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AYURVEDA – The Science of Self-Healing by Dr. Vasant Lad

2012-02-15T07:07:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Buy Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing - A Practical Guide on Amazon.com

Myhindupage.org Review
If you are interested in Ayurveda, the ancient and traditional Indian medical science, this book is a good introduction. Dr. Vasant Lad went to great lengths to write this practical guide on Ayurveda for those uninitiated. He provides simple diagrams and allows even beginners to ayurveda to use the knowledge in this book to come up with rudimentary diagnosis. The content is not extensive enough to figure treatments for disease but it is helpful in providing preventive solutions based on basic ayurvedic diagnosis that can be early indication of ill health.

An anonymous review on Amazon.com
I had the privilage of being treated by Dr. Lad as well as going to several clases he gives at the Ayurvedic institute in Albuquerque NM. The book is a wonderful aid in trying to understand and identify health and disease. You have to be able to understand that "western" medicine is not the answer for everything and that in many cases it will eventually make you even sicker. What do you prefer, Prozac or a cup of some herbal tea that will eventually help you with depression?. What do you prefer, a cup of chamomile tea along with jatamansi or Pepto Bismol?. Ayurveda is something very real, helpful and extremely cheap. Hmmmm..... just wondering why allopacy wants to destroy alternative methods. Even better, is Ayurveda really an alternative treatment? 3,000 years before Jesus Ayurveda was being practiced...so, just wondering who's really alternative. Give it a try, Vasant Lad is a great humble and loving person.

Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation by Harish Johari

2012-02-02T21:03:00.001-08:00

Click Here to Buy Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation by Harish Johari on Amazon.com

Myhindupage.org Review
This is one of the most friendly book on the esoterics of chakras to be found. the late Harish Johari's valuable literary work on the chakra and their related spiritual psychiatry and psychology is equally matched by trully inspiring illustrations of the chakras. An essential book for all those who are mystified by or are interested in understanding the chakras, which are spiritual force hubs connecting the spiritual bodies of man to the physical body, and their functions.

Editorial Review
"This book offers much for readers to digest, and it is an invitation to new and healthy experiences with food." (Catholic Women's NETWORK, March/April/May 2001 )
“Johari’s text is among the best of Western explications, combining traditional, visionary, and practical views. Chakras is illustrated, detailed, accessible to the neophyte, and notable for its valuable discussion of tantric vocabulary.” -- East West Journal

Review by Pieter 'Toypom' on Amazon.com
The energy vortices or charkas are located within the cerebrospinal system and are the points of interaction between the spirit and the body. Each of the 7 main charkas is also connected to certain glands in the body and therefore has a role in the hormonal system.
The psychophysical energy dealt with here is electrochemical and operates through the life force (prana) that moves through the body along the nadi channels. The seven main chakras are all connected to the main nadi. By understanding this system one can cultivate a higher state of being.
This illuminating and comprehensive book includes the following chapters: 1. The Principles of Tantra Yoga, with a section on states of consciousness; 2. Kundalini Yoga; 3. The Essentials of the Chakras; 4. Chakras, Rebirth & Spirituality. The appendix consists of extracts from the Hindu scriptures on the various stages of Yoga.
The aforementioned Chapter 3 deals with each of the chakras in turn, providing a description of each, the psychological energies that operate in it, the shape, yantra and color of each chakra, its predominating sense aspects, its seed sound (bija), number of petals, residing deity and ruling planet. It was interesting to learn about the Soma Chakra, an unnumbered energy point also called Amirta or Indu, that resides within the 7th or Sahasrara chakra.
The principles of the chakra system and practical applications are discussed in detail, including visualization techniques. The text is enhanced by beautiful color paintings of each energy vortex plus plenty of interesting black and white illustrations. The book concludes with a glossary and index.
Johari's revised and expanded edition of Chakras is a very accessible work and packed with facts. As such it is ideal for both the novice and the advanced energy worker. It provides all the information, techniques and tools to activate one's energy system for enhancing spiritual growth, balanced emotions and mental and physical well-being.

Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine by Harish Johari

2012-02-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

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Editorial Review
"Unlike the recipes in many other Indian cookbooks, the simplicity of Johari's dishes makes it possible to prepare an Indian meal without spending an entire day at the task." (Vegetarian Times )

"A fine introduction both to the science of Ayurveda and to its cuisine." (Hinduism Today )

"Harish Johari is Ayurveda's renaissance man." (Yoga Journal )
"A delightfully healthy way to broaden your palate to include the delicacies of India." (NAPRA Review )
"Readers interested in applying the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda healing to contemporary lifestyles will find both an excellent reference and delicious recipes in Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine." (Sandra I. Smith, The Midwest Book Review )

"Exceptional." (Today's Books, March 6, 2001 )

"This book offers much for readers to digest, and it is an invitation to new and healthy experiences with food." (Catholic Women's NETWORK, March/April/May 2001 )

"With 200 recipes to improve well-being and longevity, the book exalts the healing qualities of various foods and spices." (PJ Birosik, Nexus, July/August 2002 )

Review by Cassandra Barnes on Amazon.com
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine from India that emphasizes the healing properties of food. As Harish Johari says, "food is something very personal and it should never be eaten for taste alone; its purpose is to provide nutrients and satisfaction to the body, without introducing toxins." Johari, a Tantric and Ayurvedic scholar, wrote twelve books, as well as produced audiocassettes and CDs, before his death in 1999. Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine: 200 Vegetarian Recipes for Health, Balance, and Longevity, published posthumously, "explains the healing qualities of various foods and spices and recommends combinations appropriate for specific conditions of body and mind."
Johari first introduces the principles of Ayurveda, fully discussing the role of the five elements and describing the doshas--a way of classifying body types and temperments. He also explains that there are six tastes--sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Each of the tastes has a different effect on the body. Foods are further classified as to whether they are hot or cold and heavy or light. These attributes also affect the body in various ways.
Understanding how foods interact with one another and how they effect the body provides a foundation for healthy eating. Johari maintains that "most diseases are the result of wrong eating habits and/or of eating antagonist foods."
He also includes information on the nutrients in food, such as protein and vitamins. That's followed by a section describing the healing properties of specific foods. He suggests using milk as a source of protein, rather than meat or eggs.
The bulk of the book is devoted to recipes, including how to prepare various Indian spice mixtures. All of the recipes are Westernized versions of Indian foods and use ingredients that can be obtained in the West. Many are prepared using a wok. Johari presents recipes for snacks, dals, main dishes, salads, condiments, breads, desserts, and beverages.
Appendices include menu suggestions, and several special recipes for children and the elderly. He finishes with a list of spice and specialty food suppliers.
Readers interested in applying the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda healing to contemporary lifestyles will find both an excellent reference and delicious recipes in Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine.

How I Became A Hindu by David Frawley

2012-01-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Buy How I Became a Hindu: My Discovery of Vedic Dharma from Amazon.com

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

2012-01-21T06:04:00.001-08:00

Click Here to buy Hindu Art by T. Richard Blurton on Amazon.com

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

2012-01-17T20:47:00.000-08:00

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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

2012-01-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

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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.

Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga

2011-12-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Buy Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga from Amazon.com

Amazon.com review
Any student of Yoga will want to know more about not only the practices of Yoga but also its history and spirituality. One of the best places to turn is to Georg Feuerstein's acclaimed Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga. With more than 100 illustrations (such as the many asana postures and chakra centers) and entries on everything from the Bhagavad Gita to Swami Vivekananda and from the Aryan invasion theory to biofeedback, you can't go wrong. Extensive cross-references also facilitate searches for both English and Sanskrit versions of terms. The Shambhala Encyclopedia is a complete yet concise guide to the galaxy of Yoga. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review on Amazon.com by Dennis Littrell
This book stands alone in English. There is simply nothing else like it. Feuerstein is the leading academic expert on yoga in the United States while Shambhala is the leading publisher of books on yoga, so it is not surprising that this is clearly a superior work that fills a void. As such it is a boon to scholars and practitioners alike.
It is also very well cross-referenced so that a reader may, by following the starred words, begin or expand his own study of yoga. There is a guide to pronunciation of the Sanskrit words, numerous bits of black and white artwork and photos, and an engaging and informative introduction by Feuerstein. This handsome book has all those words that you won't find in even an unabridged English dictionary, defined and given their expression in an historical and spiritual context. Anyone with more than a passing interest in yoga will find this book invaluable.
I should add that this is a revised and greatly expanded edition of Dr. Feuerstein's Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga (1990), and that it dwarfs both Ernest Wood's Yoga Wisdom (1970) and Harvey Day's Yoga Illustrated Dictionary (1971), which I have enjoyed, but which are also very much out of date.
For Dr. Feuerstein's revision (due circa 2010, I would imagine) perhaps some entries on Westerners (and contemporaries) who have contributed to the study and practice of yoga would be appropriate, including, e.g., Theos Bernard (I was pleased to see eleven photos herein of Bernard demonstrating asana), Richard Hittleman, B.K.S. Iyengar, Swami Vishnudevananda, and others.
Bottom line: this is an up to date, thorough, and lively work of reference without peer.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda

2011-12-25T17:51:00.000-08:00

Click Here to Buy The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Review on Amazon.com by Mary J. Serafin
Swami Satchidananda's book on the Sutras is one of the best for digging into the background and foundations of the Sutras, and his commentary, unlike Iyengar's and most other eastern commentaries, is clear, simple and easy to understand. Yet I finished the book still feeling that I did not fully grasp it. Swami Satchidananda is clearly in touch with the truth that he is illuminating with this book, and it's also clear from the powerful tone of authority with which he writes that he has reached the state of awaking which is the end purpose of the Sutras, but it seems too immersed in the history and culture of Hinduism to be fully appreciated and grasped by a westerm mind conditioned by concepts, ideas and images that are vastly different from the eastern traditions. So the book does not have a deep and profound illuminating impact as has McAfee's book on the sutras - "Beyond the Siddhis". But it is rich in historical information and its tone is true to the purpose of the Sutras. I would recommend it for for all aspiring yogis.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven from Amazon.com

2011-08-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Five People You Meet in Heaven (See all Thrillers Books)

Amazon.com Book Description
Plot Eddie is a wounded war veteran, an old man who has lived, in his mind, an uninspired life. His job is fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. On his 83rd birthday, a tragic accident kills him, as he tries to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakes in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a destination. It's a place where your life is explained to you by five people, some of whom you knew, others who may have been strangers. One by one, from childhood to soldier to old age, Eddie's five people revisit their connections to him on earth, illuminating the mysteries of his "meaningless" life, and revealing the haunting secret behind the eternal question: "Why was I here?"

