Reviews (30)

Too Much Supposition to Support the Premise
This book presents some intriguing information and historical-cultural analysis on Chinese ideographic characters.The historical and cultural analysis is very informative.The authors trace back possible meanings and origins of the complex characters of Chinese ideographs.
More proof of a Biblical Creation
We were given this book years ago and were thrilled with the content. This one is a review for us but hasn't lost the thrill. It is very well written, contains many illustrations of the Chinese characters that help to understand that they knew the story of Creation.

Wonderful Book!
I found this book to be a wonderful source of information. My grandparents have been missionaries to Taiwan for over 40 years, and they have often explained the meanings of the different Chinese characters to me and shown me how they have Biblical meanings. I found that this book confirmed everything they have told me about the Chinese language. I truly believe that thousands of years ago the Chinese worshiped the One and True, the Only God--our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (this belief is also shared by my grandparents). If you want to read a book that shows that God created everything and that His Word can never be destroyed, then I would strongly urge you to read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible.    4. Chinese characters    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Creation    7. Eastern - General    8. Genesis    9. Miscellanea    10. O.T    11. O.T.    12. Religion    13. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (6)

Meditation Demystified
Yogananda was a master teacher. In this book he gives one of the simplest guides to meditation. Going inward allows you to taste the bliss of inner peace.
A magnificent printing of timeless inspiration
This little gem of abook is an ideal gift of peace.Universal, soul-satisfying insights and comforts from the great yoga master who founded Self-Realization Fellowship.For the sincere spiritual seeker here are the fundamentals common to all true religions and spiritualities.For the average person in modern society, here is comfort and relief from the alienation and distress of our material cultures. A magnificent printing of timeless inspiration
This little gem of abook is an ideal gift of peace.Universal, soul-satisfying insights and comforts from the great yoga master who founded Self-Realization Fellowship.For the sincere spiritual seeker here are the fundamentals common to all true religions and spiritualities.For the average person in modern society, here is comfort and relief from the alienation and distress of our material cultures.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Eastern - Gurus    3. Hinduism    4. Inspirational - General    5. Peace    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness    11. Worship   

Reviews (18)

Seductive, ultimately hollow, but absolutely fascinating reading
Krishnamurti was a brilliant guru who repeatedly claimed not to be a guru. He's most definitely correct that the root of man's catastrophe is to be found in himself, and that the imposition of any system is therefore not the solution (i.e., "You are the world and the world is you"). Yes, the locus of revolution is within each soul.
The austere beauty of Truth
Krishnamurti...
Difficult to read but Impossible to stay away from.
I have been reading this book for almost 7 years many times over. It has been one of the most difficult books I have read. But why don't I just stop reading? Because I can't. Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. General    3. Indian Philosophy    4. Liberty    5. Philosophy    6. Self    7. Spirituality - General    8. India    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    10. Oriental & Indian philosophy    11. Religion / Philosophy   

Reviews (4)

Good Introduction to Yoga
This set is a decent introduction to yoga for someone who knows nothing about yoga and has never been involved in any kind of esoteric practice.I don't know why is it entitled "The Lost Teachings of Yoga", since the information presented on these CDs is widely available elsewhere.Most of the information presented here comes from Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.There are also references to Babaji and Trailanga Swami from Autobiography of a Yogi, Gopi Krishna's Kundalini experience, transcendental meditation, and works related to tantra, mantras and hatha yoga.
Excellent overview of yoga history and philosophy
I have looked for a long time for something that taught yoga philosophy in an engaging, comprehensive manner.Some books are a bit on the dry side, others just touch on one small aspect of it.This CD set is a wonderful overview of the classical philosophies of yoga.The author's voice is clear, soothing and pleasant.Best of all, he's interesting!I haven't found a more complete and well-organized source of yoga philosophy.Definitely a worthwhile purchase!

Great Work
Absolute bliss! This is a magnificient work of synthetesis of the complex and fascinating world of Yoga; history, traditions, techniques are presented with knowledge , expertise and a suave voice (well its a recording). I have been listening to the whole thing 3 times now and there is still much to learn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Eastern - General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Meditation    6. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    7. Yoga   

Reviews (9)

