Remember, Be Here Now
by Ram Dass
from Hanuman Foundation
It's easy to dismiss Be Here Now as the relic of a whacked-out '60s acid tripper. Paging through the center section of the book, with its inch-high print and psychedelic drawings, you come across lines like:
Magic TheatreThen you turn to the first page of the book, and you are suddenly sucked into the story of a Harvard psychiatrist who has reached the pinnacle of success, discovers the mind-expanding powers of acid, and ends up trooping through India with a 23-year-old holy man from Laguna Beach, California. In the story, you see all the trappings of your own life and begin to wonder if India might hold the answers after all. Before booking your ticket, turn to the last section of the Be Here Now, "Cookbook for a Sacred Life." Ram Dass saves you the trouble by proffering a sober introduction to the basics of Hindu religion. Although he still can't resist CAPITAL LETTERS, he has done his homework, presenting a whole range of concepts and practices having to do with yoga postures, meditation, renunciation, dying, and sexual energy. So, for the most part, Be Here Now stands the test of time, and if you can entertain the center section in a retro kind of a spirit, it might be just what you're looking for: "The opposite of craving is saying, baby, this is the way it is, yeah, OK, here and now, this is it. I ACCEPT THE HERE & NOW FULLY." --Brian Bruya
For madmen only
price of admission
your
mind
A Lama Foundation Book. Describes one man's transformation upon his acceptance of the principles of Yoga and gives a modern restatement of the importance of the spiritual side of man's nature. Illustrated.
Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments With Truth
by Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi
from Beacon Press
Gandhi's nonviolent struggles in South Africa and India had already brought him to such a level of notoriety, adulation, and controversy that when asked to write an autobiography midway through his career, he took it as an opportunity to explain himself. Although accepting of his status as a great innovator in the struggle against racism, violence, and, just then, colonialism, Gandhi feared that enthusiasm for his ideas tended to exceed a deeper understanding. He says that he was after truth rooted in devotion to God and attributed the turning points, successes, and challenges in his life to the will of God. His attempts to get closer to this divine power led him to seek purity through simple living, dietary practices (he called himself a fruitarian), celibacy, and ahimsa, a life without violence. It is in this sense that he calls his book The Story of My Experiments with Truth, offering it also as a reference for those who would follow in his footsteps. A reader expecting a complete accounting of his actions, however, will be sorely disappointed.
Although Gandhi presents his episodes chronologically, he happily leaves wide gaps, such as the entire satyagraha struggle in South Africa, for which he refers the reader to another of his books. And writing for his contemporaries, he takes it for granted that the reader is familiar with the major events of his life and of the political milieu of early 20th-century India. For the objective story, try Yogesh Chadha's Gandhi: A Life. For the inner world of a man held as a criminal by the British, a hero by Muslims, and a holy man by Hindus, look no further than these experiments. --Brian Bruya
Translated by Mahadev Desai and with a New Preface
The only authorized American edition
Mohandas K. Gandhi is one of the most inspiring figures of our time. In his classic autobiography he recounts the story of his life and how he developed his concept of active nonviolent resistance, which propelled the Indian struggle for independence and countless other nonviolent struggles of the twentieth century.
In a new foreword, noted peace expert and teacher Sissela Bok urges us to adopt Gandhi's "attitude of experimenting, of tesing what will and will not bear close scrutiny, what can and cannot be adapted to new circumstances," in order to bring about change in our own lives and communities. All royalties earned on this book are paid to the Navajivan Trust, founded by Gandhi, for use in carrying on his work.
Autobiography of a Yogi: with bonus CD
by Paramahansa Yogananda
from Self-Realization Fellowship
Often described as the book that has changed the lives of millions, Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi has been translated into 20 languages, and is regarded worldwide as a spiritual classic. It was selected as "One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century." It reads like an adventure story while answering questions about religion, God, existence, yoga, higher consciousness, and the challenges of daily spiritual living. It is a book for people of all faiths; anyone yearning to know what life is truly all about.
Self Realization Fellowship's editions, and non others, incorporate all of the author's significant revisions to the text of the 1946 first edition.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda
by Sri S. Satchidananda
from Integral Yoga Publications
This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life.
The Language Of Yoga: Complete A to Y guide to Asana Names, Sanskrit Terms, and Chants
by Nicolai Bachman
from Sounds True
This interactive book/cd set includes more than 200 asanas with illustrated yoga postures and 300 Sanskrit definitions. Nicolai Bachman teaches you how to read and pronounce these sacred sounds with precision, and guides you through seven yoga chants with exact rhythm, tone, and pronunciation. This is an indispensable reference guide for any serious student of yoga.
Wheels Of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System (Llewellyn's New Age Series)
by Judith Anodea
from Llewellyn Publications
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE CHAKRA SYSTEM?
Many people focus on a single chakra - like the Crown Chakra for Spirituality, the Brow Chakra for Psychic Powers, the Heart Chakra for Universal Love, the Solar Plexus for Power (especially for those into the martial arts) and so on - each chakra's special attribute. And some people try to repress the 'lower' chakras as morally bad. BUT the real importance is to understand the chakras as The Energy System of the entire Mind/Body/Spirit Complex.
WHEELS OF LIFE presents the Chakra System as a Formula for Wholeness and a Template for Transformation - actually a Map for the Journey through Life
At the inner core of each one of us spin seven wheel-like energy centers called chakras. Swirling intersections of vital life forces, each chakra reflects an aspect of consciousness essential to our lives. Together the seven chakras form a system of modeling that consciousness that enables us to better see ourselves - in mind, body, behavior and culture. This system is a valuable tool for personal and planetary growth.
Chakras are centers of activity for the reception, assimilation and transmission of life energies. As all our action and understanding arise from and return to points within ourselves, our chakras, as core centers form the coordinating network of our complicated mind/body system. . . . The chakras are the master programs that govern our life, loves, learning and illumination. Like a rainbow bridge, they form the connecting channel between mind and body, spirit and matter, past and future, Heaven and Earth. As we spin through the tumultuous times of our present era, the chakras are the gears that turn the spiral of evolution, drawing our attention toward the still untapped frontiers of consciousness and its infinite potential. (from Chapter One)
Wheels of Life is a system about a system - journeying the reader through the seven major chakras with theory, example, practical application and experiential exercises to accomplish the great work of personal transformation. Each consciousness is a unit in the evolutionary process moving us from what we are to what we can become, and through that process we realize ourselves as magicians, healers and visionaries.
Wheels of Life takes us through each chakra to fulfill its potentials and then transforms and makes us whole.
The journey is taken step-by-step, with each step bringing practical advantages in the development of inherent skills and abilities to meet the increasingly critical challenges of life in our times. Your life is filled with meaning and purpose. Its destiny is Enlightenment. Now, you must take the first step.
The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels
by Paramahansa Yogananda
from Self Realization Fellowship Pub
In this remarkable book, Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like the ancient sages and masters of the East, not only knew yoga but taught this universal science of God-realization to his closest disciples. Compiled from the author's highly praised two-volume work, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, this insightful and compact book transcends the centuries of dogma and misunderstanding that have obscured the original teachings of Jesus, showing that he taught a unifying path by which seekers of all faiths can enter the kingdom of God. Topics include:
•The lost years of Jesus in India
•The ancient science of meditation: how to become a Christ
•The true meaning of baptism.
The Book of Secrets: Keys to Love and Meditation
by Osho
from St. Martin's Griffin
Chakra Clearing (Book & CD)
by Doreen Virtue
from Hay House
For readers who seek a straightforward guidebook on learning about the chakra system and how to keep it healthy, this is an excellent resource. Virtue, who is a bestselling author (Messages From Your Angels, Healing With the Angels) and clairvoyant doctor of psychology, identifies the placements and functions of these "energy centers" in the body. She then teaches readers how to keep these chakras clear and clean, leading to greater health and energy.
The chakras themselves are a beautiful progression of shifting colors, starting with the red root chakra at the base of the spine and moving up the body, shade-by-shade, and ending with the royal purple "crown" chakra at the top of the head. Each chakra interacts with a person's issues and concerns in the world. For instance, the root chakra relates to basic survival, such as money, shelter, and material needs, according to Virtue. If a person feels stable in this arena, the "root chakra looks like a brilliant ruby held under a spotlight," she explains. However, if people feel fearful about money or become overly obsessed with their career or possessions, this chakra will be come "dirty" and have a muddy, dark red color.
Virtue offers an extensive assortment of original, guided meditations that are effective in cleaning and clearing all the chakras. The information is well organized and clearly presented with a corresponding CD to help readers integrate the meditations into daily life. She also touches upon other cleaning tools, such as what foods and crystals support the chakra system. Advanced energy workers may find this material basic, but beginners should find it an outstanding primer. --Gail Hudson
Enclosed you’ll also find a meditative CD that complements the material in the book. The CD starts with a morning meditation designed to begin your day with a bright, positive energy frequency and surround you with healing light. The relaxing evening meditation that follows clears away energy that you may have absorbed during the day, and invites angels to enter your dreams and give you divine messages.
“This book and CD will help you understand the functions of the major chakras,
and esoteric methods for clearing them of fear. Your natural state is one of high energy,
intuition, and creativity. You don’t need to add anything to yourself to enjoy
these characteristics—you already own them within yourself. Just like a sculptor needs to
chip away the parts of the statue that aren’t part of the ultimate creation, you only
need to clear away fear to reveal your innate qualities.”— Doreen Virtue
Bhagavad Gita: A New Translation
by Stephen Mitchell
from Three Rivers Press
On the list of the greatest spiritual books of all time, the Bhagavad Gita resides permanently in the top echelon. This poem of patently Indian genius sprouted an immense tree of devotional, artistic, and philosophical elaboration in the subcontinent. The scene is a battlefield with the prince Arjuna pitted against his own family, but no sooner does the poem begin than the action reverts inward. Krishna, Arjuna's avatar and spiritual guide, points the way to the supreme wisdom and perfect freedom that lie within everyone's reach. Worship and be faithful, meditate and know reality--these make up the secret of life and lead eventually to the realization that the self is the root of the world. In this titular translation, Stephen Mitchell's rhythms are faultless, making music of this ancient "Song of the Blessed One." Savor his rendition, but nibble around the edges of his introduction. In a bizarre mixture of praise and condescension, Mitchell disregards two millennia of Indian commentary, seeking illumination on the text from Daoism and Zen, with the Gita coming up just shy of full spiritual merit. Perhaps we should take it from Gandhi, who used the Gita as a handbook for life, that it nourishes on many levels. --Brian Bruya
Stephen Mitchell is widely known for his ability to make ancient masterpieces thrillingly new, to step in where many have tried before and create versions that are definitive for our time. His celebrated version of the Tao Te Ching is the most popular edition in print, and his translations of Jesus, Rilke, Genesis, and Job have won the hearts of readers and critics alike. Stephen Mitchell now brings to the Bhagavad Gita his gift for breathing new life into sacred texts.
The Bhagavad Gita is universally acknowledged as one of the world's literary and spiritual masterpieces. It is the core text of the Hindu tradition and has been treasured by American writers from Emerson and Thoreau to T. S. Eliot, who called it the greatest philosophical poem after the Divine Comedy. There have been more than two hundred English translations of the Gita, including many competent literal versions, but not one of them is a superlative literary text in its own right.
Now all that has changed. Stephen Mitchell's Bhagavad Gita sings with the clarity, the vigor, and the intensity of the original Sanskrit. It will, as William Arrowsmith said of Mitchell's translation of The Sonnets to Orpheus, "instantly make every other rendering obsolete."
From the Hardcover edition.
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