Review on Amazon.com by Beth
Without going into the set-up of the story (which you can find in other reviews), I'll simply say this amazing little book is on my Christmas shopping list for those that are the dearest to my heart. This is a book I want to share with everyone! Not to scare anyone away from it -- by the end of this story, I was a sobbing mess! The first four of Eddie's people give little pieces of the puzzle, profound little tidbits to help him understand more about the events in his life. But his "fifth person" reveals Eddie's true purpose in life, a life that Eddie felt was a "nothing existence" on Earth. He learns from his fifth person that his life was an incredibly important piece of the tapestry of life's experience here -- one that meant more to people than he could ever have dreamed. A truly inspiring piece of American literature that EVERYONE should read!!

India (Lonely Planet Country Guide 2011 - 14th Edition)

2011-08-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Click Here to buy Lonely Planets latest India, Country Travel Guide on amazon.com

Amazon.com book description: Lonely Planet is the expert on India. Our 14th edition eases you through the spicy diversity of India - from the thrilling bustle of Delhi's bazaars, to the laid-back beaches of Goa, the serene beauty of Himalayan Sikkim, and the majesty of Jaisalmer's ancient fort.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:
Bonus activities chapter detailing camel treks, watersports and yoga
Tasty color feature reveals the best local food
Festive special section on India's most magical celebrations

Reveiw by B.Velzen on Amazon.com
I used the 14th Edition of Lonely Planet India to get around in India (of course) for four weeks in October 2011. Overall, I liked how LP reorganized and reordered the info in the book. I thought the manner in which they listed sights, hotels, and restaurants, etc. was better than their previous method, having used past LP's to travel elsewhere. I also found the information in the book to be accurate and agreed with most of their descriptions of hotels and places to eat.

The one point that I did not like in this edition was that LP seems to have lessened the geographic size of the maps in the book, and also eliminated some helpful maps that were in the 13th edition (e.g. various maps of the Darjeeling area). So instead of a map showing a larger portion of a city or several different areas of a city, you now get a map showing only the city center/one area but with more detail. In prior versions of the India guide, LP's maps covered larger and more diverse areas. Some people may like the extra detail of the smaller maps, but I personally liked the broader map coverage of past editions.

The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism

2011-07-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy The Tao of Physics: An Exploration of the Parallels between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism from Amazon.com (See all Physics Books)

MyHinduPage.org Review. If you are a budding mystical scientist, a fan of quantum physics and parallels between quantum physics and Eastern mysticism, this the classic to begin your explorations with.

Amazon.com Editorial Review
First published in 1975, The Tao of Physics rode the wave of fascination in exotic East Asian philosophies. Decades later, it still stands up to scrutiny, explicating not only Eastern philosophies but also how modern physics forces us into conceptions that have remarkable parallels. Covering over 3,000 years of widely divergent traditions across Asia, Capra can't help but blur lines in his generalizations. But the big picture is enough to see the value in them of experiential knowledge, the limits of objectivity, the absence of foundational matter, the interrelation of all things and events, and the fact that process is primary, not things. Capra finds the same notions in modern physics. Those approaching Eastern thought from a background of Western science will find reliable introductions here to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism and learn how commonalities among these systems of thought can offer a sort of philosophical underpinning for modern science. And those approaching modern physics from a background in Eastern mysticism will find precise yet comprehensible descriptions of a Western science that may reinvigorate a hope in the positive potential of scientific knowledge. Whatever your background, The Tao of Physics is a brilliant essay on the meeting of East and West, and on the invaluable possibilities that such a union promises. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review on Amazon.com by Thomas Lapins
I've read "The Tao Of Physics" two and one half times. The first time was fifteen years ago (the original paperback was a different edition, with a far more thought provoking cover). I then read this edition when it came out (I need to read it a third time, this time with more life experience to draw from). I'm sure most readers struggled with the technical dialogue and laws of physics throughout. I was more able to intuitively appreciate these tougher chapters than intellectually understand these sometimes very abstract and difficult theories and concepts. Mysticism at times can seem equally abstract and difficult when one has not expereinced specific "mystical" experiences or enough of life itself. However, I intuitively connected to the threads which Capra so painstakingly weaved into his book. I was not looking for the answers to the universe in this book. What I was hoping to find was guidance, and a springboard in which to think in a larger universe. And when I look back, I realize my awareness and receptiveness to a "universe"and "consciousness" which is infinitely larger and wiser than the human experience and consciousness does indeed exits. "The Tao Of Physics" opened a window or two for me, and the inertia in which I had formed my opinions and prejudices and, then, learned to see and feel and judge the world around me, seemed embarrassingly narrow, lacking and unwise. That was a great insight for this young man at that time. "The Tao Of Physics" remains one of those books and experience that initially changed me in a small way, that eventually evolved into a substantive life change in how I think and perceive the world around me, and my relationship to it.

Samadhi: The Highest State of Wisdom

2011-07-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Samadhi: The Highest State of Wisdom, Volume One: Yoga the Sacred Science on Amazon.com (See all Religion & Spirituality Books)

MyHinduPage.org review. There are many expositions written on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Of these Swami Rama's lectures on The Yoga Sutras is one of the least tacit and most easy to understand. The compilation in the book does not follow the content structure of the Yoga Sutras, nor does it cover the entirety of the Yoga Sutras. Instead Swami Rama was intent on modern relevance of the amazing yoga treatise then a scholarly exposition of the Yoga Sutras.

Editorial Review
The contents of this book have been taken from Swami Rama's lecture courses on Yoga Sutras. Swamiji states that Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are the basis ofancient psychology. The explanations in this book include many practical pointers on how we can work with the mind in daily life, as well as study and direct the mind when in quieter states of meditation. Swamiji's description of the totality of the mind, the functions of the mind,and the emotions, goes far beyond the concepts of modern psychology, and provides insight into the intricacies of yoga psychology, making this aninvaluable edition from the therapeutic viewpoint as well as its practicality as a guide for living a healthy, balanced life.

Review by Francois on Amazon.com
If you are interested by Patanjali or by Yoga as science of the mind, this book is for you. It is not a sutra by sutra commentary of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra but a deep and yet accessible explanation of the meaning of Patanjali's work. It is very suitable for the beginner as well as for the more experienced student. As usual with Swami Rama's books you'll find a very well organized presentation of the Science of Yoga. This book is not about mysterious knowledge and esoteric teachings but a clear, complete and modern explanation of the great teachings of Patanjali. Great thanks to the publisher fot making this work available.

The Third Eye by Lobsang Rampa

2011-07-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy The Third Eye by Lobsang Rampa on Amazon.com (See all Psychology & Counseling Books)

MyHinduPage.org review. Well written story books by mystics filled with extraordinary experiences are timeless. T. Lobsang Rampa's The Third Eye is one such book.
Unlike science fictions, where stories are based on yet to be developed technology or a kind of living that may or may not come to pass, mystics write of experiences that can be available to anyone who decides to pursue and practice the mystical arts. When I was a young yogi, T. Lobsang Rampa's books were awesome. I guess I can liken it to a budding detective reading a detective novel. While the veracity of Lobsang Rampa's anecdotes may be of question, this book is nevertheless entertaining and at times awe inspiring. I would recommend this book for students of mysticism, more for fun than anything serious and also for those intrigued by different dimensions of living.

Editorial Review
T. Lobsang Rampa was preordained to be a Tibetan priest, a sign from the stars that could not be ignored. When he left his wealthy home to enter the monastery, his heart was filled with trepidation, with only a slight knowledge of the rigorous spiritual training and physical ordeal that awaited him . . . .
This is his story, a hauntingly beautiful and deeply inspiring journey of awakening within Chakpori Lamasery, the temple of Tibetan medicine. It is a moving tale of passage through the mystic arts of astral projection, crystal gazing, aura deciphering, meditation, and more, a spiritual guide of enlightenment and discovery through the opening of the all-powerful, the all-knowing . . . .
"Fascinates the reader!" -- Miami Herald

A Review on Amazon.com
This author wrote a total of 19 affordable paperbacks on the topics of Tibet and the forgotten mystic abilities of mankind. You may have heard the stories about the author, that he was a "hoax", not who he claimed to be. Read the books! He openly discusses all of these accusations, and often states that because his story is so unusual, he is often disbelieved. Then, once you tire of the whole controversy regarding the author, you will still be left with a wealth of down-to-earth information about topics considered "out of this world". If you are seriously interested in the possibilites of reincarnation, astral travel, meditation, etc. but you don't want to read a bunch of New Age jibber-jabber, read The Third Eye and any other book by T. Lobsang Rampa. The author's writing style is warm and humourous, interweaving the lessons with stories from his facinating life experience. I have read and re-read all 19 of his books so I am obviously a fan...but I was skeptical at first. You will be too, because the story is unlike any you've ever heard. Never mind, whether you consider his work fact or fiction, Rampa's books are page-turners one and all. (Note: those who mentioned their wish to contact the author...unfortunately, this is not possible because he passed away in 1981.)

Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama

2011-07-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama on Amazon.com

Review by MyHinduPage.org. If you are into stories of amazing miracles performed by unknown mystics living in the Himalayas, then this book will thrill you. I must say that for someone who studies and practices yoga, the plausibility of what Swami Rama had experienced in his early years with highly accomplished yogis, many of whom may still be in seclusion in the vast Himalayas is highly likely. It is a book that will add a zest to explore new frontiers of possibility that is latent within oneself. Especially for a budding yogi, this book will be inspiring.

Review by gofigure@mris.com
Swami Rama is one of the overlooked great figures of our time. For twenty years I had the privledge of being one of his students. His indepth understanding of the human condition, his selfless service and his profound attainment of states higher consciousness was a wonder to behold. In this autobiography he relates in a humble way his encounters with his early teachers. Since he was raised in a cave monestary from the age of four his life was very different from our modern way of developing as a person. While some of the stories stretch our credability they all actually happened. I realize that many people have difficulty accepting other peoples experience, especially if it outside the range of their own limited life experience and challange our own fixed ideas. Swami Rama definitely challanges us about how the world is, in a very real way, but I find that challange refreshing and inspiring. His core experience, that the goal of human life is spiritual attainment and Self realization pulls us out of our small limited view of the world. It is one of the great spiritual classics. If I was stranded on a desert island with only three books this would be one of them.

Kim by Rudyard Kipling

2011-07-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Kim by Rudyard Kipling on Amazon.com

Review by MyHinduPage.org. I first go to know about this novel after watching a movie based on the book with the same title. This book is a mind twister by Rudyard Kipling as he pours his love and loathe of Indians in colonial India as well as admiration and disgust he had for the conduct of the Empire. As an early spy novel this book delves into the inner workings of the Empires administration to find new ways to continually subjugate its subjects to loyalty. A central theme of this book is Buddhist teachings that is introduced by a Tibetan Lama on pilgrimage in India, for whom the the main character Kim, a British boy born and brought up in India, becomes a guide. It is an entertaining, enlightening and unpadded story about colonial India, though written in sometimes difficult to decipher Victorian English.

