Spirituality Books

Having been familiar with the author, his website, background, meditation CDs, I was more than willing to love this book. I shied away from writing a review for some time, until now, because I somehow felt guilty about telling the truth (that ever happen to you before?). Of course, it's only my truth. Almost from the beginning, as I was reading this book, I was disappointed to find themes, concepts, and attitudes that were not fresh. I kept thinking, this book should have been published a decade ago. Then, it would have been fresh. Now, there is so much material that feels almost cliche, it's been so well used for so long. Have you ever read a book, especially of this type, many years after it was published. And you find that it didn't have nearly the punch, for you, that it had back in the day for others, and more than likely would have for you as well,... back then. That's how I must honestly describe this book for me. And yet there is a wealth of solid spiritual insight creatively embroiled within a tightly written fantasy novel. But I'm afraid it's not timeless, not for me at least. I'm feeling the waves of guilt coming on. I don't think this review is going to last long. I'll probably delete it soon.

Within the first few pages of Coyote Oak, I was captivated. I felt like I could see this dream world. Then the author managed to bring me back into the real world with the same interest and detail. The relationship dynamics are real and interesting. I loved this book and found it easy to read.

"The Coyote Oak" is a captivating tale of mystery, spirituality, healing and connection to the Creator. Carlisle Bergquist successfully captures your mind then magically weaves you through the inner workings of his imagination.

This book drew me in immediately. The author's poetic style and vivid storytelling were magnetic. An enchanting tale of everyday mysticism and nature and the power of dreams.

"A fascinating read that takes a leap outside the ordinary, and guides you on a mystical journey that effortlessly stretches ones mind, and shows that life is in fact far from the ordinary. Like the perfect fairy tale, The Coyote Oak is cool drink from a tall glass of creativity, and is a refreshing read where fantasy lightly taps you on the shoulder as a reminder that we are all connected, and that every action prompts a reaction. Best of all, it leads you to a little corner of paradise where one can simply marvel at the magnificent creation of life again - `cause it's a biggie! Read this book, and it will make you glow with excitement, recharge your energy, and will help you make wiser choices in life."
Lisa D. Smith, Southwest Blend Magazine.

This book is one of my favorites, as far as learning more about customs of the people in the Old Testament. When you are done reading this book you will have more understanding of the people and of scripture. If you are a pastor or sunday school teacher or a homechurch, get this book.This is one book you will go back to a hundred times.

This book is foundational to the Christian faith and really should be soomething every pastor should be teaching on. It gives clear and Biblical descriptions of the feasts of the Lord, which is God's calendar, and why he set up the calendar and chose these particular feasts to be celebrated. It also explains awesome little details of Jewish customs at the time of Christ that make things like the Passover so interesting. You get to see how all the pieces of the puzzle come together. The best part is how it describes Jesus as the fulfillment of thress of the feasts and that those feasts that are yet unfulfilled will be completed in the future......very cool!

This book is one of my absolute favorites! Not only is the information within EXTREMELY well written, there are many photographs and the artwork is among the best I've ever seen.

There are overviews of the Spring Feasts and the Fall Feasts and an explanation of Jewish Time, broken down into the Jewish Day,Week and Month. There are chapters on The Feasts Of Leviticus 23 (the 7 feasts) as well as Additional Observances.

Each of the Feasts are covered in DETAIL, with wonderful illustrations, charts and artwork.

Even if you never read a word of this book (which would be a shame, because it is so very informative) you will be blown away by the artwork and the photography. There is a two page spread on The Passover Table which shows each item with an explanation, which is worth the price of the book alone!

Each Feast is covered with THE BIBLICAL OBSERVANCE and also the MODERN OBSERVANCE, and each ceremony is explained in interesting, never boring detail. The illustrations and photographs draw you in and you really start to "get it."

I am so thankful I purchased this book. It is one of my favorites and one which I refer to often. It is well worth the price and you won't regret your purchase.

