1 comments about The Essential Sri Anandamayi Ma: Life and Teaching of a 20th Century Indian Saint.

1. The love and dedication of this book on one of the greatest saints to walk on this earth and not widely known here in the west will be finally rectified in this outstanding book of sacred words and journeys, through out India.MA never connected to any specific religion or Guru.This book answers mans great longing to understand Spiritual Quest through her words and guidance in an uncomplicated way.Mas photos reveal her light as one of the greatest saints still to be discovered by all religions and seekers.This is an exceptional book that will change peoples lives no matter your belief, 5 stars to this great star.

5 comments about Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar.

1. This book is extremely well written. Her descriptions are excellent. I wish I had read the book before going to the temple. This is not an easily read book. It's more like an academic course, only one penned by a professor that can really write. By the time you finish this book you feel like you have really learned something- not just about Kali but about India and about mythology and religion as well. Because of the subject matter and stark cover photo, this is the kind of book that will have strangers come up to you and ask what you're reading. Because of it's well written and well researched content- you are actualyy going to be able to tell them. Take it Starbuck's and you'll meet someone gauranteed.



2. While this book clearly shows that Ms. Harding has much love for Ma, it also clearly shows that Ms. Harding still has a long way to go in her studies. This book is a rambling cacaphony of the author's personal experiences, intermingled with lots of quotes from other books. Indeed, it is a good thing Ms. Harding included the quotes from other books, as her personal commentary is quite deluded and in some cases, downright racist towards Vedic people. If you are interested in knowing more of Ma, you would do better to purchase books by Sri Ramakrishna or Dr. Robert Svoboda. Except for the quotes included herein from other books, I found this book for the most part useless. However, it does show, if nothing else, that Ms. Harding has a great deal of love for Ma - definitely though more study is in order for Ms. Harding. I would have rated this book NO STARS but that option is apparently not available.



3. Reading this book felt like an adventure. The author took me with her on her trip to India and was able to transmit her devotion, her love and her experiences in remarkable detail. It showed me how to experience Kali and to love her as much as I'm sure the author does.



4. KALI
   The Black Goddess Of Dakshineswar
   by Elizabeth U. Harding

   Although this book is a bit on the patriarcal side a
   bit. Even when India was very constrictive to women, many Hindu sects considdered the Goddess to be supreme and men who were devoted to the Goddess would want to dress as
   a woman and become feminine and even have a pyschosematic period without the actual
   blood. (even though they were not gay)
   This book goes deep into the Goddess Kali in her many aspects of Kali names such as Shyama Kali, Maha Kali, Raksha Kali and more. This book tells of her benign side (Dakashin) and her terrible aspect (Smashan or Vama)
   It describes the daily worship and the special puja of Kali. It explains her symbols the reason why she is seen with 50 human
   severed heads and a girldle of arms. This book is truly for those who are devoted to the Mother Kali.
   The auther describes how life is in India and how the devotees act toward the Mother Kali.
   The book has many devotional prayers and writtings that were made to the Great Devi Kali.
   She has wrote about Kalis Goddess intoxicated saints Rama Krishna, Sarada Devi, Ramprasad, and many of the lives of the devotes of Ma Kali.
   This book will dispell any of the myths of what you heard of Kali, as Kali is greatly misunderstood by so many people. Kali is beyond good and
   evil she is pure love and will but make no mistake she is also she who creates and she who destroys. The auther has added some of the writtings from the Gospel of Sri RamaKrishna and some of his visions of the Mother is there as well.
   She also adds some information on Shiva and Tara as well. Ramprshad made no dstiction between Kali and Tara. Tara is so much like Kali in her Hindu wratful aspect. Tara is the next Mahavidya right after Kali. She also describes the life of Bamakhepa Taras goddess intoxicated saint.She also writes about the left hand tantricts (this is not an evil path of tantra) Left hand tantra defies what is considdered morally right and is useful in free the enslaved mind from human made restrictions.Devotes and saints would sit on top of a corpse in a crematorium and go
   into deep traces and do other societies"unacceptable things" NO im not talking of human sacrifices. Also Elizabeth Harding writes about the Rani (Queen) who had the Dakashineswar temple built and what
   goes on there.There are many wonderful pictures in this book and rare ones as well. Rare because pictures are forbidden to be taken of the

