India Books

The subtitle is "a father's steps to a blended family that really works" A soundtrack MUSIC CD is included....lovely snapshots of life of a 3-6 year old little girl, her single-partent father and their blended family . She appears in the drawings -- he appers in tonggues using poetry to transcribe his daughter's drawings-- and prose....the title comes from the author's belief that a daddy is his daugher's first dance partner. This is a perfect book for giving at any age....on a birthday...after a divorce...or even on a daughter's first prom night...beautiful....Each of them could be filmed-- fabulous gift book....YES real men do go to tea parties...a lovely book for fathers, mothers and families....

Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance takes family values back to where they once were long ago. Although not tradtional in nature the displays of love and caring teach us all how to care. What a beautiful parent to take the time to see the beauty of all the
lovely drawings and make poetry out of each of them,while most of us hang our childrens drawings on the refrigerator and then file them somewhere,Bill teaches us the beauty in what we as parents can learn from our most precious gifts, our children.

Quateman breaks life down to it's lowest common denominator-the heart. Through his daughter's pictures and his touchingly open essays, we see for ourselves that there need be no boundaries when it comes to blending our families together.

The love in this book is a soulful eclispe that leaves its readers knowing all beauty is possible in every kind of family no matter the circumstances. Bill and India have touched on the most important relationship between a Daddy and his precious daughter. This book is a treasure, a teaching tool for parents,teachers,and psychologists as a model to follow."Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance" gives us life lessons that come straight from the heart.

More 66% of families now days are consisted of "Broken Homes" or divorced parents. This causes much confusion especially for the son or daughter that has to go through the transit between different rules and structure. I have witnessed this first hand as my parents divorced when i was about seven or eight. It was tough having to understand the meaning to all this and often time blamed myself for the splitting of my parents. Myself just ending my teen years, read this book and look back and recognizing the value family communication and how important it is for the family to come together despite their differences. I believe this book is a cheat-sheet to parenting and helps guide you as a parent to bettering your relationship with the rest of your family. I strongly encourage you to take a look at this book because I think everyone needs a little cheat-sheet once in a while. =P

-dylan age 17

Every recipe I've made from this book has turned out beautifully. The flavours are complex and the ingredients are easily sourced from Asian grocery stores.

This is one of the few Indian cookbooks that instructs you on making dosa and for this alone it is worth having.

If you love Indian food I would highly recommend this book, even if you are not a vegetarian.

I have just purchased my second and much newer copy of this extraordinary book. My first copy fell apart from use and age. Thirty years ago, when I bought the first edition, I was a neophyte in Indian cookery, vegetarian or otherwise. Thanks to Shanta Sacharoff, I have actually presented dinners to sophisticated Indian guests who literally raved about an American woman creating a 6-course mini-feast that reminded them of home (my greatest compliment). The book is comprehensive, richly but clearly written, bursting with beautiful and attainable recipes, history, lore, encouragement, and wise counsel. (Occasionally I would even take it to bed at night and read it like a novel). I have NEVER even come close to a disappointing result. Vegetarian or not, this is the one Indian cookbook that should be on everyone's shelf and used until it has worn itself out...then go buy another.

This cookbook is very easy to follow. After a chapter on vegetarian nutrition, we take a tour of the Indian pantry. The chief ingredients, spices, and cooking tools are described, with their background, history, description and uses. By reading up on spices and ingredients, along with their Indian names, one is able to go to an Indian grocery store and make the right choices. In addition, the author shows you how to roast and grind spices, and includes recipes for garam masala, chai masala, tamarind pastes, sauces, how to make your own ghee, paneer, yogurt.

She then covers a variety of chutneys, pickles, snacks and appetizers. There is so much variety in this book, covering salads, vegetable dishes, beans, dals, rice, breads, sweets and even beverages. And it's not just how to cook them, but also she gives you cultural background, traditions, and how and where the item is served, and what significance it has in reference to the holidays. Even if you never cooked a single dish, you can learn a lot about Indian cuisine, culture, holidays and festivals from reading this book.