The pages are falling out of my copy of "The Feasts of the Lord" simply because of how many times I have referred to it while preparing lessons or sermons. I am almost brought to tears every time I read of the literal meaning of the "afikomen" at Passover. I gave a copy of this book to a Jewish friend who helped me in proofing the manuscript of "Maccabee." Though "The Feasts of the Lord" demonstrates unapologetically the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Testament feasts, the book was well received. A big thank you to the authors.

This is one of the most beautiful, high-quality books I own. The illustrations are amazing with rich colors and magnificent details. The writing is understandable and gives wonderful insight into Jewish history. This is an incredibly valuable tool for any serious Bible student and a treasure for any serious book collector.

Giving Christ First Place is an excellent work book to focus the reader on how to make lifestyle changes for a balanced life - physical, spiritual and emotional. The enclosed CD is a bonus as it shares Scripture and music to reinforce the need for balance. MJR-Georgia

It is appropriate that the first book is "Surrender". In this time and age when one doesn't know the meaning of surrender, learning it is not from the good sense of being doggedly determined not to fail won't help. To "Surrender" one first must have an adversarial event to surrender to. If everything is handed to you all your life, to what are you surrendering?

The book is a daily study, and if you are not accustomed to daily studies, you have to surrender personal time, of which there is too little to go around already. That takes personal discipline, which most of us have yet to learn. You have to choose to do all that the book requires and find self motivation to keep going. Because this generation is not taught to endure, persevere, or even tough it out, many times the first thing that goes into the trash is our commitment to the one thing that would aid us most in succeeding. Surrendering to Christ.

The lessons are not long, they are not hard, but they get the point across if you choose to pay attention to the real purpose behind what you study and read. If you can surrender your whole life to the concept of surrendering to Christ, the burden of the entire exercise is taken care of. If there is any doubt, then each day the exercises will only get that much harder to complete, because personal pride is the first thing to go in surrender. If you can't do that, then surrendering to Christ will be a chore of fear, regret and guilt, which makes the entire exercise futile, for nothing is learned in an atmosphere of fear.

If you can't surrender the basics of who you are, what you do, what you believe to Christ, then this study is not for you. This is not dogged determination to complete a task. This is surrender, of everything you are to the only one who truly knows you and can heal you.

If you can do that - then the rest will come to you as your personal journey into surrendering to Christ and losing weight dictates. To some it will be easy, to others very difficult. Surrendering to Christ first and foremost will set up the tools needed to figure out the combination of things you need to do next to succeed in losing weight.

Knowing if you fail today, this meal, you can surrender it all to Christ right now, and start over.

These Bible study books are great for helping you focus on the REAL reason for being overweight...not putting the Lord first place in your life and making food an idol.

Carole Lewis is, without question an extraordinary teacher of living a true and deeper Christian life. The studies and messages in all of the First Places series will bring you closer and closer to an understanding of the freedom and faith you can have when you put God first in your life. If you want to truly grow in your relationship with God...make First Place studies a part of your life. It's so much more than a weight loss tool...it's a life tool!

My group has opted to do this book through the summer while other groups in our church take the summer off. Every book has been good but this one is great in taking away our excuses and in pointing out our responsibility for our actions and shows us that when we fall, fail, or fear, He will pick us up, wipe the dust off of us, and set us back on that right road if we will give in to Him.

After losing my mom, dad and husband, I turned to the internet to get some info on After Death Communication info. I found out about the unique website Christine had called Prayer Wave and I found a group of folks with similar experiences on ADC's to mine. I actually wrote and phoned Chris directly and she was so sweet and understanding and available to me. I contacted her about many things and was not sure if she would even be open to discussing further as there appears to be a distance between authors and their readers. She also referred me to Sunni Welles' book and that is fantastic too. All in all I have come to really respect and admire Christine's ability to communicate about spirits in ways that is essentially comforting to those of us who grieve so deeply, so deeply that it can stop one's life in midtracks if one does not understand or even receive the gift of an ADC. I have been blessed to receive ADC's daily and it is surely a comfort to me. I love sharing them with Chris in emails. Her book is fantastic and a must read. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful gifted soul as Christine to bestow these gifts upon us. Thanks Christine..I consider you a soul sister even though we have never met! Love, Lynn

One of the hardest things in life to deal with is the passing of a loved one. I experienced this pain as a teenager when two of my good friends were killed in an alcohol related auto accident. In the 27 years since that time I have read many books on Near Death Experiences (NDE's) and After Death Communications (ADC's). The amazing thing I have learned is that life continues on after our physical death, just like the Bible says. Of this I have no doubt.

