Spirituality Books

Ed Brown definitely knows Master Suzuki's heart.
And he presents the warm heart of his master in a logical and progressive ordering of a few of Suzuki's lectures.

After 30 years of daily meditation (15 in the style of Monk Dogen) and always failing to reach calmness of mind in every session,
a book like this gives a nugget of hope.

For example:
specifically, on page 6 of the Chapter on "Calmness of Mind," it offers:
"Exhaling, you gradually fade into emptiness--empty, white paper."

This is as clear as it gets;
the essence of the connection between breath, body, mind and emptiness.
Thank you very much.

Other concepts are also explained nicely.

For example:
Suzuki explains the meaning of the koan of "Jumping Off the 100-foot Pole,"
starting at page 16. (Myself, I've never really understood this one. I've always pictured myself reaching the top of the Pole and then trying to decide what to do next.)
Suzuki explains that this is precisely where I make my big mistake--stopping at the top of the pole and thinking. He says that the secret is just to say "Yes!" and jump off from there--forget the top of the pole and extend your practice.

One last example:
In the Chapter "Stand Up by the Ground" (page 139)
Suzuki explains "Immo,"
which can also mean a questioning, "What is this?"
A very subtle point here.
"What" or "It" is both something very definite ( "What" is "it"? may refer to that specific table right over there, and at the same time something beyond description and comprehension, maybe this table has only one leg and functions more like a chair and is merely drawn by an artist to symbolize some basic human emotion.)
Oh boy, my mind really runs wild with kind of "stuff."

Maybe Ed Brown will write a new book, giving his own commentary on these concepts.
Didn't Zen successors always write commentaries on scriptures?

Well, maybe "not always so."
Yet this book is like a Zen scripture.

Thank you very much Mr Brown.

If you are truly after understanding the nature of Zen Buddhism this book will be the greatest gift ever. Infinite wisdom of this man will touch you with every phrase, not colored, not wrapped in unnecessary complications, simple, deep and true. This is a book to read many times and to feel lucky time after time.

I am very new to Zen and have read several books on the subject. I have practiced zazen for a little while, so I am, by no means, advanced on the subject of Zen and zazen meditation. This book is geared more for those who are more advanced into the world of Zen and Buddhism than I am as there are a lot of things written that I really don't understand (I know that's somewhat Zen in and of itself), but seriously there are better books for beginners. Hopefully in a few years I can pick this book back up and get more out of it.

That being said, the essays are short and wonderful and even though I didn't "get" all of them, there were a lot of great little nuggets inside. For the price, this book is packed with great stuff, I'm just not sure it's for beginners.

On page 110, it is written: "Because we do not cling to any particular standard for thinking, for us there is no true way and not false." Is that not a meaty philosophical idea that could lead to endless intellectual discussions about the Buddha etc. etc.? His life will be prolonged in your mind and get in the way of your practice.
The book does end on what Zen really "is"; "So the point is just to sit..." (page 152). "Even though our practice is not better than a frog's, we continue to sit." (page 151). "Just sit for the the sake of zazen" (page 152).
But you won't make a best-seller with: Just sit. Just sit. Just sit., page after page. Sazuki's best-seller "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" was already too much more than enough to get across the simple idea that Zen is what happens to you when you sit still and follow or count your breaths. And what happens to you cannot really be put into words and ideas.
I give the book four stars for the interesting personal stories, philosophical and psychological discussions. But for the real practice itself-- sitting and meditating in Zen fashion--it was entirely unnecessary.

Outstanding book with insight into a true Zen master. Written after the passing of Suzuki Roshi by one of his students, it is an insight into a beautiful man.

Not always so is a simple book with a single teisho or talk every couple of pages. This allows you to read one talk and digest it without having to delve into any serious brain bending. Suzuki Roshi presents the most complex ideas of Zen in a refreshing and accessible way. I enjoyed reading the 1-2 pages and then going to sit, just as if he gave me a personal teisho.

It is a thin book, but would you expect anything less from someone who could say one word and hold everything in it?