The chapter on dals has more than enough variety for you to experiment, as it covers all sorts, chana, mung, urad, toor, masoor, and even pancha dal (combining all 5 dals). I have enjoyed several of these, and the only comment I have is that she does not tell you how much cayenne pepper to put in, so you can suit your tastes. The other thing I noticed is that if you use all of the water the recipe specifies, your dal will be too watery. For example, 5 cups of water for 1 cup of masoor dal is too much, turning it into a soup. She does a great job explaning the vaghar, which is a hot oil mixture that is added to the dal in the last minute to flavor it with spices.

It turns out that even an average American mom like me can make great Indian food. In the two months since my sister gave it to me as a birthday gift, I have made many recipes from this book. While I cook, the house smells like an Indian restaurant. My three young kids have willingly eaten most of the meals--they're that good.

This is not some sort of foo-foo picture book written by a well-known chef. It's a rubber-meets-the-road sort of book by a real mom. The book is a sensible size for setting on the counter while cooking, and the binding stays open fairly well. The author includes a shopping list ("The Healthful Indian Pantry"), which is very helpful. Each chapter has an interesting introduction that provides a cultural background for the food. Most of the recipes are actually vegan, and when they are not, the author includes adaptations to make the recipe vegan. For anyone who lives nowhere near an Indian market, at the end of the book there is a list of addresses for mail order. And, of course, there is an index and glossary--also helpful!

Too bad the publishing company has such a generic name that it's difficult to run a search for all their other books. If they're all as good as this one, I want to buy more.

Indian cuisine is really the only cuisine I know anything about. Growing up in London and being vegetarian have something to do with it. This is my favorite Indian cook book. It is also the one I give to friends interested in starting to cook Indian food.

What makes this book outstanding is the simplicity of most of the receipes, and the way the author elucidates the reasons for putting this spice in before that one, or using this ingredient rather than that one. The layout is excellent, and the drawings add a touch of elegance. A superb book!

I was quite impressed with the volume of details in this book. The authors acknowledge the fact that a 'collective improvement is required from all the sectors' to make India, a developed nation. They also emphasize that every Indian should take an action to achieve the dream of "Vision 2020".

The book doesn't just share the 'findings' & the 'vision', but also proposes recommendations & actions to realize the dream. It will be a great eye opener for many of us (Indians). The authors request Indians to avoid pessimism in every form. The book also highlights that "Irrespective of the roles, responsibilities and industry that you work in, you can make a difference. You can help India to become a developed country. Even a small action from every individual brings in a collective improvement".

I would recommend everyone to read this book & share India's Vision 2020.

The book is good for young minds who are seeking direction.
It gives some insight about the complexity involved in building a true nation.

The bad part is the editing, sentences gets repeated.
some of the paragraphs are copied same mutiple times in a chapter, it feels like the rhetoric political speech.

The book titled `India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shri Y.S. Rajan is timely brought out to facilitate transformation (economic as well as social through technological interventions) to have a developed India by 2020.

The areas identified ranges from Food & Agriculture to High Tech areas including Strategic Industries. Enabling Infrastructure suggestions viability of inter-linkages between various sectors.

The book has sensitised the younger generation specially scientist/technologist to look ahead in technology development so that rapid changes in many sectors of economy are accomplished.

The publication contain well-defined targets so that active role could be played by all concerned including Industries, R&D personnel, Academia, Government as well as non-Governmental sectors.

I have strong conviction that the accomplishment of targets by each and every one in respective field as contained in the book will surely make India self-reliant and prosperous (A DEVELOPED INDIA) by early next century.

This book is a wake up call. Having attained political independence from the British rule in 1947, India has much to achieve in terms of economic independence even after half a century since then. The dream to eradicate poverty and suffering in the world's largest democracy is still unrealized. India depends on imports in many areas that are crucial to her strategic interests in civilian and military applications. Large sections of the people have no recourse but to their prayers - whether it is drought or floods. Though the country boasts of its role in the global IT arena, the contribution in dollar terms is nowhere comparable to the actual potential that needs to be tapped. While there are pockets of affluence in the mini "silicon valleys" where yuppies gulp packaged mineral water, draught beer and internationally branded colas, there exist thousands of villages where clean drinking water is still a dream to our honorable citizens.