Response to Randy LeJeune: "Great Book But Why Only 1/3...?"
Couldn't be improved upon. — In response to Randy LeJeune ofBaton Rouge, LA: "But why stop at chapter six when the Gita has eighteen chapters? I don't get it. It's not finished. As good as what he has translated is, it would be great if he had completed the job." — It WAS completed, but was not to be released until such time as was found to be appropriate according to the progress of meditators or world consciousness or both – I don't know which. The eighteen chapters of the Gita may be grouped according to each set of six chapters. Each set describes life in different stages of human development. Chapters one through six talk about progression from Transcendental to Cosmic Consciousness, chapters seven through twelve describe evolution from Cosmic to God Consciousness, and the final six chapters of thirteen through eighteen delineate human progress from God Consciousness to Unity Consciousness – the supreme human achievement. Beyond Unity, is Brahman Consciousness. But since this necessitates vibrating outside of the human nervous system, there is no human method of describing or validating it. So as Maharishi says: "Don't worry about it." As poor luck would have it, someone stole the remaining 12 chapters from Charlie Lutes in whose possession and safe keeping it was supposed to remain by not returning the manuscript after borrowing it from him. There is no additional copy of the original manuscript and no intention so far as I know of (circa 1994) that Maharishi ever intends to rewrite the missing chapters.

A Happy Ending to a Long Search
Several years ago I read one of the many translations available of the great classic, The Bhagavad-Gita.I was deeply moved by its beauty and by the ring of truth it conveyed.But it left me frustrated. I wanted to know how I could experience for myself the great truths of life and living presented in this luminous wok of literature.I wanted to be able to live my life with equanimity and balance amidst all the pairs of opposites in life, and I wanted to attain the higher states of human consciousness alluded to in the text.Nothing was mentioned that could point me in the direction of realizing these goals.Nor could I find any translations or commentaries of the Gita that offered a practical means for experiencing the kind of transformation its message promised. It is spelled Bhagavad-Gita, not ghita
This is a great book written by a great man. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Gurus    2. General    3. Hinduism    4. New Age    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Philosophy / Religious   

Reviews (8)

Does God play dice?
Albert Einstein said: "I am convinced that He (God) does not play dice." He also said: "When I read the Bhagavad-Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous."
Bare Bones Essence of Divinity
This volume which comprises Gandhi's wisely succinct Gujarati translation of and commentary on the Gita, the central statement of his religious faith, introduced by the 134 page thickly detailed commentary of his intimate associate and English translator, Mahadev Desai, deserves a wider audience.There are a number of important reasons for my claim.
A very insightful Book
I think Gandhi's translation and commentary of the Gita is really good. His explanations are clear and insightful and he speaks from experience. There is also an essay he wrote to accompany the Gita as an introduction. It explains his path to the Gita, gives an overview of the Gita, and explains how he came to render a translation of it (Gita) with the help of others.
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Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. Eastern - Gurus    3. Hinduism    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Spirituality - General    7. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts   

Reviews (10)

The Essence of Buddhism
There are thousands of books out there for people interested in Buddhism, but few of them get to the core of what it's all about and why it's so important to practice, practice, practice. This is undoubtedly the best. Just the first chapter alone is perhaps the best summary I've ever read of what Buddhism really is.

Best first book
I used to always recommend Walpola Rahula's "What the Buddha Taught" as the best first read for someone looking to get started with Buddhism but now I think I'd recommend this instead. Rahula's book seems better for those with just an intellectual interest in Buddhism, but this book seems better for those who are ready to start changing their life. An absolute gem.

Meaningful words for checking the ego.
A book that transcends the page and leaves the reader with insight long after putting it down.It is written in a style that is easy for Western Bhuddist readers to comprehend.Well worth the time and money to read.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. General    4. Inspirational - General    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spiritual life    8. Body, Mind & Spirit / Meditation    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Editorial Review

After D.T. Suzuki, Alan Watts stands as the godfather of Zen in America. Often taken to task for inspiring the flimsy spontaneity of Beat Zen, Watts had an undeniably keen understanding of his subject. Nowhere is this more evident than in his 1957 classic Read more

Reviews (32)

The Greatest Book I Have Ever Read
Buy this book! Its amazing. Watts historical preface to Buddhism aids in its practical understanding. He has a way of getting to the very nature of the Buddhist perspective. Althought not a book for instruction ("Buddhism: Plain & Simple" by Stevn Hagen is a good one) "Way of Zen" is a perfect introduction to Buddhism, its Hindu roots, and more specifically, Zen Buddhism, and its Chinese roots. BUY THIS BOOK.

Zen Content, Zen Form, sort of...
I think the principle virtues of this text are simplicity, directness and clarity.Watts seems to have considerable intellectual understanding of Zen, and equally importantly, intuition about its inner content.He writes about Zen in a somewhat Zen-like way; not with a series of enigmas and paradoxes, but with a simple and direct narrative that covers the essential history and practice of Zen, interspersed with numerous relevant and potent quotes, and manages to lay this on the table with an intuitive immediacy that is refreshing and indeed uplifting.It's a good book.

