India Books

This book is really a discourse on why we feel pain. For people of a more "intellectual bent", this book may be the perfect opening into Yogananda's other books and works. According to this book, there really is no pleasure. So what do we feel when we have sex or eat an ice cream cone? First of all, the mind is just fine as it is. That is, you will not add anymore pain. But by association in thought (thinking), one creates an "excitation" in the brain. This is a desire and it causes pain because we want the desired object. Now here is the hard part. The so-called pleasure is really just the removal of the WANT created by the association in the mind. I thought about writing a book review. Somebody calls. I feel upset (pain). But the pain is caused by my having thought about the book review in the first place. I created an "excitation" or spark in the brain. Then this excitation was not fulfilled. Great pain. But even if somebody doesn't call, and I do write this review, THE FEELING OF PLEASURE IS ONLY THE RESULT OF REMOVING THE ORIGINAL EXCITATION FROM MY BRAIN! So, there really isn't any pleasure. There is the pain of not satisfying the excitation and there is the neutral feeling of satisfying the excitation (which will uninevitably arise again). How do we get out of this quagmire of pain. Quite simple. Order this book from Amazon. com.

In this small book, PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA clearly states a simple and profound truth that is the core philosophy of all of the world's great spiritual systems. As Douglas Ainslie says in his introduction "this small book offers the clue to the universe....between these narrow covers is to be found the flower of the Vedas and the Upanishads, the essence of Patanjali,...and the thought of Shankara, greatest mind that ever dwelt in mortal body........This is the deliberate attempt of one who has at last found in the East, after many wanderings, the solution to the riddles of the world......The essential point to be remarked about Paramahansa's teaching,....is that it is not speculative , but practical, even when dealing with the utmost reaches of metaphysics."

The author was a great Yogi who lived and taught in the West for over 30 years. The example of his life and work have not only turned many people god-ward, but has also shown them the way to SELF-REALIZATION through Kriya Yoga and his prolific inspired teachings. His wisdom, insight and remarkable innovations in the field of human development and religion are legendary.The main theme of this book is "bliss", our deepest need and how to find it.

Parmahansa Yogananda established the Self-Realization Fellowship as the sole authorized representative and spiritual path for his great work.

Also Recommended:

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI........SANCTUARY OF THE SOUL........THE DIVINE ROMANCE...............MAN'S ETERNAL QUEST..................JOURNEY TO SELF-REALIZATION.....................WHISPERS FROM ETERNITY..................WHERE THERE IS LIGHT ....etc....all by the same author.

Yogananda's maiden voyage on the sea of authorship, THE SCIENCE OF RELIGION, surprises the reader us with paradoxes. In 1920, when still at his teacher's ashram in India, Yogananda received an invitation to speak to an International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, sponsored by the American Unitarian Association, thus beginning his three decades of teaching and work on this continent. "Science" and "religion" are usually discussed as opposites or adversaries, as are "reason" and "faith," but this expansion of his 1920 address to that congress brings the yoga approach: revealing the unities - in the most ancient and universal "unitarian" approach.

The very word "religion" has roots in "unity:" the Latin 'religare', which dictionaries often define unpleasantly as to restrain or to tie back; Yogananda cites the more yogic definition: to bind. To someone accustomed to the term "yoga" with its common roots in "to yoke together" or "to unite," the positive implications become apparent for religion as a force of LIBERATION rather than of restraint. If you are among the thousands who shun the contemporary uses of "religious" and say, with many of my friends, "I am not so much a religious person as a spiritual person," you will appreciate Yogananda's use of this more universal and positive meaning of "religious."

In this tightly reasoned essay on how ancient spiritual revelations from yoga science can elevate modern religion to liberating heights, Yogananda offers to even the most intellectual of audiences the best of reasons 1) why devotion to Truth and the experience of Spirit must logically go hand-in-hand and 2) how the airy realms of spirituality are pressingly practical: "...religion necessarily consists in the permanet removal of pain and the realization of Bliss or God."