   inside of templesonly the temple officials can take them. The Christians and the English
   rule could not pull the whole country away from the Hindu religion no matter how bad the tyranny became. This book is inspirational and one of
   pure beauty, it is a book of hope against struggle. The book delves into the mysteries of Kalima. In this book Kali is brought to life and dances
   with her laughter, you can feel the soirit of the Great Devi in this book. This book has been praised by many Hindu and Goddess
   devotees. It is a living story and one full of inspiration for all of us who love and revere the Goddess......Jai Ma, Kali Jaya!
   I give this book 5 stars.




5. This book is about the temple of Kali and its history. For information on Kali Herself, there are better sources. The sections on the Goddess' myths and attributes are okay, but I do not care for the lengthy excerpts quoted from Barbara Walker's The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets - I mean, first of all if I wanted this I would read Walker's work; secondly they are rife with misinformed conjecture presented as fact.

   Excerpts from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, on the other hand, serve to inform the book's most charming elements and what are in essence its central subjects: the lives of Kali's famous devotees, especially Ramakrishna; the history of the Dakshineswar temple; and the temple's daily routine and festival observances, as witnessed and experienced first-hand by the author herself. These aspects of the work really took me to the temple and allowed me to envision and even commune with these saintly and lively children of Ma Kali.

   If Ms. Harding had focused on and refined these aspects of her work, I would have rated this a five-star book.

5 comments about Light on Relationships: The Synastry of Indian Astrology.

1. Another insightful book by these two authors. Difficult concepts made understandable. It has helped clarify not only romantic relationships, but also given me insight into quite a number of other relationships in my life.



2. As a Western astrologer, I found this book to be by far the best introduction to relationship analysis using Eastern astrology. The authors are adept at teaching the fundamentals of this art in a broad but comprehensive survey, while introducing you to the language and culture of the jyotishi. This text therefore gives a Westerner a nice introduction to the jyotishi's perspective in such a way that a Westerner can understand Eastern astrology in context of its culture. The authors' periodic explanations of how the two systems are different are also insightful and valuable information. The authors are humorous, intelligent, well learned and their language is very practical and down to earth. What I am amazed at is how comprehensive this introductory survey is. Eastern astrology is an ancient, accurate and intricate art, and this text is a great starting point if you are pursuing this path of learning, particularly if you already have a Western perspective.



3. Here is another gem written by Hart De Fouw, but this time with another great thinker and author Robert Svoboda.
   Totally unique approach emphasizing the analysis of SAMA DASHA in some cases.
   And of course the language is as exquisite as before.



4. Here is another gem written by Hart De Fouw, but this time with another great thinker and author Robert Svoboda.
   Totally unique approach emphasizing the analysis of SAMA DASHA in some cases.
   And of course the language is as exquisite as before.



5. This is one of the most readable books on Astrology, and probably the best primer on relationship astro-analysis. It is very well written. Being an intermediate student of Astrology, I was able to follow the discussion of the entire book quite easily. It is definitely not for the beginner, but i think this is a must have for every serious student of astrology.

5 comments about Vedic Astrology Simply Put: An Illustrated Guide to the Astrology of Ancient India.

1. William Levacy is brilliant. In this new book he breaks down Vedic Astrology into easy-to-understand concepts - looking at each house, each planet, and each sign individually, and explaining how they relate to the overall chart. Vedic astrology is absolutely fascinating. This book is wonderful. Also covered is a key to Vedic forecasting, remedial measures, the deities, and so much more. The illustrations are suitable for framing. Gorgeous 4-color all the way through. Highly recommended! William Levacy is on the panel of experts at [...].



2. This book is like a diamond among course rocks. It is both beautiful and dutiful. If you love astrology you will love this book, it is simply put as the title indicates, but it explains mythology and old traditions of India together with astrology also in a simple way. The title of this book was not tempting, but William Levacy is one of my favorite authors and I decided to buy it anyway, but from now on it will not be stored in a bookshelf, it will hold a good place on my desk for my own delight.



