Publications Books

I have been using this gem of a book for almost 25 years, every since its first edition in 1984. As a dharma teacher, meditation instructor, spiritual director and Buddhist chaplain, I have found Ven. Sangye Kkadro's (Kathleen McDonald) book to be an invaluable tool in guiding students of meditation, whether they be beginners or with many years on the cushion.
Ven. Claude d'Estree (Lopon Konchog Trinly Dorje / KhaYa, Sunim)
Professor and Buddhist Chaplain, University of Denver
How to Meditate: A Practical Guide
Mindfulness in Plain English, Updated and Expanded Edition

After purchasing 5 books on meditation this is the first book that actually teaches you how to meditate step by step. Most books on meditation tell you "what" to meditate on and seem to forget to tell you how to do it, this book tells you how to do it. It's very easy to read and it gives even the first time meditators the instructions needed to start meditating.
It starts with the very basic (but very effective) way of meditation and then progresses through the book to more in depth meditations covering many different ideas to meditate on.
I highly recommend this book to the beginners in meditation and also to the more experienced.

What a practical book! Not only has it opened a whole new perspective in me in regards towards meditation, but as a beginner, it has also answered those nagging questions that kept me from doing it successfully.

With the rave of Hatha Yoga nowodays, you've problaby heard about meditating but you've been to scared to try it or you've put off as something silly. I can relate. I always wanted to bring meditation into my practice but I always felt it was such a waste of time and effort. If you are anything like me, you tried to meditate for at least 5 minutes, doubting yourself, and coming up frustrated and strained and asking yourself if you really did meditate that whole time. Boy, did that change.

The meditation sessions that Kathleen encourages are very engaging. She writes in such an inspiring and down-to-earth manner that you'll be meditating in minutes after reading this book.

I should add that this book and the meditations are inspired by the teachings of Buddhism. Dont let that discourage you. You dont have to be a Buddhist to do these meditations! The goal of any type of meditation is to take control of the mind. And you will. After performing the Clarity of Mind Meditation, an immidiate sense of peace and serenity will engulf you. You will take a calm approach to your everyday affairs and your ability to concentrate will improve vastly. These are but only a few benefits that I experienced.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem, now!

This book has enormous value for anyone who wishes to begin a meditation practice. Kathleen McDonald is a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, but I feel that this book offers useful advice to anyone of any spiritual persuasion. I have to disagree with some of the other reviews who feel that this book is for aspiring Buddhists only. Meditation can be correctly seen as a highly effective technology that can be employed to tame the mind. In fact, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated that Tibetan Buddhism exists somewhere in between science and religion.

I also want to comment on the warmth with which McDonald has crafted this text. She writes with great simplicity, yet she manages to impart a great deal of valuable and sophisticated information. If a book can be described as being " friendly ", that would certainly apply here. Clearly interested in creating a book that in no way intimidates or overwhelms, her approach is gentle and reassuring. This is a wonderful book!

You may think 'an excellent book for non-spiritual meditation' is a strange recommendation, but as a mostly non-spiritual (agnostic) person who nevertheless recognizes the benefits of meditation this is one of the few books out there that is suitable as a practical guide; the subtitle is spot on.

I apologize to those of you who are spiritual, but I just can't sit through a book that starts from the sutras and then uses meditation as a means to that end. It means nothing to me. 'How to Meditate,' while coming from the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, starts with solid practical advice on how to meditate - best positions, what a session should be like, how to breathe, common problems, and visualization.

The second part of the book consists of different subjects for meditation such as 'Meditation on Compassion and Tonglen (Giving and Taking),' 'Meditation on Love,' and 'Dealing with Negative Energy.' These also include subjects such as 'Prostrations to the Thirty-Five Buddhas' which are of little interest to me except culturally, but even an atheist should recognize the usefulness of considering and dealing with your negative energy: 'The methods explained in this chapter are practical ways of dealing with attachment, anger, depression, and fear.'

The is the only book on the shelf besides Meditation for Dummies which I would wholeheartedly recommend for aspiritual people like myself. It's considered a classic in the field for good reason.