He moves forward to show the differences between the basic four approaches to spiritual realization (as described by another reviewer, below) and provides more fundamentals about meditation and esoteric yoga practice than his 1920 audience could possibly have coped with. It is more accessible to our new, better-initiated century. The Science of Religion is an introduction to the universality of yoga, meditation, and the experience of the Divine, and -- although lacking the fascinating annecdotes of his Autobiography of a Yogi or the inspirational upliftment of such later books as Where There is Light and The Divine Romance -- The Science of Religion is a powerfully reasoned call to the intellect to open its heart along with its mind.

RECOMMENDATION: Especially good gift for your intellectual, agnostic friends - or those who have been alienated by narrow, orthodox, negativity-based presentations of religion.

Religion or faith in fundamental principles, is the foundation upon which the edifice of reasoning, or science is built upon. While it is religion which binds us into courses of action consistent with those fundamental principles, it is science that enables us to stay clear of inconsistent systems of guiding principles, and to practically attain the goals posited by our principles.

The Science of Religion by Paramahansa Yogananda arrives by analysis at inner happiness or bliss as the goal that binds all men. Thus, from the standpoint of the etymological meaning of the word religion as that which binds (from religio-onis in Latin), the author says that the pursuit of bliss is universal religion, as it motivates all human actions.

Having arrived at universal religion, the author then goes on to present the practical means of attaining the goal, i.e.,the science. He outlines the four broad classes of methods that have been evolved to attain bliss, or God: the methods of reasoning, devotion, meditation, and life-force control. He points out the limitations of the first three methods, and recommends the method of life-force control (which acts directly upon the vital organs of the body, slowing them down) to sever the identification of human consciousness with the body that underlies all human suffering.

A friend's mother left a wealth of metaphysical books behind that did not interest him. Since my interest in these matters was well beknownst to him, I became the recipient of such wonderful volumes. Among many titles from classic religion to Edgar Cace, the collection included an early printing of The Secret Path by Paul Bruton.

Albeit Paul Brunton writes in a formal style, wherein one finds a certain quaintness, the depth and breadth are stirring - the imagery akin to Aldus Huxley. Moreover, I was drawn in by the Brunton's sincerity and commitment to reaching beyond his privileged path.

Much as the Buddha exemplified, sharing ones awareness of the inner nature of higher man is vital to the upliftment of all. Brunton shared what he realized and what was shared with him, where ever he found the opportunity.

To give and share wealth of spirit helps advance the will to share abundance with ones kind - and all in need who share this planet. It is the Christ-like way - the enlightened path that seems a secret, yet lies within our grasp. This book helps us realize the way.

May I also recommend The Mystic Christ by Ethan Walker III, Devipress - 2003?

Brunton knew much more than he chose to show in this book; he was a very serious student of the path...and a sage. He started out as a journalist and those writing skills allow him to write clearly, simply and yet to explain one way of reaching the deeper mind and deeper reality. This is an excellent description of one way of accessing ones deeper self. I am sure there are many ways to climb that particular mountain...and yet he must surely be correct in stressing relaxation and "no-mind" (though he doesnt use that term) as milestones on the way to universal consciousness.

This extraordinary book explains in simple language what life is all about,and why we are here.It`s about you and me.If you are disatisfied with your life read this book and you will see things from a different point of view.The load of cares and troubles which most of us carry about with us can be thrown off and a won-derful feeling of peace and freedom can take their place.Simply by reading and understanding the explanations given you can lift your life up and experience a new beginning and an ever fresh ou-tlook on what seems to be a boring existence.Life is to enjoy.

In this book Dr. Paul Brunton invites us to define ourselves in our quest for the Overself. He asks the question 'Who am I?'. He then outlines three stages of meditation: self-analysis, breathing & mental quiet. He continues to describe the peace and serenity that we will achieve once we have completed these 3 steps and have awakened to our Overself.

An excellent book that I read almost everyday just before my meditation.

THIS BOOK LISTED AS IT CAME- VERY GOOD CONDITION. IT IS A TREASURE TO ME!