3. This is a fun and engaging book for all students of Vedic astrology. The principles of Vedic wisdom and philosphy that underlie Vedic astrology are made easy to understand. I also love the illustrations and the beautiful art work. I am enjoying studying Vedic astrology with this well-written, wonderful book.



4. I once attended your class once at an ACVA conference and really enjoyed it. It had to do with relationship matching. your depth is always good in class. well I just read your latest book vedic astrology simply put and its amazing. I happen to be a vedic astrologer as well and what dawned on me despite my advance nature on the subject is that this book despite being geared to novices is profoundly spiritual. I love your definition of liberation and enlightenment. Your understanding of these definitions and your writings on general indian philosopy gives me hope in humanity and how we can progress spiritually. I think your book is so important for humanity and will have huge impact on America as well. May America open up to vedic culture and its depth and power! You are the first person of western origin that has so openly explained it in such a wonderful and understandable manner that it can have great impact on humanity and the course of this country as well as other nations. Most importantly its a beautiful book on indian philosophy because by using the systematic and scientific approach of vedic astrology, you can start to unravel the scientific basis behind vedic philosophy. If only academics in religion would now attempt to understand this wonderful science and philosophy of humanity. may they glow in the science and philosophy of light!!!



5. It's nice to see other vedic astrologers taking influence from OSFA, a leading pioneer in vedic astrology, introducing illustration with informative writings on the topic to give vedic astrology a more popular appeal..Vedic astrology is so important and we need more books appealing to the western appetite to make it as popular as it deserves to be..

4 comments about Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization.

1. Edited by the late Joseph Campbell, Zimmer's book is a detailed analysis and explanation of the significance and history of many of the symbols found in Indian art and religon. It has a good index and several photographs at the end which provide essential examples.



2. Zimmer is without a doubt a brilliant and sophisticated scholar of Indian Art and Mythology and this text reflects that fact very well. The sheer density of the text lends to the quality of it as a resource, but it not the number one choice of texts for someone who is just interested in mythology and folklore. Zimmer does more than merely tell you the myth or legend, he offers incredible symbolic and literary analysis of the myth in terms of broader and universal symbols. He brings together history, art, myth, religion, and philosophy in a incredible combination. However, the text is extraordinarily difficult to follow as a casual read.

   In many places the text simply jumps around without any transition and in a seemingly nonsensical manner, making it difficult to read in a linear fashion. There does not seem to be any real organization to the text, with bits and pieces of the text's various elements thrown into the book at what feels like haphazard points. The photographs of the art which Zimmer discusses is useful, but are hidden at the back of the book in small, hard to see, grainy, black and white photos. I found to be a real pain constantly to flip to the back of the book to see what he was talking about and having to squint to make out the intricate art in the poor quality pictures. It would more useful if the photos were on the page where they were discussed, were in color, and were bigger. One final quibble is that the sheer volume of information makes taking notes as you go along crucial to obtain a real understanding of the text.

   While I think these points are valid, do not let them scare you away. The text possess an immense wealth of information about Indian mythology and incredible analysis of its stories. An strong reference and research for students and scholars or for anyone who has a real interest in mythology, myth-art/religious art, or the psychological universality of myths. To any of these people I would highly recommend this book. If you are just starting on these or any other field that might be pertaining to the book, you might wish to start with some primary sources or books that are strictly myths and legends (i.e. the Mahabhrata or the Bhagavad Gita)or books on mythic/religious art before trying this book.




3. I was NOT what I expected it to be at all. I thought the fact that it was discussing Indian art and symbols, there would actually be a goodly amount of Indian art in this book. I realized I was mistaken upon leafing through this book and finding pages and pages of text with only a few examples of the art it related to. I'm not trying to disparage the book in this review, I'm sure it was good for what it was, but it certainly wasn't what I thought I was buying. I'm just trying to keep someone else from making the same mistake I made.



4. For those of us who want to be informed about the myths and symbols from ancient civilization, this book is a must. Informative and interesting at the same time. Zimmer has accomplished a great deal in presenting such rich detail.

2 comments about Hindu Altars: A Pop-up Gallery of Traditional Art and Wisdom.

