5 comments about Secrets and Mysteries: The Glory and Pleasure of Being a Woman.

1. Every once in awhile I come across a book that fits my current questions and circumstances like a synchronistic glove. Secrets and Mysteries - The Glory and Pleasure of Being a Woman is one such book.
   
   Secrets and Mysteries will give you a profound understanding of what it means to be a woman. Full of passion, mysticism, and practical information, it will tap the source of your power at the depths of your soul. Through her own extraordinary life experience and her knowledge of native cultures around the world, the author reveals how you can activate ancient wisdom to become the magnificent embodiment of strength and grace. In other words, how you can become a Glorious Woman!
   
   In the first chapter, the author shares her personal story, including the realization that she was a people pleaser. This negative pattern hounded her for decades, much like it does for many women. Rather than listening to her own needs, she discovered that the major decisions she made were based on what others wanted from her. She began to ask herself difficult questions such as Am I willing to stop putting other people's needs ahead of mine? Am I ready to let go of the need to please everyone? Can I stop taking care of everyone else, and start caring for myself? These questions came on the heel of being told that she had breast cancer. Because it's a popular belief in the New Age movement that you "create your own reality", Linn longed for compassion, understanding and support but feared accusations such as "You created this. What's eating at you?" or "I knew you had to slow down, you were working too hard." She was so judgmental of herself that she couldn't bear being judged by others. So she didn't reach out for help.
   
   She took a month of for some deep soul searching, and the cancer disappeared.
   
   The stories and struggles that Linn shares in this book parallel those of many women I've talked to, including my own. It's encouraging to read a book from someone who's been there, and how she navigated through self-doubt and trying times. It's also refreshing to read such honesty about her own personal journey, rather than an author pontificating on what others "should" be doing or how we need to buck up and "get over it".
   
   Chapter 2 talks about the historical roots of the Goddess and how to embrace Her. Linn writes: "Goddess worship can be traced from the Paleolithic period, as early as 2,000,000 B.C., until less than 5,000 years ago when God became a man. In other words, God has been a male for one quarter of one percent of human history, and God has been female for 99.75 percent of the rest of the time. A male God is a relative newcomer on the divine scene. Yet, in modern culture, there is an ingrained belief that God is, and always has been, male." She explains that the distortion of female history and the Divine feminine has left many women feeling dispossessed of their spiritual identity as women, and that they have not been taught to explore their strengths. Linn also lists the names and attributes of Goddesses from various traditions and how to integrate their strengths into everyday life.
   
   Chapter 3 talks about the allies of women, including angels, ancestors, animal spirits, plant and mineral allies, as well as herbs, flowers, and tree allies. She also shares how to discover your own allies, and provides several lists for the meanings of personal totems from these realms.
   
   Chapter 4 covers the secrets of the shamaness, which includes honoring divine feminine cycles, discovering your spirit name, shape-shifting, exploring the lower, middle, and upper worlds, and shamanic power objects and symbols. Chapter 5 instructs women on how to access their inner warrior or the "holy bitch". Linn writes: "You can tell when you have truly awakened your inner Warrior Woman, because you will rarely need her."
   
   Chapter 6 gives incredible practical wisdom on the shadow, including where it came from and how to face it. Chapter 7 is about cherishing your body, and explains the function of the 7 chakras, the importance of self-nurturing, movement, and eating healthfully.
   
   Chapter 8 conveys the secrets of feminine radiance, including re-connecting with our senses--which is what promotes sensuality. The author shares an interesting Pleasure Quotient test that you can use any time you want to take a quick assessment of how much pleasure you're really experiencing in a day--and how to increase the pleasure quotient of even the most mundane activities!
   
   Chapter 9 addresses sacred sexuality, the healing of sexual wounds, and how woman can honor their breasts and their womb. Chapter 10 is about the art of adornment, including how putting on a make-up, clothes, and jewelry can become a ritual and a physical symbol of our intentions.
   
   The fascinating qualities of water and its connection to the feminine is explored in Chapter 11. Linn talks about the amazing research of Masaru Emoto and his experiments with water, and how water is a source of purification, rejuvenation, and healing.
   
