5 comments about The Call: Discovering Why You Are Here.

1. I have read two of Oriah's earlier books, the invitation and the dance, and the third in the trilogy i like even better than the other two. Oriah speaks to the reader with absolute honesty - on her relationships, her family, work, fears and hopes of everyday life - and how she deals with it. I particularly liked what she said about finding your 'word' or the one word around which inner dynamics evolve. And her clarity/differentiation between ego and essence is incredible, a noteworthy approach to practical spirituality needed for modern times.
   This is definitely not for the average self help person or someone who just wants to 'make it work' with ten points on how-to- it is more for those of us who struggle with finding inner peace and authenticity in all that we do. Also the author has a very verbose style of writing that may not appeal to many - particularly those who are not very word-oriented and that might be something to watch for.



2. Most people spend their entire lives a walking mummy ... dsepite whatever external appearances they create for others. Oriah Mountain Dreamer shares yet another poem on the soul of our existence. Careers, stimulation, hobbies, and societal pressures are masks to out true callings. With her eloquent pen and angelic usage of words ... Oriah offers readers a lyrical remedy and recipe to begin/continue the journey towards living in alignment with our true calling.



3. Author is utterly self-involved and the book is not helpful by any means. If you want to spend your time in someone else's dreamland, go ahead. But if you're looking to gain some self-understanding, or any insight at all, look elsewhere!
   
   I consider this book to be false advertising.



4. i love all of oriah's books especially this one. this book shows you how to look ahead in life and keep going. i would recomend this book to anyone who is looking for some peace and stability in thier life



5. I buy audio books because I drive 20 hrs a week. I was listening to the sections were she talks about the word each of us came to earth to work on. I ran through 3-4 words, but non of them seemed right. All of a sudden "I am worthy" popped into my head. I was sitting at a stop light & glanced at the license tag on the car in front of me, and it read "U R WORTHY". I might have second guesses myself before this message, but not now. Just what I needed! I recommend this book for anyone searching for an answer to why we are here.

5 comments about The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) from the Inside Out.

1. This is yet another well written book by Dr. Joe Vitale. The book provides the reader with great insights in which to explore and think over. Great reading for anyone wanting more out of their lives!



2. I learned so much, thanks Joe!!! Keep 'em coming!!! the Attractor Factor in fact did teach me to create wealth and success! So easy - you just have to read the book and then implement it.



3. This book takes you where most of us have never been. If your read this book keep an open mind and absorb what you read, grasp what is being taught, and you will come away with a new outlook on not only your own life but life as a part of a larger entity. Don Scott



4. I couldn't even get through 1 CD his voice was sooooooo boring.... Very disappointed. I call this one FALSE ADVERTISING. It wasn't worth one dime of what I paid for it.



5. If you are not familar with Joe Vitale, then let me tell you a little about him.
   
   Joe is a prolific writer. If you check his biography, he has authored and co-authored numerous books throughout the years, all devote to success and spirituality. Joe was also a contributor to the phenomonally successful 'The Secret' a few years ago.
   
   When you read Joe's books, the first thing that will strike you is that he is a very genuine guy. Scattered throughout his books are examples and anecdotes about events that have happened to him personally, or people he has had contact with. Joe is a people person, and seems to have an endless supply of experience to draw from when penning his books.
   
   The second thing that will strike you about Joe's books is that he has a canny knack for setting down complex thoughts and strategies into clear and easy to follow steps that any layperson could implement.
   
   The Attractor factor contains both the former and the latter. This book is a concise guide to using the law of attraction to achieve your goals in both business and life.
   
   The first 6 chapters set the scene for the Attractor Factor strategy. They explain what might be going wrong presently if you are not achieving your goals, they also lead into describing how things can be done in a better way.
   
   Chapters 7 and 8 introduce the concept of The Attractor Factor, as well as a questionaire for calculating your Propensity IQ (a measure of whether your mind is infected with limitation programming).
   
   The next 5 chapters detail The Attractor Factor methodology itself. Step by step Joe lays down his plan in a detailed, informative manner, providing real-life examples along the way as he normally does.
   
   The final 4 chapters provide additional examples while wrapping up the entire concept, then providing suggested reading and listening.
   
   Joe really does not deserve some of the negative feedback levelled at him. When touching on the topics of spirituality and universal laws such as the Law of Attraction, you will always leave yourself open to skepticism and negativity. Fortunately this is like water off a duck's back to Joe, as he continues is his quiet confident journey through this life.
   
