Publications Books

Reading Chet Raymo is like taking a deep, cleansing breath and exhaling slowly--one is filled with inspiration and joy. More than learning about the wonder of the night sky and beyond, you become part of it. This is my fourth Chet Raymo book, and I look forward to another.

This book requires a certain level of knowledge. Knowledge about astronomy, e.g. star constellations and star names, about chemistry, e.g. atomic structures, and about biology. Further more, a spiritual sense for nature and existence combined with a questioning but open mind should be part of the reader's characteristics. If you have all this, you will love to explore this book, just like me. You will find questions you are asking yourself, too, as well as new hints and new perspectives to look at "things" written in an almost poetic language. And, that's the best, you learn. Even though theories about quarks or the beginning of the universe and our existence are hard to understand, you will get an idea about it all with this book. Theory is presented in an easy to read way and written in a wonderful descriptional language using parabels and comparisons to create pictures in your mind. I am already halfway through and I do not want this book to end. It is going to be one of my very favorite books.

I read this book for a college course on Ecocriticism and was totally spellbound. I read it in one sitting and it made me crave for that feeling you get while standing under the stars--realizing how small you are--and how infinetly wonderous at the same time. Everybody should read this book, it is beautiful and important for understanding humankind's place within nature.

"For Beauty's nothing but the beginning of Terror" - page 13
This is such a beautifully written and illustrated book. Each chapter gently reveals us through our science, religion, poetry, and history. Now I know why whisperings of Magic began in the night so long ago and continue to present times.

"Soul" is one of my favorite books of all time. Raymo is to astronomy what Thoreau is to naturalism. This book will stir the wonder in anybody and renew your appreciation for the wonders of the sky.

Excellent, fast-paced, thought-provoking novel. Dr. Kerns provides an insider's look into the state of our healthcare via a very personable set of characters and a story that kept me entertained cover to cover.

This was a very interesting book, highlighting the changes in medicine today. The for profit hospital is very different than non profit and the story guides you through the changes. I think if you are in the medcial field ,this is a good read.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and had to ration myself so I didn't gobble it up in one sitting! As I completed it last evening, I had two distinct experiences: As a critical event began to unfold, I had an adrenaline rush as though it were happening to me! And when a disclosure comes that explains one thread of the story, I got a lump in my throat. It was one of those situations where I had to remind myself it was a fictional story yet my physical reactions were quite real. David, thank you for a lovely reading experience.

From mourning the tragedy of little Kerry Jameson, a child whose life as we know it was cut short by medical error/understaffing, to identifying with the ethical dilemma of finances versus care faced by Dr. Dan Fazen, "Standard of Care" brings to life in fiction, the real-life circumstances faced daily in todays hospitals. This book would be enough as a can't-put-it-down read that reaches to the core of human values, and reminds us that right can prevail through the compassion of a single individual, but it goes much further.

Reading this book, one can envision a country where the medical system works! "Standard of Care" should be read and re-read by anyone who hopes to make a difference in the health care of Americans. Though I longed for a sequel the moment I finished the book, Dr. Kerns has a gift to put forth the solutions that could repair our ailing health care system. I hope he pens it!

Full disclosure: I have the good fortune of knowing Dr. Kerns both personally and professionally. He is an amazing, talented and inspiring character --- and he has written a remarkable first novel.

I recently finished reading Jerome Groopman's excellent non-fiction "How Doctors Think". Groopman discusses medical errors often referencing the effects of the medical establishment. In "Standard of Care" Kerns personalizes that discussion through the conflicts of Dr. Dan Fazen. Faced with the very real-world challenge of being the physician he wants to be and the physician he is expected to be, Fazen reaches deep into himself and deep into his own past to find answers.

From the artfully crafted prologue to the powerful conclusion, this book will grip you. With characters you can care about, dialog that flows naturally, and some of the most important ethical questions of our times in the balance, you will not want to put this book down.

I thoroughly enjoyed it (twice) and highly recommend it.

