Children’s literature often carries a profound simplicity that speaks directly to the heart. This is beautifully exemplified in the enchanting tale of ‘Eddy the Whirlpool’, a children’s book composed by Gijs Hubben during a Rupert Spira meditation retreat at Mandali, in Italy. With a foreword by Rupert, this story offers a delightful journey into the essence of being and the discovery of true happiness.
Rupert’s foreword to the book reminds us of the innate closeness children have to their true nature. Children are naturally open to the timeless truths at the heart of spiritual traditions: that beneath the whirl of our thoughts and emotions lies an unshakeable peace and happiness. This foundational understanding is the simple joy of being, a theme that resonates throughout the story.
The Story of Eddy
The tale begins with a young whirlpool named Eddy, who appears one day in a stream. Eddy is curious and playful, enjoying his existence without much thought about his origins or destiny. His carefree days are filled with joy as he spins around, playing with the water. However, a moment of crisis arises when Eddy witnesses a larger whirlpool swallowing a smaller one. This event sparks fear and contemplation in Eddy, leading him to seek advice from an older whirlpool.
Eddy’s mentor informs him of the harsh reality: to survive, he must grow larger by consuming smaller whirlpools. This revelation shocks Eddy, but driven by fear, he embarks on a quest to become the biggest whirlpool in the stream. As time passes, Eddy grows into Ed, the largest whirlpool, yet he finds himself unhappy despite his size and power. He misses the carefree days of his youth, realising that his relentless pursuit of growth has not brought him the happiness he once felt.
The Turning Point
The turning point in Ed’s journey comes when he starts to shrink and slow down. Panic sets in as he confronts the inevitability of his demise. In a desperate search for meaning, Ed encounters a whirlpool named Rupert, who flows happily and carefree, seemingly untouched by the fears that plague Ed. Rupert’s enigmatic statement – ‘I’m not a whirlpool’ – leaves Ed bewildered but intrigued.
Rupert’s words echo in Ed’s mind, leading to a profound realisation: he is not merely a whirlpool; he is the water itself. This epiphany transforms Ed’s perspective, helping him understand that his true nature is not confined to the temporary form of a whirlpool. He remembers the joy of spinning simply for the sake of spinning, reconnecting with the pure delight of being.
The Deeper Message
Eddy the Whirlpool is more than a charming children’s story; it is a gentle introduction to the non-dual understanding of life. Through Eddy’s journey, children and adults alike are invited to explore the concept of identity and the nature of happiness.
The story of Eddy reminds us that happiness is found in the simple awareness of our being. It is a call to return to the joy of simply existing, much like the playful spinning of a whirlpool. Eddy the Whirlpool serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty of simply being. It is a book that will inspire young readers and resonate with adults, offering a pathway to the unshakeable peace and happiness that lies at the heart of our true nature.
It is available to purchase online on Amazon in the USA, UK, Germanyand many other countries.
Please also enjoy this lovely – and, at times, hilarious – reading of the first draft of the book, by the author, at the Mandali meditation retreat:
