Spirituality Books

One of the best books I've read that describes the nature of work and the human condition. Whyte captures so beautifully the emotions I feel as an independent consultant who spent time inside some large organizations. These days I feel that need to be "part of something", and just as strongly feel the need to use my own voice and find my own way should I go back inside an organization. Whyte describes this tension of wanting to be a part and wanting to express who you are inside an organzation brilliantly. I can't imagine anyone who hasn't struggled with these fundamental questions. It was affirming to know that my conflicts with those desires are not unusual.

A life changing and life enhancing book. Speaks to the deeper considerations for what our right livelihood is, how it affects others, and how to discover it. I just bought it as a gift to a thoughtful young man considering what to do with his work life - now that he just finished his first job.

David's work has inspired me in very practical ways and it is truly a read for those who yearn for purpose in their lives. My constant discovery of my "firm persuasion" helps me both at work and at home and dealing with the insanity of 9/11. It is easily one of the top 50 books in my business library and I quote from it regularly when I teach managers and leaders!

I always enjoy reading Whyte's work. Few writers have equaled his command of the English language and his story-telling ability. The book evokes a great deal of empathy as many modern day workers struggle to find personal meanings to work/employment. Whyte provides a personal insight into how one may purposefully stay true to oneself. The reading is relatively lighter than most of his poetic works and is very enjoyable and thought provoking. If one doesn't like the content, he/she will at least enjoy the author's mastery in writing, especially his transitions from one point to another. Whyte is one of the few authors that can weave together difficult concepts with artistic cohesiveness and elegance. Highly recommend it.

I was "moved" and inspired by this book which was a gift from a respected Executive Coach. This books assists all that want to deepen their connection to their life's work or find out what their life's work is. The author states that far too many people trudge through a mediocre work life - scrambling through day-to-day "busyness" towards exhaustion. Rather he encourages more time for self-reflection and analysis. While many most often want to get away from work - it's where many spend the majority of their time, and it's where many spend much of it wishing they were somewhere else, doing something else. Many overlook how work can actually be our greatest opportunity for discovery and growth - and author explains how. The Chapters include the following:

1) Setting out with firm persuasion
2) A stranger at the door
3) From Powerlessness to participation
4) Ambition, Horizon and Arrival
5) A short Sea Crossing
6) From Exhaustion to Wholeheartedness
7) Arrival and Authenticity
8) When the real you wants out
9) Escaping the Prison of Time and Work
10) A voyage through the hours of the day

Lynn Morrissey doesn't write--she sings her words onto paper. This amazing book carried me away each morning to an intimate place in the Father's heart, and I thank the author for her own heart that made this journey possible. If I could give it more than five stars, I would!

I was amazed when I opened up the pages of LOVE LETTERS TO GOD and found such beauty--beauty in the heart-touching depth of the writing and beauty in the amazing artwork that graces each page. The book is like a sweet, magnificently crafted invitation to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. It doesn't get any sweeter!

Love Letters to God is a beautiful hardcover gift book,with exquisite photographs. Eleven chapters are filled with the author's personal experiences as she discovers the thrill of praying through writing to God. Morrissey's journey is one anyone can follow--no expensive ticket, no reservations,no luggage to tote, just need to have a yearning to meet God, joyously and honestly, through prayer. Each chapter stands alone. The writing is succinct, encouraging, easy to read.

Lynn Morrissey has a beautifully poetic way of writing, in a deeply personal manner with candor and humility that draws the reader into an intimacy with her, while revealing the kind of relationship we can all have with God, through faith in Jesus Christ. "Love Letters to God" evokes every tender emotion, bringing the reader to examine his or her own life, heart and prayer-life. Simply gorgeous to look at, inspiring to mediate upon and a book to be cherished always.

The Lord has used this book, to teach me to draw near to him with the pen. The writer, Lynn Morrisey, encourages us to pour out our hearts to him, tell him everything, then let it rest in his hands. The stories she tell, just leaves you feeling so much closer to God, as you begin, to write your Love Letters to Him! This is ministry, in a unique way!

This book offers a better summary than the vain APUSH textbook from Houghton Mifflin which spends nearly 30 pages for every chapter gabbling useless stuffs (it always describes every president's personal characteristics. It talks too much about historically insignificant materials while spending too less for significant points). But a reader can get those summaries from any other major publishers such as Kaplan, REA, McGraw-Hill, etc. All of them have answers and some of them have explanations about them. Kaplan and REA have CD or internet support for further assistance.
This AMSCO version does not have any answer or explanation about them, or any further support besides the analogue papers. If you don't have a private tutor to point out what's wrong with your answers, do NOT but this book. What's the benefit if you answer the questions and have difficulties knowing that's correct or wrong?

Before, my Ap US History class used this big textbook that was so hard to understand. Then I got this book, and I'm telling you it's the most effieceint way to learn about history. It's so easy to understand and it covers everything you basically need to know.
I would highly recommend this book to any struggling AP US Hisotry student.

This book could easily be used as the primary source for someone studying for the AP US History exam. In fact, on the inside of the front cover, there's a table for names like in regular school books. So if you're looking for a prep book that you can use to prepare a week or two before the exam, this might not be the best choice. But if you use it throughout the year and actually read through it and do the exams, I would find it pretty amazing to not get a 5. Plus, it's written well, and is as entertaining as a book about US history can be.

Like other people have said though, there are NO answers for any of the questions in the book. Of course, the internet (google) can solve that problem... so don't let that dissuade you from buying this wonderful book.

This has to be the best book to prepare you for APUSH. I found out about this book through an ap forum and read about how people read this and got a 5 on the ap exam. It's extremely straightforward with only about 30/700 pages for introductions, index, and practice exam with the rest of the 670 pages pure content and practice questions/dbq.

This book doesn't dance around American history with dumb strategies and tiny summaries like Barron's or PR. This book also doesn't try to appear bigger with a huge amount of practice tests either *though REA is also a good choice for APUSH*. It gives you everything you need to know for the exam in a clear and straightforward style.

This is probably the best book out there for the AP US History exam. Along with this book I also had Princeton's Review and REA and of the three, this one was definitely the best. I've got to warn you this book is pretty long, but if you are willing to put in the work of reading it, then you will definitely reap the rewards. With this book I GOT A 5!! It has all the information you need to know and sample DBQ's and FRQ's at the end of EACH chapter, something that Princeton's or Barron's definitely doesn't have. If you are look for the BEST preparation for the APUSH exam then this is it!

"Secrets of the Secret Place" is the very best book I have read on the keys to an effective prayer life that produces an intimate relationship with the Messiah. For many years I sought God about the keys to experiencing an effective prayer life and was shown a number of the truths presented in Bob Sorge's fantastic book. While reading the book, I discovered several new to me Scripturally sound udeas to enhance my prayer life as well.

In approaching the chapter on meditation, I was concerned that Sorge might promote the centering or breath prayer type of meditation where you repeat a word or phrase or concentrate on your breathing until your mind goes blank. This type of prayer, which is practiced and promoted by many church leaders, including Rick Warren and Chuck Swindoll, is a Christianized form of Transendental Meditation and is estremely dangerous for when your mind is blank demons can enter in. The type of meditation Sorge recommended is where you ponder what the Scriptures are saying and discuss your ideas with God and ask for his wisdom concerning concepts you don't understand. You also use appropriate Bible tools, such as a good dictionary to look up the meaning to any words you don't understand or historical data, a concordance to cross referance any key words, etc.

Sorge also shows you how to use the Scripture in worship and as a most effective prayer tool. When praying the Scriptures you know your requests are in line with the Messiahs. Two thumbs up and five stars for this excellent book. The secrets of the secret place have been concealed for far to long and need to be learned and practiced by all believers in the Messiah.

He talks about fasting in the book, which I have done a number of times and have been blessed by the practice. You need to seek God on if, when and how long to fast and make it a time to "rest" and focus on God. It not a time to run and do business as usual.

