Comments on: Workshop : The Zahir

By: jtmai

jtmai — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:59:17 +0000

dear sir coelho,

i’ve read your book when i was in 4th year high school(i’m a filipina by the way).it made me realize a lot of things that i couldn’t imagined happening. me and my friends keep on borrowing it in our school library. this book is very popular in my class. keep up the good work sir..this is a nice novel.i didn’t get the chance to buy it because i still have dont enough money but i will if my money from my savings in my allowance can afford it. i’m now currently an engineering student, but even so i can still remember the feeling when i was reading this…i had goosebumps all over me

By: barbara

barbara — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 15:44:35 +0000

Beautiful book, it has opened my eyes to things I did not see before reading it. It has in it perfect examples how to get rid of our zahirs (obsessions) and live without being blinded by them. I highly recommend it to anyone, who like me reaches to find answers to unanswered questions.

An author telling his story, I like the way it is written, as if the author speaks to you, and you as a reader are his confidant, his friend.

5 stars Mr.Coelho, I’ll give it more but that’s the highest rank:)

By: Sonia

Sonia — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:43:18 +0000

Almost finished The Zahir. The book was translating into words my experience with my artist daughter and her freinds who I am hosting in my home. They are scary to others and live a life without the desire for money, establishment or other matters that are meaningful to me. Feeling alone, separate from my colleagues or freinds, it does not bother me a great deal to be alone. I’m learning from this “tribe” my daughters tribe. Something I don’t want – I say to myself – it’s uncomfortable yet freeing and liberating at once. The Zahir has provided me company in my world that I can not share with others.

By: path

path — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:42:40 +0000

Great post. great wisdom in experience and ever so hopeful. i thank you for sharing. Every moment takes you to a higher place, more evolved. Bless.

By: Olivia

Olivia — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:27:13 +0000

Gud Day Sir Pau,

Honestly, I am not sure if what I am doing now is worthy. Because I dont know if you gonna read this message from an ordinary girl far away from your home, Philippines. yes, I am Filipina. I just have finished reading your book The Zahir and i am starting to read now 11 Mins. You know what, I dont know exaclty what I felt or i dont know how to explain my feeling was when I read the words “Filipno woman” that u used on ur book 11 mins., page 77 and page 82 on english version. I am so delightful because I convinced now myself that your really have an idea about the Philippines, Filipinoes. That those things are really exist. I am so proud of that. I even showed it to my colleagues. ” I’ve sed, hey look at this, Paulo Coelho mentioned Filipino Woman on his book named Nyah. as expected of course they couldn’t understand my feeling. For them its very usual.. But for me its one of the very brilliant thing that i can be proud of. Thank you so much for that. take care.

By: jez

jez — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:18:46 +0000

Paulo,

first the Pilgrimage, then the Alchemist, and today the end of The Zahir….. I am a man of 40 married to a beautiful woman with two lovely teenage daughters, I will ask my wife to read the Zahir which she may or may not…. regardless I have grown through your words.

I am a dreamer lets do coffee no need to be there in person the spirit will be fine.

warm regards and fondest love Jez x

By: Stephanie R.

Stephanie R. — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:17:12 +0000

Dear Mr.Coelho,
I think your books are amazing.I am 14 years old and I am already inspired by your books, so far I have already read “The Alchemist”,” By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept”and I am currently reading “The Zahir”. I have noticed that all yours books have some small connection in which there all linked together, although I am probably your youngest reader I think I am mature enough to understand your books so far.I am not quite finished “The Zahir” but the I think the story is so far beautiful, strange and very fascinating. It really makes a person wonder about many things such as life, love and war. well that’s all I have to say for now.

Sincerely:
Stephanie R.

By: Nanjay

Nanjay — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:04:34 +0000

Mr Coehlo/All,

I first come across your book The Zahir while I was in Amsterdam. I had just breezed through a “vacation” in Portugal that seemed so spiritually challenging (much talk of religion *sigh) Anyway, I was waiting for my flight back to Germany when I happened across a bookstore. I read the back of the book and was immediately convinced I needed to buy the book in order to occupy my time on the flight and in the coming days.

A day or two later as I read through to the part in the book that mentions “The Road to Santiago” I immediately looked at my calendar! To my surprise this year is the Holy Year when the 25th of July falls on a Sunday! I just happened to be at a plaza in Germany where Spain was playing in the World Cup. That night they were victorious! I kinda felt a sense of victory inside of me as well…like I had found something I had lost (hard to explain).