Christine Duminiak's book -- God's Gift of Love: After Death Communications -- is the best book I have read on this subject. This book relates the experiences of many ordinary people who have had ADC's with loved ones.

When a person passes on, that is exactly what they do -- they pass over from our physical realm to the Heavenly realm. Their spirit continues to live in a very real way. They can see and hear us, and they still love us very much. Christine's book shows the many ways our loved ones communicate with us to comfort and console us and let us know that they are doing great!

What a great joy to know that not only do our family members and friends live on after their passing, but we will too, when we leave this world!

In addition to helping those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, "After-Death Communications: God's Gift of Love" will also help many to strengthen their faith in ways they never could have imagined.

There are quite a few books available on the topics of ADC's and NDE's. The more you read, the more you will be convinced of the authenticity of this amazing phenomenon. In my humble opinion, Christine's book is the best one to start with.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one right now, I would also recommend checking out Christine's Prayer Wave Website:

[...]

Be sure to check out the message board.

With all due respect to the author's intended audience, I have to point out that the book seems to be meant for those whose religious beliefs are specifically strong, perhaps even fundamentalist, Christian. I'm posting this review only so others considering buying it can know that, whether it persuades them to buy it or not to buy it.

When I read the reviews as I was considering it, I was very interested, but might not have bought it, had I known how deeply Christian its foundation is, since the person I was buying it for is quite spiritual but of a different faith.

My heart smiled all the way through this book! :) My copy is already worn out and is being read by friends of ALL faiths! :)

While reading this book I had so many ah ha moments that I lost count!

This book is very comforting....and at times it had me smiling, crying.......remembering and looking forward to the good times to come both HERE on earth and HOME with God and those who have already arrived on the other side. :)

Enjoy reading God's Gift of Love I know I did!

(...)


A Must- Have For Anyone who Has Lost Anyone
I received my copy of this unbelieveably beauifully written book just days before God called my precious mom home to Him.....while I am still in disbelief that she is gone... I believe through this book that she, my Dad and other 'lost' loved ones lives every day with me and through me but she cannot be physically seen....... I think the writer of this special book created out of love must be a very real and angelic person who has chosen to accept the privilege afforded to all of us if we open our hearts .....that is to communicate with our loved ones after they are no longer seen on this earth.....this book will give you hope and proof that our lived ones live on and miss nothing .......Thankyou for your divinely inspired writing.....you are truly an ANGEL.

I love this book. I found it in a book store and decided to buy it on Amazon to get a cheaper price. It is a beautiful, simple and extremely enjoyable guide to prayer. It has thoughtful and touching images on every single page, and guides you through the steps of prayer in the Muslim or Sufi way. I feel this prayer practice is appropriate for all faiths, however. Performing this prayer, in the right way, meaing with the intention to reach God, leads to stable calm and sustainable peace throughout your day. The practice is not too strenuous, though it does require effort and mindfullness, which makes it worth all the more. Highly recommended!

This is a very simple and eloquent little book, covering a topic I have not seen covered elsewhere. The book is filled with poetic wisdom and delightful graphics that can be enjoyed by seekers on any spiritual path.