While this paints a grim scenario, the achievements in various sectors that have put us on the radar screen of technologically developed nations needs to be highlighted. India, a country with abundant natural resources is respected for what has been achieved in areas like self-sufficiency in food grains, a strong nuclear deterrence, a large technological and scientific work force and giant strides in our programs in the core sectors of the economy.

Consider this: India, a country where poverty is a thing of the past and all her citizens are healthy and educated by 2010; India, the fourth largest and developed economy by 2020. This book shows us the way. This is a mission to build on our strengths; the strength of over a billion people who are committed to succeed. It is written with an in-depth understanding of the problems on hand given the vast experience of the authors. What makes this book to stand out from the rest of the reports on similar issues is the true passion and urgency to succeed with nationalistic pride. Each chapter deals with one important sector of growth with focus on implementation and cross-sectoral linkages. Technology for progress with a human face is a common thread across the book. All citizens, particularly the more fortunate and better educated have a major role in the road ahead.

As head of state, a great Indian scientist who ignites our passion is now at the helm of this mission. The country needs more Kalams and not Salaams in the North and South Blocks of New Delhi to realize this vision.

The book titled `India 2020 : A Vision for the New Millennium' by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with Shri Y.S. Rajan is timely brought out to facilitate transformation (economic as well as social through technological interventions) to have a developed India by 2020.

The areas identified ranges from Food & Agriculture to High Tech areas including Strategic Industries. Enabling Infrastructure suggestions viability of inter-linkages between various sectors.

The book has sensitised the younger generation specially scientist/technologist to look ahead in technology development so that rapid changes in many sectors of economy are accomplished.

The publication contain well-defined targets so that active role could be played by all concerned including Industries, R&D personnel, Academia, Government as well as non-Governmental sectors.

I have strong conviction that the accomplishment of targets by each and every one in respective field as contained in the book will surely make India self-reliant and prosperous (A DEVELOPED INDIA) by early next century.

George Perkovich has produced a seminal work on India's nuclear weapons program. He analyzes the political, economic, security issues that have contributed to India's decision-making regarding the bomb. George has correctly identified India as being caught in a dilemma for a long time over nuclear weapons testing. India also provides the only example of a nuclear weapons program that was openly debated in a democratic society. This debate (which ranked often very low on the priorities of successive prime ministers who correctly placed socio-economic development as a higher priority) has led to India shifting its position over time -- one from being the first proponent of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to opposing it due to is discriminatory nature today. It describes how India's opposition to nuclear weapons in the '50s which was perceived as being moralizing in the West, has now changed to embrace weapons since the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty permanently endorsed the nuclear weapons status of the five declared nuclear powers without any comprehensive, binding time-table for destroying all nuclear weapons -- a position that India objects to as being discriminatory.

A must-read for anyone interested in nuclear weapons proliferation and arms control negotiations today.

Less to do with the bomb per se, but a scholarly history of the Indian nuclear program. This is a work that will be quoted again and again.

This is easily one of the best books I have read about my own country. Very informative.

Note to editorial Reviewers: India entered the nuclear club in May 1974 and not in May 1998 as suggested by some of your reviews.

Some highlights of the book.

* The term nuclear "haves" and "have-nots" was coined by Homi Bhabha initially and used by others and till date has been central to putting forth our country's opposition to NPT and CTBT.

* University of Chicago's late Prof. Chandrasekhar's refusal to head the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) after the death of patriot Dr. Homi Bhabha.

* One of my disappointment is the author's avoidance in the discussion of the cause of the death of Dr. Homi Bhabha, even though such an incident is beyond the scope of this book. Since Bhabha provided the impetus and leadership during the nuclear program's infancy, I expected the author to throw some light on this issue.

* Vikram Sarabhai's hatred for Nuclear tests is news, especially since he was heading the Atomic Energy commision. As a spaceman it is surprising that he headed the organization in the first place.

* Indira Gandhi's refusal to allow more nuclear tests after 1974 stemmed from her abhorence for anything nuclear after her post-Pokhran I experiences. This is contrary to the popular belief - international pressure.

* Most sections of the book has an objective view of the Indian nuclear scenario except the last few chapters where the author seems to bend towards India signing the CTBT and the NPT. Or atleast implying that India's moral stand on nuclear issue was defeated after the May 98 tests.