The next morning I woke up and finished the rest of the Zahir. I was staying in a small Hotel, so I went down to look through books that guests donate to the lobby “library” and I found an old beat up copy of “The Alchemist.” WOW! Too Weird!??! Signs or coincidence? I snatched it like I had found a valuable treasure lol.

I find that I am my own Zahir always looking to be so many things in my past, present and future…trying to find myself and seemingly so far away. Wanting to love myself and yet unable to figure out why I am so unattainable. I don’t loathe myself..I just don’t know myself. I have experienced several consecutive traumatic experiences and I guess I have lost myself in a sense. SO! I have decided to travel to Santiago (my friends have teased me so much about this decision but I am extremely adventurous and here I go!)…I took the inspiration from the Alchemist…the section in the book that mentions taking a long journey even if it leads you back to where you started. Wish me luck or rather wih me LOVE.

By: Guilhermina Fragoso

Guilhermina Fragoso — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:15:45 +0000

The best book ever!

By: Raffy

Raffy — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:44:26 +0000

They dont.

By: marco

marco — Mon, 31 May 2010 20:19:15 +0000

Hi Ilona,
I have been through the similar experience. Two year ago I was having a distance relationship that obsessed me. I guess it was my zahir time, since now I left everything for it. That was stronger than me because I was in love. Love is something we can’t explain with books, rituals or other stuff. What I have learnt is that that Love is, like God.

By: Aseel

Aseel — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:19:40 +0000

Dear Mr. Coelho,

First of all, I am a BIG FAN OF YOURS!!! i loved every book of yours that i read and i enjoyed this one the most.

the detailed description of the main character’s obsession was beyond imagination! the ability to transfer feelings of fear and despair ,when all that a person has at that moment is just a bulk of memories, into written words helped me (personally) have a better understanding of my current state of mind and the price I’m paying for my own freedom.

“I know that freedom has a high price, as high as that of slavery; the only difference is that you pay with pleasure and a smile, even when that smile is dimmed by tears.”

Thank you for for all the words you share with us and hope to meet you, should you decide to come visit Jordan/the Middle east :)

By: polina

polina — Mon, 10 May 2010 15:50:14 +0000

E muito bonito quando sente que consegue tocar o sonho! Mas o sonho nao se deve transformar em Zahir! Cada um precisa de dar ao sonho e nem de esperar de tomar alguma coisa por esse!

By: polina

polina — Sun, 09 May 2010 20:36:03 +0000

Lendo esse livro o meu coracao sonhava mais e mais depressa! Tao lindo, tao profundo, tao verdade!

By: Kat

Kat — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:54:33 +0000

I am looking to find the original words, in Portuguese, of A quote from the Zahir, “I do not regret the painful times. I bare my scars as if they were medals.”

Can someone please help me with this? Thank you very much!

Kat

By: Solange Homer

Solange Homer — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:01:50 +0000

Sir Paulo
I must say the Zahir was the first book of yours i read, i really didn’t know you exited till i wondered in a book store just feeling the urge to read when the clerk recommend it to me……i must say i don’t regret it. Fo0r what you speak about knowing you have a pass but begin able to not let that whole you back. and knowing that love does concur all and its not just something you can control or simply try to easily explain…

thank you for this journey i am of the alchemist

By: MistyTiny

MistyTiny — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 02:50:40 +0000

Hi Sir,i really love The Zahir book.Actually,i didn’t even know about your books, but,then,my ex-bf were suggested to me and i really love your book.I really love my ex and i can say that he was my Zahir.Though, I have to forget the past and enjoy life.Thank you for being an inspiring person to me![i would collect all your books :P]

By: Sylvester Molina

Sylvester Molina — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 01:13:30 +0000

Hi Sir Paolo,

I understand what it seems to be missing a part of
humanly endeavors to which..your wife( in the book ) was a
traveler who goes off frequently and so my hypothesis is that
her husband is just feeding himself with other ladies because he wants adventure at that time…but then on He realizes how worthy his “Zahir” is when the time she has gone into the unknown…

Sylvester Molina
Guardian of Change

By: sumit

sumit — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:19:42 +0000

hello everyone,i really came to know the meaning of unconditional love when i read the zahir…im lucky to have my zahir by my side…i know it exists bcoz i felt it at a very early stage…
regarding the fact that in the book the author sleeps with many ladies inspite his true love for his wife,i will ask the question- even u have true love with u ,dont u feel sexually excited when watching sumthing erotic…so is the case with the human nature…its a need which has to be fed.but this doesnt permit it to roam freely in the society.practically, to subdue any such urge one can take strength from their loved one.this is required to sustain the relation..
but overall a nice book…

By: njae

njae — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:01:42 +0000

i found myself indulged reading The Zahir.. it hurts me deeply, though. How i wish freedom can be realized like that, like how the society can make us focus on such idea that we are free.
what i really admire about the book is its informative style, there is wonder how a person so expressive, and yet full of knowledge or wisdom, be who he is. no, i mean maybe it’s just that i am being so amazed by a power as such.

