5 comments about Inner Journey Home: The Soul's Realization of the Unity of Reality.

1. I have met about a dozen people from the Ridhwan group, and worked somewhat with four of their teachers, and attended an "on-ramp" experiential study group. The teacher is known by his students, and they are simply the most mature, developed, clean, clear, and simply HUMAN human beings I have ever known in the 30+ years I have been seeking out transcendental experience/knowlege.
   
   After reading a number of his books, seeing him speak in person a number of times, and assessing his students, I an confident that he is indeed the Teacher of the Age, and very possibly the Renewer of Islam for this century. I do not say this lightly.
   
   Remember that even the greatest masters who have ever lived, the prophets and their inheritors, were only able to liberate a few dozen at most from their followers. Shayhk Hamid is a man like you and I, but he has already freed more souls than most of these masters.
   
   Readers unfamilir with his work may want to try his earlier book "Essence" as an introduction. If you have a serious interest in liberation, you cannot overlook these materials, in my opinion.



2. Gaining a deep understanding of the "soul" is a subtle process requiring both knowledge and practice, in addition to "time and circumstance," through which one absorbs the teaching and the experience(s) toward which those teachings are directed. Many writers have impressive insight into such knowledge (e.g., Wilber), and some have participated in aspects of the practice (e.g., Grof), but no contemporary writer has been able to fuse knowledge, practice, and interior experience into a corpus of work having such a unique clarity, depth, and eloquence appropriate to the contemporary Western audience as has Hameed Ali (literary name, A. H. Almaas). The reason for this is that no contemporary writer (with the exception of Idries Shah) has authoritatively addressed the nature and function of the subtle centers of the "lataif" or essential qualities (different from the "chakras"), and only Hameed's practice directly addresses the "activation of the lataif," which are the substance and expression of the mysterious "pearl" of the Soul. This knowledge and practice goes far beyond the rational and intellectual (e.g., 'philosophical') perspectives which can 'point to' these truths and cross-correlate them across world traditions but do not facilitate one's experiencing or 'tasting' them.
   
   Discussion of such experience(s) requires a degree of "circular philosophizing" that is designed to show the reader how this knowledge resonates with what is in their cultural experience, such as orthodox psychology, German Existentialism, Sufism, Eastern religions, etc. (his Diamond Mind series), or how the practice resonates within the egos, minds, and souls of those who are attempting to "taste" their essential nature (his Diamond Heart series), and offers suggestions for how to pursue that practice (his Diamond Body series). Yes, one does indeed need a "frame of reference -- which is provided by Ali's other books," as is true with any authentic operative philosophy (Gnosis) designed to assist sentient beings (ordinary people) to begin to engage the full depth and essential nature of the Soul and situate that process within a larger Essential Reality that is indeed tangible and accessible to the soul. Hameed's work is not just another intellectual "philosophy" (and certainly doesn't deserve to be referred to as "semantic mush"), rather it is the current flowering of previously secluded Naqshbandi Sufi knowledge and practice related to the "activation of the lataif," arising out of 21st century Western soil carefully prepared by the decades of work by Idries Shah and others; this combined with the mature expression of the enneagram school of psychology and psycho-dynamic practice expressed in the lineage of Oscar Ichazo -- Claudio Naranjo -- Hameed Ali, another occasion where 1000 year-old esoteric Eastern knowledge and practice has emerged within the contemporary Western stream of cultural confluence.
   
   I can concur (word-for-word, including the "30+ years") from personal experience with the previous reviewer¡¦s observation that participants with whom I have partaken of Hameed's Ridhwan school are "simply the most mature, developed, clean, clear, and simply HUMAN human beings I have ever known in the 30+ years I have been seeking out transcendental experience/ knowledge." For the most part they are serious and dedicated individuals who have been disillusioned, misled, or even "burned" by other paths or approaches and find the Diamond Work provides the substantive teaching and practice they have been seeking and previously not finding. Or they are simply people who have little experience of such "paths or approaches" but have been drawn, in one way or another, to this work, which they find necessary and appropriate for their personal development.
   