If you are new to Zen or an old master there is probably something wonderful to find in here for you.

I love this book. It was written from a jail cell in the 1600s. This version is the original so the text is difficult to read at first but I would not want a watered down modernized version (which can be purchased). I find if I read in chunks it starts to flow nicely. The characters have names like, "Evangelist", "Piety", "Talkative", "Faith", etc. So you know just where someone is coming from. I have marked up this book with pencil just like I do my scriptures! It is like reading one long parable in story form! Cool book. I'm glad to have found it.

We've read this book to our son and he has really enjoyed it. He doesn't yet fully understand everything and we had to stop and explain a lot to him, but it is something that we plan on reading over and over again as our kids continue to grow.
I read a review that stated that a main flaw in this book was the lack of one on one relationship with Christ. I can understand what they are saying, but I think what you have to keep in mind is that while we are here on earth and in our day and age we do not physically see Christ. He was once here walking and living on this earth, but He is now in heaven. He uses other means now to maintain a personal relationship with us. For example, we can know Christ through His word and through prayer. Just as in the book, He often also sends other Christians along in our life to help us and encourage us. This book is a good example of a walk of faith. We can't see and physically touch Christ right now, but when we are in heaven we WILL see Him just as Bunyan talks about in the book. Christian persevered in his walk without physically seeing Christ and he was rewarded in the end for his faith. For now, how much greater our reward is for those who have not seen Him and yet believed!

Enthralling. This book will help every Christian deal with the battles of being a Christian in this life and all the struggles that go with it. It teaches you never to give up even when you feel like you can't go on. Life's struggles are not a new occurrence, but as timeless as human existence itself. It teaches you not to be too concentrated on your struggles, but to look at the great prize which is Heaven and not be distracted or enticed by the struggles of life nor the easy way out. Excellent. It is a must read for every Christian.

The first time that I encountered Christian and his pilgrimage was as a preface and a family favorite in the book Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Unfortunately, it was not until twenty-something years later that I actually got around to reading the book itself. If I were you, I would not wait that long.

The first part of the current combined book appeared in 1678. Bunyan, a nonconformist Protestant minister who was imprisoned for preaching without a license, wrote at least the first part of the book in jail. The second part was first published in 1684. It is likely the most popular allegory ever written, and is still one of the best selling books of all time.

What makes it so popular? The obvious key to its popularity is its simple, crisp style. Even accounting for the language changes between the seventeenth century and now, it is not a struggle to read Progress and it flows well for the modern reader. Although the book is allegory, the characters are full of little realistic details that make them feel quite human. Incidentally, I was reading this book as I was walking some of the old pilgrimage trails of Europe and it was interesting to me how vivid and applicable his version of the pilgrimage experience is. The Slow of Despair rang remarkably true, as did characters such as Talkative and Mr. Worldly Wisdom.

The Oxford University Press edition is bound with a scholarly introduction which is, for a change, worth reading. It also came with explanatory notes and a glossary which were helpful for the modern reader who is not familiar with the everyday language of the period.

This book is a true classic. John Bunyan spins a wonderful tale of the spiritual walk to heaven. The language may be a bit hard and it won't be that easy of a read, but it is definately worth the while!

It is spiritually edifying and also quite captivating.

A must read!!!

By looking at five different aspects of our personalities, we can see how our uniqueness in each of the areas combines to create an incredible potpourri of advantages and opportunities. Through an examination of spiritual gifts, passion, abilities, personality and life experiences, the author takes us on a journey to understanding our original divine design. With copious quotes, lists, and reflection questions, the author forces the reader into a very personal examination of the way that they are hard-wired. The The appendices are not superfluous but take the user on a journey that is exciting and filled with potential. It would be difficult to read this book and not emerge more confident and self-assured.

5 Reasons why this book is a MUST read. Here's my SHAPE acrostic.

Simple: Erik does an incredible job of making this stuff easy to use.

Helpful: The Spiritual profile that every participant leaves w/ helps the reader to succinctly understand what their next step for service is.

Authentic: if you're able to go through the small group curriculum ( video ) you'll seek Erik's authenticity. It's the real deal.

