Reviews (41)

Very Good but is it Good enough, two things lacking
The self realization fellowship's translation of the Bhagawad Gita is oriented towards Kriya Yoga, since the interpretation primarily is based on Patanjali's yoga sutras. The SRF still use orthodox hindu philosophy. In the sarvadarshana Samgraha of Madhavacharya, the Patanjali and allied systems this text refers to fall under the Ashtika or extremely orthodox vedantic premise; albeit they are probably one of the more recent developments of the system.
God Talks with Arjuna
God Talks with Arjuna is the product of a higher intelligence that mankind aspires to attain. I have been studying the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda for nearly four decades,and have translated several of his books into Arabic. In God Talks with Arjuna one is amazed at the depth and breadth of Yogananda's wisdom and fathomless realization. He challenges the human mind to stretch itself to infinite reaches of cosmic knowledge, and leads serious hopefuls to intuitive discoveries within the depth of the human spirit. Those who read his works out of sheer curiosity may or may not find the nuggets of wisdom in the folds of his thoughts; while those who have the slightest receptivity and desire for higher truths will never fail to discover Yogananda's immortal gems of divine realization. God Talks with Arjuna is a bright luminary in Paramahansa Yogananda's inexhaustible divine library. I have gained much from this monumental work and hope to be able to translate it someday into Arabic. Any one who reads this great book with an open mind will find at the end that he/she has gained something worthwhile and truly lasting.

Good Commentary, Average Translation
The commentary of this translation makes it easily worth the price. It is clear that Yogananda has devoted years to the study of the Gita and the examples which he uses in conjunction with verses are lucid, if at times dated.For example, in explaining 62-63 verse of chapter 2 of the Gita, Yogananda describes the progression from attachment to sense objects to the loss of the ability to distinguish the soul from sense objects using an example of a husband who is looking forward to a picnic becoming enraged when his wife says that she wants to go to her mother-in-law's while driving. It seems that more sensitive and less sexist commentary could have been used. On the other hand, the remainder of this commentary, which spans five pages, is very helpful and discusses how "anger arises from the non-fulfillment of desires." The translation itself is fairly dry and fails to bring the beauty of the Gita to life. An excellent translation which can be read in conjunction with this book is the 1942 classic by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopter Isherwood (with a forward by Aldous Huxley). In comparison here is verse 67 from chaper 2 Yogananda's version "As a boat on the waters is carried off course by a gale, so an individual's discrimination is driven from its intended path when the mind succumbs to the wandering senses"Prabhavananda's version: "The wind turns a ship from its course upon the waters. The wandering winds of the senses, cast man's mind adrift, and turn his better judgment from its course." The first version is a translation and the second is poetry. However, Prabhavananda does not provide commentary, where Yogananda provides insightful and extensive discourse. Overall, Yogananda's version is highly recommended for the student of the Gita. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Hinduism    3. Religion    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Sacred texts   

Reviews (8)

Most important text of Vedanta
The Upanishads are the most important text of Vedanta. The Triple Canon of Vedanta (Prasthana Traya) include: (1) the Upanishads, (2) the Bhagavad Gita, and (3) the Brahma Sutras. The Upanishads are considered the revealed scriptures and so referred to as 'Sruti Prasthana'. The Bhagavad Gita is the recollected scripture and hence referred to as 'Smriti Prasthana'. The Brahma Sutras use logic and reasoning to discuss the Sruti and so called 'Nyaya Prasthana'. The best commentary to these three was written by the 7th or 8th century Sage, Swami Adi Sankara. Any serious student of Vedanta should have all these three books with Sankara's commentary.
Best edition of one of the greatest of all books
There are numerous translations of the Upanishads extant, and each that I have had the privilege to inspect has much to offer.My favorite, however, for overall presentation and scholarship is Nikhilananda's four volume masterpiece published by the Ramakrishna-Vedanta Center of New York beginning in 1949.The first volume contains the Katha, Kena, and Mundaka Upanishads, along with the majestic eighty-one page introductory essay, "Discussion of Brahman in the Upanishads", and a General Introduction to the entire work.The second volume contains the Svetasvatara, Prasna, and Mandukya Upanishads, and another searching and informative introduction embodying a study of Vedic ethics.The third volume contains the Aitareya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads with another awesome introductory essay discussing the value of rituals and symbols for the contemplation of Brahman.The fourth volume contains the Taittiriya and Chandogya Upanishads and an essay discussing ritual and contemplative worship as steps leading to the knowledge of Brahman.The translation has been decribed by leading authorities in the field over the years as clear, literal, and vigorous - to these observations, I would add radiant and inspiring.Nikhilananda's own commentaries are succinct and incisive.Nikhilananda's translations of Sankara's commentaries are considered definitive.In the words of one academic reviewer, "The special value of the translation lies in the infusion of the author's dual quality - that of a practiced mystic and religious scholar.The use of Sankara's commentaries makes as it were for another dimension - as of a vastly competent Thomas Aquinas winnowing the scriptural chaff from the kernel of reality."
The Athoritative Translation
To have a work of this philosophic profoundness translated by someone who was himself steeped in the very same tradition as the work that he is translating is a privelege.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. General    3. Religion    4. Hinduism   