1. Hindu Altars is a pop-up book that sits flat on any surface and portrays in full colour and action for four different deities. What an interesting concept! I think this item would be perfect for a young child just learning about these deities. Not only would the child learn a little about these individuals but he or she would also have a bit of fun bringing each illustration to life.
   
   Despite the obvious pop-up appeal to children, I think that anyone wanting to create a quick to set up, easy to move altar would also find this book useful. This would be absolutely perfect when traveling or when trying to find a nice quiet place to meditate.
   
   The four deities represented in this altar are Lakshmi (Vaishnava tradition- path of devotion), Shiva Nataraja (Shaivite tradition- paths of meditation and knowledge), Durga (Shakta tradition- path of action), and Ganesha (Smarta tradition- path of knowledge and action. Each page shows the mantra of each deity, including the overall purpose of the phrase and full pronunciation. Each figure is also shown as traditionally represented including associated common elements and mudras.



2. It is sometimes very difficult to take all your altar supplies with you while traveling. To some of us, it is extrmely important to have an altar for daily pooja. If we cannot be at home, we must aquire several tiny statues, bowls, cloth, etc. This is a phenomenal invention! Who would have thought? The Siva Nataraja is my personal diety also Lakshmi, and this is so wonderful to have with me in my bookbag at all times.I am able to do mantra without coming home so I can go to the park after yoga class!Great for the worshipper/enthusiast on the go, or lovely artwork for anyone to just enjoy. I highly recommend this and would urge you to get one before they go out of print, as so many of the stand up (Mandala Publishing) altars do. Om Sri Ganshaaya Namah! 1 million stars!-- Review by: Chizzle Mang's wife:
   Shishya Gauri-Pahari Sitaya Das

No comments about Little India: Diaspora, Time, and Ethnolinguistic Belonging in Hindu Mauritius.

2 comments about The Recognition of Sakuntala: A Play in Seven Acts (Oxford World's Classics).

1. Kalidasa is India's greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright. Many centuries later, his commitment has not flinched to remain India's most respected bard. When you've read world's greatest plays, you must then read him for the proverbial dessert. For most people, drama was invented in Greece, yet Kalidasa didn't know that, being apart by sea and time. So far as he is concerned, he was as much an inventor of this art.
   `Recognition of Sakuntala' is a beautiful love story of a married king with a country girl, his deserting her and eventually reclaiming back, by the aid of gods.
   I've several translations of this play, but Johnson's version is probably the best - at least in English.
   If Shakespeare or Tolstoy gratify you, Kalidasa will as much.



2. The original translation by Sir William Jones of this famous Indian play was popular accross Europe and read by prominant poets including Goethe and Schiller in the late 1700's. Sir William Jones was also a member of Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke's politically influentual Literary Club and the translation by him, this is not it, was a small hit across Europe. It inspired some stylist influence upon Goethe and Goethe must have read this about the time of the end of his "Italian Journey" where he later gained some creative energy after a dry spell following the massive success of his "Sorrows of Young Werther". (Sir William Jones is most famous today for observing that the similarities in Latin, Sanskrit, Persian, English and other, now called, Indo-European languages could not be just an accident).
   
   This modern translation by W.J. Johnson is a good effort; however, for a variety of reasons loses something in translation as it was written to be performed in at least two languages, Sanskrit and Prakrit, and also involved a lot of body language which at times was almost like a dance. Sir William Jones' translation is more vibrant and historically relevant, and other translations of his of Oriental translations as well as original poems, had an impact on 17th and 18th century European literature.
   
   Jones was a romantic supporter of the American revolution, even meeting with Benjamin Franklin in Paris to attempt a resolution to the crisis and play Franklin a game of chess. Jones' most famous and widely popular poem, while he was alive, was "Caissa, or, The Game of Chess" which would have gotten Jones through many important doors and meetings.
   
   The play "Sakuntala" was written in the 4th or 5th century CE in India and is considered one of India's great plays. It is interesting for the cultural attitudes of India at that time, especially the strong class system, and making comparisons with other cultures around the world. Never-the-less The play still holds its own in translation as something many readers might find poetically brilliant, entertaining, and also funny.
   
   Byron was also a youthful reader of Jones and there are a lot of stylistic similarities between them. Byron even wrote a parady of some of Jones' poems in his youth.
   