Passion: As you read the book you'll sense a desire to want to do something bigger than your normal everyday routine. You'll discover or rediscover your passion to impact lives or causes on a daily basis.

Experience: You must experience SHAPE either in book form or through the small group curriculum. Both are incredible resources!!

This book helped confirm the strengths I felt I had. The assessment really opened my eyes to the specific ways my spiritual strengths can be used to help others. I also appreciated the part of the book about having a board of advisors and a training partner. We can learn a lot from the people God has put in our life.

What an eye opener! After reading SHAPE and applying what I learned, I discovered where I truly am in my life, what I am good at, and where to spend my energy in daily living. Based on the content of SHAPE, I have made significant changes that have improved me, my marriage, and my other relationships. This is a must read if you want to get to know yourself on a deeper level, put your true talents to work on what matters most in life, and make a difference in the world you live in....

This book was a great follow up to the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. While Warren's book helped me understand that God created me for a purpose, SHAPE helped me discover how I am made to achieve this purpose and the practical steps to put this purpose into action!
Since reading both these books, God has revealed my purpose and shape to me and I am dedicating my life to becoming a marriage and family therapist. I am currently working in the field and going to school to get licensed as a therapist!

THIS IS A GREAT DESK REFERENCE GUIDE FOR TERMS REGARDING SPIRITUAL WORK. IT ALSO IS A QUICK REFERENCE FOR FAMOUS SPIRITUALISTS NAMES, PLACES, AND SUCH.

If you're curious as to the purpose of our very existence as human beings, I highly recommend you read this book. It is a question and answer format that makes sense of the human experience.

This is the one of the most comforting book I've ever read in my life. I found out more about Spiritual life and God's promises through Jesus. It's a real step ahead of our time, and very clarifying book for the ones who are really serious about spiritual evolution. You will not be able to stop reading this book!

This book makes sense of many experiences and knowledge gained from
"somewhere". It is a book for the serious seeker of spiritism.

Amazon, are you listening? I originally read this book in French and really loved it. It is a wonderful book for those searching for the meaning of life, spiritual truth etc...and is a very serious, credible work by someone whose main line of work was scientific study and medicine, Allan Kardec.

I was so thrilled that I ordered copies in English for friends and was disappointed to find out that this copy is the original English translation dating from the late 1800s!! The book is still worth a read, but why suffer needlessly? The language is difficult, and the typeset is even worse. Great news: a new, modern American English version does exist, and frankly, it is a huge mystery to me as to why it is not being sold here. FYI: I bought my modern copies fon the Allan Kardec Education Society's website...

A wonderful review not only of scripture, but also how well-known theologians down through history agree: You will see Fido in Heaven. I cannot rate this book high enough.

If you have ever lost a pet or know someone who has, then, aside from the Bible, this is the ONE book you really should read and share. Since it came to my attention on Amazon, I have gifted this book several times always with the same grateful result.

"Will I See Fido In Heaven" is an adult way of looking at the loss of a dear pet. This book is thoughtful, and somewhat comforting. Nothing would be more comforting than actually having the lost loved-one back by one's side. However, this book is as good as it gets.

There are many believers in Christ who do not believe that we will see our pets in heaven. I must admit that before reading Mary's book, "Will I See Fido in Heaven?", I felt this same way. As an animal lover and Christian, I was willing to accept whatever God's plan was for animals eternal destination, whether it be that life would just simply end, or that their souls would dwell along side those of us in Heaven who believe in Jesus Christ. Mary uses sound scripture to back up her beliefs. God's word is true and without error. If we choose not to believe His word, then we will miss out on the blessings He intends for us to have and enjoy. If you love animals and our Lord and Savior who created them, read Mary's book. You'll be glad that you did.

This is a very good book with scriptural basis. The cover brought snickers from people who saw me reading it. I would make the cover more of a Biblical study of animal spirits surviving death.

