Editorial Review

Not since Alan Watts has there been a lay expert with the erudition and insight to so expertly pack a difficult package of unfamiliar notions into a book of immediate relevance. What is consumerism to me? and sex? and money? How do they relate to my goals and aspirations? Laurence Boldt, a career counselor and author of the bestselling Read more

Reviews (13)

One of the Most Incredible Books of all Time!
Tons of books are out there on health, wealth and prosperity....and after a while they kinda get boring. But Laurence's work is absolutely magnificent. A masterpiece in ever sense of the word. Laurence creates a beautiful tapestry of Eastern and Western philosophy to create a book that reads more like a poem, than a book of facts. A book that has changed my life - and a book I intend to read throughout my life.

One of my very favorite books ever!
I actually listened to the audio version of this book, I don't know why I feel the need to admit that, but anyway I got it from the library a little over a year ago because I thought it would be about making money, which at the time was something I was very interested in, but instead it was about creating a life that you really love, so that you experience the abundance that is already there, that we mostly take for granted.This was not a new concept to me, but somehow it took that belief to a whole new level through tons of practical examples of how it can be used in ones daily life.Since "reading" this book I have given up all animal products from my diet, gotten rid of Cable and no longer watch TV, started walking most mornings in the park before work, and cleared my brain of enough clutter to find my calling in life, being a doula (and possibly even a midwife), which was something that had NEVER entered my brain before now.So that was a lot about me and not a lot about what the book is about, but when I think of why I would want to read a book, it is always with the hope I will learn something from it that will positively impact my life, and never before has one book has such a significant impact on my whole life.

An intriguing approach to finding spiritual wealth
For some time, I had glanced at this book in stores and written it off as some attempt to cheapen Taoism by using it as a tool to promote get-rich-quick schemes and the like. Not a very enlightened way for me to look at the book, but the title and the back cover details did little to convince me it was otherwise. Finally, out of sheer curiosity, I grabbed a copy of /The Tao of Abundance/ and took a closer look. I am very pleased to say that my initial (mis)judgement was rather off base.Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Life    4. Oriental Philosophy    5. Philosophy    6. Philosophy, Taoist    7. Taoism    8. Advice on careers & achieving success    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Philosophy / Taoism    11. Popular psychology   

Reviews (5)

'enlightening'
Excellent writing on the subject of "enlightenment" - helpful to catch a glimpse of true beingness and sensing beyond illusions of perception and identity

Clear and Direct
The Self cannot be described but David Carse makes a very good effort. Quoting from Sufi and Taoist sages as well as Advaitin ones, he helps uncover the non-dual truth that is the essence of the phenomenal appearance. The language he uses is direct and carries the conviction of experience. In many books on Advaita there is the distinct feeling that what is said is in the realm of theory or based upon what has been read elsewhere; one is left in no doubt that this is not the case here. Although nothing new is being said, the material comes across so clearly, simply and self-evidently. And I think this is the key to why the book succeeds. The words carry the understanding to those seeking the explanations but they cannot prevent the heart-felt, mind-less, direct `knowing' from shining through and piercing the merely intellectual.
Fascinating Read
Fascinating read. Insightful, harsh and seemingly real. It was better than many other books of this nature that I've read as it seemed to cut to the chase. Reminded me mostly of wei wu wei books. I just wish I really understood it. Or do I?
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. New Thought    3. Religion    4. Eastern    5. Advaita    6. Enlightenment   

Reviews (12)

Kahlil Gibran book
I am very pleased with this purchase. The book was shipped quickly and in excellent condition and I love the book!

With Great Power Ignorance Is Scattered
My father first gave me a copy of this powerful, and yet distant writer who exposed my mental eye to a world far away; yet close to home. Kahlil Gibran inspired me beyond words, and I know as a writer that every word written inspires someone; however, this author is my prime example of how race has no matter in words that scatter ignorance. He'd addressed the heart and mind on subjects with great story telling power. My original copy of his book is so old that it is falling apart, and so I bought this collection in order to share his words with others without concern for the condition of the book. I read a few pages to a young lady in one of my classes and she went out and bought her a copy, too. I had no idea that I was missing out on so much more incredible stories and poems until I'd made this purchase. I leave it to you form your own opinion.

