Spiritual Masters

Meeting Life: Writings and Talks on Finding Your Path Without Retreating from Society

by Jiddu Krishnamurti

Average Rating:

"I must disagree with the previous person about similarities between "Meeting Life" and the Bible. I think the two things are very different. Meeting Life is a great book, but I don't recommend it as a first book to read by Krishnamurti. You should start with "Freedom From the Known", then maybe "The First and Last Freedom", "The Awakenning of Intelligence", and then you can read other books, such as "Meeting Life"."

Publisher: HarperOne | More reviews: amazon.com

Autobiography of a Yogi (Reprint of Original 1946 Edition)

by Paramhansa Yogananda

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"I've read Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi many times, but it wasn't until I read the original 1946 edition by Crystal Clarity, Publishers that I stumbled across many of Yogananda's original teachings that have been erased by the Self-Realization Fellowship Publishers long after his death. In the 1946 original edition, you can read about Yogananda's aims and ideals for world brotherhood colonies as a solution to societal ills, his desire to spread "kriya yoga" to all sincere truthseekers, and his many powerful words which echo his love for all mankind and ALL people, despite their religious affiliation. There is a special vibration in the original that you won't find in later editions. Read it yourself, and see for yourself if you don't somehow "feel different" reading Yogananda's own words, un-tainted by any additional hyperbole meant to "rope you in" to any particular organization. Yogananda's words are non-sectarian, universal, meant for any and ALL OF US. This book will change your life and give you hope, no matter where in the world you live. I cannot recommend any other book that expresses so completely the secrets of the universe, life, death, and reincarnation so beautifully and truthfully."

Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers | More reviews: amazon.com

I Have Become Alive

by Swami Muktananda

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"Is it possible to attain spiritual liberation in this lifetime? The author, a great yogic master who brings the ancient wisdom of India to the West, answers with an emphatic yes! He himself has done so, and in this book he enthusiastically shares his vast knowledge of the path to liberation with serious seekers in lively answer and question sessions. What I learned is that the search for spiritual liberation is not necessarily a haphazard activity leading invariably to dead ends. Instead, the author shows that there is a carefully laid out path, with clearly marked road signs and a detailed roadmap. I am convinced of the truth of his teachings because my daily meditations have already improved greatly. I also recommend his three earlier works that are written in the same format, entitled "Conversations with Swami Muktananda - the Early Years" , "From the Finite to the Infinite", and "Where are You Going"."

Publisher: Siddha Yoga Publications | More reviews: amazon.com

Psychic Being (Soul: Its Nature, Mission, Evolution)

by Sri Aurobindo

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"The book suffers from not having a suitable introduction. An explanation of the significance of the subject-matter of the book was sorely missed. The first part of the book describes the troubles Sri Aurobindo and the Mother had to go through to explain the translation of the inner I or chaitya purusha or soul as the psychic being. The chaitya purusha is one of the most important teachings of Sri Aurobindo. The chaitya purusha is not the jivaatman. The jivaatman is the akartaa witness, the chaitya purusha is associated with ahamkaara, therefore, the doer. If I understood it correctly, the chaitya purusha is the bird that eats the fruit while the jivaatman watches."

Publisher: Lotus Press | More reviews: amazon.com

The Voice of Paramahansa Yogananda - The Great Light of God (Self-Realization Fellowship)

by Paramahansa Yogananda

The voice of Paramahansa Yogananda. The Great Light of God, No. 3 in our special Collector's Series of rare recorded talks, was recorded in 1951, at the Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters in Los Angeles at the last all-day Christmas meditation held during his lifetime.
In this powerful talk, Yogananda explains why and how the spiritual science of Kriya Yoga provides proof of the existence of God. Through its practice, he says, you will realize that you are not a man or a woman, but part of the eternal consciousness, the infinite blessedness of Spirit.
These digitally restored archival recordings of talks by Paramahansa Yogananda are unique - offering the listener a rare opportunity to hear the actual voice of a great lover of God. Anyone who admires Yogananda's writings will love hearing him speak. Yogananda can be heard sometimes expounding great truths with passion and humor, and at other times intimately talking with God, rapt in divine communion.