I am reading this book along with a class I am taking at a Dipamkara Meditation Center on Long Island. Both the book and the meditation exercises I am engaging in, have, in a short period of time, changed the way I live and view others. I accept anger and "delusions" as an opportunity to perfect my mind and make it peaceful and happy. I highly recommend this title as well as meditation to perfect your mind, body and soul.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso opens with a few brief chapters on Buddha's first teaching -- the often misunderstood Four Noble Truths. Within this context, he proposes that the only source of our problems is an unpeaceful mind, and that, with a peaceful mind, we can stay content no matter what circumstances life brings our way. The main part of this book loosely follows the chapter on the perfection of patience in the poem "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" by the great Indian Buddhist master Shantideva.

The essence of this book's advice is encapsulated for me in the following excerpt:

"Just as there is room in the sky for a thunderstorm, so there is room in the vast space of our mind for a few painful feelings. And just as a storm has no power to destroy the sky, unpleasant feelings have no power to destroy our mind. When painful feelings arise in our mind, there is no need to panic -- we can patiently accept them, experience them, and investigate their nature and where they come from. When we do this, we will discover that painful feelings do not come from outside but arise from within our own mind."

In my mind's eye, I return to this passage whenever I notice my mind starting to "panic" and feel like my unpleasant feelings are going to overwhelm me. This book never fails to help quell the storm.

I liked this book. I found it informative and educational. I was a little sceptical at first. Not being what I call a religious person I was concerned that this might be an attempt to get me to subscribe to a particular religious cult. Howevever, the book goes beyond religion and tries to help you understand what your mind is doing (and doing to you).

I have "allowed" other peoples actions to cause great internal stress to me, which has played havoc with my mental and physical health and had a detrimental affect on my family. This book has allowed me to take a truly different perspective on what MY MIND is doing to me, and allows me to recognize a truth that other peoples actions only hurt me when I let them. As stupid as that sounds, I never looked at it that way before as I was too caught up in the hateful internal thoughts that would arise in my mind because of how I saw other peoples actions.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those people who are angry and stressed-out about "other people", be it a lousy boss, partner, co-worker, friend or family member etc. If you sit and stew, and seeth and make yourself (and others) miserable because of what others say/do then this book can help you make much much better choices.

Make no mistake, it's not an aspirin: it does not fix "other people". But what it does is allow you to look at your response to ALL stressful events and shows you why it happens and what you can do to stop it.

It's helped me. And that was not an easy thing to do. I still have a long way to go, but for the first time in my life I can now see when my own mind is trying to make me suffer. I personally am struggling with this, but that in itself is a real breakthrough. Before, I just used to go down the path of misery without hesitation; becoming angry, hurtful, hateful and full of terrible emotions and thoughts at sometimes tricial things (casual comments from others - sometimes not even directed at me). Now I can see that start and I put the brakes on. Believe me, that alone helps. I hope that with practice I can stop the negative process even starting (it still does as of now), but I'll gladly settle for my new perspective over what I used to do.

Easily the best book I have read, quite possible EVER. Buy it. Read it. Give it to someone you care deeply about.

WiZ

The title says it all. I've been studying with this author for 6 years. It has changed my life to who I want to be. Life is a better place.

This is an excellent book by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. I started reading this book to understand the philosophy behind Anger, and How to control it, which this book explains in a very fundamental way. I got glued to the way the concept of Patience, Jealousy and Retaliation has been talked about in this book, and How to Control them? The style of asking Rhetorical questions followed by answers is a great way to explain the concepts; we normally ask such questions to ourselves in our daily routine. This book is a must read for anyone over 30 Years, who wants to improve themselves and understand their behavior better. There are certain philosophies, like rebirth into lower being and good karma bad karma, which many may not agree with and deem impractical. Leaving those aside, you can get many great things explained in this book. I started practicing the Patience; immediately after I read this book. Now, I could see the difference in its application at my work, personal and social life. I could understand my wife, kid better. This book is worth every penny. Good piece of work.

This book gave me a ton of new material for my humor emails to my neocon pals. Kurtzman totally nailed it when it comes to a fresh look at the political craziness that divides us. I especially liked the "Know Your Enemy" chapter, where he comes up with some clever new names for various liberal types (every time I think about "Hillary Krishnas," I crack up). All in all, this book is a thoroughly entertaining read. It's also loaded with practical advice that works. I love being able to zing my progressive pals, without first having to remove all the sharp objects from the room. I only wish the GOP presidential candidates themselves would read this book and lighten up, already!