This is a life-changing book. It should be required reading for EVERY Christian. Time alone with God is a foundational requisite in our daily walk and Mr. Sorge lays out in exacting detail everything necessary for operating in all the blessings that God has in store for us.

I love the lay out of having a different perspective at spending time with the Lord each week. I wouldnt use it as a "box" but as a tool to help you expereince new/fresh ways to spend time with the Lord!

I read this wonderful book several years ago and can honestly say it changed my life. The passion and priority I place on my daily time alone with God (thanks in large part to this book) -- including the time I spend writing praises and prayers to Him -- has radically deepened my walk with God. I've been dramatically rewarded over and over -- in answered prayer, divine guidance and peace... and the true joy that comes from walking with God.

If all this sounds weird to you, check out Bob Sorge's book, and it might make more sense. If it sounds intriguing to you, then you need to check it out too.

Excellent insights to fan the flame of a growing intimacy with God. If you are one who wants more than a casual knowledge of God this book is for you! Nothing can take the place of KNOWING the One Who LOVES you infinitely!

Struggle of the Magicans is a wonderful book for those just learning about the ideas taught by both Gurdjieff &
Uspenskii. I found this book a great campanion to reading Gurdjieff's Meeting with Remarkable Men.
Struggle is presented in chronological order so the reader gets an idea about the time period in which these remarkable men lived.
The author uses many quotes from Upenskii's In Search of the Miraculous, this approach helps the reader understand the importance of the Work presented in Upenskii's book. In addition the reader is able to contemplate and process difficult concepts such as the importance of the true I and objective observations of the self. A must read for all interested in working on the self.

'I' could not put this book down and devoured in in one afternoon. I have read several of Gurdjieffs books and Uspensky's 'in search of the miraculous' - an exceptional book for any truth seekers. It does help to have prior knowledge of fourth way work in reading the struggle of the magicians since some of the analysis involves inferences that may be inaccessible to those yet to have found this path of understanding and personal development.
I was very moved towards the end in the discussion of Uspensky's death, the loss of all of his immediate family seems to have placed an impenetrable protection mechanism against the attempts by Gurdjieff to free him from his fears and as a result he lost his way.
Personally the book ties in very well with the concepts of Narcissism, see my other reviews. - Since Uspensky had never dealt with the traumatic events of his childhood he was unable, despite incredible intellectual capacity, to fully develop. You need to love yourself before you can love others and you need to understand yourself before you can fully develop and evolve.

I only heard of Gurdjieff in passing or read mentions of him in varies of literature, but the first time I truly came across the understanding of Gurdjieff's concepts was in P.D. Ouspensky's In Search of the Miraculous: Fragments of an Unknown Teaching (Harvest Book) and found myself wanting to know more. Soon thereafter, I picked up William P. Patterson's "Struggle of the Magicians," which shed light on interesting dynamic or rather intensive relationship between Gurdjieff and his students, including Ouspensky.

This book is truly, without question, a profound insight into the life and the work of Gurdjieff, and revealed how unique was the teacher-student relationship like that of Gurdjieff and his pupils. Not only that, from this book, one would understand oneself better through the interactions between the teacher and the students. Also, I found Patterson's historical perspective to be quite fascinating and well presented.

This remarkable book is roughly 330 pages, three-part, well-written, and certainly full of insights.

I loved this book. It is chock full of the type of details about the life and times of Gurdjieff that anyone interested in the man will relish. Despite it's title this book was not for me so much about the student teacher relationship as much as about the massively difficult task that confronted Gurdjieff in attempting to awaken anyone. The details provided about Ouspensky Orage Bennet etc make it very clear that having a great intellect is not enough to ensure success in esoteric work and in fact if too great can be the greatest impediment to that success. Such was the case with Ouspensky and I was left with a feeling of immense sympathy for Gurdjieff and admiration for his patience, love and devotion to people who could not understand the gift he was offering them.

I recently finished this book and intend to go back to it after re-reading In Search of the Miraculous and The Fourth Way. Both books have many valuable insights, but I found that the singular POV plus the lack of anchoring "in time" made it hard for me to see the person behind the voice. Perhaps this was intended . . . .

