Open Your Eyes Books

Dada Nabhaniilananda has done a wonderful job of making the ancient practice of meditation accessible to everyone in an enjoyable yet highly informative book. The beginner will find exactly what he or she needs to understand what meditation is, how to get started and stay with it without being discouraged. The experienced meditator will find renewed inspiration and new ideas of how to inspire others. This book should be read by and on the shelf of every yogi and meditator of any stripe.

Nabhanillananda's introduction to meditation is a wonderful gift for Westeners who want to learn Eastern meditation techniques. Nabhanillananda, a New Zealander, is able to translate his passion for and deep understanding of the yogic practices he describes into a vernacular that speaks to the Western ear, without diluting the message that he wants to share. This book both inspires and challenges -- Nabhanillananda's joy is infectious and makes you want to keep reading, and by the end of the book you feel you have no excuses left for not trying meditation for yourself. It's a great introduction for anyone who has wondered what meditation is all about and why it's worth pursuing.

I found "Close Your Eyes and Open Your Mind" to be authentic, practical and inspiring. Dada Nabhanilananda is a monk who has dedicated his life to his spiritual practices and work. Yet he is also a musician, a world traveler, and one who fights for justice, environmental protection and social change. He shares spiritual practices that have personally worked for him and for others he knows. He is authenic.

The book is full of practical exercises and suggestions that you can do immediately - and suggestions of where to go when you need more guidance.

And when you read the stories, think through the ideas, and actually sit down and try the meditation, that is inspirational!

This book serves as an EXCELLENT introduction to what meditation is all about! It is specially good for those who are newly beginning the practice and art of meditation. It is also highly valuable for those who have been practitioners for a long time.

Dada brings the lessons and meanings of this ancient science to life by interspercing interesting stories and memorable quotes along the way. It is an easy and never boring read!

As a teacher of meditation, I have shared this little gem with many. It is universally enjoyed and benefitted from!

I have ordered several copies of this book after reading myself. This very accessible introduction to meditation is now being sold at our center, Prama Yoga Studio in Queens, NY and it has very popular. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Dadajii. Namaksar.

Yes, I know I shouldn't be writing this review yet. But I don't want you to go through another day without reading this book!

This book is taking me forever to read. That's because I keep on reading each chapter 2-3 times before moving on. The effects are not only profound for your prayer life, but for your whole relationship with God. I am finding it transforming.

Here's a tip on using the book: program into your diary to spend some days away with God. Then go find somewhere beautiful and relaxing, and take a bible, a notepad, and Pratt's book. It will be like cool water to your soul.

I have had the privilege of hearing Richard speak on several occasions in Sydney. He is a warm, funny, engaging, out-of-the-box guy. He is also serious about fostering a joyful and totally-transforming relationship with God. Richard, if you read this review, be encouraged in the knowledge that your book is doing a lot of good -- even 17 years after it was published.

Books on prayer abound within Christian circles. Christian bookstores are filled with such books, with many such books acting more like 12 step programs for revitalizing prayer so we can get what we want, than in providing a Biblically based theology and perspective on prayer that can actually anchor our outlook in prayer in the Bible. Pratt predominately succeeds in doing this.

As Pratt indicates at the start, this book does not provide any grand revelations on prayer that haven't been known throughout the history of the church. It's not a magic pill offering magical formulas, and it doesn't resolve every conceivable issue surrounding prayer. But it is still quite thorough in the issues it addresses, and more importantly, its inquisitiveness is substantive and very practical.

A reader who decides to read this book is probably someone who feels that their prayer life is missing something, maybe a lot. Many Christians are in this boat, me included. As a result, I think many readers will be pleasantly surprised by the insights that are offered about our approach to prayer and how both our prayers and the attitudes and expectations behind them are so often out of accord with the prayers recorded in the Bible.

Not surprisingly, the bulk of Pratt's examination on prayer is from an Old Testament perspective, since he's an Old Testament guy. Readers may very well experience something akin to an awakening or a reappreciation for the Psalms after reading this book, I know I did. Pratt is thorough in his examination and tends to do a very good job in backing up his assertions in Scripture. He tends to be very careful in not making grand statements that have no Scriptural support, and this alone is refreshing within the publishing world where prayer is concerned.

I found Pratt's approach to be pretty systematic in logically working from one issue to the next. The review/discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this book excellent for small group studies in addition to individual reading and reflection. Pratt does an outstanding job of categorizing the many issues of prayer within three essential aspects of prayer - God, ourselves, and communication. Similar to a wedding, where all that's essential is the bride, groom, and officiant (and maybe a witness or two) while everything else is gravy when you really think about it, a focus on these three essential aspects of prayer helps the discussion greatly and makes all of the chapters relevant within a larger framework of obvious relevancy.