I like Strange Matter books because they are scary and cool. And because I think "The Last One In" is cool. I like the rest of the books because they are a lot of fun to read. I think when you turn the page you get a new surprise.

it was sweet i encurage peaple to read this because theres diferent monsters like dover demon pendek mingwa and my two favorites the collecter and buru. it even shows pictures of them all!!! and make more books.

With these awesome horror/adventure books are entrily new in a sense there not. It uses peolple, places, and things from the world of Strange Matter. In a word: AWESOME

This book is great! Strange Forces takes all the Strange Matter books and rolls them into one astounding novel. As far as I know, there are four of these books, Strange Forces 1,2,3, and Strange Forces: The Last Buru. People didn't buy these books enough and apparently, the creators went out of buisness. I wish more people had known about them, then the book would have gotten more sales and it would have stayed in buisness. Strange Matter was a great series, and I know quite a few people who want to see Strang Forces, and all the other Strange Matter books, make a comeback. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

This book is one of a kind. It made me literally feel like Iwas in it! Iv'e read it over and over and can't stop. I want to getall the Strang Matter: Strange Forces books and the Last Buru too. I you want a real alien/monster/unknown species THRILLER book, this books would be it! Once you pick it up you can't set it down. Once you finish a chapter you just have to read the next. There are all kinds of strange creatures. For example Burus, Mingwas, Marlaks, Mothman, Pendeks, and all other kinds! Then their is the Collecter. He is the main evil dude in this chilling story. This book is I believe in Indianapolis, Indiana is not for sale anymore. So I need to get the others from here at Amazon. This place has it all, and so do the books.

Taking Canon HIstory Law and found the material insightful with regard to the complexities of Canon Law
Thanks

I should like to recomend this book. I have found it very well written, and quit easy to understand, for all that might read it.

When an average Catholic hears the term "Canon Law", what image comes to mind? A stuffy code, perhaps reminiscent of the Old Law of the Pharisees that obsessed over every aspect of everyday life for the Israelites? Or perhaps one is reminded of the Spanish Inquistion, or expecting the Church to be poised to excommunicate someone for a slight infraction of an obscure rule. Fortunately, this book lays such concerns to rest. In clear language, authors Pete Vere and Michael Trueman, both canon lawyers, explain what canon law is and isn't, what it covers and what it leaves alone, and that most of all it isn't a burden to be feared and loathed.
The book begins by explaining the different types of law, and which one is covered by the Church's Code of Canon Law. Last revised in 1983, this code helps with day-to-day workings within the Church. Surprised By Canon Law answers questions such as whether a non-Catholic can have a Catholic funeral(yes), may a layman say a homily(no), and is it all right to have a single godparent(yes). Sensitive topics such as divorce and remarriage, sacraments for severely disabled Christians, and abortion are handled clearly and without harshness. The difference between heresy and schism is laid out, with concise definitions and explanations as to how to avoid falling into one or both. This book also clears up any confusion about the difference between what is valid or illicit; a bishop that was validly ordained but then excommunicated for a schismatic act may still validly ordain priests, but his and their sacraments, though also valid, are illicit.
Easy to read and reference, with a well laid-out format and index, Surprised By Canon Law should be in every Catholic household. Its 150 answers are eminently useful, and could help when confronted by someone angry or confused over the Church's policies. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking to be more firmly grounded in the Catholic faith. It may also prove most helpful when discussing the Church with those of other faiths. Most of all, this book demonstrates that far from a crushing burden, canon law is simply a framework within which the Church may live and breathe, and address the problems of our current age.

This book is a goldmine! Thank you Pete Vere and Michael Trueman for doing the hard work for us. I run a catholic ministry and this is such a great resource because these questions often come up and when dealing with so many people as I do it is great to have the answers right at my fingertips! very informative yet simple to understand!