This is a great book not only for Muslims but for anybody who wants to learn the basics of Islam. I have my own copy and bought a copy for a Christian friend who loved it. Check it out...the language is easy to understand and the illustrations are very nice too!

simply excellent as amalgamated text/image gestalt.

there ought to be a video/film version...

this is the islam that does not divide.
this is judaism and christianity and paganism.
this is where why when spirituality is all One (the Unity...),
and all sects etc are merely flavors that are freely admitted
into the the cave, the (sweat)lodge, the temple, the masjid, the cathedral, the adobe, the sound chambers...

super book. get it and ... don't FOLLOW it....orbit it....and let it orbit you. then together, orbit the next dozing set of shadows who forgot about Unity..........and they'll orbit you when you forget...

yes, the compassionate roshi whack zikr

I am generally a fan of Coleman Barks work; this book, however, was a disappointment. The jacket cover says of Michael Green "is working to create a new kind of sacred art for our time." This is an accurate description - he is still "working" with some successes and some failures. The net result is that pursuing the volume's art, one is encouraged to explore further.

Coleman Barks' text interweaves Jellaludin Rumi, who is translated well, with Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, a contemporary Sufi teacher. Unfortunately, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen does not fare well in the comparison. Bark's descriptions of personal experience and renderings of Bawa Muhaiyaddeen evoke thoughts of many of the South Asian "mystics" who arrived in the US in the late 60's and early 70's. While there are teachers who impress me in under 16 pages, this teacher leaves me unimpressed in 140.

This book does have value in its explanation of the ritual prayer of the Muslim Sufi. It deals well with the relationship between the physical and mental aspects of prayer. It raises some interesting questions regarding the relationship of revealed scripture (the Koran) and the interpretation of the scripture, especially mystical meaning.

The net result is a book that is interesting reading for the insights into the followers of a particular teacher, one easily representative of a class of teachers. It shows both the spiritual needs and the "leaps of faith" taken to fill those needs. In that, Coleman Barks has performed a service for us.

A workbook that helps you absorb universal principles.
THe best way is to work on one page a day, and repeart the previous last ones.

Easy reading, highly inspirational. Read it like drinking fine liquore - a little bit at a time, letting the words sink in and be carried on their wisdom on the days that follow.

In those moments when all you can hear is the house creak and the dog change positions, I like to pick up this book and read one or two of what the author calls seed passages. It's that kind of book. The author provides joyfully lively and thought provoking portals for the contemporary seeker's spiritual envisioning regardless of the readers' religious or non-religious identification. It is a small book with big ideas. Mr. Shulman's languaging, explanations and examples, in this his second book, are extremely clear, to the point and easily understood., The profound perspectives offered present many varied opportunities for the healing integration of body, mind, heart, and spirit into a place of embodied fullness and awakened consciousness. I find this book deeply transformative, full of delight and would recommend this book to all seeking devotional insight.

Spiritual awakening teacher Jason Shulman presents The Instruction Manual for Receiving God, a spiritual self-help guide that focuses upon making oneself available to receive the presence of God, rather than seeking God. Drawing upon the Kabbalist and Buddhist Dharma traditions embraced by Shulman, The Instruction Manual for Receiving God consists of 108 "seed passages", each a brief insight into divine mysteries of life, death, and wonder. The Instruction Manual for Receiving God is not meant to be read as a blueprint or lecture book; instead, each of the seed passages is meant to be pondered at length, perhaps absorbed individually over the course of days or weeks, in order to motivate contemplation of the divine and help open up one's heart and spirit. An inspirational and insightful tool. "Ecstasy is not something separate from fear. Ecstasy is something that includes fear in the price of being human."

"Life is a journey to see how big our hearts can get." ~ Jason Shulman

Jason Shulman presents short quotes and longer passages to open the heart to receiving God. He believes we are on this earth to awaken to God and that this life is the best teacher we can have to evolve as souls and awaken to our birthright.

Making yourself available to God seems to be the main theme as God is ever present in our lives whether we are acknowledging his presence or still awakening to the knowledge of God's love.

"Have compassion for your ego. It is doing two important jobs at once, which often puts it in agonizing conflict with itself. The ego's first job is to maintain the integrity of the individual, personal self. It simultaneously has the job of seeking out the larger view in which the personal self is only a part. Both are needed." ~Jason Shulman

This book takes a variety of ideas and brings them into pure focus. For one, the issue of the ego is treated with a much more balanced approach. Various issues are not items to eradicate from our lives, but elements to nurture. A healing of the ego instead of an attempt to evolve away from the ego. This is explained by showing how the healed ego has moved away from being self-centered and alone to a more kosmocentric experience.