Publisher: Self-Realization Fellowship | More reviews: amazon.com

How You Can Talk With God

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Average Rating:

"If you are new to Yogananda's writing, you may think that How You Can Talk with God is a presumptuous title. But if you have read his Autobiography of a Yogi, you know full well that this is no ordinary theoretical or inspirational author. He prayed almost unceasingly from infancy - meditated almost as early - and received RESPONSES from The Divine. Throughout his writings and in his SRF Meditation Lessons for his students Yogananda demonstrates the greatest faith in the truths he presents: he discourages students from accepting his words blindly and urges them instead TO TEST their validity in the laboratories of their own lives, meditations, prayers. This brief, to-the-point, power-packed book is no exception and is an excellent place to begin your exploration of Yogananda's brilliant writing and genuine love.The fundamental thesis of How You Can Talk with God (HYCTWG) is displayed in its title: "...WITH God" not just "...to God." Like Saint Francis, Yogananda discerns prayer as TALKING to God and meditation as LISTENING to God; this book Yogananda explains how we need to develop BOTH these parts of our soul-Spirit relationship. The unique contribution of Yogananda's essay is to explain the power of classic yoga methods of meditation for clearing the mental static from our minds - and to introduce the power of the advanced Kriya Yoga methods that he continues to disseminate through Self-Realization Fellowship. Not everyone is ready for the discipline required by the advanced Kriya methods (described more fully in Yogananda's Autobiography), but everyone can benefit from the simple beginning-level instruction offered in HYCTWG. If you will carry this small gem in your pocket or pocket-book with you and dip into it during moments of stress, confusion, or just apathy, I think you will find yourself increasingly drawn to practice its principles of scientific meditation and personal prayer. Hopefully, the reality of the promised benefits of even deeper communion will gradually tug at your soul's deepest needs and spur you to the next level of study. Then it's time to turn to the Autobiography or the instructions in HYCTWG for advanced Lessons."

Publisher: Self-Realization Fellowship | More reviews: amazon.com

The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda

by J. Donald Walters

Average Rating:

"What a wonderful tool this book is for any spiritual seeker. The author has recorded quotes from his great guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and has presented them in such a way as to bring the reader very close to the consciousness of Yogananda. Each of the twenty chapters focuses on a theme, for instance, "The Lesson of Reincarnation", and covers many aspects with numerous quotes, some of which cover multiple pages. The author must have an amazing memory to be able to produce such volumes of quotes, or a great ability to tune in to the wisdom of his great guru."

Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers | More reviews: amazon.com

Path of Fire and Light (Vol 2): A Practical Companion to Volume One

by Rama

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"This is a truly unbelievable book on advanced yoga. The greatest section of the book is the description of advanced (very advanced !) pranayama. Swami Rama first gives a lengthy explanation of the preparation for pranayama & nadi shodhanam. Then, he instructs you on how to achieve amazing spiritual transformation through extreme breath-holding. In what is surely the most fascinating section, Swami Rama describes, in detail, what happens to the body & energy of a yogi as he holds his breath for 5, 10, 13 or more minutes. Using Swami Rama's wisdom I have already achieved kumbhaka's (breath-holds) of over 7 minutes! What an amazing feeling to feel your heart rate drop to 20 beats per minute after 5 minutes! And the state of consciousness that ensues is of course indescribable. I have one suggestion: Get this book! (Swami Rama's 'Science of Breath' is a great companion book)."

Publisher: Himalayan Institute Press | More reviews: amazon.com

Mystery of the Mind

by Swami Swami Muktananda; Muktananda

Publisher: Syda Foundation | More reviews: amazon.com

The Voice of Paramahansa Yogananda - Awake in the Cosmic Dream

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Number 2 in our "Collector's Series" of rare archival talks by Paramahansa Yogananda, this particular talk was recorded in 1952, at the Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters in Los Angeles, on the occasion of Paramahansa Yogananda's birthday - just two months before his passing. In this spontaneous outpouring of his heart, he touches on the entire spectrum of spiritual living. Through personal stories and practical guidance, he explains why finding God is the only permanent solution to the enduring problems of human existence. The outstanding quality of the recordings in this series brings Yogananda intimately close to the listener. His wise and oft-times witty counsel make these recordings a must for admirers of Yogananda's works. The entire "Collector's Series" is now available on CD.

Publisher: Self Realization Fellowship | More reviews: amazon.com