Original Goodness: On the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount (Classics of Christian Inspiration Series)

Rating:
Summary: Unconditional Love, Deep Wisdom
Review: This boook is profound in that the author's voice exemplifies the universal values and principles espoused in his book--clearly he has lived his words. Sri Easwaran's familiarity with world religious traditions, his compassionate nature, and his love for all living beings make his words nonsecular and completely applicable to anyone's life. I felt I was embraced by love as I read this book. It inspired me to rededicate myself to living the higher values of humankind.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book of Surpassing Wisdom
Review: This is simply one of the finest and most inspiring books I've ever read. It takes the famous Beatitudes of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" and shows how we can train ourselves mentally and spiritually to be living embodiments of their wisdom in our everyday lives. Easwaran begins with the premise that our innermost core or essence is one with the divine ground of all being. It is timeless, indestructible, and purely good. And he shows us how we can cultivate a spiritual path which lets this goodness shine through our conventional, constricted, egoic selves. His path is based on the "perennial philosophy" that he and many religious scholars and sages say forms the heart of all the great religious traditions. But while he quotes liberally from mystics of various traditions, his focus here is on Christian mysticism. Meister Eckhart and St. Teresa of Avila figure prominently in the book, and their words grace the reader with profound wisdom and inspiration. The chapter on love alone is worth many times the price of the book. It has impacted my life more than I can say.

Do yourself a favor and get this book, make it a part of your life, and share the sweet fruits of your efforts with those around you. Thw world will be a better place because of it.