   If you are after some answers or another approach to how you can achieve your goals and life's purpose, then this book is a great read. In this topic area, Joe remains on the cutting edge and you can be assured of up to date content that has been thoroughly researched and is based on personal experience.
   
   Leigh Burke
   Author of Niche Internet Marketing
   
   NICHE Internet Marketing: The secrets to exploiting untapped niche markets and unleashing a tsunami of cash

5 comments about Soul Lessons & Soul Purpose Oracle Cards: The Most Direct Path to Spiritual Peace and Personal Fulfillment.

1. I have several decks of oracles cards, and this one is really impressive. It is for good reason that Sonia calls these her "big guns" -I am continually amazed how the cards I choose reflect the heart of what ever is happening for me at the time.



2. I like these cards a lot. They are very simple to use if you are a beginner at using divination tools. I have had very accuate results for others and me.



3. It is the best of Sonia's decks. The images are brighter and the messages are lighter.
   
   I just pulled the card "Choose your friends wisely". If you consider having a card deck as a "friendly advisor" this one will be true to your best interests.



4. Great tool for gaining a deeper understanding and making ongoing adjustments along your soul's journey.



5. I purchased both these and 'Trust Your Vibes' deck. I already owned the 'Ask Your Guides' deck. I find these decks give Spirit a way to get to me... when I'm not tuned in. I've been working with each of these daily for about two weeks and have had incredible results. Both assurances that I'm on the right path, and suggestions for redirection.
   
   My vibes are getting stronger with this daily work. Key is listening to what is told you and acting on the advice.

5 comments about The Mythic Path: Discovering the Guiding Stories of Your Past-Creating a Vision for Your Future.

1. As so many of us look outside ourselves for ways of reaching the understanding and meaning to our lifes, David Feinstein and Stanley Krippner, provide us with a sacred journey through which we discover our inner self. A Mythic Path is a Psycho-spiritual journey through which self appreciation, respect and love is ultimately embraced. Each stage provides a path through which you reach this ultimate experience. It is a comprehensible program designed to help the layman and the professinal. As a spiritual counselor who experience this program first hand, I can attest it's validity not only in my life, but in my own personal practice as well. Thank you for your wisdom......



2. As so many of us look outside ourselves for ways of reaching the understanding and meaning to our lives, David Feinstein and Stanley Krippner, provide us with a sacred journey through which we discover our inner self. A Mythic Path is a Psycho-spiritual journey through which self appreciation, respect and love is ultimately embraced. Each stage provides a path through which you reach this ultimate experience. It is a comprehensible program designed to help the layman and the professinal. As a spiritual counselor who experienced this program first hand, I can attest to it's validity, not only in my life, but in my own personal practice as well. Thank you for your wisdom......



3. what DO we think and believe about ourselves, our place in the world, and the world around us? we have the beliefs, they influence us in more ways every day than we probably realize, but rarely take a look at what they really are. this book is an exploration into the mythology of individuals, complete with exercises and methodologies. if you really want to know and are ready to look, and as a result change and free yourself from old unconscious beliefs, this book might well be a great place to start.



4. Reviewed by Patty Inglish for Reader Views (5/07)
   
   This book contends that we all have an inner mythology working. It tells us that we might benefit from a quiet and sacred appraisal of outdated notions we feed ourselves, perhaps unknowingly. This concept is a welcomed relief in our daily lives amid loud debates and fistfights, murder in the streets, standardized testing, high oil prices, racism, too much trash in our dumps (literally and figuratively), harsh rap music, and a hundred other tragedies and annoyances.
   
   Other authors have called this notion of self-inflicted mythology manifesting as "self talk" that can be positive or negative. The negative includes such ideas as -- "Real men don't wear pink," "Women can't be leaders," and "I'll never be able to find a good job that I like." Most people seem to live according to a pattern developed over the years of their lives and experiences, often tagged as a unique personal behavior set, or overall personality in psychological terms. Some believe that this set cannot be changed after a certain age, if ever. Many people state, "That's just me," or "I'm set in my ways," and feel that they cannot change their personal patterns of living. In fact, many are not even aware of their behavior patterns. These people live a rather unexamined life. They do not live on purpose; they live at random. The authors of this book demonstrate that such randomness may not be random and does not need to be true. In fact, it is not true in anyone's case.
   
