Meditation Books

I was given this book when I was in hospital with cancer. I have read it many times since. I often tell people about it, and they have purchased it. I am buying a copy for a friend.
This book is visually beautiful, on each page there are the most beautiful pictures and scripture. There is encouragement on each page,filled with Love, Peace and Hope. There is also a little prayer for each day. It is a very calming book for the soul

I purchased this book for my mother who is in the final stages of colon cancer. Everything I have wanted to share with her I found in this book. It was the only copy in my local store and I felt as if God placed the book before my eyes as a direct answer to my prayers. I love the book so much, I have ordered my own copy. I believe that this will be a book I treasure, especially more so after my mother is gone.

I received this book a year ago as a gift from my sister. It took me a year to complete as I read a section nightly. Now I ordered 5 more copies that I want to give to family and friends. I love this book! I often found that when I picked it up each night, it would offer words of comfort or advice for the very problem/situation that I was dealing with. I truly did feel God's presence when reading this book. I hope that you will too.

Inspiring messages. I open the book daily and read an inspiring message. Highly recommended.

It's quite the read. One hundred eighty short essays/observations, some as short as one or two sentences, some as long as three pages, arranged in alphabetical order by topic. It's very much like a journal, or even like an exceptionally well-written and entertaining blog in terms of its many-ness of subjects! The author is a monk of Mount Angel Monastery in Oregon, but spends five months of the year teaching at the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant' Anselmo in Rome. Some of the paragraphs are about his travels, some are theological ruminations, some might qualify as prose-poems about the natural world.

I was worried, before buying this book, about the publisher. (New Seeds is a division of Shambhala Books, who print a lot of Buddhist authors, etc.) But I don't discern any heresies in A Monk's Alphabet (the paragraph on "Judgment," in fact, is somewhat pointed!) nor, conversely, do I discern any disaffecting narrowness of spirit or mind. Nothing that departs from the truth.

A poor "review," this, but I'd probably have to begin quoting from the book to give a truer picture of what magnetizes this reader.

I would love to meet Father Jeremy and say thank you to him for this wonderful little book. It is so well written and thoughtful and tender and at times humerous. He makes you think aobut life in general, your life in particular and some of the essays you will read over and over again just to digest them fully. He writes the way I write so I appreciated his efforts and they are a gift to anyone who picks up these special messages.

A MONK'S ALPHABET is a grand little book by Father Jeremy Driscoll, a Benedictine monk. It is an alphabetized list of short reflections, stories and observations. Whimsical humor infuses many of the pieces; a few are downright funny. There are "Ah-ha!" moments of serious truth, expressions of fear and doubt regarding faith, and insight into the human condition no matter what the faith. What binds them all is a refreshing combination of the author's innate dignity and naked honesty.

The dust cover of A MONK'S ALPHABET says that the book's 210 pages contain 187 "meditations." I'm sure that's what they are, but I read them as good literature and got the unencumbered joy that comes from that.

"First Love," a childhood memoir from the middle of the book, is light and airy and so readable you almost slip past the surprise--love cannot survive a lie. Then you realize this cold truth has haunted every life you know. Under Z the last entry is breathtaking in its evocation of friendship and death, sorrow and soaring hope.

You can read the entire book in one sitting, but the letters in A MONK'S ALPHABET: MOMENTS OF STILLNESS IN A TURNING WORL by Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, are best taken in moderation, like caviar and vodka before dinner, and a chocolate or two after.

I bought five copies of the book. One for myself and the other four as gifts for special friends who think about life and would rather celebrate much of it rather than just pass through, bitching and moaning.

I found this book through a recommendation in a magazine, and am so glad I bought it. This monk takes each letter of the alphabet and does a meditation on a word beginning with it. Sometimes several words.
You do not have to be "religious" to appreciate this book. The writing is superb.
I plan to read one letter a week, twice this year.

This audiocassette brings hope and peace especially during this tragic time in American history. The prayers speak to us as though they were meant for today. I hope that the words that Marianne speaks in her own soothing way can help to begin healing in our world.