   Chapter 12 is about manifestation and gratitude, and Chapter 13 extols the virtues and importance of creativity in a woman's life. She shares several methods of creativity, as well as wisdom on releasing the inner critic, finding your creative voice, and tapping into muses. Dance, writing, painting, and music are among the ways women can cultivate and express their creativity. The last chapters speak of how to reinvent, rejuvenate, and rebirth ourselves as women.
   
   The author's encouragement, enthusiasm and personal stories are infectious, and left me wondering how I ended up "forgetting" the feminine parts of my psyche! I found this book incredibly nurturing, insightful, and practical. Linn's words sparked a deep longing in my being that I'm sure many women also share.
   
   So why bother re-discovering the Divine feminine and embracing the pleasures of being a woman? I believe Linn says it best:
   
   "Like a great tide rising, this ancestral cellular memory is beginning to resound in our soul. Many women desire to return to the spirit of the divine feminine. In the deepest place within the female soul, we yearn to reclaim not only the part of our history that has been vanquished and the womanly traditions that have been expunged, but also the corresponding missing parts of our psyches...and until this reclamation is complete, we are not whole. Thus, it is immensely valuable that we begin to awaken the mysteries of the Great Goddess that dwells within us."



2. I found this book so relaxing and easy to read, whilst also taking a journey through my femaleness. Covers the Goddess within each of us, all feminine aspects, our warrior women, how to take care of ourselves, what we have come here to do, our inner magic and secrets to share. A wonderful mix of spiritual truths and practical exercises to bring out the women in you. A must for the bedside table.



3. I have read other books by Denise Linn and enjoyed them all BUT this one really release a part of me that has been wanting to come out. It tells of many things that we as women have brought into that are not trues but ways to hold us back. I love the rituals and the easy ways to work empowerment back into our lives.



4. Yes, I admit, I absolutely adore Denise Linn's common sense, her writing style and her down-to-earth sensibility...all rolled up in a fabulous spiritual package.
   
   
   This book answers a lot of questions and opens a lot of doors for today's woman. I cannot really add much to such complete reviews as Janet Boyer's (smiling here). I just wanted to give a resounding THUMBS UP to this beautiful book. I wish I had this book when I was in my late teens to help through all that heinous angst...



5. I'm really enjoying reading this book and have been digesting it chapter at a time. I love the way the author starts each chapter with a little story about herself and then dives into the topic she is discussing. This is a book that any woman can use to help define themseves. I have two of Denis Linn books and I would definitely buy more. She has a lot to offer other woman. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about One Mountain, Many Paths: Special Edition.

1. This book showed how similar in core beliefs all the religions of the world are. Truly an eye opener. Dr. Swift has done a wonderful job in putting this into the public eye.



2. I recently read One Mountain Many Paths during a weekend church half day of silence, the book presents diverse reflection points to pray and reflect upon.



3. This treasure has removed the fear associated with our differences, opened doors to different forms of religious expression, and helped me get back on my path. A book you'll talk about for weeks, and think about for the rest of your life.



4. I bought and enjoyed this book at the recommendation of a friend. I then bought another copy for our beach rental house for the enjoyment of our future guests. It is especially enjoyable to read and reflect on while in a peaceful surrounding.



5. This is a book I read daily...You can open to any page and find inspiration. I recommend this book to anyone who need a little spiritual "boost" to start their day. Dr Swift has made an observation that too many of us overlook in our daily lives.
   
   Rick Bratton

3 comments about Entering the Castle: Finding the Inner Path to God and Your Soul's Purpose.

1. Carolyn Myss inspires when she shares her journey from the truth of her heart. The first chapters of the book were awesome and captivating. The remainder consists of excerises - good for the novice.



2. Absolutly a wonderfull read. Full of wisdom and profound insight. A True enlightening revalation.



3. This book is inspirational. This spiritual reference can transport you to a higher level of consciousness. When you read it, you will be tuned to a high vibrational energy (grace and divine love). Thanks to the great spiritual teacher Dr. Caroline Myss.

1 comments about Mandala Workbook: For Inner Self-Discovery.