Review by E.M. Van Court on Amazon.com
'Kim' is a work that could receive very different reviews depending on the biases of the reviewer.

Any professor from the English department of my alma mater (Rutgers) would insist that 'Kim' should never under any circumstances receive any praise as it is racist, glorifies imperialism, was writen by a dead white male, and lacks a political philosophy acceptable to a modern progressive liberal. Well, I suppose that it lacks any real political philosophy (except some very general complimentary comments about democracy) and Rudyard Kipling is dead, white and male, but the first two comments are completely wrong and and this sort of review is the voice of ignorance.

A staunch traditionalist, conservative would insist that it is a canonical work that should be read by every school child as a superior example of English literature and the epitomy of the written Enlish language. This is equally ill-informed and ill-considered.

'Kim' is a wonderful story of an orphan in India (the part that is now Pakistan; Abid-please consider it a gesture of respect that I mention the change in geography) in the late 1800s. Kim is the son of an Irish soldier raised by locals, familiar with the customs and languages of the Hindus and Muslims of the area who gets recruited by the British to spy for them. Kim acts as a guide for a Tibetan Buddhist priest who is on a quest in India, broadening his knowledge of the cultures of his world and giving him an excuse to travel even further. He comes upon his father's regiment, and the officers of the regiment arrange for Kim to attend a 'proper' British school. Throughout the story, a British spymaster is helping Kim receive an education (both formal and in the skills needed to serve the British rule in India) and arranging for Kim to carry messages and run small but important tasks for him.

Throughout the book, the only Indian group that is treated with disrespect is Hindus who have sacrificed their own culture's customs in order to get ahead in the British goverment. Frequently, the low opinion of the British held by the Indians (Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist) is mentioned, and is usually pretty funny. The other European powers that are mention in the book are not treated with respect, but that is understandable (at least to me in context; other readers will have to make up their own minds).

Kipling's passion for the land he was raised in and his love for the peoples he was raised with is unmistakable, as is his love/hate relationship with the British government (N.B. he was not knighted in a time when most prominent authors were; he was entirely too candid about the British rule in India and the Crown's treatment of her soldiers). The language of the book is a little hard to follow, between regional loan words and the English of the time, but a patient and persistant reader will find the effort rewarded.

A great spy novel, read it for yourself and don't trust the critics who speak based on assumptions rather than knowledge.

Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald

2011-07-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald on Amazon.com (See all Books on Travelogues)

Review by MyHinduPage.org. This book will make you chuckle, feel touched, disgusted or in awe of life and living in India. This is a story of a foreigner's growing fondness of a culture and people she at first had no regard for it is presented with such candid recollections that are entertaining and thought provoking. It is also a great documentary book of the tapestry of life one can encounter in India.

Review by S. Calhoun on Amazon.com
Eleven years after backpacking through India with complaints of the poverty, heat and pollution Australian Sarah Macdonald relented to never return; she even went to the extreme of flipping the middle finger to the ground below as her plane ascended into the sky. Sarah wasn't necessarily happy to quit her successful job in Sydney to relocate to New Delhi to live with her journalist boyfriend; she often wondered if she was making the right decision. Upon arrival she started having flashbacks of pugnant body odor and beggars with leprosy. The pollution and thick smog affected her health and wellbeing. It is clear that she isn't quite cut out to live in New Delhi.
After reading the first couple chapters I expected HOLY COW to be filled with constant whining of India's derelict living conditions and complaints based on a Westernized perspective resulting in a mediocre travel narrative. But low and behold, I was soon pleasantly surprised how Sarah slowly evolved and reevaluated the country that she has scorned for so many years. After she started becoming reacquainted in her new home she started looking beyond the mayhem and dirt and began to see the beauty of India. Being a devout atheist when she first moved to New Delhi she slowly awoke and embraced the dynamic religions of Hinduism and Buddhism; she began to appreciate the sounds and surroundings of her new home.

While her husband is busy working Sarah was able to travel throughout India with her new perspectives and begins to enjoy the dichotomies that India offers. My favorite side trip was the Buddhist retreat in the Himalayan footsteps that taught her to meditate by concentrating on her breathing. I cannot imagine undergoing anything close to that endeavor.

Throughout HOLY COW Sarah Macdonald succeeded in digging past a traveler's first impressions of India to highlight the beauty of this varied land. By reading HOLY COW I now understand just a little bit more of India, and that was my initial goal when I first picked up this book.

Into The I Of All by Muni Natarajan

2011-07-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Into The I Of All from Blurb.com

MyHinduPage.org Review
Both the complete novice and the seasoned yogi will benefit from this book. "Into The I Of All" its author, Muni Natarajan, a Western mystic with and Eastern soul, who studied and trained under the enlightened yoga master Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, introduces aspirants of yoga to the entirety of yoga in a refreshingly friendly format.
Yoga is more than exercise. It is a philosophy and path of discovering the essence of one's spiritual Self. This fact becomes evident in Muni's practical approach in his book where chapters are on aspects of life such as Bliss, Love, Breath, Balance and so forth. There are 54 of these chapters and each of these chapters are coupled with a chapter on yoga techniques related to discovering, enhancing or in a few cases eliminating undesired aspects of living. The techniques revealed in this book are effective combinations of different practices of yoga such as exercise, breath modulation and different kinds of introspection or meditation to bring about immediate or gradual effects to ones consciousness.
"Into The I Of All" is best described as a yoga manual for living. A cover to cover read through this book will be the first thing to do. Once you know the contents of the book it will come in handy whenever you need to get to a place in your consciousness or state of being. Just look up the chapter you need and follow the steps outlined to get to where or how you want to be. Thus this will be a very useful book for practicing yogis and others too. The teachings of yoga are universal and can be applicable to anyone of any creed. After all this book is about the I of all.

There are sanskrit words in this book which are well explained in its glossary. There are illustrations of yoga poses, most of which should be basic for practicing yogis, though for the novice I would recommend for them to learn these poses from an adept yoga teacher. A few of the breath modulation techniques (pranayama) also would be best learnt under a teacher, though for the most part the author has taken the initiative to design and explain in detail simple yet effective steps to make the learning auto-tutorials.

Muni Natarajan has been practicing yoga for decades, during which time he served in his master's mission. He is a yoga master of an ancient order in his own right. His wisdom from his unbroken practice of yoga is reflected in the practical and friendly approach of this book. I recommend this for people of all interest and maturity in yoga. You will find something in it that is valuable and fresh to you.

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Thirumandiram : A Classic of Yoga and Tantra (Three Vollume Set)

2011-07-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Thirumandiram : A Classic of Yoga and Tantra (Three Vollume Set) on Amazon.com

Product Description
Get connected to the roots of yoga with the first English translation of Thirumoolar's classic masterpiece of yoga, tantra and Shaiva Siddhanta, the gospel of the Tamil Yoga Siddhas. It has inspired the daily life of millions in south India and helped to produce its greatest yogis and saints for the past 2,000 years. Written in 3,047 poetic gem-like verses which go far beyond Patanjali's "Yoga Sutras" in scope and depth, this international edition has been designed to facilitate the understanding of the reader with explanatory remarks in the special introductury sections, extensive footnotes, a detailed glossary, index and numerous illustrations. From the most mundane to the most sublime areas of life it provides illuminating guidance and inspiration for Self-Realization and Self-Transformation.

MyHinduPage.org Review. The Tirumantiram is a Tamil Scripture on yoga philosophy. It is considered the foundation of spiritual and religious practices of the Tamils especially of the Saivite Sect. Extolling God Shiva as Supreme Godhead, this scripture is complete in its description of the path to God and its varieties as well as on ethics. It leaves no stones unturned, even getting into sexual tantras of yogis. This scripture is however not a story book. The scripture contains 3,047 verses, with each one detailing the perspective of the author on different matters or yoga philosophical teachings, or details of yoga practices and their expected results. The Saivite Tamils have a legend that states that the author of Tirumantiram, the Tirumular took 3,000 years to complete the Tirumantiram. They say each verse contain the wisdom worth one year of meditation. The scripture is not an easy read though and authors may vary in their interpretations on some of the verses vastly. It is good to have some basic understanding of Yoga philosophy before studying this scripture.

Review on Amazon.com by Holisticess
For all true Yogis/Yoginis, this is a must have. Reading the scriptures and meditating upon them is an initiation into a true spiritual awakening, and a connection to the great immortal Siddhas. These Holy scriptures will allow you to experience an heigtened Divine guidance in your sleeping and waking state, (if you're opened and purified enough to allow it to do so). Tamil Siddha Yoga is the foundation of Yoga as we know of it today, reflecting the original practices of the pre-aryan, pre-vedic Indus Valley culture. The Yoga of Eternal Life

Periya Puranam: A Tamil Classic on the Great Saiva Saints of South India (English Translation)

2011-07-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Periya Puranam: A Tamil Classic on the Great Saiva Saints of South India (English Translation) on Amazon.com (See all Religion & Spirituality Books)

Product Description
Periya Puranam is one of the greatest Tamil epics.This is a classic on the Saiva Saints of South India and this great work has been rendered into English by G.Vanmikanathan in condensed form.The author is well known for his devotional works.

MyHinduPage.org Review. It is great to have this book available on Amazon.com. If you are interested in a very unique group of religious saints, the Tamil Saiva Nayanars and cannot understand archaic Tamil from a thousand years ago, this is one of the best English translation of the Periya Puranam available. The author of this book has done extensive research on the lives of these saints and filled a lot of gaps in their biographies with new information such as modern name of cities and also explaining practices of the prevailing time. The story telling manner of the writer also makes the book interesting and difficult to put down. I recommend this book for all those who want an intimate knowledge of the nayanars and also for those who are interested in the Tamils and their traditions.

Review by a customer on Amazon.com
This is the story of the 63 Saivite Nayanars of Tamil Nadu, translated from Tamil to English. This dwells extensively on their different natures and different relationships to Lord Shiva, though their underlying characteristic was love of God. I would recommend this book for all Tamil religious people, who can understand English, who are devotees of Lord Shiva.

The Song of Ribhu (Ribhu Gita)

2011-07-01T23:17:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy The Song of Ribhu: Translated from the Original Tamil Version of the Ribhu Gita on Amazon.com

The ancient practices of yoga and Hindu philosophy, experiencing the summit of philosophical truths, that God and man are one, and one man's personal reflections of a spiritual journey form a unique perspective on Hindu spirituality in the book, The Song of Ribhu (759 pages, Society of Abidance in Truth publishers, United States, 2000). This scripture is profoundly metaphysical, yet poetic, in the style of the Tirumantiram. It boldly says that God and man are one. An exposition on Advaita set in the midst of the epic Sivarahasya, The Song of Ribhu is an articulate interpretation of Sanatana Dharma's deepest truths. The history of Sage Ribhu is obscure, but it is believed the teachings within this scripture date to Vedic times. "This makes it possible to say that Ribhu must have lived during very ancient times, but impossible to ascertain even an approximate date." Ribhu expounds: "The world and beings and others seen in Consciousness are not apart from Brahman, which is of the nature consciousness. I am not apart from that Brahman. Likewise, Brahman is not apart from me." --Hinduism Today, January-March, 2003

Review on Amazon.com by Grouper 52
My previous review of "The Heart of the Ribhu Gita" led me to track down a copy of this precious root text from which the "Heart" was taken. I'm very, very glad to have found it.