Echoes Of The Spirit
"I know that the principles upon which I base my writings, are echoes of the spirit of the great majority of the people of the world..." (656)
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Subjects:  1. African    2. Eastern - General    3. Inspirational & Religious    4. Literature: Classics    5. Religion    6. Sale Adult - Poetry / Plays    7. Arabic    8. Gibran, Kahlil    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Other prose: from c 1900 -    11. Translations into English    12. Sale Books   

Reviews (9)

The Wisdom of the ages within those pages...
Like all of the great books written by Paramahansa Yogananda this one spills over with loving wisdom - as gentle and divine messsages of hope for this stressed out world that we live in are shared from his heart.
A Spritual Masterpiece!
This collection of Yogananda's talks, along with its two companion volumes, should be on the shelf of every student of Eastern Wisdom, no matter what tradition they follow, and even if they don't follow any tradition, its just that good!

And the greatest of these is Love...
If it contained only his opening essay from 1943, "How to Cultivate Divine Love", this volume would more than warrant the cover price: it is persuasive, revelatory, show-stopping.Everyone talks about love. Everyone is moved by an unconscious yearning for this intangible indispensible. After lifetimes of pursuing and then achieving the Source of Love, in this seventeen-page essay Yogananda offers a timeless explanation of this elusive be-all and end-all of our existence.For those that confuse Love with sex or who cannot imagine that any love can surpass their feelings for their child or their beloved, these words are probably wasted.But for those who have been graced by even a whiff of the Creator's love or have intuitively felt that behind the temporary world of human ecstasies must lie a Divine Source and Experience, these words will ring as truth: this author has tasted The Whole Loaf, not just enjoyed wafting aromas.No matter how often it is distorted and dimmed in its human expressions, the irresistable pull of Divine Love keep working on us, because, as Yogananda explains...Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Eastern - Gurus    3. Mysticism    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spirituality - General    7. Christian & quasi-Christian cults & sects    8. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Editorial Review

Red Pine (a.k.a. Bill Porter) offers a new perspective on the Chinese classic Taoteching. A competent translator and interpreter of Chinese religion, he renders his work with an eye for detail and a spiritualism cultivated during years of Zen monastery living. It's odd that many read translations of Chinese classics as bare-bones texts, whereas no Chinese would tackle such obscurity in the absence of a helping hand from previous pundits. Fortunately, it is no longer necessary to rely on mystical insight in order to understand the Taoteching. Instead, we can look to the 12 or so commentators that Red Pine resurrects from Chinese history. With its clarity and scholarly range, this version of the Taoteching works as both a readable text and a valuable resource of Taoist interpretation. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

'untying our tangles. . .softening our light . . .'
The only language in which the Taoteching could have been written is Classical Chinese, a medium seemingly open enough to accomodate any translation without losing anything at all.But we should keep in mind, as the good book here says,". . . the Tao in words is not the real Tao . . ." We could say that Classical Chinese could not really, in our day and age, be served up in literal translation, and we can be grateful to Red Pine, once again, that in this fabulous rendering, he does not begin with the words, but rather with the Tao.
Finally! A Tao Te Ching with the appropriate commentaries
In Asia, sacred texts like the Tao Te Ching are read with reference to the commentaries of its key historical luminaries. Only in the west is it read by itself, with no guidance. Finally, we have a TTC with key commentaries. Plus, the author has here given a translation that may come as close as possible to expressing the Chinese in English. It is concise, even pithy.
Indispensible
For those interested in the Tao Te Ching, the red pine translation is indispensible. Though there's little way to check the historical or translational accuracy in the provided sources to each stanza, they remain an invaluble insight to the meaning of each, significantly helping to aid your understanding, and come to a conclusion on your own.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. General    3. History    4. Philosophy    5. Spirituality - General    6. Taoism    7. ASIA    8. History / Asia   

Reviews (19)

One Destination, Many Paths
Sri Yukteswar, teacher of Paramhansa Yogananda of India, does a great service to the West.In this treatise he clearly shows how all religions essentially reveal the same truths.Using Biblical as well as Hindu sacred scriptures he compares the essence of these beliefs and binds them togther.A must read for any serious student of Mahayoga.
The Holy Science
Marvelous book.In an age of misunderstandings and hostilities toward people whose beliefs are different from our own, this little book brings us back together.Calming, delightful, enlightening.For the novice and the adept.

