Who has not heard or read these lines of beauty?

"Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough, A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse -- and Thou," or "The Moving Finger writes; and having writ, Moves on."?

These lines are from the first translation of The Rubaiyat by the English translator and man of letters, Edward FitzGerald (1809 - 1883). While it retains the spirit and philosophy expressed in the original quatrains, FitzGerald's translation was so free in its rendition as to be virtually an original work.
Omar Khayyam, poet, astronomer and mathematician was born in Persia in the latter part of the 11th century. His surname, Khayyam, means "tent-maker" although that undoubtedly referred to his father's trade more than to his own because actually, he was independently wealthy. He was a friend of Nizami, the Vizier of Baghdad who founded the great college of Baghdad, where Omar Khayyam was taught. Omar Khayyam lived in seclusion until Malik Shah appointed him Astronomer Royal, who, along with eight other scholars, revised the Muslim calendar. It seems certain that Khayyam was a Sufi mystic and kept his spiritual life hidden from superficial worldly minds.

"Omar," Paramhansa Yogananda has said, "by a very large number of Western readers, has come to be regarded as a rather erotic pagan poet, a drunkard interested only in wine and earthly pleasure. This is typical of the confusion that exists on the entire subject of Sufism. The wine is the joy of the spirit, and the love is the rapturous devotion to God?"

The Rubaiyat as well as the Tales of the Arabian Nights are not love stories about drunkards, genies, and magic caves filled with treasures, but mystical stories based on the religion of Sufism. Their encoded symbolism, when revealed, is deeply mystical and meaningful.

One example is the magic lamp of Aladdin. First, the meaning of the name: AL is Arabic for God, "ALLAH." DDIN is a transcription of the word DJINN (or we would say in the West, "Genie.") But in Arabic it means SPIRIT. Thus, ALADDIN means "The Spirit of God." Well, what is the magic lamp, then? The magic lamp is something we all possess in the depths (cave) of the subconscious, the MIND. What would it mean then that the "Spirit of God" rubs the "Mind"? This refers to the practice of meditation. By focussing on an idea, a single thought, our minds are capable of bringing about any reality we dream of. We are the co-creators of our own universe, our own lives. As Pogo, the comic strip character, said: "We have met the enemy, and it is we-uns." We are responsible for our own self-undoing, just as we are responsible for creating our own lives.

Secrecy and the practice of hiding deep truths behind a veil of exotic symbolism was the way the Sufis protected themselves against persecution for their unorthodox views. It is similar to the deep mysticism of the Jewish Kabala. The Sufis called their secret language QBL. The alchemists of the West used another example of hidden mysticism. Do you think they were really trying to transmute lead into gold, or were they trying to transmute the gross material of our bodies and souls into the golden glory of the spirit? If you think so, read John Randolph Price?s book published by Hay House, The Alchemist?s Handbook. Nostradamus and Leonardo daVinci also hid their writings in obscure diaries and secret codes.

Paramhansa Yogananda accomplished much of the mystic discovery about Omar Khayyam in his book, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Explained. Paramhansa Yogananda was one of the great spiritual beacons of the 20th century. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, has been a best-selling autobiography for the past fifty years. Yogananda was born in India in 1893 and sent to this country in 1920 where he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, California, a non-sectarian and universal organization. His close friend and editor of the book on the Rubaiyat, J. Donald Walters, also known as Kriyananda, wrote: "Yogananda's charity, compassion, unshakable calmness, loving friendship to all, delightful sense of humor and deep insight into human nature were such as to leave me constantly amazed."

The first time I encountered this book was in the 10th Grade and I have been mesmerized by it ever since. The author gives extraordinary metphors and allows the reader to interpret the poetry how it best fits them. He speaks of most of the joys there is on this wonderful world and takes you to places you have never been before. I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who loves poetry.

If you want the best of mysticism and poetry, read this beautiful and deep book. I've fallen in love again with reading poetry, and I've been given a new understanding of eastern wisdom.

Even though the commentaries are full of esoteric wisdom, Yogananda writes in a poetic style that is easy on the eyes, mind, and soul.

