Spirituality Books

This book focuses on communication in marriage and has basic principles
that are easy to follow. It also discusses key areas where there may be
problems to resolve. It is based on sound Christian principles that apply to other relationships as well.

No matter how long you have been married, you must always remember that God comes first. This book reminds us that a healthy, Godly marriage works in this order: 1)God, 2) Marriage 3) Self 4) Children 5) All Else. Without Him, a marriage is doomed. This book has allowed me and my Wife to address minor and major issues using God's direction. This is actually a second publishing, with the first being mostly secular. The authors have taken scripture and make it very clear that God wants marriage to be Spirirtually based. No matter what issue you may be having in your marriage, using God's directives can heal all wounds - past and present. As a Chaplain and a Counselor, I have found this to be the ultimate guide to healing a realtionship. I now recommend this book to all my clients, regardless of their religious beliefs. It provides scripture as an adjunct to the core message of each topic, and is very easy to follow. The authors have written it so that one may read a section regarding their specific problem, or it can be read in the order it was written. If you are yearning to have a Godly marriage - THIS IS THE MANUAL YOU NEED. Peace and God Be With You.

This book has helped us mend our marriage and grow to better communicate and understand each other. I highly recommend it for engaged, newlyweds, or people who have been married for years. God has truly blessed our marriage through this book.

My husband and I both liked the book because it gives practical ways to communicate, which can cross over in all aspects of life. It gives helpful, concrete tools to use in relationships.

This book, along with the non-Christian version, Fighting for your Marriage, is great! This is great marriage enrichment stuff and helps so much with communication, as well as increasing fun in your marriage. Great for small groups. [...]. As a mental health counselor, I use the tools in this book with my clients and highly recommend it! Also at the PREP website is a list of PREP instructors if you need more individualized help.

As other reviewers have said, this book has prayers & reflections on various topics, targeted specifically for Christian leadership. This book would be a terrific gift for anyone in a leadership role, in or out of a church. It is beautifully made, with a padded cover, and gold tone trim on the front and back cover. It is printed on good quality paper. Consider this for a gift for your Pastor or church leader.

Dr. Kriegbaum is obviously sharing from personal experience. I have not come across any work that so clearly reflects an understanding of leadership in Christian institutions. He has a grasp of the big picture that only the president or CEO can have, and he understands the demands from the various publics who press the leader for time, attention, decisions, etc.

After reading this book several times, I purchased several copies, for major public and private leaders. This little book offers thoughts, comfort and vision. It also creates space to think about how we conduct our work and interact with our peers. I have read it a dozen times, now using it as a daily reference, enjoying it on the subway, on my airline trips and often, when I am alone, just needing to reflect. Recently I have sent this to two US Secretaries and to my pastor. Last year I gve a copy to all of my Board members, many of whom have called to tell me of their appreciation, months later. I would urge anyone seeking a visionary, comforting gift for a special person to consider this treasurer.

When the going gets tough, I reach for this book. It's always near me. Richard has captured the concerns of every leader in a way that is simple yet power filled. Any time I get lost in my own failings or slip into a state of dispare over the way I handled a situation, I know where to go to find solice and comfort. Leadership Prayers helps to put me in touch with what God has in mind for me before I set out on my own. I hear rumors that Richard is working on another book. I'll be watching for it.

This remarkable little book offers prayers near to the heart of Christian leaders. As a pastor, I have marvelled at how well my thoughts, concerns, burdens, fears, and frustrations are shared by the author. He directs the prayers to the Father with clarity and wrestling of heart.

If you are a pastor, head of a Christian organization, or involved in shepherding or leadership, these prayers may put into words the cries of your heart. Superb.

I just got home from a long night of teaching conscious movement, if diving into the joy of movement can be called teaching. It is such a pleasure to watch a room full of dancers find themselves and then find each other through movement. I always feel like I am being filled up from a place of perpetual fullness. Ahhhh, it's there always, but I forget. I need reminders constantly.