The Song of Ribhu is a well-written, highly readable translation of the Tamil version of the Sanskrit Ribhu Gita, the fourth through forty-seventh (of fifty) chapters of Part Six of the twelve-part epic Shiva Rahasya. (A translation of the Sanskrit Ribhu Gita version, which is a little different, is also published by the same Society of Abidance in Truth, titled simply Ribhu Gita).

Besides the text, there are good introductory sections and a large glossary for those who might benefit from some background info.

This book tells how the Sage Ribhu met Shiva at his abode on Mount Kailas, and asked for and received the supreme knowledge from him. Later some disciples, Nidagha and others, came to Ribhu, and asked him to teach them the Ultimate Truth as Shiva had taught it to him. This book is the teaching Ribhu gave in reply to their request.

Ribhu's teaching mostly employs the "not this, not this" method to point to the Ultimate Truth, since it can not be pointed at directly, but there are a number of direct hints as well. The "not this" approach used here also serves as a fine and exhaustive review of lesser, more dualistically-based Hindu approaches to the Truth as well, of course eliminating each one as "not this" until all conceptual, dualistic approaches have been refuted. Overall, the book resonates in this way with the best of the highest Buddhist teachings of the Prajnaparamita, Mahamudra and Dzogchen, as well as with the highest teachings of non-dual Vedanta, of which it is a supreme example.

The Ultimate Truth is beyond the conceptual mind, beyond words. And yet, what words can do to guide and encourage one towards its realization, beyond words, this book does.

Imagine the metaphor of a jewel, and the light reflected in that jewel. This book is a supremely beautiful jewel, gorgeously reflecting the light of the Ultimate Truth. How does it do this? How can something so mundane as this book bring out in such a jewel-like fashion something so brilliant, ineffable, and luminous?

The scripture, The Ribhu Gita, as it is presented here, is 700 pages long. Each line describes an aspect of the truth. The Gita essentially says the same thing, over and over again: Forty-four chapters, each with about 50 verses, each of eight lines, and each line is saying essentially the same thing! How can the book sustain your attention with this amount of repetition? Wouldn't a 700 page book with every line saying essentially the same thing grow boring? Not so. I think only the most spiritually poor mind would find this book boring. Why? Each line points to a different facet of the Truth. It is no different than gazing into the most exquisite jewel, turning it over endlessly to watch the supremely beautiful play of light reflected off the various facets. You could look at it forever and it would still be dazzling. It is utterly mesmerizing. This book is mesmerizing in a similar but even greater sense. You could easily get the message and put it down in several minutes, but I think you might instead be tempted to spend the rest of your life blissfully reading it over and over again. It is that good.

My highest recommendation.

Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography

2011-07-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

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Review by Danitra on Amazon.com
This book is about the experience of meditation through yoga. I read this book when I was 13 and some of the concepts were a little advanced for me at that time. Nonetheless, this book helped me to understand some experiences I had with meditation when I was young.

I was raised with Siddha Yoga. Growing up, there was no place I felt safer than I did at the Siddha Yoga Ashram. For me it has been and always will be home. My spiritual journey extends beyond the confines of Siddha Yoga, but my spiritual awareness and love for God was nurtured and developed through Baba and Gurumayi's teachings, guidance, and love. I use their teachings daily.

There is concern with truth or falsity of the Guru only when the seeker is looking for someone to worship rather than for a path of growth and spiritual development. I have learned a lot from people who weren't "Gurus". The word guru means to bring from darkness "gu" into light "ru". In this sense, we are surrounded by gurus all the time. All we have to do is seek them out, and they appear.

It is Baba and Gurumayi who have taught me to search for the diamonds within the coals. When I am not in the right state of mind, I remember this simple teaching, and then I am surrounded by diamonds instead of black coals.

In reading this book, find the diamonds and pearls in Baba's words and take them with you. Then you will feel rich and you will not be disappointed.

I would also like to add that Siddha Yoga is not for everyone. The teaching of Siddha Yoga is that "God dwells within you as you". The teaching of Siddha Yoga is NOT "The Guru is your God". I have never heard Gurumayi suggest we be dependent solely on the Guru. I have on the other hand heard Gurumayi say that the Light of God dwells within us. A teacher deserves respect - whatever, or whomever that teacher may be. Yoga will reflect your state of mind, and it is not always easy or comforting to see our own reflection. But seeing is necessary for growth. Co-dependency and obsessive behaviors may surface for some, but it is not the fault of Siddha Yoga, and should be taken up with a therapist.

Autobiography of a Yogi

2011-06-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

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Product Description
Autobiography of a Yogi is at once a beautifully written account of an exceptional life and a profound introduction to the ancient science of Yoga and its time-honored tradition of meditation. This acclaimed autobiography presents a fascinating portrait of one of the great spiritual figures of our time. With engaging candor, eloquence, and wit, Paramahansa Yogananda tells the inspiring chronicle of his life: the experiences of his remarkable childhood, encounter with many saints and sages during his youthful search throughout India for an illumined teacher, ten years of training in the hermitage of a revered yoga master, and the thirty years that he lived and taught in America. Also recorded here are his meetings with Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Luther Burbank, the Catholic stigmatist Therese Neumann, and other celebrated spiritual personalities of East and West. The author clearly explains the subtle but definite laws behind both the ordinary events of everyday life and the extraordinary events commonly termed miracles. His absorbing life story becomes the background for a penetrating and unforgettable look at the ultimate mysteries of human existence. Selected as "One of the 100 Best Spiritual Books of the Twentieth Century," Autobiography of a Yogi has been translated into 20 languages, and is regarded worldwide as a classic of religious literature. Several million copies have been sold, and it continues to appear on best-seller lists after more than sixty consecutive years in print. Profoundly inspiring, it is at the same time vastly entertaining, warmly humorous and filled with extraordinary personages. Self-Realization Fellowship's editions, and none others, include extensive material added by the author after the first edition was published, including a final chapter on the closing years of his life.

Review on Amazon.com by RichardPinneau.com
Like Gandhi, Yogananda writes humbly and includes his foibles and the pratfalls he takes as he journeys through life's lessons. In fact, unless you read elsewhere about his life you won't realize how much he understates his own accomplishments while he honors other spiritual seekers and teachers he encounters.
His stories of encounters with amazing saints of all regions and religions are spell-binding, and you may find yourself (like me) devouring the whole book on your first read -- just reveling in the wonders of these true spiritual seekers. On successive readings I delved deeper into the equally fascinating footnotes, learning about the exotic realms of Indian spirituality and its unexpected parallels with the original Christian teachings of Christ, St. John, and St. Paul.

In fact, the countless strata of insights and implications that surface with repeated readings of Autobiography of a Yogi argue for spending a few more dollars on the trade paperback rather than the mass market paperback edition, since you'll want to return numerous times over the years. The Self-Realization Fellowship editions are to be preferred over others. Yogananda himself started that organization (SRF), and the award-winning quality of SRF editing and printing shines through them - in contrast to bootlegged editions printed up by renegade outfits.

In all my reading in spirituality, yoga, and comparative religion, I have discovered no work that so completely fulfills Carl Jung's prophecy that yoga science (the whole science, not just the athletic postures) will offer you ''undreamed-of possibilities'' as Yogananda's autobiography. As the author explains, 'yoga' comes from the root meaning 'union' - and he reveals, ever more deeply, the underlying oneness of Christianity and yoga, of spiritual truth and scientific truth, of the worldly and the spirituality. It will deepen anyone's own faith and sensibility -- of whatever religion (or none), of the science of matter... or mind... or Spirit.

The Vedic Experience: Mantramanjari (an Anthology of the Vedas for Modern Man...)

2011-06-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy The Vedic Experience: Mantramanjari (an Anthology of the Vedas for Modern Man...) on Amazon.com

MyHinduPage.org Review. There are many people who are interested in reading the Vedas. Though most are not aware that the Vedas consists of four books and each of these four are actually a compendium of a few hundred books. If you wanted to study the entire Vedas it could take a lifetime. Many Hindus also like to have the Vedas as part of their scriptural library, like how Christians keep the Bible and Muslims keep the Quran. For all those who wish to study, or simply keep the Vedas at home, I highly recommend this book by Professor Raimundo Panikkar. I got to know this book as part of my study of Hinduism under my guru. His anthology which is are very beautifully crafted collection of verses from the various Vedic books reflect the essence of the teachings of the Vedas, their poetry and feel. This book is entirely in English, and does not have the original sanskrit verses or direct translations of words. However the verses are extensively referenced for those who wish to know the origins of their selected verse. This book makes the study of the Vedas friendly and captures the ancient wisdom of the Vedas in all its profundity.

Review by Tepi on Amazon.com
We have all heard of the Vedas. We know that the Vedic Canon comprises a huge body of literature handed down orally in India since ancient times. Many of us have heard that it is made up of four collections - the Rigveda, Atharva Veda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda - along with adjacent treatises such as the Brahmanas and Aranyakas. These books undoubtedly exist, written in an inaccessible language, published in large and expensive scholarly editions, and tucked away in obscure libraries. Although we may have run into a translated excerpt or two, for many of us the whole subject has a musty and forbidding air, and we probably concluded long ago that it's something best left to scholars as quite irrelevant to to we moderns. But a few minutes spent with Dr Panikkar's superb anthology will show us how wrong we are.

Dr Panikkar is a remarkable man, not only for his incredible scholarship - he is a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with many significant publications to his credit - but remarkable also for his honesty. He points out that modern man is a diminished man. Despite the superficial excitements of our high-tech world, life for most has become a flat, stale, and joyless thing. It is joyless because we have forgotten what life is supposed to be, and Dr Panikkar hopes by means of this book to shift our perception of things to a different register, to put us back in touch with realities by reawakening in us something of the joy and wonder in life which was felt by those early and vigorous peoples who sang the Vedas.

The Vedic songs represent the most amazing celebration of life that has ever been created. And although Dr Panikkar's book is certainly scholarly, it was not written primarily for scholars, or even for persons with a special interest in things Indian. It was written for all of us. Its only requirement is that you be human.