Regardless, Patterson's book is a wonderful guide to the twists and turns of how the Work has manifested in the world through Gurdjieff's prodigious efforts. For me it illustrated the Law of Octaves in a way that made more sense than any other. For that alone it was worth reading. As has been written earlier in this section, Struggle of the Magicians provides a valuable link between the many books written about G. and his students.

The Twelfth Angel was a very emotional book that portraid the life of a man with a broken heart. It used a lot of forshadowing wich was hard to follow at times but was a main part of the story. It was a very predictible book that at times had you hanging by tip of your seat. I didn't rate the book very high because it was at times hard to follow but had a good plot that showed that he was a deep writer. Over all I thought it was a fine book and suggest that if you like drama and sad books with good endings it is the book to read.

This book just makes you want to count your blessings! I absolutely loved it!

I've read every book that Mandino has written. This was the first book that got me hooked on this author. He is a great story teller and a great motivational/inspirational writer! This is a must read for anyone over the age of 12. If all little league coaches read this book, there would be less problems with out of control coaches. This is not about baseball but about how to deal with life and how to treat people.

I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit. You can never go wrong with any of his books. He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable. He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity. If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin. He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young. He truly lived a purposeful and divine life. Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment. After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present". Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

The Twelfth Angel, by Og Mandigo, is truly an inspiring and heartfelt story. This story left such an unforgettable impact on me that I know I'm likely to ponder it for years. Everyone should absolutely read this book, especially those in need of inspiration and hope. This book leaves you with tears, with hope you never knew you had, and with the wanting to never give up.

I don't want to give away too much, but this book is about a young, diligent, succesful, loving man who moves back to his small hometown of Boland, NH, with his wife Sally and their young boy Rick. When tradegy strikes, John has to struggle to cope. His life is shattered and he ultimately looks to suicide as an answer. Fortunately, his old friend, Bill helps him out of the gutter, which is where his life now lies, by asking him to help coach the boys little league. Uncertain, John finally accepts.

The day of tryouts John notices a boy who is smaller than any of the other kids, whose baseball hat and clothes look about two sizes too big on him. This little boy isn't very good at baseball, but he kept on trying, the whole time with determination and a big smile on his face. Although some of the older and better kids laughed and smirked at his constant mistakes and misses, this little boy was never put down and never stopped. And to John's surprise, this boy was amazingly the splitting image of his boy Rick! At first John had even thought he could have been Rick. This little boy, Timothy Noble, was by far the worst player of all the kids who tried out, and who had managed, almost as if by destiny, to end up on John's baseball team, receiving a jersey with number twelve on it.

Early on in the baseball season, John noticed that there was something very genuine and original about Timothy. What John and Timothy both don't know, is that their relationship will become very close, as they both need each other more than they can imagine.

I absolutely loved this heartfelt story. I even had tears gushing down my cheeks as I neared the end of the book. I think that this book is truly inspiring and comforting. I loved how caring and concerned John was of Timothy, and I especially loved little Timothy Noble and how happy he was. I was truly touched by this story and will always cherish everything I learned from this book. The lesson I think that Mandigo was in a way trying to get across is that you must be positive and have at least a good-maybe even a great-outlook on life, no matter what comes your way. If you are positive, you have a positive feedback, making your life richer everyday and in many different ways.

I really enjoyed Og Mandigo's writing style, as he was very, very vivid with his descriptions. I definitely plan to read more of his books in the future, and I would recommend this book to anyone who can read!

An excellent book. It is like a warm hug from 2 wonderful women who truly understand what I am going through at this difficult time in my life. To read their stories and see how far they have both come is reassurance that I too can survive and in fact become a better stronger person myself through all this. Thank you Kari & Noelle for sharing your life stories and wonderful advice... help and hope. I've read it through a several times already and I'm sure I'll refer back to it many times on this journey to recovery.