To dance deeply and return home to read the sweet and gentle words from "Letters to My Friends" is like watching a silent movie in my heart. Going through all the emotions of the story and completely understanding it feels as though I am being handed the script.

In one of his more recent letters, John wrote, "I don't want to die with a single 'I love you' left in me." I agree with him. I don't want to die with a single, "I love you" left in me, or a single "Thank you". So, John, "Thank you"

In Letters to My Friends, John Conley helps to show me my truth. He is so beautifully honest that as he expresses what he knows to be true, I can't help but look at my truth. I see things about myself that I don't want to see, and I recognize and understand parts of myself that I love. His writing consistently drops me into a place of complete presence allowing me to simply observe my new realizations. Most delightful are the dialogues between Baba Ram Jahn and the daughter. In his responses to the child's curiosity, Baba Ram Jahn uniquely and gently reminds us that all is truly well, and that it is quite possible we make too much of a big deal about our journey through life.

"Letters to my Friends" engaged me thoroughly. It is a wonderful marriage of wisdom and wit and Mr. Conley speaks with a fine-tuned blend of humility and experience; Baba Ram Jahn is a hoot (and wise beyond his humor). As I read, I felt spoken to with respect and with a trust that I could accept the bare truths that were being spelled out for me. Sometimes it became like hearing my own mind think out loud, even in - perhaps especially in - the places I don't usually let myself acknowledge that I think or feel. Bringing some of those profound (and even scary) understandings up to the surface and then placing them into a forgiving, heartfelt context, allowed me to relax more deeply about how my own mind works. And perhaps that is a piece of what meditation actually is, an acceptance of what it is to be human, with all our idiosyncrasies and constant thoughts surrounded by a stillness that mysteriously but truly encompasses it all.

This is a remarkable book-- It poses a difficulty in reviewing because it is written on so many levels. John writes these letters to "friends" not "disciples", that is, to equals with whom he wants to share his bewildering and joyous uncoverings.

On October 2, when at Still Meadows along the Clackamas River he experiences that he is not only his thoughts but also the Stillness within, eternal and unchanging, and what is more, that both aspects of himself can exist simultaneously. That means you, I, and the multitudes sharing this experience called human life, with all its frustrations, inadequacies, imperfections of all sorts, are not separate from an underlying Stillness that holds us in ineffable acceptance and love. In compassionate radical acceptance of our human/divine wholeness we can feel sacred connection with all; including the orphan, disabled veteran , derelict, grieving friend, dancing beloved; both within and without.

And after each epistle, we party with Baba Ram Jahn, and his beloved daughter/questioner. No punnery nor punditry is excluded from the playfulness.

If an invitation to a tea party with Alice and the White Rabbit; the Little Prince and the Dali Lama --with readings from Tao Te Ching and the Sunday Comics--intrigues you, don't miss this book. Your host, the clown prince of unenlightenment, John Conley.

This book is a comfort on a cold night and lends itself to being read aloud with a soul friend. It is a treasure and deserves to be lifted from hiddenness to find its place in the sun with those who recognize its true value.

L. Berry
Vancouver, WA

John writes from his heart to the hearts of his readers. He opens his life to show us how to laugh at ourselves and move from endlessly thinking to simply letting go through the practice of Stillness. In his candid and self depreciating style, he teaches by example. In many of the letters I can see my own life and his through skillful word smithing I can laugh at myself and find inspiration to be better than my smallest self.

This book is a quiet treasure.

It is a difficult read, no doubt, but this is one book which each and every educated person must read; doesn't matter if it takes a lifetime. If one reads three pages a day, it'll take one year to finish the book; that is the kind of patience the book demands, but it's worth it and extremely rewarding. Logistics overcome, comes the barrier of prejudice; several of them: India, Hindu, Ashram, Philosophy, Spirituality, New-Age etc. But what is needed is an absolutely open mind and the book becomes a pure Life's User Manual.