The book wasn't even written to be read, for each of the beautifully translated texts Dr Panikkar has given us is a Mantra or meditation. We are supposed to soak in them, assimilate them, and preferably even recite them aloud along with others in a group. They are a means whereby all of us, no matter of what race or persuasion, can come together and join again in a joyous celebration of life and our shared humanity, and of the glorious universe we live in. And I think you will find that they do work. Here is an example of their fine quality as captured in the translator's wonderfully lucid English:

"Now Dawn with her earliest light shines forth,
beloved of the Sky,
Fresh from her toilet, conscious of her beauty,
she emerges visible for all to see.
Dawn, Daughter of Heaven, lends us her lustre,
dispersing all shadows of malignity,
Arousing from deep slumber all that lives,
stirring to motion man and beast and bird,
This maiden infringes not the Eternal Law,
day after day coming to the place appointed" (pages 164-65).

The book represents an enormous labor of love. Dr Panikkar tells us that he spent over ten years combing through the vast Vedic corpus in order to select, translate, and arrange the very best texts it had to offer, texts that we moderns are very much in need of, whether we realize it or not. Each of the more than five hundred texts he has selected is preceded by very full introductory comment and is also usefully annotated. The texts have been organized into seven parts:

Part I - Dawn and Birth (Waters, Earth, Wind, Dawn, Human Birth, etc.).

Part II - Germination and Growth (Divine Gifts, Food, Knowing the Earth, Human Work, The Happy Life, etc.).

Part III - Blossoming and Fullness (Radiance and Cosmic Refulgence, Sacrifice, Breaking the Boundaries, etc.).

Part IV - Fall and Decay (Sorrow and Suffering, Sin and Mercy, etc.).

Part V - Death and Dissolution (The Mystery of the Beyond, The Blessings for the Journey, Liturgy for the Dead, Cosmic Disintegration, Hell, Heaven).

Part VI - New Life and Freedom (Transcendental Consciousness, The Discovery of the Ground, The Fulfillment of the Person, etc.).

Part VII - Twilight (At Sunrise, Spring Summer, Rainy Season, Autumn, Winter, Frosty Season, etc.).

The texts, most of them quite short, are contained in a book of almost 1000 pages which is cloth-bound, stitched, and well-printed on good paper. Even the most jaded could open it up at any page and immediately become enthralled. There is a freshness and purity to these texts that is irresistible. It is like coming across a blossom-filled meadow in spring.

These vigorous and life-affirmative songs give us what men and women once were, and what we may yet become once again, for it is what deep down we still are though we have forgotten. Life, despite its many hardships, is supposed to be joyous, something to be celebrated. And one is intensely grateful to Dr Panikkar for having rescued these songs from scholarly oblivion and provided us with the means of again entering into that celebration.

Readers may care to know that an abridged edition of the present book recently appeared as: INITIATION TO THE VEDAS : AN ABRIDGED EDITION OF THE VEDIC EXPERIENCE - MANTRAMANJARI by Raimon Pannikar. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2006. 102 pp. Color Plates. ISBN: 8120829549. Binding: Soft Cover.

The Science Of Pranayama by Swami Sivananda

2011-06-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

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Review by MyHinduPage.org. All enlightened yoga masters will point out that mastery of life can be achieved if the mind is mastered. They will continue this statement and present the formulae that the mind can be mastered through the breath. That life itself can be mastered by minding ones breath seems rather simplistic if not ridiculous especially if you are schooled in contemporary science. If this is so for you allow the great yoga master Swami Sivananda of Divine Life Society teach you more than a thing or two about the yogic perspective of the power of breathing. He also offers in this book many techniques of breathing for different purposes. In my yoga training with my guru the emphasis on breathing to control thought patterns and emotions was paramount. It is the key to achieving the ultimate experiences of God Realization. Later I learned that pranayama, which means breath control can be used to bring the body to a state of balance that can heal diseases of the body and mind effectively. This book by Swami Sivananda is a gem. His writings are always practical and easy to understand with a lot of candor. It is a valuable and rare book on pranayama that is a must for all those aspirants of yoga and mystics who are interested in the potent yoga of pranayama.

Review by Seeker on Amazon.com
This book by Swami Sivananda Ji Maharaj is like all His other works -- namely practical! There is plenty of inspiring material as well with quotes and excerpts from the scriptures extolling the benefits and powers of a pranayama practice. There is a section "special instructions" which is full of useful guidelines. If you plan to undertake a dedicated pranayama practice for laying the foundation for spiritual practice then you must buy this book. Between this book and Swami Ramdev Ji's DVD on pranayama and asanas, you will have everything you need to start a very rewarding practice.

I have been practicing pranayama for a little over a month for about 2 to 4 hours a day, after learning from Swami Ramdev Ji's DVD and this book. I can say without any reservation that pranayama is indeed the most powerful technique amongst all the knowledge known to mankind. All the laws of physics, mathematics and engineering marvels are a mere zero in comparison to the grandeur of this divine vidya.

It will remove all sorts of health ailments, known and unknown. You will enjoy radiant health. It will clarify your thinking and make it crystal clear. It will make you fearless. It will improve your concetration. It will help in controlling your anger and allow you to go deep into meditation. I am waiting to see what will happen after six months of practice! Please do not delay, start a diligent practice from this very minute!

Please do not listen to books and "experts" who always tell you to learn from a teacher. While it is true that one needs a teacher for advanced practices of retention, most of the simpler pranayamas can be learned with the aids mentioned here. One should not miss out on the profound benefits of pranayama while waiting for a teacher to arrive. All one has to do is to use caution and stay within one's capacity. All this is well explained in the resources mentioned here.

Of course, it goes without saying that the books from the Bihar School of Yoga on this subject are also stellar works! These include the books by Swami Satyananda Saraswati Ji and Swami Niranjanananda Ji.

Solkattu Manual: An Introduction to the Rhythmic Language of South Indian Music

2011-06-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Solkattu Manual: An Introduction to the Rhythmic Language of South Indian Music on Amazon.com (See all Folk & Traditional Music Books)

Solkattu, the spoken rhythms and patterns of hand-clapping used by all musicians and dancers in the classical traditions of South India, is a subject of worldwide interest--but until now there has not been a textbook for students new to the practice. Designed especially for classroom use in a Western setting, the manual begins with rudimentary lessons in the simplest South Indian tala, or metric cycle, and proceeds step-by-step into more challenging material. The book then provides lessons in the eight-beat adi tala, arranged so that by the end, students will have learned a full percussion piece they can perform as an ensemble. Solkattu Manual includes two DVDs featuring performances of all 150 lessons, and full performances of all three of the outlined small-ensemble pieces. Ideal for courses in world music and general musicianship, as well as independent study. Book lies flat for easy use.

Review by Douglas Mackenzie on Amazon.com

If you have ever heard Carnatic rhythm, you recognize an intricate and profound music. (If you have not yet heard, I recommend Vidwan by Ramnad Krishnan featuring the rhythmic accompaniment of T. Ranganathan, the author's teacher). If your curiosity is piqued and you decide you want to learn in the resplendent, centuries-old oral tradition of South Indian Classical Percussion, where do you begin? Say you are fortunate enough to find a teacher, you will likely need to travel to India and devote yourself to learning the manual technique of Mrdangam, Kanjira, Ghatam, or Thavil. Don't let me discourage you: I did it, and can testify it's a very fulfilling pursuit. It also requires years of dedication. If that's what you are looking for: GO! But let me suggest you maximize your potential and master the principles David Nelson sets forth here first.

And if travel is not in your cards and you are a musician, or aspiring musician, who wants to awaken and further rhythmic sensibility, I urge you to digest this book/video. Solkattu Manual will challenge and reward you with perhaps the most complex, intricate and colorful rhythmic tradition alive. All you need here is your hands to count, your mouth to speak, and you are ready to embark on a rhythmic odyssey that will sharpen your timing; integrate pulse, cycle and phrasing; and lead you to states of sublime beauty.

Though it can be applied to any instrument, Solkattu does not require one. So with Solkattu in your repertoire, your music is portable. You'll never again get bored if you find yourself waiting somewhere in line. Your mind will be singing...

"Ta - Ta Jem - Jem - Ta Ri Ta Ku Ku Na Ku Ku Ta - Di - -"

David Nelson has succeeded in offering an accessible manual that is not only true to the vast tradition of Carnatic percussion, but also relevant to music making of many kinds. Though more succinct than his 1,000 page Ph.D thesis, Mrdangam Mind, it is not a smaller feat. With finesse that only comes through years of teaching, Nelson has distilled essential principles and emphasized useful practices from a deep oral tradition. The lessons progress musically, and the participant develops a web of various skills, knit together through practical application.

I can speak confidently of Nelson's excellent playing and teaching because I learned from him, and his teacher, T. Ranganathan. From nine musical generations dating back to the Tanjore Court, Ranganathan first came to Wesleyan University in 1962 and focused much of his career on teaching Americans, until his passing in 1987. David Nelson is one of a very few professional level mrdangam players who carries Ranganathan's legacy onward. The unique, cross-cultural pedagogy David learned within, and helped create, is characterized by its uncompromising beauty, but also its flexibility in teaching musicians of diverse backgrounds. There are other excellent schools of Carnatic percussion, but none that have developed the same expertise in teaching westerners. And there is something rare and exquisite about the colorful syllables of this family tradition, steeped in the lively sounds of both dance accompaniment and concert repertoire.

David Nelson has not diluted Ranga's methods, but has furthered them by his tasteful choice of materials and brilliant presentation. As the emphasis in some of today's Carnatic percussion has turned to speed, I find it especially refreshing that, in this volume, nuance and subtlety are alive and musical. This is the real deal. And David's example begs the question, if he can play authentic South Indian music, why can't you? Those of us who knew Ranga are proud that Nelson now holds his position as Artist-in-Residence at Wesleyan, and doubly gratified that Solkattu Manual carries treasures we love to the wider world. It's the greatest pleasure to share in the awesome beauty of this music. Thank you David for leading with mastery, strength and dedication.

Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari

2011-06-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari on Amazon.com (See all Religion & Spirituality Books)

Originally published in the year 1951,the huge popularity of the book ,has resulted in the book being re-printed several times.Centuries ago, it was proclaimed of the Mahabharata: "What is not in it, is nowhere." But even now, we can use the same words about it. He who knows it not, knows not the heights and depths of the soul; he misses the trials and tragedy and the beauty and grandeur of life. More details: The Mahabharata is not a mere epic; it is a romance, telling the tale of heroic men and women, and of some who were divine; it is a whole literature in itself, containing a code of life, a philosophy of social and ethical relations, and speculative thought on human problems that is hard to rival; but, above all, it has for its core the Gita,which is, as the world is beginning to find out, the noblest of scriptures and the grandest of sagas in which the climax is reached in the wondrous apocalypse in the Eleventh Canto. The book's popularity is such that it has run into forty two reprints.