   Jones spent his later life, in India, assisting in setting up a legal system for India which Jones insisted should be based in large part on Indian culture and customs. Jones represents a more early liberal, respecting relationship with the colonies of India; not the heavy-handed British paternal one that was to dominate that relationship after Jones' death.
   
   Goethe[[ASIN:0140442332 Italian Journey: 1786-1788 (Penguin Classics)
   
   The Life of Samuel Johnson (Penguin Classics)
   
   Sir William Jones: Selected poetical and prose works - University of Wales Press (Not carried by Amazon)
   [...]

5 comments about Sai Baba Man of Miracles.

1. I've read this book and no one has to believe something they have not experinced. Murphets experience is well described. Yes, I too have learnt from the Satya Sai Organisation. Sai Baba doesn't ask for followers.

   Take this book as you may - with skepticism or any other way but don't bother with the moronic reviews that attack the subject of the book. Any teacher of any substance will be attacked by people with an axe to grind. Articles on the web attacking Baba or reviews that state unproven and blatently false allegations should be given the attention one gives to trash in the gutter.

   If you have an open mind, and are interested go for it. Religious bigots and people with an axe to grind - save your money and a tree. Don't tell us you shredded the book, just don't buy it.




2. Howard Murphet has shown himself to be a very inaccurate and fanciful reporter of many events. He claimed, for example, that Hitler was persuaded when he made the final decision to invade the USSR by the influence of Sri Aurobindo of India! But Hitler had planned this for many years, and the invasion plans had been in full operation since the end of the Battle of Britain. A man who claims such absurd things cannot be trusted not to have been duped by his own desires to experience miracles and more. Therefore, this book is highly suspect from beginning to end.



3. this is not a very good Baba book. Purty's is better but hard to find in this country.



4. I was 11 years old.
   
   I was standing with my Mom and Dad outside his Whitefield ashram in Bangalore, India and my Dad had brought us to visit the Sai Baba.
   
   My Dad knew him well. He was Sai Baba's chief banker.
   
   Sai Baba came out of the ashram. Saw my Dad and came over to talk.
   
   He could see my Dad was not feeling well.
   
   "What is wrong with you, Mr. XXXXXX?" he asked.
   
   My dad explained. For years my Dad had a syndrome called Menier's Syndrome (incorrect spelling). It is an imbalance between the ears that causes massive attacks of dizziness. My Dad told Sai Baba that this was incurable and he had learnt to live with it. Some days were just horrible.
   
   Sai Baba looked concerned. "Mr. XXXXXX!" He said. "Let me give you medicine that works! Take two a cay and you will be fine in a few weeks!"
   
   He pulled his sleevs back. He rubbed his palms together. As I watched in astonisment several hundred pills (tablets) started falling out of his hands in a steady stream (as if coming out of an invisible tap). I was so astonished I almost peed in my pants. Several hundred pills fell to the floor making a big mound. My Mom bent down and used her sarry (Indian woman costume) to grab all the pills and tie them into a little bag.
   
   This is no slieght of hand. What I saw was real. My Dad took me to visit the Sai Baba several times in his inner quarters. We would all sit down on the floor and Sai Baba would talk to us. Several times he would just open and close his fist in thin air and would give me neat little medals and trinkets. I wish I had saved them so I can look at them today.
   
   I was just a kid. I know one thing. What I saw of the Baba I find it hard to believe even today. I can not comprehend it. I am scientist today and I choose to live in ignorance because I can not face fairly and squarely what the Baba does. I know in my heart that what he does is not just "David Copperfield" type magic. He has real supernatural powers.
   
   I have no reason to lie or exaggerate. What exactly am I gaining? I do not like nor do I follow the Baba. Instead, I follow another wonderful Guru from the same state Baba hails from (Gurur Ragavendra of Mantralaya).
   
   My Dad passed away just a few years back. But before he did he sat me down and told me the real "scoop" behind Sai Baba's miracles. While I can not share the details with you I can only tell you that the Baba has truly supernatural powers. My Dad just shed more light on how Baba came to acquire his supernatural powers and how he actually puts them to use in real life.
   