* BJP (and its predecessor Jana Sangh) has been the only political party to openly campaign for Nuclear power.

It is time that India and Pakistan get the respect they deserve as nuclear powers. Why is it that France, Germany, Israel, the U.S., Russia, and South Africa (now supposedly non-nuclear) have been able to garner the respect that China, India and Pakistan are alluded by? Is it becuase they are not white Europeans? Nontheless, a well researched book.

As an Indian immensely proud of his country's accomplishments and having had to enter multiple debates with other non-Indians in May 1998, I gained a great amount from the book. It is immaculately researched and it seems that Perkovich has left no stone unturned. It goes into such depth and understanding of the Indian polity's psyche as previously unseen from a non-Indian author. Perkovich is not merely narrating a set of events which led to the testing but defending a theory that goes against current understandings of international relations and nuclear non-profileration by setting India as an example. I enjoyed every chapter of the book and hope that current policy makers in the field learn from it. A must read for every Indian interested it their country's policies and others making policy for the rest of the world.

I first read this book just after it was first published some 50 years ago. It was, I recall, a pleasure to read then and doubly so to re-read the account of Corbett's adventures again today. Jim Corbett's somewhat matter-of fact, understated style is a delight to read and his simple yet vivid descriptions of the Indian locale and the people, who play a part in his story are those of a man that loves and deeply understands this land and its people. Corbett is no wanton destroyer of wildlife but a protector of impoverished and often terrified communities who understands and explains with sympathy, why the prey he hunted were forced to become what they were.

Any book by Jim Corbett is an interesting read. Although, nowadays, big game hunting is a thing of the past (I reckon), yet it is through the eyes of the author that the reader can seamlessly go back to the times when it was not so.

The stories are beautifully detailed in their descriptions of the expeditions, the customs of the hill folks, their traditions, courage, and (some interesting) superstitions. More often than not while reading the book, I have wondered whether whether I would know what happens in the end because of some absolutely incredible situations and circumstances described.

HOW THIS MAN COULD MOVE THROUGH THE JUNGLE SO EASILY I DON'T KNOW..HE MUST HAVE HAD BAZOOMAS LIKE BASKETBALLS...LOL

In a few words Jim Corbett can transport you back 60-100 years & make you feel like you are right there beside him tracking a Tiger in India. There is no bravado, he comes across as very humble. I had read his "Man-Eaters of Kumaon" several years ago & thought it was without a doubt one of the best books I had ever read. Even knowing how good his books were I was still highly impressed with this book as well. It isn't just the tigers he describes but the whole Indian country-side & the people & animals that habitat the place. He takes you there. Don't hesitate to read one of his books.

Once again in this book Jim Corbett has proved it, he was a awesome incredible gentleman. I have never seen anyone who could write like him. Amazing man with amazing courage. His modesty is revealed throughout his book. He goes through so much suffering and pain, but never once writes about it. From his book you can feel how much concern he had for people. People trusted him with with their lives. His book teaches us a lot about jungles. I would recommend this to anyone who likes animals. Once again Jim Corbett you were and still are the best writes of adventures.

Love, love, love this book! I wish Patty had more books out there!

I've read a lot of Christian fiction, and this book had me hooked very early on. I couldn't believe how soon the action started. There's nothing to wade through before the adventure takes off. The storyline and characters are so compelling that, I know it's cliche, but I really couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed the exotic setting and the romance, but what really shines through is a Christian faith that stands up in the face of anything.

Patty Metzer was from my home town. I only met her once, briefly, but her death was a loss to the community and a loss to the world of Christian fiction.

What first caught my attention was the cover which immediately brought to mind the picture of Taj Mahal. Then I read the book. To say Patty Metzer is an amazing author is an understatement. This book was wonderful. The prince was gorgeous and the heroine, for once was intelligent and thankfully not to much so. In most christian romance books, the hero and heroine don't seem to be attracted physically to each other, but this book has all the spine-tingling tidbits that will give you the idea that characters are attracted to each other.
I love the Indian setting. It lent the storyline a sultry exotic setting. The characters were intriguing and so was the plot line. Although I thik the Prince's character was a little to bratty and arrogant, it worked well for the plot line because he showed the right emotions at the right time.
All in all, it was a great read and I would recommend it for anyone who wants romance that does not contain Hentai( japanese, for well you know..)Good job Patty!