Even though I am what would traditionally be seen as a Liberal, I have to say that I found this book quite amusing. I just worry that some people take some of these viewpoints a little too seriously.

Daniel Kurtzman takes all of the traditional jibes and cliches about liberals and turns it into a hilarious charicature that people of any political persuasion can enjoy. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of this miniature book is the 'Liberal Hall Of Shame'. It's packed full of deviants, miscreants and perverts alike and offers an amusing digression on the misdemeanours that are hidden in the liberal closet.

I have yet to read Kurtzman's companion book 'How To Win A Fight With A Conservative', but if it's as good as this one I'm sure it will be a worthwhile purchase.

My husband does not read for pleasure. I bought this for him for Christmas and he actually is **reading** it! Haven't heard any complaints, just a snicker or laughter now and then, while he's entranced in it. It's a miracle I tell you! He's enjoying it in spite of himself..

If I'd have known sooner that this book was so good, I'd have purchased it sooner! It doesn't matter if you read it start to finish or jump around, it just isn't possible to read more than a page without laughing.
And in a world that awards Nobel Prizes to people without any comprehension of weather patterns, it's great to be reminded that there is indeed a lot to laugh at when the topic is liberals.

When you can't stand to see any more of Hillary's sleazy grin on TV, pick up this concise little book. You'll be glad you did!

While the Liberals are selling out America, destroying the Christian faith, denying the existance of God and praying for defeat in Iraq, there is nothing to laugh at. America is the best place to live, the only country with freedom of religion and freedom of speech. If Liberals find Christianity is so hateful and if they can't stop complaining, we should show them the door...not giggle at their antics. Funny books about Liberals may be cute, but not taking our country's enemies seriously is a dangerous trap. We shouldn't be lulled into thinking Liberals are harmless kooks and tree huggers, or we'll wake up one morning to find that we have turned into Secular Progressives. How do you win an argument with a Liberal? Send him to Iran where he can join people who feel the same way about America.

I absolutely love this story. It was perfect for my son who at the time was a challenge at bedtime. I stillsometimes read this to him (now 5) but almost nightly to my daughter who is now 3.
The story is captivating enough to keep the little ones interestwith just the right number of words per page so that you are turning pages frequently. It is also educational in that kids learn number ordinance, and different animals. This book is a great find. It is a book you will definately read for years to come, my copy is already five years old !

This is a great bedtime book! I read it often to the kids, ages 3-10, at the daycare where I work when we are putting them to bed at night. In fact I've read it so often that I have it nearly memorized. The repeatizeness is comforting and the story is somthing they can identify with! I whole heartedly recommend it!

I have two young sons who are 3 & 4 years old. Everynight before bedtime, they get to pick out six books for us to read before they get tucked in, and everynight, this book is one they want to hear!

We've gotten into the habit of me pointing at them when it's time and they get to say, "I don't want to go to bed!"

Wonderful book! I highly recommend it to all children! Not only is it a great message, but it allows the youngsters to become involved in the story.

I don't want to go to bed is a great example of a perfect children's story. It has all the elements that are required for a children's story. These are, funny characters, good illistrations, the ability to relate to kids, and teaches them a lesson. It also has some much needed humor. It has all the elements and it isnt long and drug out and boring like many other children's storys. In conclusion, it is a great book and I would recomend it to any kids.

This book was a easy reading and totally enjoyable. All young readers having a bad time going to bed should read this book. This book is also really great for babysitters to read to thier children, whom they put kids to bed and which this is a really great bed time story book. I personally like this book because of it's beautiful pictures and kids get a kick out of this book.

my husband and i were instructed to read this book, as were many of our peers, during our engagement (1980!). more than just a moving story, it offers practical issues to think about as you're considering spending your life with someone. it weaves the personal stories of several couples with a series of sermons given by a traveling pastor on the subject of marriage. though until i saw it recently on amazon, it was a little tough to find, we have given it as a gift to several engaged couples. definitely worth it!

