A must-have for spiritual seekers
594545
Melissa possesses a profound awareness of the magic that lies within each one of us, yet her explanations are simple and easy to make your own. This book powerfully demonstrates the beautiful wisdom that nature offers each of us when we create time to listen to the nudges within.
1500564
This informative and inspiring anthology is similar in tone and scope to Bede Griffiths's "Universal Wisdom: A Journey Through the Sacred Wisdom of the World."  Central to Griffiths's classic study was his belief that in all religions, east and west, past and present, can be found "signs" of the Inexpressible Presence and the Mystery of Love.  Anthea Guinness's "The Inner Way" is a unique assemblage of the writings of over one hundred mystics who have bequeathed to us "signs" of how Love can satisfy our deepest yearning to lose the self in the Inexpressible Presence.

A feature of the book I found particularly helpful was the grouping of writers from different traditions around a common theme.  For example, under the thematic heading of "Love," we encounter selections from Christian mystics Julian of Norwich, Therese of Lisieux and John of the Cross juxtaposed with selections from Shams and Farid (Sufi), Jana and Ravidas (Hindu), Gobind Singh (Sikh) and Chuang-tse (Tao).  My familiarity with the Christian writers helped me to comprehend and derive benefit from the Sufi, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist writers, which, in turn, afforded me a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Christian writers.

The extensive but unobtrusive footnoting included in the selections opens a virtual cornucopia to further exploration of the writers and topics included in the anthology. In this connection scholars and seekers alike will find the Glossary of Terms and the separate Glossary of Authors to be invaluable tools in further study and/or practice. Additionally, seekers in particular will benefit greatly from the author's beautifully written and reader-friendly introductions to the volume's seven thematic sections.  Like Bede Griffiths before her, Anthea Guinness is emerging as a loving and trustworthy guide in helping persons of different faiths become one in their quest to know and experience the Truth.

William C. Bailey, Ph. D.
4590076
I really like this book.  I bought it on Kindle and also bought the hardcover edition for my library collection. The beginning of the book explains who the Ascended Masters are and how they communicate with those of us on earth. It also describes the spiritual hierarchy.  Then it contains all the many dictations given by the Ascended Masters since 2002 on the subject of transcending our ego, raising our consciousness, and working to qualify for Ascension.  These dictations are among the thousands of dictations given by the Masters that can be found for free on the AskRealJesus website.  However, this book compiles the dictations specifically addressed to overcoming ego and qualifying to ascend.  It is a valuable addition to any spiritual seeker's study resources.
4329376
This is a must read for all spiritual seekers trying to know the Mighty Lord Shiva. This book is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and the seeker, but this is more than a dialogue and actually is a divine interaction based on very profound realizations of the great devotee of Lord Shiva, Shailendra. Shailendra has presented the divine exchange with very deep revelations topped off with very pleasing poetry. If you want to know Lord Shiva, this book is it! Imagine Lord Shiva talking to you via Shailendra's book and realizations that can only be had after deep, deep meditation. Hats off to Shailendra for making this rare book available at Amazon.com so the whole world can taste the nectar from Lord Shiva.
934234
What spiritual seeker doesn't like a good awakening story? This one spans twenty-seven years and is filled with pitfalls, twists and turns, but ultimately demonstrates the characteristic that is most necessary in any search - perseverance. His personal journal entries mirror that of any desperate seeker and leave the reader hopeful that if this guy made the journey, so can I. Interspersed with his personal story, however, are little time-bombs of wisdom in the guise of innocent questions posed by seekers looking for his help. I found myself in many of these questions and his answers are provocative, sometimes maddeningly so, but only for the ego! This book is gem for those on a path of self-inquiry or involved in group work. It's also a map of sorts - away from the unreal - that ultimately leads to Love.
2718408
June Bletzer's "Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary" covers a vast array of topics, from nineteenth-century spiritualism to twentieth-century occultism, all the way up to today's many varieties of new age mysticism. Arranged in a dictionary format, her definitions are balanced and fair, making this a very handy and useful reference. I'm a spiritual writer and teacher, and I use this book regularly for my research. One really neat feature is a comprehensive self-study course in the back of the book -- to help the student of psychic studies learn, by recommending a series of entries on related topics to be read in sequential order. What a great concept, making this not only a valuable reference tool, but a textbook as well. If you're doing any kind of serious research into metaphysics or psychic phenomena, I'd say this book is indispensable.
4177749
This book is an amazing reference to words, ideas and terminology ideas of a metaphysical/spiritual nature. It is a go-to must have for metaphysical shops and spiritual teachers who have students unfamiliar with much of the terminology used in metaphysical workshops and teachings. With space for comments and personal experiences and additional meanings provided it is possible to also add your slant on the word's meaning. I am amazed at the wealtho of knowledge to be found in this reference book.
2988299
The characterization of a spiritual director by the description "Holy Listener" encapsulates the book's central theme. Through the progressive introduction of topics, the author guides the reader to a deeper understanding of the "art" in spiritual direction. Drawing on her own experiences as a spiritual director, the author relates guiding principles for providing spiritual direction from an variety of perspectives. Most insightful is her description of the spiritual director as "a holy listener", a soul-companion, whose heart and presence provides a hospitable haven for "fellow travelers". The experience and wisdom imparted through Margaret Guenther's writing proffers what could be viewed as the depth and breath of the art in spiritual direction. There is much to be gained by contemplating the various perspectives the author provides and in understanding the tremendous privilege it is to serve as a "Holy Listener".
3139886
Gary and Rich speak out of emptiness, yet the meeting of their minds creates an enlightening fullness. With spontaneity and humor they discuss issues at the core of spirituality, and allow their breadth of knowledge and experience to fertilize and grow new insights from their topics of conversation.
Being an avid follower of their You Tube and other web appearances, I found the book format very useful. These are not always (hardly ever, really) easy subjects to understand in depth on first hearing. It is wonderful to relax and take your time with the book, and read back till you get it.
This book is a wonderful companion to Gary's first publication, Happiness Beyond Thoughts. It suggests answers to some of the deepest questions and dilemmas that anyone on a spiritual path encounters, and supports the simple, effective, and DIY direct path to enlightenment that Gary recommends.
Highly recommended!
3240176
This is a wonderful book! While it seems pretty obvious, it is relevant to discern spiritually both the big and little decisions of our lives and this book helps one to understand how best to do just that! Nancy's style of writing is wonderfully readable and practical in helping to support one who is wanting to make decisions and live their lives within a spiritual context. I highly recommend this book to individuals or to those whose work may include helping groups to better 'find their way'. The study guide at the end of the book is a very useful tool.
1249418
What a wonderful guide to meditative prayer, rich in scriptural reference, deep in exploration into spiritual classics, and personal in touching the heart of spiritual formation.  In my estimation this book is a spiritual classic in the making.  The words lift off the page and move one into the very heart of meditative prayer and to the heart of God.  It can be read for instruction but also to move into the journey of meditation.