Editorial Review

If this book is to lay any claim to authenticity, it must make one point clear above all others. It is this: By persistent and sustained practice, anyone and everyone can make the yoga journey and reach the goal of illumination and freedom. Krishna, Buddha, and Jesus lie in the hearts of all. They are not film stars, mere idols of adulation. They are great inspirational figures whose example is there to be followed. They act as our role models today. Just as they reached Self-Realization, so may we.Read more

Reviews (18)

True light
Iyengar's wisdom and experience radiate from every page. A must for seekers from any tradition....

Light on Life: An interesting book
I would recommend this book because I enjoyed it every single page.
Recommended
From the first minute I opened this book I realized it was a treasure. "Light on Life" follows the same track asPatangali's Yoga Sutras in it's content without following it's structure in form. Mr. Iyengar personalizes the Yoga Sutra teachings with stories from his own life's struggles/tragedies/blessings and in doing so brings the timeless message of the Sutra's into modern perspective. His writing style is direct and sincere as he shares the wisdom he has gained through his life in Yoga. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Hatha yoga    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Physical Fitness    7. Spiritual life    8. Yoga   

Reviews (15)

Just the introduction I was looking for!
I have practiced yoga regularly for several years now, and this has led to an interest in exploring the chakras, the seven "energy centers" of the body.I was able to obtain some basic information online, but I wanted a book which would provide more details as well as exercises--hopefully incorporating yoga--which would focus on balancing the energy of the chakras.Happily, this book met my needs very well.
excellent introduction to chakras
I have read many books on chakras, and this one really stands out in its ability to relay concepts with Simplicity and Clarity, which renders them more accessible to most readers.His meditations are pleasant, and I hope he writes more of them for us in the future.
Chakras for beginners?
I didn't like this book much at all. Even though the author might know his chakras inside out, he failed to motivate me to work on them. Too much new agey sweetness of light for me, sorry. I regret buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Chakras    3. Healing - General    4. Inspiration & Personal Growth    5. Meditation    6. Metaphysical Phenomena - General    7. Miscellanea    8. New Age    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Yoga    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    12. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    13. Oriental & Indian philosophy   

Reviews (14)

experiencing our bodies as architecture
This brilliantly written and illustrated book introduces yoga students, both beginners and masters, to the design principles that make the structure of the human body such a work of art.I have taken a workshop from one of her students, and find her approach to yoga much gentler than other forms of the discipline, more attuned to the body's own structural engineering.The book is a delight to browse in as a coffee table book, or to study as a serious guide.It is also a triumphant resistance against ageism!

Excellent Inspirational Yoga Book
This is not so much a technique, how-to book.It is more about the spirit of yoga.It's beautiful pictures and wonderful meditations on the meaning or intentions of the poses illustrates and deepens an understanding of yoga and meditation.There are three parts to the book.The first part takes up the majority of the book (125 pages).It's called "the Story of Stories" and is about the philosophy of yoga.The second part called "The Asanas" is about 34 pages.It is where the poses are illustrated through drawings and photographs and described in short paragraphs.I would not recommend it as the sole source for beginners, however, it would make a great supplement to a yoga class or videotape/dvd.The third section is called, "Breathing" and is 8 pages long.It has excellent pictures that illustrate the concepts described in this section.A list of references and an index greet you at the end.The reference lists 32 books.Ranging from "Disc Regeneration" by O.J. Ressel to Deepak Chopra's "Quantum Healing," to "Symbolism in Greek Mythology" by Paul Diel, to " The Revival of Qui." by Kunio Miura, to F.J. Bueche's "Understanding the World of Physics," and Elisabeth Ripely's "Leonardo da Vinci.A Biography."