I quote from Yogananda here: "Come, fill the Cup of Consciousness with the divine wine of bliss! Cast away your material desires (deceitful, because forever disillusioning), and fling into the crackling fire of fresh spiritual enthusiasm your robe of penitence for having ever indulged in them."

....and I've read alot of them.

Art and Science of Raja Yoga has everything from easy beginner routines, to more advanced postures. And this book doesn't make you feel like some couch potato just because you can't do advanced pretzel poses.

I also enjoyed the pranayama breathing exercises and meditation practices. I had never 'got' meditation until I began practicing some of the simple meditation techniques in this book.

You can also contact the publishers of the book for followup support with your practices- everything from retreats, to other books, and more. I've never, ever heard of anything like this. Check it out!

I was amazed at the beauty and simplicity of this text. It told me much of what I needed to know to start my journey on my Spiritual path. I felt that Swami Kriyananda's insights were clear and blended Christianity and Raja Yoga in a way that made sense to my Christian upbringing! Being rather skeptical by natural, I found the step-by-step process that Swami offers perfect for someone with a science/medical background (nursing) to gain the knowledge needed to open my heart and start on my true Path. There is even a page offering Student Support with a phone number and email address to contact someone with the questions that inevitably arise.

Each unit is broken down into 'do-able' pieces. One can read through the entire book then go back at anytime or take one chapter at a time and absorb as much as necessary. I especially like the sections on Breathing (Pranayama)- offering many different techniques that can be incorporated into daily life at any time! There is also Philosophy, Meditation, Diet, Postures and Routines for every section or unit.

I am not a Hatha Yoga expert but am very much the amateur! I do Hatha Yoga to open my heart, to stretch my sometimes rather stiff body, and also to prepare myself for meditation. I like the Affirmations offered by Swami for each posture (asana). They help me to go deeper into the postures, and to direct my energy into a calm and positive direction.

I appreciate being able to read a book and develop my own thoughts on that subject - not having someone's beliefs shoved down my throat. I feel that the approach taken in this book offers me just that, a way to read and decide what works and what does not work for me. I really believe that this course in the Art & Science of Raja Yoga is great for everyone, beginners and those already committed to their Spiritual Path alike!

Raja Yoga is far more than the merely physical, and very rigorous (huff puff!), exercise regimes that certain popular yoga schools teach. Raja Yoga is an ancient science that combines spiritual practices, philosophy, lifestyle, diet, and even the devotional practices that are taught in the great Indian scripture, The Bhagavad Gita.

This easy to read, and easy to study, book is divided into fourteen chapters. Each chapter has a section on: Philosophy, Yoga Postures, Breathing, Routine, Healing, Diet, and Meditation.

There is an extraordinary wealth of information in this valuable book. If you practice what is taught here, you'll be following the ancient science of Raja Yoga- in all it's richness and depth.

Many modern yoga teachers extract just one aspect out of Raja Yoga, such as the physical postures, and call it 'yoga'. This has caused much confusion in the public mind about just what is yoga. In addition, many Westerners, who are uncomfortable with anything smacking of 'religion', have removed much of the rich philosophy of Raja Yoga.

For instance, there is a great deal in the Bhagavad Gita (the greatest yoga scripture from India) that deals with devotional practices and meditation. Any book on Raja Yoga will include these practices. This book does just that.

If you want a merely physical approach to 'yoga', then you might find other pop-yoga teachers more attractive, though even the yoga postures taught in this book make it a worthwhile investment. If you want the Art and Science of Raja Yoga- as taught for millenia in India- then I would very highly recommend this book.

The author is a Westerner who has practiced Raja Yoga for over fifty years, and studied under a Master Yogi from India, Paramhansa Yogananda. As a Westerner, I found the manner of teaching to be highly effective. It's written in a way that communicates ancient practices in a Western style- without diluting or changing those practices.

I've practiced what is taught here, and the value I've received is truly priceless. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

In editing the commentaries of Yogananda, JD Walters has lost a lot of the beauty that his master was bringing out. Most of the master's wordings are completely changed. Instead of normal editing, this work contains a mass paraphrasing and watering down of Yogananda's fine work.

