Inside the Mind of a Modern Mystic: The Making of Dwidala Camera Shop

At a time when mindfulness is often reduced to a buzzword, author Ajit Nathaneil offers something refreshingly real. A former corporate investigator with a deep interest in consciousness and human transformation, he brings together Buddhist philosophy, psychedelic introspection, and the fast-paced corporate world in his debut novel, Dwidala Camera Shop.

The result is an evocative journey through perception, purpose, and awakening; a story that gently invites readers to look beyond illusion and rediscover inner stillness.We sat down with Ajit to explore the inspirations and ideas behind this deeply layered novel.What inspired you to combine such diverse elements like Buddhist philosophy, mystical plants, and corporate dynamics into a single story?It unfolded naturally. I have been exploring mindfulness and meditation for about 15 years, and I have long been intrigued by the transformational journeys people describe through practices such as ayahuasca and psychedelics in therapeutic settings.My professional background exposed me to high-stakes corporate situations that often mirrored complex human emotions. These experiences, though seemingly different, came together intuitively while shaping the story.How would you describe your writing style?I would call it an intuitive, first-person stream-of-consciousness style. It traces the protagonist’s evolution from restlessness to clarity and acceptance. I have also incorporated elements of magical realism through meditative and mystical experiences, blending the internal and external worlds seamlessly.

Why did you choose a camera shop run by a monk as the heart of the novel?The story revolves around the idea that our fears and patterns can create a limited perception of reality. Dwidala Camera Shop becomes a place where that illusion is gently challenged.The camera shop serves as a perfect metaphor linking mindfulness to the act of seeing. Each lens, whether wide or focused, mirrors how perspective can shift awareness. The monk uses cameras as tools to help others capture slices of experience and view life with renewed clarity.What drew you to create Harish, a tech founder in self-exile, and why make his journey both psychological and spiritual?Harish represents a generation that built its identity around success and productivity. His journey explores what happens when that identity expands to include creativity, emotion, and spirituality.When Harish steps away from the familiar, it allows him to reconnect with forgotten parts of himself. The story reflects how inner transformation can restore balance and deepen our understanding of fulfillment.You explore perception, reality, and consciousness throughout the book. Why do these questions matter to you personally?Because they shape how we experience life. Much of what we see is filtered through personal perception, yet we often mistake it for absolute truth.In today’s fast-moving world, attention is fragmented and contemplation is rare. I have found that writing and photography help me slow down and explore awareness more deeply. Through this book, I hope readers are inspired to pause and reconnect with their own consciousness.You have worked across industries from finance to investigations. How did that influence your writing?My experience editing financial research at a Swiss bank taught me precision and the value of choosing the right word. Later, as an investigator, writing detailed reports sharpened my ability to build clear, engaging narratives.That combination of discipline and creativity has deeply influenced how I approach storytelling today.The novel has a unique rhythm with moments of intensity followed by calm reflection. What guided your pacing?I drew inspiration from Kabuki theatre and Japanese jidaigeki cinema, where stories flow organically with moments of stillness before reaching a dramatic crescendo.This rhythm allowed me to explore characters in depth while maintaining emotional balance throughout the narrative.What do you ultimately want readers to take away from Dwidala Camera Shop?I hope readers enjoy it as a soulful fable filled with vibrant characters and moments of wonder. If it encourages them to slow down, observe, and question their perception of reality, that would be truly rewarding.Why was this story the one you chose for your debut?I have been writing stories for over two decades, but this one came together with a sense of completeness.

It felt like the right story at the right time, one that aligned my personal reflections with my creative expression.What is next for you?I am working on another novel that continues with the same cast of characters. It will explore the relationship between technology and humanity, two forces that define much of our modern experience.Dwidala Camera Shop is more than just a novel; it is a meditation on perception, consciousness, and the subtle ways our lives are shaped by both inner and outer realities. Through Harish’s journey and the symbolic lens of the camera shop, Ajit Nathaneil invites readers to pause, reflect, and re-examine their own perspectives. It’s a story that blends the spiritual with the everyday, reminding us that true insight often comes when we slow down, observe, and embrace the full complexity of our experiences. With this debut, Ajit establishes himself as a storyteller who not only entertains but also inspires introspection, making Dwidala Camera Shop a must-read for anyone curious about the intersections of mindfulness, self-discovery, and human transformation.