   Everyone lives by some pattern and system of beliefs, learned and developed with varying degrees of accuracy and truth in each belief or myth. Myths can be true or false. A personal mythology is a set of beliefs and motives that operate under the surface of the mind, like the wizard behind the curtain in Oz. The set actually guides one's choices throughout life. If unknown and/or unexamined or if an individual is not even aware of the existence of belief systems, then their choices are far fewer in any circumstance. Feinstein and Krippner show that the underlying belief system (mythology) should be a guiding tool for our conscious use and not a secret mastermind. Moreover, the tool should be the most up to date and effective as possible for each one of us. Fairy tales and horror stories learned in childhood can be left behind for a new, effective truth.
   
   First, one must discover the specific mythology that one is using as a guidance system. "The Mythic Path" offers a systematic approach for effectively doing so in well-organized and very easy exercises. The authors call this a treasure hunt. Even if the treasure turns out to be full of negative messages, there is treasure in the discovery of the myths imposed on one by one's family of origin and culture, because once discovered, the negatives can be replaced with more- effective beliefs. This includes working toward emotional healing and cognitive reframing for a better-working belief system.
   
   This Third Edition of "The Mythic Path" is an update of about 30-years of wok, providing a five-step, twelve-week workbook for ritual observations that is pleasant, freeing, and uplifting. It also contains a set of energy exercises, or energy psychology activities, set on a more spiritual level - even a kind of religious level; these can be either added or ignored. The energy exercises include such simple techniques as acupressure paired with thinking activities. The work overall is not Hindu, although there are elements of that system included. It is not Christian, although there are some concepts included that are familiar to Christians. There are elements of the work of psychologist Carl Jung and mythologist Joseph Campbell as well. There are concepts and wisdom from global systems of many kinds. Therefore, this book can be useful to anyone of any faith, or none. The book seems to have a wide application, because it combines professional experience in many specialties of psychology, reframing, healing, philosophy, shamanism, Chinese medicine, and mythology. In reading the book, I found that I could gather what I needed, leave out what I did not, and have an effective program for my unique self.



5. The `Mythic Path' provides readers and seekers the ability throughout 12 weeks to contact their mythic path, to heal their childhood wounds, to create a personal creation myth and connect with their inner selves. "Personal mythology is but the flower on the bush" and it is this flower that one is asked to explore. The book is composed of five stages where the reader is asked to identify their personal myth using elements of the Socratic thesis, the second stage where they identify their opposing conflicting myth, a third stage of synthesis, the fourth stage of testing the `hypothesis' and the fifth stage where the myth is woven into everyday life and action.
   
   The stages and the program provides all the necessary tools to discover these inner personal myths through dreams and inner images, and through careful instructions on how to cultivate these myths and understand them. The incredible degree to which the book walks one through the process, the insight into ancient Greek mythmaking is a real value for anyone searching for meaning in life and hoping to discover themselves. This is an immensely successful and all encompassing program and it should be embarked upon with care and after a period of reflection of what commitments it entails, but surely it provides many answers for people feeling lost or empty, and even for those who feel they have all the answers.
   
   Seth J. Frantzman

5 comments about Buddhism for Busy People: Finding Happiness in an Uncertain World.

1. Certainly wish that this book had been around when first introduced to Buddhism. A great introduction for any interested in the principles of Buddhism. The author has a softness, a clarity and engages one during his personal journey. A book for the pocket for quietening those busy times and helping to make sense of the real world. It really helps to imbue a sense of calm and peace in a busy world full of busy people. Certainly a book to be read at this point in our world's history. A great book I would recommend to anyone who may look for some sense of spirit in a world that is rushing too fast!



2. In "Buddhism for busy people" David Michie shares with a reader his very personal emotional experience of finding the everyday support in Buddhism teaching and meditation. The book is written in an easy to read, entertaining and such a friendly way that you can feel the author's care and honest desire to tell something very valuable that he discovered in Buddhist practices, tried for himself and found that it really works in a daily life of a busy person.
   
   In the beginning of 20th century, the Russian philosopher G.I. Gurdjieff (as well as number of other western psychologists, including cognitive neuroscientist John Cutting for example)taught that the average person consists of many "I's". Each of them relatively unaware of the others and competing for attention.According to Mr. Gurdjieff, people are asleep, fully mechanical and their repetitive patterns rob them of the free will. For the western psychology and philosophy oriented reader it will be very interesting to read how the author addresses this "second Person "I" and the question of awakening with the help of Buddhist teaching that has been available for centuries.
   
