Spirituality Books

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Michael Downey lecture on this particular book before I ever touched it. I was blown away by his lucid and methodical description of that simple verse from St. John, "God is Love." I bought the book with high hopes.

I'll tell you, my hopes were fulfilled! "Altogether Gift" truly is a masterpiece. My Christian faith has been transformed. I always felt that 1 John 4:8 as well as 1 Corinthians 13 and John 15:9-17 were entirely overrated. I believed in them, but thought they didn't do God full justice. What a folly! How impious I was, for these verses are the key to understanding God's creative and salvific activity in the universe--particularly with mankind!

Downey's work permeates with the precious and transforming love that God bestows on those who acknowledge Him. The words God spoke in Isaiah 43:4 become crystal clear through Downey's treasure of theological and spiritual reflection ("For you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you"). During the course of my reading, I was frequently moved to tears as I realized how much more I (we) can love God if I (we) only allow His love to reach me (us); how much more I (we) should love my (our) brothers and sisters in this world. Wow!

Buy this book. Read this book. Live this book.

This book caused me to pause in wonder on every page. Michael Downey, in language at times poetic, sets forth a spirituality of the Holy Trinity that is intensely relational and vividly personal. His gift is taking theological abstraction and making it more accessible to the educated lay reader. This is not an easy read, but the language is so rich, it is a meditation unto itself and totally worth the time to savor each sentence. While Downey writes from an obviously Catholic perspective, several Protestant friends read it and subsequently bought their own copies.

The 15 Trinitarian meditations at the end are excellent but take some time to explore.

In "Altogether Gift" author Michael Downey eloquently reminds the Christian reader that relationship is the key element in understanding God's nature and purpose. God is the Mystery we experience through our everyday relationships. As I read Downey's book I find myself savoring the text, committing some phrases to memory, writing other passages in a journal. They are words of wisdom for one's journey, probing the depths of the eternal Mystery. "There never was a time or place when or where God was not Love loving."

Downey has made a great contribution to both laity and religious by addressing a central truth about authentic Christian living. "In our dealings with one another there is to be always and everywhere a willingness to embody a spirit of equality and mutuality, true independence grounded in the equal dignity of each one."

Downey clarifies what it means to be made in God's image and likeness. "Perichoresis describes the active mutual, equal relations between the Father, Son, and Spirit, without subordination. This also articulates what human persons are called to be and become."

"Altogether Gift - A Trinitarian Spirituality" is altogether inspirational and altogether challenging.

Michael Downey's new book, "Altogether Gift: A Trinitarian Spirituality," offers extraordinary and penetrating glimpses into the profound Mystery of God. Gracefully written, thoroughly rooted in classical Christian theology and spirituality, and shaped by the author's own obvious passion, Downey's compelling treatment of the Trinity affects the reader. At the level of intellect, his insightful interpretation of Trinitarian doctrine lends clarity and fresh perspective to complicated, dusty concepts. At the level of heart, his sensitive insight into the mystery of God's life generates moments of release from the aching desire to experience God's loving presence personally and certainly. This important religious classic is an essential read for Christian academics and for persons of faith who crave theological insight and spiritual enrichment.

Dr. Michael Downey's book, "Altogether Gift," is not a book that can be read in one sitting; nor should it be. In fact, it is one of those rare publications that occasionally comes along that needs to be savored in small portions. There is too much compacted into one sentence for the average person to ponder. Downey often does this in his books. To plumb the depth of what he is saying takes reflecive time and solitude. One often has to struggle to make the connections between what he is saying about the Christian faith and exactly how that applies to one's personal experience. I use as an example one sentence (p.86): "Our gift and task is to cultivate, to nurture and sustain the great variety of the manifestations of the magnitude of God's love in all forms of expressivity and creativity." This one sentence is packed with a multitude of questions, questions that can be asked of ourselves as we delve into the depth of our being in our search for the One Love.

This book can be used on many levels, but I can see its real importance and value as a spiritual tool for anyone, especially those exploring the Catholic Christian journey.

I would like to see this book used not only for individual reflection but also in growth groups with women and men who are serious in being challenged in their spiritual life.

"You don't know what you have here," A British lover of America tells a shaggy, typically left-leaning group of circa-1974 Bay-area students at the start of this book. "You simply don't know what you have."