Some of the issues addressed include: Joy, Suffering, Holiness, Freedom, Prayer, Awakening, Kindness, Unity, Duality, Enlightenment, Compassion and Limitlessness.

Jason Shulman's Instruction Manual for Receiving God reads like a deep sigh of peace and is not only spiritually healing, it brings together a number of spiritual beliefs to form a more coherent whole and this brings emotional calm and a sense of completion.

~The Rebecca Review

So far this is my favorite Beth Moore book. I've already read it twice and am sure to read it again. She tackles a very familiar story with fresh insights just about every chapter. It's not a "preachy" book. Rather she makes you feel like you're a fellow learner with a good friend. Unlike some of her other books, this does not require looking up many references which makes it ideal to read when you're reading somewhere other than your desk at home.

I have been in numerous Beth Moore Bible studies and this is one of my favorites! This is the study of Christ's life in the form of a daily, personal study. It is 53 short chapter messages.

You can never go wrong with a Beth Moore study. She has a gift for opening the Word and revealing Truth!
I would not buy from this seller, however. It took almost an entire month for it to arrive.

As always, I am very satisfied with the Beth Moore studies. She does an excellent job and everything is well researched and Biblical.

This book had great depth but was still fun to read. The author has an excellent knowledge of her subject and presented it very well. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I really enjoyed this book, and the way it seemed comfortable with multiple positions on Ketamine use. I think K can be all the things it described, though I agree the NBE stuff is far-fetched. However there is an account which says something along the lines of, I can see why people may attribute their visions to a higher power, though I personally do not speak to aliens on K. I figure, if some people want to see themselves reliving birth, again, I can see how Ketamine allows them to do that, but personally I have better stuff to imagine.

The author seems careful to group the experiences so each chapter presents a viewpoint, but the chapters may disagree with each other (ie K bad and frightening, K good and enlightening). Lots of first hand accounts combined with scientific analysis make it easy to understand and entertaining to read.

Excellent resource for those of us who are serious about alternative paths to a higher mind. Not too technical, smooth read. Informative.

Comprehensive review of Ketamine's use and effects. A fascinating look at this wondrous molecule.

In this well written book the author shares his thoughts on his experiences with Ketamine and it's re-creation of the "near birth experience". The concept of the NBE is a stretch, but it is provocative. The second half of the book consists of horror stories of Ketamine addiction. I'm not sure if one can have it both ways.

a work of real substance about a strange substance, indeed. Ever since the pioneering research of John Lilly we have asked ourselves, what in the world gave way to this highly interesting drug.

The fact that MAPS is the publisher should tell you that this is no joke. The material is dealt with in a respectful, objective tone but also in a manner that proves a joy to read.

A subject of this magnitude needed a book this size that packs a a lot of punch.

Remarkable...well worth the read.

POR DONDEQUIERA QUE ENFOQUES ESTE LIBRO TE GUSTARA. Realmente es una obra atractiva y bien escrita e inolvidable que te puedo decir..... Mejor te lo recomiendo LEER.. TE ENCANTARA!

SCIENCE: ANGELOLOGY

This book is a masterpiece, which I strongly reccomend

NO PODRÍA SER MAS INTERESANTE, NI ESTAR MEJOR DOCUMENTADO.
Realmente atractivo, bien escrito e inolvidable

sin que importe si eres religioso o no..
Es muy HERMOSO !

This little book gives names to those heavenly hosts you may want to call upon in times of need. "Jerael: Angel of Common Sense and Reason", is one such angel I would love to see help those who just do not seem to be born with this gift. Or perhaps
you may need to pray for "Merisu: Angel of Serenity" the next time you find yourself stuck in that traffic jam with a car full of children full of enegry after a long day at school. This book says it can show you how to call upon these wonderful angels for thier help. Enjoy & may Grace and Mercy follow you all the days of your life.