1. This is the best book on creating original mandalas that I have come across. The author explains what mandalas are and provides a brief overview, culturally and historically. She then guides readers through a series of steps -- from beginning to end -- so we can create our own mandalas intuitively. She details every bit of information we might need to get started, regardless of the medium we select for our mandalas. In addition, the author explains how numbers and colors can be used in our mandalas, and how symbols may be revealed, and explores what they could mean. Although I have designed mandalas intuitively for many years and thought I knew everything about the process, I learned a great deal from this book, and it has inspired me to explore new mediums and new approaches. This isn't just coloring between the lines...it's devising mandalas from your heart and spirit, and isn't that what true art is all about?
   
   Gratefully, the author includes color and black-and-white plates that depict mandalas from various cultures and her own intuitive designs. She painstakingly discusses how she created her mandalas and what the colors, numbers, and symbolism in them mean to her. It is quite an eye-opener!
   
   A small detraction is that the book was translated from the original Dutch, and there are quite a few editorial issues. Fortunately, they do not diminish the overall message. If you take delight in mandalas, enjoy designing them, and want to understand them more deeply, this book is a must-have. It is a rare gem you will surely cherish!

5 comments about Light a Candle.

1. I am a huge fan of Sylvia's and I love pretty much all of her other products. But this one, did not quite meet my expectations...
   I don't think it flows or reads well...I think the intent is good.



2. This book has some really pretty pictures, which I enjoyed looking at, but it really helps teach you about the different candle colors and how these colors represent spacific things in life. Very interesting book, I really enjoy looking at it and learning, daily.
   Great book!!!



3. This book was disappointing. I was assuming it would have much more instruction, ideas, examples, and prayers in it. But it's not very wordy at all. It's small in size, as well as content.
   
   The one nice thing about it though is that the pages are full of nice quality color photos and there are nice thoughts and words sprinkled throughout. On that note, it could possibly make an okay gift to give someone who could use a little inspiration or good wishes in their life. It is a very "pretty" book.
   
   But it just lacks the information and content.
   
   I still have mine and may pass it on to someone sometime if a loved one ever seems to need a little extra lift in their spirit. But that's about it.



4. I bought this book for a friend. She had read one of Sylvia's books and had enjoyed it immensely. Especially the part with the affirmations, prayers, and candles. She said that it brought her an inner peace. I had a similar experience with a candle. I was so distraught one night and a friend of mine had suggested lighting a white candle. I did and was immediately calmed. Many religions utilize candles in their ceremonies and rituals. It is thought to bring God and spirits of our loved ones who have passed, closer to us because they don't respond to artificial light. I can't tell you that it is a cure all or if it is just your mind trying to except what you are feeling. What I can say is that it has brought comfort and joy to my friend and myself.



5. This book was wonderful. It was very spiritual. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. The pictures are beautiful. I use this book all the time and keep close to my bed in my room. It helps you make your prayers to God, spirit guides, and angels. It is wonderful. Buy it, you will love it. It is short and sweet and to the point just like Sylivia Browne.

3 comments about La Desaparicion del Universo (The Disappearance of the Universe).

1. Hago este primer comentario con la esperanza de que aquellas personas que en un futuro entren aquí tengan un punto de referencia a lo que significa este documento, este libro, para nosotros individualmente y para la humanidad en general.
   
   Yo soy la persona que ayudó a finalizar la traducción de este libro al Español, la revisión de la traducción. Esto lo hice como un acto de amor hacia Gary R. Renard, quien muy sinceramente y sin temor al qué dirán tiene el valor de relatarnos su experiencia con dos seres sobrenaturales, dos Maestros Ascendidos quienes tuvieron contacto directo con Jesús hace 2,000 años, habiendo sido dos de sus discípulos, y se le aparecieron en carne y hueso durante una década a Gary Renard, revelándole poco a poco los grandes secretos y verdades metafísicas del Universo y desmenuzaron las enseñanzas de la monumental obra maestra espiritual del Siglo XX llamada Un Curso de Milagros, el verdadero mensaje de Jesús, para el entendimiento de Gary y de todos nosotros.
   
   Estos Maestros Ascendidos tienen un mensaje para toda la humanidad y aquellos que comprenden y aplican este mensaje en sus propias vidas tienen el potencial de convertirse en sus mensajeros también, y de despertar a su verdadera realidad como Espíritu Puro, como verdaderos Hijos del Creador.
   
   Este libro te acercará a Dios y a ti mismo, te enseñará a reconocer el verdadero amor, el verdadero perdón, la verdadera oración. También te ayudará a entender el porqué de tantas preguntas que nos hacemos día a día, a medida que nuestra ansiedad crece con la situación del mundo de hoy.
   