I have listened to this tape almost daily for months. Side one (morning) is a great way to put your mind (and heart) in a positive place for the new day. And side two (evening) provides me with a very personal sense of closeness to God when I drift off to sleep. The gentle music behind Marianne's soft, soothing prayer is very well done. I have searched for other tapes like this and have found none even close to the overall quality and serenity of this tape. If you enjoy guided meditation and self hypnosis tapes, and have a strong spiritual belief, I think you would enjoy this recording.

This tape was more than I was hoping to find. I wanted a morning and evening prayer/mediation tape that would reflect the Course teachings. Marianne Williamson does it beautifully and says everything my heart feels but cannot put into words, including a purification prayer/meditation portion which I was hoping for. This tape will definitely bring you higher. There is nothing she doesn't cover in this tape. I look forward to going to bed and getting up just to hear the tape again. The tape is about 34 minutes on each side which is just enough time and the music is a lovely soothing piano. Excellent..I will never be without this tape.

I checked this audio tape out from the library, but I know I'll be buying several copies for myself, family and friends. Ms. Williamson's beautiful, tranquil voice as she prays one of the most restorative meditation/prayers I've heard in years is awesome...and the background music is totally peaceful and relaxing. One side of the tape is a morning meditation and the other side is an evening meditation. I plan to listen to this tape daily...and I know it will heal my spirit from the stresses of everyday life and help me to grow spiritually and creatively as a person.

When I first started reading this pocket sized book the initial pages seemed kinda fanatical but the book isn't fanatical at all. It's truly inspirational and all one has to do is reserve four minutes each day to read a chapter. It helped me realize how close God is to me and how I can get closer to him!

This little book is breath taking. It was introduced to me by a friend of mine. He was given a copy by a friend of his and so on and so on. Luckily, there is a the "Paulina's" Book store in Miami that has these books in stock and we all would buy their inventory and give them out to whomever God inspired us to give them to. In my opinion, the best way to read this book is to ask God to speak to you and run your finger across the book and open it whereever your finger stops. No matter what, the reflection will be exactly what you need to hear at that moment. Sometimes it scolds you, sometimes it rewards you etc. After a while you realize that God actually speaks through this book. If it costs $1000 it would be worth it. (Amazon don't get any ideas). God Bless.

This is an excellent book to use for meditating first thing in the morning before getting lost in the busyness and stress of the usual workday.

I was given this book when I was in high-school and never paid much attention to it. Twenty five years later I remembered this book and searched long for it. The Pauline Media of the Sisters of St. Paul Store carries it here in San Francisco. Right now, I need more copies of this book to give out to friends who I know will appreciate it. I couldn't believe Amazon carries this book too.

What is amazing with this book is as you read a chapter, it feels as if the Lord Christ is talking to you so kindly, patiently and with great love ---- making things clear in your mind, guiding you and comforting you. As you read, it feels as if the Lord is reading your mind, knows how you are feeling at that moment --- it's like having a friend, a loving parent sitting beside you verbalizing your thoughts and feelings -- and just clearing your thoughts and anxieties. After reading a chapter, one is ready to happily and bravely meet what's around the bend.

This small book is the best source of spiritual food one could ask for. Each short chapter, approximately 2 pages each, is perfect for a short meditation. I recommend this book to everyone. Applications for everyone and every situation.

valerie wells has written another wonderful "how to" book that has greatly enhanced my life. The 200 exercises are fun, fast, invigorating, and powerful in positive energy. A read everyone must experience.

Out of a cosmology that has endured centuries of human culture and experience, Valerie Wells makes a clear case for personal empowerment in what may well be the ultimate in 'how-to' books. This is a fun and stimulating tutorial on how to get the most out of the way the universe is arranged. It is an exercise and experience guide to the appropriate acquisition and application of power. Some Native traditionals I know would call this making good medicine.

