As I delved deeper into the literary masterpieces of the great teacher, it no longer felt like I was simply reading novels, stories, or tales. Instead, it was as if I was in the presence of something much greater — something so profound, wise, compassionate, and uncompromisingly honest, that I found myself not just reading the words on the page, but rather, with head bowed, listening intently to the voice of a prophet imparting lessons of goodness, love and truth.

I had great difficulty obtaining the first, what was then considered complete, collection of works by Leo Tolstoy. I found myself rereading volume after volume of his remarkable diaries, letters, and notebooks. With each passing day, I increasingly realized that, despite being called a candidate of sciences and an associate professor, I did not truly know one of the greatest artists of all time. Before me lay a miracle created by a genius, elevating me to such dizzying heights that I began to see all the people on earth — their quest for truth and happiness, their delusions, their sufferings, and their mistakes.

Do keep me safe, my talisman!.. In jeopardy when battle blazes, do keep me safe, my talisman!