   Este libro ha sido dado también para aquellos que necesitan comprender la realidad de las cosas, que buscan respuestas no sólo a los asuntos de la vida diaria, sino también a los de la metafísica, la espiritualidad, quién fué Jesús realmente, cuál fué su verdadero mensaje, cuál es mi papel en esta vida, porqué estoy aquí, cómo me libero del sufriemiento y del dolor, etc.
   
   Los seis años de estudio de Un Curso de Milagros, más los dos años que transcurrieron mientras estudiaba este libro de la Desaparición del Universo en Inglés y luego los meses que transcurrieron durante el proceso de traducción del libro al Español fueron también un proceso acelerado de iluminación para mi. No puedo decir que soy un ser iluminado, pero sí que se me ha abierto un gran entendimiento y un gran sentido de lo que es el verdadero amor, amor por Dios, amor por mis hermanos, la humanidad misma, y amor por mi. También del papel tan importante que juega en nuestro despertar la disolución de algo que la mayoría ignoramos antes de leer este libro y que se llama el ego. Al ego hay que disolverlo con una práctica y radical metodología. Entonces, brotan naturalmente la verdadera felicidad y paz interior de la práctica del perdón radical que este libro enseña.
   
   Les deseo una feliz jornada por la vía espiritual hacia Dios, nuestro verdadero hogar, y hacia nuestro Real Ser.
   
   No hay nada que temer, y todo que ganar. Sólo hay que aprender a perdonar. Pero ¿qué es lo que realmente significa pedonar? ¿Qué es ése despertar? Lée este libro y lo comprenderás.
   
   Un abrazo y un saludo fraternal de Paz a todos los que leerán este libro en el futuro.
   
   Sinceramente,
   
   Martha Espinosa de Constaín



2. He leído el libro unas cinco veces ya, y cada vez me trae un mensaje más y más claro respecto a quien soy, que hago aquí, de donde vengo y hacia donde voy. Esos han sido mis interrogantes desde que tengo memoria en esta vida. Alguien me dio el libro como presente y una vez lo recibí lo mantuve encima de mi escritorio por cerca de una semana y media sin abrirlo, siempre pasaba por el lado y lo miraba, pero no sentía la necesidad de tomarlo y empezar a leerlo. Tal vez lo estaba prejuzgando como simplemente un libro más referente a espiritualidad. Hasta que un día decidí tomarlo en mis manos, y como quien no quiere, pero queriendo empecé a leer el índice, después la contra portada... a mediada que seguía leyendo mi interés se acrecentaba más y más, de repente me di cuenta que había estado sentado por lo menos durante hora y media o algo así, y ¡ya había literalmente devorado el primer capitulo! ¡Es asombroso! una vez que empecé a leerlo simplemente no podía parar de leerlo, y lo llevaba con migo a todas partes pues ha sido como el alimento para el espíritu que tanto había estado buscando a lo largo de mi existencia en esta vida. Había considerado empezar las lecciones del Curso de Milagros, pero decidí posponerlas hasta terminar el libro, pues es en realidad un despertador y preparador de la conciencia y del entendimiento cuando se trata de asimilar las enseñanzas del Curso.
   Ha sido literalmente una bendición y un milagro el haber recibido el libro, y después el haber trabajado hombro a hombro con Martha Constain en la revisión del texto en Español para asegurarnos que recibieran el mensaje correcto en el idioma Español. Hace unos días recibí los CDs en Ingles y cada vez que los escucho, es como que recibo un nuevo mensaje lleno de luz y sabiduría aunque las palabras sean las mismas. Eso es debido a que el mensaje que nos es transmitido por el Espíritu Santo a través de sus enviados Pursah y Arten, es un mensaje que no esta sujeto a las limitaciones del espacio tiempo que percibimos siendo de esa forma un mensaje de fuera del tiempo para todos los tiempos. Definitivamente el Espíritu Santo sabe como despertar conciencias.
   Gracias Gary por haber tomado la decisión de comunicar el mensaje al mundo. -Thank you Gary for having choosen to let the world know about the message-.
   No lo piensen más, ordenen el libro ya mismo y léanlo no solamente una vez sino tantas veces como sea necesario, compártanlo con sus seres queridos, amigos y familiares y ténganlo a la mano como consulta en cualquier momento que necesiten entender algo o clarificar alguna idea.
   Bendiciones infinitas para todos
   Amor y Paz,
   