I commend Ms. Wells on addressing an issue that is sorely misunderstood in our society--power. Power is often thought of as the tool of governments, politicians, crime bosses, etc, and in general the male of the species, who too often use their power to control and manipulate others. In fact, personal power is vital to the health, happiness and well-being of us all. Too many Americans are unhappy, confused, and neurotic because they don't understand the importance of nurturing their personal power and using it to fulfill dreams, live a rich and happy life, and to build a better world. Ms. Wells has created a collection of practical, everyday exercises to raise the reader's consciousness of the importance of one's personal power and to reawaken the power within. It's a great "thought du jour" book, as each exercise is on a single page, making it easy to use in our too-busy world. A succinct, well-written, erudite book that's simple and fun to work with.

This is a marvelous book. As I reread it and practice the simple, yet powerful, techniques, I'm amazed at how much substance the author was able to pack into one book. Every single action given could be explored deeply for a lifetime with much benefit. There is wealth of material to aid anyone in a quest for personal power. Very highly recommended!!

As Mary Ann Stegner states in her introduction to this volume, Tillich is far better known as a systematic theologian and philosopher than as a preacher. Indeed, he is the bane of the existence of many a seminary student who struggles through his magnum opus, the three-volume work entitled simply 'Systematic Theology'. However, Tillich always had the sense that this systematic theological and philosophical work was not an end in itself, but rather was a foundational task toward the greater Christian work, part of which is embodied most directly for most in the preaching and hearing of sermons and homilies. 'In this volume of sermons, Tillich preaches God's love, liberating truth, and fulfilling job, given to us in the New Being of Jesus as the Christ.'

Tillich is not an easy read. Educated in German schools deeply influenced by liberal theology of the nineteenth century and philosophical schools reacting to the breakdown of Enlightenment thinking, Tillich sought to make theology a relevant subject in the academy. Much of his writing is primarily geared toward other academics, philosophers in particular. But this is not so with his sermons. Many seminarians have difficulty with Tillich, both in making real-world connections as well as traversing the language -- Tillich invents his own terminology and develops his own linguistic methods of discussing theological issues, but these things are made more clear in his sermons, meant for the wider audience. They also have more of a direct application - 'Tillich's sermons speak to us, at least in part, because he experienced deeply the same anxieties we do, anxieties of death, meaninglessness and guilt...'

Tillich was profoundly influenced by his experiences in the first world war, where he served as a chaplain in the trench warfare. Unlike theologians such as Barth, he initially had a young man's bravado and support for the war, until the grim realities set in. This experience would never leave Tillich, and he continued to strive all his life to craft a systematic theology that would on the one hand address the concerns of culture but at the same time resist traditional pitfalls of theology-of-culture that make it less universal, and too much a human construct.

Tillich's development of Christology, with Christ as the New Being, is very significant, the way for Tillich's more general philosophical theology to find a grounding in Christianity. It gives this collection its title. Tillich had a long fascination with other religions, Buddhism in particular, and was charged by some critics of relegating Christianity to a secondary status. Like many of Tillich's theological ideas, there is a tension apparent in his Christological development that exists between different traditional methods of dealing with the issue historically, philosophically and theologically. However, Tillich is clear about the 'reality of the New Being which transforms Old Being, the reality who is Jesus as the Christ surrendering himself in love.'

These sermons draw from passages, pericopes and sometimes single verses from the scriptures that inspire Tillich toward a fuller development of themes of love, reconciliation, liberation, and fulfillment. Perhaps one of the most important sermons is one near the end, developed from the verse in the first letter of John (3:14) - Tillich states, 'In our time, as in every age, we need to see something which is stronger than death. Death has become powerful in our time, in individual human beings, in families, in nations and in mankind as a whole.' We can hear this being preached in today's post-9-11 environment just as easily as Tillich might have preached and felt it after the period of world war. Tillich proceeds to expand on the idea of love as unconquerable, as that which overcomes death and all limitation.

This is a wonderful collection of sermons, unique in many ways, products both of their time as well as words that contain timeless messages.

I read Tillich's books back in the early fifties. I wrote my graduating thesis on his doctrine of God. When I saw The New Being at Amazon, I couldn't resist getting it and reliving my early years as a young minister trying to understand the deep things of life. Tillich was my mentor even when I didn't understand what he was saying. He is one of the great theologians of the twentieth century. Read this and his other books if you want some fresh air.