The book itself is a Univeresity that breathes universality. During the course of reading, one gets attuned to many related areas and ideas by way of allusions and comparisions. It also solves progressively one's long-held doubts and discords. Besides, in whichever profession one is, it helps to improve on the practical aspects. Further, the poetic beauty of the text enhances the sheer pleasure of reading even while the insights gained expands one's sense of mundane existence. Two other booklets, "The Mother" and "The Mind of Light" or "The Supramental Manifestation upon Earth" are essential supplements, lest one's understanding of the author is prone to be lopsided.

Rating this book is like rating god for his creation-a joke of first order. This book is an eternal book, its language ancient, contemporary, futuristic and transcendant. the only way one can approach this book is in quiet contemplation and deep introspection. every thought, doubt and question that might have crossed the minds of humankind is addressed, explained. understanding this book is the puny first step. it needs to realised, acted, lived and revisited. that would be rare human who does not find this book has changed his/her life. one feels like annihilating oneself to greatness of this being.

This book is the greatest achievement of Mankind!It is the greatest philosophical book ever written and in the best English Language ever written too.It is the Ultimate culmination of a 3,000 year Indian Philosophic Thought.

Sri Aurobindo examines deeper than anybody ever did the Human Condition and treats with the utmost profundity,clarity,linguistic beauty,logical acuity,originality and imagination all the major questions of Life:Why is there something rather than nothing,what is the meaning of life,why are we here,where did we come from,what is our relationship to the ultimate ground of Being,what is the function of ignorance,suffering,pain,what is the Nature of the Ultimate Being.He surpasses Shankara,incorporating in his philosophy the Tantric idea of the meaningfulness and purposefulness of the Becoming,as well as all central elements of Buddhist Philosophy.In relating all these to modern man (Western and Eastern) and connecting everything together through the most plastic,expressive,exquisite language ever written,he achieves the Ultimate Synthesis of all philosophical and spiritual thought of Mankind.

Although one needs to become accustomed to his unique language and expression ,as well as to spend initially some time in understanding the way he uses certain terms (some of his own creation,so that the Inexpressible could at least be hinted at),this initial investment of time will more than reward the serious reader in the end.

Some,with whom I agree,suggest that one start reading the book from the chapter "The evolution of the spiritual man"(Book 2,chapter 24) and,after moving on to read the next two chapters too,to go back and start reading it from the beginning.These last chapters give an overview of his philosophy and are written in an easier language.

"THE LIFE DIVINE" is itself one of the most pure EMBODIMENTS of the DIVINE

This is a difficult book to read. Let us be under no illusions about that. It is verbose, repetitive and massive in its scope: tackling virtually the entire gamut of issues that philosophy traditionally deals with. But by the time you have finished reading the book (it took me three months to finish)it would have transformed the way you live your life. You may not agree with Aurobindo, and in fact, he probably does not want you to blindly agree with him, he would much rather that you think things out for yourself; but one thing that he certainly does is to question the 'commonsense' view of the world: the view of the world that we build up using bits of unexamined,untested, received, 'truths'. Take just one such 'truth': We believe--or at least we have done so ever since Descartes--that Matter and Consciousness are two separate things. Aurobindo puts forward the suggestion that the two are actually one and the same entity, only they are in different states being: somewhat like Ice and Steam being different states of water. If we concede that matter may be a form of consciousness, only in an inert state, all sorts of consequences would follow: especially with regard to our attitudes towards the environment.
As I had said earlier, the scope of the book is massive. Its three parts can be roughly divided into Ontology (where he discusses the Nature of the Cosmos), Epistemology (where he discusses the nature of Knowledge (&Ignorance), and the problem of Evil--which he attributes to Ignorance: a consequence of Ahamkara or ego-centricism) and finally, in the last part, he provides a broad, general direction for living our lives in accordance with our revised view of the world (Ethics). However, the book is not tightly structured (If you are looking for a book like Wittgenstein's Tractatus you will find yourself truly frustrated) it is loose, repetitive, and disjointed. Possibly because it was originally written as a series of essays and published monthly in a magazine called the Arya (between 1914 to 1919). He must have had to repeat himself because his original audience would have forgotten a point that he would have made five years ago. But the cumulative effect of the repetitions is that his ideas have a tendency to gradually seep in and sink into your mind, rather than strike you as a sort of brilliant epiphany.
Aurobindo's philosphy is ultimately rooted in ancient Hindu Vedic thought. In the course of the book, Aurobindo tackles Marx, Darwin, Nietzche, Freud, Hegel, Feurbach, (plus a whole range of European philosophers) and his idea is to adapt their philosophy to the 'Truth' as expressed by the Seers of the ancient Vedas. Does he succeed in doing so? I don't know. That is for professional philosophers to decide. For me, the book has been a revelation, the scales have dropped from my eyes: I see things differently now. Hopefully, I will continue to do so for a while before the snares of living in a modern city finally engulf me once again. Haven't they said that we can't stand to face the truth for too long?