Indeed we don't, as Needleman illustrates by the end of this fine book, and it has nothing to do with "patriotism" as often perceived. At this spiritually fraught moment in our nation, this book is a tonic for doubters, and a useful corrective for the smug. While not a difficult read - a high school sophomore would profit from it - this work compels your attention and deserves to be savored one chapter at a time.

Needleman offers us a sober-minded meditation on the spiritual underpinnings of America; the soaring, and deftly revealed, beliefs of the founders (Jefferson, Madison, Washington, Franklin); a fine chapter on Lincoln; bracing chapters on America's two great original sins: the genocide of the Native Americans, with the legend of Hiawatha as a framing device; and the crimes of slavery and racism, with Frederick Douglass brought to compelling life. Tying it all together at the fitting end is Walt Whitman as a bard of a "community of conscience."

With a close, careful reading, a deeper, resonant pattern emerges.

If one is thirsty for inspiration after reading the toxic, persuasive non-fiction books on the current administration and its works (the latest, the outstanding Tragic Legacy by Gary Greenwald), Needleman's book refreshes as an inspiring - and unstinting - reminder of all there is to love in this country.

The nation's greatness, Needleman posits, lies not in its material success, but in the universalist spiritual underpinnings of the "pursuit of happiness," which Needleman persuasively argues is the freedom to discover, in our own ways, the still, small voice in each of us, or, as Lincoln would say, the better angels of our nature. IF European secularism offers us freedom FROM religion, the American secular tradition offers us freedom OF religion, or the recognition that we are each free to explore, or not explore, the divine mysteries in our own, communal and individual ways.

He does not shirk from crimes against Native Americans and African Americans, but goes beyond to a deeper look at their own spiritual traditions and roots, which have blended into the warp and woof of American life. (He does not explore Mormonism, but has a fascinating chapter on the pre-Revolutionary experimental community of Ephrata, Pa.)

This book actually revived my long-shattered belief in American exceptionalism. That exceptionalism is not the brutish sort that much of the world perceives, but a special, carefully thought vision that comes comes from spiritual and philosophical roots in the Enlightenment. It is not simple-minded, or arrogant, or materialistic, or the heedless and even reckless notion of "freedom" that has cost us so dearly.

Needleman concludes with an inviting, modest bibliography for further reading. I read this not as a bibliography but as an invitation, a call to action through service in a humble, open spirit to our communities and our world. We do not need to be mere consumers; we have more power than we know as citizens. We indeed do not know what we have here - we have plenty. As Needleman insists, we ignore that at our peril. This is one of the best books I have read on what it means to be, and why it is special, to be lucky enough to be American.

Yes, the book can get too dramatic and personal at times and can occasionally rankle. In the context of the overall message, though, these are cavils.

I can't help but think of the neglected final lines of the second verse of America, the Beautiful, one that people never sing: "Confirm thy soul in self control; thy liberty in law."

For several years now, when the topic of my favorite book comes up, I say without hesitation, "The American Soul" by Jacob Needleman. Its insights are nothing short of brilliant; his language so sublime I can't help but reread passages for the sheer poetry with which a philosopher in his prime can convey a profound insight.

If only our presidents, senators, and congressmen had this book at their bedsides. We might actually become the America we once imagined ourselves to be.

This wise, much-needed book by one of America's distinguished philosophers should be required reading for every American. It goes deeply not only into the great ideals that lie at the heart of the original American vision, but also into its crimes throughout its history. "The crimes of America are as much a part of its meaning as its ideals," Needleman writes, "and to embrace one without the other will lead us nowhere." Needleman shows how it is only through awakening to the real meaning of such ideals as liberty, individuality, self-determination, and conscience that we can "become genuine men and women of the soul."

Jacob Needleman's book The American Soul is a masterful explanation of a deeper America, an America that has been lost in the shuck and jive of corporate greed, a media managed for misinformation and consensus and the professional wrestling that too often passes for religion in this country. Needleman writes with an elegant depth of Soul that is his subject and so he writes as a true and an especially wise American indeed. His discussion of the heart moving and inspired Iroquois solution to pettiness, greed and violence is itself worth many times the price of the book. If by some stroke of magical good fortune we could get Dr. Phil and others to stay home for a week so we could have greater access to a voice like Needleman's, America might make move toward remembering who she really is and in doing so become once again a beacon for those who seek the freedom to pursue a life of true depth, meaning and happiness, a life that lies beyond the surface freedom to stock up regularly on consumer goods. By all means, buy this book for yourself and for anyone you truly care about. The American Soul allows us to "remember" something essential and profound within ourselves, something that is the very Heart of America-something that we need to pledge allegiance to once again. This book offers profound perspective on what fitness for conscious citizenship is all about.

