An Ao vernacular book on temperament offers vital clues
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 12
While every individual has human personality traits and behaviors described as ‘temperament,’ recognizing one’s weakness and correcting it through spiritual guidance can lead to a peaceful and a contented living, opined Tiala Imchen in her latest book.
The book entitled, ‘Tanelai Azoükba Jakla’ (Spirit Controlled Temperament), was released here today at Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA) office by former Director of Peace Affairs, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Rev L Kari Longchar.
A theologian by training, the author Tiala Imchen is a prolific writer and this is her fourth book. Her last book, 'Ao Lima Nüktzü' (Tears of the Ao Naga Country) which documents the excesses of the Indian military as experienced in Ao villages during the tumultuous 1950’s of the then Naga Hills district was published last year.
The current book dwells into the varied aspects of temperament through secular and spiritual approach and coherently synthesizes the same and offers the readers various mechanisms through which one can acquire a ‘spirit controlled temperament.’
Speaking at the book release, the author said that the idea for the current book was instigated when she traversed through different Ao Naga villages researching for her last book.
Temperament depicts unique characteristics and personality of each individual. Confusion is created in the absence of understanding each other’s distinctive endowment, Tiala further expounded.
To that end, she called for recognizing one’s temperament to understand about the other for a cordial and healthy existence.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Imchayanger, who also wrote the foreword to the book, said that while initially he approached the book in a skeptic manner, he was completely surprised by its in-depth content and insightful analysis of subject matter.
“Both spiritual as well as psychological aspects are dealt with cohesively by the book. To better understand oneself one should read this book,” he said.
Not only for theologian or believers, he recommended the book for secular students, researchers and philosophers. Releasing the book, Rev L Kari Longchar also said that the book will be beneficial for everyone and urged the gathering to spread the same to others.
K Temjen Jamir, Editor of Tir Yimyim, an Ao vernacular daily, wrote in his review that one should read the book to discover about these characters which we cannot control and make fruitful rectification.
Divided into two parts, the first part of the book deals with the ‘four human temperaments’ as propounded by the Greek physician Hippocrates. The proto-psychological theory suggested four fundamental personality types - sanguine (optimistic and social), choleric (short-tempered or irritable), melancholic (analytical and quiet), and phlegmatic (relaxed and peaceful). Most formulations include the possibility of mixtures of the types.
While noting that most people have mixture of such traits, the author opined that after understanding one’s temperament, one can take spiritual recourse to correct one’s weaknesses and thereby a ‘spirit controlled temperament.’
A self-published book priced at Rs. 200, the book is available in all leading book stores in Dimapur, Mokokchung, Kohima as well as at Christian Literature Centre, Dimapur