   Mr. Michie in his book will walk you through the hard learned Buddha's lessons and the price of success, details of meditation practices, applicable to the modern daily life of a busy individual, the law of Karma and why the bad things happen to good people. You will read author's slightly unorthodox, but very practical view on Buddhism as the box of tools that you can use to fix things in your daily life and all of this you will learn the same way as if you just sit and talk with your best friend in time you need his support.
   
   The English language readers from the Buddhist Far East countries will be refreshed to read about the experience of a western person on his way of discovering the value of the teaching and the impact it has on his life. It is going to be awakening experience of re-valuing well-known ideas that unfortunately too often are taken for granted in the modern East. For those readers I would like to remind the words of Odaishisama in his Hannya Shingyo Hiken- "How pitiful, the children long asleep, how miserable, how painful, the mad, intoxicated people. The suffering mad ones laugh at those who are not drunk. The cruel sleepers mock the awakened. Never asking the King of Medicine for the cure, when will they see Dainichi Nyorai's light?"
   
   The greatest value of the book I see in author's kind way of talking to you very personally on daily madness of our busy life and offering help through the Buddhist practices. The book does not speak on "levels of mind", "ultimate Dharma body", "layers of Delusion" or "stages of Samadhi" It rather gives you a hand of support from a friend to go through your daily life and feel better. Much better!



3. Buddhism for Busy People is a wonderful introduction into the world of Buddhism. I can't speak highly enough of this book. It is a gentle and easy introduction into buddhism. David takes you on a life changing journey. It changed my life and it is my bible. I don't mind lending most books to people but I can't part with my copy of buddhism for busy people. It is a little gem. Thank you David. I am eternally grateful to you for writing this book.



4. David Michie's BUDDHISM FOR BUSY PEOPLE: FINDING HAPPINESS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD provides an easy handbook which links Tibetan Buddhism teachings to daily life, beginning with the owner's own efforts. Chapters show how life goals can be linked to spiritual exploration and cover everything from cultivating compassion to understanding memory and rebirth experiences. A top pick for both new age collections and general-interest libraries interested in accessible, easy Tibetan Buddhism texts.



5. In this peculiar book, David Michie mixes much clarity and useful discussion of basic Buddhist concepts with, unfortunately, much humbug and hokum. Here are the pros and cons as I see them:
   
   The pros:
   
   Michie is good at discussing key Buddhist concepts using the simplest of language, making them very easy to understand. Instead of saying that the first of the Four Noble Truths is that "life is suffering," as is so often done, Michie instead explains that the First Noble Truth is that the status quo functioning of our brain is to be dissatisfied with things. This makes much more sense.
   
   Furthermore, the cause of this dissatisfaction comes from within, not without. Attitude is more important than fact. Westerners tend to assume that the cause of their happiness and unhappiness is external. Not so. It lies not in the way the world is, but in how one reacts to it. As Shantideva said, though you cannot cover the whole world with leather so that you might comfortably walk on it, you can nevertheless cover your soles with leather. In other words, you cannot change the world but you can change how you respond to it.
   
   Michie makes the EXCELLENT point that most Westerners claim that they are not superstitious because they have no problems walking under ladders or opening umbrellas indoors, etc. But what is a superstition, really? A superstition is a false belief about a relationship between two things. We might not think that breaking a mirror will bring us seven years of bad luck, but we probably do think that doing things like purchasing a new watch will make us happy. But both beliefs are equally superstitious.
   
   Michie also does a good job explaining dependent origination, which he calls "dependent arising." Everything is empty of self-essence, because everything is an emergent property arising from a conjunction of other things that are entirely anterior to it. We cannot pinpoint when a seed, sprouting and growing, stops being a sprout and becomes a lotus flower. Furthermore, we ourselves are all made up of "non-we" things. Candace is composed of "non-Candace" DNA, RNA, etc. What she thinks of as "herself" is nothing more than a set of beliefs. Beliefs, furthermore, that no one else possesses but her. Thus there is no essential "Candace," only an idiosyncratic set of beliefs. But she could just as easily believe something else about herself and thus the mystery of dependent origination and emptiness comes into play. All things are "empty" (of an essential nature) because they dependently arise. All things stem from dependent origination because they are empty (i.e., emerge from the same interconnected matrix of inseparable events).
   