   I have great respect for the work of Ken Wilber (have most of his books and have read half of them), and for the work of Stan Grof (have most of his works and have read or re-read most of them), and I would include the lesser known but equally sweeping, prodigious, and perhaps more comprehensive corpus of some 20 works by John G. Bennett, particularly his monumental 4-volume "integral" synthesis, _The Dynamic Universe_, but Hameed's work is of a different order, being the expression of a comprehensive philosophy, psychology, and teaching, honed over years of instrumental practice. In conclusion, I own more than 2000 volumes of "books," mostly on historical, cultural, scientific, philosophical, transpersonal, and transcendental topics, and, to put it simply, Hameed's books are on the "top shelf." I would encourage those seriously interested in self-knowledge and individual development to take the time to immerse themselves in Hameed's work and absorb its Essence.



3. Under his pen name AH Almaas Hameed Ali has written some fifteen books by now. All of these are original and thorough explorations of the many facets of becoming more aware of who we essentially are. The Inner Journey home is the book that puts all his other contributions together. After reading this book, the overall framework of the journey to enlightenment has become much clearer to me, and I have all the other books where more detail is needed.
   As Almaas is one of the few teachers who couples the insights of modern psychology with the wisdom of the ancient traditions there really is a lot of ground to be covered. Almaas does that in this book with amazing precision, with lucidity, and with deep internalized understanding. It's not easy describing that which is beyond concepts, but Almaas does an excellent job.
   Because of its depth and width it is not an easy introduction to the spiritual path. It is a work book, that you put away over and over again to contemplate on how what is written resonates with your own experience.
   I recommend this book to all those (and only those) who are seriously committed to self development on the spiritual path.



4. A.H. Almaas (Hameed Ali) has been one of my "teachers" for the past several years as I negotiated my way through his Diamond Approach works. His clear vision and faithful rendition of Sufi teachings in the context of Western depth psychology, are major intellectual and spiritual achievements.
   I have found, from my own experience (anecdotal, of course) that his explanations of human psychological and spiritual development are accurate and relevant.
   Inner Journey Home is written for those who have a good grounding in Almaas's prior work. Reading it should not be attempted without reading his works Essence and the Elixir of Enlightenment, Spacecruiser Inquiry, and the Diamond Heart series. I would also recommend Davis's The Diamond Approach as a good overview.
   I plan to reread Inner Journey Home, because I am certain that I only grasped a portion of the wisdom it contains in my first reading. Even so, I recommend the work as a good resource for those contemplating the nature of the soul.



5. I have read most of Almaas' work and this is by far his masterpeice of spiritual discourse--providing an unfolding of understanding and transmission through the written word.

5 comments about The Spiritual Millionaire: The Spirit Of Wisdom Will Make You Rich.

1. This worthless book on "how to get rich and quick" follows the close proximity of info-mercials which permeate the late nite, most, if not all, are insane scams geared towards desperate people without income by shoody investment deals. This book, which attempts to be "spiritual", not only is complete nonsense, since it equates being rich with "wisdom" but it is filled by the author's egomania. Most of the reviews here were written by the author's press team, which only gave it positive reviews but since I am here to speak the truth, I'll give it a thumbs down. I can't believe that Americans are buying this (bleep) up.



2. This book is a simple and easy to read masterpiece that will help you rise from the 95% who dream of success, to the 5% who actually achieve it.
   Do yourself a favor and reserve a copy today.
   I loved it!



3. I knew I was going to be blessed by this book the moment I picked it up; and I was not disappointed. The Spiritual Millionaire is packed full of true wisdom that will enhance anyone's life, and help them to achieve their desired results in their life quests.
   
   The author gently explains to you about wisdom and teaches you how to recognize and follow the leading that is nudging you towards success. He does this by helping you to understand the workings of your mind, or thought life, your desires, and helping you to see the vision that the Lord has for you. Once you see and understand that, you can reach for the stars and continue to climb. If you have Spiritual wisdom, there is no limit to your future; questions asked and answers given help to establish an understanding of what to do and how to achieve your goal.
   This work is very reader friendly, easy to understand and quite uplifting. It is full of hope and encouragement for a better tomorrow. Well worth your time and attention.