This book captures what our founders had in their minds and hearts when they envisioned what America could be. While we have strayed substantially from the original ideals, and lost sight of the original "American Dream," reading Needleman's words reminds us of what possibilities we are sitting on. We still have the potential to become as great, as free and as inspiring - to ourselves and all the world. All we need to do is get ourselves back on track. This book offers reminds us of our roots and instills visions of new possibilities. This is the kind of American I want to be!

Just reading the first few pages of the preface will set your mind upon thoughts never imagined. This is a book that will really change you, and, I must say, his author did an amazing job at it. It even includes antique alphabets and an explanation to the origin of ours. If you can get your hands on a copy of this book, which by the way is somewhat rare, do buy it without further hesitation.

This is the true questionning of the origin of our religions, our language, and nations. Though, this isn't a book just for anyone, if you've gotten as far as reading this review you ought to buy it.

This has the magnificence in knowledge that Shakespeare has in theatre. I have a hardcover copy, 1 of 1,000 published, I treasure.
Yes, the vocabulary is of the literati of 1800 - what else would it be? If you can accept it as friendly conversation of one who is comfortable with words, you will enjoy it!
It should be required reading for all who aspire to a broad knowledge of how the world came to be as it is today. Include some Campbell and Maszlow and your perspective will exceed your strongest desire. Familiarity with history is beneficial; familiarity with Higgins is vital for knowing where our ideas and ideals come from.
Yes, it can well be considered "deep", which gives it value. I am so impressed with Higgins' effort, I would invite anyone who has read it, or thinks they can read it, to communicate with me ... . Or perhaps not, that may mean I'd be compelled to read it a third time. Well, go ahead, I'll do it anyway. (No, my copy is not for sale. I'll give it up only when they pry it from my cold stiff fingers.)

As we enter the twenty-first century and the oncoming third milleniuim since the birth of Christ, the world may finally be ready for this book. It was undoubtedly not when it was written, and though it may have saved a few million lives had it been publicly wrassled with before the advent of Nazism, the world was probably not ready for it until now. Of the books that I have proclaimed being of the most important written this century (Edward Said's ORIENTALISM, Bernal's BLACK ATHENA, Bradshaw's HOMECOMING, Campbell's HERO OF A THOUSAND FACES, deSantillana and von Dechend's HAMLET'S MILL among them), this book, written a century BEFORE (c. 1830's), towers above them all.

This book, which I have yet to finish, is NOT for the faint of heart, by any stretch of the imagination. Despite the fact that it will probably have the paradoxical effect of reinvigorating your faith in whatever one you have chosen- after a time- beyond anything else could. The style has its obvious flaws, and does contribute to its ability to overwhelm. But trust me, it won't stop you.

Of all the books I have recommended to friends and family and strangers, I have to say with this staggering epic:

Read it at your own risk. Read it and be changed.

The content is fabulous! The writing style is rather dense, typical of its original publishing date of 1832, but Higgins makes sense of the foundations of a lot of esoteric information that had previously seemed quite random and rather indecipherable.
My one criticism lies in the print quality. This is an exact copy of the nineteenth century original and it was apparently either a larger book or originally set in about 6 point type. Plan on investing in a good magnifying glass or risk serious damage to your eyesight.

A powerful and poignant work that is essentially a must,please get the original volumes 1 and 2 and not the condensed version. This book is not for the feeble minded individual who has problems concentrating but for the open minded,critical thinker who truly wants to delve into the mysteries of language and symbols and the origins of them.

If you love spiritual journeys, and thought provoking books, you will love this one. I can't wait for the next three! I had a hard time putting the book down to go to bed? I am looking forward to Caryn's future books.

It was refreshing to read a page-turner that deals with spiritual growth and healing. The story is an inspiration!

Can there be a link between a modern day corporate
vice president and a member of the ancient Elemental
Council? Lucky for us Caryn Colgan's initial effort in her four
volume series can answer that question. While leading us
on a ride that transitions from the lower Paleolithic epoch
to the high stress business world of today's St. Louis.

With an ever-growing cast of characters, nicely fleshed out,
each with their own bit of synchronicity, Colgan places us
squarely in the center of the action in the boardroom
and in fields and forests of the ancients.