   I also like the hypothetical of a criminal who is punished by being condemned to always be shadowed by an invisible person who will never stop talking to him. The criminal comes to identify with this narrative, loves it even, and comes to believe that it is "him." We all live with this punishment, even though the incessant narrative playing in our heads is not "us." You are NOT your thoughts. The goal of meditation, in part, is to quite this invisible monster.
   
   The cons:
   
   With this said, there is also MUCH about this book that is bad. First, WAY too much of it is little more than Michie's (boring) autobiography. Much of the book is actually Michie describing how he always wanted to be a writer, how he has written 10 unpublished novels. It then describes his successes, publishing a nonfiction book followed by two thrillers. He goes on to describe that he as since met with failure, and ends by saying that Buddhism for Busy People is the publishing sensation he has always dreamt of. So what I say. This would be appropriate if it comprised several paragraphs of the book, perhaps. Instead it comprised about a fourth of the entire book. He also drops the name of almost every other book he's written, as though he were begging and pleading with us to purchase them.
   
   Further, many readers will quickly tire of Michie describing just how posh and privileged his life is. He says that things like this shouldn't matter because, he thinks, we are all amazingly privileged to be "incarnated" as humans rather than ants or hungry dogs. He even says--and here he gets REALLY wonky--that we are privileged to be here instead of being incarnated as aliens on planets where Buddhism doesn't exist (but maybe they have an even better philosophy!). And so, even as humans, we are priveleged to be reading his silly book about Buddhism. How conceited. To this I say that, first of all, most Buddhists I know do not take reincarnation literally, as Michie does. Secondly, most readers will take in Michie's overall point but then still QUICKLY grow tired of him describing the lavish parties his wife throws for him on the Thames river, their round-the-globe travels, etc. What does it really have to do with the gist of the book? Nothing.
   
   Also, Michie slips several times into charlatanry. He says he KNOWS that past lives exist because he has "studied" hypnotic regression. Well, I am a psychologist and have also studied hypnotic regression. It's a fraud. Hypnosis itself is little more than a parlor game. Anyone wanting to understand how hypnosis actually works should read Multiple Identities and False Memories by the late, great Nicholas Spanos. Psychologists have known for decades that hypnosis creates false memories. These can be about alien abductions, satanic ritual participation, or...past lives. A false memory about a past life is not "proof" of reincarnation, period.
   
   Many Buddhists today understand samsara to be the cyclical pattern of maladaptive behavior that we all go through. This, in terms of our shifting beliefs regarding our "self," creates a metaphorical "birth, aging and dying" of these conceived selves. Reincarnation is best understood in this manner. Michie wants us to take it quite literally, unfortunately. He also claims that psychics exist and that animals are clairvoyant. To back up such claims he references the thoroughly discredited research of Rupert Sheldrake.
   
   In fact, there are way too many instances in this book where Michie simply states "Research on this topic demonstrates X, Y and X," without referencing any actual studies and never minding the fact that real research on the topic indicates no such thing. Very disingenuous. Michie even points to the reality of ghosts as "proof" of one of his points. I guess here were supposed to never mind what scientists has to say about that one. In short, because of antics like these, Michie loses many credibility points with me.
   
   Many of Michie's discussions are also greatly confused. He argues, for instance, that when we drive down a road cows do not fly into our cars and our coffee does not magically turn into champagne. This, he says, is "proof" that things don't happen "due to chance alone." They happen, he says, because of "cause and effect." The problem with this argument, as any scientist would point out, is that cause and effect and "chance," or probabilism or randomness, are by no means mutually exclusive. In other words, one of Michie's key arguments is nothing but a false dichotomy. Science today informs us that the universe IS probabilistic in nature, not deterministic. Determinism, in fact, was abandoned in the late 1800s. This does not mean that cause and effect do not operate. They do. Of course they do. But most causes are probabilistic in nature. The universe is chaotic and by and large random. Saying that everything is caused is not the same thing as saying that everything happens "for a reason." Such points are, unfortunately, lost on Michie.
   
   Michie is also fond of stating that "there is no objective reality." Nonsense. Of course there is an objective reality. If you die the external world is still there. That is objective reality. Objective reality is that which, when you stop believing it, is still there. What he means to say is that our perceptions of external reality are all subjective. The language he uses here is quite confused. He also attempts to claim--also almost ALL new age authors do--that quantum mechanics "proves" this that and the other thing. Actually, as Einstein and later Richard Feynman went to great lengths to point out, quantum physics implies NOTHING about reality.
   