Nothing Goes On Forever
It's hard to recommend a specific Watts intro. Indeed, some may find this text extremely tough reading. All I can say is, "have a dabble", reading Watts is a life changing experience. Also recommend Audiobooks (from iTunes) containing his early lectures.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Zen    3. Philosophy    4. Zen Buddhism    5. Philosophy / Eastern   

Editorial Review

In any meditation class, one of the first things one learns is the importance of breathing. For Larry Rosenberg, a seasoned instructor of insight meditation, the breath is everything. And he's not in bad company since the Buddha himself delivered a sutra on the subject. Rosenberg's Read more

Reviews (18)

An Extremely Insightful Guide for New and Experienced Meditators
I've been practicing insight meditation for almost 2 years now, and I've read many books about Buddhism and meditation.
The basic Anapanasati Sutra
The Anapanasati Sutra is the simplest of the several teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and meditation. In many ways it is the very basis of the Vapassana tradition and the core of Insight Meditation. Mr. Rosenberg does not get carried away with this teaching, but approaches the sutra in a traditional manner. Of the many meditation books I have read, including better known Insight Meditation books, this is the easiest to understand and follow. Mr. Rosenberg is a very experienced teacher of this approach to meditation and the book shows it.
A great introductory meditation book
This is an excellent introductory book for any meditation student, but it particularly well suited to a serious beginner.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - General    3. Meditation    4. Philosophy    5. Religion - World Religions    6. åAnåapåanasmôrti    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Outstanding entry level introduction.
I was fortunate to have this CD recommended to me by a friend.Having had no prior experience with sanskrit or mantra, I couldn't believe my luck once I'd listened to this CD.Not only is it structured so anybody can learn, there is also a list of the 'seed' sounds, explanations and english translations for each mantra, plus a guide on repetition, intention, spiritual practice, and a glossary!And all this for under $15.Each mantra is spoken word by word, before being intoned.
Best tool for quick start into mantra practice.
This C.D. and brochure provides essential guidance in mantra practice andthe clear pronunciation of many of the most powerful mantras you may everneed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Eastern - General    4. Healing - General    5. Mantras    6. Religion    7. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    8. Healing    9. Meditation    10. Relaxation   

Reviews (9)

It is what it is...
Having just turned forty I don't know if I'd call myself a sage yet, but this text offers thoughtful passages about later life as well as life in general.The author maintains a grounded taoist perspective and expresses it using examples and metaphors that will be familiar and relavant to the present day reader.

Plan on rereading it at least once a year.
Being interested in Eastern religions and philosophies, I've read several translations of the Tao Te Ching, one of which is William Martin's (A Path and a Practice).I was so impressed by this book, that I wanted to read more of his writings.Having recently passed "mid-life," I was especially drawn to The Sage's Tao Te Ching.Mr. Martin's interpretation of this ancient work is sensitive, thought-provoking, and challenges popular cultural norms about aging and the meaning of "success."I recommend it to anyone -- regardless of age -- who is interested in cultivating the virtues of wisdom and compassion.I intend on reading it at least once a year.

The Taoist Sage is an "OldBoy".
Lao Tzu, the "OldBoy", isn't called the master of paradox for nothing. This is a great book for the "OldBoy" in all of us. Though it is directed towards the older in years among us, it is applicable to anyone that has tired of the rat race of modern life and just wants to sit back and relax a while. Sit back and contemplate the mystery of life. Maybe even sit still long enough to hear the still small voice of our inner being. To be an old boy or girl again, only without the naivete of youth. As William Martin titles the first lesson of his beautiful little book, "Older or Wiser?"; and I quote:
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Subjects:  1. Dao de jing    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Laozi    4. Laozi.    5. Philosophy    6. Religion    7. Spiritualism - General    8. Taoism   

Reviews (51)

Every Woman can gain some insight
I read all the reviews and still bought the book. I found it charming and a reminder of how important it is to dress our best. We as a society have really gone too far with Pajamas and slippers worn to the grocery store and flip flops accepted at the White House. How we dress really does affect how strangers see us and a first impression can never be made a second time. I just took what the author was trying to say and applied it to my life. I may not agree with everything exactly, but I did learn from it.

In appreciation of Genevieve Antoine Dariaux
I love this book. Conservative (some would say dated), it is full of timeless, classic advice - especially for the working wardrobe.
Helpful but dated
Follow all the rules in this book and you will be the most elegant women of your day -- if your day was the 1950s.Advice like an elegant woman never wears black in the morning just doesn't fit the needs of a professional urban woman (like me) who has several black suits in her closet.And this book isn;t trying to help you develop an interesting flair of your own -- this book's goal is to give you the rules to follow to be conservatively tasteful in all occasions.Still, it's helpful to know what the most absolutely proper thing to wear is, if only to decide how far from absolutely proper you want to veer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - Fashion    2. Confucianism    3. Consumer Health    4. Fashion    5. Personal & Practical Guides    6. Reference    7. Women's clothing    8. Reference / Etiquette   

Subjects:  1. Abdominal exercises    2. Eastern - Taoism    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Healing - Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    8. Perineum    9. Personal Health    10. Qi gong    11. Religion - World Religions    12. Taoism    13. Yoga    14. Body, Mind & Spirit / Healing / Energy (Chi Kung, Reiki, Polarity)    15. Exercise & workout books    16. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    17. Oriental martial arts   

Reviews (96)

Good for beginners, but cautiously recommended
Several years back, this was one of the first few translations of the Bhagavad Gita that I read. Compared to other books I found the language of translation very simple to comprehend and I also loved the layout of the book. This book was certainly inspiring as any translation of Gita would be. However a word of caution!
bhagwat gita as it is
This book is really great with indepth description of bhagwat gita. This book also says about conditions before mahabharat and I found that description very helpfull understanding mahabharat.

Excellent Representation of the Tradition
In 1967 I was honored to type the second chapter of the Swami's Gita manuscript just as it was being edited by Prof. Howard Wheeler (Hayagriva). Since then I've been a student of the Gita, particularly Prabhupada's. For someone new to the Gita, his translation is excellent. Prabhupada communicates the passion, philosophy, enjoyment, and enlightenment available in the Vishnu (Vaishnava) culture. Although wise, elderly, and saintly, Prabhupada humbly consults centuries old commentaries to offer his readers the proper perspectives. For someone who knows the tradition, it is a joy to read Prabhupada's translation, because he communicates the millenia old principles with clarity. To understand the ancient, classical, and modern Vedantic (Hindu) culture one should investigate it from within the tradition. For example, one of the Upanisads says, "A great soul is enlightened by the Gita discussions through expressing affection for the Lord and the guru (not by external, detached study and research)." Prabhupada is most definitely a guru who can enlighten the reader; it is also easy to have affection for him. An advanced reader may be happy that Prabhupada's comments clarify the many themes or threads in the Gita. Some scholars find the various threads difficult to follow and reconcile. Many people will appreciate that in a world where industrial and modern cultures have created a violent rift between humanity and nature, Krishna's exposition provides a breath of fresh air. The Vedantic perspective is wonderfully communicated by Satish Kumar (in Ranchor Prime's Vedic Ecology): "Hindus say 'Om shanti, shanti, shanti' ('peace, peace, peace') before every prayer. The first 'shanti' means peace with nature, ecological peace; the second means peace in society, between human beings, communities, nations and peoples; the third means shanti within oneself, spiritual peace." Therefore, Christians, scientists, and politicians should apply the Gita's principles in order to regain active respect for nature. Krishna's teachings are down to earth and practical. Along with principles and philosophy, Krishna emphasizes action as one of His central themes. He urges resistance to materialism by using the sword of active knowledge (jnana-asin), rather than weapons of steel. He describes a yati (spiritual struggler), who is similar to an Islamic mujahid (jihadist). Yet the yati is a college professor to the elementary school mujahid. Moslems should study Prabhupada's Gita to understand how to use the sword of knowledge instead of steel. Above all, every reader may benefit from the spiritual enjoyment that Krishna teaches in His yoga treatise, the Gita. ... Read more

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

Reviews (24)

Great book on energy practice
I am working through this book.
Great Book!
I can't recomend this book enough! As I was dealing with the after effects of a kundalini awakening I found the exercises in this book to be amazingly helpful.

Works Wonders
I have been working with Mantak Chia's materials for the past 17 years.Originally I found few of his books ine one small Chinese store, and decided to give them a shot.I was thrilled when even my very first attempt resulted in noticing the difference.While the books were wonderful I did wish to have personal instruction, too.Lucky for me, about few weeks after I purchased the books, Mantak Chia was teaching a workshop in Toronto.Even though thsee initial practices are rather simple, it helped attending a workshop, too.I have attended all the workshops he came to teach in Toronto at the time.In the meantime, videos came out, so in time I got those too.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. General    3. Health/Fitness    4. Hygiene, Taoist    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Qi gong    7. Taoism    8. Vitality    9. Complementary Medicine   

Subjects:  1. Confucianism    2. Eastern - General    3. History    4. Philosophy    5. Philosophy, Chinese    6. Religion    7. Asian and Asian American Studies    8. Home furnishing & decoration    9. Oriental & Indian philosophy    10. Religion / Confucianism   

Reviews (5)

Practical Cultivation
Very good!I have been doing meditation