Must say this strand leaves me a bit bemused and I've been reluctant to post on it. I took the book as a Pilgrim's guide, and the reflections as those of someone with a genuine desire for a deeper meaning in life, and the thought that, in some way, what he himself had experienced might be of help to others. People may or may not agree with his views, or the way he expresses them, but, whatever, surely at the very least he deserves some respect for his conviction?
The amount of historical and archeological information in the guide is mind-boggling, and I simply don't know whether or not this is so readily accessible elsewhere. I admire and respect him for the sheer amount of research and effort involved in this. It needs both dedication and commitment to do something like this.
Part of my own motivation was to look for more compassion, understanding, and tolerance for others, something I'm lacking in. The Camino for me wasn't life-changing or earth shattering in any way, but rather just a long and mostly very wet walk. But there are others who have had a special experience and I hope I can respect and admire them for this.
De Colores
Bogong