Welcome to Athman, a collection born at the intersection of rhythm and reflection.
For many years, my world was defined by the structured logic of engineering. A profession of simulations, and measurable outcomes. However, I found that the most profound truths often reveal themselves when we step away from the desk and onto the trail. These poems began as a quiet conversation with the crisp morning air on the running trails of Austin, Texas. They were fueled by the early hour wisdom of Kahlil Gibran and the steady, rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath my feet.
Running is more than just movement; it is a meditation. It is where the "Language of Feet" speaks of persistence, and where "Chasing Sunrise" becomes a metaphor for our own search for clarity. This book is a chronicle of that search. Within these pages, you will find a tapestry of my life’s dualities: the deep roots of a childhood filled with love, the heavy silence of losing those we hold dear, and the constant, ebbing tide of grief and joy.
The themes here are anchored by the diverse pillars that have supported my own journey. You will hear echoes of the Bhagavad Gita and Stoic resilience, the psychological depth of Edith Eger, and the mindful leadership of figures like Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta. These influences may seem disparate, but they all share a common thread: the pursuit of the "Athman," the authentic self that exists in the present moment.
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Raghuram Thiagarajan
Raghuram Thiagarajan is a professional engineer whose journey into poetry began on the running trails of Austin, Texas. Seeking to describe the landscapes of his morning miles, Raghuram developed a daily ritual of listening to Kahlil Gibran before his runs, a practice that eventually unlocked his own poetic voice. These same Austin trails also forged a deep creative partnership with the book’s illustrator, Satish Sirimalla.
His writing serves as a tapestry of life’s dualities, navigating the profound loss of loved ones alongside the warmth of a childhood rooted in the love of his parents and siblings. Raghuram’s work is deeply informed by an eclectic intellectual landscape: the spiritual depth of the Bhagavad Gita, the resilience of Stoicism, and the grace of Maya Angelou and Gandhi. Drawing further inspiration from the transformative insights of Edith Eger and Ellen Langer, and even the leadership philosophies of Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta, this collection sits at the unique intersection of logic, movement, and soul.