   In short, Michie's book is a real mixed bag. Parts of it will have you nodding your head in total agreement while other parts might want to make you throw it in the fireplace.

1 comments about Choosing Brilliant Health: 9 Choices That Redefine What It Takes to Create Lifelong Vitality and Well-Being.

1. Rick and Greg have done it again. It seems so simple when you read it..... but the fact is that we tend to ignore the obvious. What is brilliant is that anyone can embrace the recommendations in this book and live a life that feels wonderful. And who wouldn't want a wonderful life!? The stories are inspiring and I especially loved the sections on giving and appreciation and life after 100 years. The most important message is that we all have behavioral choices and with a little dose of intention.... the results can be just what you might be looking for! Good reading......

5 comments about Total I Ching: Myths for Change.

1. This is one of the BEST I-Ching Translations I've ever read. I had found several before, most notably the Legge Version and the Idiot's Guide. These are awesome versions for the basic Divination Student, but the depth and wealth of connections, syncronicities, and interrelationships between all the Hexagrams is best related in this text. I highly recommend this one, as well as the Karcher I-Ching with Concordance, and the simpler How to Use the I-Ching by Karcher as well.



2. This is the 2nd book I have bought written by the author Stephen Karcher.This book is very indepth and offers more guidance on all matters.The advice is easy to understand but beginners might want to find suitable learning books before adding this book to your collection.The number of pages for each hexagram can vary from about 4 pages and some are up to 6 pages long.Thats a bit too much for my liking,but,some people might like it.Consider that factor before you buy this book.
   
   The print in this book is smaller compared to the authors "Symbols of love" book.Both books are very similar but "Total I Ching" is for all matters.
   
   I also recommend these books:
   1)"I Ching:a new interpretation for modern times."By Sam Reifler.
   2)"Practical guide to the I Ching".By Kim-Anh Lim.



3. Fantasic for maximum information, insightful interpretations, and maintaining clear readings while encouraging intuition.
   Better for people who already have experience with the I Ching and Chinese and Taoist philosophy.



4. The I Ching has been an immensely important influence on my life. For well over three decades, I have sought its advice, judgment and solace. It has remained an unchanging spiritual lifeboat for me, like the shoals of dolphins that rescue and secure the shipwrecked to safety. I credit the Wilhem/Baynes/Jung edition for saving my life and, in particular, the editions by Carol K. Anthony, Sam Reifler, Brian Brown Walker, Sarah Dening, R. L. Wing, John Blofeld and Stephen Karcher for enriching it.
   
   This latest of Karcher's books on the I Ching, Total I Ching: Myths for Change, is a masterpiece. Karcher successfully takes the original texts and jettisons almost all the moralistic moorings that are at times difficult to get around in other translations. He takes a shamanistic and pragmatic approach, eschewing doom-and-gloom predictions for succinct, somewhat dispassionate advice. For instance, rather than hearing hopelessly negative news from the 6th changing line of Hexagram 24 (Return), Karcher says "Trap!...You are returning to an old delusion, blinded by self-deception and infatuation. If you go on in this way, your hard-won growth will be destroyed. It will take at least ten years to deal with the repurcussions of this catastrophe. The Way is closed. Think about where this desire comes from. Whatever you do, don't act this out....Take things in. Be open and provide what is needed." I find this type of advice far more useful than the the stark proclamation of horrific bad luck given in some versions of the I Ching, which could almost cause the susceptible to contemplate jumping off the Golden Gate bridge.
   
   His commentary on the 2nd line of Hexagram 49 (Skinning/Revolution) is: "There is excellence in moving now. This is your time. Move into the dance. You can change the world. Put everything into solution. Don't be shy. Be a hero. Vigorous action opens the Way. This is definitely not a mistake. Be resolute. You are connected to a creative force." This successfully communicates the positive energetic information without quite making one giddy. I enjoy and need a slightly sober reminder that my good fortune lies in remaining connected to the creative force, from which all blessings flow. Total I Ching provides this without the puritanical tone found in some other versions.
   
   It is easy to bypass some of the more esoteric information on each hexagram and go directly to the sections most important for divination. The tone is helpful and grounding, yet invigorating. I personally am more interested in that than the scholarly details, but those who seek them won't be disappointed. My only criticisms are that it would have been far, far more helpful to have the Hexagram numbers placed on each page. You have to go through pages and pages to get your bearings in the text, rather than being able to flip easily to the hexgram you want. Also, I really wish this book was available in hardback. For those of us that actually use and refer to the I Ching on a regular basis, this is essential as well as aesthetically preferable. The text deserves to be preserved in a hardback edition. This is a wonderful, wonderful book.