I bet that anyone on this crazy world would identify him/herself with some part of this book. It's so amazind how the author reaches each and every personal and collective problem we face nowadays. And he gives an answer, and a way of overcoming them. And it's not a impossible thing, but it requires our will power to really do something for ourselves that won't misleade us into these worldly delusions, and we must throw away all the bad conditionings the society and the old religions has imposed in our minds. I feel I am really free and experiencing my immortal essence following what the author suggests in this book, and I invite you to get out of you daily slumber.

This book is utterly mind-blowing. I can't believe what I've just read; any cynicism or scepticism I had upon seeing this book ('Just another Indian guru' etc.) was gone after reading the first few chapters. Shri Mataji is the only true revolutionary, everything she says makes complete sense and is consistent with both ancient scriptures and natural science. Her explainations and analogies describing her technique Sahaja Yoga are so simple yet so powerful. Its absolutely relevent to the world today and the author's personal story adds to the overall effect of what he's trying to show us about Sahaja Yoga. He was an intellectual cynic, looking for something 'else' and duly found that in Sahaja Yoga. I'm sure all the doubts that he himself had are addressed in this book for fellow cynics - I was certainly silenced by his explainations of why he felt a certain way and how he easliy overcame it. As he says, this has to be felt to be believed so please put any intellectual doubts aside and read this book. It is about NOW! No use trawling through stuff written thousands of years ago when you could have it all summed up here! Everything will be answered. Your life will be changed!!

This is one of very few books that I would recommend on the subject of higher consciousness and spirituality. It's considerably more informative than a simple account of one's search for the truth. Mr de Kalbermatten speaks knowledgeably and in detail from his own experience and inquiries - not just intellectualizing or speculating - concerning self-realization. It's clear he just wants to share the truth that he's found.

The memories of the substantial personal time he has spent with the widely acknowledged most remarkable spiritual personality, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, are most enjoyable. The nurturing words of Shri Mataji throughout are absolutely illuminating to anyone who wishes to sincerely experience Truth and interconnection/collectivity.

Mr de Kalbermatten's open, sincere, dedicated account of his personal quest is inspiring. He describes what we have all experienced in that there is a lot of bunk masquerading as truth out there and it's very difficult to discriminate between correct and incorrect, right and wrong. Also, that it is difficult to fix personal problems unless you can see yourself honestly. I could relate very well to his initial desperation as a young seeker, and also to his recognition as the immensity and wonder of this amazing and very practical path became apparent.

It is also immediately evident that Mr de K is genuine and his goal obviously NOT money- or power-oriented; a very rare thing in the vast new age book market these days. I really enjoyed the insights, anecdotes and huge amount of information derived from ancient sources which Mr de K so generously shares in the book.

The wave of transformation being experienced in the world is better understood if we can understand ourselves, the subtle workings of the subtle energy system inside us, through recognition and actualization of the Divine Power present in each of us.

This is one book that every inquiring mind and heart should read for the benefit of their own seeking and introspection in becoming the best that one can be. We are instruments of the Divine and we all need to first get it right within ourselves in order to get society back on the proper track, and there's a ready-and-waiting inbuilt way for everyone to achieve that. The correct 'tools' and ability to decode the signals in order to reach our destined heights are available to us through the enormous knowledge, wisdom, love and compassion of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.

The book has been a great work by Gregoire De Kalbermatten which not only gives the factual details of his own practical experiences, his encounter with HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi but also in depth knowledge about Sahajayoga, which was invented and gifted to the mankind by Shri Mataji. The author dealt with problems of the modern times, the depth of the ancient knowledge and provided scores of clues amd tips for a genuine seeker of truth. All my long awaited questions were answered and my quest was quenched with the deep knowledge provided in this book. This has to be read by all seekers of truth very sincerely.

I strongly recommend this book to all those interested in knowing their self.

The Advent written by G. De Kalbarmatten is an exemplary work on Brahma Gyana in general, Sahajayoga in particular. Seekers can find answers to many long awaited questions in this book.