MyHinduPage Review. This book is a classic translation of the Mahabharata. It is a common sight in Hindu households and libraries. It is probably one of the first ever translation of the Mahabharata in English by a Hindu that is formatted as a novel. It is an easy read especially for Hindus or those who have some understanding of Hinduism and Hindu culture. This book is a good one to introduce the Mahabharata to students and can easily be used as for Hinduism study assignments or project papers. It has a terse glossary, mainly explaining the names of deities and characters in Mahabharata.

The Mahabharata by J. D. Smith (Penguin Classics)

2011-06-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

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The Mahabharata
Originally composed in Sanskrit sometime between 400 BC and 400 AD, The Mahabharata-with one hundred thousand stanzas of verse-is one of the longest poems in existence. At the heart of the saga is a conflict between two branches of a royal family whose feud culminates in a titanic eighteen-day battle. Exploring such timeless subjects as dharma (duty), artha (purpose), and kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation) in a mythic world of warfare, magic, and beauty, this is a magnificent and legendary Hindu text of immense importance to the culture of the Indian subcontinent.

Review by MyHinduPage.org. This book published by Penguin is written by an English Sanskrit scholar. He thus takes care to keep the reading friendly for those uninitiated into sanskrit scriptures or Hinduism, without drowning the original feel of the scripture with too much interpretation. It is an easy read and recommended for those who wish to read the Mahabharata as close to the original text without being mired in sanskrit cross translations and debates on word interpretation that is common among many local Indian presentations. This book reads more like a story book and the translations are excellent. The only thing I would criticize about the book is the cover art, which is reflective of mughal style. The Mahabharata was written way before the Mughal style ever appeared in Indian history and the painting has no representation whatsoever of any characters of the Mahabharata. It is a small issue but I hope Penguin books will rectify it in another print.

Review by CarrierofLadders on Amazon.com
This version of the Mahabharata is mostly a paraphrase in English. I have not been able to find more than that without great expense, however it is very good for someone who wants the narrative with the details of the story but also wants to get the feeling of the text. The paraphrase is interspersed with fairly lengthy sections of text. All the things you might get in an English retelling are reproduced in really beautiful prose. The battle scenes are harrowing. Anyone who might be sqeamish at the Illiad (I have not met such a person, but I am told they exist)would be wise to steer clear. I am not a scholar of Indian Literature and have only the most basic grasp of Hindu pantheon and tradition, but I found this accessible and really compelling. The characters are really unforgetable. The enduring message of the work about faith and dharma has not lost any beauty and relevance today. It would be wise to get a good version of the Bhagavad Gita and read that in its entirety when you arrive at the relevant passages, for that really would complete the experience. For the price of a penguin book you could not get better.

Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing

2011-06-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing on Amazon.com (See all Healing Books)

Publisher's Weekly Review
Starred Review. Western-trained internist and Yoga Journal medical editor McCall has practiced Iyengar yoga for a decade. In 2002, he traveled to India, where most scientific research on yoga's medical benefits has been conducted. The results of that visit and McCall's subsequent study of yoga therapy and ayurveda (India's ancient medical system) are presented here, translated into Western medical terms. For example, McCall demystifies such concepts as samskaras (unconscious patterns that negatively affect behavior and health); scientists, McCall says, explain these patterns as repeated firings of neurons that change the brain's wiring. Although McCall's focus is on yoga therapy, he includes material that will be helpful to most students. For readers challenged by illness, he provides an overview of popular yoga styles and their suitability for various degrees of fitness; steps to finding a yoga therapist; and what to expect from a session. Twenty chapters feature noted yoga instructors describing their approaches to specific conditions—panic attacks, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, infertility, cancer, etc. They offer advice, rather than fixed protocols, based on their tradition and experience. This might frustrate readers seeking a formula, but those willing to experiment have access to many diverse tools and practices. No doubt McCall's fine articulation of yoga's healing potential will appeal to a large audience of instructors, students, physicians and their patients. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review by Theresa Reed on Amazon.com
I have been anticipating the release of this book ever since I saw an ad for it in Yoga Journal. It was touted as "indispensible" and for once, an ad delivered what it promised. Written by the medical editor of Yoga Journal, Timothy McCall M.D., "Yoga As Medicine" offers so much more than a regular book of asanas.

McCall starts by going into some detail about the science behind yoga - giving examples of how yoga can help heal the body. Although he is clear to state that yoga should not take the place of a doctor, he invites the reader to complement their current treatment with yoga. The author also gives good common sense strategies to doing yoga safely (I especially like the cautions about hands on adjustments - I have witnessed people being injured by overly assertive yoga instructors trying to "bend" people into a pose before the body was ready). I also enjoyed reading the chapter on choosing a style and a teacher. Here, McCall lists some of the most well known styles and gives some really good advice to help the reader choose a system that is suited for them.

The third part of the book is the real 'meat'- there are twenty chapters on specific health issues (ex: asthma, IBS, obesity, MS). For each chapter, an experienced yoga teacher (ex: Judith Hanson Lasater, Gary Kraftsow, Patricia Walden) gives their perspective on the issue and how they may have dealt with a student who had the condition. Real life examples are in the book but the author also states that these approaches may not necessarily be right for your condition (for instance, on page xii, he states that Lasater, who wrote the chapter on back pain, was using a case study with sciatica as her example - and may not recommend the featured routine for another student with back pain). Speaking of routines, each chapter also has a specific yoga routine for each condition with full illustrations as well as contraindications, modifications, suggestions, and an overview of the condition from a Western doctor's perspective. These details make the book comprehensive and well rounded.

Other nice features: an appendix on avoiding injury, details on anatomy, a plan for starting your home yoga practice, meditation techniques, and a sanskrit glossary. I also liked that he used not only famous yoga instructors, but a few lesser known but equally valuable teachers. McCall studies with Patricia Walden and there is a bit of a slant towards Iyengar style yoga, but other styles that have a therapuetic bent such as Viniyoga and Anusara are featured here too.

I heartily recommend this book not only to yoga instructors but to any practitioner, new or old! There is not another book like it and I'd rate it 10 stars if I could!

The Yoga Bible

2011-06-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

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Editorial Review on Amazon.com
Featuring over 150 yogic postures from the main schools of yoga, including Iyengar and Astanga Vinyasa, this guide provides a comprehensive illustrated step-by-step book to achieving the postures and advice on altering them where necessary with easier postures highlighted for beginners. The book also includes more advanced positions for experienced yogists, which will inspired them in developing their practice.
In addition to postures, the book includes notes on various types of yoga practices as well as a summary of well-known traditional schools of yoga and how they vary. Also inside is advice from the author on breathing techniques and the benefits of yoga in healing, pregnancy, de-stressing and meditation.

Christina Brown qualified as a yoga instructor at the Sivananda Ashram in southern India in 1995. She has also trained in Iyengar Yoga at the Sydney Yoga Centre and in Deradun, India and in yoga therapy at the Yoga Therapy Centre in London. She currently teaches yoga in Sydney, Australia and holds a degree in complementary medicine from the Natural Care College in Sydney. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

Review by G. Brazitis on Amazon.com
The Yoga Bible: The Definitive Guide to Yoga Postures by Christina Brown is a nice little yoga book that fits snuggly into your bag and can be a source of inspiration for all yoga students but some of the poses would challenge the most advance yogi's.

Physically, this book has a small foot print but has over 400 pages of information and covers 170 Yoga Positions. The construction seems average at best. I doubt if this book would stand up to much wear and tear since the binding looks brittle. It is tough to keep open on the mat with out the pages closing quickly on you. It should be bigger!

The content of the books starts with Part One: Introductions (8 Yoga Limbs, Breathing, and Practice Suggestions), Part Two: The Practice (Postures, Pranayama, Mudras, Bandhas, and Kriyas), Part Three: Yoga with a Special Focus (Ailments, Meditation), Part Four: Finding Your Yoga (9 Branches of Yoga).

Part One: Introductions - Starts with the History of Yoga, Rewards, The Eight Limbs of Yoga, and Practice Guidelines. This section is clear, short, and concise. The guideline for practicing offers some very good suggestions for approaching your time on the mat.

Part Two: The Practice - The color photos are great and the detailed Information Box is extremely helpful with the following headings: Gaze, Build-Up Poses, Counter Poses, Lighten, and Effect. It would have been even better if they would have included Warnings and included page numbers next to the Build-Up and Counter Poses for quick reference. The models are exceptionally yogis with many years of practice so use some caution when trying these poses. It would have been an added benefit to show modifications with props. The sections on Pranayama, Mudras, Bandhas, and Kriyas are presented and explained very well allowing the student to enrich their practice.

Part Three: Yoga with a Special Focus - Deals with suggestion posture for specific ailments. This chapter would have been better to have included some Yoga Sessions or Practices designed for beginners and then some more advanced students. The Meditation discussion is nice but could have done better by exploring it some more.

Part Four: Finding Your Yoga - Explores the different forms of yoga presenting a brief explanation of each style. This is helpful in understanding the differences between the different schools of yoga.

Bottom line, The Yoga Bible would make a nice addition to your yoga library.

Yoga Anatomy

2011-06-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

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MyHinduPage.org Review. This a great book for hatha yoga instructors as well as students. It mainly shows the muscles. When learned under a true yoga asana master, hatha yoga is learned with the understanding of how each pose effects the body and psyche. Clear understanding of muscle groups as well as the endocrine system is important for anyone who wants to teach yoga. This book is a good start for understanding some of the hidden workings of yoga poses.

Review on Amazon.com by Stephanie
Yoga Anatomy is a book that gives the reader a look inside the human body as it is put in various yoga positions.

Chapter 1 covers the dynamics of breathing and actually covers some breathing physiology as well. Chapter 2 talks about the spine and gives some pretty detailed spinal information. Chapter 3 is short and covers the asanas.

The rest of the book, Chapters 4 through 9, make up the "meat" of the book and contains most of the anatomy information most readers probably bought the book for- what muscles are used in what poses. The way the book gives you the information is quite handy- it has a section on standing poses, sitting poses, kneeling poses, on-your-stomach poses, on-your-back poses, and arm supported poses. Sooo, all you have to do is pick a position/pose, and there you'll find pictures of what muscles are involved (and let me say, they show you some great angles of the poses to make sure the reader can see ALL the muscles that are involved). In addition to learing what muscles are involved, the book also tells you what joint actions are involved, as well as what body parts are working AND which ones are lengthening- neat!

A great reference book, its simply perfect for the yoga enthusiast that has become acquainted over time with muscles they never knew they had- but will now after reading this book! Also recommend The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution if plantar fasciitis pain keeps you from doing your yoga.

Weaver's Wisdom - The Tirukkural in English

2011-06-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

Weaver's Wisdom: Ancient Precepts for a Perfect Life

MyHinduPage.org Review. The Tirukkural is a classic Tamil scripture reflective of Hindu culture. While the author Tiruvalluvar, said to have written this book some two thousand years ago never mentioned God by any sectarian Hindu names, he refers to God in Universal terms. This book has some of the best and most concise translations of the kurals (couplets) of wisdom with no commentary. The original Tamil of the verse is also provided. However this book does not provide translation of the entire Tirukkural. Of the 1330 verses in the Thirukkural, this book has 1080 verses. The remaining 250 verses that deal with romance is not included.