  Richard Foster gives very helpful steps into the heart of prayer. In a real sense this is spiritual guidance at its best, providing a format that draws us into the very presence of God. The opening part of moving from the mind into the heart is a beautiful description of creating a space for God and entering into the inner sanctuary of the heart.  His treatment of sanctifying the imagination and spiritual reading of scripture, lectio divina, is extremely well done, allowing the meaning of the text to flow into us and giving a personal word for our life.

  Richard Foster gives very helpful instructions on meditative prayer, first in recollection, which includes glad surrender, repentance and confession, and accepting the ways of God.  The second part on "Beholding the Lord" is particularly striking in terms of setting the mind on Christ. He calls this holding our heart in God's presence.  What nourishing thoughts.  The third part of the prayer of listening giving inward attentiveness to divine motions speaks so clearly of what happens in extended prayer discerning the voice of God.

  In this book the author tells three moving stories of experiences of meditative prayer where he goes for retreat.  Rather than just some ethereal sense, this book on prayer draws one into the practice of taking those times of solitude for a life guided out of the center of communion with God.  For this he also gives tips on the wandering mind in times of prayer as well draws on prayers that express protection as well as guidance even in times of difficulty.  The Sanctuary of the Soul is a guide into our own journey of heart transformation.

  I call this a spiritual classic for a number of reasons.  One is that it causes me to read and re-read the pages on one level for instruction.  But then I read it even more slowly because the thoughts and selections of scripture and words of devotional classics draw me into the heart of extended prayer.  This is a book that I have already taken with my Bible to my weekly extended prayer time.  Each time I see something new. There is something about the way the book is crafted that makes it a work of art where one always sees a new perspective.

  This book is a very important gift for the renewal of the church for at the heart of spiritual renewal is developing the life of prayer for all God's people. We will certainly use it in the Springs of Living Water Initiative in church renewal as people discover the spiritual journey. I can see this book used in seminary classroom, denominational office, for pastors, congregation members, and for a neighbor or friend. People are hungering for a life of prayer and spiritual guidance and this guide is an extremely helpful resource for all.