A Prophet for Eternity
For any seeker of the truth, this book will certainly bring you to the core.Yoganandas guru, Sri Yukteswar was an absolute pure channel of divinity.The truths he reveals in his short book will no doubt serve you for this lifetime and anyother you may find yourself in.The Lion is wise and fierce, beautiful and tender, graceful and kind.You cannot go wrong reading this book and I am confident that you will refer to it many times.I absolutely classify this book as sacred scripture.Blessings, Namaste. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Eastern - Gurus    3. Hinduism    4. Philosophy    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Self-realization   

Reviews (6)

A few grains of truth in a lot of chaff
Today many of Sun Tzu quotas are floating around mixed with Shakespeare and the Bible. And as with many of the quote they are out of context and misleading. The quoter usually thinks repeating the word is some sort of magic.
Some contrarian remarks
This is a legendary book and has gotten a lot of play these days, from Wall St. to Hollywood types--including such notables as writer James Clavell. While I respect Clavell and am very familiar with the book, frankly, I don't see what all the commotion is about. The supposedly profound psychological principles that can be used to outwit your opponent, among many other strategems discussed, I found to be pretty elementary and not particularly astute. Perhaps for it's time this qualified as state of the art, but not anymore. Most of them are, or should be, pretty obvious.
This book on audio rules!
Joe Mantegna is great. I think that the audio works better than the actual book for this piece of art because of him. If you mix both the audio and the book probably it will give you a better understanding of Sun Tzu's teachings. I may try it myself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Literature / Classics    2. Eastern - General    3. Military Science    4. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction   

Editorial Review

It sounds like science fiction, but more and more people are tappinginto the healing power of the mind. Bill Moyers brought this topic to light in a big way with his bestselling Read more

Reviews (10)

Simply stated...EXCELLENT!
A must read for everyone.No matter what your faith, this is a no-nonsense form of empowering ourselves.This is the kind of book that should be on all our public school reading lists, and taught in our schools.

Please, keep this space for book reviews
This is just my own two cents but I believe that reserving this space stricly for book reviews may help in enhancing the integrity of this review section. Amazing!
Good for both the newcomer and the experienced reader of buddhism. I have read this book three times, and every time is a new experience that creates an amazing aura of mindful positivity. Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Consumer Health    4. Health    5. Meditations    6. Religion    7. Religious Life (Buddhism)    8. Religious aspects    9. Spiritual healing    10. Spiritual life    11. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    12. Non-Classifiable    13. Popular psychology   

Reviews (12)

Pretty good!
I like this book. Has some wonderful ideas in it and it wonderful for the begginer or newbie in magick to get a start without dogma. However The book seems off-kilter. All the rituals are done in the mind, although this is ok one should do physical workings. I recommend this book to someone whos looking for some fresh dogma free ideas to add to current magickal work.

Unfinished teaching of Hermetics.
Yes, you can find "different Hermetics" in this book. Author also make Kabbalah system look clear for me. His techniques based on imagination (including imaginary temple, "giant" of five element etc). Unfortunately, you can find only level 1-5 techniques. You must wait his next book about level 6-10. Business trick ? Maybe. You can buy his CD and other equipment for Hermetic. Author give us his website.

the new hermetics
I think the book was illuminating in comparison to alot of the new age books you see on the shelf. I would give it an A. Its only drawback was the pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Taoism    2. Hermetism    3. Magic    4. Magick Studies    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Philosophy    7. Magic & alchemy    8. Mind, Body, Spirit    9. Wicca   

Reviews (9)

Eloquent defense
Henry Allison is quite rightly regarded as a legendary Kant scholar, and his service in countering the dominant Anglo-American criticisms of Kant is noble indeed. This remains a very important book after so many years. I am only sorry that he spent so much time dealing with arguments that are often unworthy of consideration. For students wending their way through the thickets of the Kant literature, this book simply must be studied with care.