As her main character strives to understand her complicated
dreams, she's forced to take a hard look at how she's been
handling her life this time around. When a new set of friends
intervene and enlighten her, the idea of coming to grips with
one's karmic destiny takes her to a new level.

With a tidy summation in the final chapters of the Element of Air,
if we've been paying attention, we now know that an ancient
society seemed to have it all figured out when opposing forces
dropped in and upset the cosmic balance. Our heroine meanwhile
has come to realize that by setting her ego aside and extending
compassion even to her enemies, she has taken the first steps
towards reuniting the Council and regaining that connection
between humankind that was lost so long ago.

Caryn has written this book so well that it captures the reader by the first page. Ancient Pact encourages its readers to open their hearts and minds to new possibilities and new answers to everyday life situations. If you are willing to read this book you may find yourself wanting to explore your true soul self. AND, while reading this book I suggest that the reader ask her/himself, in which direction do I feel most comfortable? Go ahead, be brave and enjoy the read, its magnificent!

In this fictional account author Caryn Colgan has shared experiences from her own life. It is so well done that it is difficult to separate biography and fiction as they intersect. Caryn has masterfully blended her story into the personality and life circumstances of the fictional heroine Karan Coleman.

In the story Karan has troubling dreams that take her back to ancient tribes and early cave dwellings. As Karan tries to analyze her dreams she notes, "...dreams help the mind wrestle with difficult issues, solve problems, and even jolt the dreamer to examine issues ignored in consciousness."

Informational and often profound, the reader is given much for later contemplation and deeper consideration. After a series of seeming coincidences Karan is told on two separate occasions, "Coincidences are where life and destiny intersect." In her search for purpose Karan is reminded, "Every life has a purpose, though few actually embrace its full potential."

Giving the reader another thought to ponder, Caryn writes, "All of this defies the logic you crave. But then, spiritual matters are not really rational nor are they subject to empirical evaluation, at least not with our present technology."

Conversational dialog is the medium Caryn chooses to use in introducing life principles and metaphysical thought into the story line. She writes intuitively with a mission as though driven to awaken the reader's responses to a complex theme of an ancient pact in the contemporary life issues Karan if facing in a competitive career field. From the introduction right through to the epilogue I was gripped by the narrative. Caryn Colgan is a superb communicator and a natural story teller.

Although metaphysical and New Age in emphasis this is a compelling story that can be appreciated and enjoyed by all readers seeking spiritual answers for life's probing questions.

When I ordered this book I thought it was a catalog of "I prayed for this and was answered like that," but it is not. It is written as if God is talking to you, the reader, and expressing His thoughts, concerns, feelings, and love about you, and describing Himself in the process. If you were raised in the kind of church that depicted God as an angry, impossible, pyromaniac, this book just might heal those corrupt files in your heart, head and soul. It is exquisitely beautiful. Give it a try.

In an age where religions and people debate endlessly on which religion is right, who's in God's grace, etc, its comforting to find a book like this, which does not take sides. Rather, it speaks to everyone, no matter who you are, what your faith, or where you live.

The book is made up of lots of small little conversations, where God reassures you about issues of fear, lonliness, loss, etc. In a way, you could call this book "God for dummies", because it shows you in simple, everyday language, what God is. It simply is about a God who loves and cares about you, who wants to comfort and reassure you.

The writting style is simple and beautiful. I do believe, in my own personal opinion, that God was working through Mrs. Cameron, speaking words of comfort and reassurance.

The overall message of this book is, "I love and care about you. Let me into your life, and I can help you make it great. I will always be there for you, no matter how hard things get, for I am love, and that is all I have for you." I don't see how anyone can miss the message here. God is love. God loves you for who you are, no matter what you believe.

Perhaps this quote can say it better. "For me, you are never seperate, never small. I made this world as my gift to you. It is my joy when you enjoy it, when you feel safe and secure. This is my intention for you always. Take comfort in me as your creator and your protector. you are my own." (Pg 46).

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It can cure any bad feelings i'm feeling when I'm reading it, and it always makes me feel better, because in my heart, I know that it's messages are true.

This is an incredible book. I don't buy the whole "religion" thing myself, but do try to connect with something bigger on a semi-frequent basis. There's no mention of any particular denomination, faith, or creed, just God, or Higher Power, or Great Spirit, talking in ways you wish would explain stuff. It's very loving, and understanding, and patient, and comforting. I'm still wary of anything smacking of dogma or moralism, but this was anything but. Perfect for stuck people, depressed people, and people who claim not to need the big "G", but still want some reassurance alone at night. Some of the "shepherd" refrences could have been dropped, though.