Review by jinwen on Amazon.com
"A smiling face is no sure sign of friendship. Friendship is found deep within a smiling heart" Kural 786

"Love, modesty, propriety, a kindly eye and truthfulness--these are the five pillars on which perfect goodness rests." Kural 983

"Eyes that remain unmoved by pity might as well be unmovable trees stumps bound in earth." Kural 576

This book is a wonderful addition to any spiritual library and is a great tool for mediation. On the cover of my book, is a sticker saying, "India's Fortune Cookies for the Soul" and rightly so. You apply apply most, if not all, of the 1080 Kurals (verses) from the first 2 chapters of the Tirukural to your daily life. There are Kurals from all sorts of subjects, and there are 10 Kurals per subject. Also, for each subject, there is a Kural illustrated on the left, with the Kural written in Tamil. Lastly, there is a glossary and index in the back to help you find and understand the Kurals.

The Tirukkural

2011-06-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Tirukkural Handbook of Tamil Culture and Heritage

MyHinduPage.org Review. I cannot vouch for the english translation of the Tirukkural in this book. It is probably in archaic Victorian English. But for those who want a classic version of the Tirukkural in Tamil, this is a great resource available on Amazon.com.

Editorial Review on Amazon.com
This book is bilingual in format. Every word of its content is in two languages, Tamil & English. The intent is to make familiar to you as a non-Tamil reader, Tamil's great past, its contribution to human thought and culture, its potential for a great future so that you can understand the Tamil diaspora comprising of 70 million Tamils in almost every part of the world. You are most welcome to explore the Tamil's great universal ethical masterpiece Tirukkural (Section 1) in its entirety and beauty, written by Thiruvalluvar before Christ. You can see why this Tamil scripture is truly unique in its appeal to the universal Man. You will see and experience why unlike any other scripture Tirukkural transcends national boundaries, historical time lines, society limitations, language barriers, and makes great sense and relevance even today and for all times to come. You can further explore in Section 2, the Handbook of Tamil Culture & Heritage, about the Tamil civilization that made Tirukkural possible in many perspectives. After that a quick overview of Tamil splendor in Section 3, the Guide to Tamils Future caps it by pointing the ways and means of how along with Tamils you can personally benefit and continue the journey to reach new heights.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

2011-06-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

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MyHinduPage.org Review. Patanjali Yoga Sutras is a scripture par excellence written by one of the greatest sages who walked on earth. This exposition on yoga, though esoteric and terse in its original form reveals completely the mystical potentials that can be developed by aspirants on the path to Self-Knowledge. So farsighted was the ancient Sage Patanjali, who wrote this scripture around 2,300 years ago that there is no sectarian name of God from any of the traditions that was in India at that time. Always referred to with Universal qualities such as the Brilliant One, The Almighty or The Divine One, this ancient scripture is a must for all those who believe in the Universality and inclusiveness of the path to Spiritual Enlightenment. This book expresses much of the translation of this book that was originally done by Christopher Isherwood, but in much more contemporary English. Enjoy this wonderful scripture and inspire yourself on the path to Spiritual Enlightenment.

Review by Henry Traum on Amazon.com
This is an enlightening translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
This book is easy to read and contemplate on. The English word choices are
thoughtful and consistent. Mr. Shearer also writes a wonderful introduction
to the translated text. I once attended a philosophy lecture on Yoga by a college professor who claimed mastery of Tantric Yoga and the Sanskrit language. During lecture, he commented that the Sutras of Patanjali were difficult and "certainly not bed time reading material." I couldn't have disagreed more with the Professor knowing that Mr. Shearer's translation is easy to read, assimilate, and makes wonderful reading anytime night or day, as I have done many, many times.
I recommend this translation to my Yoga students and I also give it as gifts. Enjoy!

What is Hinduism?

2011-06-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

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Editorial Review From Publishers Weekly
Created by the editors of Hinduism Today working alongside various experts and gurus, this textbook is geared as an "insider's look" at the diverse beliefs, practices, cultural expectations and schools of Hinduism. Its expected audience is those who are Hindu already, with articles including "How to Win an Argument with a Meat-Eater," "Raising Children as Good Hindus" and "Hinduism, the Greatest Religion in the World." But much of the information will be applicable and helpful to non-Hindus as well, including "Ten Questions People Ask About Hinduism... and Ten Terrific Answers!" As a textbook, this guide can be dense and heavy, with too much tiny text that falls into the gutter of the book and is often difficult to read. Some of the full-color illustrations and photographs are spectacular, but entirely missing are the maps, charts, graphs and sidebars that most textbooks use to convey information visually. The back of the book features a brief glossary of Sanskrit and English terms, and a very funny assembly of cartoons about Hinduism. Although the guide will best be appreciated by readers with some knowledge of Hinduism, all will enjoy the personal stories and lavish illustrations sprinkled throughout. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review by Bharat Vala Patel on Amazon.com
This is an amazing book, every Hindu household in the western world should have a hardcopy of it available, it has a wealth of information that has been accumulated by the well respected and learned Guru's of the Himalayan Academy in Hawaii and it's rich illustrations and high quality artwork make's it a pleasure to read and visualize.

This book explains the rich culture, social life, traditions, mysticism and depth of Hinduism and clears all the myths of the religion, and illustrates that the religion has been practiced over many hundreds of years of years and is still currently practiced all over the world.

This is a must read, highly recommended!!

Loving Ganesha

2011-06-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

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Review by MyHinduPage.org
If you want to know all there is about Lord Ganesha, you will not find a better book. So there!

Review by Hakan Sandgren
With a multitude of variations of the legends surrounding Ganesa, there is no such thing as a all-encompasing work on Ganesa. Sivaya Subramumiyaswami has, however, written a book (including many excellent illustrations) so full of information on all aspects of Ganesha, including, among many others, various aspects of Ganesa, his nature, the different roles Ganesa plays in Hindu communities around the world, various forms of worship of Ganesa and detailed explenation of the iconography, that any reader could be excused for believing that they have found that all-encompasing work. Not only does the book become a most valuable source regarding Ganesa, but it also gives a hint as to how deities are worshiped in the multi faceted Hindu tradition, as every member of the Hindu pantheon (facets of the God-head) has as many legends, with variations, and various traditions attached to him or her. This is a book that will greatly enhance the understanding of the Hindu tradition for a beginner and, as well, provide much information for anyone studying aspects of Hinduism in greater detail.

Merging With Siva

2011-06-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

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MyHinduPage.org Review
Merging with Siva was the staple book of learning and practice for the monastics of my guru's author. Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami considered this book his masterpiece. In a sense his gift to the world. In it he put all the mystical practices that he had learned and created. While the book touches into philosophy and is inspiring with its goading to reach into further shores of the mystical realm, it also does take into account contemporary pressures a mystic in the modern world faces and helps with techniques to overcome them. This book will be appreciated by mystics who yearn to know the truths of life as revealed in Ashtanga Yoga. The techniques in this book helped me discover the reality of God within creation, it can help you too! If you are a mystic you will have fun with this one.

Review by Rohan V. Malkhare on Amazon.com
This is most certainly the greatest spiritual book ever written. It starts with the basic disciplines of human culture like cleanliness, god worship, honesty, compassion and duty. It goes on to explain the structure of the human mind and the stages of evolution of the human mind. The nature of thought, the nature of consciousness and the purpose of life is revealed. The final stage of god-vision and liberation is explained in a powerfully persuasive manner.
This book is a must-read for all people who wish to know the undiscovered meaning of time, space, cause and God. It truly explains the nature of reality.

Living With Siva

2011-06-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Living With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Culture on Amazon.com (See all Religion & Spirituality Books)

Review by Jutikadevi Sivaraja on Amazon.com
I highly recommend this book to:

1.Anyone interested in exploring Hindu culture, and how Hindu culture really means how one lives with Siva- the self. Gurudeva Sivaya Subramuniyswami, has given the tools from his inner self out to the world, and Living With Siva really creates the basics of day to day life in living with a culture with some basic structure that puts one on the spiritual path of the self- Siva.

2. It is also a great assest of help for Asian Hindus who have migrated to a foreign country far away from their traditional family lineage, where these Hindu way of life is upheld everyday, from the passing of tradition through the ages. Where one is left to figure out the basics of how to live a daily life close to adhering to Hindu traditions and culture and so on without a living guide close by, then this book is definitely a treasure from the lineage of the Himalayas. Now Hindus can too live a vibrantly Hindu way of life, everyday, with this book as a guide.

As my guru teaches "you can have the world as your Guru that leads you on the downward path or you can follow me and I will lead you on the upward path on the spiritual path"

3. For those interested in learning about the Hindu way of life, that has been practised through the ages.

4. For anyone who is intrigued about the nature of beautiful Hindu culture of as it has existed in the lives of Hindus all around the world through the ages, and are interested in living and cultivating the Hindu culture in their day to day lives.

5. Second Generation Hindus interested in learning more about what it means to live and claim that you are Hindu, this is an excellent guide for that.

Dancing With Shiva

2011-06-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism on Amazon.com (See all Religion & Spirituality Books)

MyHinduPage.org Review
This is the book I grew up with. It is a book written to be a modern expression of Hindu Scriptures. In short bites my guru explores many aspects of life from Hindu philosophical perspectives. For those looking for illumination in the practices, culture and motives of Hindus, this is a fulfilling book. It does however paint a rather high-minded and idealistic picture of Hinduism. The book is meant to inspire the reader based on these ideals of Hinduism.

Review by Amer on Amazon.com
I came across this book during my frantic search of a religion that could answer those long standing questions of life which have been bugging me for ages, and never looked back since.

This book presents almost every aspect of life from Hindu perspective, such as explanation of the soul, our purpose on earth, marriage and family, gender roles, social responsibility, death, reincarnation, and also an unbiased comparison of most other major world religions. Every topic is presented in a simple short topics which makes reading this book such an ease.

The views, stated in the book have very good explanation and reasons on why it is in such a manner. For example, reasons to be vegetarian, law of karma(good deed), praying to statues and why every human soul are unique. It allows readers to question and reason on each views before accepting them. The views in the book makes so much sense, and will certainly will give a good clear picture of the depth of hindusim and change anyone view that hinduism is merely praying to statues. I am most impressed that the book says hindus view all other religion with respect and they believe "The truth is one, but paths are many".

To call it merely another book is an understatement. It is the book of life! Being first part of the tri-book mastercourse by subramuniyaswami, it explains abt the fundamental of hinduism. His second book "Living with Siva" gives a practical approach on how to lead a hindu way of live and the final book "Merging with Siva" allows serious seekers to experience God himself throught meditation and yoga. Yes, Yoga, it is more than a physical & breathing exercise that have been practised by most western society without realising the true value of Yoga.