The reason why I value this book as a precious treasure is because it holds such truths and such valuable lessons. It gives real answers, even sincere "I don't know"-s, to all questions that young people have.
I have read the book three times, twice when I was single and once as a married woman. It truly is touching and deep. The Lord has spoken through this man, and may he be blessed for making His word audible.
Wheather in a relationship or not, married, single, with a boy/girl-friend, fiance, ... friend, please read this book.

This is an amazing book I recommend anyone from any culture. It's not a book that tells you Dos and Dons, rather a journey of an American pastor who was preaching about marriage, sex, love and God in Africa. I am especially impressed towards the end of the book when the good Christian African man, Maurice, asked weather if he was wrong as a 30 year old virgin to dumb his ex girl-friend because she was not a virgin. Good for Maurice to stand firm before God against temptation. But there are too many Maurice, justifying women who have a different path of life, which might be so wrong, but in needed for forgiveness and acceptance. The books raises a lot of tough and true questions, which sometimes is hard for us to even form. For me, it was tough for me to explain to my boy friend why I think it is problematic for him to not think about marriage, and keep saying that he will seek God first. It's contradictory. Do you not love a child because you want to love God first? Both can come as a practice. Practice how to love God and humble ourselves in marriage. To serve one another, the best way to display our love for God.

In the book, another character, Fatma, a beautiful young women, just like the Samaritan woman who met Jesus on the way to the well written in the New Testament. She and her 6 ex bf/husband, and still living with another man, non of them is her husband. This beautiful woman could not see a way out, do not find a place in God even though she was searching. This story of Fatma is also true to many women who became a Christian later in her life or was lost on the way as a Christian. How women like that may think the best way out is to commit suicide, because her body and soul are wounded, so wounded and dirty, that, abandoning it is the only way out. This is the best book so far I have read about sex, forgiveness, marriage, love and God. It's not a self help book, but I would recommend to anyone in any age.

The only book on marriage I have read that I thought worth keeping and periodically re-reading.

It is told as a (true) story of a marriage counseling couple helping people with marriage or marriage-like problems - a man looking for a woman to marry, an unmarried woman feeling trapped in a relationship, a pastor's wife feeling neglected because her husband puts church members' needs ahead of his family's needs.

This is the only book I have read about marriage that considers single people not merely as "not-yet-married" but as complete people in their own right. Singleness, then, is as wholesome a choice as marriage. Marriage, then, is the uniting of two already complete people, who together create something new - regardless of whether or not children result.

His explanation of how the Bible's statement that two people leave their parents, cleave to each other, and become one flesh is a picture of Jesus's relationship to each of us, is awesome, and goes way beyond anything I have heard preached elsewhere on marriage as an image of God.

I had to read "I Married You" for a seminary Premarital/Marital counseling course, and I found it to be quite fascinating. I was particularly intrigued by the setting - an unnamed country in Africa. That set it apart from most marriage books right from the start, since along with the usual relational insights, "I Married You" acted as a window into another culture's relationships with God and each other. Of course there were differences, such as the intriguing way the African church service was conducted compared to a typical white American one. However, the universal relational issues Trobisch portrays really enabled me to identify with persons I am united with by faith, if not by race or culture.

Regardless of where in the world one calls "home", Trobisch makes a solid case for the sanctity and strength of marriage as an institution. The book's theme is based on the classic Biblical marriage passage Genesis 2:24, boiled down to "leave, cleave, and become one flesh." Leaving occurs when the man and woman enter into a legal relationship and create a family unit that is independent from their parents. Then, they cleave together as one in an exclusive relationship, and finally become one flesh in body, soul, and spirit, sharing everything. It is this foundation that forms marriage as God intended it. Trobisch goes on to Biblically debunk the idea that the marriage union is meant to subvert women and empower men to dominate them. He also shows how pitfalls like premarital sex can damage the marriage relationship before it even begins. Helpfully, he makes his points by using intuitively recognizable allegories and illustrations that, while very relevant to African culture, are easily understood by the average Westerner. For example, a marriage philosophy that denigrates women and children is referred to as the "garden" concept (very agricultural in nature), while the ideal union is symbolized by the image of a three-legged stool (a visual aid suggested to Trobisch by an elderly African woman in order to liven up his plainer "triangle" illustration). As for the day-to-day aspects of marriage, Trobisch suggests ways that a couple can discover more about themselves and their relationship. An example is the "quarrel" test, where the spouses honestly question whether or not they can really forgive each other and resolve conflict. Unstable marriage relationships are discussed as well, such as the "empty" marriage, characterized by lack of love and an increase in alienation.

