How I Became A Hindu by David Frawley

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Religious Studies Review
In 2000, his book How I Became a Hindu, Frawley details his move from a Catholic upbringing to embracing Hinduism. He learned Sanskrit from a Sanskrit grammar book and a copy of the Vedas in around 1970. Today he is a respected academician and historian on Hindu and other mystical Indian traditions. This little unassuming book is a real gem for beginners to Hinduism from Western upbringing who will find this book helpful in understanding Hinduism through anecdotes.

About the Author, David Frawley
David Frawley (or Pandit Vāmadeva Śāstrī वामदेव शास्त्री) is a Vedic teacher and educator with numerous books in several Vedic and Yogic fields published worldwide over the past thirty years. He is the founder and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico (www.vedanet.com), which offers courses and publications on Ayurvedic medicine, Yoga and meditation, and Vedic astrology. He is also involved in important research into ancient Vedic texts and is a well known modern exponent of Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma. His work is high respected in traditional circles in India, where he has received many awards, as well as influential in the West, where he is involved in many Vedic and Yogic schools, ashrams and associations.

Hindu Art by T. Richard Blurton

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Religious Studies Review
An able and well-illustrated survey of Hindu art by a curator in the South and Southeast Asia collections at the British Museum. The text has six chapters: 'Hinduism,' 'The Temple,' 'Shiva,' 'Vishnu,' `Devi,' and `Regional Chronological Survey.' Myth, ritual, and iconography figure...prominently in Blurton's interpretation of Hindu art...And he skillfully weaves history into an essay that is thematically organized...The accompanying photographs are excellent.

Review by toronto on Amazon.com
This really is an excellent book -- clear, well-written, with an exceptionally good selection of photographs -- especially of rural shrines and out of the way places. I would rate it among the top two or three books on Hindu/India art I have ever read. It's the sort of book you could happily carry around India.

Beyond the Quantum by Michael Talbot

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MyHinduPage.org Review
Have you ever wondered what all the hubbub is all about Quantum Mechanics and its connection with spirituality? Many physicist since Fritjof Capra's "Tao of Physics" have come up with books that explore how Quantum Physics theories can lend credibility to realms of reality. Of the many books out there I rate Michael Talbot's Beyond the Quantum as the most readable and entertaining. Not only does he dwell in the technicalities of the debate between Quantum Physics and Mechanical Physics in a way that we non-physicist can enjoy, he also dwells into possible experiments that can be proof of individual consciousness and even extra-individual consciousness that is left unexplained by purely neuropsychological process. With chapters such as–What and Where is Consciousness?, Virtual Particles and Virtual Being, Why is Science Afraid of the Paranormal?; you will find this book hard to put down especially if you are scientifically minded mystic or an amateur quantum physics enthusiast. I got a hold of this book in the late 1980's and having reread it in 2011 I still find this out-of-print book very relevant and refreshing to the status quo understanding of life.

Review by Jed Shlackman on Amazon.com
Having previously read Talbot's Holographic Universe, I just happened upon a used copy of this now out-of-print classic, Beyond the Quantum. This book very clearly and provocatively explores the science and the theoretical implications that are developing in the fields of physics and consciousness. From Bohm to Sheldrake to the Eastern mystics, Talbot has written an excellent overview of this mind-expanding field of study. In 2004 this book still seems fresh with ideas and insight, and explains things clearly for a general audience, not just those with a scientific background.

Great Yoga Retreats

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MyHinduPage.org Review
There are only a few book based resource that can help one located and get independent reviews of yoga and meditation retreats around the world. There are many websites though. This book offers a valuable resource for those planning to go for a yoga retreat and have yet to decide how and where. It is the most relevant since it was published in 2009. There are other books though they maybe outdated having been published more than a decade ago. Do check up on website references in the book for the current information on the retreats you are interested in. HinduSearchEngine.com offers an updated search listing of some of the most amazing yoga and meditation retreats around the world.

Description of this Book
Looking for a tranquil vacation that leaves you relaxed, restored and uplifted? Then try a yoga retreat. Even if enlightenment is not your aim, you ll definitely achieve a luminous glow. Yogis understand the positive influence of natural surroundings and feng shui on the body, mind and soul, while the healthy organic food (almost always vegetarian) served at most retreats leaves you feeling lighter and purified. Whether you go by yourself, with a friend or partner, or even in a group, you will always find friendly company. Angelika Taschen has travelled the world to select the most exquisite and inspirational yoga retreats: choose from an exotic luxury hotel in Bhutan, a spiritual Ashram in India, a farmhouse in Tuscany or a beach resort in Mexico. But be warned, yoga can easily become a way of life. You might find yourself planning your days and even holidays around yoga practice.

Highlights include the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, one of the holy cities of the Ganges and a renowned pilgrimage site, where the Beatles attended the Maharishi's ashram in 1968; Yogamagic, an eco-retreat in Goa on the gentle Indian Ocean. Italy is not just a destination for the cultural and culinary traveller but also for the dedicated yogi: Il Convento in Tuscany and Santa Maria del Sole in Puglia strike a balance between yoga and the sensual Italian lifestyle. The Esalen Institute in Big Sur is a legendary New Age destination, offering yoga and much more, with over 500 spiritual and physical workshops; while Amansala's Bikini Boot Camp in Tulum, Mexico, combines beach life with yoga classes. Finally, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on the Caribbean Island of Dominica offers wild rainforest surroundings with yoga teachers from all over the world.