Also recomended:WINE OF THE MYSTIC, by Paramahansa Yogananda,(SRF publishers)contains a very beautifully edited true representation of the masters expressions.Plus many commissioned works of art and a unique forward.

I've enjoyed reading these excerpts again and again. This book makes a great gift for anyone who is a fan of Khayyam's Rubaiyat. Yogananda's interpretations and paraphrases add new meaning and life to an old classic.

I quote one here, from Stanza 6:

"God is Eternal Silence. To those who love Him purely He speaks through the voice of silent intuition."

I've read some of Yogananda's original Rubaiyat commentaries in a long out of print magazine. Contrary to reader by the sea's 'opinion', this is definitely not a watered down version. Both the spirit and intent of Yogananda's efforts are well represented here.

This is an inspired and profound work. Poetic, deep, mystical, and beautiful. I can't recommend it highly enough. The other version that he refers to is very definitely not a word for word reproduction of Yogananda's original.

Motivating, attention grabbing, the book was an inspiring book on "how to" and why we shouldn't wait to make our dreams come true.

"Intuition for Starters" is a small book on the basics of intuition and following your intuition. While there are several books on the subject available and many more that have a chapter on intuition, this book is unique in one very important aspect. It is the only book I have seen on intuition that effectively explains how to know when something is intuition and when it is not. People often learn to distrust their intuition because it has proven wrong when in reality it was not intuition at all. Learning to discern when something is truly your intuition speaking to you and when it is not is critically important if you are to learning to trust your intuition. This is a recommended read because the discussion of discerning intuition is so well done.

In terms of Research and finding important quotes, I have not found a better book than The Jet Age: Forth Years of Aviation. I can find nearly anything by anyone about the Jet Engine, usable quotes, and ideas that led to new points of attack on my subject (which was obviously about Jet Engines). It is unfortunate it is out of print, it is a very useful book.

This is a 27 chapter 1200+ page textbook. The main problem with this book is that there are plenty of questions at the end of each chapter, but there is no way to check your answers. There isn't even a book to buy in addition to this one that allows the answers to be reviewed. This in my opinion makes this a HORRIBLE text to learn from.

This Textbook is a good teaching book, if the instructor isalso good. The drawback of this book is it overcomplicates severalareas and has the chapters set up in a bad order. The the biggest thing wrong with this book is it has several errors in the book and even more in the working papers. The book does however make a good introduction of accounting and covers the subject well.

I would have given full praises for this excellent writing. It did help me to understand better the subjects in my degree courses. The explainations are clear and direct with interesting colourful examples. 'Feature story' on the start of each chapter section give an insight for real world examples and 'Accounting in action' do explore the critical thinking on the issue. 'Review It' and 'Do It' sections help the students to test their understanding before reading on further. Exercises and cases at the end of each chapter will enhance students' learning and knowledge abilities. My lecturer highly recommends this book since it is comprehensive and the illustrations give better pictures about the whole chapter. Since this book also includes theoretical aspect of accounting, it is excellent as a basic for students who would like to learn the accounting principles.

There's one way of attracting money that Donald Walters leaves out: write a little pamphlet, then lay out each page in large font and surround it with lots of white space. This way, only a few paragraphs make an entire page, and you can call your pamphlet a book and charge a lot more! For the perfect example of this, see this book.

Money Magnetism is one of the best guides to attracting what you need when you need it that I have ever read. Although there are many thousands of books that discuss the techniques and theories for picking stocks, buying insurance, or building your career, there are very few that actually discuss--or even understand--the more subtle energetic and spiritual principles behind finding true wealth. But it is these underlying principles, of course, that form the true basis of all success. Money Magnetism explains these principles and gives simple, easy-to-follow techniques to magnetise the resources you need to lead a rich and fulfilling life. Even if you think you are looking for a book on hard-core financial management--buy this book, too. Understanding these principles will help you to more wisely and efficiently implement whatever investment or career strategy you choose. An amazing value for only 7.95!

An enjoyable read. I found this book to reveal the simplicity of the laws of attraction and abundance. Life doesn't have to be complicated with regard to being happy, it's generaly our perception of events. I liked his reflection that we are all part of a greater, intelligent reality. Also, the methods of concentration and affirmation are very "doable" for anyone.