By: Melle Johnson

Melle Johnson — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:09:35 +0000

Yes, I’ve seen the Zahir in life. Didn’t know its name though.

By: Melle Johnson

Melle Johnson — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:06:55 +0000

I agree with Marie. At best he he loved the idea of himself loving Esther. It’s not lust vs. love, that is a red herring. It selfish vs. selfless. His love was ultimately inward and egotistical.

The reason I say this is I have been this way, sorry to say.

That is why the metaphor of the soldier who sees every one else’s face as dirty thus assuming his own is also blemished is so powerful in the relationship in this book.

By: Kati

Kati — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:35:58 +0000

Yes, he does exist. With reading the first page in the book I realised that I had been in love. I had hidden it from myself. Untill then I didn’t know what love is, everyone can tell you what it is and how it’s like but you won’t understand untill you loved. I did not even questioned why I cried and why I felt pain or why I couldn’t breath when I smelled her perfume. I always wanted to tell myself, no you don’t love her, you don’t even like her but then I thought about the quote what describes a Zahir. It is true, you try to give your best and this person changes your life. But I made my brain rule my heart and said “You don’t”. First I thought I would get over it but it took way longer. It brought out and the only consequence was to tell her otherwised it would have eaten me from the inside. I did, but I still think she didn’t believe me.
PS: Thank you Zeynep, you made complicated into understanding

By: Alastair

Alastair — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:55:41 +0000

Love and lust are 2 completely different things. It is easily possible to love someone with your pure soul and still show lust for others and not love them. The weakness of lust for others is always defeated by the love of a person – God loves us all and will give his strength to the weak in order to spread love throughout the world.
x

By: gaurry

gaurry — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:48:55 +0000

good luck,karen ,never lose your heart no matter how hard it is .the Zahir is telling us:adhere to your dream till the dream is over.at least you won’t feel regret in your live about this Zahir.

By: marie

marie — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:39:10 +0000

You have to be committed to someone you really love and so i dont think that he actually loved esther as even after marrying her.,,, he sleeps with her friend and a singer and an actress and the list goooeeesss oooonnnn …….

By: Alastair

Alastair — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:35 +0000

After i had read the Zahir i then went back and read some parts again to grasp a deeper understanding. There is nothing wrong in searching for yourself and a meaning to your life, and the writer searching for his demonstrates that everything in fact does happen for a reason.
Every encounter serves as part of the ‘bigger picture’ for those who are true to themselves and there soul and no matter how much pain or sadness you may come across you must focus on moving in the right direction. What is at the end of your path you may not know, but ironically, when you get there it always fits into place – every meeting, every detail, every minute/hour/day.
Only with love in the soul can you find this, i try every day to be the best person i can, sometimes various obstacles appear (especially at work) and you feel like you are being dragged down no matter how well you are doing. However, i keep on trying my best and try to help my fellow colleagues.
I still wonder though, what is my destiny – i know it is to do with helping others for that gives me the greatest joy and makes my spirit smile – but what this will come in the form of i just can’t see!!

By: jewit

jewit — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:10:16 +0000

samantha, i was about to say the same thing too –
i share my love for paulo’s books with a very close friend and we have experienced exactly the same thing – we’ve read the books just as we need them, and in many grand ways, it multiplies the significance and effect of each book in our lives. many thanks to you paulo!

By: gaurry

gaurry — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:15:56 +0000

we love others because we want others love us .but when we really get others’ we began to lose it because we feel we ‘re not worth it in our deeply heart .we are going and going and going try to find the true love ,at last we find or I find that’s only me myself who lose the capable of love .

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:10:53 +0000

Quite literally one year ago I was told to read this book. I promptly purchased it at the local book store, opened it, read about 10 pages and put it down. Didn’t open it again until one month ago. Many of us know that sometimes we are not “ready” to read something. Maybe because we won’t really be able to appreciate it or maybe because we are not ready to understand it’s teachings.
Right now in my life, I feel despair. I am filled with worry for things such as how I am going to pay rent, pay my bills, feed my child. I woke this morning with only one thought. I want to finish The Zahir. So, I did. And the time was right.
Thank you.
Again.