The essays in Mystics and Sceptics: In Search of Himalayan Masters, edited by Namita Gokhale, look at both the tyranny and beauty of life and bring alive the spiritual resonance of the Himalayas. A non-believer may read it with a pinch of salt; but the book is fascinating and helps to fathom why people take a leap of faith. A diverse set of writers, including diplomats, journalists, authors and seekers, give an insight into experiences of wanderers and spiritual gurus. In an interview, Gokhale explains what led her to the Himalayas and the reasons why she thought of a book of essays on the mountains.