Paul Tillich's book "The New Being" has delved very deep into Christianity to the point where just reading it once may not be enough. This collection of his sermons has taught me a lot about what it means to be Christian. Taking Bible verses that I've read my whole life and explaining the power of those lessons. Something as well known as "The Golden Rule" for instance has spawned hours of discussion among those of us who are reading this very enlightening work. Although I've been using it as part of a small group religious study, this book can also be helpful for personal devotion as well.

For anyone interested in theology, Christianity, philosophy, existentialism...this is a MUST read. It is accessible to the thoughtful reader, some background in Tillich or philosophy may help although not necessary.

Like most Tillich writing, reading this book will open up many avenues of thought in the reader. I read this book after a hospital stay and it was a comfort and thought provoking.

Another must read Tillich book is "the Courage to Be." You just can't find writings of this quality anymore.

It takes endless thoughtfulness to provoke a reader to look for thoughtlessness within himself. And Scott Shaw does a very good job.

The laconic nature of the book can be a unique short-cut to a clear state of mind. What I enjoy about texts lately is attention to words and structure to express a thought as crisply as the limitations of language allow. This book does just that, and it acts like a relaxing massage for the brain.

At the same time, since a lot of its beauty is in its simplicity, there is no need to be "conditioned" for this book. Everyone will take away something very valuable from the book, as it reflects and crystallizes - like a clear mirror - the thoughts that have already been running through your mind.

Short, Sweet and to the point.

Now "Nirvana in a Nutshell" is among my most valued meditation study materials. Yes, it is alongside the Tao te Ching, I Ching, Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche and Pema Chodron as well as the author's other fine book,"About Peace". Some of the short-and-sweet verses allow one to drop right into an altered state of awareness. I can't thank Scott Shaw enough for his enlightened words & the energetic support provided for the reader. I intend to start from the beginning again once I've reached the end.

This is a great work that points the reader straight to the heart of what enlightement is actually all about. It is full of excellent thought provoking passages that can be read from beginning to end or simply open a page and REALIZE.

Everyone loves a story. Anyone would enjoy this book. I read it an have given away 12 copies and everyone I gave it to enjoied it.

Anthony de Mello's books generally fall into three groups - guided meditations; cross-cultural, interreligious, traditional teaching tales; and sayings of the Master in context. This book falls into the second category - traditional teaching tales. Fr. de Mello has categorized the stories into seven chapters: spirituality, education, authority, human nature, relationships, service and enlightment. Most of the stories are told without any "editorial" comments i.e. the author trusts the power of story. The selection is excellent coming from a wide variety of traditions and ages.

My favorite, having studied Sanskrit for several years in graduate school: "Enthralled at hearing the Master chant Sanskrit verses in a melodious voice, a Sanskrit scholar said: 'I have always known that there is no language on earth like Sanskrit for the expression of things divine.' 'Don't be an ass,' said the Mster. 'The language of the divine isn't Sanskrit. It is silence.'"

You can read the book straight through and get a lot of laughs or you can read it as intended, pondering the stories and risking having your life changed. The latter is the intend of the author.

DeMello's book, One Minute Nonense serves as a primer for everyday meditation. One who is looking for dense text with long theological discourses should look elsewhere. What one will find is a collection of very short dialogues (usually between a master and a disciple). I seemed to have come across many of these somewhere in the past, and no doubt some are from a common pool of wisdom. They have a distinctly eastern feel to them; zen qualities abound. However, one can feel confident that an orthodox christian will find true wisdom in his words.

I have personally used the book much like a flip calender with quotes; they can be chewed upon mentally throughout the day without much effort in terms of memorization. However, they bear fruit. They challenge you to become Aware. To Wake Up. Even if for a moment this book can help one to break out of the normal perspective so often we are entranced in. I highly recommend the book. And by the way, I consider myself a catholic in good standing. Peace!