The book begins with the author's early life before coming into Sahajayoga and his encounter with HH Shri Mataji. His experiences of "Self Realization" and of some other Sahajayogis have been described in simple and effective style. The Kundalini instrument of individual as well as of Virata has been illustrated. Explaining the depth of Reality or Truth it is said that "Human minds cannot be taken to Reality, but Reality has to engulf the human mind."

About death and rebirth, it is said that - When heart ceases to beat the individual's consciousness withdraws from the bodily organs. The content of consciousness, The Atman together gathers into Kundalini, which shrinks in size (1-2 cm). Them Kundalini leaves the body carrying chakras which are loaded with the Karma of This birth as well as Previous lives (Kundalini form attends the corpse for 13 days till funeral rites are over). Depending on the content of chakras and the condition of Kundalini, it goes to the corresponding field of energy in Virata, where the next birth is determined.

Ego, Superego, dangers of liberated sex and false gurus are elaborately discussed. The history and evolution of religions of world is quite interesting. The genesis of the universe gives enormous knowledge unknown to science till now. The following salient points can be relevant here.

Ø In the beginning, Sadashiva and Adishakti were united as one entity.
Ø Later Shiva_Shakti separation took place (Big-bang theory). Shakti further divided into Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati and Maha Kali.
Ø Brahma & Maha Saraswati forming Adi Swadhistan of Virata helped the matter to evolve its atomic structure nearly 6000 billion years ago.
(During Big-bang, matter was crushed to tiniest particles called Quarks. These quarks later assembled into Protons and Neutrons. 2004 Nobel prize in Physics is awarded to the theories which explain the forces between quarks which from Proton and Neutron).
Ø Galaxies and Solar Systems were formed 4000 billion years ago.
Ø The living cells were created 1100 billions years ago.
Ø Human brain has evolved 3 billion years ago.
Ø 70,000 years ago, Paleolithic man appeared.
Ø Raising of head and erect posture of Man caused a twist in the evolution of visudhi chakra, developing ego and superego which ultimately resulted in cutting of human consciousness from universal consciousness.

To lead the human beings with locked up consciousness, incarnations became necessary and the Cosmic Conscience produced 4 types of incarnations (Archetypes)

1. Mother Incarnations-generally single person like Durga, Chandi etc., or accompanied by Father as Sita, Radha.
2. Father incarnations-eight first incarnations of Maha Vishnu-Mastya, Narasimha etc.,
3. Guru incarnations-Dattatreya, Yogiraja Viswambhara etc.,
4. Son incarnations-Ganesh, Kartikeya, Jesus Christ etc.,

The Archetypes of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are discussed in detail. Their role in human evolution is note-worthy.

We can also find the following useful tips to overcome catches.

Ø Sitting on the Mother Earth and looking at it would clear Mooladhara chakra
Ø Bathing one's feet in river/sea clears 3 lower chakras.
Ø Looking at HH Mataji's Photograph through a flame clears Manipura and Agya chakras
Ø Looking at the sky clears the Visudhi and Agya chakras.
Ø It too much fatique is felt, raising Ida nadi with right hand and then lowering Pingala nadi will give relaxation.
Ø If one feels depression/frustation, raising Pingala nadi and lowering Ida nadi helps.
Ø If tension/pain in any chakra is felt drawing circles with right hand on the chakra will help (clock-wise in front and anti clock-wise at the back)
Ø More vibrations will be generated if 7 Sahajayogis or multiple of 7 sit together.

In the book Tantrism, its history, its evolution and its effects on human evolution have been dealt in detail. Tantrism flourished in India during 900 to 1400 AD. Tantriks evolved certain ghastly rituals which are full of perverted sex and violence. They progressed through subconscious and supraconscious realms of universe and attained same siddhis also. But they used their energies to acquire power, money and conforts. Tantrikas established their own wicked kingdom where innocents are cheated. They some spirits and introduce the spirits into their disciples, thus spoiling their chakras and Kundalini. Author of the book strongly warns against the false gurus.

The need for collective realization is given in an interesting way. There are two destinies to the human world.

1. If present adharma and violence are carried out endlessly-Sadashiva would arrive to destry the world (Tandava).
2. If there are good number of Realized dharmic people, tenth incarnation of Maha Vishnu (who is guide towards evolution) Shri Kalki will arrive to save the Dharma and punish the adharma.