4. The Spiritual Millionaire: The Spirit of Wisdom Will Make You Rich is a guide especially for Christians who seek harmony between their faith in God and their efforts to achieve prosperity. In the quest to earn a comfortable living, enough to provide for the self and the family well after retirement or passing, The Spiritual Millionaire demonstrates how to tap into spiritual wisdom to enhance personal productivity and success. Chapters address the value of prayer and meditation to stabilizing one's frame of mind, the power of love as a motivating force to earn success, how all things are possible to all people, the values of enthusiasm and perseverance, and much more. A morale-boosting and spiritually reassuring guide.



5. This is not a particuarly interesting entry in the crowded field of spiritual abundance. Blessedly short, it is devoid of any practical exercises or original insights. The author introduces each chapter with the same verse of a psalm on wisdom and shares his dry perceptions in each chapter.
   
   If you are interested in a spiritual approach with a strong Biblical flavor, you would be better served by Catherine Ponder books. If you are interested in a non-denominational approach, check out the Abraham series by Esther and Jerry Hicks or versions thereof by Joe Vitale (Attractor Factor) or Lynn Grabhorn (Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting). Each of these provides a stimulating look at abundance and manifestation and is chock-full of practical exercises and suggestions.

No comments about The Virtue in the Vice: Finding Seven Lively Virtues in the Seven Deadly Sins.

5 comments about Heaven Is Real.

1. I loved 90 Minutes in Heaven and this book was just as good. It was easy to read and I really enjoyed the book. As in the first book, Piper discusses his own personal experiences, backing them up with Scripture.
   
   What I found intriguing was that the author waited two years after his near-death experience before he went public with the story...and this was only after strong encouragement from close friends.



2. 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life
   This book tells a story that seems very unreal but after reading and also meeting Rev. Piper, it has to be true. He has taken an opportunity that many of us wonder about and given some details that match what you will find in the scriptures and brought a very personal message from it. He also shares the difficulty of his recovery and also the importance of giving others the opportunity to use their gifts of hospitality to strengthen others in this book. But the part that stays with me is how important intercessory pray is for people we know who are going through a tough situation. It really let me know again just how great our God is.



3. I loved 90 Minutes in Heaven and I loved this book (the sequel), too. It does get a little repetitive (he says a few set phrases over and over) but his intent is good. These two books have made such an difference in my life! I've been sharing them with so many!



4. Don Piper died and went to heaven. Then he came back. The author of the million-copy bestselling book 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN recorded the events surrounding his car accident 15 years ago when he was pronounced dead by EMTs and for 90 minutes was clinically deceased.
   
   Though Piper recounts his experience of being in heaven for that short space of time, he relies on those at the scene of the accident to tell what occurred while he was dead. After paramedics walked away from Piper, a fellow minister felt compelled to stop at the roadside crash. Then he asked to see the body and began praying for Piper, who suddenly stirred to life again. The minister ran to get help, but the EMTs dismissed his claim that Piper was alive. Finally, to assuage him, these professionals checked Piper again and rescue efforts redoubled. So began the long journey, or crossing the bridge, as Piper likes to say, back to earthly existence.
   
   After having endured 34 operations, spending 13 months in the hospital and then two years of rehabilitation, Piper understands physical suffering better than most. He also writes movingly about his other losses: diminished physical abilities, constant pain, inner and outer scars. And yet, Piper focuses on the broader scheme of life. He writes this new text as an encouragement and a challenge to other Christians to face their pain and life disappointments as catalysts for growth and change. Championing the premise that every person makes decisions, great and small, that affect their life and destinies, Piper asks readers to pause and reflect. Beginning with his own story of conversion to Christ, he lays out the gospel message succinctly and then walks interested travelers through life's main juncture points.
   