Stretching Time
This is the single book of a singular teacher.It has the impact of a condensed truth, worthy of being met again and again.The truth is that yoga is not a sport, there is no score, there is only an inquiry and a resounding experience of the self.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. General    4. Hatha Yoga    5. Health/Fitness    6. Spine    7. Yoga    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise    9. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (10)

Gives Hope for New Practitioners
This book is fantastic! It gave me hope and inspiration to know that I could potentially beat my depression without being on medication for ever. Amy talks about a lot of different practices that are said to help with depression. I was a little dissapointed that some of them were not more fully explained, but this is a great starting point! With the knowledge I learned from this book, now I know what to research further and what questions to ask my yoga teacher. The references in the back of the book are also very helpful. I'm so greatful that I stumbled upon this book!

surviving a northern Ohio winter
This book and its gentle wisdom have helped me and several friends survive the dreary northern Ohio winter.Thank you, Amy.

A MUST READ
Amy Weintraub's deep caring for others comes shining through in her marvelous study of Yoga for Depression. This is a well written scientifically based proof of the positive effects of yoga on an illness that effects many millions of individuals. Amy is the expert on yoga for health and her book provides a sure cure from this darkness that infects so many lives.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Consumer Health    3. Depression    4. Depression, Mental    5. General    6. Hatha Yoga    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Mental Depression    10. Popular works    11. Psychological aspects    12. Yoga    13. Health & Fitness / Yoga   

Reviews (10)

Good resource
Structural Yoga Therapy is a guidebook for those interested in yoga. I bought this to help identify exercises to strengthen the back of a teen with scoliosis. The writing and illustrations are clear and easy to follow. I'd recommend it.

Great Book
This is a great book for yoga teachers and students.Lots of useful information.Great insight into the mind/body connection.I would definately recommend adding this book to your library if you are a yoga teacher...excellent resource.

AWESOME book!! Very Informative
I used this book as a part of my study and research for my Yoga Teacher course. It is completely awesome!This book is chock of very useful and informative information!! I passed my Yoga Teacher diploma course with an A+ and I believe that this book had a great deal to do with my achievement!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Hatha yoga    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Therapeutic use    6. Yoga    7. Yoga for exercise   

Editorial Review

There's more to yoga than stretching and bending and twisting. In Read more

Reviews (15)

The best for healing
I've purchased many copies of this book for friends who are involved with healing. It provides the yoga poses and complete yoga sequences for each needed type of healing. Presentation is clear and complete. And, even better, there is an excellent index.

Useful for healing different problems
This book kept me from having surgery.I tore 2 knee ligaments skiing.I'm not into surgery, so I did the knee yoga practice from this book for a few weeks; then had an MRI.The ligaments were completely torn but my knee was functional and didn't hurt.The orthopedic doctor was so impressed...he said he had never seen a torn knee that was so functional before.He sent me to PT for a few more weeks, and I was fine.
This book is perfect for Yoga students and Teachers.
I read this book as part of Teacher's Training course for Yoga.I found this book to be very informative.It gives you detailed instructions and Yoga positions that will help with different ailments and diseases.Also learning the bone structures and parts of the body was helpful, while studying Teachers Training for Yoga.I liked this book very much.I also thought Gary Kraftsow's writing was down to earth so that everyone can understand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Hatha Yoga    3. Healing    4. Health    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Yoga    8. Health & Fitness / Yoga    9. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (31)

Reiki Is truly the life force
Recently while searching for some music, I came across Steve Murray's DVD programs for attunement. First impression was that, this must be fake. As it was in total contradiction to the learning's I learnt during my Reiki 2nd degree in India. I went on to read the reviews and none of the reviews were negative. All people including some Reiki masters were in praises for Steve's program. I took the chance and ordered his first book, 1st cd and DVD attunement for 2nd degree. I wanted to take this again for reinforcement and to give my wife 2nd degree who was a 1st degree. (My intention was to try his claim first before I venture into a master attunement of Reiki through DVD)
Get this book!
Steve Murray's commitment to making Reiki training easily available to everyone is a blessing! I have copies of several of his books, including this one, as well as the Reiki Master Attunement DVD. Having experience as a Level 2 Reiki practitioner prior to obtaining Steve's material, I was amazed to find much of what I struggled with and wondered about, explained in his easy to understand books with great photos! I already had other Reiki books, but Steve's are much more helpful. Don't let any critics tell you that Steve can't teach Reiki through books and DVDs. Energy has no limits. Upon completing my Reiki Master Attunement with his DVD, my abilities to use Reiki for healing, channeling and psychic connections were greatly enhanced within just a few days. Steve's books are great- down to earth and easy to understand. If you want to learn about Reiki, start with Steve Murray!