This book is simple, yet meaningful and worthy of contemplation or meditation. I have given this book as a gift to about 20 people and every person has called me to tell me how much they love the book and the thoughtfulness to give something that is a little different than flowers or chocolate to someone going through another phase in their life.

There is also something I think about when I hit a spiritual roadblock.

This book was one of the top selling religious books in 2004.

Why is it called "Answered Prayer"? Let us say that you are dealing with any of a number of personal challenges, and in the middle of them, you are hoping to hear some word from the Lord. Perhaps you are worried about diminished income, or you are wondering if you are a loveable person. You may have concerns about life being dull and humorless. You are weary. You are afraid to reach out to someone in friendship. You are afraid to take the risk of trusting another. Cameron addresses these and many more concerns, in her book.

The book is like a journal of prayer, but most prayer journals record the voice of the one who prays. Not this book. Instead of prayers that are addressed to God, these prayers are presented as responses to the one who prays, in other words, as if one is hearing back, from God. It sounds like this: "I am the peace that passes understanding." Or, "Open the door just a foothold. I can work with you as you are. You are not the first disillusioned one I have encountered." (Page 149).

Every chapter is a prayer. Every prayer is deeply steeped in Scripture. You will find these prayers to be in accord with God's many promises we find there. These "love letters from the Divine" allow us to hear what God longs to say to us, when we find ourselves in deep and troubled waters.

This book is so empowering!... I highly recommend it to every woman regardless of age, faith, or sexual orientation. I read this book slowly, one chapter a day, in order to fully absorb and appreciate each and every word. Each chapter takes you on a new journey and touches your soul unlike any book I've ever read. From the moment I started reading, the book itself, came alive right in my hands. It is full of energy, wisdom, grief, and love. I am now more in touch with my inner goddess than ever before! As one of the other reviewers suggested.... don't loan it out[!] ;)

In the introduction of this book Jalaja Bonheim tells the incredible story of her journey through India and her discovery of the history of Indian dance.

I continued to read the book and suddenly I could not put it down. She tells the sexual stories of many women: pregnancy, rape, incest, bisexuality, marriage, relationships, polyamory, passionate monogamy etc. Jalaja writes about different women's experiences and doesn't try to push her opinions onto the reader. While reading the stories you can explore your own sexuality, and what it means to you personally. Jalaja's insights were incredible, and changed my life (at a time when I really needed a deeper understanding of sexual abuse and intimacy). This has become one of my favorite books on women's sexuality, and it probably always will be.

Unbelievable! An avid reader, this is the ONLY book I own that I, selfishly, refuse to lend out from my personal collection. (I have however, bought a copy for at least 5 different friends!) Through a series of spiritual and sexual accounts nationwide, Jalaja encourages, no, make that -demands- us, as women, to re-evaluate, not only the role of sexuality in our lives, but the ineffable link between body and spirit; between passion and God. Expect to be changed by this book. It will challenge you, provoke you, and in the end, comfort you. No matter what your history, your sexual orientation, your desires from Self or Life, you will put this book down with a sigh, revelling in the wonder of who you are as a woman.

This book is completely amazing. Bonheim interviews "ordinary" women about the connections they perceive between sex and the divine in their lives, and explores the themes of their stories using myths and philosophy from around the world.
It's easy to read, moving, and inspiring. I couldn't put it down. Without a doubt the best book I've read in the past year, and I've read a lot! I can't recommend it highly enough.

A must-read for any sexual woman on the spiritual path!

I read this book slowly over several months as my decades-long marriage finally came to an end. It was as if I'd been handed a lifeline from a sisterhood of fellow travelers through the same shadowed valleys and sunlit summits as myself. Jalaja's genius is in the deep listening and compassion with which she honored these women in the telling of their sexual and spiritual journeys. I have had the good fortune to attend a workshop with Jalaja and understand how these women were able to bring their stories forth in such rich dimensionality.

I gave this book to all my sisters, sisters-in-law, and nieces. Then I gave it to about a dozen of my friends and started a women's spirituality circle to explore the lessons and questions from the reading of it. Most of the circle members also read it slowly, often in tears, digesting the layers of meaning. That's how important this book is to those struggling to understand the impact on their souls of their sexual relationships.

