India Books

Have you ever wondered how to make sense of your own life? Ever been in so much pain that you did not think you could bear it? Ever had a nagging feeling that there had to be more? Ever wanted to clarify your direction and purpose? Then, this book could be for you.

Truly a treasure, this text demystifies the ancient esoteric teachings of kundalini yoga by offering a practical and inspiring roadmap into your own heart, mind and soul. Between its covers, you will find exercises, practices, and questions that, when approached with sincerity, will launch you onto your person path of passion to inner and outer fulfillment. This text is like a light house that has the power to lift you out of your darkest nightmares into a sweetness never before imagined. Truly the sky is the limit!

Recently, I was asked If I was left alone on a deserted island, and could only take one book with me, what book would that be? Undoubtly, Kundalini Yoga for the West would be it! But please, don't take my word for it - best to find out for yourself!

This book is amazing, profound, magic, poetic , full of wisdom. By using specific exercises, meditations and reflections you will discover yourself and realise your potential. It definitely changed my life!!!

It is a book full of wisdom and asks for our courage and our commitment to our personal growth. Swami Radha provides us with an excellent bridge through which we can bridge the ancient Teachings to our western thoughts and life styles. In working with the book I have learnt about who I am and what is the purpose of my life. She requires us to be honest and requires us to empower ourselves as we meet ourselves and as we recognize the divine that is within us. It is a book that has been a key to understanding my life and my daily lessons. I highly recommend it to any one who is interested in growing into their full clear potential...

Have you ever wondered how to make sense of your own life? Ever been in so much pain that you did not think you could bear it? Ever had a nagging feeling that there had to be more? Ever wanted to clarify your direction and purpose? Then, this book could be for you.

Truly a treasure, this text demystifies the ancient esoteric teachings of kundalini yoga by offering a practical and inspiring roadmap into your own heart, mind and soul. Between its covers, you will find exercises, practices, and questions that, when approached with sincerity, will launch you onto your person path of passion to inner and outer fulfillment. This text is like a light house that has the power to lift you out of your darkest nightmares into a sweetness never before imagined. Truly the sky is the limit!

Recently I was asked, If I was left alone on a deserted island and could only take one book with me, what book would that be? Undoubtly, Kundalini Yoga for the West would be it! But please, don't take my word for it - best to find out for yourself!

You can change your life by working with this book. I have and so have many people I know. It guides you to answer the tough questions about life: What is birth? What is death? What is the purpose of your life? How do I use my speech? It has many exercises to help each of us elevate our lives, to make the ordinary sacred. It's a book for a lifetime, one to take on a desert island. I've read it at least ten times and there's always more to learn from it.

This is among my favorite books, and is greatly underappreciated.

Other reviewers have emphasized the thoughtfullness of the story in plumbing the dichtomy between mind and body. But this is something many authors have sought to do, and what distinguishes Mann's treatment is the simplicity with which he imparts the story and the manner in which he brings the exotic story of India home and makes it easily accessible to all.

There is a grace to each sentance; the translation is wonderful. There is no attempt to overwork the writing or story, and its very profundity lies in its simplicity. I have told this as a bed-time story to my children, who are as fascinated as adults by it, and people whom I have recommended the book to continue to discuss it and refer to it when we talk.

This is quite short, and can be read in an evening. Most highly recommended.

This book is more than a love story, or a story about marriage or friendship. It is a story that addresses the ever present dilema of whether we ought to make decisions based on our feelings or our intelect. This book tells you exactly to whom you should listen to, and why. This alone is absolutely REFRESHING! I have used this book in creative writing workshops, where I challange my students to think how their body would react if it carried someone else's head. Or what song a piano would play if it had their head attached to it. This book has a strong under current of morality, making the reader reflect on the "stuff that principles and values are made of", and what makes us authentic human beings.