Of all the tranlations of the Tao, Red Pine's is by far the best. I've read a lot of other Tao translations and none offer the clear interpretation that Red Pine offers. This is a must have book by the most qualified voice on the subject and at a price that cannot be beat.

I have a friend who's library includes some 20+ translations of this work and I have to date, read 4 of my own. Red Pine's TTC with Commentaries is much easier to follow and understand than other translations and the commentaries offer even more ways to consider each verse. To read what other Chinese scholars took from reading Lao Tsu's work will also make obvious that many have had very different understanding of this work, and that maybe, they are all useful.

This translation does, in my mind, further disproves those who so misunderstood Lao Tsu to call him a libertarian and an anarchist and does more to convince me that he, maybe above all the great teachers, was a true spiritualist, truly understanding what he chose not to define, not to personify, or to name...other than to simply call it The Way.

I have only two thirds of the book complete, but have to join those who claim it their favorite TTC so far.

I liked this book. the commentaries are interesting and provide insight into the Tao. I would have liked more commentaries on how to apply them to daily life, but overall it's a good book. I would recommend it.

In Asia, sacred texts like the Tao Te Ching are read with reference to the commentaries of its key historical luminaries. Only in the west is it read by itself, with no guidance. Finally, we have a TTC with key commentaries. Plus, the author has here given a translation that may come as close as possible to expressing the Chinese in English. It is concise, even pithy.
A number of other features make this volume unique and particularly valuable. Pine's extensive introduction covers an intriguing linguistic insight into the Chinese written character for Tao, Lao Tzu's historical background, the usual issues of authorship, etc., and some of the deeper understandings of the important themes of philosophical Taoism. Also, he has provided black and white photos of the famed Hanku Pass and the Loukuantai where tradition holds that Lao-tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching. The Chinese text is provided along side Pine's clear and unadorned translation. He utilizes the earlier but more recently discovered Mawangtui texts, and explains his preferences in choosing among textual variants. But most important for me, and for any student of the Tao Te Ching are his carefully selected commentaries which follow each verse. These show how the Chinese have traditionally understood the passages of the TTC in selected commentaries from the last 2000 years. Also, the book provides an extensive glossary of the Chinese terms and the commentators. Highly recommended!

The only language in which the Taoteching could have been written is Classical Chinese, a medium seemingly open enough to accomodate any translation without losing anything at all. But we should keep in mind, as the good book here says, ". . . the Tao in words is not the real Tao . . ." We could say that Classical Chinese could not really, in our day and age, be served up in literal translation, and we can be grateful to Red Pine, once again, that in this fabulous rendering, he does not begin with the words, but rather with the Tao.

Paul Reps once told me that we humans "are on the outside looking in". Like the space between the kanji strokes, as with the Chinese, thus with the Tao, and even the Truth. (Chapter 11: "Thirty spokes converge on a hub, but it's the emptiness that makes a wheel work . . ."
This translation does work. As in his other impressive translations (I especially love his moving early 1990's translation of Bodhidharma - recommended to all who wish to learn more of Ch'an or Zen) there breathes an immediacy which flows forth into the consciousness of our moment, resonant in these teachings. Relatively obscure in the West not half a century ago, they thus have been recognized for their pith, their eternal relevance, their vision.

Each Chapter in this well-bound, well-designed volume is accompanied by a series of commentaries or alternative translations from various sages in the Taoist tradition, a process which itself, once again, reveals the Tao, ever changing, always unchanged.

Chapter 19: "Get rid of wisdom and reason
and people will live a hundred times better
get rid of kindness and justice
and people once more will love and obey
get rid of cleverness and profit
and thieves will cease to exist
but these sayings are not enough
hence let this be added
wear the undyed and hold the uncarved
reduce self-interest and limit desires
get rid of learning and problems will vanish"

I've been reading this book since the early 1960's in various English renditions - this one is far and away my current favorite - a real delight!