Professor Emeritus, Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada
Unfortunately canon law is one of the most misunderstood and consequently least appreciated aspects of the Catholic Church. This is true not only for non-Catholics, but also for many Catholics, including many of the clergy. In a word, many do not like canon law because they do not really know anything about it, or have gross misconceptions.
Pete Vere and Michael Truman have attempted to put to rest such misgivings. I hasten to add that they are most successful in fulfilling their goal. This is not a text book of canon law, nor a reference book for canonists. The authors present 150 questions that ordinary Catholics may have concerning canon law, and then answer them in a clear fashion that is easily understood by the man or the woman on the street or the faithful in the pew. On every page of this short work their love for the Church radiates as they explain in simple language her legislation which reflects that "the salvation of souls, which must always be the supreme law in the Church, is to be kept before one's eyes." (Can. 1752)

That's right... the 13th resource you want for your ministry is this book! It is creative, challenging and very effective for the new youth worker or an old tenured guy like me. If you work in a church or a para-church ministry, The Top 12 Resources is for you!

This book is an excellent resource for volunteers and career youth workers. Tons of great ideas which will help you open doors to sharing Christ with kids.

This is a very helpful book for volunteers and career Youth Workers. Tons for tools for opening doors to share Christ with teens.

This book is exactly what youth workers need--practical, user-friendly, thought-provoking, in-your-face ideas and resources.
As an in-the-trenches youth pastor, I often don't have time to sift through all the myriad articles, books and magazines to find the help I'm looking for. It's the one resource where I am almost always guaranteed to find help--no hype, this is from my own experience. Jonathan is an excellent communicator who has organized this book in a highly usable way.
I highly recommend this book!!

McKee has written a book that will help anyone working in Youth Ministry today. Everyone starting in Youth Ministry should read it for several reasons. It gives great ideas to get you started. Plus it gives powerful principles that will guide you in years to come while serving in Youth Ministry. I have worked with teenagers for a number of years and still found great tools in his book. The book is a must for Youth Pastors

The information is this book is good, but focuses more on the budget traveler. If you want to make a tour of south east asia as cheap as possible, this book is probably a great resource.

What is really different about this book is the maps. There are tons of maps, all hand drawn in style and these maps have notes scribbled all over them. It isn't that great for finding something specific but it a very good idea for finding out what is near where you are. If you are not a planner, and just like to go and see what is going on once you are there, then this book may be great for you.

If you are a planner, and you don't arrive anywhere without a itinerary, then this book is likely to be a hindrance since so much information is organized ON the maps.

This book seems to have all crucial information you will ever need when backpacking in SE Asia. Thin as a leaflet compared to many other traveller guides, but with at least as much information. Just be prepared to spend a smallish amount of time to learn how to use it and to remember the most important symbols.

This book became a close, guarded part of my experience in South East Asia. Mark Elliot has excellent insider tips and maps for things to see and do in every area of that part of the world!

This book was awesome.
I used it in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
I had a lonely planet somewhere deep in my backpack, but it never saw daylight until I left it in my room in Hanoi. Pretty much every place I went, I just took a quick look at the map and had a reasonable idea of what to do next or where to go.

I met a lot of travelers who were impressed with it as well. I ended up giving it away as a gift on my way out.

If you like a little more adventure than something like a lonely planet and don't want to bury your head in a guidebook, go with this.

Also, the book emphasizes the philosophy that meeting people is what travelling is all about, more so than just seeing things. And I completely agree with that. So if that's your bag, then this book is certainly for you.

Lastly, it is slightly dated (like prices, specific bus timings, etc.). But the information is still very usable.

This guidebook is indispensable. It's easy to use once you figure out the map key, lightweight, and had tons of very accurate useful information. I loved it!! I ended up having the most reliable guidebook of anyone else I met.

This is a must read/own book for those invovled in reality based training (RBT). One of the best training components/tools for law enforcement/military is RBT, however, as "sexy" and as exciting as RBT seems, it is critical that training personnel understand the responsiblity for providing efficient, effective, SAFE!!! training. Kenneth Murray's book covers the major facets of RBT and how to execute safe and productive traininig.

Though I have not had the pleasure of attending Murray's training sessions via Armiger Police Training Institute, I did complete Simunition's training certification. There is no question that the fundamentals regarding SAFETY and goal oriented training detailed in Murray's book are universal.

If you are a firearms/defensive tactics instructor, you definitely need to read and own this book.

Insightful book on combat and preparation for combat. Well written. Easy to read.
I've read Dave Grossman's On Combat and this is a great book for more on that topic.

