Enthusiasm

Rating:
Summary: a great, inspiring book about how to approach life with love
Review: One of the most wonderful things about Gurumayi Chidvilasananda's books and teachings is the vision she has of the world and her absolute conviction that each and every person's true nature is good, is, indeed, divine. As a result of reading Gurumayi's books, including Enthusiasm, I have changed from a pessimistic cynic to a person who really loves my life and I would say that I am filled with enthusiasm most of the time. As she says in the book, and I thought about this alot while reading it, enthusiasm isn't a burst of energy or spectacular displays of happiness. Enthusiasm, the way I experience it, is like love. In fact, I think it is love. It gives me strength and energy and allows me to enjoy myself, other people, the world. Even when faced with challenges.

The topics in the book include overcoming envy, the true Compansion within, and discarding the burden of self-hatred. These particular chapters have helped me a lot. Gurumayi writes about these things in a way that allows me to see envy, for example, for what it is. I don't feel guilty or bad about myself any more when it comes up. I just notice it and remember what I have learned from her. And the main thing that I have learned is that I do have a True Companion within my own heart, that I am, bottom-line, full of love and goodness. I KNOW that now.

Gurumayi's teachings are for people who genuinely want to know who they are and are willing to look unwaveringly at themselves. It's for people who are convinced somewhere within their own soul that love really is the foundation of creation. It's hard to maintain this belief when life is coming at you full speed, it's difficult not to be cynical, but if you read and reread Gurumayi, you will find support and happiness in yourself. As well as being a great master of meditation, she is a poet and her writings are inspired by a rare and wonderful outlook. Life is sacred and beautiful.

"The kind of life you lead when you follow the teachings, when you become aware of God's presence in your heart, is truly golden. You no longer live an ordinary life, you live a golden life. You live yoga. You are not just marking off the days, the weeks, the months. Each day becomes a beautiful garland of your contemplations and reflections, your unselfish deeds, profound transformations, fruitful actions, meditations, chanting, kind thoughts, loving vibrations, enlightening revelations, and purposeful living. At the end of the day, you offer this garland to the great Lord whose glory your heart sings without ceasing. But it doesn't end there. Everything that happens in the night also becomes an offering to the Lord. Each day and each night becomes another exquisite garland for you to offer. This is what the spiritual path holds for you." from Enthusiasm

Rating:
Summary: An Extraordinary Daily Companion
Review: What particularly amazes me about this book is the way in which I can open it any day, at any time, and continue my life with renewed inspiration and vigor. I find Gurumayi's chapter on selfless service, or guruseva, particularly useful as I gain new insight into my studies, and, indeed, every action I perform. Her elucidation of the five criteria, which reveal the depth of a person's offering of selfless service, gives me the knowledge I need to remove the stress from my studies and my extracurricular activities.