There are very few great spiritual classics that each century produces. The Life Divine is one of these great spiritual classics, one of the key spiritual studies of the twentieth center, perhaps of all time. There are few great mystics and enlightened masters who are able to express themselves in extensive philosophy and profound poetry. Sri Aurobindo was one of these, and the Life Divine is probably his magnum opus.
The Life Divine is no mere call to a life of piety, asceticism or outward religious fervor. It is a call to bring the Divine as a force of higher consciousness into all that we are and do, both individually and as a species. The Life Divine unfolds a panoramic exploration of consciousness from the Absolute (Brahman), to the Cosmic Creator (Ishvara), to the individual soul (Jivatman), and all the realms of existence, manifest and unmanifest, known and unknown. There are few books that cover such an expanse and with such depth, direct knowledge and clarity. For those who want to widen their horizons and extend their awareness into the realms of higher consciousness, there is perhaps no other book that is as complete, comprehensive and challenging. Reading it requires both concentration and meditation of a very high order, but brings great riches of inner insight in return.
As someone who has studied the main religious traditions of the world, and has written extensively on the traditions of India, this book has remained with me as life time companion. I recommend it to all those who are looking at the spiritual life as a quest for a higher consciousness and grace that can transform all that we do. One can continue to delve into the book for new wisdom and insight year after year. The Life Divine teaches us in depth about the great spiritual traditions of India, Veda, Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Tantra and Buddhism, but from a view of practice and realization, and a seeking for the universal truth behind all these great teachings.
Most notably, the Life Divine outlines the spiritual purpose of the soul and of our human lives. It charts a way to a future in which we can go beyond our current mentality of ego and strife to a world of Divine peace, bliss and knowledge. It charts the transformation of our species from a confused adolescence to the maturity of wisdom and grace. Sri Aurobindo shows how the Divine Shakti can descend into our minds and lift us to a higher level of intelligence as our natural state of existence. The book is perhaps the best study of the spiritual evolution of humanity, the evolution of consciousness in man and nature, which is available.

I was on a vision quest in my life looking outside and was taught by elders and others to look within and with the help of this Book and Hyemeyohst Storm and other books he wrote I was able to learn more and feel more in touch with the earth medicine of Nature and its often looked over healing power The Power of One "Nature" may we all find our way to a place of peace and serenity within and share it by being.. JG

The Red Road curves through a parallel universe with only tenuous ties to contemporary reality. Storm speaks to the wanna-be warrior in all of us, with humorous vignettes spiked with hidden awareness, as he looks back at the valiant fool he was, beginning his quest before he even knows he was on it, missing all the clues to his personal Grail. (The sign said "Stop", he looked at it, but he couldn't see the message for the word...) Conservative Native Americans shun this guy for letting the cat out of the bag...But for the rest of us waschisus, this is as close to understanding life on the Res as we'll ever get. No matter what your path to personal enlightenment has been, any spritual trekkie will enjoy this guy's experiences. Great read!!!