This is a great book at RBT and also a lot of fun to read. Being a simulator engineer it gives me a good understanding of the customer (police, military) side. I am looking forward to the second volume.

On the downside the book lacks structure - not in the content but in the formatting. Shallow table of context (no numbering of titles, no visual hierarchy of titles, no Index).

If I had to have only 5 books on police and military training this would be one of the five. well written, concise, very well thought out. this is a book you will return to over and over again. augments well with real live training.

I can honestly say this is one of the most complete RBT books I have touched to date. Every aspect of saftey is covered. I'm actually reading it for the third time now and still collecting more information I missed the first 2 rounds. It is not the complete be all of a RBT program but it is a must as part of your RBT library.

From organization, to prose, to content, to price, this is the best book on the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulation of Classical Mechanics. I just wish this book treated more subjects! The numbered list organization with pithy summaries really works for me. The thought provoking and mathematically fluent prose style is a joy to experience. The author is clearly a master of Einsteinian Relativity, Classical Physics, Differential Geometry, and function analysis. In fact I seem to recall him writing some other books along those lines. Lanczos is a real treat to read. I have read parts of over a dozen different books on Intermediate/Advanced Classical Mechanics and the things the Lanczos covers are just supperb. As a standalone text, it may not be the best choice, but when accompanied by Arya or Hand and Finch it is very enriching. FLuent and cohesive are the words that come to mind when describing this work. This book is especially good for someone who knows a good deal of math and would like to be introduced to classical mathematical physics.

I heartily recommend Lanczos's masterpiece!

Lanczos makes mechanics feels like art in this superb work. Analytical Mechanics is the foundation of physics and Lanczos has complete command of the theme. The purpose of this book is to make one understand mechanics "from inside" and not to stress methods of problem solving. Lanczos says that very clearly in the preface. The beauty of the book is that it's not in the same category as Goldstein, instead feelink more likely to Landau, so the bad criticism of the 2-star guy comes from someone that missed this.

I've read this gem and done most of the evercises in about 3 months. Before that legendary book I'd had the usual crappy course in Classical Mechanics based on Goldstein. The bottom line is the book will show you a lot of advanced material and unfamiliar manipulations. On the other hand there are sometimes statements lacking proof or more detailed lucid explanation. The book is appropriate for readers that already know what action is, totall beginners will be too shocked by the new concepts and won't be able to pick up the important nuances revealed by Lanczos.

Lanczos work clarified some of the concepts in which my CM course failed:
- the important difference in treating holonomic and nonholonomic constraints
- exact constraints are mathematical idealization of infinitely rigid constraint forces
- Lagrange multipliers for functionals (actions) not only functions
- the logical thread virtual work -> d'Alembert -> Hamilton's principle
- the connection between the action in configuration space and in phase space

The book introduced me to topics not covered by the course, which was my initial goal:
- elimination of ignorable variables in L or H formulation
- canonical transformations, definition and importance
- generating function of canonical transformation
- test for canonicity of transformation using Poisson brackets
- integral invariants of canonical transformations
- Hamilton's principal function
- Hamilton-Jackobi equation and analogy with optical wave surfaces
- separation of variables in H-J equation
- action-angle variables for separable periodic systems
- evolution of the system as a sequence of canonical transformation
- introducing geometry and geodesics in phase space

The reading definitely increased my freedom in manipulating the variational problem into equivalent variational problem. Examples of the two most weird for me manipulations are in the appendices. In the first appendix the Hamiltonian formulation is derived from the Lagrangian by introducing new variables, constraints and corresponding Lagrange multipliers, and then eliminating the variables. In appendix II, the most popular cases of Noether's theorem are derived by introducing new field variables in the action - I had no idea that was allowed. Very interesting was the idea that the world line of the system in configuration space can be parametrized with arbitrary parameter and the time becomes a function of that parameter that is varied together with the other generalized coordinates. Such variation is normal for GR but I've never seen it done in non-relativistic mechanics.