The Real McCoy
In a "spiritual marketplace" rife with fraud and misrepresentation, Steve's 3 books (Reiki Ultimate Guides) and dvd attunements deliver the goods. Though initially skeptical, I've taken the Reiki degree attunements with satisfying results. It is actually possible, with the proper intent, to channel reiki successfully after being attuned via dvd. I experienced an impressive array of phenomena while channeling, especially using the symbols. Even long distance healing and beaming worked surprisingly well. The Ultimate Reiki Guides contained, in very clear, plain language, the steps necessary to take attunements and (Master degree) to give them. They also explicitly describe many different techniques for channeling Reiki (for yourself and others), both with and without props (crystals, stones). Taken as a whole, the books and dvds are probably the most detailed, cost-effective means of thoroughly learning and being initiated into Reiki currently available. Kudos to Steve Murray for making genuine Reiki attunements and knowledge available to such a wide audience.
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Chakras    3. Healing - General    4. New Age    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Reiki (Healing system)    8. Complementary Medicine   

Reviews (7)

Needs Some Life
This book is very good for beginners in that the descriptions are clear and concise and it gives alternatives if someone has difficulty with the poses and/or needs props. I also enjoyedthe section in the back where the poses are put together in routines of various lengths and purpose. I seldom use this book in my home practice however as I find the stern and serious expression of the model to be a turnoff. To me yoga should be full of joy and life!

'Essential' is right.
I have been practicing yoga for close to five years and teaching for less than one.This book is the best instructional yoga guide I have ever seen.The asana directions and descriptions are clear and concise, the variations are good and the anatomical focus notes for teachers are also excellent for students.If I were going to recommend one yoga reference book, this would be it.

Perfect form
I'm the proud owner of this book and use it every day.While yoga is not exactly brand new to me, I still consider myself a beginning student.Most helpful have been Lasater's clear instructions, as well as the many beautiful photos throughout.I particularly commend the model, Theresa Elliott, who has executed each pose so beautifully.She makes it all look so effortless, which is as much an art as it is a practice. I would recommend this book without reservation to any yoga student, at any level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Hatha Yoga    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Yoga    6. Fitness & diet    7. Popular medicine    8. Yoga for exercise   

Editorial Review

On the list of the greatest spiritual books of all time, the Read more

Reviews (28)

Wonderful Introduction to Indic Thought
After having read this three times I can say that Stephen Mitchell provides the reader with a wonderful introduction to Indic thought.Some poetic license is taken in the translation, and some verses seem to be more fabrication than translation, but overall this is a great place to start.The book might be rather simplistic for the more well versed reader, but the beginner will find it rather useful.Well done.

Mitchell's Gita in a universal spiritual context
Remarkable how Mr Mitchell liberates this book from the bondage of Indian philosophy and shows it as the mystical and universal text it needs to be. And with remarkable restraint he represents a universal poem of love to the divine without the western baggage of religiousity and pomp. So there are two qualities to enjoy in this book which put it above other translations.
good
good ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion - World Religions    2. Religion    3. Religion / Hinduism    4. Hinduism   

Reviews (4)

Outstanding resource
This book (and DVD) is an extraordinary resource for teachers and students. The authors have done something unique with this and I highly recommend it to anyone trying to develop their own practice or teach others. Text and photographs are detailed but clear and explicit. Extremely useful in all aspects. It is just an excellent production!

THE essential guide for yoga instructors
In the last decade, yoga has become a booming business.Many people have made the shift from practitioner to yoga instructor.This has created a huge boon to yoga teacher training programs - many who are churning out 'certified' instructors at a rather breakneck speed.While these teacher training programs can get a someone on the path to teaching, oftentimes, a new instructor needs additional guidance and education in order to progress.It was only a matter of time before books geared towards the art of instructing yoga would become available.
A great tool for teachers!
I am a certified yoga instructor, and I am always looking for new tools to use in my class.This book covers everything one needs to be a successful and inspiring yoga instructor - from class environments to adjustments to anatomy.I have learned some great new modifications and innovative verbal cues that my students have responded well to.I highly recommend this book to certified and aspiring instructors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Hatha yoga    4. Health & Fitness    5. Study and teaching    6. Yoga    7. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (13)