   Piper discusses happiness and how this term works itself out in a Christian's life; how standing alone for Christ translates into greater intimacy with God; how "getting over it" is sometimes the best advice ever given; and how identifying and embracing "life markers," or those events that drastically change one's life forever, can be opportunities in disguise. He also expounds upon living life in the "new normal" stage, where nothing that was can be revisited. The author invites believers first to release the past and then set goals for the future. He notes that "most of our important beginnings take place in the darkness --- that is, outside our awareness." In other words, Piper asserts that "the most powerful learning take place when we're totally unconscious of it."
   
   On the opposite end of the spectrum, Piper likewise encourages Christians to focus on the eternal and live every day to its fullest by learning to laugh, show compassion, give thanks, cultivate contentment and give to others despite one's own sorrows. Readers will empathize with Piper's harrowing ordeal and find him a steady source of good counsel for prevailing over and conquering trials of every shape and size.
   
   --- Reviewed by Michele Howe



5. Tremendous! Anyone who has doubts that Heaven exits, will no longer
   after reading this book!!!

1 comments about Kabbalah on Pain: How to Use It to Lose It (Technology for the Soul).

1. somehow I got AND PAID for two of the same book. didnt want two of them. but dont know whos mistake it was.

1 comments about Embracing Our True Self: A New Paradigm Approach to Healing Our Wounds, Finding Our Gifts, and Fulfilling Our Spiritual Purpose.

1. There's no better time to change your life than right now. If it's perfect, make it better with Paul Ferrini's works. If you're feeling frightened in these times of fear-based thinking, find another way to experience life, and save your own life in the process. Any positive change you make will ripple upon the pond of your loved ones and bring them more fully into their own peace as well.
   
   Enjoy! You only get one chance to walk in THIS life and before you know it, it will be time to go.

5 comments about Going Deeper: How to Make Sense of Your Life When Your Life Makes No Sense.

1. This is probably the best book I have ever read that probes the depths of All That Is. If you are on a spiritual journey to find who you are and why you are here, this book is for you. I can't put this book down. My compliments to Jean-Claude Koven for a job well done!!



2. Larry Randers is your average successful Los Angeles attorney, whose life is falling apart. He has just been through a painful divorce, and all his possessions have lost their luster and value. After the events of September 11, 2001, Larry takes his dog, Zeus, for what is supposed to be a vacation at Juniper Tree National Park. Zeus has other ideas.
   
   Zeus is not just a talking dog. He leads Larry on a spiritual journey that turns his concept of reality inside out. They meet a talking juniper tree, ephemeral Native American masters, and all sorts of other beings who tell a fascinating story.
   
   According to various cultures, including the Mayans, Hopis and the Bible, a planetary shift in consciousness is coming soon. Approximately 70 million highly evolved beings called Wanderers, have agreed to incarnate on Earth to help with the transition. Part of the deal is that they pass through the Veil of Forgetting, to temporarily forget who, and what, they are. At least, it was supposed to be temporary. This novel is an attempt to reach the rest of the Wanderers, those who know that they are "different," but can't put their finger on it.
   
   The famous saying says "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." I must not be ready, because I had a hard time "getting" this book. I do not mean to imply for a minute that this is any sort of bad book, because it isn't. It's a very interesting story, especially for those who know their way around the worlds of spirituality and metaphysics. I am sure that this book has helped, and will help, a lot of people. I am just not one of them.



3. In the tradition of wonderful spiritual stories and myths, author Jean-Claude Koven has written an insightful tale.
   
   When life makes no sense, I'd recommend sitting down and reading GOING DEEPER.



4. I loved this book, it was recommended to me by a friend and I would recommend it to anyone on a spiritual path. I will read it again, just to see what I missed the first time around. I like that the Author uses animals and objects to make his point, it makes you more aware of everything around you and appreciate what we have here. It absolutely tells you how to make sense of your life and understand what's important, when we all would agree that there are times that life makes no sense.