Some of the other reviews described the book as 'lucid'. I find that eggagerated - although the book shows lots of unfamiliar manipulations, sometimes proofs of validity or the necessary more detailed conceptual or calculational explanations are lacking. An example is the inclusion, all of a sudden, of the time as variable to be varied - where is the proof one is allowed to do that? In another case, the book tells you that by nullifying the boundary term when varying the action, one gets 'natural' boundary conditions for the Euler-Lagrange diff. equations. I failed to see how the physics of the problem would demand exactly those boundary conditions. Where the analogy between mechanics and optics was discussed, the book creates the impression it derived the Fermat's principle but in reality it simply proved that the path following the gradient of of constant surfaces is shortest between two points. So there is a certain gegree of fuzziness on calculational level (lacking proofs of validity) or conceptual level (underexplained concepts and relations).

I liked the the abundance of historical notes. You will learn that there are several formulations of the least action principle - Euler and Lagrange version, Jackobi version and Hamilton version. Each subsection has a small summary and there are a few problems per section to illustrate the main ideas but not enough for exercises.

There are two chapters that I think appeared in later editions and are too sketchy compared to the book core:

Chapter 9 discusses special relativity where you can see that guessing the relativistic Lagrangian on general grounds of Lorentz invariance gives almost effortlessly the relativistic dynamics without the usual gedanken experiments. At the end, Lanczos dives a little into GR using the Schwartzchild metric to derive orbits, bending of light rays and gravitational redshift around spherical body.

Chapter 11 gives a short presentation of fluid mechanics (a little unclear derivation, in Lagrange and Euler coordinates), elasticity, and electromagnetism. Noether's principle is used to derive the canonical and the symmetric energy momentum tensor. I haven't seen a crystal clear derivation of Noether anywhere and Lancsoz is not an exception. The problem is as usual ommiting what exactly is being transformed and why is that allowed.

.
This was probably a good book in its day (1950-1970), but
it's really old-fashioned now. A lot has happened in the
field of mechanics since Lanczos wrote it. For example:

- Computers are now used extensively to analyze and
simulate mechanical systems.

- The modern language of mechanics is much more geometric
and independent of any particular choice of coordinates.
If readers stop at Lanczos, they will have trouble
understanding the modern literature. He doesn't even
distinguish between vectors and one forms.

- Dynamical systems theory / qualitative dynamics has
contributed a lot to the understanding of mechanics
in the past 30 years. You won't read anything about
stable/unstable manifolds or strange attractors in
Lanczos.

The "problems" are so easy that they border on the
ridiculous. And don't try finding them at the end
of each chapter --- this book predates modern textbook
format. Lanczos hides his problems like Easter eggs.

In conclusion, this book is of historical interest only.
If you want to learn about modern mechanics, read
something that was published recently.

(I should add that the book is well-written, but that
doesn't fix the fact that it is dated.)

If you ask 10 PhD scientists: "Why is Schrodinger's Equation complex?" (contains the square-root of minus one), 9 out of 10 won't be able to give you the correct answer.

It has little to do with taking the root of negative numbers. After reading Lanczos you will know it has do with "space" and what is a proper physical law. (Now you have to read the book to parse this sentence. Good.)

This is one of many wonderful insights Lanczos provides; with humor, wonder and crystal clarity. This is not a 'text book' on mechanics, you will get more out of it if you are familiar with the subject. He gives you understanding, not technique.

It is as if you can hum a few tunes. Reading Lanczos is experiencing the entire opera for the first time. Now you know the full story, how each aria is a part of the fabric; how each fits in the situation, the motivation behind it. The tunes you liked become richer, more profound, they are connected. The next time you sing you fancy you are a Caruso, a Puccini.

It is so rare to encounter a master who is also a gifted writer.

Some reviewers compare Lanczos to Feynman's Lectures, I agree partly. Lanczos is more literate and much more humble. Feynman is so busy being the genius from Brooklyn that his exposition is choppy and uneven. Lanczos is a better organizer and writer.

Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes, so true! As we go through our daily routine of life we must stop and ask the question WHY STRUGGLE! Barbara J. Faison has captured some of life's reason as to why we shouldn't struggle because we all should be grateful for each day GOD gives us! As a daily affirmation to yourself, I employ you to get and read WHY STRUGGLE? We don't have to struggle if we take that much needed step and excerise our minds, our hearts and our souls to become a better you....a healthier you.... a total you! Barbara, Why Struggle? is truly a blessing and we need more inspirationals and daily affirmations such as this one! If you are ever in doubt that you can't make it just pick up WHY STRUGGLE? and realize that you really don't have too STRUGGLE! Wishing the best in all that you do Barbara J. Faison. May God continue to BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY'S END!

In Why Struggle?: Life Is Too Short To Wear Tight Shoes, Barbara Faison encourages her reader to accept their lives for the unpredictable journeys they are, to slow down, to watch a child, and to create an adventure of their own. Faison's insightful suggestions are food for thought to nourish the spirit and call our attention to life as a celebration. Why Struggle? is a "reader friendly" and highly recommended compendium of words of wisdom on self-discovery, acceptance, forgiveness, and other principles essential to leading a successful, rewarding, balanced life.

I met her and felt the warmth. The entire time I was reading this little book, I just kept saying, she's right! If you don't believe that you have it in you to be happy, buy this book.

I heard her speak and bought her book. She lives what she has written. Barbara has captured in a simple and straight forward manner, the how to "BE" your own person. This book is a quick read, but once read, it becomes a constant source for those "..tight shoes moments" we all have. I keep my copy on my desk and when I feel hassled or stressed out. I open my book and have a reality check with Barbara's "right on target" comments. After that, I do one of Barbara's thinking and action exercises. I find my attitude shifts back to "being Me" and I get right out of those "tight shoes." Barbara, thanks for your help. When's your next book coming out?

An extremely short read that packs a lot of punch. Why Struggle is a book that is small enough to keep in your purse or back pocket and carry around each and every day. The text is easy to read and easy to comprehend and forces you to take a critical look at yourself in bite sized pieces. Ms. Faison touches upon the most important parts of the human psyche: To Live, To Love, To Learn, To Grow and To Share. Each page has an exercise to perform that helps the reader reach further into themselves to discover more about what makes them a better person in society.
There were several "ah ha" moments in this books for me, things that I just hadn't thought about in that way the information is presented. Naturally curious as I am, this only makes me want to share this book with friends. I liken the discovery of the action filled book with a beautifully wrapped present that one can't wait to open. An Example that I found to be pertinent to my life is the affirmation "I speak with power and Purpose". Sometimes its necessary to be quiet. To quote from this book: There are many times no response is required. Be cautious with your words and save your comments for those who will value what you say. The exercise: Give your next conversation your undivided attention. Turn your body to the person, look them in the eyes and open your ears to their words. Pause for 3 seconds before responding. If a response in not required, say nothing. For a person who is always eager to share an opinion, whether solicited or not, this is pertinent to my life and something that I will carry forth with me. This book is filled with epitaphs that are compact enough to be retained indefinitely.
Take this book with you, in your mind or on your physical person, you can't go wrong with it. A perfect gift for those in your circle of friends.

Our world desperately needs the guidance of True Masters, and how rare they seem to be! For the western mind, it may be difficult to open to the realms beyond the material; those who venture into the spiritual mysteries can attest to the many pitfalls encountered along the way. Who can we count on to guide us? So many teachers have tried and often unwittingly led seekers into confusion. And so many of us have given up hope when finding ourselves at a dead end. We become cynical and resigned to a particularly bitter brand of loneliness and despair. But this book gives the reader an experience of Truth. It is a rare gem, written by a bonafide Master, who shares with us his direct experience of the Divine. Gurunath transports us to that place where sufferers are comforted, where confusion is dispelled, and where we know we are all one regardless of cultural or religious differences. Reassure yourself that there are real Masters working to help humanity, and Gurunath is among them.

Yogiraj's book is clearly within the mainstream of Indian Samadi experience. The complaints that are raised how there are so many unidentified sanscrit names used without explanation only serve to illustrate the high state of Bliss that Yogiraj was in when he wrote it. This masterful attempt to transmit the state that he was in depends on an reader that understands the nature of the bliss experience. It is very hard to tell another person how an apple tastes without giving them a apple to eat. After the apple is eaten and others like it, you can really make comparisons about the acidity enhancing the earthy sweetness, etc.