Thomas Mann's works are always full of dichotomies of various kinds: feeling vs intellect, freedom vs authority, immorality(decadence) vs morality(respectability), artistic or religious pursuits vs participation in everyday life. So it is not surprising that he wrote a book about two people who represent opposite ways of living. One character lives by the dictates of the reasoning head, the other by the dictates of the sensual body. In Mann's mystical India a wonderful accident allows for an interesting experiment. Don't want to give too much away for the fun is in not knowing exactly what happens. Suffice it to say that this is a unique kind of book of novella length, a form Mann was especially competent with. In a way this is Mann's Siddhartha though one informed with many dualites, including the east/ west one. This book attempts to unify all those oppositions once and for all but that is no easy task. This book has humor and humanity and that magic that only the simplest fables have, once you read it you will never forget it.

Short novel packed with rich language and strong plot. Story is placed in India, which adds mysticism to already mystrious issue of sexual desire and marital responsibility between husband and wife. And since no real love story can have a happy ending, for most real loves are not the happy ones, the tragic ending only adds the strength to this magnificent novel.

Thomas Mann takes the Cartesian split--that endless war between mind and body, galvanized on one side by Descartes' battle cry "I think, therefore I am"--and illustrates the conflict using two characters, two young friends, in this Indian legend turned fantastical tale of the absurd. Nanda is a farmer and blacksmith, a strong, earthy youth rooted in his physical body, and the contemplative Shridaman is a merchant's son with priestly, Brahman blood in his lineage. Though the young men are polar opposites, they have a strong friendship built on mutual admiration and a hint of health envy.

Their differences manifest during a journey together when the two men come upon the sight of a beautiful young woman at a remote, ritual bathing-place. They observe the woman secretly as she bathes, and Nanda enjoys the sight without shame. Shridaman, though, is by turns embarrassed, then inspired. Mann launches the friends into a hushed philosophical discussion--a frequent attribute of the novel. Shirdaman says, "Yet we are ... guilty if we simply feast on the sight of beauty without inquiring into its being," and he promptly falls in love with the young woman, Sita, languishing over her with the exaggerated fatalism of the smitten lover in a Shakespearean comedy. Eventually, Sita and Shridaman are married.

From this scenario springs one of the most bizarre love triangles in literature, leading to a confrontation with Kali, earth mother and patron of the body, and later to another meeting, at the other end of the spectrum, with an ascetic holy man. These powerful archetypes impel the pendulum of fate back and forth above the three characters. Again and again the question is asked: Is it the head or the body which is most closely linked with the Beloved? Tragedy is inevitable--visiting the trio more than once--and in the end all hope for the future lies with Andhaka, Shridaman and Sita's young son. The boy is a nearsighted introvert whose quiet innocence hints at some vague potential for change, for bridging this gap between mind and body.

One element detracting from the book is the translation (copyrighted in 1941). While the translation is not entirely without merit--in chapter 5, for example, the passage describing Shridaman's descent into Kali's dark, heady, womb-like temple begs to be read aloud--the novel's prose is sometimes choppy with convoluted, problematic sentence structure. The novel's potential among English readers is certainly hampered by its being long overdue for a new translation.

I was going through a period of my life where I was very frightened. I played the CD various times and I have felt an incredible tranquility. I highly recommend this as a powerful healing tool.

I listened to this tape last night for the first time and can actually feel a difference in my body today. I don't have all of the stiff aches and pains from the tension and stress of the day. I've been working with mantras for a couple of years and find these to be very powerful. I am more relaxed and confident. I can't wait to see where I'll be a month or even a year from now!

This is an incredibly powerful healing tool. Most people have suppressed fear, and I have had a huge amount. This recording will help "uncork" the suppressed fear so that you can live a more Self-directed and less reactive life. Be careful: playing it for extended periods of time may be unwise as the amount of fear being released may be overwhelming. Sanskrit mantras really work powerfully to heal when they are pronounced correctly with devotion, as is done on this recording. This is a much-needed, easy to use healing tool in a world that is far too cultured in fear. You will get closer to your true nature (soul consciousness) with regular use of this recording.