This is a book about more than the guru-guided personal search for self-understanding of a half-breed, more than a remarkably profound exposé of the life-philosophy (not religion) of the native american peoples. More even than a confirmation of the inner validity of other ancient systems of thought and knowledge to be found in other parts of the world, for example in Scandinavia. This book is exactly what it claims to be: the revelation of A WAY, an approach to life and the problems of identity, balance and peace, second to none, and applicable to everyone, where ever in the world they may live, and whatever religious and cultural tradition they may formally adhere to. Something that if widely spread, and attended to in the right way, might just ... just ... (to coin a heavily misused, but in this context really appropriate phrase)"save the world". In other words, not without subversive, but highly life-enhancing social and political connotations. My advice: Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. And then practice, as best ye may. Good luck, and may the Spirit give you strength in the quest for yourSELF.

I found this book over two years ago and I have yet to finish. I can't bring myself to accept that it will end, so i've been doing everything i can to avoid turning that last page. It's that kind of book. There are so many layers of brillance and value to this amazing piece of artwork. Athough it is psychologically complex and methaphysically profound, it is Storm's simple love for the Earth and his masterful, unassuming language that set this book apart. The characters have a fully developed humanity to them that is unparalleled. Truly destined to be an all time classic. This is more than a book.

This book speeks to me about the inner turmoil and multitude of voices that haunt the uninitiated and estranged males in our society. To not belong, to be cut off from community is a plague on our youth and spirit. The feeling of isolation leads to antisocial behavior, unhappiness, stupidity and violence. Herein is the story of a disenfranchised man and how, with a mentor and female partner, he finds strength in the Self to command and conquer the demons of a disfunctional conformist society. This is a primer on taming the destructive, finding peace and living with beauty. Great insights for all!

I found this book to be one of the most enlightening and informative books available today. So many of the questions I had regarding just what Toni does working with her eight spirit guides,what happens to us when we transition,what these life-times are all about,and much more where answered for me. Since reading this book I feel much closer to God knowing the "Truth" as Toni has given it to us. Piercing the Veil, as well as the entire series, is truly a 'must read' and needs to be in your home library as a daily reference for your peace of mind.

Toni Lynn Wood truly out does herself with this incredible collaboration with her Spirit Family. Toni Lynn's writing style is so easy to understand and absorb. Although in the previous Living in Both Worlds books, Toni's spirit family is introduced to the readers - Piercing the Veil provides a more personal introduction and welcoming to Toni's family. I found Piercing the Veil to be an incredible educating experience about spirit guides, mediums and piercing the veil between the earth plane and our loved ones in the spirit world. I take comfort in knowing that my loved ones are so near me and that when we die there is still so much more to come.

Living in both worlds, Piercing the veil kept me captivated. I have read fewbooks that gave me the feeling this one did. It resonates an energy that sends healing and transformation as you read. It has definately changed my life. I cant wait to read the other two books about this spiritual healer, Toni Lynn Wood. By the way, the message from God, all I can say is "wow". This book is a must read for anyone who is searching for a better understanding of life.

Afer reading the books, A Healer and Her Journey with Spirit and Piercing the Veil,these books are a fascinating account of her life with the spirit world. This is more than a remarkable story, it's insight into how we can better understand ourselves and the spirit world.It's a book you share with someone who may need comfort in a time of need.

Afer reading the books, A Healer and Her Journey with Spirit and Piercing the Veil,these books are a fascinating account of her life with the spirit world. This is more than a remarkable story, it's insight into how we can better understand ourselves and the spirit world.It's a book that could bring comfort someone in need.