I have loved this collection of poetry since the day I first encountered my grandmother's personally illustrated and calligraphy reproduced version (of the poems she loved best), as a child of about nine or ten. She had been a Ziegfeld Follies dancer, and the passion and sadness of Laurence Hope's poetry inspired her interpretive style of performing. She gave me my own copy for my sixteenth birthday and I have it still. My hope is to someday find the complete illustrated work (in good to excellent condition).

I really loved this book. I happened to come across one at a garage sale. I found, I believe, a 1923 copywrited edition. The poems in it do not center themselves around India exactly, although it does include some customes in it, but focus more on feelings and ideas related to love itself. My personal favorites are written by Mohammed Akram. I highly recomend this book to poetry fans!

I really loved this book. I happened to come across one at a garage sale. I found, I believe, a 1923 copywrited edition. The poems in it do not center themselves around India exactly, although it does include some customes in it, but focus more on feelings and ideas related to love itself. My personal favorites are written by Mohammed Akram. I highly recomend this book to poetry fans!

This book is a breath of fresh air in today's world of yoga and spirituality. It is unusual to read from a teacher who has not only gained intellectual understanding of a particular system, but has also experienced the reality of its practices.

The first chapter 'Fifteen Verses of Wisdom' went straight over my head, which shows I still lack understanding in this area. The chapter 'Talks on Practice' reveals the mechanics of meditation according to the system of Kashmir Shaivism. I found it clear and insightful. This was balanced by the chapter 'Talks on Discipline' which shows that Lakshmanjoo has the integrity to give clear guidelines to the spiritual aspirant on how one should conduct oneself on the spiritual path.

Finally in his last chapter 'The Secret Knowledge of Kundalini' Swami Lakshmanjoo gives real insight into the mechanics of the mysterious subject of kundalini. To date I have found other material on this subject to be rather nebulous and mere fantasy, based in the vivid imaginations of so called gurus and well read authors. Swami Lakshmanjoo takes this mysterious subject out of the category of fantasy and clearly defines how kundalini functions. His intimate description of the various modes of rising of kundalini, based on his own experience are truly fascinating.

This book is a revelation for the earnest seeker on the spiritual path.

Can hardly believe I wrote this review 6 years ago (it is now 24 Feb 2008).

Having delved deeply into the subject of Kundalini, I still find nothing to match Swami Lakshmanjoo's explanations on this mysterious subject. In my continued research I have found that almost all writings on Kundalini are based on what is known as the "Shat Chakra Nirupana," which elaborates on the six chakras in the subtle body. Everywhere you will find illustrations showing the chakra positions along the vertical axis of the spine and the various petals that emanate from each chakra.

After reading the last chapter in "Self Realization" I wondered why Lakshmanjoo made no reference to these commonly recognized lotus petals that surround the charkas. I found the answer in his earlier book "Kashmir Shaivism, the Secret Supreme", in the form of a small footnote which says: "in Kashmir Shaivism the lotus petals are neither experienced nor recognized."

This explains why Lakshmanjoo only talks about the chakras spinning with great velocity and power as the energy of kundalini rises from one chakra to another. Obvious isn't it, since the word chakra actually means wheel.

In this book Lakshmanjoo also explains the difference between prana kundalini, cit kundalini and para kundalini; subjects unique to Kashmir Shaivism. Based on his own personal experience, Lakshmanjoo elaborates with great clarity, leaving the reader convinced of his total authority on this subject.

For those interested in Kashmir Shaivism in general, and Kundalini in particular, I highly recommend this book, and the earlier one: "Kashmir Shaivism the Secret Supreme" which has two chapters on Kundalini.

This book took me to the heart of Kashmir Shaivism. It covered concepts and included both practice and experience. The authors have also provided transliterated sanskrit verses for those who are interested. This is a good begining for any one intending a study of Kashmir Shaivism.

One of those books you devour in one sitting! Too cool for words. A kind of quick overview of Shaivite philosophy and practice. An excellent beginning for those wishing to start the Shaivite path.

It is the first book of kashmir philosophy which covers all the aspects of the title.It is the complete informative book about pre-history age of kashmir.

