2006 Free copyright. To see this photo in a better resolution, click here
This is the first time I wrote a book in public (I mean, I wrote in private, but it was like many eyes were on me, because I was doing daily updates in Twitter about my emotional status while writing). I finished this Thursday, 11 March, at 2:00 AM.
In 2006 I was called to my 3rd sacred pilgrimage.
The first one, the Road to Santiago (1986) takes place in space , meaning that you have to cover a physical distance between two points. In my case, I walked from the border of France to O Cebreiro (Galicia), close to 600 kms. I wrote a book about it, “The pilgrimage”.
The second was in 1989, called Road to Rome, takes place in time. It is not a journey to Rome, but I needed to choose a place (in this case, the French Pyrenees) to stay for 70 days. I had to dream and follow the dream the next day, regardless how absurd it was (I remember dreaming with a bus stations, and I spent 3 hrs the next day in a bus station). It deals with the Feminine Energy, and I wrote “Brida” and “By the river Piedra I sat down and wept” while seeing my feminine side manifesting itself.
The 3rd sacred road Is called Road to Jerusalem. Again, you don’t need to go to Jerusalem, but you have to travel in space and time. The only task I was given was: stay away from home for the next 4 months.
I went to several countries, but the epiphany happened while crossing Asia in the Transiberian train ( 15 days, 7 different time zones, 9.2528 kms from Moscow to Vladivostok). I was travelling with a Turkish girl, Hilal (not her real name), for reasons that you are going to discover in the book. This point where time and space converge is called “The Aleph”(J.L.Borges has a wonderful short story about this point) . Therefore, this is the title of my new book: “The Aleph”.
Why did I take so long to write about this pilgrimage? Because it took me three full years to understand it.
It is not a travel guide. Of course I describe what does it mean such a long trip in a train, but the main goal is the long trip to my soul, past, present and future.
My friends in Facebook and Twitter are the first to know, besides a note today in Radar (Veja magazine)
The book will be released in Brasil very soon, and in the rest of the world in 2011. I wish it could be this year (a writer wants to see his/her soul unveiled the next day), but the publishing houses have a different schedule.
________________________________
PORTUGUES
Essa foi a primeira vez que escrevi um livro em publico (quer dizer, escrevi comigo mesmo, mas todo mundo sabia que eu estava escrevendo, porque fazia updates diarios no Twitter sobre meu estado emocional). Terminei nesta quinta, dia 11 de março, as 2:00 AM.
Em 2006 eu fui chamado para fazer minha terceira peregrinação sagrada.
A primeira foi O Caminho de Santiago (1986), uma viagem no espaço físico, cobrindo a distância entre dois pontos. No meu caso, andei da fronteira da França até O Cebreiro (Galícia), e foi tema do meu primeiro livro, “O diario de um mago”.
A segunda foi em 1989, é chamado Caminho de Roma, e se passa no tempo. Não era uma viagem para Roma: eu precisava escolher um lugar e ficar ali durante 70 dias. Escolhi os Pirineus. Tudo que precisava fazer era sonhar, e no dia seguinte transformar o sonho em algo real. Lembro-me de uma noite que sonhei com uma estação de ônibus, e fiquei 3 horas em uma. O caminho de Roma lida com a Energia Feminina; escrevi “Brida” e “Na margem do rio Piedra eu sentei e chorei” logo depois, enquanto essa energia despertava em mim.
A terceira peregrinação sagrada é chamada de O Caminho de Jerusalem. De novo, nao é necessário ir a Jerusalem, mas precisava viajar no espaço e tempo. A única tarefa que me foi dada: fique fora de casa durante 4 meses.
Visitei vários paises, mas a revelação aconteceu enquanto eu cruzava a Asia no trem Transiberiano (15 dias, 7 fusos horários diferentes, 9.258 kms entre Moscou e Vladivostok). Estava viajando com uma jovem turca, Hilal (nome falso) por razões que vocês irão descobrir no livro. O ponto onde o tempo e o espaço se encontram é chamado na tradiçao mágica de “Aleph” (J.L. Borges tem uma maravilhosa historia sobre este ponto) . Portanto, o título do meu novo livro é “O Aleph”.