Abundance is a broader concept than just material wealth. The word itself is not limited to the connotations asociated with the words money, or fortune. It encompasses things like health, loving relationships, tranquil mental states and, of course, wealth. Shri Anandi Ma and Dileepji provide a powerful way to invite abundance into our homes with ancient mantras. Playing them in a quiet place with a candle and incense imbues the home with a divine radiance. If you're into meditation and the subtle power of sound you will love this CD.

I found this CD very soothing, and the chanting voices very pleasant to listen to. I noticed that I felt more settled and less anxious after listening for just one evening, more in touch with my true self. There is something feminine and nurturing about its sound.

I really believe in the power of mantras to positively effect our lives. Other CD's that are good for this are Sri Siva's Sounds for Karma Busting, and Sounds for Manifesting.

That is the best translation of the Masnavi I have ever seen. It consists both the original idea and the rhyme.

Though excited about this fresh translation of the first book of the Masnavi in a rhymed and metered format, I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first about its faithfulness to the original. Recently, though, I had the chance to go over portions of the translation with my father, who is very well versed in Farsi and in Rumi's works, and we were positively surprised by how much this rendering is loyal to Rumi's masterpiece in both spirit and form. May Mr. Mojaddedi be inspired and energized to carry out the monumental task of making the Light of all six of the Masnavi's books available to the English-speaking public in its original and delightful rhymed couplet form.

The translation is a little off on some parts, in my opinion, but other than that it is good. It is a mid-level book of Sufi Anecdotes written in symbolic couplets. It is not for beginners. One should, before reading this, study theology and jurisprudence (the Creed of Imam Tahawi and Maqasid are good for theology and jurisprudence). On top of that, The Book of Illumination and al-Hikm (Sufi Aphorisms) by Imam ibn 'Ata'illah should both be read before delving into the Masnavi. Otherwise the reader will not understand anything.

If you visit Konya, and see Rumi's tomb, with his father and son and other family members buried nearby, in a gorgeously illuminated mauseleum-mosque, with its supernal light and its electric energy of peace and vastness, you see Rumi is no pop-figure but drenched in traditions of Islamic Sufism that brings out its deepest and most original heart, the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) true teaching... compassion, love, and adherence to God's world above and beyond this one through right action and sincerity, wild daring, discipline and spiritual transformation.

Rumi's Masnavi is a true companion on this Path, and Rumi a true indicator of this Path, and for those without Persian, we've relied on the Victorian (though unrhymed and much interpolated) masterpiece of Nicholson (and later revisions by Arberry) and the rather haphazard fragments either "translated" or "rendered" in new, modern versions by contemporary poet-scholars.

With this new translation by Jawid Mojaddedi we have a sensational new take on Rumi, whose original (as indicated by its title) is in rhymed couplets (Masnavi means "rhymed couplets"), and which ranges from praise-poetry to stories, both high and low, to long stretches of ecstatic gnostic realization and "revelation" filled with light. This new translation keeps it all, and in a flowing smoothness that is truly remarkable, drenched (as in the original) in remembrance of Allah (the same One God of us all).

It's eminently readable, and you feel you're getting closer (by the fidelity and sincerity of the translator, direct from Persian this time!) to Rumi's actual tone and intention.

I'm a cheerleader for this translation (and have no qualms calling it this, since it is), it's a sweet gift to us, and attests to Rumi's saintliness after all these centuries. He's reached us in our mire, and now in a voice that sings in poetic tune to lift us from it (from mineral to plant, from plant to animal, from animal to angel)!

May our intrepid and courageous translator be given strength and inspiration to continue until all six books of this world treasure, this rare compendium of spiritual truths, are as superbly translated and made available.

This is a superb translation by a true expert. So many of the "translations" of Rumi are actually rewordings of the old Brits' English translations - done no doubt with the best of intentions and enjoyable to read - and should not be called translations at all. So much time has elapsed since Coleman Barks began his love affair with Mevlana; why on earth hasn't he used that time to learn Persian and Arabic? Then his translations could be true and poetic.

So, this one is really precious. May Mojaddedi the translator live long and keep putting out more and more of the Mesnevi. Why does amazon put this new translation, the most important Rumi publishing event of the last half century, way down the list when you search under "Rumi"? If I were marooned on a desert island, this is the book I would want with me.

