Are humans only as powerful as their thoughts? Does karma affect them? Does God exist? Do they possess a soul? Are they prosecuted for their deeds? Are they controlled by the omniscient irrespective of their beliefs? Are all of them bound to the laws created by Holy Men? Should they always procreate by sex? Is evil subjective?
These are a few questions Rajiv R Nair & R. S. Chintalapati discuss using their novelette titled Burning Beacons. Through the story, they show how culture and perceptions are rapidly changing. The writers converse how the previous generations are consistently wailing regarding the change while the new generations mistakenly presume their ideology is progressive and everlasting.
Disclaimer: For ages above 18 only.
Chapter I
A newly married couple discuss the possible gender of their child to realize that they have different choices. While agreeing that a healthy child is a common request, they are also surprised to realize they disagree on the name considering their differences in opinion on characters from epics.
Chapter II
When not a single person in this world cares about another’s existence, the motivation to live for a socially dependent person ceases. The lawfully unaccepted notion of ending one’s own life doesn’t seem to be a choice but rather a destination. The misery of the mental self is strikingly dangerous with unforeseen consequences when not controlled.
Chapter III
Feeling a newborn for the first time is an experience that’s unparalleled. Especially when that life is related. It’s like feeling God in mortal form by those corrupted by materialism during their course of existence.
Chapter IV
Continuing to devote time to elements that aren’t believable is an unquestioned activity though tiring. Such activities make even the lamest individuals question their motives as time passes by. However, the cost of giving up is often based on the emotional value held on them.
Chapter V
Fighting and killing in the name of a force that is questioned to even exist shouldn’t even be an option. At times, it seems ludicrous to end lives under the presumption of serving or defending the unseen master. This however, shouldn’t force the non-believers to condemn others who abide by laws of the master guiding them.
Chapter VI
When answering metaphysical questions most often individuals are left to find logical conclusions through rigorous learning and discussions. Such a process could at times provide a visualization of achieving completeness in life. However, what disrupts such a journey from being complete is the desire to acquire validation from peers.
Chapter VII
If there is a single reality in the face of death, shouldn’t every individual either start an afterlife or just stop existing. However, such absolute ends are often questioned when talking about mind travel or astral forms. When pondering about existing on the other side of the portal, death is just the beginning of an individual’s journey to the worlds they believed in throughout their lifetime.
Chapter VIII
Time and loneliness turn even the most intelligent insane. In societies where bondings are feeble and belief systems are introspected to the extent of causing disbelief, dependencies between individuals become impractical. However, living in a world of the void is as good as non-existing, and seeking to love other forms of life who could be partners is no longer an alternative.
Chapter IX
Does torturing sinners change them? Can bad deeds be corrected with punishment? Then doesn’t it beg the question as to why individuals are created to be later punished by the very Gods from whom they have taken a form? Do sinners have to be stuck in the cycle of unending lives until they satisfy the standards set by the eternal beings?
Chapter X
If individuals have the power to create life while experiencing sexual pleasure, doesn’t it corrupt the weak to waste it for their own? Should individuals be punished for such corrupted nature? If punished, who should pass such a judgment, if the existence of the supreme is presumed annulled?
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