Não é um guia de viagem (assim como “O diario de um mago” tampouco foi). Claro que explico um pouco o que é a longa viagem de trem, mas apenas para localizar o leitor. O livro é minha viagem ao encontro da minha alma, no passado, no presente, e no futuro.
Por que demorei tanto tempo para escrever sobre esta peregrinação? Porque demorei muito tempo, quase tres anos, para entende-la.
Meus amigos no Twitter e Facebook são os primeiros a saber, além da nota dada hoje no Radar (Veja)
Será lançado no Brasil no final de julho.
Quiero leer el libro lo antes posible, existe alguna manera de encontrarlo en español en el peru lo antes posible??
I Love your books.. They have help me through my life… In the most difficult moments… and they keep doing it…. Thanks… And I have your new book already… In spanish…
Gracias de verdad…. Eres mi idolo….
Hi Paulo
I am a huge fan of yours and can not stop waiting to get your new book-The Aleph in hand.However there is a different charm in itself to wait for your books. When I read your books I feel like entering into myself opening all the closed doors those have been shut since years.
Good luck
Priyadarsini
obrigada MAGO…por toda essa Fé que transmites e que enche de esperança a alma do mundo. OBRIGADA:)
Hi Paulo,
I am very excited to read the new book..but I think it is unfair to wait till 2011:((..i really want to read it!!why we have to wait soo much? can it not be translated in english sooner? i love your books..and by the way it is a mistery..but when a new book from u come out there is always something related to my life sooner or later..thanks:)
Sincerely yours,
Paulina
Ya lo quisiera en español, cómo para cuando???
hi. MR. Coelho…
i loved!!!! but….i need read in spanish please :(
I’m waiting to read the new book. I have always come across your books & quotes when I have needed them the most – always automatically, each time all of a sudden, out of nowhere.
Hola Paulo,
No puedo esperar a leer este nuevo libro, cada uno de tus libros han movido una parte de mi ser, el primero que lei fue “Junto al Rio Piedra me sente y llore”, cuando lei “El Peregrino de Compostella” decidi que algun dia haria ese peregrinaje, y asi sera cuando el momento llegue, en fin, espero pronte tener el placer de leer tu nuevo libro, espero que pronto lo traduzcan al espanol.Te envio mi carino.. Daniella
Mister thanks so much!!!
I was thinking in my next book, now I now how much time does I have for finish the one that I´m studing, Mr. Cohelo thanks for the points of veiw that you bring to myself, I love you, have a nice day!!!
I’ve read the first chapter, since am Spanish-Portuguese (very little Portuguese tho) I thought let’s give it a try, I might even be able to read it, Brazilian is different to Portuguese but ey I can’t wait any longer! To my surprise I can read it and all I have to say is OMG! As soon as is available in Brazil..I’ll get my hands on a copy for sure!
Thanks for another fantastic book!
I can’t wait for the book to be released in English :(
anybody can teach me Portuguese that fast :(
love your books a lot, actually i only leave video games long enough to read your books only, dunno why i dont like reading all that much anymore :D … cant say i love all your books… tht’ll be a big lie :) but i have read all your books tht i cud find in english.
Hello Paulo,
I love reading your books,they are very interesting and very exciting to read,i would always be excited to walk into a bookstore and buy one of your books.Some changed my life around like “Veronika Decides To Die”,”Warrior of the Light”,etc!I hope you write more soon!
Sincerely,Toan Nguyen
Wow! What a nice pic of a thinking, dreaming, wondering and concentrating man! Of course, I recognize it is you, Paulo!
