This is the question that has perplexed mankind for ages since many religions expound "there is no death." How can this mystery be resolved? Swami Muktananda, one of the great Masters of our time tackles this subject from the perspective of his vast knowledge and his experiences in meditation which he discusses with great clarity in this book. Basically, he cautions, "If a person doesn't use this birth to know himself, to understand his own inner Consciousness, then his life is wasted."

Drawing upon the vast knowledge of the ancient sages of India, a great yogic master gives a detailed look at what happens to a person when he "dies," and what happens to the soul thereafter. This book is for anyone who has ever wondered about his own mortality, or has suffered a loss of a loved one. My father passed away several days ago, and the knowledge and understanding gained through this book are invaluable in helping me to overcome the grieve and in providing hope.

This little number is jam packed with solutions to lighten the load. I saw the Swami speak once, and I'm still laughing in the aisles when I start to read the book. (a good bathroom book-you can't read it straight through without laughing too much, dropping the book, and losing your place)

Beyondananda's approach to Tantrum Yoga has helped me a great deal. Sneaking up from behind beats the frontal assault in most cases. Combating truth decay with mental floss has been somewhat less effective, depending upon the subject. A clear case for his celebration of Nonjudgement Day...

This is a concise and comprehensive introduction to a complex subject. I have read a few books on Hinduism, and this is by far the most understandable. The author has a gift of making even obtuse concepts appear simple by means of his lucid writing style and apt analogies. Students of Hinduism of all levels should benefit from this reference book.

This book was exactly what I was looking for: something to help me understand the basics of Hinduism without either oversimplifying or overcomplicating things. I had previously thought that Hinduism was difficult to understand, but it turns out that it just needed to be explained properly, something this book does far better than any others I have encountered. Bhaskarananda fills the pages with colorful stories and analogies, and sets up much of the book in a question-and-answer format, making it a delight to read. I found that almost all of the basic questions I had about Hinduism were answered. Questions are given in large, bold headings organized by topic, and are then answered in a concise but clear manner. Since Essentials of Hinduism is organized so well, it is excellent for keeping on the bookshelf as a quick reference. If you only buy one book on Hinduism, this should be it.

this is a fascinating biography of a great indian saint. Brahmananda was a direct disciple of the great Ramakrishna. along with the spiritual giant Swami Vivekananda and other disciples of Ramakrishna, Brahmananda was an important force in founding the Ramakrishna Mission, and was the first head and spiritual leader of that holy order. this book gives us an intimate look at those heady days of young monks seeking and finding God and of their efforts to share those Divine findings with the world. Brahmananda was very much the bhakti yogi, insisting that to find God we must purify ourselves, meditate, and think of God's presence always and seek only Him. he says this search is the highest purpose of life and that failing to seek God was the squandering of God's gift of human birth. he insists that the way, while difficult at first, is the ultimate joy of life and that the spiritual journey is fun. this book is interesting as history and biography but even more as a book of spiritual instruction to benefit any sincere seeker of God. if you have interests in Vedanta and real spiritual light and truth, you will enjoy and benefit greatly from this classic spiritual masterpiece.

Swami Brahmananda spent years with Sri Ramakrishna and absorbed many of his teachings. He urges all people to start to seriously practice spiritual living. This book includes a biography of Swami Brahmananda, his reminiscences, a compilation of his teachings, and a glossary.

This is a wonderful story about a pond of frogs who grow bored with their pond. Through an exciting and frightening event they learn to enjoy their pond once again. The story sends a message to children that being content with what you have is an important step to being happy.

This book is an absolute delight. Stories for young children by a master are so very rare. Gurumayi offers a charming story, which carries a deep lesson for children and parents alike - when you face your fears, they disolve, and joy is restored. An absolute joy.

The book Healing Yoga is a continued help to me. Each beautiful page holds positions (asanas) to bring this 57 year old body back to improved health. The pictures are clear and the information easy to follow. I have increased energy and am delighted to find I actually need an hour less of sleep at night. I carry this book with me in my travels and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a new adventure.

I am frequently disappointed with yoga books--but this book, upon first review, keeps me interested as there is a good deal of new information here. The illustrations (photographs) are abundant and helpful. Although I have not had the chance yet to begin the practice, I look forward to learning much from this book. I WAS disappointed, however, that it did not address asanas for migraines, as the publisher's description promised. This aside, I think there's alot of good information in this book and it seems well worth the price.

A Heart Poured Out is the biography of Swami Ashokananda (1893-1969), who was a prominent monk of the Ramakrishna Order and a man who devoted most of his life to developing the Vedanta Society in San Francisco. Knowledgeably written by Sister Gargi, a disciple of Swami Ashokananda since 1948, A Heart Poured Out deftly covers the breadth of Ashokananda's life ranging from his childhood in India, to his enthusiastic dedication to personal spirituality, to his independence in daring to refute some of Mahatma Gandhi's political viewpoints. A Heart Poured Out is highly recommended as being a unique and rapturously written biography of an intrinsically fascinating man.

I was bowled over by this biography of a man of God who walked among us for a time. If you have never met a living saint, you have no idea how such a one combines power and love and humor in such a way as to make you KNOW your own divinity. Swami Ashokananda was one such man of God, and if you read "A heart poured out" you cannot fail to be blessed by his uncommon presence and enlightened by his remarkable teachings. Sister Gargi's book is a masterpiece of spiritual literature.

Excellent little book - if you are interested in the aura, get this one! :)) Very practical indeed + full of usefull information.

I found this book many years ago and I love it,I keep it in my purse and when Im stuck in line or in a waiting room I read it and I can understand more of whats going on around me. Its simple, accurate and helps me to keep in the NOW. I recommed it for anyone interested in auras and would like a manual to help keep in touch.

Swami Vivekananda was one of the greatest thinkers and teachers the world has ever produced. His talks are not for Hindus only. They transcend all barriers of religion and caste and are helpful for anyone who wants to realize God. His books are a must for any serious student of Philosophy.

Vivekananda, disciple of Ramakrishna, conducted a retreat for seven weeks with twelve followers near New York, a hundred years ago. One pupil noted down several of his inspired talks. This book contains those talks plus some additional material, mostly lectures of Vivekananda.

The talks are spiriutally very deep going, but not systematic at all. They are based on hinduism but use christian und buddhist terminology, as well. The book is very helpful if one practices hinduism. If one does not do so, the book would be rather meaningless, because the sayings were meant for close disciples, who knew what he meant and what it was all about.

Swami Krishnapada succeeds in convincing the modern manager that it is in his or her best interest to be mindful of the spiritual realities surrounding business challenges of the 21st millenium. The ten technologies given in this book are nothing but distilled wisdom of the ancient ages and will prove effective in any business in any part of the world.

this book changed the way i look at things and it changed it for the better... it made me get my priorities in order... and helped me determine what they are... i think this book is excellent