(...)

I absolutley love to read and have read many, many Christian fictions. This one is one of the best ever. It has a little of everything. Suspense, adventure, love, etc. Once you get started, you will find it hard to put this book down. Metzer is a truley gifted author.

I am a VERY avid reader of inspirational fiction - having read literally hundreds of titles over the past few years. Among so many books, this one stands out as one of my absolute favorites. If you love exotic settings, touching romance, and intriguing suspense, you can't go wrong with this one. (Clearly I thoroughly disagree with one of the other more critical reviews listed...) More importantly, however, is the author's focus on faith - the message is truly inspired. Kudos to Patty Metzer - especially considering the hardships she's endured in her own life. I so hope to see more books from her in the near future.

Sai Grafio's prophetic, intellectual, and psychic power
all proceed from his Spirit, a Spirit which has through
many many lives unveiled his universal compassion.

He has told his students that in 2012 DNA will expand from
2 to 12 strands, that we must go beyond not only identification
with the body, the feelings, and the mind, but beyond also
identification with our souls.. to realize that we are God.

When he does an astrology chart, he gazes upon it as upon a
mandala, goes into a trance, and gives readings from that
perspective.

He is very aware that God can change the effects of any chart,
once the individual has grasped its lessons.

The Zero State has been called by some tara, (Sanskrit for
the void), by others Divine Mother, Tao, or the power of
emptiness.

He describes this state from the unique perspective of
his lives as a philosopher, leader, and meditater.

This book is excellent not only because it provides the reader with much information that is hard to come by in the spiritual readings of today but also because it connects the truths explained by sages of every culture clearly. It contains a wealth of information about man's position in the universe.

Outstanding book on spirituality and metaphysics. The author has an excellent underingstanding of spiritual laws. The glossary at the end of the book is helpful in understanding the meanings of the sanskrit words. I highly recommend this book to any serious student of metaphysics

An easy to follow reference into some of the most interesting phenomenon known to man. A must read for anyone who has ever asked the questions why? or how?.....

The information I found in "Mysteries: Ancient and Modern" taps into the profound spiritual wisdom of the Eastern and Western cultures and their philosophies.
Yoga and the Vedanta of India, the teachings of Chinese Master
Lao-Tse, Karma, Zen, Ascention, The trinity and even Astrolgical influences, plus much more.
This book contains a vast amount of knowledge for those seeking to better understand life and its meaning.

For those who look for interconnection with God and themselves and particularly are not tied with one specific spiritual tradition.

"Path to the Soul" is an intriguing and informative book on the relationship and cohesion between Eastern spiritual philosophies and Western psychiatric knowledge. It offers insight to its readers on methods to traverse that path, and ways to enhance that journey. This book is spiritually based, with the emphasis on growth of individual spirit. Psychiatric analysis is brought in to show how spiritual and psychological principles correlate in the path to the soul. Dr. Bedi has taken a complex topic and presented it in a way that is inviting, informative and detailed, yet not overly burdened with vocabulary that might challenge the average reader.Path to the Soul is an enlightening, informative, and inspirational look at the necessity and ability of each of us to examine ourselves as physical, mental and spiritual beings. It invites us to honor each part of our journey as a step toward greater freedom and connection with our souls and our Higher Spirit. The book easily transitions between psychological and spiritual discussions. Interspersed throughout are examples of patients to illustrate how he uses these foundations for his patient's well being. Dr. Bedi really connects the interlocking of the psychological and spiritual features present in each of us. He shows how they are not separate but cohesive; and how both need tending, particularly by those in the West, where we have been entrenched in a clinical, scientific frame of mind.