The book's main strength lies with Trobisch's skill in identifying the above principles within the context of real-life relationships, including his own marriage. "I Married You" is not just another dry, sugarcoated "how-to" marriage manual. Instead, we can identify with everyone Trobisch encounters, from the somewhat immature single man in his 30s with an idealized portrait of a wife that no real woman could match, to Trobisch's own long-suffering wife Ingrid. Indeed, one of the most affecting parts of the book is seeing Trobisch absolutely blow it with her, right after multiple days of teaching and counseling others concerning the ideals listed above! It is this kind of transparent honesty that really set "I Married You" above other books in the genre. My only gripe would be the inadequate treatment Trobisch gives to the single life as a valid alternative to marriage. However, such a rabbit trail would have veered too far from the book's central theme, so he can be forgiven for that small transgression. Overall, I can enthusiastically recommend this book as required reading for anyone interested in this topic, particularly engaged couples.

He says things in a way that gives the average person the courage to say what needs to be said.
From Barb M.

Warm fuzzies. I have to agree that this entire book says what many people would like to say but can't put it in words. My favorite is page 56 "My Music". I come from a very musical family, so this really gave warm fuzzies. And, I love the last line. I can imagine my daughter's fiancee reading this to her - because, her name is "Melody".

"I Need To Know" is a great little book. It takes you deep into the real definition of relationship and true love. For a guy like me, who struggles to find the right words, this book really hits the mark. I am truly committed to my relationship, and this book has helped me find the right words and ideas to share with my spouse. Many times, we simply read it to each other, which then generate a lot of great conversations that we would otherwise get lost in our busy lives.
This is a great book and should be shared by all who seek to nurture and grow in love and relationships. By the way, my wife and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year... we love each other dearly and we are setting our sights on 50!

With "I Need You to Know" Mr. Saylor invites the reader to uncomplicate the love relationship by exploring and expressing the most basic, yet most important of human emotions. This book is a journey of the heart. There is something here for everyone.

I loved the book I Need You to Know!

The book is an in depth, emotionally touching expression of the strongest human emotion, and the ideal level of communication in which we all aspire to reach in order to express that which is hidden, untapped or merely the lack of being unable to communicate the treasures that lie within the heart.

The gentle and tender expression of H.Thomas Saylor's poems have a way of melting the heart and is a refreshing fragrance of purity, truth and hope that transcends this expression.

Thank you H.Thomas Saylor for your gift from the heart!

This book is a MUST read for all who are single or in a committed relationship. It gives insight and direction in how to have a deeper, more meaningful relationship by communicating.

The Getty Museum's reputation for quality is upheld in this small format handbook. Chock full of reproductions, it includes obscure images.

The color quality shows egg tempera's true and intense hues on feel good low gloss paper.

Copy is like a short survey course-informative and addictive. This is a good reference book.

Good things: For the price, this book has a way more bang for the buck than most icon books. Look at the number of pages, and each of them has an icon. The paper is very nice, glossy and heavy. The icons are explained in depth, with indications of the meaings of each part, and a short history of the icon.

Nitpicks: I wish the book were a little larger, but then again I say that about all icon books. Also, I seriously wish someone would include Ethopian and Coptic and other Church icons in some of these books, especially one this size and this thorough. There were tons of the standard Byzantine/Greek/Russian icons, some of them redundant, which could have had some Syrian/Ethopian/Coptic/Arabic etc icons in there too. But these nitpicks aren't reason to not buy the book, or even deduct a star.

Although I agree with most of the comments made by the others who have offered critiques, I don't believe this book deserves a 5 star rating. This book has a lot of beautiful icons, and I enjoyed learning about the meaning of the imagery. There is high value in the diverse collection of beautiful icons. The book had three flaws that disturbed my enjoyment of the book:

1) Icons are tied together by some general imagery. I am fairly ignorant with regards to icon imagery, but I know a little. For example, the use of the mandorla. A mandorla (round or almond shaped device behind an image) is used to mark something that can only be seen through the eyes of faith. The general meaning of colors like blue and red on the icons of Mary and Jesus, as well. A short guide explaining some of these general rules of imagery would have been a spectacular aid to those, like myself, who are woefully ignorant on the topic.