  Richard Foster closes with such beautiful words of hope, welcoming us home to the heart of God. His grand invitation of grace at the close leaves us with the image of God's arms stretched out wide to take us in. "Welcome home." "Welcome home to the sanctuary of the soul."
672257
In this unusually deep, yet very practical guide to spiritual practice, Rohini Ralby shows us the map that will take us to God and bring about our own freedom.  Although the paths presented are simple to follow, the author emphasizes the need for the practitioner to put forth consistent effort in order for real change to occur.  Walking home with Baba does not offer feel-good, temporary solutions, but is a guide for the committed seeker that is grounded in Ms. Ralby's extensive understanding and practice of time-tested scriptures from both Eastern and Western traditions.  Interspersing personal stories with scriptural direction, she shares with the reader tools she has developed from decades of helping others to free themselves from their bonds.  Although this is a no-nonsense book intended for the person who is seeking the deeper truths, the author is not heavy-handed and often presents the humorous side of her spiritual development.

Starting by pointing out that there is a difference between what we think we are and what we truly are, the author introduces the reader to Patanjali's system of Yoga, outlining the many ways that we create our own prisons.  The text is compact but readable, and the author takes pains to help the reader who may not be familiar with the Sanskrit terms she uses.  Emphasizing that spiritual practice is the only way out of our misery and is "the discipline of self-surrender...a way of living, not a fix that makes us feel better for a moment", Ralby explains the necessity of engaging in the world while remaining unattached.  The reader is encouraged to go into their heart while looking out at the world with discernment, and is led through the steps that have been promoted by traditional mystics for centuries.  This is where liberation begins.

Care is taken to convey to the reader the that the same word may have a different meaning to each person who uses it, and the pitfalls of such assumptions.  The three levels of spiritual practice are introduced and examined, while the common aspects of many of the world's religions are touched upon.  This is not a dry read, as every other chapter contains personal stories that illustrate the author's life as her own ego was ground down.  The stories are poignant, intriguing, fascinating and sometimes funny, and reveal both the faults and the strengths of the human condition that manifest even within a monastic environment.

 Ralby's solid scholastic knowledge of important scriptures comes through even while helping readers to help themselves in their own journey toward God.  If you are interested in not just learning about, but practicing, the mystical tradition that all the major religions recognize, this book is worth a close, slow read.
3931540
No matter where you are on your own spiritual quest, you'll find something valuable in this book. Shah has collected tales that address nearly every aspect of Sufi spirituality, some of which are accessible to any curious person, and some of which are intensely profound and intended for the advanced dervish. Even so, all the stories are fascinating and poetic.
4133
Having been on a spiritual quest for many years that included visiting every kind of house of faith I could find, I and grateful that I found this collection of essays, for it has clarified my quest.  Using language that is beautiful, thoughtful, and clear, Dr. Wheelwright shares a kaleidoscope of perspectives from his experience in social, political, ethical, spiritual, and scientific studies.

Chapter titles such as What Makes a Good Person?, Rethinking the Work Ethic, Clear Thinking, In Search of Spirituality, Discovering Spirituality, Get Angry but Get Over It, and Alternatives to Despair lead readers into places to clarify one's true feelings.

On the biology of belief he discusses scientific research on the evidence of neurological process that has allowed us humans to transcend material existence and connect with the deeper, more spiritual part of ourselves.

On spirit, he quotes a definition that is it the animating or vital principles in humans that gives the breath of life, explaining that there is more to life than political, economic, even physical laws can explain.

Enjoy this well written guide to finding your true spiritual course.
4116309
This book is well-written and very accessible to most spiritual seekers. The premise is clearly stated and  many examples (and pictures) broaden it s appeal.  The theme of loving what comes to you flies in the face of "conventional wisdom:, yet it is the key to spiritual maturity.
3003794
Highly recommended for those who are searching for the answers to the world conditions and it's future. This book of Messages spoke to me like no other spiritual material out there in todays market. It contains a fresh outlook on the human and world conditions that's never been approached or explored before. For me it has the answers I've been searching for all my life. If you resonate with these Messages, you won't be able to put this Volume down until you have read it in it's entirety.
2368443
I purchased "7 Paths to God" years ago and am reading it again. Joan Borysenko shares her spiritual wisdom and her knowledge in ways in which it is easy to relate. This book has a lot of substance, and, for me, it has generated valuable spiritual introspect. I've read many spiritual books, and Joan is high on my list of favorite spiritual writers.