By giving collective realization HH Mataji has averted Sadashiva-Tandava.

In the last part of the book the writer gave critical review of development of East and West religions and the need for their synthesis.

In a vivid description of western culture, we can find (that) how western thought being oriented towards economic growth and material world has drifted away from spirituality. The monopoly of the Church under Roman Empire, later the rational thinking only in terms of matter has destroyed the spiritual libido of the west.

On the other hand, it is shown that the individualized spiritual pursuit has deprived the Indian society of economic growth and material comfort. Because of this the modern generations of India are running after western culture. But in Sahajayoga beautiful synthesis of both has been evolved.

This book is one of the rare kinds, which opens the new horizons to its readers.

This book requires more concentration than others to comprehend. However it is worth the effort. Am still reading and will reread again. We can explore other dimensions ourselves, given enough energy and correct techniques.

With a deep interest in Toltec philosophy, I purchased this book based on the reviews on Amazon. My initial reading along with my experiental unfolding of the content of the book, simply does not comport with the claims of others in the review section of Amazon. I have no malice against the author, nor do I wish to impugn his work. I am only reporting my experience. Within the context of my expereince, Lujan's book read as any novel might. As far as the book being a catalyst for non-ordinary states of perception - never happened for me. That is not to say the relative merit of the book is to be avoided. The only one that can make that judgement is you!

I will say that my most powerful experiences of the Toltec Teachings have mostly been driven by the work of Theun Mares and Carlos Castaneda. Both of whom stand alone in my view.

I am a long-term student of the study of consciousness, altered states, Castaneda (and his crew), Chi Kung, Gnosis, Lucid dreaming and meditation. These have allowed me to understand what it is like to objectify not only "external" reality, but also the various levels of the mind/personality, mainly and formost the EGO!

This type of inner objectivity will come and go, as consciousness moves in and out of it's phases of distraction and "waking sleep". This sleep and distraction cause us to lose track of the fact that we are unconscious psychologically when we are walking around with our eyes open daily or in bed snoozing. This means also being unaware of our reactions to our environment, impulses from other levels of the Universe and to our own inner workings.

Though i have done my best to remain vigilant and wakeful, when it comes to recognizing all of the shrouds to consciousness, moment-to-moment in my life, i have never recieved such an immediate boost (over the course of a week) to this ability (besides, occasional spontaneous inner experiences) as with the slow reading and digestion of the imagery created by this book .....imagery seems to be the key factor here. I now view my own inner activity in minute detail, and remember, when interracting with impressions from beyond me, that they are indeed that. I also keep a-mind that what we call "reality' is shifting cosmic dust, that i, less and less, need to be reactive to. This type of awareness also now naturally accompanies me on my way in and out of the sleep state, which i think will lead to breakthroughs in dream awareness, as i continue.

For those who have not responded to this work with changed perception, it may be due to not having a foundation for knowing what to look for.....otherwise it may be that they may already be "there"! There may also be a problem if you have trouble allowing imagery to unfold in your mind's eye.

I also have plans to accompany my reading with Carlos's Tensegrity/Magical Passes work. This, as well, has caused an immediate energetic response in me, after viewing the beginning of the Magical Passes disc, while casually trying only four of the basic movements......i can't even imagine what full-blown practice would produce! Having a strong prior foundation in Chi Kung (Qi Gong), may afford me an edge with this though.

Whether or not Castaneda and these guys are authentic, in the eyes of their critics, i have to say, personally, that they have truly hit upon something that carries monumental significance to our race. Why not try it before you trash it?

The Force is out there for us all.

Most of the 5 star reviews here are the ONLY reviews that the reviewers made.

What's up with that?!

I found the book to be well-intentioned while also rambling and perhaps a bit confused.

obviously the author is doing his best to convey his experiences through the written word and that is something to be commended. the allusion of the author's name to Castaneda's "don Lujan" is a bit comical.

