No comments about Dreaming Me: Black, Baptist, and Buddhist - One Woman's Spiritual Journey.

No comments about The Yogi: Portraits of Swami Vishnu-Devananda.

3 comments about The Dalai Lama: Policy of Kindness.

1. This book is good and well rounded. It gives you a full perspective of the Dalai Lama, his works, responsibilities and teachings.



2. This book is a wonderful introduction to H.H. the Dalai Lama's philosphy and beliefs. Though it's a collection of articles from other sources this book should please everybody.



3. This book contains a number of interesting articles about the Dalai Lama as well as many illuminating speeches and addresses by him. One can't but be impressed by his concern for the suffering of the Tibetan people. At the same time - as a theist - I find much of what he teaches quite troubling. For example: "Since all the substances for enlightenment exist within ourselves, we should not look for Buddhahood somewhere else." [p. 79.] "Basically all the great teachers, such as Guatama Buddha, Jesus Christ, or Mohammed, founded their new teachings with a motivation for helping their fellow humans." [p. 57.] "Buddhists do not accept a creator; Christians base their philosophy on that theory." [p. 54.]

   At least as reflected in this collection, the Dalai Lama's teaching is directly contrary to historic monotheism: there is no personal god, no created universe, no ultimate accountability, no sin. Man's solution is to look within. Not surprisingly, this "psychological" approach is in accord with our therapeutic culture. Indeed, much of today's "new age" movement seems to be taking its cues from Buddhism. In light of the "atheistic" (for lack of a better term) nature of the Dalai Lama's teachings, it is sad that may supposedly orthodox monotheists like John Paul II are so quick to praise him.

No comments about Everyday Heroes: Inspiring Stories of Ordinary People Who Made a Difference (Forged in the Fire).

1 comments about C. S. Lewis, My Godfather: Letters, Photos and Recollections.

1. This is a charming, if slight, memoir of Lewis's relationship with Cecil Harwood, Owen Barfield and his godson Laurence. It is beautifully illustrated throughout with early pictures of Lewis, Harwood, and Barfield. While it throws no new light on Lewis's character or views, it gives the flavor of the man and his friendships, and there are a number of charming poems and letters which bring all of them vividly to life.

2 comments about Timeless in Time: Sri Ramana Maharshi (The Library of Perennial Philosophy).

1. Sri Ramana Maharshi's Timeless In Time blends the autobiographical statements of Sri Ramana Maharshi with his teachings and biographical background details by A.R. Natarajan, gathered from direct sources, pairing all this with over a hundred photos and a glossary of Hindu terms to provide an outstanding survey of one of the greatest Hindu sages of our times. Maharshi was known for his simple approach in leading people to spiritual realization and for his peaceful presence: Timeless In Time celebrates his life and teachings and makes for a solid introduction for newcomers.



2. Ramana's biography is a must read for any serious student of Advaita (Non-dualism). There are many biographies of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, the famous twentieth century saint. Among these this book is the best, I think, for the following reasons:
   1. It is neither too short nor too long. The editors took the Indian edition of 'Timeless in Time' and deleted some non-essential items, particularly those pertaining to his devotees. It retains all the key facts pertaining to the life of Maharshi.
   2. It has many pictures, both color and black and white, some of which are published for the first time.
   3. It also contains his key teachings and sayings. All of Ramana's quotes are in red color (as opposed to black color for the rest of the text). This facilitates clear identification of Ramana's quotes.
   4. The paper and print quality of the book are excellent. The publishers, World Wisdom, deserve praise for this work. Each page exhibits the devotion and dedication of the World Wisdom staff involved in this publication. There is a printed design in each page, which is very beautiful. It deserves to be called a 'collector's edition'.
   
   For anyone new to Ramana, I would recommend this book both as an interesting study of his life and also as an introduction to his teachings. Another 'must-read' book to follow up on this is "The Collected Works of Sri Ramana Maharshi".

No comments about More Than Conquerors: Portraits of Believers from All Walks of Life.

No comments about Nobody's Child.

1 comments about Anselm: The Joy of Faith (The Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series).

1. Anselm shows clearly in this splendid book on the religion and spirituality of this world that Faith is indeed truly Joyful. He uses the most visual images to prove the fun and happiness that is stored on the very batteries of Faith, the thing that drives our very Churches and Temples of various religions. A great read, I find best red whilst listening to Richard Addinsell's Warsaw Concerto. A true masterpiece of spiritual enlightenment.

No comments about Kailash Journal: Pilgrimage into the Himalayas.