   Miguel Munevar



3. I have been a student of ACIM for less than a year and thought I was learning at a fast pace. But after reading Renard's book, I can honestly say that my learning experience has taken the famous Quantum Leap! Renard's relaxed style comes thru even in Spanish. I could not put the book down. His use of the quotations from ACIM are more than helpful, and I am sure I will continue using this book as reference for many years. The ending left me speechless and tears ran from my eyes for minutes. A MUST for serious students of ACIM and those who are looking for answers to our most common life questions.

5 comments about Life Lessons For Women: 7 Essential Ingredients for a Balanced Life.

1. I've been reading self help books for 25 years but this one is the one that changed my life. The stories combined with practical tools and exercises helped me to make the changes I've wanted to make forever, but simply couldn't until this book.

   I've always tried to be what you OTHERS wanted me to be. That is a lot of work, and not very satisfying. The *Questions Worth Asking* were wonderful. The one that really made me stop and think was: When I'm 80, what will I regret having done or not done? My answer, which shocked me -- was to dance. So, at the magic age of 45, I started salsa classes, and I'm having the time of my life!

   This book taught me how to be fearless and how to live my dreams. Thank you, Stephanie!




2. Listen, I'm not your average Chicken Soup reader. (The books are fine. They're just not my particular cup of...tea, soup, or what have you.) But I have two other wonderful books by Marston on my shelf, namely her parenting book, "The Magic of Encouragement," and her book for midlife women, "If Not Now When,"---both of which I love and return to often. So, on impulse, I picked up Marston's Chicken Soup/Life Lessons book last night, and I'm already a happy grrrllll as a result. (A good self-help book that's also fun to read is truly a thing of beauty---and all too rare.)

   Okay, opening at random, page 201, "Create a Passion Kit," to bring "a sense of joy, creativity and playfulness back in your life.." Hey, which one of us wouldn't benefit from a little of that?! (And the book is packed with delightful stories to illustrate Marston's suggestions.)

   Page 194: "It's time to be outrageous. What do you have to lose?" What indeed?

   In short, it's a smart, charming, useful, extremely entertaining book. Buy it. You won't be sorry. I'm here on Amazon because I'm planning to buy a few more copies as gifts for friends.




3. I love this book. As always the Chicken Soup stories are wonderful and in
   this new book they perfectly relate to each topic they introduce. But
   what's incredible about Life Lessons for Women is that it presents a simple,
   do-able plan to simplify and enrich your life. Somehow Marston
   makes you feel as if this is the book you'll truly incorporate into your
   life. The vision of what your life will become is believable. Looking at
   issues like "Recognize What's Important" and making a "Top Ten Values You
   Use to Define Yourself" and evaluating whether they are reflected in your
   everyday life immediately changes your perspective and gives you the
   nudge needed to rearrange priorities. Through reading this book,
   you will give yourself permission to put yourself at the top of your "to do
   list." This is a well-balanced, complete guide for changing your life,
   presented in a way that you can immediately start applying it and reap the
   benefits from the get go. A must for anyone from a stressed-out professional
   to a frazzled mom!



4. This book is in the format of the beloved "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and consists of stories from the lives of women; women who work on the PTA, women who have an extraordinary child named Joel who makes flag safety pins for everyone in the post office after the anthrax scare moved him to action. And also women who have had to stay calm while removing handfuls of peanut butter from the cat or toilet seat. There is a check list about life and what you really want from it--a helpful exercise for anyone to sit down and take stock of things that matter. This is a perfect Mother's Day or birthday or anniversary gift for any woman on your list. And a fun read, too. Enjoy.



5. I love this book. I've never read any other "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books before, but this one caught my eye. I absolutely relate to the 7 essential ingredients for a balanced life. I also found the quotes in each section to be really meaningful. If you're a stressed out woman, trying to figure out what happened, this book will help you explore your needs, thoughts and feelings.

5 comments about Organizing for the Spirit: Making the Details of Your Life Meaningful and Manageable.