This book compares favorably to Yogananda's 'Autobiography of a Yogi', and has the same underlying transmission of energy (shaktipat). I titled this response 'A Block of Shakti' to illustrate that transmission. The picture on the front cover shows Yogiraj in that state of freedom. He cannot leave that state even when he is writing. Whatever comes out, comes out, as he says in the book.
When you read this book, you should pay attention to your inner feelings, not so much to what your mind is saying.

I would rank this book second only to the spiritual classic book of all time - "The Autobiography of a Yogi" - Yogiraji Gurunath Siddhanath presents a life story that is one of a kind. His book will take readers on their own "wings of freedom" to places within themselves; inspirational, entertaining, thought provoking, and at times, it feels like a voice from the universe itself!

There are few books out there by yoga masters that have this much knowledge and wisdom. If one is looking for a path, or has their own spiritual practices now - this book will influence your thinking. The truths written in this book are transforming for those who are ready to hear this message.

Of course, the stories about Babaji just adds to so much more value to the book. I fully recommend this book to all truth seeking souls and thirsty hearts!

This book has been nominated for an national book award from The American Authors Association.

I haven't been impressed with the writings of Hindu ascetics. Like Yogananda and countless other swami's who have spent considerable time isolated in the mountains practicing severe austerities, Yogiraj has a self absorbed writing style. This book is full is full of Hindu words for almost every conceivable hand position and state of mind, the writer refuses to use the corresponding English word because he believes the Hindu is more "Subtle" or "complete." It's this sort of pretension that first turned me off to the Hindu ascetics, who seem to absorbed with the esoteric words and corresponding rituals to glean any insight from their practice.

Yogiraj begins his ascent by contemplating whether or not Babji was the supreme avatar or whatever, it was then when he receives some enlightenment. How can that be a theologically valuable contemplation? It isn't the hierarchical state (i.e. saint, prophet, beautified, etc.) of a given religious figure that matters but their actions in life and meaning in them. We witness many miracles in this book and so called "insights" like visions of Babaji and so on.

It seems that the only quality that makes Babaji a saint is that he can appear anywhere and is "full of love" or a phrase like that -- or perhaps a more "subtle and complete" esoteric Hindu phrase -- which is never fully qualified in the book. He throws around words like "holy," "grace," and "love" without defining them and seeing the light of what they really mean. This guy has the spiritual depth of a thesaurus.

I gave this two stars in respect of those who follow this Hindu tradition (though I've talked to many Hindu's who find these guys as spiritually barren as I do). For fans of religious and spiritual books, check out Thomas Merton's "Seven Story Mountain" -- a powerful and beautiful autobiography, "Conversations With God" -- cheesy but good, or heck "Catcher in the Rye" and "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance." Enjoy!

This book is a gem of wisdom and insight...it is an extremely well balanced book - part autobiography, part poetry, part a discourse on the ancient philosophy of Self Realization...It is a spiritual classic in that there is alot of material that you won't really find anywhere else unless you find a Master...Having the blessing of meeting Him in India I must say that it was like meeting many Masters combined into one form...Sri Yukteswar (in his austerity)- this Jnanavatar is the Guru of His family, Sri Yoganandaji (in his love for poetic expression and drive for world peace) and Sri Vimalananda (from the Aghora books - in his indepth knowledge of many different esoteric practices including Ayurveda and Tantric alchemy)...but He is definitely in a league by Himself...

This book is greatly enhanced with Yogiraj's 'Mantras and Chants' CD's vol. 1 & 2...there you will hear the Master speak and chant divine melodies that are extremely rare for most people to hear...from the Nath yogis of the Himalayas http://www.hamsa-yoga.org/things.html

Also, look here for information regarding meeting and seeing Him in person:
http://www.hamsa-yoga.org/schedule.php
He has a whole wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share with the world...Experience the Shivapat, Shaktipat and Pranapat!!!

Love, Light and Shakti Vibrationz...