Im quite fond of this book, I have read all the carlos castaneda books easily 30+ times, taken notes.. the works. This is definitly worth checking out if you have an interest in this type of thing, I find it to be much more practical. Im on the verge of buying a few more copies to give to my friends and family. Onward to infinity!

Even before starting to read The Lost Teachings I felt the importance it would have in my life. In different ways I had been searching for the truth about what's going on with the Earth and how I'm playing a role in it. It being all to easy to say there's nothing I can do to change the way things will go; let's live on. My view has altered fully.
Reading the book made me eager to go on, since it often made me feel like being there; kind of I've lived this sensations before. This combined with stories of all lifetimes, long ago as well as recently, made it very easy to read and made it have a big impact on my life, an impact I never could forsee when I started it. Feeling back though I do remember the deep feeling about this book being good for me in my search for the truth. Finding this truth has had a big impact on me since. a life of Unselfish Love walking my path following the Universal Law. Starting to give more than ask. Feeling the importance of this impact on my life makes me happy to reread the book over and over, discovering it again and again, rediscovering myself again and again following my path. For everybody who's searching his own path in this roalercoaster world I strongly advise reading this book. I feel sure it will have the same effect on you as it has on me and my life in this loving World.

When reading the book for the first time, I was "blown away" so to speak. Not only because of their amazing ancient history, but because I had an experience I never had before. I had the feeling I already knew their teachings somehow and while reading, I felt it was truth.
For almost a year now, I have been applying their teachings about the simple Universal Laws that govern this Universe and using the self-improvement meditation techniques described in their book. But most importantly, I'm working on manifesting in my life, the very essence of their teachings - Unselfish Love. And my life has already changed in a profoundly positive way.
Loving other people Unselfishly has also been called the Golden Rule. An old concept (and it is often overlooked) but I, as the Children of the Law of One, believe it is the most important spiritual teaching in the world. All good people can agree with me if I say "this world needs a lot more love" and I would recommend anyone who agrees with this and thinks the Golden Rule is a good thing, to read this book.

This book helped me to under stand the Bible better. I loved this book

I have felt the intense experiences of Jon while reading the book and still do after finishing the book and reading in it again and again.
The book is written in a straight and readable way, handing over universal messages that touch the inner being of 'spiritual searchers' or perhaps those who simply read out of interest.
The book is containing the A-Z ("Atlantis to Zen Buddhism") of Real spirituality, and methods to improve one's life via spiritual practice, or how to change one's life and by doing so also have a positive effect on others automaticaly.
Reading the book will have a deep impact on any searcher and person that seeks to live in a sane society, and is truley a revolution in presenting great and yet basic concepts in the most logical and straight forward way.
This book may be just what you were looking for, answering fundamental questions you carry around with you through life.

if you are curious as to the cause, nature and origin of the critical state of disharmony on our planet, The Children of The Law of One & The Lost Teachings of Atlantis by (the now late) Jon Peniel is the most comprehensive, informative and authentically true book i've found on The Matter.

with humor and aplomb the CLO & LAT explained everything to me about "life" as we know and experience it in/on the extant (3D five sense reality) incarnated plane of existence we live/operate in/on. the CLO & LAT also caused me see, literally and figuratively, The Light -- especially understanding, appreciating and coming to terms with the fact that we are indeed spiritual beings having a human experience (as opposed to human beings having a spiritual experience or even human beings having a human experience).

if you are wanting to know the origins of our being here, how things "devolved", why things are the way they are in our world/plane of existence today, how they got this way -- the details and history of how the whole "mess" started, who/what is responsible, what's gonna happen next/how the "mess" is going to be "cleaned" up, what needs to be done, how to better yourself and live life so as to be an exemplar for others, etc. -- essentially all of life's mysteries and questions explained -- then this is The Book for you.

an excellent companion book imho, Fallen Angels and the Origins of Evil: Why Church Fathers Suppressed the Book of Enoch and Its Startling Revelations, is Most Congruent and dovetails very well with the CLO & LAT teachings on what Went Wrong and what's gonna happen to Right Things.