1. We've seen so many de-cluttering and organizing books over the last five years that you wouldn't think there was room for anything new. Yet, Sunny Schlenger's Organizing for the Spirit is a breath of fresh air.

   Schlenger has always taken a different approach, promoting that each individual has his own organizing style and needs. Her new book helps you take stock of all aspects of your life, identify what really matters, and then set priorities. For example, you end up knowing what your stuff means to you, how it helps or hinders you, and what you can do to make that stuff be part of your personal development.

   An easy read, "Organizing for the Spirit is about achieving harmony between our inner and outer selves," says the author.




2. Organizing for the Spirit is a good book for the small pieces of wisdom one finds throughout the book that challenge the reader like in Chapter 2 where one finds the suggestion that we enter our place of resident as if a visitor. Then quietly survey the surroundings and ask oneself what the space tells about the person who lives here. And then ask oneself what does one want to project when a visitor enters?
   
   Does ones space tell what you want? Then the author asks the reader to check off from a list what do you value most today? Some of the choices are Adventure, Affection, Autonomy, Challenge, Change, Community, Competence, Contribution, Creativity,Effectiveness...Happiness, Health, Integrity, Location... Privacy, Religion, Security, Wisdom.
   
   Her Organizing As Self Discovery is good because it challenges the reader to savour going thru things and choosing what really matters, as well as becoming self disciplined and actually finishing some unfinished projects that you really wanted and want to do, and the sense of accomplishment one gets from becoming refocused. Maybe this is why Spring Cleaning is so invigorgating to me.
   
   One of my favorite books is Write It Down Knowing What You Want and Getting It by Henriette Anne Klauser where she suggests keeping a journal. Same with Sunny Schlenger the author of this good book Organizing for the Spirit. She notes in Pat Attention Through Writing A Column 'Writing a column is a good exercise for sensitizing you to the present moment and enabling you to look at things with a fresh eye. It doesn't matter if you think you can't write. The purpose is to find something --anything--that piques your interest and then explore your thoughts and feelings on the subject'. I prefer a journal myself, but writing ones thoughts down daily permits a person to fine tune what they really want from what they think they want, over weeks and months.
   
   Her Living In Procrastinationland reminds me of another book I appreciate The Procrastinator's Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now by Rita Emmett. Procrastination is one if not the main reason people end up with such a cluttered life. Cluttered home, cluttered life.
   
   Her Redeveloping Frontier Values is excellent because the author reminds the reader that (page 122) 'Todays kids don't get to see the relationship between what they do to help their family and the intrinsic value of that contribution. For excample, if you went out and milked the family cow, you were able to put food on the family table. When you tended a garden, you did the same. If you built a drinking trough for the family horse, or put tar in the chinks of the log cabin roof, or sewed a dress, there was a visible connection between your efforts and the service that was provided'. This is something I wish more parents today would realize. Especially those who give their kids everything materially, since I believe children want boundaries and a sense of purpose which helping out at home provides.
   
   Also appreciate the authors views on giving to others, because some of the best years in this country (USA) were pre 1990's when people were more involved in community groups as volunteers helping others. Every religion I have studied have some belief that its more blessed to give and that in giving we are blessed.



3. If you're searching to improve your outlook and get insight, this is a great book. It's written in an interesting manner and is very easy to read. The author brings up alot to think about.



4. Perhaps the author is a better speaker than she is a writer and perhaps her workshops are more inspiring and insightful than her books? Unfortunately this book was neither informative nor inspiring. It consists of rambling remeniscenses about the author's life, which seem unrelated to what the author supposedly set out to do (to make the details of your life meaningful and manageable). She rehashes cliches and clobbers us over the head with heavy-handed metaphors. Ugh. The only thing that could have saved this book was better editing , which would have left you with 1 page of material that was worth reading (the exercise of walking through your home and assessing what you love and what you don't). There are far better books than this, using far better exercises to help you discover what you love, what your values are etc. Don't waste your money or your time on this one!



5. "Organizing for the Spirit" is a wonderfully insightful and inspiring book! Not only does Sunny Schlenger help me organize the clutter but she also reminds me that to be able to continue to give of myself to my family and my community that it is absolutely necessary to take care of my spirit by focusing on those things that bring joy into my life. She energizes me to rediscover my dreams that have been lost under my list of to do's and provides meaningful exercises to help me work towards those dreams. I find Sunny's book to be a helping hand in guiding me towards my inner happiness. A book to be re-visited when my spirit starts to wilt and needs a little nourishment!