5. Going Deeper: How To Make Sense Of Your Life When Your Life Makes No Sense is a guide to the seemingly challenging search for the answers to two questions: Who are you? and What is your life purpose? To facilitate the initiation of this very individualized and personalized journey, the author has created the fictionalized story of a man named Larry who examines the answers to these questions. Larry, along with his dog Zeus and a number of very surprising, interesting, and astute new friends, learns to define, feel, and live the answers to these life defining/changing questions.
   
   Going Deeper reads like a fiction novel. The story is smoothly written, intriguing at every step of Larry's journey, and completely entertaining. The characters are unique and extremely well developed. Any reader will find it difficult to put this book down until he or she has completed the story.
   
   Nonetheless, the content contained within this story is much more significant and thought provoking than the average fiction novel. This book impartially examines a wide variety of religious, spiritual, scientific, and psychological ways of thinking while urging the reader to determine for him or herself which one or what combinations of these ways of thinking deeply resonate within him or herself. Moreover, these concepts are presented in a very Socratic fashion, with the main character asking questions or being asked questions and then working through the answers. This method further compels the reader to begin his or her own inner dialogues, disagreeing, agreeing, or learning from each concept discussed. A extremely profound, life altering book.

5 comments about Watching The Tree: A Chinese Daughter Reflects on Happiness, Traditions, and Spiritual Wisdom.

1. [...]
   
   As I became politically aware in the early 1970's, China became and has remained a part of my personal world view. From Richard Nixon's visit in 1972 to the return of Hong Kong by the British, I have been fascinated by how a country with roughly a third of the world population could have fallen into the moral turpitude of state worship and female infanticide. Adeline Yen Mah has written eleven interwoven essays on the great gifts that China has given the world through the ages and has written them from the unique perspective of a Chinese daughter educated in the West. She brings to us in language that is meaningful for our society the mysteries of the I Ching, the Tao, and Confucianism as well as the philosophies of harmony in our space, our bodies, and our spirits. Mah traces the history and the gaps (such as the lack of a zero in Chinese numbers) that contributed to the erosion of the world power of the great dynasties. The writing reflects her personal perspective and her research. Mah writes for the layman without insulting our intelligence, rather she assumes our intelligence. A refreshing approach.
   
   Mah begins each essay with a brief story from her own life experience with Chinese philosophies and traditions. The stories are unapologetic and uncomplaining. Mah shares her personal revelations as examples of how we may consider broadening our horizons while offering us an opportunity to bridge the cultural gap and examine a new way of approaching and resolving life's challenges. The breadth and depth of Mah's knowledge is evident as she weaves the influence the East has had in the development of Western science, psychology, and metaphysics throughout her essays.
   
   The occupation of China by the French and then the British in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries created a caste system that threatened to destroy all that was good and beautiful in the belief of the Chinese in the equality of harmony available to everyone. In a description of the household Mah grew up in, she comments on the second class treatment of she and her siblings by her father and stepmother. Her father and stepmother struggled everyday to prove to themselves and their children that they were above "ordinary" Chinese such as she and her siblings. Her father because he felt elevated by his marriage to his Eurasian wife always introduced as his French wife and her stepmother because she considered herself French rather than Eurasian. It was left to Mah's grandfather and aunt to teach her the traditional ideas of karma and self-responsibility for one's own personal evolution. Few opportunities were afforded for Mah to be in the nurturing embrace of her extended family, yet it was their influence that ultimately shaped her understanding of the value of harmony in all relationships -- one to another, one to one's body, one to the environment.
   
   Watching the Tree is a must have for everyone interested in a primer on Chinese scholarship and philosophy. Mah has woven the beauty of Chinese calligraphy within the pages where Chinese words are translated. Rather than a great treatise on the Chinese classics, Mah gives us just enough to leave us wanting to know more. This slim volume is a rich tapestry of history, philosophy, and personal experience that will prove invaluable on your journey toward greater understanding of east and west, self awareness, and harmony in the great silence of reflection.
   *****************************************************************
   Kathryn Lanier lives in Colorado with her nine year old twins. She is a freelance writer, editor, and review columnist educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the College of Charleston. She is an internationally published author and works world wide with clients from four continents! She can be contacted for services and workshop information through Innerchange Magazine online.