For serious seekers, this master course books are also being used by Himalayan Academy of Kauai for systematic learning through correspondence studies.

I would recommend this book to everyone, including the non believer, because this book is not only about believe/faith alone but more about way of life and guide to personally experience God himself.

Great Swan: Meetings with Ramakrishna

2011-06-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy Great Swan: Meetings with Ramakrishna on Amazon.com (See all Biographies & Memoirs of Religious Leaders)

MyHinduPage.org highly recommends this book. If you are a devotee of Paramahamsa Ramakrishna or Swami Vivekananda, this book by Lex Hixon is one of the best out there on this amazing Hindu Sage. Truly it is a work as timeless as the teachings and example of Paramahamsa.

From Library Journal
Hixon, a disciple of both Ramakrishna's wife and his spiritual successor, provides contemporary commentary based on The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna and The Great Master . This retelling in clear contemporary English requires no background knowledge and makes accessible the ideas of a most remarkable Hindu saint who worshipped Kali, the Divine Mother, but also experienced union with Jesus, Muhammad, and Allah. Hixon claims his book "is not a conventional biography but a workbook" to provide Ramakrishna's guidance to the spiritually inclined reader of any religious tradition and to clarify the mystical path. Hixon is self-effacing: what shines through is Ramakrishna sanctity and wisdom, as well as the devotion of his disciples. Recommended for most libraries.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A Review on Amazon.com
In this amazing book, Lex Hixon takes on the formidable task of trying to anticipate questions, thoughts and feelings that a reader may have on Spiritual Development/God Realisation and makes it a part of the Encounters of Sri Ramakrishna. It does not matter whether one has heard or read of Sri Ramakrishna before, Lex Hixon makes us aware of his presence nad grace in every page of the book. A very rare and enlightening book. Like a blessing.

The Upanishads by Eaknath Easwaran

2011-06-09T03:45:00.000-07:00

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Review by Ashwini Aragam on Amazon.com
It is amazing that with all the technology modern man has invented, he is unable to answer some deep questions every human being comes across - what is life, why should there be death, etc. He has to go back about four-five thousand years to find out the answers. The answers are in the Upanishads - ancient religion-independent literature, that are recordings of experiential knowledge those wise sages knew. Unlike the Vedas, which are about religious rites and practices, the Upanishads discuss only fundamental questions. Questions such as - 'What is that if one knows, that he/she knows everything'. Amazingly, man found out the answer and had the vision and genorosity to share such findings in the Upanishads. Upanishads are such a fundamental required reading that in ancient India, children would dedicate a significant amount of their early life - 10-12 years - before they set up to establish themselves in the world. In essence, without knowing one's Self, you would be wading dark waters all the time as the Upanishads themselves say.

Eknath Eswaran's transalation makes the Upanishads simple to read. That alone is a great achievement given the voluminous nature of the texts and the language of expression - Sanskrit. We should remember that the text is thousands of years old and has a strong inclination towards flowery, verbose and at times redundant expresssions. But if repetition gets the message across, so does reading such texts! Throughout the translation, Eknath Eswaran's experience with spiritualism, his dedication to such a life, his knowledge and wisdom about English literature and world religions come across making the reading valuable.

As he states of professor William James, the great American psychologist, 'The faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention over and over again is the very root of judgement, character and will. An education which should include this faculty would be education par excellence'. I wouldn't agree more with the author - reading the Upanishads is such education, essential for every one.

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The Bhagavad Gita by Eknath Easwaran

2011-06-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

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Review by Dennis Littrell on Amazon.com
This an especially natural and graceful translation somewhere between poetry and prose by a man who really understands the message of the Gita. This can be seen from reading Eknath Easwaran's wise and penetrating Preface written especially for this, the Vintage Spiritual Classics Edition, edited by John F. Thornton and Susan B. Varenne for Vintage Books.
Easwaran shows that the differing paths to self-realization and liberation that the Gita presents are a comprehensive whole. "The thread through Krishna's teaching, the essence of the Gita, can be given in one word: renunciation. This is the common factor in the four yogas" (p. xxxviii). Easwaran goes on to explain that what is being renounced is not material, although on first blush it seems that way. What is renounced are the fruits of action. Renunciation is not only the essence of karma yoga, but the essence of the bhakti, jnana and raja yogas that Krishna presents as well. The key is an amazing spiritual and psychological insight into human nature: we are miserable when we are concerned with the results of what we do, but we are freed when we devote the fruits of our work to God. What is renounced is also the delusion of a material self that acts, the famous slayer and the slain. Unlike some other, rather foolish, translations that try to find some artificial substitute for the word "yoga," an endeavor entirely alien to the Gita, Easwaran embraces the understanding. He writes, "the Gita is Brahmavidyayam yogashastra, a textbook on the supreme science of yoga" (p. xxxvi)

It is also clear from what Easwaran writes in the Preface that he understands meditation and the path of moksha gained when one is beyond the pair of opposites that dominate our material existence. Easwaran knows because he himself is a long time practitioner of meditation, which is one of the ways of liberation (raja yoga). So many writers on spirituality and on the practice of yoga really do not know meditation, but Easwaran clearly does. Easwaran also understands that the insights of the Gita can be found in other mystical traditions, including those of Meister Eckhart, St. Catherine of Genoa, Ruysbroeck, St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, and others.
Easwaran also makes the important point that the Gita is not the sole property of any one point of view. "The Gita does not present a system of philosophy. It offers something to every seeker after God, of whatever temperament, by whatever path" (p. xxxv).
Easwaran writes, "to understand the Gita, it is important to look beneath the surface of its injunctions and see the mental state involved. Philanthropic activity can benefit others and still carry a large measure of ego involvement. Such work is good, but it is not yoga. It may benefit others, but it will not necessarily benefit the doer" (p. xxxix). This represents a profound insight into the nature of karma yoga, an understanding that comes only after years of study and practice.
Finally Easwaran knows something others don't know (even though this is central to Krishna's teaching), that the Gita, through the practice of yoga, frees one from the fear of death. When one "realizes that he is not a physical creature but the Atman, the Self, and thus not separate from God...he knows that, although his body will die, he will not die...To such a person, the Gita says, death is no more traumatic than taking off an old coat." (pp. xxiv-xxv).
There are ten pages of notes that follow the translation in which the shades of meaning of various concepts like dharma, karma, yoga, sannyasa, etc., and some other ideas are discussed. There is a guide to pronunciation and a glossary of Sanskrit words. This quality paperback is handsomely designed from cover to font, and the translation is one of my favorites.

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The Essentials of Hinduism by Swami Bhaskarananda

2011-06-09T03:33:00.001-07:00

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Review by Eman Nep on Amazon.com
One of the obstacles in studying Hinduism is finding a book that doesn't inundate each sentence with difficult Sanskrit words.

Thankfully, although this book does have some Sanskrit, every single word is promptly defined and sometimes even more than once. Advanced concepts that have a Sanskrit term are often broken down with modern-day analogies, which I frequently found to be extremely helpful. Honestly, some of the analogies I've read in this book are among the best I've come across.

As if that weren't enough, there is a glossary in the back for quick reference. I rarely had to use it as the in-book definitions were often sufficient.

A quick look at the table of contents shows how thorough this book is in explaining Hinduism. It certainly revealed the basics of Hinduism faster than trying to wade through the many couplets of the Rigveda Samhita on my own.

To accompany the text are several diagrams and pictures, my personal favorite being the chart that shows the staggering amount of Hindu scriptures and how they all break down.

The chapters on Karma and Reincarnation, potentially some of the most difficult to grasp, were explained very well and at length.
However, I was disappointed at the brevity of the chapter on Predestination (a measly page).

On the scholarly side, there are frequent footnotes referring to the Upanishads, Rig Veda and other texts, but they're not exhaustive. For example, page 186 says that "Hindu scriptures speak of two goals pursued by man: the pleasant and the good". Unfortunately, there is no reference for either of these. I'm sure there is one, but it'd be nice to have a footnote referring to it so one can see for themselves.

Having studied other cults and religions, I found these three things of great interest:
Page 125 mentions "Samskaras", which, when you read about them, sound eerily familiar to the engrams mentioned in Scientology.
Page 140, where it mentions the purification of objects, reminded me of similar practices in Wiccan tradition.
In addition, I was amazed at the shared beliefs between Hinduism and Christianity (love thy enemy, body as temple, etc).

For one who wishes to understand Hinduism, in my estimation this is not a perfect book on the subject, but definitely touches all the major subjects and explains things in plain English exceptionally well.

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Idiots Guide To Hinduism 2nd Edition

2011-06-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

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Review by A. Kapur on Amazon.com
Having studied many aspects of Hindu philosophy for many years I was surprised at the quality of this book. It is written clearly and well, and the author has obviously spent a good deal of time going into the topic in depth. Some of the basic misunderstandings about Hinduism are treated with a rare understanding of ancient practices and their origins.

Many Hindu parents struggle with trying to communicate the basic ideas of our religion, its practices and philosophies to our children, especially those who are being raised in other countries. This book uses language which is easy to understand. She presents complex ideas in elegant ways. Thousands of learned people have written thousand of books on various aspects of Hinduism, but most of them assume a prior understanding of difficult ideas, and are difficult for a beginner to follow.

The author does not deal with the complex philosophical aspects, nor is that the intention of the book. The section on rituals is meager, and does not address the wonderful variety of practices all over the sub continent, but that would probably be a book in itself. Otherwise, I would recommend that anyone who is interested in the basics of Hindu origins and thought should pick up this book. There are ample references to books which would interest readers who look for more depth.

I have given this book as a gift to my children, and many others in the family. In my opinion, it makes a great way to begin to understand Hinduism. I recommend this book as a wonderful introduction to an ancient way of life, and a supremely enriching philosophical point of view.

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My Hindu Colouring Book - Free Ebook Download

2011-06-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

My Hindu Colouring Book

My Hindu Colouring Book contains 47 panes of pictures for colouring covering Hindu subjects:

• Hindu God's, Mahadevas and Symbols

• Saint Auvaiyar's Aathi Soodhi Advice

• Puja Items

• Worship At Home

• Hindu Culture

• Musical Instruments

• Hindu Temple and

• Hindu Saints

This book is downloadable in full resolution from the link below. Please donate any amount to support more publications of The Center for Hindu Studies and to further its community service projects.

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Download Instructions

The links above takes you to the file hosting site Filesonic or Hotfile where this photo collection can be downloaded. Click on either link , then click on Regular download for Hotfile or Slow Download for Filesonic (unless you have a premium account with these file hosters). A timer will appear, after which the download link will be ready. Click on the link and the file will be automatically downloaded into your designated download folder. The Name of the file is My_Hindu_Colouring_Book.pdf

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