I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a psychoanalyst. I am a theoretical physicist. I have read Ashok Bedi's book Path to Soul carefully and critically. First, let us be clear as to what this book in not: Path to Soul is not preachy, it is not New Age-ish, it is not a sermon of enlightened guru to his/her obedient disciples, it is not a chicken soup for ... book. Path to Soul is a labor of love. It is thoroughly rooted in experience of a long and highly successful practice of a working physician-psychiatrist. The writer is classically trained in Western medical, psychiatric and Jungian psychoanalytic sciences in USA, England and India. The book clearly betrays the writer's deep insight and vast experience in expertly applying these Western approaches to problems of mental and psychological health. By the time I had read the third chapter, I realized that the author has unknowingly stumbled upon a fundamental truth - the complementarity principle of the being and becoming of human psyche. This is the exact psychological parallel of Neil Bohr's famous principle of complementarity in physics that wave and particle are two mutually exclusive manifestations of the one and same entity. However, in the realm of human psyche, this principle works with one crucial difference that the two aspects of our being and becoming are not only never mutually exclusive, but on the exact contrary they are inseparable just as clouds are inseparable from rain and sun is inseparable from light. The author, it appears from his book, in his years and years of long practice felt that "he was walking on one foot" and wondering "where is the other foot", and in his heart-felt search found the lost twin - the missing spiritual aspect of our souls, and hence the book. The book is thoroughly grounded in solid, practical experience in treating patients. The author clearly shows how the intuitive, innate and spiritual inseparably, intrinsically and integrally complements the intellectual, analytic and dialectical. The book respects the readers, it talks with them, not at them. The ideas, feelings and approaches are genuine, authentic and honest. The book is definitely a labor of love, and distillation of critical, hard-headed research, experience, insight and inner struggle. The deftness and clarity with which the author elucidates Yoga, Chakra, Mandala and other delicate Hindu concepts and their application to problems of our mental and psychological health and peace are truly remarkable. Though in all this the physician is never lost. The author - again unknowingly - shows that the classical Hegelian pattern of thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis is not always valid. The author has genuinely synthesized the western and eastern in a seamless whole. For those who want to fully self-actualize, and are looking for a genuine, authentic, unpretentious canonical path, Path to Soul is it.

In Path to the soul Dr. Ashok Bedi has put together a marvelous companion for the person seeking a journey of self-discovery. Readers will immediately be drawn into the careful and thoughtful merging of eastern and western wisdom and they will experience the power this wisdom holds for healing. Using a Hindu template rich in philosophy and spiritual guidance Dr. Bedi sets forth a map for spiritual wholeness that resonates to the seeker in each of us. Employing the absolute best of what current western medicine and psychological thinking have to offer, he weaves a personal program that promises meaning, fulfillment and personal freedom. Each Chapter is an introduction into a world of philosophies and ideas that call for individual action. At the end of each chapter Dr. Bedi challenges us to ask ourselves questions that will lead us deeper into our search or our "true self." He illuminates the connection between physical and emotional pain showing us how spiritual confusion and bankruptcy are part of the overall dis-ease we often feel at different points in our lives. His case illustrations are excellent examples of how ordinary people have sought to find themselves using the methods subscribed to in this text.

Path to the soul stretches beyond the confines of a self-help book. Self help books so often tell us what we need to do to be better, to get "fixed". They imply we are bad and need to "get good". Dr. Bedi's approach assumes that the reader is good and merely struggling, seeking, to get better, to find more, to connect in even deeper ways. To connect beyond themselves to others and to the community in which they live. He emphasizes the goodness of the unique soul into which we are born and then helps the reader construct an individualized program that develops their Karmic Self to it fullest possible potential. He offers a holistiac way of being in the new millenium. I recommend it highly.

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 I read, once again, a little gem of a book - "Path to the Soul" by my friend and colleague, Dr. Ashok Bedi.
Like almost every other American that day, I sat stunned, watching the horrifying images unfold on my TV screen. I experienced the entire gamut of emotions from anger and fear, to shocked helplessness and frustration.
As it has in the past, the book helped. I found myself wondering, however, how and why it helped and came to an obvious answer. Dr. Bedi's book is ultimately about restoring balance - the physical, psychological, and spiritual balance that is so important to help us actualize what Dr. Bedi refers to as our "Dharmic potential".