I felt like this book gave me a sense of hope for my future whether or not my husband repents and decides to reconcile our marriage or not. To see these women faced the same thing I am though they were married much longer, gave me a sense of hope. They came through the divorce successfully and give many words of wisdom and encouragement. I like the exercises at the end of each chapter.

This book made me feel like my current situation has nothing to do with me and I am going to be just fine. This is his misstep and I need to not blame myself any longer or think I did the wrong thing by giving him all my trust. He just wasn't worthy of it!!!! I highly suggest this book to any woman who is separated or divorced b/c her husband walked out on her, turning her life upside down!

This book should be the FIRST book one reads when faced with the devastation of a husband leaving and cheating. It has been my source of encouragment, truth and inspiration. They identify each and every emotion that you experience and confirm that you are are NOT alone in what you are going through. They give you practical, encouraging advice/suggestions on how to work through such a painful, disappointing, humiliating experience. I look forward to reading it every day and I don't know what I'm going to do when I'm finished. I know, HEAL and press on! This book is essential in healing through the hurt and pain, the devastation and upheavel of your husband leaving/cheating and divorce!

This book was an excellent resource for me at a very critical time. I have already loaned it out to another friend facing the same situation.
I would recommend it to any woman who is facing the unexpected upheaval of divorce or separation. Read it slowly and digest the truths these authors share with women who are hurting but seeking God's help in this trying time.

In my darkest hour and most crippling pain this book was like a comforting hug. These women are putting their arms around you letting you know that they understand and that you are not alone; because they've been where you are and SURVIVED.

They are unbelievably candid about their hurts & hopes for the future - while the whole time leading you to the One who is the greatest healer.

Anyone who is suffering from a seperation or divorce should have this book - you deserve it...

The great power of Arnold's book is in the real world examples of forgiveness he offers. Some of the examples have an "everyday" kind of quality to them while others are staggering in terms of the ability of people to somehow cut through their hurt, anguish and rage to come to the point of forgiveness. Arnold avoids the "Oprahzation" of forgiveness by reminding the reader that forgiveness takes both truth and grace into account He neither diminishes nor denies the hard realities with which people must live. Arnold devotes much space to the self-interested nature of forgiveness. We forgive because such an act works toward our own good. I would have liked to have seen him devote a bit more space to those instances in which people forgive because they see it as a way to display something of the character of God even when they themselves may never find peace through forgiveness. My only critique of the book is that author does not provide bibliographical references. The book is full of wonderful quotes and stories. I would like to have known the sources. Further, a recommended list of readings would have been helpful. However, having said all of that, this is the kind of book that makes you want to take off your shoes as you read...you recognize that you are on holy, holy ground.

Why Forgive? Hard as it may be this book shows in a simple and powerful way that the only way to true freedom is through forgiveness. While bitterness seems the roads to take and hatred towards those who have hurts us the excepted emotion, Arnold dares to tells us the true stories of people who choose the road less travel and in the end found the freedom to let go and change their world by forgiving. He also gives us a look into the lives of those who choose to be angry, only to destroy themselves. This book is moving and powerful, it is a striking lesson of something most people and talkshows refuse to speak about. I only pray that people out their struggling with bitterness and revenge read this book and know there is another way.

A powerful, emotionally driving book, "Why Forgive" provides a framework of forgiveness that not only defines why it is important to forgive, but also how not forgiving eats at us like a cancer until it kills our happiness and our very essence.

With true life stories of amazing acts of forgiveness, the book shows how forgiveness is required before truly moving on to complete healing when you have been wronged. The extremely powerful stories show how forgiveness has allowed individuals to regain their lives after severe tragedy has entered their lives. Instead of taking the easy path and allowing anger and hate to destroy them, they make a choice that results in a deep peace. Pick up the book, learn to forgive, learn how it is necessary for true peace, choose the road less travelled and choose forgiveness. If there is a book that should be required reading for everyone, this is a contender for that book.

This book will banish any lingering doubt that forgiveness and reconciliation is the linchpin of good in this world. Filled with compelling personal accounts of those who truly have the right to ask us all to forgive, the book has the power to change the direction of your life for the better. Don't miss it!

Forgiveness is the key to real freedom. The path to forgiveness is not always easy. The renewal of the act of forgiving makes the path easier to travel. The road to forgiveness becomes smoothly paved as we forgive and keep on forgiving. Our journey gets easier with each trip down the original path, leading to the paved road of freedom and happiness. See chapter 14, Not a step but a Journey.

A very wide and learned man from India once said to me that there 'were as many commentaries on the Gita as there are stars in the sky". Although not quite accurate scientifically, there are literally untold commentaries on what is thought by followers throughout the ages to be God taking shape as a human being during a battle on a field north of Delhi India around 5200 BCE. Whether or not one accepts the spiritual nature of the gita, there's no denying it offers insights into almost every imaginable aspect of human behavior -- be it saintly or demonic.

This rendering was told to Swami Kriyananda by his own Guru, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, perhaps the most recognized book on yoga and Hindu beliefs in modern times, Swami Yogananda. This commentary is unique in that it provides psychological comparisons to the many seemingly confusing names, events, and thoughts passed from Lord Krisha to Arjuna, his friend and a man about to unleash death on 100,000 of his family members and friends.

A must have for the seeker of spiritual growth or just someone who wants to know more about why people do what they do when they do it.

gary in tampa

The first version of the Gita that I read through completely, was a small book written by Christopher Isherwood. A disciple of Swami Prabhavananda (see 'My Guru and his Disciple' by Christopher Isherwood), it was given out by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in California. In vers libre format, it burnished my budding apetite for genuine spirituality at the time (early 1980's) with new wings. I soared with the loftiness of the message deeply resonating with the glorious descriptions of the magnificience of the Self during those early and halcyon days of my quest.

26 years later, I find a new version of the same holy book. Also by a Westerner, but probably one who understands the Hindu religion and what it stands for, better than most practising Hindus do. Reading this book, got the same lofty feelings to well forth, but this time I sense deep undercurrents of feeling attached to the concepts of this age old treatise, yielding a new dimension and richness to the presentation of these holy truths. Having been born and bred an American, Kriyananda has been able to convey the holy message of this text in a way that is tailored to the demands of a fast paced modern society, going increasingly global every day.

In the early chapters of this book, the allegorical link between the five Pandava brothers and the chakra system is explained. This is relatively esoteric material that has never appeared before, at least to my knowledge. Later on, the Gita is analyzed, stanza by stanza, beginning with a Sanskrit paragraph and its literal English translation, followed by an extensive commentary in each case. In these commentaries, Kriyananda puts down in writing his own memories of his Guru's comments on the various passages of the Bhagavad Gita. For the benefit of those interested in reincarnation, Yogananda had said that he himself had been an incarnation of Arjuna, the Pandava prince, who received the information from Krishna firsthand. That fact could probably be one of the factors that account for the interpretational depth of these writings. Wherever possible, connections to other major religions are cited and the explanations are forthright and lucid. In particular, there is a section on the physical aspects of Kriya Yoga which is the science of breath as taught by Paramahamsa Yogananda and which has only been recently released to the general public. The physiological consequences of a regular practice of this process are explored. This is also material that has never appeared before.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is that it is a fast read and holds one's attention, even as these eternal truths unfold one by one. This work is unquestionably a labour of love, being Kriyananda's magnum opus after eighty plus books.

In closing, I would like to mention, that like all Scripture, the Bhagavad Gita is only a book. It is a miniscule version of the ecstasy that ISNESS emanates, although one may and does feel whiffs of the same from the reading. The real task of experiencing the ISNESS is, of course, a different story, but this book could be a useful tool along the way.

This book is a must read for all sincere spiritual aspirants, no matter what his/her religion is. This is truly a cosmic text which reaches deep into one's soul. It is a perfect introduction for newcomers to the power and depth of the Bhagavad Gita and for those who seek inspiration daily upon its deep wisdom. The author clearly shows that the Bhagavad Gita is actually deeply allegorical in nature. This book will definitely help the reader to achieve inner bliss if he/she is very sincere about his/her spiritual life.

Swami Kriyananda has produced another gem of wisdom and compassion with this book. If you have nor read the Gita before, this is indeed an excellent recommendation because it is non-sectarian in its approach, compared to some of the books on the Gita out there. This book is simply galvanizing!

Lastly, I would also like to recommend the book The Bhagavad Gita: Royal Science of God-Realization: God Talks with Arjuna: The Immortal Dialogue Between Soul and Spirit (2 volumes) by Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda's guru as well. That book is an equally great masterpiece as well!

An exerpt for the Vaishnava section on Wikipedia website:
"While many schools like Smartism and Advaitism encourage interpretation of scriptures philosophically and metaphorically and not too literally, (Gaudiya)Vaishnavism stresses the literal meaning (mukhya vitti) as primary and indirect meaning (gaua vitti) as secondary: sâkhâd upadesas tu shrutih - "The instructions of the shruti-shâstra should be accepted literally, without fanciful or allegorical interpretations." Jiva Goswami, Krishna Sandarbha 29.26-27" (This is from a Hare Krishna/I.S.K.O.N/Gaudiya sampradayam scripture)

I must say this first,I have been studying the Vedic scriptures since about 96',and, I am sorry to say,I was a Hare Krishna devotee for about four years from 02' to 06'. I was one of the Pujaris or Ceremonial priest in the now defunct Venice Radha-Govinda temple in Venice, Ca. I learned alot of the basic principles of the Vedic religion from them. Outside the elementary principles, much of what they teach is tinged with thier particular sect/cult flavor or doctrine. I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas believe and see only a historical, surface understanding of the Bhagavad-gita, other scriptures and stories. They critizes,condemn and keep down with fanatical furvor,as I have experienced with them...the notion of a deeper,Intuitive, Spiritual, Philosophical, Esoteric truth to the Vedic scriptures and stories. The whole time I was with them, I felt like I was being intuitively,soulfully,esoterically and philosophically strangled. They believed with the extremism and fanatism of Southern Baptists in the total surface-value,exoteric understanding of the Vedas. I was always chastized and critized for my pro-esoteric/intuitive understanding of the Vedas. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N or Gaudiya math, I always Knew,intuitively and through my own many Spiritual experiences through Vedically-backed meditation as instucted in the Vedas,Yoga-sutras and Tantras, that there was and has always been and always be...a deeper, esoteric, hidden meaning and understanding to the Bible,Gnostic texts, the greek myths, alchemical allegories and symbolism, to the Homeric epics and...to the Vedas,the bhagavad-gita and Puranas. And, come to find out, from Swami Kriyananda and Swami Yogananda and other hindu holy men....this is the proper "Brahminical" or Priest/Yogi Caste understanding of the Revealed scriptures. This is also confirmed in the very scriptures that I.S.K.O.N uses. But, they do not truely acknowledge them. Before coming to I.S.K.O.N and Gaudiya math,I use to love the Bhagavad-gita, and I knew that there was a deeper, esoteric truth to it and other Vedic scripture that ONLY a meditator or some one who had direct experience in Linking and Communion between God and the Soul. The Real Brahmin Caste in India Truely understand this, and Actually, the term Brahmana, means "One who KNOWS Brahman" or one who has attain this Linking and Communion with God or Brahman. This is what Makes a Brahmin...I.S.K.O.N talks about this truth, but, thier understanding of a "Brahmana" is that of the physical caste person performing rituals and even then, they are against them also. Their Translation of the Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanishad and other Vedic scriptures are the most Blantantly mistranslated editions of these scriptures I have ever came across. Mistranslated and writen to suit their particular cult/sect slant, flavor and agenda. I read their particular translation 3 times since 02', and, for a time, it has totally turned me off from the Bhagavad-gita...sorry to say. And, it has bothered me that my experiences in the cult I.S.K.O.N or the Hare Krishnas has affected so much that it Burnt me on the Bhagavad-gita. Since leaving the temple on Watseka ave., I couldnt even look at other Bhagavad-gitas with out thinking about the extreme mistranslations of the I.S.K.O.N one and the fanaticsm,extremism and philosophical and physical intimidation of this group. This has really bothered me. Then one week ago, while I was at a barns and nobles, I accidentally came across this book. And, it has been a breath of freash air.This book proves my original intuitions of the Scripture were correct and gives insight to much, much more. It flys in the face of the fanatical, and in certain verses, the absolutely incorrect translations of this group. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has all but disolved the Southern Baptist/Christian evangelistic-like understanding of the Hare Krishnas for the Vedas. And, it is nice that there are others who agree with the Inner-Intuitive TRUTH of the Scriptures. And that there are others who are Free-Thinkers and above Fananticism. This book of Swami Kriyanandas has brought me back to the Bhagavad-gita....like the prodical Son, coming back to his Father.

I cannot put into words the impact this book has had on me. This is my 4th translation of this text and this one is the best. Originally I started reading the Bhagavad Gita as it has a calibration of 910 (David Hawkins, Power vs. Force. It is a cosmic text which reaching out of the book and touches ones soul. This version is a joy to read. It is a dessert fresh from a tree. It is a day not too hot with gentle breezes. God becomes the companion rather than the gloom and doom king/parent/authority. Many of my friends now have this book just from seeing the joyful change in me.

This is an interesting and somewhat unique book because the emphasis isn't theological or philosophical at all, but rather on spiritual practices one can apply in daily life.

As such, the author doesn't burden himself (or the reader) with trying to rigorously justify the recommended practices, nor does he attempt to build a theoretical framework. Instead, he simply presents the practices and suggests that readers give them a try. I agree with this approach, because it seems that sometimes, especially in spiritual matters, we have to first take action and experience the consequences of that action in order to develop our understanding, rather than the more typical (and skeptically cautious) western approach of first developing understanding on rational grounds, then acting on that understanding.

Although the book doesn't include rigorous argumentation, the author does link the practices to a variety of spiritual traditions, including many quotes from sages and spiritual texts. I presume this is mainly to show the universality of the practices, and also to increase the chance that each reader will find things they can resonate with. Here and there, the author also mentions cases in which modern psychology and neuroscience provide scientific evidence supporting the practices, but this is a minor component of the book.

The book is divided into short chapters, and I think that reading a chapter a day will work well for most readers. I've read the book once, and I think it's valuable enough that I'll periodically reread it in the future.

Overall, I highly recommend the book to anyone motivated to grow spiritually, and who is open-minded enough to not be troubled by seeing references to many different spiritual traditions. Also be sure to check out 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books on Inner Discovery, Enlightenment and Purpose, which I think nicely complements this book.

As a final note, please remember that the key is to implement the practices in your daily life, not just read about them and understand them intellectually.

I've been a fan of Roger Walsh for a long time and was extremely honored that he endorsed my latest book, Beyond the Secret. In many ways this book inspired my own. Though the sub-title says this book is about seven practices, there is much more here than that. the book is filled with practical advice and exercises on how to reduce craving to find your soul's desire (similar to the theme of my book to move from consumption to contribution), to cultivate emotional wisdom (which inspired the chapter in my book on tapping into your feelings), living ethically by feeing good by doing good (are you listening followers of the popular book The Secret that only emphasizes the feel good part), calming your mind, developing wisdom, and learning to embrace the joy of service (service being a spiritual "law" that I emphasize in my own book is far more important than any law of attraction technique). In short, I am indebted to Roger Walsh and especially this book for having done so much to open my own heart and inspire my life. And, you will do very well to have this book in your library as it will truly help you make a difference in your life. - Dr. Lisa Love, Beyond the Secret

If you are on a quest of spirituality, this book is a must for your libarary of references.

A wonderful book by a wise and articulate author; I recommend it to everyone.

This is a great "spirituality for beginners" book. It is easy to read and full of great exercises, which can practically be done anywhere (just make sure its someplace you are least likely to be distracted and disturbed). This book will help you develop spiritually and mentally by helping to invigorate your sense of compassion and love for all of nature's beings.