There is no shortcut to enlightenment and it is a mental state when one knows the essence and source of ones being through constant seeking and experiences, Mumtaz Ali Khan or Sri M as he is popularly known, whose Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogis Autobiography' is a best seller, has said.

He was speaking at a book release function and an interaction session titled Ullodullam (Heart-to-Heart) organised by a cultural collective here.

He said going by the teachings of Gita an enlightened person could be recognised with some characteristics.

He or she will always be in a state of tranquillity, he said.

Sri M said true seekers should be ready to give up his excess ego and all his negative emotions through good deeds to ready himself.

He or she should be ready to consider everyone equal to himself or herself irrespective of their worth, said Sri M, who also responded to questions from the packed audience at the Alakapuri Hall.

Asked why he was attracted to Hindu traditions of self seeking despite being born and brought up in a Muslim family, Sri M said it was probably because he found the way Quran was taught to believers less appealing.

I was not satisfied with answers, rather I was interested in seeking it for myself, he said.

I have however understood its (Qurans) essence to be the same as of other holy books, when I later came in touch with Sufism, he added.

Film director P.T. Kunhu Muhammed, writers P.N. Das, E.M. Hashim, and Khadeeja Mumtaz spoke on the occasion. Two books Akadarile Anantham by Mr. Das and Budha Manasam by Mr. Hashimm was released by Sri M on the occasion.

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No shortcut to enlightenment: Sri M