GPS for the Soul—Wisdom
of the Master
1. What really inspired you to write
your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying
it into a book?
In truth, I felt commanded out of
compassion for the suffering of others both to write and publish GPS for the Soul. You see, I was just so
incredibly confused growing up. And when I look around me today, I see similar
confusion or outright disillusionment, growing exponentially. I see so many
folks, young as well as old, but especially the young, asking, “What’s it all
about—life that is? What’s the point of all this? Why am I here? What does it
matter anyway?” And it would seem that no one has answers for them. And as a result
suicides, addictions, violence and mental illness grow. I feel GPS
offers not only understanding for these folks, but also solutions.
2. What is it about and whom do you
believe is your targeted reader?
GPS
targets readers who are searching or have questions—metaphysical questions: Who
am I? Why was I born? What is the purpose of life? Is there life after death?
How do I get what I get in life? These can be individual of any age or faith
base, individuals recovering from addiction, those who have health challenges
or who have experienced loss.
Back in the 50’s and 60’s, when I
was growing up, I certainly wanted answers to those questions that folks are
asking today. Roy Rogers and Ozzie and Harriett were beginning to lose their
mythical hold on ‘all is well and wholesome’ due to the continuous succession
of troubling world events —the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, the Cuban
Missile Crisis, as well as the multiple disheartening assassinations of JFK,
Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther
King. All my trusted authorities—parents, teachers, church— were
telling me one thing, but what I witnessed was quite different. How could one
trust authorities who talked with forked tongue?
"Do as I say, but not as I
do." Preaching non-violence while participating in endless wars. Preaching
proper conduct and sexual integrity, while molesting young children and forcing
young girls to abort or give up for adoption pregnancies imposed upon them
through rape or force? Oh, none of it made sense! So, I packed my pack back and
started circumambulating the globe looking for answers.
GPS for the Soul chronicles that
search and its end result, which brought me right back to the United States
where grace introduced me to a hundred-year-old wise man from Sri Lanka, who
mentored me for over eleven years. Not only did His Holiness answer all my
questions, but more importantly he resurrected my faith and awakened the
station of wisdom inside me, whereby I might find answers for myself. Often he
urged that one, "Seek even unto China for Ilm or wisdom."
3. What do you hope will be the
everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? What should
remain with them long after putting it down?
I want readers to know
that life is not meaningless, not random, nor are they victims or powerless. I
want them to understand that they do have power, and that that power resides in
the development of wisdom and discernment, which can overcome ignorance and
enable right action. What should remain with them is a sense that there is a
source of Universal Goodness available to them and that a life of peace is
possible.
4. What advice or words of wisdom do you
have for fellow writers?
Write what you know.
Trust that your audience will follow.
5. What trends in the book world do you
see and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
Personally, I do not believe
that every thought is print worthy and I think the explosion in self-publishing
threatens to bury some gems under an avalanche of babble. Also, many individuals are just reaching that
age where they are beginning to understand and want to share their life’s
lessons. Unfortunately, much of that wisdom is lost because these folks lack
the computer and technological skills required in this day and age of self-
publishing.
6. What great challenges did you have in writing
your book?
a. Trusting that I had something to say.
b. Working with modern technology
c. Learning how to be appropriately intimate with my
audience.
7. If people can only buy one book this month,
why should it be yours?
My book does not just
end when one finishes reading it. One is inspired to continue exploring the
notion of wisdom and self-guidance.
Dana Hayne is
a retired labor and delivery and maternity nurse. She received a Bachelor of Science
in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, graduating magna
cum laude. She lived and studied alongside His Holiness Muhammad Raheem Bawa
Muhaiyaddeen, a spiritual teacher from Sri Lanka, for thirteen years until his
passing in 1986. She continues to assist individuals in their healing journey
as a medical tour guide to the Casa de Dominacio Healing Center in Brazil for
the spiritual healer, John of God. She also volunteers with the chaplaincy and
hospice services in her community hospital. Dana lives with Rodger, her husband
of more than forty years, in the suburbs of Philadelphia where they enjoy their
two sons and three grandchildren. For more info, please see: http://www.gps4thesoulbook.com.
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