How does a Mantram work.
That depends on how you look at it.....
If you are a religious person, you would not even question its validity ; if you are an atheist posing to be scientific, you would call it meaningless mumbo jumbo and self hypnosis; if you were a neuro scientist, you would be more careful in your explanation, since your scientific thought process would be contradicted by your observation of unexplainable neuron activity in the brain which would generally have some kind of salutary positive effect.
If you were an open minded individual like me, you would try it yourself and come to your own conclusion.
Since the conscious mind is supposed to be just 10 percent of our neural activity and the subconscious is 90 percent of the same, the Mantram which works on the subconscious; should be very very relevant for our mental health.
Thanks to Eknath Easwaran, for explaining the secrets of the 'mantram' in the most gentle,persuasive and intelligent style, which would greatly appeal to the techno-urban-intellectual-busy individual of modern times.
Truly, a life transforming book.

Eknath Easwaran was a wonderfully observant and intuitive teacher, and thankfully, his writings live on. The Mantram Handbook gives an excellent presentation of the Mantra Yoga method of calming ones mind, as well as the benefits.For those who would like to find more by this prolific spiritual author, this book and many others are available through
The Blue Mountain Center For Meditation.
I also recommend his translation of The Dhammapada(Teachings of The Buddha).

This book offers clear practical advise on choosing and using a mantram (also known as a mantra), which is thought of as the Holy Name. Eknath offers appealing anecdotes and gentle humor as he presents his Eight-point Path, which includes such spiritual practices as meditation, mantram, slowing down, one-pointed attention, and putting others first. The author is Hindu but doesn't emphasize any one faith; readers of any religion or no religion can use this. Beautiful book-cover!

Lists the major mantras and their purposes. Suggestions on when, how and how often to chant, etc. A good beginners book. Excellent author - I have several of his other writings and they are all enlightening.

My husband read this book, and recommended that I read it as I mostly confidently, though sometimes stressfully, waded through the challenges of opening my own small business. Within the first few short chapters, Mr. Easwaran gives you a tip for remaining calm and focused, that is as easy as repeating the same few words silently to yourself. Like most of you, I have my family, friends, church, and colleagues for support, but many times, I just want to "take care of myself," get past the hurdle immediately before me, and move on. Using one of the mantra's suggested in this book has helped calm my mind. With a calm mind, I'm able to get in touch with what is really important to me, and make sound, positive decisions. The author then goes on to suggest some additional concepts which I found to be very thought provoking, including, reminding me of the part I can play in life by offering my services to society.

If you are a heartly companion to your wife or to your gilfriend or to your boyfriend or husban, this is a fundamental book for both of you.
It is a compassionate, heartly and very open hearted book that I strongly recommend to everyone.
It is a precious book that cost me nothing. I am very grateful for it. You only depend on your heart on your life. Remember this.

I wish I had known more about this book and the author before I bought it. I was looking for subject matter for our Bible Study, and the reviews were encouraging. However, I did not know that this book was written from the perspective of a transcendentalist. The content IS good, but it does not have the Biblical backing in content that I had been hoping for. This book will still be useful, but it's going to take some work on our part to make sure the points are Biblically sound.

I was delighted with this book's uplifting and practical messages, as well as with the lovely prose. I have little pieces of yelllow sticky notes poking out of the book at places where I want to be able to find again certain poetic, well-turned phrases. Anyone who wants to become a better loving partner can find inspiration and concrete ideas in the well-organized, concise sections, stories that illustrate each section, and "questions to ask yourself" at each section's end. As a therapist, I see multiple ways to use the information in this book to help couples create more mutually satisfying relationships.

Marriage from the Heart is one of those books that doesn't come along often enough. The text is chock full of words of wisdom to share with friends and loved ones from authors who have obviously learned the truths contained therein from the trenches. This book does not belong on a dust collecting bookshelf, but on the nightstand or on the coffee table to be referred to frequently, by couples young and old, sharing relationships fresh and tarnished. Marriage from the Heart breaths new life into the self-help genre with its weaving of life experience with a good dose of philosophy and psychology, a dash of theological insight, and a splash of humor towards life's challenges, making it a perfect recipe for an open, honest, and lasting relationship.

