 2001, I was going through major life changes in all aspects of my life, it was a turning point for me. Among all my many changes the most difficult to embrace was to accept my own intuition that came in images or clear instructions. I graduated as a clinical psychologist, so I was ready to ask for medical help. But just the weekend that I had decided to go for medical help, a friend of mine gave me Brida. I read the book in one night, as desperate as I was to find some light to my madness. The following week I received my first tarot deck, an Angel Tarot Deck, so I started playing with the cards and connecting to the wisdom and love of my Guardian Angels who I had not talked to in many years…. then, I found the flowers, the herbs, the goddesses, the silence…. In the past 10 years, this journey into my soul has made everyday wonderful…. Not matter what I experience, I love living my life from my own center…. I would have never found the courage to listen to my voices if it was not for Brida. So, I have to say today: Thank you Paulo Coelho for this beautiful book that saved my soul, and my life. Today, my life is very different from what it was 10 years ago…. I do different things, mostly I follow my dreams and my bliss… because I am a woman that embrace the magic within me. I would have never started this path if it was not because Brida arrived in my life right on time, the moment of the darkest night of my soul….

Makayla July 8, 2009 at 12:32 am

I loved the end of Brida when the Magus allows her to go. That part brought tears to my eyes. He may have lost his soul mate to another man but he found what real love is and in that gained beyond measure. In real love there is no loss and it stays no matter what

That was beautiful and heart-touching, Mr. Coelho! Thank you!

Ana García July 7, 2009 at 9:57 pm

I’m about to start reading Brida. I bought it yesterday!!

This gives me a whole reason to keep up with the reading of it and start commenting as soon as posible.

See you soon!

Prashantee July 7, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Well…I love every thing that Paulo Coelho writes and Brida is among one of my favourites…It’s just incredible the layout of the entire story…it’s about love beyond the wrath of possessions which tends to spoil it all…beautifully written book about the most wonderful story ever told…

candieb July 7, 2009 at 3:42 pm

Just love it!

francesca July 7, 2009 at 2:16 pm

hello,

I love the book…
I don’t know if I understand the concept of “soulemate” fully. But I love the story and the fact that the Magus loves Brida, first without her knowing it, and after she also recognised him and he could show his love, he still loves her, and he loves her enough to let her be an other man’s partner. He could have decided to become bitter or to feel hate but he just goes on loving her. That, to me, is love. And although that she is with Lorens I don’t feel that the Magus has lost her. I also love the relationship Brida has with Lorens. He is worth her, because he stays who he is and doesn’t try to become like Brida. There is a lot a breathing space in this relationship.
I was wondering if the Magus is a real man of flesh and blood, (of course he is in the story) but if his role in Brida life could also be that of a spiritguide or spiritsoulmate?

Catherine July 7, 2009 at 2:05 pm

i read brida only last month – at last/finally!

Alexandra – I agree!!! the magus let her go…
how is this possible?!?!
it was the only thing that concerned me about the story – but i guess there was some higher purpose… perhaps in day to day reality they could not be compatible… they had different things to achieve and alone…

I absolutely loved the story as it began… with the historical angle glancing back into the past life of this woman.. an intense meeting of her self and husband…
I did wonder if this relationship would be replicated in the present time story.. but maybe it was and i missed that fact.

and again, uniquely to Paulo’s books, a truth of experience retold to us the readers; where the mystical union of the magus and brida displays some other worldly vision – beyond words yet wisdom that perhaps somewhere in our consciousness, we all have memory of this [these] realm.

Edith July 7, 2009 at 1:54 pm

Querido Paulo

Me encantó Brida pero tengo una curiosidad desde que lo leí esa historia es real? es cierto que se puede ver esa luz en el hombre de nuestro soulmate? graciass…

Paulo Coelho July 7, 2009 at 3:46 pm: The story of Brida is based in her own story – but the Traditions are the Traditions

Antara July 7, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Hi Alexandra,
I would try to answer your query. In one point of time it was mentioned that Brida was able to see a special light in the eyes of Lorens. The gives us a hint that Lorens too could be her soulmate. Again it was mentioned that there could be more than one soulmate in one incarnation.
The idea behind the parting of Magus and Brida was that they were meant to be together for a purpose(to enlighten Brida) and when the purpose was fulfilled, they parted ways but remained close in hearts.
The glory of love not only lies in times you spend together but also for the times when you keep their memories alive even when the person is not near you.

Alexandra July 7, 2009 at 6:55 pm: Than is me that like more the Magus… Poor Lorens…I see, thank you.
Kalani July 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm: I love this book! I just love the story, I wanted to see Brida end up with the Magus too but it was from the beginning a dead giveaway, when the Magus asked what Brida would do, who she would choose.
That showed that the relationship was for a temporary purpose, to enlighten Brida.
Alexandra July 9, 2009 at 7:11 am: Dear Savita, I see your point. I expect a same dragon slayer than, quoting from your comment. Hope you find all you want soon, and me too… Have a wonderful time, bye bye.
Love
Alexandra

Danilo July 7, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Well, Brida was the first book that I read. My mom gave it for me just after she read. I guess this one was the first book we read together, so, I really like this P.Coelho work. The best brazilian writer in my perspective, better than Machado de Assis, Lima Barreto, et al. I’m Brazilian, I know what I’m talking about. Paulo is amazing and this book is too.

