Journey from Physical to Spiritual World in R. K. Narayan’s The Guide

Abstract

This research is an attempt to show Raju’s journey from physical to spiritual world on the basis of the text The Guide by R. K. Narayan. Spiritualism is commonly understood as the practice of the religion. It occurs in the environment of competitiveness, hatred, self promotion, material prosperity and usurpation of authorities. Spirituality in a narrow sense, concerns itself with the matter of spirit. This concept is closely tied to religious belief and faith, a transcend reality. In a wide sense, spiritual matters are those matters which are related to human kind's ultimate nature and purpose. It is the subject which is perceived to be beyond both time and material world. Raju, being the historical Swami, lacks the metaphysical spirit or power. So, therefore he has to terminate his fasting quicker than it was planned. Because of his bodily requirements, Raju requires food and all other things as everyman requires. At last Swami takes fasting because of the belief of villagers.