I like how this book applies itself more towards strengthening an existing relationship rather than fixing a broken one (although the techniques presented are applicable to both situations). In fact, the content of this book could easily be applied to non-romantic relationships as well. The authors style and liberal use of applicable anecdotes yields an easy and enjoyable read. I will be sending copies to both of my sisters.

These careful, lucid translations of the great Saint Gregory Palamas' sermons about Mary, the Mother of God, would be an inspiring addition to any Christian's library. They reveal both the theological depth and homeletic skill of this most important theologian as well as his great personal devotion to the Theotokos. The high qualitiy of the publishing would also make this an excellent gift for believers.

In Mary the Mother of God, Professor Veniamin has presents English speaking lay Christians with his first instalment of the sermons of Saint Gregory Palamas. Through his love of St Gregory and devotion to the Mother of God, Christopher Veniamin has made transparent the icon of St Gregory through whom the faithful can perceive and experience grace beyond words which flows through the Sacred Heart of Blessed Mary.

Through these sermons, St Gregory opens both to Orthodox and to strangers to the Orthodox Tradition the truth that the Holy Mother occupied the Holy of Holies - the place assigned to God alone. Thus, she became the true shrine and Tabernacle of the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. The Mother's love and Devotion to her Divine Son, which the Saint expresses with inspired eloquence and devotion, raises the reader to a vision of the glory and splendour that she enjoys in her Dormition and ascension to the glory of heaven.

Through these sermons of prayer may we enjoy more the already but not yet joys of heaven.

Martin Wray Cheltenham UK

Christianity has as much to say about man as it does about God, for it teaches that God created man and, not only that, but that He became man. The Creator entered His own creation! This unthinkable feat was accomplished through the woman whom this book celebrates: Mary. The human flesh that God assumed was given to Him by His Mother. This unique relationship with God is searchingly and beautifully described in the six homilies that comprise this volume. Their themes span the Virgin's entire life - from her birth to her death - but, because treating of Jesus and Mary is tantamount to treating of God and man, of Creator and creation, it can be said that the themes of these homilies span all of time and beyond, so all-encompassing is their author's vision.

The author, St. Gregory Palamas, is no detached and dry commentator on religious beliefs; he was a 14th century Greek monk and bishop whose limitless love for God opened his spiritual eyes (the very existence of which was denied by many of his contemporaries, to say nothing of our contemporaries) to behold as clearly as through a window the people and events he wrote about. He preached not only what he believed in, but what he saw. He therefore could not write about 'religion' in the manner to which we have grown accustomed, a manner which implies that belief is not concerned with anything beyond what lies in the believer's own mind and heart. No, what he believed in was blindingly and blatantly real, more real and more blinding than the sun. And those who refused to acknowledge the fact of God's existence, or His Incarnation from the Virgin Mother, or His physical Resurrection from the dead were not only spiritually blind, but were as foolish as someone with physical blindness refusing to believe in the sun simply because he had never actually seen it!

That is what makes Palamas worth reading. You could read a book about the Mother of God written by someone who cares very little about her and who knows - from his own experience - even less. But here is a book written by someone who knows and loves his subject intimately and has no reason to apologize for it. His profound love for Mary and the One whom she bore is evident on every page and is a joy to behold.

The editor, Dr. Christopher Veniamin, has produced a clear yet stately translation of pieces which, heretofore, have not appeared in English. His book makes a valuable and handsome addition to the library of a scholar, a pious Christian, or anyone searching for truth.