Richard Bates has drafted one of the most captivating WWII stories I have ever set my hands upon. As is so often the case, real life proves to be more interesting than fiction. With his honest, no gloss style, Mr. Bates had me up till the wee hours of the morning finishing his book, I could not put it down. A must have!

Mr. Bates has truly captured an exceptional experience. And he tells it in a vivid and insightful manner. While this takes the reader back many decades, the author's adventures and lessons could not be more current -- and important given today's world situation.

Having read many historical works, both military and otherwise, I have read none finer than Mr. Bates' piece concerning his service during the Second World War. By employing both vivid descriptions and subtle imagery, Mr. Bates successfully engrosses the reader in the events that transpired around him sixty years ago. Mr. Bates also holds something that many historical authors lack: ACTUAL WRITING SKILLS! His writing style is every bit as polished as his content is absorbing.

While those interested in WWII should definitely give this a look, this is a book that anyone would enjoy having. Not merely a memoir, Mr. Bates shows us the end results of the most dramatic changes a young man could undergo. This is a thoroughly impressive achievement, and offers readers a step back in time to a point that's best not forgotten.

Its always interesting to hear about the war from the soldier's point of view. And the saga of the Marauders in Burma is one of the most harrowing of the war. Fascinating all the way through.

This book is the story of an eighteen year-old who entered service in 1943, went through infantry basic training, and wound up being sent to Burma as a replacement to Merrill's Marauders in time for the siege of Myitkyina. It was written because my wife, Joyce, persuaded me to write my experiences for our six children, as I had not talked about my combat experiences except to some high school history classes.

I stayed with my battalion through two campaigns in Burma, the orth Burma and Central Burma campaigns. Our battalion was incorporated into the 475 Infantry Regiment, a part of the Mars Task Force. I pull no punches in giving the enlisted man's (worm' eye) view of infantry combat.

RFB

What can I say, when you read the stories of Maharajji, it moves you on the deepest of levels. Grace and love are the messages of this great saint. I cried and and laughed, and am still laughing 7 years later. He is a wonderful teacher, and will play with you if you get to know him. Blessings.

Of the greatest spiritual teachers in living memory, Neemkaroli Baba was the essential teacher of unconditional love. This love and the deep devotion it inspired shines through all the short stories of this book, all gems of simplicity, immense kindness and of an abolute mastery of life.
If you want to be inspired by this great soul and connect with your own purity of heart, then this book is for you. Today, as in the past, Maharaji touches many directly in profound and life-changing ways. This book has been a vehicle to allow many people to make this connection.

This book is a marvelous collection of anecdotes and teaching stories from the devotees of Neem Karoli Baba, a true "Avadhoot" (one who has "shaken off" the world, to exist as a wandering vessel of God) of the Hindu tradition, but who transcended all traditional spiritual paths. He was impossible to classify or pin down. Maharaji, as he was lovingly called, would simply wander into a village and stay awhile, while people offered fruits and sat at his feet, then he would abruptly disappear into the jungle. He would laugh, scold, hug, talk briefly, or just sit. Miracles occurred often in his presence. Maharaji's only teachings seemed to be love, serve and see God in everything. No one could keep him in one place, not even police or jail cells. When the time came to leave a place, he just left. He was simply an old man in a plaid blanket, full of humor and love, who shone the Light of Eternal Consciousness.

I thought this book was really interesting. I didn't know a lot about Neem Karoli Baba before I read this - now I wish I was old enough to have traveled to India and met him myself. The book is broken up in individual stories so it's easy to read a little at a time ( a great boon to anyone who is busy!)

Powerfully told from the perspective of numerous students and devotees. Shows the many sides of this amazing teacher.

This is one of the best books I have read. I loved the Indian culture connection.I loved it when they went back in time.It is an amazing book.

After picking up her first book in the series, I knew I had to find out if I could find the sequel. I really love her style of writing, spare yet there are no loose ends in the story line. The story is tight and smooth, the characters are richly imagined-although the main character Anand is the focus of most of the character development. This is a happy fantasy series about magic and adventure in historical India that you won't want to miss and will draw you in regardless of your age, with positive morals and themes that are great for children. If you like books like Harry Potter, you'll love this.