2. This potentially interesting comparison and contrast of the "distinctions... between east and west on a number of fundamental themes in our cultures" is dragged down IMHO by the author's constant references to her apparently horrific childhood and her mistreatment then and later by her family and other intimates. She claims that her decision to write her best-selling autobiography Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter rather than fight her family tooth and nail in court over her stolen inheritance was the healthier choice ("bibliotherapy" she calls it), but I'm not so sure. From what I can gather she has now written FIVE books dwelling in whole or in part on the subject of what was done to her by her family, and I'm beginning to think that she might have been better off mentally, spiritually, and emotionally (though perhaps not financially), if she'd simply sued their a**es off and been done with it. She could hardly be more estranged from the rest of her family after a bitter lawsuit than she must be after FIVE books airing their dirty laundry. At any rate I would certainly have been better off because I would not have been subjected to it over and over and OVER again! There is a good deal of useful information here, but I'm not sure it is worth the effort of wading through Adeline's miserable past in order to glean it, especially if like me you are a stereotypically all too insensitive male who prefers solving problems to listening to them endlessly repeated while making sympathetic noises.



3. Dr Yen wrote this highly readable reflection from her own experience on happiness, tradition and spiritual wisdom. Her eleven chapters guided reader to the different aspects on Chinese culture so that non-Chinese have a simple better understanding and comprehension.
   However, her allegation on the absence of a Chinese Shakespeare or Jane Austin in Imperial China was a western viewpoint as westerners could not read original Chinese classics - The Romance of Three Kingdom, Water Margin, The Journey to the West, Dream of Red Chamber and others such as Peony Pavilion, The Butterfly Lovers, The West Chamber Story and Gold Vase Plum. . . On the role of woman, she put bias against woman as Confucius teaching, specially foot-binding, a false connection. On P.73, she said "the emphasis a family values deteriorated into selfishness and a lack of social consciousness". Such conclusion overlooked the heroes in Chinese history who made the sacrifice for the country such as Man Tien Cheng, Yue Fei and others. On P.171, she showed Chinese had no zero till it was imported from Hindu-Arabic. However, reading the book "Writing on China" by Gottfried Leibniz will give an otherwise answer. On P.199, she said of no Chinese individual human rights. However, readers are advised to read The Commonwealth State from the Confucian Book of Rite for answer.
   She wrote beautifully in this book. It was her family feud leading her to write this book on her yin and yang. It is a good introduction for understanding ancient and current China for a better world.



4. Apparently for Adeline Yen Mah the purpose of the ancient wisdom traditions is to fortify one's ego.



5. Adeline Yen Mah is a writer and physician who lives in Huntington Beach, California. She divides her time between her California home, London, and Hong Kong. Her other works include the bestselling Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter as well as Chinese Cinderella. For more information, you can visit the author's website.
   
   Adeline Yen Mah has combined her experience as a physician, her Chinese heritage, and her deeply personal connection to her grandfather, Ye Ye, to create a work of art that is at once informative, enjoyable, and enlightening. By her own admission, this book is a "letter of gratitude to a grandfather who once gave me the most precious of all gifts: my sense of hope."
   
   Recognizing an ever growing number of people who are interested in eastern philosophy, the author offers us a rare perspective on the concepts and beliefs as she shares with her reader. She is, to her thinking, a true Chinese-American: born in China and having lived and practiced medicine in America for some thirty years. She is able to take the basic concepts of her heritage, blend them with soulful lessons she learned througout her life, and apply them in such a way that she answers questions about the concerns of modern day western peoples who still long to know more about the mysterious and spiritual elements of Chinese culture. Readers are treated to history lessons, religious principles, Eastern medical practices, discussion on foods of the Chinese culture, the more mysterious ideas of invisible energies, and a lesson in Chinese language. All the while, the reader almost forgets that this ia a nonfiction work. Its ease of reading and its personal and relaxed style seems more like a conversation with Adeline Yen Mah. For me, that is the mark of a truely gifted non-fiction author.
   
