Book Review 26: Essence of the Dhammapada

Essence of the Dhammapada: The Buddha's Call to Nirvana
Author: Eknath Easwaran

Compiled and written posthumously, this book is sort of review or summary of the Dhammapada. There is no mention of God because Buddha leaves us to find out the answer for ourselves. So in a way it may be a good read for agnostics.

Written in seven chapter it gives broad strokes and examples of how one begins life towards the pursuit of Nirvana.

Easwaran takes excerpts from the Dhammapada to explains it in detail. There is a glossary of Sanskrit terminology and selected verses from the Dhammapada.

A great book to finish over a few weekends. I would categorize as a life changer.

Book Review 25: Bhagavad Gita Introduced and Translated

Translated: Eknath Easwaran

By now you would already know, Bhagavad-Gita is not written by Eknath Easwaran. It was originally a text in the epic Mahabharata. It was set of guide and knowledge handed down from Lord Krishna to his devotee, Arjuna.

Although, another I read version of the Gita translation, I find this to be a better understanding of the Gita.

Eknath doesn't seem to push any agenda except to try his best to reveal the secrets of the Gita. It has a glossary of words from Sanskrit which a person may not understand, which was very useful. Simple language is definitely a bonus.
This is definitely a gem.

Book Review 24: My Pocket Guru: Find Peace Amidst The Madness

Author: Uncredited
This "pocket guru" delivers. It does exactly as what the title says.

It has 7 forms teachings which ranges from meditation, Buddhism, yoga, Ayurveda, Reiki, Chakra Healing and Law of Attraction.

For saw who is beginning on their first steps to spiritual journey, the book gives a insight into each teachings, something like catalogue of sorts.

It was good read, and the pocket book size was easy to carry around.

Book Review 23: Spiritual Paths and their Meditation Techniques

Spiritual Paths and Their Meditation Techniques
Author: Nan Huai-Chin, William Bodri

For those have tried different meditation techniques or followed different religious or spiritual path may find themselves confused or not knowing if the path they taken is the right one.
This book I think clears all of that or at least some of it. The authors look at different spiritual paths and practices and compares them. What works and what doesn't. I wouldn't recommend this to a novice reader as the material is quite difficult to digest. It makes a great reference material for those advanced on the spiritual path.

Book Review 22: Conquest of Mind

Conquest of Mind
Author: Eknath Easwaran

I have not heard of Eknath Easwaran before. So when I Googled his name, I was very surprised with the number result searches that came up. Blue Mountain Meditation Centre was establiaed by Eknath Easwaran and wife.

Anyway, more on this book. I would really recommend this book for individuals who are on the spiritual path. Beginner and intermediate a like.

A beginner should read the entire book. The intermediate should too but if you are in a hurry these chapters should suffice. They are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 11 and the Eight Point Program at the end of the book.

Book Review 21: Awakening to the Infinite

Awakening to the Infinite

Author: Swami Muktananda of Rishikesh

Before starting, I think the first thing I would advise before reading this book is the reference to the author. There is an infamous Swami Muktananda of Siddha Yoga Path. This is not the same person.

The book's theme is "Essential Answers for Spiritual Seekers from the Perspective of Nonduality".

The book starts of on the background of Swami Muktananda and his teacher Swami Chidananda.

It has seven chapters starting with

Chapter 1: A Few Basic Principles

Chapter 2: Spiritual Practice

Chapter 3: Difficulties on the Path

Chapter 4: Actions

Chapter 5: Daily Life, Relationships, Family, Work

Chapter 6: The Relationship with a Teacher

Chapter 7: Awakening to the Spirit

I like how each chapter has a little story/ stories to relate with the reader and how the book is arranged in a question and answer format.

This book is for spiritual seekers or at least for those who are on the path of life asking the big questions like "What is the meaning of life?" or "What is the purpose of life?".

It was absolute joy reading this book.

If you like to find out more about Swami Muktananda click on the link below.

http://www.muktanandarishikesh.org/

I will end this review with my personal favorite quote from the book.

"Spiritual life is like an apple. It has outer dimension, which is connected to names and forms, and an inner dimension, in which life matures while awakening you to the Spirit. Until you have reached a certain level of maturity there are some answers you cannot understand. But with time what had once seemed incomprehensible becomes clear."