The Summit Within Summary
In 1965, Mount Everest expedition was the first successful expedition. Edmund Hillary and Major Ahluwalia were also a part of this campaign. This chapter is reminiscent of Major Ahluwalia's campaign. He says that he felt joy and happiness while standing on the peak of Mount Everest, although he was physically tired. He felt that this bliss would be with him throughout his life and was thankful to God. Also, he was depressed somewhere. Although he was not sure about the reason, he thought it was because there is no higher peak to climb now.
Despite climbing this peak, he thinks that there is another peak that we need to climb. This is the peak of our mind. According to his observation, he said that a person needs three qualities to climb any peak. Endurance, perseverance and will power are the three qualities a person needs to overcome the obstacles of his life. Everyone thus enjoys overcoming obstacles.
On the question of why he chose to climb Everest, he says that he loves the mountains. As Mount Everest is the highest of them all and it is a great struggle against rock and ice to climb, he finds it very challenging. He says he has a strong urge to face challenges and overcome obstacles. Furthermore, for him, the joy of climbing Mount Everest is immense as only a few can manage to do so. He says here that climbing Everest is not only a physical achievement, but also an emotional and spiritual experience. This success brought him fame and he also accomplished it as well.
He further says that this summit is also a lesson of companionship. Two people share the same rope while climbing a mountain. One climber needs to hold the rope firmly in place while the other cuts the steps in hard snow. The second one again gives the belt and then the first one goes up an inch. It is very difficult for any one man to think about climbing a mountain. They also need physical as well as emotional support from their peers.
Ahluwalia further states that after reaching the summit of Everest, they all bow to God. He left a picture of Guru Nanak, Rawat left a picture of Goddess Durga, Phu Dorji left the relic of Lord Buddha and Edmund Hillary buried a cross on the Everest under snow.
He also states that each person has their own mountain peak. Climbing this inner peak is also important because this climb will also change it. He also adds that perhaps the inner summit is even higher than Everest.
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