   In a chapter discussing Confucian practices, I was quite taken back to learn that "over the centuries very few great Chinese novels were written." The author sites the fact that "Composing fiction in the spoken language was considered despicable by the literati. The word "novel" in Chinese is known as "xiao shuo" ("little talk"). " She tells us that authors were often ashamed of their novels or they would deny the fact that they were in fact authors of works of fiction.
   
   A fascinating discussion takes place in the chapter titled "Let Food Be Medicine." The author relates a story of a conversation with her brother. "One fundamental difference between us Chinese and the English is this: We Chinese live to eat, whereas the English eat to live." This enjoyable chapter is sure to make the mouth water and the mind race with vivid images and olfactory arousal. Did you know that the standard greeting of a Chinese upon meeting a friend is not "How are you?" but rather "Have you eaten your meal today?"
   
   A.Y.M. writes "Every month, we women spend hours at the beauty parlor and hundreds of dollars on cosmetics to improve our appearance. Unless we have a healthy body, however, such endeavor (though commendable) is unfortunately rather like applying a new coat of paint ot a car with a damaged transmission. Perhaps we should simply always keep in mind the Chinese proverb: "Yi shi wei liao" (Let food be medicine).
   
   Perhaps one of the most endearing chapters, to my way of thinking, is the eleventh and final chapter: "The Lessons of Silence."
   
   The author's grandfather had two scrolls above his bed. These were scrolls each bearing four Chinese characters he had penned with his own hand. Discussions between grandfather and then child, now author, led to life-long lessons that A.Y.M. shares with her readers in spare yet meaningful form. The one scroll bore the characters for tian ("heaven"), jing ("scripture"), di ("earth") and yi ("justice"). Her grandfather cautioned her that as she went through life and became fascinated by wonders such as a beautiful sunset or a scientific phenomenon she should "keep in mind that all phenomena on earth are based on Tian jing di yi ("Heaven's scripture and earth's justice"). The other scroll bore the four characters/words Bu yan zhi jiao ("the lessons of silence").
   
   Adeline Yen Mah writes of this second scroll: "Writing has obliged me to spend long hours searching for those voices which we never hear except when our inner self is at peace and everything else is suspended." Reading this passage I found my inner self shouting "Yes!" How true it is. When writing, we creatives cannot hear the deeply rooted inner voices when all about us is clamoring and our minds are scattered. Silence from within brings us the peace and clarity we need to put our own words in print. This connection between author and reader was a powerful and fulfilling way to end the experience of spending time in this amazing book.
   
   by Lee Ambrose
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women

5 comments about Soul Prints: Your Path to Fulfillment.

1. Marc Gafni's Soul Prints is a postitive book, however its basically just pop psychology mixed with Kabalistic overtones to give the pop psych a different flavor. There are alot of people out there that mix pop psychology with cultural overtones selling books and making a living lecturing, i dont think ther is anything wrong with it. However its kind of like going to the super market and seeing 30 different brands of detergent; they all basically do the same thing. Basically what i'm saying is if you already read a self help book then dont waste your time with this one.



2. Rabbi Gafni is a brilliant if problematic teacher of traditional Jewish texts. In this work he wants to help his readers escape their loneliness and difficulties in life through finding their own ' soul-print' their own spiritual I.D. In self- help book fashion he preaches that the way to one's true self is the way to a meaningful life. Unfortunately Rabbi Gafni does this while ignoring the more traditional Jewish view that the deepest way to find oneself is through giving to others in one's own family and community, to worshipping not oneself but God. Yet Rabbi Gafni reads Midrashim with startling insight , and it seems to me that there is great benefit in reading this book if only in that it shows the readers(who probably have small knowledge of traditional Jewish texts including Midrashim) how deep and powerful the Jewish tradition is.