A psychopharmacologist by expertise, I often see challenging, seriously ill patients in whom I employ medications to correct imbalances of the neurochemical transmitters in their brains. At the same time, these patients rarely improve without an understanding of why they have developed these symptoms in the first place, and how imprudent or inappropriate choices have disconnected them from their ability to understand their emotions. Dr. Bedi explains in a way that is readily understandable and comprehensive, the ancient and ageless concepts of Maya, Karma, and Dharma. He explains how physical and psychological symptoms can be seen not only as symbols, but as "whispers from our souls" that actually point the way to a deeper understanding of ourselves, and ultimately, to Moksha or liberation.

What Dr. Bedi has done is unique. He has combined Jungian psychoanalytic insight with his own finely-honed clinical intuition. He has then added his own blend of Christian and Hindu spiritual wisdom to provide a truly integrated approach to treatment. He has described the seven Chakras of Kundalini Yoga and illustrated, with actual clinical vignettes, how Karmic complexes can obscure our pathway to the soul, and can be reconfigured towards Dharma.

The ultimate test of any meaningful art or science is whether it truly helps us to experience the world in a different way than we did before. In this endeavor, Dr. Bedi has succeeded admirably.
Every time I peruse those pages I look at my patients with a new insight and understanding. I also have increased understanding of my own fears, doubts, dreams and life events.

This book invites and facilitates the kind of simple but profound clarity of thought that helps us cope. It is the path to an island of peace in the turbulent, chaotic ocean of life, as we know it today.

I bought this book to read to my two young boys (6 and 3). I was concerned at first that the reading would be too intense and I would lose them, but the illustrations are so beautiful and captivating that it kept their attention. They actually request me to read the book each night. I highly recommend this book.

Hey guys :-)

I originally bought this book for my nephew to read. I wanted to expand his horizons on subjects he wasn't familiar with, so I figured this book would be a great introduction to Buddhism. I never read it myself, but when it arrived in the mail today, I was tempted to jump right in.

Wow! It was so good, I finished it in one session. So often, I came across Buddhist books and teachings that seemed to complicate the Buddha's simple message of inner transformation and showing kindness and respect for others. It was difficult for me to find information on the Buddha's life without it complicating things, so this book was a breath of fresh air. Colorful illustrations wonderfully complemented the exciting story of how Prince Siddhartha came to be the Buddha. This book was both easy to understand and inspiring. I was particularly excited at the vivid account of Siddhartha meditating under the Tree of Enlightenment as Mara (the evil force representing our negative thoughts and emotions) tried everything in his power to thwart his efforts ('The Great Battle', pages 92-97). I feel this represents the struggle we all face to overcome our limiting, self-destructive selves.

Even though I'm not a Buddhist, reading about the Buddha's interactions with all kinds of people inspired me to practice my own spiritual exercises more fervently in hopes of one day attaining the same conscious state of bliss the Buddha experienced. The Buddha's behavior and lifestyle very much reminded me of the Gnostic Jesus.

Please keep in mind that this book is an introduction to Buddhism. Don't expect to find any detailed description of practices used to attain Buddhahood. That's beyond the scope of this book.

This book isn't just for Buddhists; it's for anyone open-minded and willing enough to learn from a great human being. It's all about LOVE. :-)

What more can I say? I loved this book from start to finish, and I'm sure my nephew will too.

Thanks for your time. Take care.
Kevin :-)

beautiful illustrations. wonderful story. great for any child who would like to find out more about buddhism, or mother for that matter.

The little guy i bought this for loves it. It is simple, beautifully illustrated, and content laden with great values. Some Buddhist lit for kids is too vague & overly symbolic, but this book tells the story of Prince Siddhartha well. There are some short moral stories at the end aside from the life story e.g. the Buddha & the angry elephant.

This is a great introduction to the life of Buddha. All ages can benefit from this story. My son read it from cover to cover. Let's just say, to get him to read is nothing less than impossible. He read it without my asking him to. He just picked it up and read. He is 13 and totally enjoyed it.

Paul Scott's following is small, but Loyal. He is a fantastic writer. The Raj Quartet by far, is my favourite favourite series of books by him because of its complexity and such extraordinary characters. His charactres are so indepth, so well played out that the reader feels that he or she knows them thouroughly. Its a historical epic, very well written, and its absolutely a must read.