This book will benefit the reader greatly, because he/she will gain a greater understanding of the God they are praying to, in addition to a much more discerning and even critical attitude towards themselves and the motives and expectations they bring to prayer. In addition, the section on the prayerful communication itself may really bring a renewed spark of enthusiasm and vitality to prayer that will replace the mundane and even meaningless monotony so many of us get caught up in when we pray. Highly recommended.

A close, careful, and balanced look [primarily] at Psalms and how they provide a model for a Christian's prayer life. Easy to read while being thoughtful, well organized, balanced, and Bible-based. Conservative Christian viewpoint.

Since this is the first book that I've read on the subject of prayer, I don't have much to compare it to. I have heard that the pickings are rather limited. Not true with this book. It is great!

We have used it as the source book in a small group study with wonderful results. The chapters are chocked full of great suggestions, with lots and lots of Scripture references. The study questions are mostly good with maybe a few exceptions.

This book has helped me considerably with my prayer life. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their's.

I can't say enough about this book. One of the best books I have ever read on prayer. Richard Pratt looks at the Three elements required for prayer, God, Ourselves, and Communication. The book is broken up into 12-13 chapters so it is great for using for a Sunday School class or for Church Home Group bible study. The fact that each chapter is individual from each other, which helps in that if someone misses a week, they are not "lost". The author looks at praying through our joy, our sorrow, and not just focusing on one aspect of God himself (i.e The Righteous Judge, Merciful Father, The Great Healer) but to focus on all his attributes. I try to read this book once every other year as a refresher. A must buy!!

This book helped me discover my hidden talent of observation. Though I'd like to say I draw well, it's not exactly true. But thanks to this book, I've been able to refine my drawing skills and better capture the details that catch my eye and are so hard to explain. Being able to communicate the details on paper is fulfilling in a whole new sense!

This wonderfully illustrated book is truly an adventure in the love of nature and all its creatures. The author presents an easy-to-understand approach to journal sketching through the seasons by providing the steps that help you draw what you see and feel. The sketches are based on favorite natural areas in Boulder CO but the drawing techniques are universal and can be used by the young-at-heart from 5 to 95. This delightful book will even encourage the non-artist to pick up a pencil and start sketching and will greatly enhance the way one see's and responds to nature.

This is a great book for people who think they have to be Rembrandt to keep an artistic journal. The author does a great job teaching beginers not to stress about making perfect sketches. The lively fun text puts emphasis on observation and just getting out there and doing it. This would make a great book for schools.

I teach at an inner city school in Miami. Ms. Gedddes' first hand account of growing up in an inner city environment was illuminating and moving. The questions she poses at the end of each chapter were not only helpful to me but have helped me in working with the children at my school. I have already passed my copy of her book along to one of our counselors. Ms. Geddes' book should become an anthem for all of those who who seek to find their way to a better life. No excuses, no nonsense.

LEARNING TO DREAM WITH YOUR EYES OPEN by Melanie D. Geddes is a usable blueprint on how to dream and remove oneself from the dire straits inner city youth may find themselves in. The book is structured in an easy to read manner and each chapter ends with "Lesson Learned" activities to begin the journey. It begins with "Why Dream?" and ends with "Quiet Confidence." In between, the chapters deal with issues such as "Beating the Odds", "Changing Lanes" and "From Impossible To Possible", just to name a few. What I found interesting is that the chapters are no-nonsense, straightforward and if taken seriously, could actually alter a young person's life, no matter the situation.

As I read I realized this book is not only for inner city youth, but youth and adults from all walks of life. Techniques are given on how to set attainable goals, improve academic performance and take ownership for one's actions.
The author herself was raised in an inner city and she shares some aspects of her story, which fosters believability with the reader.

My favorite chapters are "Changing Lanes" and "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions." "Changing Lanes" highlights the necessity of altering your goals when the realization hits that your stated goal is not what you really want. The author also discusses how our lives can lead to nowhere and how fear and the need to feel safe allow us to accept our current situations. Chapter 8, titled "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions," deals with responsible behavior and how to change a situation, correct mistakes and learn from the mistakes of others. The author cites some real life examples of bad decision-making and the consequences of those decisions. Other reading materials are cited, which are excellent and motivating reads as well. This is a wonderful tool for all to use, whether you are a child, parent, educator, human service worker or volunteer; all will find something useful to help our youth succeed in life. My favorite quote - "circumstances can impact your starting point, but they don't have to necessarily determine your ending point."

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

A great read! Morgan's hilarious perspective on his own mishaps and adventures had me laughing out loud as I read nearly every blog. His occasional introspective moments add depth, without detracting from his humor, to an otherwise lighthearted read. I appreciated his challenge to embrace life and live it to the fullest.