   NOTE. The powers are supernatural. They can not be explained by the laws of physics and nature. Are you now quaking in your boots? You should, because I am doing as such as I write this incredible review which I never meant to.
   
   The universe is not as you see it. The laws of physics are not complete. They do not account for the dimension that we do not yet see or comprehend.



5. I went to see Sai Baba in the 80's. I bought into the Miracles.
   I'm glad the Internet became available because now people can see the Miracles as Simple Parlor Tricks. If you don't believe me go to
   www.exbaba.com, "Movies" and see for yourself.
   Besides the Fake Miracles there are many reports of Sexual Abuse of Young Boys. The Fake Miracles are the easiest to Prove but there are many things to consider before entering into sai baba's orbit.
   Please check carefully before going there. thanks, rich brennan

5 comments about Tools for Tantra.

1. This is one of the best books I have seen on Tantra dealing with the Hindue pantheon. This is all too much for a beginner to take in at one time. I mean the auther puts a lot in it. The information is awesome but can be overwhelming for a beginner. I would only reccomend this to a beginner if the student would read it slowly and carefuller or else she/he will not get too much out of it. I love the color plates and you can use these for meditation and tantric purposes unless you feel you are crafty enough to make your own mandalas. He lists the 10 Mahavidya mandalas and in the end section he has instructions for Ganesha Puja. This is not your everyday book on Tantra nor is it filled with useless garbage. The man knows his stuff pretty well.



2. There are a number of reviews here warning against this book, not for its actual content, but because of the idea of practicing Tantra. I will try to restrict this review to a critique of the actual book. I'll venture to say that I doubt this book was written with the intention of use by dabblers in Tantra without teachers. It is constructed in such a way as to offer reasonably authentic material, though without essential pieces taught by authentic teachers, which are generally the pieces that could get students into trouble, or more specifically, toward some kind of spiritual enlightenment. This is the nature of a secretive, initiatory system such as Tantra.
   
   The primary problem with this work, in my opinion, is its transliteration. Sanskrit mantras are transliterated into Hindi pronunciation (for instance, hring instead of hrim), and genuine tantric practitioners will note that pronunciation is an important component of effective sadhana, at least at the intermediate and advanced levels.
   
   I would recommend this book to those who are already familiar with Tantra, who wish to widen their perspective and have access to a number of useful materials, such as mantras (though, as warned above, they are not transliterated correctly, and those who do not speak and read Sanskrit may not catch this), yantras and useful (if not always correct, in its attempts to capture universality) interpretations, definitions and explications of imagery and practices. I would not recommend it for beginners, although it is useful in breaking the notion that Westerners often have, that Tantra is all about sex (which it most certainly is not!).



3. I am very pleased with it. It integrates authentic Hindu yoga practices with modern Western psychology. He uses elements of quantum physics, depth psychology; he is an artist who illustrates his text beautifully.



4. This book was about Tantra and NOT just using the word Tantra in the title to sell a book about sexual techniques. You'll learn more about TANTRA in this book then 20 other "Tantric" Sexual Techniques.
   
   I wonder what type of education background the author has because he seemed to have a good command of Anatomy and Physiology and Psychology and I finally now understand the purposes and metaphysics and psychology of yantras(Uniting Symbol Representative of a diety) and mandalas (Uniting Symbol Rep. of the Universe).
   
   Yes, sexuality is an..An (!)...ASPECT...of sex but it's NOT the whole bag of wax! Many of these Tantrik Sex books are not unlike someone playing on the Eroticism of "The Song of Solomon" in the Bible and writing books on Sexual techniques and using the word Christianity in the title!!!
   
   I feel that people should study out of books like this before the sexual yogic techniques if they really want to have a deeper appreciation for Tantra in its authentic form.



5. That said, this is a good book on tantra. A customer warns against some possibilites to be led astray, but I can only say this -- if one reads BOOKS on kabbalah without the insight of a teacher one can also be led astray, or books on any of the hgiher level mystic teachings. All the dzogchen paths require a teacher, and tantra is a serious practice that is not about sex but about working with desires. Anyone stepping onto a path that works with one's shadow material should get the best teachers, with long lineage, and not go to weekend workshops or rely on books for their teachers. Harish Johari is an excellent artist and teacher.