3. This book arrived and it was in perfect condition. I surely could not tell it was used. It looked brand new. I would order again and again like this. I am extremely pleased with my purchase and the timeliness of it's arrival!



4. Although no of the Jewish faith, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering myself through these stories of biblical and folk myths. The "Soul Print Practice" exercises were also illuminating. Much more than a "self help" book and students of Kabbalah will probably be particularly drawn to it.



5. Nothing will prepare you for the level of search, the journey and the discoveries you will make, guided by Mark Gafni. It is mystical without being partial. Be prepared t source the real you.
   Four stars: The fifth star of this book is you.

5 comments about The Wisdom of Forgiveness.

1. "The Wisdom of Forgiveness" is a read that will fascinate accomplished Buddhist practitioners, interested fans and those who have never even heard of the Dalai Lama. The language is easy to understand and the read can go by quite quickly. Do not be fooled though: the book handles such deep topics as emptiness, compassion and of course--forgiveness.
   
   Especially for the price that Amazon is offering, you can't afford to pace this up. Such an uplifting story of the heart, "The Wisdom of Forgiveness" will open your consciousness and your heart.



2. I enjoyed this book for its supreme wisdom and forthright application of certain practices to invoke change from within. While this book is filled with nuggets of wisdom, a brief composite looks like this, "to reduce hatred and other destructive emotions, you must develop their opposites--compassion and kindness." Unlike other spiritual books, this one provides authentic practices to accomplish the goal. The Dalai Lama provides insight into engaging breathing exercises and guided meditations to overcome the hegemony of the mind which is sometimes locked into its own agenda to hold on to past hurts, and hatred. Like all human transformation, no easy way to achieve good results, reminding us that authentic change takes hard work. While I see the praxis offered in this book differently than other spiritual teachers who simply promote love in word for the sake of bringing home the bacon, the Dalai Lama has consistently demonstrated in word and deed that his praxis is in alignment with his deeply held values. Something I don't think you will find in other spiritual (New Age) books when measured against the lives of those who write them. In other words, this book delivers the goods in word and deed by a authentic spiritual Master grounded in compassionate action. It also reminds me how far I need to travel in this life, and perhaps many more before I walk in these shoes.



3. I have read 20+ books on the topic of forgiveness, and this book offered me nothing, nada, zip about forgiveness that I could take away and apply. Perhaps the book should have a different title. At any rate, I hoped for some bread, but ended up with nothing but chaff.



4. The title of this book implies that the book is an in-depth look at the issue of forgiveness - a spiritual step that many people struggle with, and an area where you might want to seek out the Dalai Lama's specific advice. This is not a "how-to" book, however. It is a very interesting, personal history of co-author Victor Chan's friendship with the Dalai Lama, a narrative which spans many years.
   
   Chan accompanies HH the DL on a number of trips, including a trip to Northern Ireland, where the issue of forgiveness is addressed. In terms of technique, the book offers the standard Tibetan "giving and taking" meditation (where the meditator "receives" other peoples' sufferings, and then "gives" them joy and happiness), as well as discussions on emptiness and compassion. He also spends time with HH the DL in Dharamsala and in Delhi.
   
   There are better "how-to" books out there. However, if you would like to read about how HH the DL handles everything from dental care (he brushes after every meal) to personal medical emergencies (he considers the worse-off condition of sick street beggars whom his car passes on the way to a hospital in Delhii), then this would be a good book for you. It gives a lot of day-to-day insight into HH the DL's life, shows his sense of humor and personality, and is an easy read. It would probably be a good book to take on a three-hour plane trip.



5. This book speaks to me strongly, clearly, and as simply as possible. It is filled with the insights of the Dalai Lama brilliantly communicated with the help of his friend, Victor Chan. All the true essentials of Buddhism are here, shared with love and humor. Myself having first been introduced to Buddhism at the age of 15, now 40 years later I find the Dalai Lama to be a most inspirational practitioner. I am grateful to Victor Chan for helping the sweet light of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to shine through to me through this book.