About 25 years ago I got a list of the best 100 books of all time, and found "The Raj Quartet" by Paul Scott listed. I started at the beginning with "The Jewel in the Crown" and got bogged down. Coincidentally, PBS started its Masterpiece Theatre version. I watched a few of the episodes (actually all of them, eventually) and got back to reading. What I discovered was the best set of novels I've ever read, and each one an individual "jewel" as well. A pebble thrown, the towers of silence, and many other images stay with me, as well as the memory of Scott's beautiful writing and well-developed, complex characters, and the scope and importance of the story. If there wasn't so much else to read, I'd reread the whole set--sounds like a good retirement project some day.

My yardstick for excellent writing about a foreign culture is probably Paul Scott's "The Raj Quartet", which was the basis for the BBC TV series "The Jewel in the Crown". I think these four books are a real tour de force - he writes in several different voices throughout, but remains - I think - completely sensitive to the political and social complexities and subtleties of the situation in India towards the end of the British occupation. Very nuanced, extraordinarily sensitive writing.

It's not just the writing: the stories that unfold in this masterpiece will draw you in, grip you, and break your heart.

This book (or series of books) is so sprawling and intricate, like India itself, one might say, that it is impossible to "pin down", as it were, in a review like this. The thing to do, I think, is to cover the most salient aspects of the work separately. Otherwise, one will become lost, as many of the characters herein do. So, salient aspect numbers:

1.) History - This is the novelistic equivalent of Gibbon concerning the British Empire. It might even be called "The Decline and Fall of The British Empire." As a reviewer for the Sunday Times puts it, "A history student years from now should be able to say to his professor, `Yes, but what was it REALLY like in India in the last days of the Raj?' and be told, `Read these four books and you'll not only know, you'll understand...' " The "understand" part is especially significant in that these books will have you totally spellbound by Scott's deft character portrayal and psychological insight. It is no exaggeration to say that one feels one has lived in India from 1939-1947 after having emerged from the nearly two-thousand pages that comprise this work. But the deft character portrayal leads me to a more troublesome, salient point:

2.) Ronald Merrick-A host of characters populate this work, portrayed with deep sympathy herein. And yet, one can't help but feel, upon closing the pages, that the work might also be called, "Ronald Merrick: An in-depth Portrait of a Psychotic in India". It is a tribute to Paul Scott that we do not discover the depths of the....evil (Sorry, I can't think of another word that fully encompasses the character.) of Merrick until the tag end of the work. Yes, Hari Kumar is the other major character who, to a certain extent, offsets Merrick. But he fades into the background after his interrogation by Nigel Rowan with Lady Manners looking on in the second book, The Day of the Scorpion. Merrick, so to speak, stays on until the very bitter end. Not only does he stay on, but he lingers in the mind. What is he? What does he represent? The British Raj itself, as some would have it? Partly, I would say, but there is something about Scott's obsession with this fellow that refuses to be pigeonholed. It's all very eerie. By the end of the book, you won't be able to hear the word "Merrick" without a troubling frisson running through you. - He is not mad like, say, Susan Layton, who rather resembles a character from one of the Bronte novels. - His nature and the nature of his evil are complex. They defy reduction. So, I shan't venture on a futile quest to do so but rather come to salient point:

3.) The brooding fatalism that overhangs everything here. Of course, one knows before one picks the book up that the Brits in India are doomed. But, well, I'll just let Daphne Manners' quote from the first book, The Jewel in the Crown, give the reader notice of the feeling that permeates this work:

"We were sitting on the verandah. Oh, everything was there - the wicker chairs, the table with the tea tray on it, the scent of the flowers, the scent of India, the air of certainty, of perpetuity; but, as well, the odd sense of none of it happening at all because it had begun wrong and continued wrong, and so was already ended, and was wrong even in its ending, because its ending, for me, was unreal and remote, and yet total in its envelopment, as if it had already turned itself into a beginning. Such constant hope we suffer from!"

Salient points covered...except that the reader might do worse than to do as Perron does at the end and look up Philoctetes, not a futile quest by any means.

It has been too long since I read this book [probably 15 years ago] for me to offer an erudite and detailed analysis. But I do remember vividly that when I read it that the word "masterpiece" came repeatedly to my mind. In a league with Thackeray's "Vanity Fair" and Naipaul's "A House for Mr. Biswas". Find the time to read it; you won't regret it.