5. This is a VERY in depth book on I Ching. As a beginner, I was lost. I am sure this is a very complete explaination of the topic but it was way over my head. So if you are a beginner, start with another book.

5 comments about The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment.

1. The book is very good. I purchased it in hardback for my wife. I believe the purchase price was $12.95. However the Shipping was nearly $18.00. This book is approximately 4"X6" and weighs maybe a couple of ounces. Unbelievable! What a RIP-OFF! I sent an e-mail to Amazon to complain, but as of today (10/03/07) I have not received a response, nor do I expect one. Needless to say this is my last purchase from Amazon. I employ over 400 workers for my company, and I made certain that they were ALL aware of this unethical business practice.
   John Gremillion



2. Probably good for someone who has never read a word on anything Metephysical. I read it, sold it, didn't miss it. Nothing but rehashed info.



3. Though this is an inspirational and simple read, it is not what I was hoping for.



4. "The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment" by Michael Berg is an excellent book! The true origins of this book are ancient, based on the wisdom of Kabbalah. Michael Berg explores such fascinating concepts as transformative sharing, and how to apply Jewish mysticism in day to day life.
   
   The central teaching is that "The only way to achieve true joy and fulfillment is by becoming a being of sharing" and includes meditations on living a life of generosity.
   
   This book truly reveals the essence of LIFE and thereby enables you to set yourself free from sorrow in order to manifest greater joy and success in your life and the lives of others.
   
   I found "The Secret: Unlocking the Source of Joy and Fulfillment" to be even better when read in conjunction with NEXUS by Deborah Morrison and Arvind Singh. NEXUS is a fascinating NEW AGE novel that works with some of the concepts found in Michael Berg's "The Secret" and demonstrates how this transformative life adventure unfolds in the lives of the main character Logan along with the other unusual & colourful characters in the book who are faced with life challenges. Definitely cutting-edge material that will make a difference in your life.
   
   Highly recommended as a quality book filled with transformative wisdom along with:
   
   Nexus: A Neo Novel



5. PROS:
   - Easy to read in one sitting.
   - Healthy message.
   - A subtle religious tone.
   - Memorable anecdotes.
   
   CON: Not such a big secret.
   
   CONCLUSION: It's risky to call a book "The Secret." It sets up high expectations, which most books may fail to fulfill. With such a title, I expected to be wowed. I wasn't. But it's still a good book that makes for a perfect introduction to Kabbalism and religion in general.

5 comments about The Backdoor to Enlightenment: Eight Steps to Living Your Dreams and Changing Your World.

1. It is hard to describe in a few words how wonderful this book is. I am a practicing psychiatrist, and throughout the course of the week I often hear someone say " I want more self esteem", self worth. We hear this often from many people. This book describes how we already have the qualities that we are looking for, and how we can realize this. It is written in a very clear and understandable way, which then makes it easy to apply it to our every day life. It helps us not to be so discouraged with life when we can see that we already have what we have been looking for, something that will really make us happy. I think this book is for every one whether you identify yourself as a spiritual seeker or not. I would just like to say thank you to Za Rinpoche and Ashley Nebelsieck.



2. Za Rinpoche and Ashley Nebelsieck write well in tandem to explain the basic Buddhist concepts of the Six Perfections and explain to the common reader how to seek happiness and enlightenment in their lives right now. Nebelsieck's engaging fiction, and Za Rinpoche's diamond-like wisdom and clarity provide a call-and-response effect that allows the reader to experience the journey of the central characters, and then apply those same lessons into their own life. A must-read for those seeking to break free from their self-imposed conceptions, and for those caught up in the mundane and the everyday of their lives. Za Rinpoche and Ms. Nebelsieck are the Johnny and June Carter Cash of the Middle Way - spiritual outlaws who break the rules for deliverance (of other sentient beings). Get the book!



3. This book is definitely worth your time! I love how the teachings are interwoven with the story line, allowing the eight agreements to be more easily understood. These talented authors have created an outstanding book and I look forward to reading their next one, I hope it is in the works!



4. This is a great little book that I wish I had read when I was younger! The authors combine logic with Buddhist concepts, interwoven with a good mystery story, to explain their ideas about attaining life goals. I haven't quite finished it, and I look forward to finding out how the story ends!