No comments about Healing Across Time and Space: Guided Journeys to Your Past, Future, and Parallel Lives.

5 comments about The Hidden Words.

1. Everyone should read this book at least twice.



2. I have had a long curiosity about the Baha'i Faith and its teachings of the universal nature of religion, the unity of human beings, and the imperative of tolerating and respecting beliefs different from one's own. I have always been intrigued by how these teachings of universalism and the essential unity of all religions can fit within the confines of an individual, independent religion, the Baha'i Faith, with its own teachings and texts. Thus, I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this short book "The Hidden Words of Bahaullah" composed by the founder of the Baha'i Faith, Baha'u'llah (1817 -- 1892) while in prison. The book was written in part in Arabic and in part in Persian and was translated by Baha'u'llah's disciple, Shogi Effendi. This book was my first experience with Baha'i scripture.
   
   "The Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah" consists of about 153 short paragraphs in two parts. It is cast in the form of short revelations to Bahaullah each of which is prefaced by a short exortation such as "To the Son of Man" characterizing the person or persons to whom the revelation is addressed. There is a brief introductory paragraph to the collection, indicating that the aim of the text is to distill, in short form, teachings that are universal to the spiritual life. This goal of the collection is reflected in some of the comments on this site. These teachings have, and were intended to have, many parallels in the teachings of the other great world religions.
   
   The teachings speak of the need for a pure heart, of the need of detachment from everyday life, and of the importance of not envying,critcizing or condemning others. I was struck by the other-worldiness of many of the teachings, as they exhort the follower to turn away from materialism and desire and turn one's attention and heart to the divine. To me, some of the teachings seem directed to mankind, while others, if I am not mistaken, appear primarily directed towards Baha'u'llah himself. In this latter regard, there are several of the teachings which speak of the value of imprisonment, suffering and martyrdom as they advance the cause of God. These teachings seem to be directed to the founder of the faith or to those in danger of persecution on account of their beliefs. While most of the short sayings are readily intelligible to readers of many backgrounds, some sections, particularly near the end of the book, allude to figures that have some specific meaning for the Baha'i faith.
   
   This book is known within the Baha'i community but will appeal to those who have an interest in exploring a variety of spiritual traditions. I am in this latter group. It is an inspiring text. The work here is presented without an introduction, notes, or commentary. Thus, I was unable to learn the place of this specific text within the Baha'i teachings as a whole. An introduction to the book with an overview of the Baha'i Faith and of how this book fits within it would have been invaluable. Also, notes in the way of a commentary on the organization and substance of the text would have been helpful. There is always a great deal more to understanding a short spiritual work than reading the words of the text. Context and discussion would be useful.
   
   This is an important religious text, and it is good to have it widely accessible. It will appeal to those readers interested in the Baha'i Faith, to those interested in comparative religion, and to those interested in spiritual growth.
   
   Robin Friedman



3. Bahaullah wrote these short verses of wisdom at a time of great need for spiritual understanding for all mankind. They are inspiring and universal remedys for all beliefs. The best gift you could give yourself or a friend.



4. The words of the Hidden Words contain life's purpose, goals, and meaning. Each read brings new understanding. Wonderful!The Hidden Words



5. "The Hidden Words" were penned by Baha'u'llah in the early years of His Ministry. These wonderful gem-like verses condense the experience of Divine Revelation to its spiritual essence. Few people are unaffected by the clarity and beauty of this small book.
   
   Of "The Hidden Words", Baha'u'llah said:
   "This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the prophets of old. We have taken the inner essence thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity."
   
   It has been said that "The Hidden Words" is a love-song, a romance of the age-old Love of God for Man. Full of short verses, an underlying theme is the Divine Being's faithfulness and the inevitable unfaithfulness of His Creation, Man. "The Hidden Words" tells of a Beloved Who separates Himself from His creatures so that "spirit" may be breathed into those same creatures in mutually desired Reunion.
   
   Due to its brevity, "The Hidden Words" is a take-everywhere volume of slim proportion and vast resource both within the Baha'i Community and the greater community of believers. Highly recommended to those of contemplative bent.