With rich, sumptuous detail and admirable clarity Chitra Divakaruni draws us into the Conch Bearer Anand's journey for a second time. The difficulties faced and lessons learned by the Brotherhood of the Conch in this newest book combine to create an enchanting story. Both The Conch Bearer and The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming provide vibrant descriptions, especially concerning culture and food. These books are delightful adventures wholesome enough for any age group to enjoy. Happy Reading

This book, the sequel to The Conch Bearer, mixes the sense of excitement that every book needs, a wonderful use of magic realism (which is illustrated by the fact that Anand, the main character, travels from the present day India to the ancient India, who'se realistic features are marred by the fact that Anand is a magician) , an overhanging gloom and really, really, really great writing.

This was one of my favorite books and I would definately recommend it to anyone!!!

Anand is the Keeper of the Conch. He gave up his family and his home so that he can help the world, as a Healer in Silver Valley. His friend Nisha comes with him, the first ever female healer, and the master healer Abhaydatta is one of his instructors. As Anand struggles with his studies, he hears a warning from the wind and views an alarming scene on a wall. The Healers must take action; they know it is their duty to protect the world from the "evil that stirs." Abhaydatta and a young healer called Raj-bahnu embark upon a quest to find this evil, leaving a heart-broken Anand behind. However, just before he leaves, Abhaydatta gives Anand a pearl necklace that will change color if he is in danger. In yet another alarming scene, Anand views Abhaydatta beside a lake with an unconscious Raj-bhanu at his side. He knows they are in danger, but the pearls are nowhere to be found. The Healer's Council will decide upon a course of action in the morning, but Anand knows that by then it will be to late. The Conch agrees to transport Nisha and Anand to the lake, but something goes slightly awry. Can Anand find the Conch, Abhaydatta, and Nisha before evil destroys the world?

The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming expresses just how powerful love can be. Adventure, fantasy, and mystery intertwine to form an exciting novel with many important lessons. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has created a world of fantasy that involves so many of life's true feelings and emotions that it seems real; a world full of hardships and triumphs. Readers young and old who love an exciting novel will definitely enjoy The Mirror of Fire and Dreaming, and anyone searching for a book with just the right blend of fantasy and reality has just found the perfect tale.

(...)

While in Nepal last year I found this book to be exactly what I needed to get around as easily as possible. I usually use Lonely Planet Guides when traveling, but in this case - the Rough Guide is superior. Now if I can only get it back from my friend....

great guidebook. Describes in detail the good, the bad and the ugly of Nepal. The language section was extremely useful. A few hours spent learning some useful greetings and phrases will pay off tenfold upon arrival in Nepal. Being able to bargain or ask for directions in the native language is a lot of fun and much appreciated, especially since most travellers do not take the time to learn anything more than "Namaste."

This book has given me comfort and a wealth of information about what I would like to do and see in Nepal. Having a well planned trip in advance is smart and this book will probably tell you everything you need to know about anything, and more. Food, health issues, places to stay, sights, special points, etc. Definitely worth the investment.

I just returned from Nepal using this guide. The book was very well-written with lots of practical advice-- everything from how to book an airline to what kind of diahrrea you may have picked up. Very accurate information re. hotels, modes of transportation, etc. Useful vocabulary list.

The best thing about this book is its vast coverage; especially those places off the beaten track. It has a lot of practical information and despite being 2 years old now, it was still fairly accurate. Other travel books attempt to be encyclopedic about Nepal,... documenting everything without prioritizing the places that people actually do visit. David's book goes into a lot of detail about places of interest, both historical and practical info. For example, the book had an excellent section on Chitwan national park. In fact, on our recent trip it saved us from getting a guide. I thoroughly recommend this book. The author even keeps a website to update the readers. Great.

This is the best single volume text on the basics of classical Theosophy that I have found. Personally, I have read it cover-to-cover twice, plus it was the basis of an excellent correspondence course on Theosophy that I took through Theosophical University in Pasedena.

