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Summary: Swimming Up Stream
Review: I recently finished this book and thought it a good place to start if one is having troubles with multi tasking or asking themselves some deeper questions about life. In my experience I have found that some people want to slow down and develop harmony within themselves, they read the words yet don't apply it to their lives. Eknath Easwaran takes you though each level of higher (inner) conscienceness if you are willing to follow,accept and apply it. I particularly enjoyed how one can reach for and obtain unconditional love, unheard of in the psychology world where unconditional love is only between parent and child, that adult love can not be so. He speaks about basic morals in our day to day encounters with others, our spouses, and the world in general, more importantly, for one to be aware that ones actions affects others. On speaking, the suggestion is to ask ones self three questions. First, "are these words true", secondly "are these words necessary", and thirdly "are these words kind". Imagine those with uncontrollable road rage asking themselves this! I have practiced this art of "single mindedness" throughout my life, not able to put it into words. This book reaffirmed me that I am on the right path. A pure delight to read and reflect upon, written in a comprehensive manner and from a person who practices what he preaches. Prayers for meditation at the end are helpful. Hopefully we all will find the right person to share a life that is emotionally rich and empowering, full of mutual love and respect. It starts with you.
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Summary: Meditation: A complete Audio Guide to a Practical 8-Point Pr
Review: If you have been wanting to learn how to meditate this audio is excellent! It was taped at Berkeley during a course Eknath Easwaran was teaching to college students. The steps are easy to follow and his presentation is very entertaining. Not what I expected from an audio on meditation. It takes the hocus-pocus out of the idea of meditation. It is something anyone can do, if they desire it and discipline their mind. I have listened to my tapes several times and learn something new each time I play them. I recommend it highly.
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Summary: Not a bad read
Review: The author's eight points are actually fairly simple, but words of wisdom often are. Some of them have nothing to do with meditation. What he's really doing is presenting a whole way of life, which I suppose is difficult to do in a relatively slim volume. However, that means that if you're looking for a well-rounded discussion of meditation, you probably should look elsewhere.The author uses mantram and meditation as being different. For meditation, he recommends choosing a passage (such as a prayer which one naturally then has to memorize) to meditate on in a quite place. The mantram, on the other hand, he uses in any situation, such as doing household chores. He does not teach other common meditations such as "the bubble" in this book. The author makes an effort to draw from different religious traditions, including Christianity, which could be good, but to me it felt awkward, because he is so biased by his eastern perspective that he has to re-interpret the words of the Christian prayers in order to use them. In particular, he clearly states that he doesn't believe there is a Lord outside of oneself. It seems very odd to me for somebody to use a prayer just for the sake of having something profound to meditate upon if one doesn't believe in the words of the prayer. Of course, that's just my opinion.
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Summary: 8 steps to transformation
Review: This book was really well written. I've searched and tried various forms of meditation and I think this book explains a very effective method for personal transformation. The method of passage meditation that the author recommends is simple and practical. He also covers 7 other points which are supposed to help aid in deepening meditation. Each point is a chapter. Some of these points such as one-pointed attention, putting others first, and slowing down are very contrary to today's culture. I found these suggestions for swimming against modern day culture refreshing. For someone coming from a catholic background I also appreciated that author has fashioned a program free of dogma and ritual. This is something I can practice within my own religious background.
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Summary: A witty, sharp, kind writer. Very approachable methodology.
Review: This is an excellent guide to meditation. The author's perspective applies to a reader of any spirituality. He speaks in laymens terms, and tells nice stories, doesn't preach, is a wonderful teacher.
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Summary: Perfect book on meditation
Review: This is one of the best books anyone interested in meditation, spirituality or simply a calm, peaceful and happy life can hope to read. Easwaran outlines a very simply eight point program to help us through our daily lives grow towards a better, happier and more peaceful future. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone with spiritual inclanations, or a desire to slow down her or his hectic life.
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Summary: Simple, Powerful & Practical
Review: This is one of the best books anyone interested in meditation, spirituality or simply a calm, peaceful and happy life can hope to read. Easwaran outlines a very simply eight point program to help us through our daily lives grow towards a better, happier and more peaceful future. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone with spiritual inclanations, or a desire to slow down her or his hectic life.
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