The first volume in the series of Sermons by St. Gregory Palamas, edited by Dr. Christopher Veniamin, is a success in bringing the life and teachings of St. Gregory to modern readers. Mary the Mother of God is a work composed of six sermons dedicated to the Holy Virgin. It is arranged thematically according to the liturgical sequence of the Orthodox Church. While teaching his audience about the Mother of God, St. Gregory is also instructing them in the spiritual life. This title is recommended for all who want to learn about the Mother of God and about the spiritual life of the Christian.

If St. Gregory Palamas is one of the bright lights in the starry heavens of Orthodoxy, then Professor Christopher Veniamin has proved himself one of our great astronomers. The translation and presentation of these sermons are excellent, as are the notes, which I think make up so much of the value of this book. In these, Veniamin blends really first rate scholarship with a heart experienced in the things of God. The reader cannot help but go away both educated and edified. I recommend this excellent volume unreservedly.

I have had the privilege of not only reading Dr Thakur's book but also of hearing some of it presented by Dr Thakur himself. This is a book that can be applied to any life situation and any problem. I have enjoyed greatly the opportunity to read this book and listen to the presentation.
Thank you Dr Thakur

I have been diagnosed with PTSD and this book has helped me tremendously in dealing with the horrors of the Vietnam war. The effects it has on a Combat Veteran and how one can deal with triggers, trying to relate pain with pleasure. I have the privilidge of meeting weekly at the Kansas City V.A. to have him cover the topics.Currently he is teaching the methods explained in the Book to around 75 Korean, Vietnam and Gulf war Veterans. It is a tremendous tool to help people be more succesful in life, deal with any major trauma that has happened in your own life or the life of a loved one. I reccomend this book to anyone looking to enhanse their life, the small investment is worth it.

Mega Mind is the most practical "self help" book I have read. Dr. Hemant Thankur developed the methods while treating the most damaged individuals returning from war; Mega Mind shows a path to satisfaction and happiness that will work for them and those with lesser problems. His method starts with specific goal setting and then using self induced pleasure and pain to force your brain to make choices in life that fulfill those goals. These methods are the same ones used by advertisers to sell us goods, and they work to sell us our own goals, using Dr. Thakur's system. Mega Mind explores how this system works and why but the practical methods are simple, easy to use, and produce results. Less than 2 hours after starting to read Mega Mind I set some goals and began to use his methods. When I made a choice that did not help me fulfill those goals the system showed me how to use those bad choices to change the choices my brain would make the next time. It is a complete and simple way for anyone to change their own behavior.

The book is short, easy to read and follow, and can be used by people of almost any age. I highly recommend it.

My friend Clelan Dewey, recently loaned me the book "Mega Mind Path to Success and Freedom." I was immediately impressed with the common sense "Introduction" which points out in great detail, that every individual has the capacity to succeed: if properly prepared. In fact, that proper preparation is the most important factor that leads to success and the preparation must start early in life. Because preparation needs to start at an early age and because many young people do not recieve guidance in logical thinking and because this book goes into such easily understood detail, it occured to me that this book would be an excellent text book for high school students. I firmly beleive that if studied in classroom situation, this book would guide many students to a more rewarding life.

This is the best book about PTSD I have ever read. If you know someone who is suffering from a traumatic event, a violent crime, a rape victim, tragic loss of a loved one, witness to a terrible accident, this book is for you.

I cannot say enough praise about this man. If all psychiatrists had his heart, his unwavering faith in mankind, and his old fashioned country doctor style, the science of mental health could take a quantum leap toward the positive.

I don't know if Mahatma Ghandi was considered a genius, or just a man with the right idea at the right time. This is how I see Dr. Thakur's book MEGA MIND The Path to Success and Freedom, his work with PTSD victims; a man with the right idea at the right time, helping war veterans, offering help to all trauma victims.

The fact that this man has dedicated himself to the War Veterans and works himself to nearly to death trying to cure decades of psychological neglect. Well, Let's just say I would take a bullet for this guy anytime.

Phil Spencer Vietnam Veteran