Many of the stories are told by women in their later years, and it is reassuring to those younger that the early traumas often are transformed eventually into a rich inner experience of one's own divine femininity. I have shared this book widely, but my best dividend was the postcard from Italy saying that my niece and her boyfriend were reading it to each other. Share this book and nurture a future where the sacred dimension of our lovemaking is recognized and celebrated.

The purpose of prayer is to enable us to be more like Christ. Too often, however, prayer becomes simply a laundry list we hope to turn into God's "to do" list! Contemplative prayer calls us to a place where we can be in God's presence simply for the sake of relationship. Thibodeaux gives a marvelous four-part explanation of how prayer evolves. It provides a useful framework to use in examining one's prayer life. He also gives a number of very practical "step-by-step" instructions in how to begin to pray contemplatively. I would recommend this book most highly to anyone wishing to move to a deeper level in their relationship to God.

This book is both well laid out, highly readable, well researched and authentically orthodox and historical in its presentation. Steers well clear of "new age" philosophy and TM reworks.

Fr. Mark Thibodeaux is a spiritual director and retreat leader. When reading this book one gets the impression that he has taken a course on prayer and put it into book form. As such this book is exactly what the sub-title claims, a class on "Easing Into Contemplative Prayer." This book doesn't delve as deeply into the contemplative life as some, but it makes an excellent beginning text, perhaps the best "first word" on the subject I have read.

My suggestion . . . All spiritual directors and retreat leaders should glance through this material and consider teaching a course on the subject, using this as the text. This book is a great inspirational read, but it doesn't stand alone. The retreat leader will need to make some decisions as to the format, location, and duration of the retreat. No doubt the leader will also want to add some supplemental material.

This book is like listening to a dear friend sharing with me his love for prayer and containing me with his passion for prayer.

I just could not put this book down! I read it in two sittings and plan on reading it again very soon. It is inspiring, practical, and quite funny. Father Thibodeaux obviously has an intimate relationship with God and through this book he gives the reader a glimpse of his own personal prayer life with appropriate tips, caveats, and anecdotes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an easy, step-by-step guide to a deeper prayer life.

This was an absolutely amazing book. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone with a open heart.

The striking design of this book's brick-red cover with the huge white word, "POWER," dominating all the other type -- is deceptively attractive. I know from talking with a group of teen-agers about books on spirituality that have caught their eye that this imagery is alluring.

But, of course, the Buddhist writer Thich Nhat Hanh defies our normal assumptions about power: that it is something we strive to attain so that we can control and perhaps even dominate people around us. That's the typical model of power in our culture -- power as "winning" in a competitive world.

Anyone who has read his previous works -- or heard his talks in person or on video -- knows that his traditional Buddhist approach to life is to set aside striving and competitiveness. Instead, compassion becomes the glue that should hold together our community.

So, what he really is writing about here is the social force that flows from the kind of authority we build through our exercise of compassion and a positive approach toward life. Some critics have observed that, over the years, Thich Nhat Hanh's books have tended to repeat themselves. And, yes, frequent readers will find the same heart of Buddhist teaching here that we know from other works.

But there are fascinating, fresh anecdotes and emphases in his teaching in this volume. For example, there's an intriguing story here about his return to Vietnam -- after many years of exile -- and the way he approached this extremely challenging journey. There are a couple of practical supplements in the back of the book, including some plain talk about Buddhist principles in the realm of business.

Yes, there is a deliberate twist in the title -- but it's a play on words in the service of wise and compelling teachings.

I couldn't help but notice after reading POWER how similar Buddhism and Quakerism are to each other. A fabulous read that was very well written. I found it easy to grasp the concepts. I feel enriched for the experience.

How highly should you recommend a book that is the distilled wisdom and insight of a 90-year old monk who has lived nearly his entire life in the service of others and while having no wife, children or money and while owning nothing and representing the complete antithesis of what our society holds up as successful, is happy down to the core of his being?

Incredible read. Velvety smooth. Connects on many levels. Master Hanh's wisdom really does embrace the reader. Highly recommended.

Scriptures are used to teach these principles of successful living, i.e., success as definited by doing God's will. He talks about being born with certain gifts, talents, abilities, and desires. For each individual's uniqueness, there are human needs waiting to be met. Your assignment is to discover where you fit in matching your uniqueness with meeting needs. It's an exciting approach to living!

Like similar books in this genre, he says relationships are more important than work. Espicially is this true of one's relationship to God. He talks about geography being important in one's assignment. This book is full of insights from the Bible. Consider his comments on time, "God uses time to achieve His own goals on earth. He uses time to develop the seeds of greatness that He plants in the soil of people."

You will be a more effective steward of your time, talent, and life after having read this book. With that in mind I give it my highest recommendation.

This is a wonderful tool for both men and women who desire to really come to an understanding of their assignment. Now I know the difference between a gift, talent and my assignment. Wow. Every christian needs this book as a daily assignment and as a workbook for mentoring groups. Don't pass this one by. Get two copies, one for you and one for a friend.

Everything God creates has a specific purpose. Mike Murdock reveals true depth in what we "think" we already know. Murdock's strong biblical teaching, gives revelation to discovering that God was "very" specific in His creation of us as individuals. We all have a destiny to fulfill that is ours alone....you are the only one that can accomplish your Assignment.

Mike Murdock is a man of few words. The good part of this is he makes each word count. This book is written to be a daily devotional/workbook for one month. Each day has a single idea which builds upon the earlier days. Each day has Biblical scriptures to back it up as being an old idea from the very Source. I have gone through this book several times, and benefitted each time in having more clarity, more focus, and more excitement about my life's purpose.

Mike Murdock is a man of few words. The good part of this is he makes each word count. This book is written to be a daily devotional/workbook for one month. Each day has a single idea which builds upon the earlier days. Each day has Biblical scriptures to back it up as being an old idea from the very Source. I have gone through this book several times, and benefitted each time in having more clarity, more focus, and more excitement about my life's purpose.

I've picked this book up for re-reading, again and again.
Bought an extra copy for loaning, because I want to keep it on hand for when I've dropped back into the dream and need re-minding of True nature!

John Wheeler has written an excellent book on the subject of non-duality. These types of books usually don't offer techniques, but rather a "pointing" to where you need to look, and the author does a great job pointing.
He tells about how Sailor Bob Adamson helped to point the way for him. I've since gotten Bob's book, What's Wrong With Right Now" and that with ATTNS are two books that compliment each other. Although John's book was written later, I would recommend it first, then Bob's, but most likely ATTNS will be the last book you'll need.
As you read the words in this book, the mind seems to melt away and you are left with understanding that was there all along, but seemingly hidden.
The greatest thing about John Wheeler is that he is, as another reviewer mentioned, is that he is a nice guy and really seems to want to help, not just sell books. I've written to authors of other books on this subject to get some questions answered, but only John has responded. He not only answered my questions, but gave me some pointers directly and we've exchanged several emails and his words have helped a great deal.
Now the questions are gone, things are seen more clearly thanks to John Wheeler. But I know that if the need arises, all I have to do is ask.
Thanks John!

This book - the first of four, and the best - is right on the money - it gets right to the point and is almost crystal clear in its pointing. If you really see what John is so obviously pointing to, all conflicts,suffering,problems spontaneously disappear. The "I" thought is the keystone to the illusory edifice called "you". John will show you or rather point out the illusory nature of this concept.Now keep this up,as old conditioning may tend to bring "you" back, but with continued clear viewing you will be set free - don't forget it took even Nisargadatta 3 years of investigation and staying with the "I Am" sense to realize his true nature, so stick with it and with a little luck/grace, you'll be gone in a New York minute. It worked for me.You cannot possibly get any clearer an understanding than from John(or Bob Adamson for that matter). Good Luck!

For anyone on a spiritual path and sometimes getting lost along the way. John seems to me like a signpost, a guiding light pointing out another direction to explore and he does so in a patient and gentle manner.

This book is comprised of questions and answers and I found many of the questions to be my own so I found it very relevant. I feel John is clear, concise and relates well to the modern American. I like this book a lot and recommend it to anyone that feels they need a little nudge.

John Wheeler is simply a master at gently but ruthlessly throwing you back on that which you already are - presence awareness. This book is mostly a series of question and answers - John has a very simple and loving way - he's very patient but also unfailingly catches the questioner as they fall back into the mind, into the sense of "I" - John gently directs them back and continuously reminds them of what they are. John is one of the most "respected" authors writing about Advaita or NonDuality today - a student of Bob Adamson - he has gone beyond the mind and resides in the clear presence awareness of which he speaks and points to. To be more clear - he shows that there is no one to go anywhere, no one to achieve or attain, nothing to do but BE WHAT YOU ALREADY ARE. All of his books are very highly recommended.