2) The author expresses some theology in language that is inaccurate and likely confusing for the non-Orthodox Christian reader. For example, he uses the word "worship" to describe the Orthodox veneration of icons. Icons are never worshipped. Worship is for God alone. For the reader seeking to understand the Mystery of Orthodox icons, this would be a devastating and confusing statement. Icons are venerated (greatly honored), never worshiped. The teaching is that this veneration passes to the person represented in the image.

3) The book was so small it was difficult to see some of the details in the imagery that the author was trying to illustrate.

Overall, a very interesting and educational book with a wealth of knowledge about iconography, however, it could have been much better.

I have a lot of books about icons, orthodoxy, saints, and to be honest I never believe at I can find a new book that can teach me more. But miracles
happens and this little book was a revelation. So full of information and images, this book is a gem.I sincerely recommended.

When it comes to the Eastern Church's wealth of Icons, so many are near impossible for westerners to discover. Many were either hidden (and often lost) during the Communist rule of eastern europe, or many were destroyed by the powers that be during that era. Other Icons in the book come from Lebanon, Egypt (St. Catherine's monestary), and Greece, some dating back to the 6th century. So, for a complete overview of the Orthodox love of Icons, this book has a plethoria of icons not seen until now, and never in such a complete overview in one book. The only orthodox Icons not covered, are those from India, and Ethiopia, which are apparently outside the scope of the book. Some of these icons are beautiful beyond imagination. With each icon, all in FULL COLOR, and covering a single page, comes simple little remarks as to what the imagery represents in each Icon. Also, the book is divided into sections, with Icons of Christ, Mary, Saints that lived in towers, Saints who were martyrs, and so forth. This makes it easy to study the iconology of TYPES, and not a simple alphabetical approach, as in the western art book in this series does. (St. Ambrose, St. Boniface, etc.) I sadly have this warning to give however. I had a FIRST EDITION of this book. However, it was "Borrowed" from me against my will, and they refused to return it to me, and I had to replace it. I ended up with a SECOND EDITION of the book,and the color isnt right on the prints. THe red plates are supersaturated, and the black plates seem too saturated as well, on many of the pages. I so much enjoyed this book, that I bought the COMPANION BOOK in this GUIDE TO IMAGERY series. If you are interested in the artistic representation of religious figures, the book SAINTS IN ART does for the western religious art world, what this book does for the eastern religious art world. Both books are from Italy initially, and are printed by the PAUL GETTY MUSEUM in the USA. The big difference, is that the western art, is obviously well known to anyone with college level art history study, and access to big city museums. These icons are art not seen in other books until now, for the most part. My other beefs with this book, are as follows. Besides the problems with the color in the second edition, most of these pictures are just TOO SMALL to really examine properly. This book is about 6 inches by 8 inches, so the pictures are reduced too far, to see the smaller details, where many of the symbolic features of the Icon can be found. Also, when they show what the icon is about, they draw black lines thru the pictures. But the pluses outweigh the minuses, and its well worth the cost. I only hope, that if they go into a third printing, they will fix the color balance to the book. I can highly recommend this book without reservation.

"In The Fullness of Time" is an updated version of a trilogy on early Christianity written by the historian Paul L. Maier. Part I covers the Christmas story, Part II covers Easter, and Part III takes readers from Pentacost to Nero's persecutions. I had previously read and enjoyed a number of Maier's fictional works and I had high expectations for this non-fiction work. I was not disappointed.
The book is a fast read and the author kept my interest. Each section was concise though informative. Information about the region's climate and background stories of some of the key players helped flesh out the familiar story. The book also contains numerous photographs to help the reader visualize the places the author is writting about. Maier avoids sensationally radical theories or over-literalism that mar many works on the same subject. Overall, an enjoyable book about the rise of Christianity.

Pail Maier, a expert in ancient history, has written a great book. from my understanding is that, this book was three different books now put into one. If you are a new Christian, you need this book. If you read this book as a new believer, you will have a better grasp of the background of the NT in reading this book, than going to a expositional preaching church for two years. It will lay a great foundation for your walk with the living Christ. If you a long time believer, and have not read this book, you should, for it will open your eyes, to the NT. Dr. Maier goes into the Christmas story, Easter Sunday and the early church. Great book.