An insightful novel that shows family relationships across generations. Jhabvala also does a superb job of portraying the extreme and at times ridiculous subservience of some of the family members to the words of a so-called spiritual "Master." The resemblance of the "Master" to Gurdjieff is quite striking, in my opinion.

This book was amazing I enjoyed it emensly I am 16 and Female I got the book on my birth day in september I read it and some things I could relate back to my life I enjoyed the book and would like to thank Ruth for her skills I recomend that all who shall come across to read it its amazing seriously I enjoyed it!

This is a really lovely book. Ruth writes very lightly and speaks eloquently through her character. As with all memories, you feel the story is imperfect. Sections are missed and then recalled in a very beautiful manner which imitates our own flawed memories. More than anything else, the book shows the unity of the generations and expresses the passions within families.

I've read a number of Jhabvala's novels and short stories and this is by far my favorite. It's the story of a family's relationship with an Indian guru. Whether this spiritual advisor is a charlatan or a true holy man is never completely clear, but his impact on the family reverberates over four generations.

My only complaint about the book is that it suddenly shifts narrative tone about a third of the way through, from the grandmother's first-person account to a third-person tale focussing primarily on her grandson. Other than that, a wonderful, engrossing story about family, spirituality and memory.

This book has got all that you need to avoid reinventing the wheel. A must for Sikh history researchers.

This book is specialy interesting and instructive to be read by the sikhs
and those who have allready some knowledge of Sikhism.

I bought this book expecting to read articles with a bigoted, mis-informed view of the Sikh culture and people from an anti-Sikh western viewpoint, or worse, pure ignorance. I was pleasantly surprised by the detailed and fascinating detail on the circumstances of Sikh people and life during the periods covered. I appreciate that there are gaps in coverage, but that adds to the authencity of the accounts and helps you formulate a view in your mind how the Sikh's could've changed from a small band of warriors under Bhanda Singh to the organised armies under Ranjit Singh. What I liked were the commentaries by the narrators who put the writer's circumstances into context before putting the writer's actual account before the reader. This helps the reader appreciate the limitations of the writer's perspective, and appreciate the actual gems of insight where they are to be found. The book also gives a glimpse into the past when it wasn't necessary to be 'man with turban' to be sikh, but there were other ways to be spiritually sikh without donning the appearance of a Khalsa sikh.

Overall, a gr8 read. Now onto Patwant Singh's book...

Well done to the authors and all who supported them in this long overdue project.

Amandeep and Paramjeet have attempted to write this book in an unbiased fashion, and I must say, have succeeded. This is a rare acheivement for authors of history and historians, as the biased historical accounts of the early Europeans in India show.

The accounts (some apparently eye witness) of Banda Bahadur are particulary informative as to the culture, opinions, attitudes and politics of the rulers and the Sikhs in the early eighteenth century.

It's a shame that there is still a gap in mid eighteenth century Sikh history, although there are accounts of this, they are still very limited in content and historians rely heavily on the hearsay of the time.

Maybe a project on the Sikh Misls could be a possibilty, using all known sources!! There is a lot of misinformation about this period and the Sardaars. A comprehensive and historical records based study is much needed!

There is some very interesting information as to the practices of Sikhs which I never knew of before e.g. stirring amrit with a boars tooth, which is very believable if looked at in the context of the problems faced by the Sikhs of the time.

Unsuprisingly, there are comprehensive reports of Ranjit Singhs darbaar.

In all, this is an eye opening, inspiring and educational book.

Harcharan

This book is essential for any American working with Indians. He gives clear descriptions of the differences in how the two cultures tend to function. I am an American living in India, and this book has made a huge difference in my ability to communicate well. Highly recommended.

In Speaking of India neemt Craig Storti je mee naar de valkuilen die Indiase en westerse collega's kunnen tegenkomen in hun contacten op de 'werkvloer'. Tussen quotes, want de werkvloer kan een verbinding tussen locaties verspreid over de wereld zijn, of een op één plek samengebracht team, waarin de beide culturen elkaar letterlijk ontmoeten. Storti waakt voor generalisaties, hoewel ze voor de beeldvorming natuurlijk wel handig zijn. Diverse herkenbare voorbeelddialogen laten zien hoe snel communiceren 'zo dicht mogelijk langs elkaar heen praten' wordt.

Aspecten als hiërarchie, Hofstra's onderzoeken naar collectivisme versus individualisme en machtsafstand, verschillen tussen mannen en vrouwen en het Engels worden beschreven. Elk hoofdstuk sluit af met best practices en tips voor zowel de Indiase als westerse optiek. Het boekje rondt na diverse communicatie issues in de taal (bevestigen, ontkennen, positieve en negatieve feedback, vragen stellen, het bespreken van deadlines) af met een overzicht van diverse gebruiken, waarin westerlingen en Indiërs verschillen, zoals eetgewoonten, cadeaus bij een visite, het dragen van schoenen, kledingkeuze, het schudden van handen om het omhelzen van mensen van hetzelfde of andere geslacht. Handig voor in je multi-culti, rightshoring bagage.

As a project manager for a US-based software and web development company, I had some apprehension about working with a new off-shore programming team in India. As a second-generation American, paired with my experience teaching English and citizenship classes to refugees from around the world, I've come to know first-hand how challenging, and disastrous, culture misunderstandings can be. Now, with regular cross-cultural global communication also becoming a part of my career, I felt the pressure to make sure my misunderstanding did not interfere with business and project success.

Craig Storti comes to the rescue in a quick, yet comprehensive, read. I kept this book with in my laptop case to read a chapter whenever I had a free moment. I was able to absorb the content, even in short reading sessions. I found the introduction of the book helpful in expressing the crucial importance of cross-cultural communication in today's business world.

There are many features that set this book apart from others in its category. I really appreciated the scripted examples of conversations between an Indian and a Westerner that are included with the chapters. These examples really helped to make a connection in my mind between the lesson of the text and real world application. Storti points out the missteps in each of the example conversations, and how it could have been prevented. The extensive section of the book devoted singly to the "Indian Yes" and other agreements is especially invaluable and a must to any Western individual seeking to prevent the biggest road-block for Westerners in Indian communication. Non-verbal communication is also included, seasoned with rich content regarding cultural and familial backgrounds which create the foundation of differences in our communication styles, both of which give a comprehensive understanding.
The end of chapter summaries give you the necessary points for your own comprehension check and review.

I recommend this book specifically for Canadians, Americans, British, and Western Europeans working with East Indians in the business world. Although the book is written in a business context, teachers, volunteers, and vacation travelers would also benefit from the communication elements of this book, for a richer experience in India.

I shared this book with some Indian colleagues here in the US, who are quite Western. They found the book quite humorous, but said the accuracy and truth of it all is right on. Speaking of India has expanded my cultural understanding, and the effectiveness of my communicational understanding, with both East Indians here as "Westernized" long-time Americans, and Indians completely outside of my Western-centric experience.

Craig Storti provides a straightforward, fact-based and eminently useful guide to culture and communication issues that complicate business between Westerners and Indians. Much of the literature on culture and business is vague and theoretical - so this book stands apart. The author targets the problems that are most likely to arise in commerce, offers detailed real-life examples and shows what practical solutions businesspeople can implement. He is evenhanded in his advice, offering tips to both Westerners and Indians. Most importantly, getAbstract finds that he is businesslike in his approach, focused, practical and realistic about what is achievable.

The Sundar Kand is a very magical chapter of the Ramayana. I have seen it sung in India and the U.S. many times and I can attest to the power of reading or singing this story. I know of people whose lives were dramatically changed by singing the Ramayana only once. This book allows a sincere seeker to read both the origonal Sanskrit and the english translation and be moved by the beauty of this ancient poem. It is most wonderful when read or sung with a group of people.

With his english translation, Swami Satyananda breathes life into the story of Hanuman's adventures in Lanka. The Sundar Kand is also a story of the very personal relationships that Sita, Hauman, Lakshman and Vibishana have with Rama. These relationships come to life in this wonderful translation.The author has brilliantly captured the beauty and emotion of Tulisdasa's poetry

For me, the emotional impact of the Sundar Kand is it's demonstration of God's love for his devotees. The author's translation allows us to listen in as Rama, Sita, Hunuman and Vibishana so elegantly express their love for each other. For instance, one of the most poignant moments in the Sundar Kand, is when Sita, Rama's wife, is being threatened by Ravana,the ego. He tells her that if she won't sleep with him, she will be killed within one month. Sita cries in despair,"O Lord, you have completely forgotten me." Then Hanuman appears before Sita and gives Rama's message to her. Ram says "Since you have been seperated from me,dear Sita , everything has been it's opposite. The new shoots of trees appear like fire, night appears to be the dreadful night of dissolution and the moon is as bright as the sun. A person's pain becomes a little less if they share it, but with whom can I speak who could understand? The truth of my love for you, my Beloved, only my mind can understand. And that mind is always with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Listening to the message of the Lord, Sita became so absorbed in thoughts of love that she forgot her body.

Later in the Sunar Kand,when Hanuman returns to Rama with the good news that he has found Sita and she is alive, we find this exquisit exchange between Rama and Hanuman. "Listen, Hanuman, neither among Gods, men or men of wisdom has any embodied being performed such a great benefit to me as you have done. I cannot think that I will ever be able to perform a benefit to you of a similar value. Listen dear one, I have thought it over extensively and have concluded that I cannot be free from my debt to you." Tears came to his eyes and his body trembled.

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his pleased countenance, Hanuman was filled with Delight. He fell to earth at the Lord's feet and called,"Protect me, protect me, oh Supreme DIvinity." Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but lost in deep love he would not get up.

The intensity of the love of a pure devotee like Hanuman for God is palpable in these flowing verses. Many books talk about devotion, but Swami Satyananda's Sundar Kand lets you feel that devotion. If you only read the english translation, you will be blessed by beautiful devotional poetry that captures a profound spiritual mood. If you chant or sing the sanskrit you will be moved by this ancient scripture. This is a book that any serious spiritual aspirant will enjoy.

The Sundar Kand is a very magical chapter of the Ramayana. I have seen it sung in India and the U.S. many times and I can attest to the power of reading or singing this story. I know of people whose lives were dramatically changed by singing the Ramayana only once. This book allows a sincere seeker to read both the origonal Sanskrit and the english translation and be moved by the beauty of this ancient poem. It is most wonderful when read or sung with a group of people.

With his english translation, Swami Satyananda breathes life into the story of Hanuman's adventures in Lanka. The Sundar Kand is also a story of the very personal relationships that Sita, Hauman, Lakshman and Vibishana have with Rama. These relationships come to life in this wonderful translation.The author has brilliantly captured the beauty and emotion of Tulisdasa's poetry

For me, the emotional impact of the Sundar Kand is it's demonstration of God's love for his devotees. The author's translation allows us to listen in as Rama, Sita, Hunuman and Vibishana so elegantly express their love for each other. For instance, one of the most poignant moments in the Sundar Kand, is when Sita, Rama's wife, is being threatened by Ravana,the ego. He tells her that if she won't sleep with him, she will be killed within one month. Sita cries in despair,"O Lord, you have completely forgotten me." Then Hanuman appears before Sita and gives Rama's message to her. Ram says "Since you have been seperated from me,dear Sita , everything has been it's opposite. The new shoots of trees appear like fire, night appears to be the dreadful night of dissolution and the moon is as bright as the sun. A person's pain becomes a little less if they share it, but with whom can I speak who could understand? The truth of my love for you, my Beloved, only my mind can understand. And that mind is always with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Listening to the message of the Lord, Sita became so absorbed in thoughts of love that she forgot her body.

Later in the Sunar Kand,when Hanuman returns to Rama with the good news that he has found Sita and she is alive, we find this exquisit exchange between Rama and Hanuman. "Listen, Hanuman, neither among Gods, men or men of wisdom has any embodied being performed such a great benefit to me as you have done. I cannot think that I will ever be able to perform a benefit to you of a similar value. Listen dear one, I have thought it over extensively and have concluded that I cannot be free from my debt to you." Tears came to his eyes and his body trembled.

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his pleased countenance, Hanuman was filled with Delight. He fell to earth at the Lord's feet and called,"Protect me, protect me, oh Supreme DIvinity." Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but lost in deep love he would not get up.

The intensity of the love of a pure devotee like Hanuman for God is palpable in these flowing verses. Many books talk about devotion, but Swami Satyananda's Sundar Kand lets you feel that devotion. If you only read the english translation, you will be blessed by beautiful devotional poetry that captures a profound spiritual mood. If you chant or sing the sanskrit you will be moved by this ancient scripture. This is a book that any serious spiritual aspirant will enjoy.

The Sundar Kand is a very magical chapter of the Ramayana. I have seen it sung in India and the US many times and I can attest to the power of reading or singing this story. I know of people whose lives were dramatically changed by singing the Ramayana only once. This book allows a sincere seeker to read both the original verses and the English translation and be moved by the beauty of this ancient poem. It is most wonderful when read or sung with a group of people.

With his English translation, Swami Satyananda breathes life into the story of Hanuman's adventures in Lanka. The Sundar Kand is also a story of the very personal relationships that Sita, Hanuman, Lakshman and Vibishana have with Rama. These relationships come to life in this wonderful translation. The author has brilliantly captured the beauty and emotion of Tulsidasa's poetry

For me, the emotional impact of the Sundar Kand is it's demonstration of God's love for his devotees. The author's translation allows us to listen in as Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Vibishana so elegantly express their love for each other. For instance, one of the most poignant moments in the Sundar Kand, is when Sita, Rama's wife, is being threatened by Ravana, the ego. He tells her that if she won't sleep with him, she will be killed within one month. Sita cries in despair, "O Lord, you have completely forgotten me." Then Hanuman appears before Sita and gives Rama's message to her. Ram says "Since you have been separated from me, dear Sita , everything has been it's opposite. The new shoots of trees appear like fire, night appears to be the dreadful night of dissolution and the moon is as bright as the sun. A person's pain becomes a little less if they share it, but with whom can I speak who could understand? The truth of my love for you, my Beloved, only my mind can understand. And that mind is always with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Listening to the message of the Lord, Sita became so absorbed in thoughts of love that she forgot her body.

Later in the Sundar Kand, when Hanuman returns to Rama with the good news that he has found Sita and she is alive, we find this exquisite exchange between Rama and Hanuman. "Listen, Hanuman, neither among Gods, men or men of wisdom has any embodied being performed such a great benefit to me as you have done. I cannot think that I will ever be able to perform a benefit to you of a similar value. Listen dear one, I have thought it over extensively and have concluded that I cannot be free from my debt to you." Tears came to his eyes and his body trembled.

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his pleased countenance, Hanuman was filled with Delight. He fell to earth at the Lord's feet and called,"Protect me, protect me, oh Supreme Divinity." Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but lost in deep love he would not get up.

The intensity of the love of a pure devotee like Hanuman for God is palpable in these flowing verses. Many books talk about devotion, but Swami Satyananda's Sundar Kand lets you feel that devotion. If you only read the English translation, you will be blessed by beautiful devotional poetry that captures a profound spiritual mood. If you chant or sing the verses you will be moved by this ancient scripture. This is a book that any serious spiritual aspirant will enjoy.

Mahavir Nanda

The Sundar Kand is such a delight!It is an allegory describing the Individual Soul's search for his Perfect or True Nature which has been stolen by the selfishness of Ego. The Individual Soul is played by Lord Rama (the Avatara of Lord Vishnu). His wife, Sita, plays the role of True Nature. Hanuman, the Lord's devotee, plays the role of Pure Devotion. What touches me the most deeply is the descriptions of the Lord and the Love he shares with his devotees. When a devotee understands the intrinsic nature of Consciousness (of Lord Rama), he shall have no desire to stop singing to the Lord. his only prayer will be to be blessed with eternal devotion.The final verses say "The Lord of Light is the Repository of all Qualities which lead to Happiness, the Destroyer of all Doubts, and the Remover of all Sorrow. Oh Foolish Mind! Leave all the vain hopes and false desires of this world of objects and relationships, and always sing and listen to the word of God. The song of the qualities of the Leader of Light is always beautiful and bestows all welfare. Who will listen to this with respectful attention will cross this ocean of the world without any other spiritual discipline. This excellent translation of one of the most beloved works of Hindu sacred poetry beckons us to enter into a relationship with the Lord and to see our own consciousness reunited with our true nature.

This book really pushes the frontier of tandoori cuisine. Author's passion comes through in his research, notes, and recreation of ancient recipes. Highly recommended.

The book is nicely laid out. Starts by explaining about construction of tandoor. Talks a lot about the spices used. Tandoori chicken recipe is very original. Has lots of pictures. A must have Indian barbeq book.

The book is nicely laid out. Starts by explaining about construction of tandoor. Talks a lot about the spices used. Tandoori chicken recipe is very original. Has lots of pictures. A must have Indian barbeq book.

a must in a chefs library
a star in my collection
the pictures are excellent
some of the reciepes though improvised are still authentic
illustrations and history of the tandoor and its making guides and gives u an impeccable knowledge of this cuisine wanting u to share with others

again i dont hesitate to give a 5 star rating for the authors effort

This book tells the inspiring story of one of the greatest women of our time.

This is an excellent book about the life of Mother Teresa. I knew that she had to wait 12 years to start her missions. I did not know what life was like for her for those 12 years until I read this book. It is an excellent book for those who suffer along the path that they believe God is leading them without sight of the end. This book also shows how important it is to rely on God alone for our needs and how in His time he will provide for those needs. Our ways are good but His are perfect!

Using an adjective such as amazing to describe the work of Mother Teresa would not be adequate. Her work through the Missionaries of Charity sets a high standard of living Chirstian life. Mother Teresa is a phenomenon because she discovered that true bliss and happiness can be found in serving others. Exstasy can be found in devoting your entire life to service. While it is difficult to understand, most of know there is something more than can be put into words about God. Mother Teresa came as close as anybody in recent times to demonstrating what can not be explained.

Renzo Allegri's biogrpahy is concise. On many levels, the biography is a failure. It spends too much time discussing Allegri's interviews with Mother Teresa. Being a modest person, she is not likely to sit and talk about herself at length. The author should have used more expansive research to find out more about her work. This is the most admired woman of the 20th Century and you can only write 135 pages about her? Many of the stories are repeated more than once which makes the author seem unfocused in the topic. The author does have some great stories of the works of Mother Teresa. The author does also give us insight into who Mother Teresa was. However, I believe their is so much more to be written about this magnificent woman.

What will stick with me most about this book is the fact that every time she care for a sick or dying person, Mother Teresa cared for them as if it was Jesus suffering in her arms. We must remember, what we do for the least of His people, you do unto Him.

The strength, courage and determination of the remarkable woman who gave so freely of herself to make life easier for others, dramatically unfolds through the pages of this book. There is no question she will become a legendary hero written in the pages of tomorrow's history books.

Each of us has a mission and purpose in life, whether it be in this life or the one thereafter. One need not be a Roman Catholic to appreciate the faith, love and wisdom found in this incredible woman who deboted her life to helping those most in need. As a follower of the Buddhist faith, I can relate to many of the philosophies of Mother Teresa. The love for humanity is a common bond which can be shared by followers of many different religions; love for one's fellow man has no religious limitations.

"Teresa of the Poor" is well written and thought provoking. No matter how much time one has devoted to helping others, after reading this book, one is left with the feeling that whatever they have done, it is not nearly enough. To fill the shoes of this kind and compassionate lady would be almost an impossibility. This book is definitely worth reading...and contemplating.