All inclusive... book and DVD
I'm glad I bought this book and DVD workout.
Great program!
I've been doing Pilates on the Ball by Colleen Craig for a year now. The book alone is not enough; the DVD is essential. I keep one eye on the TV, both ears on the gentle background music and Ms. Craig's voice, and my whole body relaxed, as Ms. Craig leads me through my 45 minute workout, both verbally and visually. I'm in my mid-60's, and this program is helping my posture stay young and my body strong. I've recommended it to several colleagues, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Ms. Craig speaks the instructions on the DVD, so you can follow the exercises even if you can't really focus on the TV screen as you do them. She speaks to bodies which have sore backs or sore knees, and advises people how to be careful so they don't get injured. I just love this program!

Love it!
I am really enjoying this product.The DVD is and excellent guide to begin with and then the book allows for extra exercises and to adapt them to your ability. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Physical Fitness    7. Training    8. Yoga    9. Exercise & workout books    10. Health & Fitness / Exercise    11. Personal & public health    12. Sports training & coaching    13. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (6)

I Really Liked This Book
If you are looking for a very serious yoga book, this is not the book for you. It contains very little "yoga theory" or any philosophy, etc. But if you are looking for fun and healthy ways to get your kids using yoga, this book would be very helpful.
Yoga Games for Children:Fun and Fitness With Postures, Movements, and Breath
As a yoga teacher for children, I found the book a tremendous resource.It addressed topics to develop coping skills, including acknowledging grief and anger, and also focused on entertaining activities.The authors used many useful icons in order to specify which activities would be apropos for which age groups, whether the activity would be for small groups, pairs, or individuals, etc.The only concern I experienced while using the icons was the time frames, which were a little "optimistic".It is infinitely difficult to truly keep children focused for the time frames indicated.Overall, the book is definitely worth buying!One will use it over and over again to develop lesson plans and fresh new ideas.

Meditation for kids
I teach meditation to children ages 9-16 and this book has given me so many great ideas. The kids love playing these games and I have found it so helpful in planning my classes. My last class was all taken from this wonderful book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise for children    5. Games    6. Games/Puzzles    7. General    8. Hatha yoga    9. Hatha yoga for children    10. Health and hygiene    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Parenting - General    13. Yoga    14. Fitness & sports training    15. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (2)

Comprehensive Yin Yoga Experience
I've been practicing with Paul Grilley's Yin Yoga DVD for some time now and decided to get this kit...Glad I did!
Yoga Kit
Outstanding kit. Something everyone can use, done by an expert. It will be our stocking stuffer of choice at Xmas. Mithoefer is articulate, insightful and this book will benefit every reader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Hatha Yoga    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Yin yoga    6. Yoga    7. Health & Fitness / Yoga    8. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (19)

A Phenomonal Book
This book is a vault of wisdom. The author has made the intricate mantra work, easily understood in a profound way. I have searched long and hard to understand the use of mantras, encountering little more than a brick wall time and time again, in my search. This author has taught me not only how to climb the wall, but to walk through it. A commendable book, that I recommend to all, with great excitement.
TWO WORDS:THIS WORKS!!!
I used the Lakshmi (for prosperity) and Ganesha (for removal of obstacles) mantras from this book to help me find a job.My unemployment benefits were about to run out and I wasn't finding anything.Despite no background in the industry I am now in, on the 40th (the last) day of my practice, I was hired in an entry level position that will soon lead to more money.Previously, I was getting second interviews, but losing out to other people with more experience.
The power of the Word.
I attended one of Mr. Thomas Ashley-Farrand meetings in Los Angeles and was impressed by his humble (esoterically speaking) way to communicate his truth. I read the book, Healing Mantras: Using Sound Affirmations for Personal Power, Creativity, and Healing, and started usingthe mantras immediately in my service to humanity, the result is amazing. I have all the books, I practice chanting mantras regularly, and I can see the miracles with my own eyes.
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Subjects:  1. Chants (Plain, Gregorian, etc    2. Chants (Plain, Gregorian, etc.)    3. Eastern - General    4. Healing    5. Healing - General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Hinduism    8. Mantras    9. Music Therapy    10. New Age    11. New Age (Self Help)    12. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    13. Spiritual healing    14. Health & Fitness / Yoga    15. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    16. Spirituality   