I honestly enjoyed the alchemist, thought it was a great read….where do u get your inspiration from…. I can wait to read all your other books…. Thanks
Venho aqui hoje para agradecer vc!!Como pode entender tanto alma das pessoas inesplicavel.Vou de confessar uma coisa nunca me interessva por leitura depois que comecei a ler os seus livros eu me encantei eu apaixonei…Hoje acabei de ler onze minutos eu chorei tanto nunca fiquei tao emocionda com um livro assim, achei linda a historia e acho mais que cada um de nos temos um pouco de Maria.Obrigado por vc existir adoroo vc que Deus continue de abençoando bjs na alma.
its proud to see a turkish character in your book!
Thanks for that and looking forward for your new book.
Best wishes from Turkey
Can’t hardly wait…
trust i really love you,,,all your books is so wonderful and meaningful it touches my heart…
Paulo,
I cannot wait to read your wonderful book!!!!! In the mean time I will have to settle with Borges’ The Aleph.
Borges’ short story was like a drug to my mind…when I finished reading it in Spanish (did not have the same effect in English) I felt like I was “floating” and I had a feeling of energy and ecstasis that could be described as the effect of some kind of a drug. It was so strange for I’ve never felt like this before. Has anyone ever feel like this before?
Love
Monica Staff
Desde que mudei do Br há 5 anos, a Escócia é o terceiro país em que moro e é muito legal sempre te ver nas prateleiras de livros de sucesso, sinto muito orgulho. Quem não gosta de ler os seus livros tem o coração e a mente fechados para o horizonte, que para ser contemplado é preciso ser livre. A liberdade permite que a nossa alma possa “viajar” pelas frases e capitulos dos seus livros… Sucesso, sempre!
I’m dying to read your new book!!!
Good luck,Romania loves you
Um dos exemplares já tem dona.
I LOVE YOU! REALLY!
Hi Mr. Coelho,
Im excited for the new book,, i hope it will have
more about love and all because you’re so true to it
and it touches my very soul..
tnx
Sylvester
Paulo,
I feel as if we have met already, as the pages turn . . . our dreams have sung with the same voice, our destiny’s have danced together, our souls have been transformed ! I am a singer and teacher of music & yoga; I live in Philadelphia, PA USA… Instinctively, I understand that we will cross paths one day. Will you be traveling in the US (especially near Philly) for a spiritual journey &/or book signing anytime soon ? Meeting in person will be the realization of a dream.
Namaste- May the light inside all of us guide your way on.
Natalie
Paulo,
I feel as if we have met already, as the pages turn . . . our dreams have sung with the same voice, our destiny’s have danced together, our souls have been transformed ! I am a singer and teacher of music & yoga; I live in Philadelphia, PA USA… Instinctively, I understand that we will cross paths one day. Will you be traveling in the US (especially near Philly) for a spiritual journey &/or book signing anytime soon ? Thank you in advance for your invitation : Meeting in person will be the embodiment of a dream realized.
Namaste- May the light inside all of us guide your way on.
Natalie
Natalie Hoyer
Vocalist
Music & Yoga Teacher
Hang on, gotta talk with the Boss first!
Me encantan tus libros, he leido la mayoria de ellos… Tambien me encanta “El Aleph” de Borges, es uno de mis cuentos favoritos… Esperare con ansia este libro… :)
//
I love your books, I’ve read most of them… I love the short story of Borges “the Aleph” too, it’s one of my favorite short stories… I will be longing to reading your new book…
Can not wait to see your new book in Indonesia! Great!
Aleph : N Ô
ni avant , ni après , mais en l’instant trouver le passage de l’éternité ; il est au commencement et à la fin , comme la fin est le commencement … comme une spirale , dont chaque extrémité se referment sur elle même , en formant alors un cercle dans l’espace …et le temps .
plus le chemin parcouru de la spirale est grand , plus l’être prend du temps à comprendre le chemin parcouru, puisqu’il lui faut “réduire” le diamètre de cette spirale au diamètre de son “essence” et l’intégrer à son être (pour en retirer la substance)
ainsi le grand se réduit au tout petit, et permet au tout petit d’être grand et de tendre vers aleph N Ô
ô que cela est grand et réjouissant , et si merveilleusement bon .
BON CHEMIN A TOUS , PUISQUE CHAQUE ROUTE APPORTE
(Paulo, il est vrai que chaque chemin peut se faire n’importe où ;c’est la rencontre de l’espace et du temps qui permet la vraie “évolution” et l’enrichissement …infime est la porte d’entrée de l’Aleph , mais ô combien la VIE en cet endroit est gratifiante !! )
———————————————————–
Aleph : N Ô (translated in english)
Neither before nor after , but in the moment find the passage of eternity; it is in the beginning and at the end , as the end is the beginning … as a spiral , which each end close on itself , in forming then a circle in the space –and the time .
More the journey from the spiral is great , more be takes time to understand the path travelled, since it must “reduce” the diameter of this spiral the diameter of its “essence” and to integrate its be (to remove the substance)
The grand is reduced to small, and allows the very small to be grand and to move toward aleph N Ô .
ô that this is large and gratifying , and if wonderfully good .
GOOD PATH HAS ALL , SINCE EACH ROAD BRINGS (Paulo, it is true that every path can be done anywhere ;it is the meeting of the space and time which allows the true “evolution” and the enrichment –tiny is the door of entry of the Aleph , but ô how much the life in this place is rewarding !! )
I love you!
Hope
We Shall wait)))
The aleph as the collection of Jorge Luis Borges, as the number zero or the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and with a different spelling as Aleppo in Syria. From one continent to another, the travel continues. This reminds me of a quote from Margaret Runbeck “happiness is not a station but a way to travel.” So … travel! :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Luis_Borges
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleph_(nombre)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleppo
Light & Love,
Will the new book be released in English in Brazil or just
in Portuguese?
Even though we all wish your new book will be on the shelves tomorrow, we have to respect the mystery of timing, and enjoy the delicious anticipation.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and motivations for your book and how the pilgramage to jerusalem takes place…
i think of 4 months i have spent away from home…
it has happened alot…
in the beginning it is easy… because life is all encompassing and an adventure… horizons never end…
the days go on..
BUT, THEN… the ether begins to seep in and one realises that it is time to take one’s place in the rhythm of life… the dance of life..
and you look for wisdom and ‘knowing’ more concretely.
then, to stay away from home becomes harder and what it means to be away is no longer as important.
……
the same of being away from home could be said, of course, about the soul…
oneself..
of being away from oneself and one’s soul..
of losing oneself to deception or through blindness..
then, to be away from… ‘home’ is like suffering and becomes almost like the 40 days in the desert as Jesus endured..
I am looking forward to reading this next book so very much ;o) x
Thankyou
p.s. I would call it “a journey of finding oneselves way back home …”
Wonderful! My boyfriend (whom I introduced to you) was just asking me yesterday, “Does Paulo have a new book out?” I said, “I dont know.” This morning, I pulled up your blog, and viola! there it is… We are so excited. I cannot tell you how powerful your writing, spirituality and philosophies resonate in my soul. I start your books excited, invigorated and motivated. When I see I only have about 20 pages left I feel a slight touch of melancholy that the “end” is near. But, the taste of the story always stays with me for days after I finish the last word. Absolutely delicious! Gracias!
Jennifer
Jenniferjade Enterprises
Olá.
Fico feliz em saber que logo logo vai ter outro livro, sou sua fa e acho que ja li quase todos os seus livros, talvez por ser mulher, mais os que mais gostei foram Brida, A bruxa de Portobelo e 11 minutos, faz 2 dias terminei de ler O Zahir, gostaria de ler o livro que voce mensiona nesse livro, que em espanhol seria Tiempo de Romper Tiempo de Cocer. Um abraço.
Jane