Judge clearly explains all of the more fundamental principles of the perennial philosophy in clear language and well organised chapters. While he does use some of the Sanscrit terminology, he is very careful to render the definition into English as closely as possible. While this book was originally published nearly 110 years ago, I still considerate it the best primer for the serious student (those who go beyond mere pamplets and lectures.)

I am dismayed that so many people seem to think that Theosophy, and the Society, is somehow obsolete and "quaint" in modern times. Look closely at anything of worth in your modern spiritual "revolution"- chances are you will find it all revealed in greater detail in either this volume, or certainly in, _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_....

Main Theosophy `s book "The Secret Doctrine" by H.P. Blavatsky is very hard to understand without some previous readings on the subject. I think that "Ocean of Theosophy" is one of those books. It describes many Theosophy subjects such as cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, reincarnation, death, karma in a more simpler way but it does not mean that it is easy. So this book should be read several time and each time you discover new things that you haven't thought of or even been conscious of. That's the magic of this book!

Main Theosophy `s book "The Secret Doctrine" by H.P. Blavatsky is very hard to understand without some previous readings on the subject. I think that "Ocean of Theosophy" is one of those books. It describes many Theosophy subjects such as cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, reincarnation, death, karma in a more simpler way but it does not mean that it is easy. So this book should be read several time and each time you discover new things that you haven't thought of or even been conscious of. That's the magic of this book!

This is the best single volume text on the basics of classical Theosophy that I have found. Personally, I have read it cover-to-cover twice, plus it was the basis of an excellent correspondence course on Theosophy that I took through Theosophical University in Pasedena.

Judge clearly explains all of the more fundamental principles of the perenial philosophy in clear language and well organised chapters. While he does use some of the Sanscrit terminology, he is very careful to render the definition into English as closely as possible. While this book was originally published nearly 110 years ago, I still considerate it the best primer for the serious student (those who go beyond mere pamplets and lectures.)

I am dismayed that so many people seem to think that Theosophy, and the Society, is somehow obsolete and "quaint" in modern times. Look closely at anything of worth in your modern spiritual "revolution"- chances are you will find it all revealed in greater detail in either this volume, or certainly in, _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_....

Main Theosophy 's book "The Secret Doctrine" by H.P. Blavatsky is very hard to understand without some previous readings on the subject. I think that "Ocean of Theosophy" is one of those books. It describes many Theosophy subjects such as cosmogenesis, anthropogenesis, reincarnation, death, karma in a more simpler way but it does not mean that it is easy. So this book should be read several time and each time you discover new things that you haven't thought of or even been conscious of. That's the magic of this book!

This book is great. Every night one story, gives a good night sleep and a wonderful morning. It has stories that we can relate with our life. Not philosophical, it is very practical. The same time it is written as simple stories and easy to understand and the best it has life lessons. I enjoy reading it. The book for all levels of age.

The short stories in this book are out of the world. One cup of coffee, one story, great understanding and transformation!

This was the first book I got from Nithyananda and was really blown away by "The Breeze" after I opened "The Door." I took this book along on an airplane trip and read it... then read it again in the hotel... and then reread it on the trip back !

Everytime I read it, I get something else from it - and it's really a light read: very simple and educational. And although it's not really written to be profound - it can be.

I keep the book readily available in my library (bathroom) and still pick it up on a regular basis. I am mystified at how there is always something new & different that is learned everytime I read it.

Invite the Breeze to FLOW your life: I challenge you to read this book 5 different times and not get 5 different beneficial experiences.

I am glad to see this book is now available to the public. I have heard Paramahamsa Nithyananda in various discourses in USA and found his teachings transformational. This book exemplifies his teachings -- using simple stories and examples to drive home his message of personal transformation. This is a great book to start to understand the deep truths that lie beneath the surface. Nithyananda is trying to share these truths through these simple to understand collection of articles that make up this book.

If you have heard of Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda and wanted to know more, this is a great place to start. I constantly refer to this book when I need to explain something about spirituality or meditation.