This book is a must read for both the new and old Christian believer. This is a gift that keeps giving. Food for the soul and spirit. I have recommended and given this book as a gift. No doubt about it. Although the gospel is over 2,000 years old, in this book, when reading,you feel as though you are at Jesus feet hearing his gospel for the first time.

This book explained Grace in a way anyone could understand. It has shed a new light on the Love of Christ.

In scripture Paul writes that we should experience the Love God has for us and not just "know" about it in our head. We are to experience the depth width and breath of the Love that God has for us. In this book Pastor Prince, correctly devides the Word in such a way that causes you to realize that great love the Father has for us. After walking with God for 20 years, this is definately fresh manna that rekindles the love for Jesus I knew when I first got saved. This book shows how "His yoke is easy and His burden light"

A must read for every born again believer at least. Truly understanding what the complete work of Jesus Christ's death on the cross and resurection from the dead means to each individual who has accepted Christ as their Savior is very liberating. Pastor Prince has made it easier to grasp the grace of God to all who will believe. Accepting His unconditional love for me allows me in return to give unconditional love to others.

I have been a christian for 11 years now. And I was listening to very legalistic teaching. I remember saying to the Lord: They always tell me where to go, but never how to get there. Luther and Melanchton had a teaching about the law that said it is a schoolmaster that will bring us to Christ. My experience is the complete opposite! I turned my back on Jesus because I couldn't measure up to the standards. Then, after approx. 4 years, I decided to go to bible school - and the first thing God revealed to me was this: You are not under law, but under grace! And grace only! It has nothing to do with you - it is all about me. I have never loved the Lord more than now! I'm relaxed in a way that I have never experienced before.

Now, reading the Bible on the basis of grace suddenly scriptures make sense. Actually, it is so revolutionizing that I'm thinking: On what planet have I been on?

I would recommend this book to everyone - and ask The Holy Spirit to reveal this message to you. You will never be the same - I can assure you that!

God bless :-)

I am a woman, and can't imagine what it would be like to be in the Vietnam War. Karlson puts you there, right in the heart of the heart of it all! Dark and Light, Beauty and Truth, Tears and Fears. It is All here. You will be touched by the courage it took Karlson to act from what is right and the influence that those actions had. This book will touch you deeply to the Light of your Being. I promise!

Fall to Grace is absolutely riveting in its intensity. I have not been able to put it down. I give it six thumbs up. Congratulations on a vividly crafted work!

Karlson does an amazing job of combining spirituality, sex, and adventure. I never would have thought the CIA would have done some of the stuff he talks about...but it's persuasive. The sex scenes with Vietnamese girls are not to be missed. And the spiritual experiences suggest possibilities beyond our ordinary understanding. It goes from the depths of depravity to the heights of wisdom. The full range of humanity is in between What more do you want?

Fall To Grace awakened my soul to the healing that unconditional love can bring to all humanity if we will choose to give up our wars and recognize that the enemy is within us.

Eric Karlson's struggles and ultimate triumphs are presented throughout "Fall To Grace" with engaging detail, brutal honesty and a surprising innocence; I have read few tales which simultaneously disturbed and inspired me as this one has. I cried through the chapters detailing the author's drug addictions, empty family life, and witnessing of unspeakable atrocities; I felt a powerful calm and inner-peace as I read the pages telling of his courageous anti-war protests and profound spiritual transformation; throughout, I cheered on Karlson as he accepted the challenge to better not only his personal situation, but also the life of every person he encountered. Above all, "Fall to Grace" reinforced for me the dangers of complacency and the strength of the determined individual.

Don't be fooled into thinking that this is a just sensationalist, glamorized account of sex, drugs and war; rather, it is a very real and sharp journey through personal and political conflicts, told in a straight-forward manner that makes the reader feel as if he is right there. Evolving from the darkest of circumstances into an enlightened state of awareness, Karlson's experiences represent both the best and the worst aspects of the human condition.

This book comes with my highest recommendation. It definitely deserves a re-read (and will get one, once I have gotten it back from a friend who insisted on borrowing it!).