Illuminates the Path from Human Love to Spiritual Love.

Describes a Western Woman’s Experience of Tibetan Buddhist Culture.

Gives the reader Access to Ladakh, the Last Shangri-La.

The essential message of Pilgrimage on the Path of Love is that the pilgrimage every human being must take is to the innermost shrine of their own heart where resides the universal truth of life and the eternal Being of existence. The meaning of life is hidden in love. In this book, we enter the interior world of a woman on the spiritual path and we see how the spiritual dimension of life in India fosters in her a deeper understanding of the ultimate quest of human life: enlightenment. This book is of global significance because it makes one aware of the inter-relatedness of all sentient beings.

The unique aspect of this book is that it bridges the gulf between East and West in the personage of the main character, Shantila Martin. As her name indicates, Shantila represents a blending of East and West. Although born in the West, her natural inclination leads her to the East. At the end of the book, Shantila arrives at a wholeness born of an expansion of consciousness.

REVIEWS

“Pilgrimage on the Path of Love, a spiritual odyssey, delivers the richness and complexity of life in India, and brims over with convincing, memorable characters, not the least of which is her narrator/protagonist Shantila, a seeker after something we too seldom see in literary fiction – spiritual awakening and liberation. Through many suspenseful twists and turns of fortune, a reader follows Shantila’s journey with the certainty that the outcome of her story will enrich his or her own meditations on the timeless question of why we are here, and how we can follow a spiritual path in a world so stained by suffering.This is a book I would recommend for everyone who loves wisdom and wishes to live an examined life.”
Dr Charles Johnson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Recipient of an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award for Literature, and National Book Award

“Pilgrimage on the Path of Love is a portal to an artfully detailed world of beauty, love, and awareness. I call it a portal because it felt like I stepped into one from the moment I picked up the book; I was immersed in the realistic depictions, poetic words, and colorful backgrounds. My favorite feature of Pilgrimage on the Path of Love is how in sync it is: the relaxed progression of the story correlates perfectly with the peaceful mood of the protagonist and her consistent striving to return to a balanced state of mind. Barbara Ann Briggs writes for the free spirits, adventure enthusiasts, and wisdom and spiritual depth seekers. The audience is encouraged to love and embrace others regardless of their religious beliefs, and this core message is key to achieving world peace. I recommend it to the world.“

Foluso Falaye, Readers’ Favorite Reviewer (My book was awarded a 5 star medal.)

“The quest that Shantila, the chief protagonist, undertakes on the path of love unveils to her not only the agony of pain and suffering implicit in meetings and partings but also the ecstacy of understanding and appreciating the intrinsic beauty of the landscape of the soul, the true nature of life as we live it.” Her rumination at the end of the journey: “The pilgrimage I sought to complete has been completed, not to the temples of Rishikesh, Haridwar, Badrinath or Gangotri, but to the omnipresent God, to the temple hidden within every human heart” – comes as a potent antidote to growing intolerance bordering on clash of cultures and civilizations that characterizes a world in individual as well as collective distress. The charm of the novel lies in its ability to capture the attention of the reader from beginning to the end as it takes us over picturesque rivers, dales and hills to experience a kind of peace that defies understanding. I wish her maiden venture all success!

Dr Nibir K. Ghosh, Ph.D., UGC Emeritus Professor, Dept of English Studies and Research, Agra College

“Pilgrimage on the Path of Love by Barbara Ann Briggs is a loving account of a woman’s quest for spiritual fulfillment. At heart is a palpable undeniable love for the country of her adoption, its multitudinous life, its minor duplicities and wider generosities are so fondly captured with a liveliness, both authentic and amusing, that I felt fresh love gushing for this crazy country of mine. In the book, we travel from Dubai to Delhi to Manali and Leh with its far flung monasteries and brooding temples, and with each ascent, the protagonist is symbolically nearing that state which neither gains nor wanes, where plenitude and beatitude are suffused. These visitations are presented with gossamer delicacy, the author’s luminous prose spreading its lacy veil over creation till creation becomes a salutation and a benediction. The inherent discipline encourages emulation.The devotion which the author brings to her enterprise and the serenity that follows are an inspiration.”

Dr Shernavaz Buhariwalla, Ph.D., Retired Professor of English Literature, Nagpur University, Maharashtra

“It is my experience that the best writers are those with keen and alert observation skills. In Pilgrimage on the Path of Love we are privileged to feast on the delicacies of keen observation that at once affirm the reader’s own life experiences and delight the reader in the bond created by that recognition. Written in the first person by a young woman seeker, the narrative will confirm for female readers their own inner longings and doubts that are the stepping stones for those engaged in the pursuit of higher human awareness. For the male reader, the text will awaken him to the sensitivities of the female mind. And such an awareness for men is very vital in this age that is witnessing the rise of the gentleness and compassion that is the hallmark of the cosmic feminine. Any seeker who yearns for companionship on their singular and sometimes lonely path to Enlightenment will take heart from the pages of this book. It falls in the same exalted category as Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi and The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami, by Radhanath Swami. Pilgrimage on the Path of Love shows us that the path of love and devotion to higher consciousness is barred to none, whether from the East or the West. It is wonderful to live in an age in which Enlightenment is a growing understanding, and to receive the blessings of those moving along the path with such awareness as author Barbara Briggs.“

Dr Joseph Boxerman, PhD., Adjunct Professor of Business Administration, Maharishi International University, USA

“Written lucidly, this book is the perfect amalgamation of spiritual awakening and self-discovery. What stands out in the narrative is her utmost optimism and unshaken faith in God. When faced with difficulties, she surrenders herself to Him and derives energy from her firm belief that the right path will be illuminated by the Creator….“

Muskaan Sharma, Life Positive magazine, India

“Barbara Briggs writes with a poignant, transcendent grace that enables us to experience the story, not merely read it. And this is an experience to treasure.”

William T. Hathaway, author of Wellsprings: A Fable of Consciousness

“Pilgrimage on the Path of Love by Barbara Ann Briggs takes readers on a profound spiritual journey through the heart of India.

Through the eyes of the protagonist, Shantila, Briggs masterfully navigates the complexities of life and spirituality, offering a narrative that is both captivating and enlightening.

As Shantila embarks on her quest for spiritual awakening, readers are drawn into a world filled with suspenseful twists and turns of fate. Along the way, they encounter a rich tapestry of characters that resonate long after the final page is turned. Briggs’ skillful storytelling invites readers to contemplate the timeless questions of existence and the pursuit of inner peace in a world fraught with suffering.

What sets “Pilgrimage on the Path of Love” apart is its ability to transport readers to the heart of India, immersing them in its vibrant landscapes and diverse culture. From bustling cities to serene monasteries, Briggs captures the essence of the country with vivid detail and authenticity.

At its core, this novel is a celebration of love and the human spirit. As Shantila reflects on her journey, she discovers that true fulfillment lies not in external temples, but in the inner sanctuary of the heart. This message of universal love and understanding is a timely antidote to the discord and division plaguing our world today.

For me, Pilgrimage on the Path of Love offers a transformative reading experience that lingers in the soul long after the final page is turned. Briggs’ luminous prose and poignant insights make this a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.“

Peter Michael Dedes, Transcendent Minds Podcast host

https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/roundfire-books/authors/barbara-ann-briggs

To order my book, Pilgrimage on the Path of Love, click here:

https://www.amazon.com/Pilgrimage-Path-Love-Barbara-Briggs/dp/1785352016

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pilgrimage-on-the-path-of-love-barbara-ann-briggs/1124072693?ean=9781785352010