Who is Allison-Grier?
Allison announces in his first sentence of his Preface that this, the 2nd edition of a book originally published in 1983 is "substantially revised," and so it is, especially the last half of it. It was an important work of scholarship 23 years ago, and a revision after so much time during which he has remained a teacher and scholar specializing in Kant, was bound to excitebroad interest.It must have gone far toward gaining for him the prestigious prize of $30,000 he was awarded last year (2005) for outstanding Kantian scholarship.
There's a new edition!
This is a very good commentary on the Critique of Pure Reason that usually interprets it in the most charitable way.If you're out for economy, buy a used copy of this--but be aware that there is a new, considerably expanded edition of this book that Allison has put out, and the changes are worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1724-1804    2. Eastern - General    3. History & Surveys - 17th/18th Century    4. Kant, Immanuel,    5. Philosophy    6. Philosophy / General    7. Topics in philosophy    8. Western philosophy, c 1600 to c 1800   

Reviews (4)

"A proper man is inclusive, not sectary."
THE ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS.Translated and annotated by Arthur Waley. 257 pp.New York : Vintage Books, nd.Originally published byGeorge, Allen, & Unwin, 1938. The first stop on the Way
Perhaps the best introduction to the Confucian philosophy. Extensive footnotes and explanations of key concepts. Language slightly archaic but still clear. Wade-Giles romanization.

A classic
A classic in Chinese literature. Arthur Waley is the best translator ofChinese works that I have found. This version of the Analects areextensively footnoted which I found broke up the flow of the reading. So Iread it through first without the footnotes, then read it again with them.A interesting look at Chinese thought at the time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chinese Philosophy    2. Confucianism    3. Eastern - General    4. Philosophy    5. Religion / Confucianism   

Reviews (3)

The Great Treatise
The books are a great help in doing essays on refuge and boddh. vows great learning tool for those that only get to see their teacher once a month

Good explanation of the ultimate method of the Buddhist mahayana
(Because this is volume two, please refer to my review on volume one, ISBN 1559391529, for a general introduction to this important series).
An effective manual for spiritual self-improvement
The second volume of The Great Treatise On The Stages Of The Path To Enlightenment continues the three-volume classic treatise of Tibetan Buddhism, first completed in 1402. Author Tsong-kha-pa (1357-1419) was careful to base his insights upon Indian Buddhist literature, using citations as well as sayings from the masters to clarify his points. The Great Treatise On The Stages Of The Path To Enlightenment is especially for any student or follower of Buddhist teachings searching for means to put the wisdom and generosity of a divine being to practical application. For example, tenets of how to give unselfishly and for universal benefit are discussed - one such tenet cautions against storing unneeded goods rather than freely giving them, as the guilt to disburse the goods will eventually cause one to impulsively give to those who may not be in need, rather than see that the goods are given to those who need them most. Other chapters discuss ethical discipline, the virtues of patience and perseverance, how to maintain the spirit of enlightenment, and much more. A must-read for anyone seeking to better understand the principles of Buddhism, as well as an effective manual for spiritual self-improvement.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Religion / Eastern    5. Tibetan Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Great Iyengar book
This is a great book for the new and the familiar to yoga. This compilation of lectures is a more philosophical look at his yoga, unlike the more technical books Light on Yoga and Light on Pranayama.Although these last two are indispensible, in this book, Iyengar's love of yoga shines through his words.He develops the analogy of the eight limbs of yoga as a tree skillfully and beautifully.Really excellent!

A must read on yoga principles
While being an avid yoga practicioner, the first time I got to know anything about B.K.S. Iyengar was when I picked up this book.Since then, I have done much more reading by him.Tree of Yoga was wonderful in explaining some basic principles of yoga, and the concepts behind it.The book didn't go into explaining or documenting the various asanas (for that read Light on Yoga), but instead spoke of the history of yoga, the concepts, types, what it was about, etc. Light from one of the great teachers of yoga
B. K. S. Iyengar achieved an international reputation with the publication of his classic Light on Yoga in 1966, which today stands as the definitive work on hatha yoga, a work made distinctive not only by the 602 photographs of Iyengar himself demonstrating the various poses, but by the detailed manner in which they are explained. He was then 38-years-old. Since then he has written several other books on yoga and lectured widely while continuing his teaching practice. He is today recognized as one the greatest of all yoga teachers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Consumer Health    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Hinduism    6. Yoga    7. Health & Fitness / Yoga    8. Religions of Indic & Oriental origin    9. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (28)

Pugs!
I loved this book, and received it as a gift.I wish I could get my pugs to pose like that for pictures, how does she do it?I have purchased this book for other pug friends of mine, and they have simply adored it.I highly suggest this book as a gift to a pug person.

Very Cute Book!!
This was great book.The pictures are awesome.It's a must for all pug lovers.I might be a little biased, though, I have a pug named wilson.

A Precious Charm to hug to you!
The Tao of Pug has great snapshots of pugs, and comically done by "Wilson the Pug", Nancy Levine's pug. 'Black and white isn't so bad', I always think to myself, looking at the pug photos. 'I believe it's just a nice, warm, way of showing pugs off.' The Tao of Pug will always be a family favorite! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dao de jing    2. Dogs    3. Dogs - Breeds - Non-Sporting Dogs    4. Eastern - Taoism    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Laozi    8. Pets    9. Photography    10. Pugs    11. Gift books    12. Pets / Dogs / Breeds    13. Photographs: collections   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Cognitive Psychology    4. Compassion    5. Consciousness    6. Emotions    7. Meditation    8. Physiological aspects    9. Psychology    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Religious aspects    12. Behavioural theory (Behaviourism)    13. Oriental & Indian philosophy    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / Cognitive Psychology    15. Psychology | Health    16. Tibetan Buddhism   

Reviews (23)

Great Book
Great book, easy relatable read. Simple and to the point. Hit alot of core issues for me and was very easy to apply the lessons.

Great Guide and Aid. Very influential
This book and esp. the audio tape I have found to be very compelling. My heart felt much lightened by listening to Brach on more than several occasions. If eventually you wear out on listening to it, it's a great gift to pass along.

Provides detailed guidelines
I have read quite a number of Buddhist books.But this is the first one I've read that actually shows how to apply Buddhist philosophy to my own life.Brach does a great job of explaining some of the central Buddhist precepts and then takes things a step further by explaining how these can work in every day life and giving very detailed, practical suggestions and meditation tips showing just how to incorporate these principles.I've grown so much from reading her book and feel I have a much deeper understanding of the ways Buddhism can provide healing and change one's perspective.I can't wait for her next book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Compassion    4. General    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Self-acceptance    9. Spiritual life    10. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (7)

THE WISDOM TEACHINGS OF NISARGADATTA MAHARAJ
This is a beautiful book to open at random. Each and every page is a true delight. The stunning photographs and carefully chosen aphorisms are an inspiration for anyone interested in exploring the true nature of reality. A couple of random examples: "Whatever you take yourself to be will come to an end" and "Continuously hold on to what you are and not to what you know". The book is full of such mind-liberating sayings. The fact that they are brief extracts, rather than whole paragraphs, makes them particularly powerful - as the mind has little to grasp onto. The sayings are so direct and clear that they are beyond the need to be explained by intellectual means.
Six stars for this one?
How to critique a book beyond words?Absolutely wonderful,that's a divine pun, if you get it.If you do get it, you must surely check these wondeful pictures of a living saint (still alive in this book) and wisdom sayings that are beyond duality.Justwonderful reading every day.I check a page at random once or twice each day to remind myself of, well, nothing!Namaste!!!

Great Photo Filled Nisargadatta Book of Short Quotes
This wonderful book is covered with the great wisdom of Nisargadatta Maharaj and many rare photos of the great sage.His timeless message is captured in this great book with short, direct quotes the compiler recorded in studying with Nisargadatta.One outstanding quality of this book is that it offers the great teachings of Self-Realization in short aphorisms that capture the essence of non-duality teachings with a true economy of words.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - Buddhism    2. Eastern - General    3. Philosophy    4. Buddhism    5. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (25)

Essential early TNH.
Let me start by saying I have deep respect for Thich Nhat Hanh and don't begrudge him the profits from any of his vast number of books. That said some of his later work is pretty watered down and comes of as hippy-dippy.
The whole world should read this book!
Thich Nhat Hanh is my very favorite author and this is one of his very best books. It really shows you how you can effect everyone around you by your own "Being Peace". If everyone read this book, the world would be a much, much better place.

one of the best TNH's books ever
this book is one of my favorite books written by Thich Nhat Hanh.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. Doctrines    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious life    7. Religion / Zen Buddhism