Reviews (22)

Readable, understandable, practical, & profound
This is a beautifully written practice manual for B�n Dzogchen (~Buddhist Nyingma or old school) dream & sleep yogas based on the Mother Tantra.The author confirms most Western psychological views of dreams but, though some object, states that lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious & in control) is of great spiritual as well as psychological value.He states, despite some Buddhist authors, p. 12: "how greatly dream is valued in Tibetan culture & in the B�n religion, & how information from the unconscious is often of greater value than the information the conscious mind can provide."He provides a sensitive, balanced, non-extremist perspective-pp. 25-6: "Cultural ignorance is developed & preserved in traditions...If we are not careful, the teachings can be made to support our ignorance" & p. 94: "It can be healthy to give up worldly life & become a monk or a nun or it can be an unhealthy attempt to escape difficult experiences through suppression & avoidance."He provides explanations easily understood by western practitioners using modern analogies e.g. saying that mind can be like a computer with 2 windows open at once.Since scientists have shown that waking visualization can increase task performance, he logically extrapolates that to lucid dreaming as well.His approach is pragmatic & transportable to the West-e.g. p. 206: "Continue learning & receiving teachings, but develop a deep enough understanding that you can take from them what supports you."He also perceptively observes that awake practice of emptiness/Rigpa/mindfulness parallels lucid dreaming-i.e. viewing the awake state as a dream is analogous to lucid (conscious) dreaming-a yab-yum or yin-yang relationship & relates these yogas' spiritual aspects.This may be the best adaptation of traditional B�n/Buddhist works/methods to the West I've seen (see Traleg Kyabgon's "Mind at Ease" for a Mahamudra one).He recognizes that p. 41: "The concept of self-hatred is alien to Tibetans who do not have words to describe it" & compensates for cultural as well as terminological differences (p. 200: "According to B�n-Buddhism, the conventional self does exist.Otherwise no one would create karma, suffer, & find liberation.It is the inherent self that does not exist.Lack of an inherent self means that there is no core discrete entity that is unchanging through time").In short, it's a most valuable contribution to both spiritual realization & East-West understanding.His advice that p. 137: "Maybe we should write a sentence on our toothbrush, `after this, wash your mind" has, IMHO, universal application.This book is HIGHLY recommended-as are his other works.

great book to start
We spend a third of our lives sleeping, with our consciousness totally 'lost' while the physical body rests.
An excellent resource for the engaged dreamer
This is one of the best books on dreaming I've ever read. As a non-mystic and skeptical Buddhist, I found that some aspects of the Boen school's teachings (and sections of this book) to be a bit too mystical, but overall the philosophy of the book was generally pretty sound. The exercises he suggests are somewhat more helpful, I might argue, than the ones suggested by Stephen LaBerge in EXPLORING THE WORLD OF LUCID DREAMING. Ultimately, anyone interested in lucid dreaming, or using dreams to benefit his or her own waking life, ought to own, read, and re-read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bon (Tibetan religion)    2. Bonpo (Sect)    3. Buddhism - General    4. Dreams    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Sleep    9. Yoga    10. Yoga (Bonpo)    11. Religion / General    12. Tibetan Buddhism    13. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (16)

A Gem of a Book
The Yoga Sutras (thread of aphorisms) of Patanjali are one of the six darshanas of the Hindu or Vedic schools. "How to Know God" is a beautiful translation of those. The book is relatively short (pocket sized with just over 200 pages) and very readable. It offers one of the clearest explanations of the practice of yoga and meditation that I have read. It is surprisingly practical. I value it almost as much as I do "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda" and Osho's "The Book of Secrets: 112 Keys to the Mystery Within" as a practical guide to specific meditation techniques. For those who have a Christian background, the book references familiar Christian concepts, making the book all the more readable for the typical Westerner. While one can read the entire book in one sitting (and maybe this is a useful strategy for its first reading), I prefer to digest it slowly, contemplating and savoring each aphorism. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to enter into a deeper level of spiritual consciousness.

Get it for Isherwood's commentary
Patanjali's Yogi Sutras are well known now in both east and west.For a western mind, the commentary of Christopher Isherwood is especially valuable in interpreting and explaining the Vedantic approach, which is somewhat obscure in the original Patanjali.
Beautiful Translation Captures the Essence of Yoga
Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood have collaborated to create this simple and yet poignant translation and commentary of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
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Subjects:  1. Hinduism    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques