Spiritual Growth

Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior

by Dan Millman

Average Rating:

"This book may be OK for people with little or no background in spiritual awareness.The author has been "inspired" - to put it mildly- by Castaneda's work.He is nowhere even close to attaining Castaneda's depth or artistic talent.There is no new concept, no original idea that I can remember : every single inspiration can be tracked down to previous authors .The overall design , i.e. a man who finds a spiritual teacher almost as if by chance is a direct copy of Don Juan. Situations, characters and dialogues are infantile ; it is definitely an effort to put forth some spiritual ideas through an adventure story ( absolutely unbelievable) to appeal to a wider public.
If you buy your books at the Newstands stores of airports, this may be right for you : easy reading and sugary.
If you have a serious interest in the field, be sure to leave it on the stand."

Publisher: HJ Kramer/New World Library | More reviews: amazon.com

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have

by Mark Nepo

Average Rating:

"There are very few books in this world which elicit the question `Why have I such an array of books on this subject when this one would suffice?' The entry of Mark Nepo's Book of Awakening into my life not only presented this question but also initiated an immediate removal of the other six inspirational books waiting in a tumbled line by my bed, making space in my overcrowded life for the simplicity of one source of wisdom.The Book of Awakening, which is beautifully produced by Conari Press, is in the form of a daybook, having an entry of wisdom for every day of the year. This allows us to take a dip into this vast ocean of insight every day or to dive in at random when the spirit moves us. Each page of wisdom is followed by a short and profound meditation on the topic at hand which helps put the reading into the context of one's own life, and is suggested in such a way that even the meditation-shy could be enticed to participate.In his introduction, Mark describes his book as `a companion and a soul-friend'. I agree that this book can act as a soul friend, which is a different relationship than is possible with most wisdom books. And that is quite a gift to give to yourself or a friend. The key reason for the possibility of this almost human relationship with the book is, I believe, to be found in the divinely human writing style of the author.Mark is born a poet whose eyes perceive the divine patterning within the everyday experiences of life. He has crafted the art of painting that depth so that others may begin to see into and beyond the mundane. Each new entry seems to invite a deeper friendship of the soul as Mark lays himself bare in his truly personal stories of struggle and revelation. He interweaves his own perception with gems of collected treasures from many spiritual traditions, giving us access to his own spiritual advisers in their many forms.--- Carmella B'Hahn, Sufi Journal, London"

Publisher: Conari Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Sara, Book 1: Sara Learns the Secret about the Law of Attraction

by Esther Hicks

Average Rating:

""Wow! Sara pondered. That's amazing. I can actually see that the way I feel has only to do with what I'm giving my attention to. The conditions didn't change, but my attention did!" - From the book

In essence, the whole craze about the Law of Attraction or "the secret" started with a group of evolved entities known as Abraham. Channeled by Esther Hicks, these astute teachers, along with Esther and her husband Jerry, have imparted hundreds of messages to humanity via live workshops, audio, books and inspirational decks.

Each of these media has their own strengths, but perhaps the most engaging and accessible source for the crux of the Law of Attraction is the fictional Sara Series. In Sara, Book 1: Sara Learns the Law of Attraction, a wise owl named Solomon appears to a girl named Sara, becoming her confidante and mentor.

In Sara, Book 1, young Sara faces many challenges at home, school and within her community--experiencing boredom, frustration, confusion and anger. One day, her brother and his friend tell Sara about an owl they encountered on Thacker's Trail who they name Solomon.

Sara decides to look for Solomon among the snow-covered pastures--but finds that the once familiar trails and landmarks look quite different covered in snow. When she tries to cross a frozen river, the ice crackles under her weight. She hears a voice saying, "Have you forgotten that you cannot drown?"--and so begins Sara's journey with the large bird.

Solomon counsels Sara that there is a stream of well-being available to everyone--but the trick to receiving its benefits is allowing her "valve" to stay open. Sara: Book 1 answers important questions often asked by those curious about the Law of Attraction, as well as those frustrated and disappointed about the results of trying to apply this metaphysical principle.

For example, why does focusing on someone's "unhappiness" or "hardships" close the valve? How does one respond in the face of challenges or unmet expectations? Most importantly, how does one disconnect from the "chain of pain" and instead hook up to the stream of well-being?

On a personal note, I found this book to be incredibly insightful and timely. I happened to be reading it in my backyard, which is unremarkable in itself--except that my husband and I have been dealing with some peripheral difficulties involving new neighbors.

I began to read Chapter 20, which was incredibly appropriate. In this chapter, Sara sees old Aunt Zoie. She wants to help her--shower her with the stream of joy. But for some reason, it wasn't working for Sara, despite her best efforts.

Solomon explains to Sara that she cannot enter that "feeling place" while still in the "chain of pain". That is, Sara could not offer Aunt Zoie good feelings when Sara was feeling sorry for her Aunt--pitying her because she is "old", "crippled" and "alone". Solomon teaches Sara that everyone in the world wants different things--and we cannot truly know if someone is happy, or what is best for them.

But what we can do, he encourages, is stay hooked up to the faucet of well-being--which not only draws "birds of a feather" to us, but also widens our access to the constant flow that is always there...enabling to give more to others and ourselves.

I decided to look for things to appreciate--including my surroundings and my neighbors (who, in my mind, weren't half as bad as the previous ones!). The more I did this silently as I read, the better I felt. Eventually, one of the neighbors ventured into his back yard and I looked up, feeling such warmth and joy. I gave him a big smile and a cheerful wave and, although he ignored me as usual, I was still able to see him--and my living situation--with gratitude.

Things got better and better for us that day...and I am so very grateful for the transformative reminders found in this delightful book. I especially love how Solomon often concludes his visit with Sara with "have fun with this". It doesn't have to be arduous!

Sara, Book 1, Solomon demonstrates higher perspectives on various situations--and how what we behold and appreciate can not only transform how we feel, but also reality itself.

If you're looking to learn more about the Law of Attraction (especially from a down-to-Earth, nuts-and-bolts perspective), this is a fantastic book. If you already know some (or all) of the principles...but seem to have a hard time "getting" some of the nuances, especially in terms of observing and unhooking from the "chain of pain", then you'll find important reminders and immediately-useful approaches to joining the ever-flowing stream of well-being. "

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self

by Sandra Ingerman

Average Rating:

"Sandra Ingerman describes the soul retrieval journey, and relates several of the soul retrieval journeys she has done. The account of the little girl that did not want to return home (and others) were touching.I did not give this book five stars because1. In my opinion; this book is written like an advertizement to get people to take courses in Shamanism from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (Ms. Ingerman is one of the FSS instructors). Dr. Michael Harner (and the other authors recommended in my shamanism listmania list) puts the tools in your hands.2. I have done soul retrievals; but I hate to do them (because the Shaman can not tell how much misery the person can stand (there is a lot of bad memories and emotional baggage the recepient has to deal with), and if you overload the recepient; the soul fragments will leave again). I would much rather teach the person Shamanic practices where they can conduct their own soul retrieval peice meal with the support of their totem (power) animal.Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)"

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche

by Bill Plotkin

Average Rating:

"Bill Plotkin's Soulcraft, grounded in the author's formal training as a clinical psychologist, and in his decades of experience as a wilderness guide who guides his clients through both inner and outer wilderness, provides readers with an experience-based, intellectually stimulating, and potentially life-altering antidote to mainstream Western civilization. Based on the premise that virtually all of us live lives that attempt to satisfy the ego's needs while ignoring the soul's deeper yearnings, Plotkin guides us to a severance from our ego-based lives, through an encounter with soul, and finally into a return, with new knowledge of the gifts we carry to our people--family, friends, co-workers and community. As he encourages us to grow from our necessary and valuable uninitiated adolescent need to be accepted by society, into our initiated adult need to live authentically these gifts we carry, he treats us to his own story and the stories of others who are doing the work of authenticity. More than 30 practices validate the presence of the word "craft" in the book's main title. Whether the reader is drawn to meditation, drumming, dream work, deep imagery, befriending the dark, wandering in nature, working with shadow or any one of more than a score more approaches to living a soul-based life, Bill Plotkin challenges us to live our true callings, and provides us the means with which to do so. Soulcraft engaged me both experientially and philosophically, calling me to both act and think. It's no accident that Thomas Berry wrote the foreword, or that Brian Swimme, Angeles Arrien, Robert Johnson, and Derrick Jensen, among others, praised the book before publication.

Bill Plotkin, in the words of David Whyte, whose poetry graces many of these pages, carries "what is hidden as a gift to others." For this we should all be grateful."

Publisher: New World Library | More reviews: amazon.com

Mastering Your Hidden Self: Guide to the Huna Way (A Quest Book)

by Serge King

Average Rating:

"I read this book early in my HUNA studies, and did not know enough to spot the errors.Since then; I have taken the HUNA course from HRI (HUNA Research Inc.), read every HUNA related book I could lay my hands on, and gained first hand HUNA experience.Here are three errors that bother me the most.1. the author implies that Jesus and the early church practised HUNA (Also one of Max Freedom Long's errors in logic). It's true that the early church did energy work, but that does not necessarily mean they practised HUNA. I studied Qigong (originating in China), Reiki (originating in Japan), Seichim (originating in Egypt, HUNA (originating in Hawaii), and others. I am trying to say that energy work has been practised EVERYWHERE.2. The author misnames the three selves (or spirits) associated with a person. Unihipili (ku), Uhane (lono), and Aumakua (Kane). Ku, Lono, and Kane are three if the gods Hawaiians acknowledged.3. The author lists seven aspects of a human being. This is in error. There are Ten aspects of a human being.three spirits (Unihipili, Uhane, Aumakua), three aka bodies for the three selves, three voltages of Mana (Mana (used by the Unihipili); Mana mana (used by the Uhane); Mana loa (used by the Aumakua), and the physical body. 3+3+3+1=10If you are interested in HUNA; I would suggest that you look elsewhere. "Fundamentals Of Hawaiian Mysticism" Charlotte Berney"HUNA Magic" John Bainbridge"Hawaiian Magic And Spirituality" Scott Cunningham"The Secret Science At Work" Max Freedom LongPlease see my complete list of HUNA related titles.I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears.Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)"

Publisher: Quest Books | More reviews: amazon.com

The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits (4 CD Set)

by Gregg Braden

Average Rating:

"I personally found this CD collection profound and an excellent resource for educating and empowering people. I recently stumbled upon Gregg Braden and find his work very exciting because he bridges gaps and the prejudices of science and religions to formulate how the creative activity of the universe works. Before you think this is new age pablum as a Christian, I read these principles in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Dont believe me read Matt. 21:21, Mark 11:22-24. Its there but it took a scientist to explain the depth of the how of Believing and Seeing. Some run from this thinking and others run from the Bible. Me,I run to the Bible and the LORD who spoke these truths 2000 years ago and further back, back to Genesis we see these principles.
This CD set is very informative and layed out in a very convincing way. I was very impressed by how clear and concise Gregg is when speaking and how well educated on these subjects he is. He also is able to walk the bridge of science and spirituality(his definition not mine) and make sense of it all. I think Gregg is the perfect spokesman for this subject because of his passion more than even his education. I learned a lot about a lot of different subjects.
One caveat, Gregg continually says the Christian text(Bible)is/was heavily edited and stripped of its information about heart felt beliefs its ability to create. I completely disagree and quoted only a small sample of a far greater depth of scripture that does state and expand on this. I am not sure Gregg has really read the Bible in depth, he seems more comfortable with the gospel of Thomas and other Gnostic texts. I say why? The Truth is in the Bible and powerfully state by Jesus in numerous references. This is my continual question to the author. Otherwise I highly recommend this CD set for its ground breaking content and eloquent passionate reading...GOD bless JB"

Publisher: Hay House | More reviews: amazon.com

Emptiness Dancing

by Adyashanti

Average Rating:

"Though I buy a lot of books through Amazon and have never entered a review before, just feel like I have to post one this time. Best dharma book I've ever read--and I've read dozens. I heard of the author because I saw an article in a magazine that inspired me, then ordered his books. If you're really serious about waking up, no matter what, I highly recommend this book."

Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated | More reviews: amazon.com

Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength

by Laurie A. Helgoe

Average Rating:

"Wow! What a fascinating book. The title caught my attention, and once I got into it, I was pleased with all of the insights the author provides. I always figured I was an introvert, but I didn't realize what that meant until I read this book. Now I understand that introverts simply gain strength from within and that many social interactions cause them to expend energy, while extroverts gain strength from interactions and have to expend more energy through internal reflection. That explains a lot of mysteries about people I have known, including me. The author does a great job of disproving the falsehood that introverts are in the minority and that extroversion is the preferred state of being. Neither is better than the other, but knowing the difference can help all of us understand ourselves and others better. I also like the way the author combines academic research, real-life examples and her own experiences to make a very compelling case for the power of introverts. I plan to keep this book in a handy spot so I can refer to it whenever I need a refresher on its concepts. This book is a good investment.
"

Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. | More reviews: amazon.com

Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Average Rating:

"These techniques proved of much more value to me after reading Conversations with God and An Encounter With A Prophet. Having removed all of my unconscious fears of the spiritual world I could go into a much deeper, peaceful and meaningul meditative state."

Publisher: Hyperion | More reviews: amazon.com