Futility of Sensuous Pleasures as Depicted by Bhagavd Gita and Paulo Coelho’s Novel Eleven Minutes

Abstract

Aim: The present research paper is a comparative study of futility of sensuous pleasures as described by Bhagavad Gita verse 22 of chapter five to the experience of Maria. Maria is a Brazilian girl and the lead character of the present novel. She wanders around various places in search of better fortune and sensuous pleasures. She spends around one year as a sex worker for the sake of earning quick money. Maria engages herself in this profession to buy a plot of land and a comfortable house for her family in Brazil.

Methodology and Approach: The qualitative research has been employed in the present research paper. Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho has been selected as a primary text for this purpose.

Outcome: The novel presents many incidents of Maria’s life. She realizes that her clients are searching the inner peace rather than physical pleasures. They could not get this inner peace either in their work or in their families. Many of them just want to talk and share their inner conflicts with her.

Conclusion and Suggestion: Maria realizes that earning money by such a menial profession is physically and mentally absorbing her. Finally, she deserts this profession and decides to spend her life with her lover Ralf. These incidents of her life give her a realization that love is the only inspirational source of life and all physical pleasures are temporary and worthless.