Yes, God can use even me - even if I don't have a gift for witnessing for Him - just let Him schedule my appointment book! Divine Appointments is such an encouragement!

I bought this for a friend and it came in great condition and great photos!! A Christmas gift not forgotten.

In the Summer of 1978, our delegation of ten from the Sino-American Buddhist Association and Dharma Realm Buddhist University went to Asia on an invitation from the Special Welcoming Committee of the Malaysian Buddhist Association. The journey expanded into a two-month visit to Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong as well as to Malaysia. The Venerable Abbot Hsiian Hua was welcomed by tens of thousands everywhere. Thousands took refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, - the Sangha -- the Triple Jewel. Thus, the delegation instigated the first step in a revolution, that of reviving the Proper Dharma in Asia.

Buddhism originally came from Asia. But, almost all of what we members of the delegation saw of Buddhism in Asia was a dilapidated jumble of protocol, empty ceremony, and superstitious customs, It ws a sad discovery for us.

In the heart of the Buddhist Temple Jewel is the Sangha, the holy order of monks (Bhikshus) and nuns (Bhikshunis) who live by an unsurpassed moral code prescribed by the Buddha in the Vinaya. Those who have left the home-life to become Bhikshus and Bhikshunis must receive the complete ordination of full precepts - two hundred fifty for a Bhikshu and three hundred forty eight for the Bhikshuni. Then and only then are they considered fully ordained Sanghins. Buddhism in Asia hs degenerated into a great neglect of the Vinaya. We found that even some of the most basic precepts, those prohibiting killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and the taking of intoxicants, are overlooked, not to speak of the subtler rules of moral conduct laid down by our original teacher, Shakyamuni....

The major theme repeated again and agian throughout our journey was the Abbot's unconditional gift of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas to the entire world, in fact to all religions and all living beings. The Abbot has vowed that wherever he goes he will allow only the Orthodox Dharma to thrive, and not permit the Dharma-Ending Age to set in. In the face of Asian Buddhism, which is collapsing like a burning house, consumed by factionalism and jealousy, the selfless gift of the City of
Ten Thousand Buddhas may be the only way to save the Dharma from imminent and total disintegration. The Abbot has promised the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and Dharma Realm Buddhist University as a place of refuge, intellectual disciplines, where people from the world over can live together in peace and investigate true principles.
--- excerpt from book's Introduction

This a great book from a great seller. I love it. The transaction was excellent. Delivery was one time.

I've used the script for Total Self Confidence from this book for the past week or two, on average about every other day, and see a complete difference in how I carry myself and how I interact with others. The idea is simple; letting your conscious mind relax and allow ideas to be entered into your subconscious. This is an amazing way to learn positive traits and flush out old, negative ways of thinking. It's not "messing with your mind", any more than working out at the gym "messes with your body". I must say, that if you do this, you have to be open-minded and believe it will work. Set all skepticism aside.

I can't wait to try some of the other scripts! This is the best $10 I've ever spent.

i really learned alot from reading this book. this book has helped me feel better almost immediately after reading the scripts. i recommend this book for the person eager for immediate results and for the person who may be curious about pursuing self-hypnosis. Worth every penny.

I am floored! I finally found a self help book that actually does "help". My only nit pick is that he could have axed the first three chapters and gone straight to the meat which was the self hypnosis. This is my first try and I have to say it works better then any meditation CD I have bought. And believe me, I own them all. So, bypass all of the others... this is the real deal. WOW!!!

I've been a "student" of self hypnosis for 10 years now so I was intrigued when I found this book title.

Having read the book and tried out the techniques, I would have to say self hypnosis "eyes wide open" is great.

The section that deals with creating your own sessions/suggestions is excellent.

I now get into my "state" in less than 30 seconds and start doing powerful work.

I still like to use these techniques, and combine reading other books/scripts while in my "state" with my eyes wide open - works great!

This book is is a "must read" if you want to branch out and improve your self hypnosis skills.

If your just starting out, I'd say give this book a try because self hypnosis with your eyes wide open is probably the best technique - so why not learn the best method first?

Admittedly, I bought this book at a discount store. As the book is written well, I finished reading it in less than two days and started using the hypnotic scripts at once. I was a little timid going in because I wasn't sure what to expect. My first experience was positive. I actually felt lightly hypnotized. After three days, I already sense a subtle change in my own sense of confidence and personal power. Most of all, I'm completely convinced that I can be hypnotized with my eyes open, even while reading. This book includeds a section describing hypnosis, a section explaining how to use the book and then a compilation of 35 hypnotic scritps (everything from weight loss to improving your memory to building your confidence, and more). With practice and repitition, I believe almost anyone can use this book to induce a trance and make positive changes in their life over time.