Maier does a good job putting Christmas and Easter into their appropriate historical contexts. Lots of good information that helps to place both into perspective.

The third part of the book, on the early church, is not as well done. There is less historical and archaelogical information brought into play. It was still pretty good, just not as good as the first two sections.

Still, I would recommend this book as one to help build a foundation.

Paul Maier is a truly gifted lecturer. I've had the pleasure of watching two of his videos and if I lived anywhere near Western Michigan University, I'd sneak into the back of his classroom (he is a member of the history faculty there) on a regular basis - he has a gift for making the First Century A.D. accessible.

"In the Fullness of Time" continues this tradition. Maier has basically consolidated 3 other books into one larger volume (with a few changes) and he discusses the first Christmas, the first Easter and the ministries of the early Apostles, especially Paul and Peter.

Maier does a great job of bringing actual documentation that supports the stories of Christmas, Easter and the Book of Acts. He includes the works of Roman and Jewish historians, explains Roman and Jewish religious and political practices and deals with alternate theories that have been proposed. While this could be dry reading, Maier makes it lively and this volume reads more like a novel than a textbook.

So, who is this book for? If you are a well-read Christian who has looked into many of the facts that back the New Testament as it is written on your own, you won't find much new ground covered in this book. The internet has lots of this information scattered about. However, you are unlikely to find sources as concise and as well-written as this one. Plus, if you are interested in further research, it is well-documented with tons of footnotes.

If you are a new Christian or are newly interested in the history behind Christianity, this is a powerful introduction.

I give this one a grade of "A"

Maybe it's because I enjoy reading historical literature... or maybe I am facinated by the notion the Gospel accounts are historical in nature. Paul Maier has done a wonderful job combining backround historical context, archeological artifacts, and a clear logical approach into a credible and refreshing look at what is was like to: experience the first Christmas, the first Easter, and what it was like for the early Christians after the resurrection. This is surprisingly enjoyable read.

Hi, Suzanne, I hope you are reading this. One Saturday morning, I read the copy Lynds received from you and this book has far more detailed information and more aspects of numerology than I have seen before. I enjoyed how this book defined very well and explained the derivation of numbers for: Soul, Karma, Gift, Path, Destiny, many patterns, Driving force, Dream, True Self, and for Soulmate and Twin Ray Comparison for couples, which we both found positive, accurate and encouraging! It confirmed much we knew and so is amazingly accurate as well as revealing even a more. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Buy it!

Suzanne has a magical gift of explaining the mystical inner workings of the soul in a simplistic, common-sense approach. The truthfulness of numerology expressed will surprise and delight you! Enjoy!

Suzanne's exploration of numerology integrates the essences of overlapping patterns (astrology, symblology, etc) with clarity and deep insight. She gives readers a key to the depths of their inner essence.

As the world is built upon the power of numbers, "Integral Numerology" by Suzanne Wagner, helps us: explore the meaning of numbers associated with astrological signs and planets, identify each soul's karmic destiny and fully realize the encrypted information within our own names. Archetypes guide us toward greater awareness of our complex personalities, emotional well-being and spiritual journeys in the quest for True Self. Wagner's book gives clarity to all of us.

"Integral Numerology" is a strong gift to the world - a masterful tool for understanding yourself, and those around you.Suzanne presents a strong foundation in the meaning of numbers, as well as their associations with astrological signs and planets.

Life is made up of patterns, and once we understand those patterns, we can take charge of our own destiny. Suzanne shows us how to determine our personal life pattern, including our Soul number (experiences from a past lifetime), Karmic number (lessons to be learned in this lifetime), Gift number (the gifts and skills we bring with us from previous lifetimes), Path number (the path of this lifetime), Destiny number (the destiny for this lifetime), and Year number (showing wich cycle we are in for the current year).

Suzanne also addresses multiples of numbers appearing in an individual life pattern, how to chart the dynamics of family relationships, the difference between a Soul Mate and a Twin Ray, and so much more!

At the end of the book she has included a section on prominent people and their numerological patterns that is very telling!