Anthony deMello is a unique type of spiritual teacher. He teaches not with long theological treatises but with simple stories. The present book published after his death, belongs to the category of books like 'One Minute Wisdom', 'Prayer of the Frog', 'Song of the Bird' etc. The present one is entitled 'One minute Nonsense' which is an appropriate title. Some of the anecdotes can be misunderstood and dismissed as nonsensical. Indeed, DeMello was misunderstood. It is a Master who tells the anecdotes and he could be a Hindu Guru, a Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim Mullah or a Christian Priest. His message transcending all manmade boundaries, sometimes sounds nonsensical and contradictory because he is trying to 'express the inexpressible'. People with an open mind with regard to the truth of God, would love this book and cherish the anecdotes.

As a seasoned cookbook reader and recipe follower. I find that with most cookbooks, only a few recipes are inspired and work really well, without requiring multiple adjustments to optimize results. I have found a few cookbooks that provide uniformly reliable, well-tested and well-presented recipes: the cookbooks by Cook's Illustrated and Deborah Madison, and now One Taste by Sharon Louise Crayton. Ms. Crayton's cookbook presents simple, easy-to-follow recipes that produce delicious results time after time! The variety of flavors and streamlined instructions will make this cookbook indispensible. I would highly recommend this cookbook as a reliable investment for your kitchen or your friend's or family's kitchen.

I am enjoying this wonderful and informative book and it's even teaching me breathe properly. I love it. Great recipes that are easy to make and not dull to the mind and palate. The idea of ethic recipes from around the world is inspired! Sprinkle these lovely dishes with spirituality and it's a winner. Sharon has stirred so much love and hope into each creation that you feel you are serving a portion of each to your family and friends.One Taste: Vegetarian Home Cooking From Around the World

I just got this book as a gift for my friend and she loved it. I liked it because not only is it a beautiful book but the recipes are practical. Overall, the recipes are innovative and useful, the photography is great, and the anecdotes are entertaining and endearing. Great gift!

My wife and I love to have friends over and try new recipes. After receiving this cook book, which my wife bought, I was a bit concerned because I am not a vegetarian. However, to my surprise the techniques, preparations and flavor combinations tough in this book impressed me. Hey, I may become a vegan convert. Not!!!. I really enjoyed the dishes we prepared and definitely recommend this book. Enjoy. Highly recommend.

Anyone seeking a daily spiritual reading would be very pleased. Not only does it repeat much of what is found in the Bible, it supplies a commentary and interpretation of those words. There are readings for each day of the year. It has certainly helped me center each day in the right direction.

The Gospels are where we learn the most about the life of Jesus. The Gospels each present a different view with different emphasis. This devotional allows us to proceed through the life of Jesus in a one year daily reading and study. This does not substitute for the Gospels at all, since they each have their messages, but allows us to be comfortable that we know when in Jesus' ministry a particular thing happened. Good reading and good insights from the Life Application Bible.

I have had this book going on my third year and I've enjoyed it from day one. I was browsing through the bookstore one day and came across One Year with Jesus. I thought it was a neat concept to be able to get a dose of the gospels each day. I think this is one of the most important parts of the Bible and this book has presented it very well. Each day contains a small reading from the Gospel, a paragraph of more indepth study of that particular reading, and a "make you think" section, with inspiring words to make you really incorporate the lesson into your life. I continue to read it each day and have not gotten tired of it even after almost three years. The writing is clear and understandable, for any mature age. It makes a great gift for anyone looking to help someone take that step into faith.

I wanted to spend a year with just the Gospels, rather than the larger New Testament or the even larger Bible, so I picked up a copy of this book. I have been very pleased. The selection for each day is taken from a harmony of the Gospels (and the entire harmony list is given for reference in the back of the book), so as the year progresses, you move quite thoroughly through the life and ministry of Jesus. Daily readings are accompanied by an explanatory text and an inspirational text. Just a few minutes reading each day gets through it, so it's not really much of a time investment. The translation is easy to read, but corresponds very well to more traditional translations. The print is a decent size (I read mine in a rather dimly-lit church) and the binding is holding the pages in. A word to Catholics considering this book: this book is published by Tyndale, a Protestant publisher, but I haven't found anything in the commentaries that is either anti-Catholic or significantly against Church doctrine. In fact, the only item I have come across so far is a little reference to Jesus' brothers and sisters, which is definitely a Protestant concept, but a rather minor one. I am enjoying this book a lot and am glad I bought it.