5. What a wonderful mix of fable and teachings. This method helps make the learning more understandable from a personal perspective. I will read it again and take the time to highlight all of the teachings. This first read was too good to slow down. Happy reading and great teachings!

5 comments about The Power of Now: 50 Inspiration Cards.

1. This book points to so much truth it is amazing.
   I think it is well written and written in a way that makes what is very philosophical easy to understand.His message is so simple yet so profound.
   I have read many, many books on spirituality and the teachings of the great teachers and none has hit home as much as this.
   I think this book could easily guide someone to a life changing way of Being. It has made me want to see the world in a whole new light. I feel enlightened just writing this!!!
   I highly recommend it.



2. I love Eckhart Tolle's work, his profound messages, and how much of a positive difference they have made in my life. Any time I pick a card from this beautiful deck, it reminds me of the peace and stillness I can have when I am completely living in the moment. Each card brings a wonderful message that is far more than simple inspiration, they are the tools to help you strengthen your inner transformation so that you CAN attain a level of inner peace, and thus be able to share it with others in your personal relationships, you career, your home, thereby making a genuine difference in our world.
   Highly recommended for people on the go who could always use the profound wisdom Eckhart Tolle brings us all.
   
   Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence and Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE



3. "Acceptance of what is immediately frees you from mind identification and thus reconnects you with Being. Resistance is the mind." - Eckhart Tolle
   
   The profound truths found in the bestselling book The Power of Now has transformed many lives over the last few years. Author Eckhart Tolle experienced a profound, instantaneous awakening and now shares his wisdom with millions across the globe both in person and through his books and audios.
   
   The Power of Now deck is comprised of 52 cards; the words on these cards were chosen by Tolle to convey the power of the book in a few short sentences. You can pick a card at random to contemplate its message, choose one daily and reflect on it throughout the day, or even pick a card once a week for meditation. Once you've worked your way through the whole deck, profound insights will permeate your consciousness, resulting in more joy and light and less trauma in stress. In fact, it's quite possible your entire life will change as a result of digesting and applying the wisdom found in The Power of Now deck.
   
   The 52 cards are divided into five themes:
   
   * Rising above thought
   * The joy of being
   * The power of being present
   * The power of now
   * Portals to the now
   
   The cards feature the same green and yellow color scheme as the book jacket, with the theme printed on one side and a piece of wisdom or experiment on the other. The Power of Now deck is encased in a sturdy flip-top box that opens to the side, like a book. Some examples of these inspirational ideas include:
   
   Try A Little Experiment: Close your eyes and say to yourself, `I wonder what my next thought is going to be.' Then become very alert and wait for the next thought. Be like a cat watching a mouse hole. What thought is going to come out of the mouse hole? Try it now.
   
   Wherever You Are, Be There Totally - If you find you're here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally. If you want to take responsibility for your life, you must choose one of those three options, and you must choose now. Then accept the consequences.
   
   Observe How the Mind labels an unpleasant moment and how this labeling process, this continuous sitting in judgment, creates pain and unhappiness.
   
   Are You Worried? - Do you have many `what if' thoughts? You are identified with your mind, which is projecting itself into an imaginary future situation and creating fear. There is no way that you can cope with such a situation, because it doesn't exist. It's a mental phantom.
   
   On a personal note, I have found the profound yet simple wisdom of The Power of Now to be utterly transforming. The insights found in the book and in this deck lift burdens, promotes clarity, and results in peace. Tolle has provided amazing tools to transform your life into one of grace, ease, and lightness. I know it's been true for me, as it has for millions of people worldwide.
   
   (To see 3 card images from this deck, visit the Reviews--Decks section at http://JanetBoyer.com)



4. Do not get lost in the words that these cards convey. As Tolle would say;"the words are only pointers, they point to the truth, but are not the truth that they point to." Let each card inspire you to go beyond the words and you will feel your Being that is always there yet obscured by identification with the mind.
   You don't really need these inspiration cards because you are always already free. You are the deep peace, space and love that you search for. That is already the case. If you are not experiencing peace, sapce, love, a lightness in evrything that you do, feel, or say, then allow these cards to take you to the cliff and then let go of the saftey net. You already are!



5. I like pulling a card at the beginning of the day. I focus on that concept throughout the day. The cards are an easy way to work with the concepts vs. carrying around the book.