"Integral Numerology" is written in a fast paced, reader friendly format. It doesn't take long with this book to see yourself in a whole new light!

I have been a seeker and searcher for most of my life. I have trusted Suzanne with personal readings and guidance for many years. I was very unsure of my own capabilities to understand and decipher Tarot, even though I am a Life Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, and study shamanism and quantum physics 'just for fun'! I did not trust my own ability to extract the depth of meaning that is so innate with Suzanne's readings. That has all changed with her new Integral Tarot Meditation CD. It is wonderful to have her voice teach and guide me throughout the process, and to have her depth of experience at my fingertips! I am gaining confidence and understanding each time I listen. Thanks Suzanne, for providing me with 24/7 contact to your knowledge, wisdom and insight as I learn more about tarot!

When you reach a place on the path where there are challenges or confusion, these CD's can help orient and ground you. Suzanne has a unique gift for putting things in perspective and clearly explaining each step of the journey, each cycle of growth, each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and enlightment. They are easy to listen to and easy to navigate. Excellent gift to this planet for their healing and uplifting quality.

WOW! There is simply nothing out there like this! Suzanne successfully mastered the task of explaining the Tarot with a spiritual enlightening approach that anyone of any belief system can resonate with, as well as coupling her magical insights with soothing, meditative tunes that are easy to relax to. Strongly Recommended!

In "Integral Tarot Meditation", Suzanne Wagner has gifted the Tarot world with a priceless tool of empowerment. Intended to work with the "Integral Tarot" book, this two CD set takes the Seeker on an incredible journey within themselves, introducing the archetypes of the Tarot as they exist within, and helping the Seeker to integrate their personal archetypes into their whole being.

The essence of each card within the Tarot comes to life in these meditations. The focus is on the Seeker, and how the energy of the Tarot appears in their life, rather than on a card that exists outside of themselves. This promotes two very important things: a healing for the Seeker, as they integrate their internal energy, and a deeper understanding of the cards themselves. Once the Seeker internalizes this energy of the cards, any work done with them will flow freely.

The Seeker is taken through each of the cards of the Tarot: Trumps, Court Cards, and Pips. Through a meditative journey, they meet the archetypes, come to a realization of what their personal relationship is to each of the archetypes, and integrate this energy into themselves in a safe, supportive environment. After the journey with the individual Trumps, Wagner takes the Seeker on a journey that shows how the energy build from card to card. This would be the journey of the Fool, and it is an awesome journey.

These meditations are based on the Thoth Tarot deck. There are some major differences between the Thoth deck and the widely used Rider-Waite deck (i.e. the inclusion of three Magus (Magicians), and a somewhat different titling of the cards), but I feel that the quality of this work stands on its own, and could be used by all Seekers, no matter what their deck of choice.

I have to mention the music - it is so superbly done that it becomes a part of the "safe environment" that Wagner creates for this journey, rather than standing out as "music" on its own. Kudos to Derek Keith, the gentleman responsible for this part of the journey.

This gracious tool of meditation is not a "one time use" tool. Life as we live it is a series of cycles, and part of each cycle is integration of the energies that we are working with. I can see these CD's being used by individuals, by groups, in a client setting, as well as in a formal counseling setting. Wagner has created a knowledgeable foundation for integrating the archetypes of the Tarot, and their wisdom, in a completely safe environment. This CD set is an investment in your own mental health - one that you will not regret.

"Integral" means lines of development and integrating all aspects of our being, among other things. Tarot is often viewed as a prerational form of divination, but Suzanne brings out the architypes of the Tarot that can all help us integrate. Her meditations take us through five different paths of development to help us on our journeys of moving from one stage to the next.

Integral also means heavean and earth are not two. Suzanne helps us navigate our spiritual and material development, placing equal importance on both.

Integral is also about multiple perspectives. Suzanne has included so much wisdom from so many points of view that I found to truly use these CDs as meditations, I needed a remote to hit the pause button after each sentence!

Integral also implies that any experience will be interpreted by the our current level of development. Suzanne clearly understands that to develop transrational, metaphysical gifts and insights, we must learn all we can about our own patterns so we can recognize them when reading others and not project our own experience.

With Suzanne's insight, I now understand the tarot much as the "I Ching": not just a tool for divination, but a map to help orient us on our journey.