Cutting off the praising words, let me talk one thing about Brida, for you:
Although there’s a long time since I read the book (yes, I should read it again before start to give my opinions, I know), you are right, the Magus were her soul mate, but not always soul mates can be together. And… What I could learn from the book is the fact that there are more than one soul mate. Like the Judaism concept (sorry, I forgot the exact term) that says the soul of the world was shattered in millions of pieces, one for each person, and everybody has the pieces that can fit with yourself, like a puzzle.
So, her husband wasn’t THAT soul mate. But, he was also a person who could make her happy AND, like you said, they were engaged.

Hope I didn’t make some confusion with another histories. Sorry by any mistake, friends. ;)

çigarra July 7, 2009 at 1:23 pm

Mi piacerebbe leggere ‘Brida 2′!
I’d like to read ‘Brida Two’!
;)

Svenja July 7, 2009 at 1:11 pm

i loved the shining eyes in the book and i am happy that the book accompanied me in the “search” for the shining eyes in my life.
and i believe that it is possible to find more than one soul mate in each life.
and i can understand that she decided against the magus…
everything has its time

Savita Vega July 8, 2009 at 4:52 pm: Funny – everyone is talking about the shining eyes. I had forgotten all about that. I just keep thinking about that light over the left shoulder of the Soul Mate. Though I’ve never seen it, somehow I can just identify better with the idea of that ball of fire appearing over the shoulder. Perhaps we are just each drawn, quite naturally, to certain ways of seeing.

Alexandra July 7, 2009 at 12:53 pm

I loved the book, but, even if many says they understood from it what is a soul mate, I get only very confused. Because The Magus let Brida go. But they were soul mates. Than why???
Else, I loved all the story, with the rituals in the wood, with friendship, the things to discover, love. I think again how interesting a forest as initiation place. Can we see that as a mandala, or labyrinth, a place open only for those who can pass through certain tryings? And the passing of souls through time and space, and idea maybe of Indian origins? Why I see the Magus so similar to you?
Again Brida have choices, is her to decide, and she take all risks.
She is a lucky woman, being engaged with a wonderful man, and having this soul mate, the Magus.
I would like that she stay with the Magus. Sorry…

Alexandra July 8, 2009 at 7:38 am

About that sparkle in the others eyes… I had an experience made me think is not a sure sign… Only once I saw such strong blinding light in the eyes of a man… But, he just played the indifferent. Thats why I dont believe in it anymore, but, as somebody wrote, a mere stone might become an holly object through our eyes, is us that endow the object with a magic light.

Antara July 8, 2009 at 12:00 pm

I feel that’s how it is with most of us…we plunge into the depth of the others’ eyes and loose ourselves into love. And we are able to visualize the “light”…but sometimes we just get tricked into something that is not really meant for us.
Perhaps if we look closely enough; and are honest to ourselves we may be able to figure out that it is not the kind of light the makes us feel contended? This kind of spark may make your heart pound with excitement.. but perhaps they just are not serene enough where your soul can rest in peace? And I guess this is where the concept of soulmate transcends.. when your soul is able to see through the eyes of the other person and get connected to his soul directly.
I really don’t know if I’m able to explain this.. but this is how I feel it is…. Let me know your thoughts too :)

Savita Vega July 8, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Oh, Alexandra, how you capture my thoughts! How many stones I have made into holy objects, because that is what I wanted to see before me!!! When it comes to relationships, I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t trust my own perception, really. At this point, I stand absolutely still, unmoving. I say to myself, if something is meant to be, it will come to me and it will make itself blindingly evident, beyond all doubt. I won’t have to try to “make” things happen – it will all just come together quite naturally. And I don’t think I will miss my soulmate by adopting this stance. If I have become somewhat reserved due to past experiences, and this air of reserve is like a great dragon standing guard over me, then my soulmate will simply come in the form of a fearless dragon-slayer. He won’t be deterred.

Svenja July 8, 2009 at 8:19 pm

yes, i believe everyone has his special way of seeing or feeling :)

margaretha July 9, 2009 at 4:28 pm

thanks I’ll really think about that!

Maritza July 13, 2009 at 2:48 am

Perdona que me meta en tu comentario, hermoso por demas. Se feliz y siente esa alegria desde adentro, porque aprendistes a sentir el amor… y eso es un privilegio, aunque duela deja una sensacion de felicidad porque amar es recordar que vivimos.

Iracema Gretchen July 13, 2009 at 9:09 pm

and isn’t the soulmate principle, just a special and appreciative way of looking at people?

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