Completely disapointing. Don't waste your money or time on this video. Didn't learn anything relevant or helpful that I didn't already know about meditation. A very long diatribe on the benefits of meditation - if you are buying a video to learn how to meditate chances are you don't need to be sold on the benefits of meditation. I'm sorry I didn't pay attention to the reviews now. Live and learn from my mistake.

I liked his explanations, but ever since those severe headaches I got from his guided meditation, I've stopped doing it. Not quite the best book to start with then, I reckon

This is one of the most unique and interesting instructional videos that I have ever seen. Walters begins by giving a great talk on what meditation is, how to do it, and why. He speaks simply, clearly, and practically. I really came away feeling like I could do this!

The second part is a guided visualization, also narrated by Walters. His voice is so soothing and relaxing--its the kind of voice you wish was on every guided meditation tape. Of course, it isn't very easy to create compelling visuals to go with a guided meditation, but I think the video succeeds admirably with its blend of enchanting environmental scenes and images.

I also recently discovered that there is a great companion book for this video also called Meditation for Starters, which I bought. It is the perfect accompaniment and serves as an excellent at-a-glance reference, although the video producers take great pains to emphasize that you do NOT need to buy the book to get a great introduction to meditation from the video alone. They are meant to be separate, stand-alone products. While this is definitely true, if you are really serious about getting a practice going, I would recommend buying the book as well.

The narrator's style and characterization are misplaced. It's as if an affable uncle is reading a story badly. Wrong choice, especially when there are such good Wodehouse interpreters out there (e.g., Jarvis, Mordern, Carmichael, etc). Wodehouse is, of course, wonderful, but choose another edition.

This unabridged set of audio cassettes is narrated by Alexander Spencer and provides a particularly enjoyable way to experience these marvelous P.G. Wodehouse stories. The Jeeves stories were intended to be read as written-down musical comedy or farces, and a dramatization helps accentuate that delightful aspect of their development.

Wodehouse thought that you could either start by writing from life or start from humor. He chose the later, and you'll be glad he did.

This set of cassettes features the stories: Jeeves and The Song of Songs; The Inferiority Complex of Old Sippy; The Kid Clementina; Indian Summer of An Uncle, The Yuletide Spirit; and The Impending Doom. Each story involves Bertram (Bertie) Wooster and Jeeves as they assist in bring couples together (or keeping them together). In most cases, Bertie gets involved out of family obligations, but friendships also draw him in. He is a very loyal person, and quickly rushes to the rescue (usually by asking Jeeves what to do). I recommend that you listen to the set of audio cassettes called Jeeves Takes Charge prior to listening to these, for those stories precede these in chronological order and include the story of when Bertie and Jeeves first met.

If you don't know Bertie and Jeeves, let me fill you in a bit. Bertie is a gentleman who lives off the family money, and enjoys a bit of a carouse. What? He's the most vapid of a particularly vapid group of aristocrats, and this provides room for lots of upper class humor. Bertie is our narrator, and we become part of the early 20th century life in titled Britain through entering his social circle. Most of what happens to him is unexpected to him and to us, and is hilariously funny.

Jeeves is the brainest of the brainy, a sort of Sherlock Holmes in livery (he's Bertie's Gentleman's Gentleman), who is constantly finding solutions to the silly countratemps the effete gentry land themselves into. He's not above accepting a gift of a few pounds for his trouble, and is used to getting his way.

Here are some of the scrapes that friends and relatives have gotten themselves into: a chum falls for a woman he has just met, tossing Bertie's cousin in the process; another pal has fallen for a wonderful woman, but hasn't got the nerve to tell her so; a casual female acquaintance Bertie has been smitten with in the past persuades Bertie to take her and her cousin out to dinnerand then take the cousin back to school after curfew; an ancient uncle falls for a young waitress at his club; Bertie decides to take revenge on his chum for an old slight with hilarious complications; and another of Bertie's old friends loses his household money for the next six weeks at the races and needs a temporary tutoring job in order to keep out of trouble with his wife.

In some of these stories, Bertie bridles at following Jeeves' lead. As a result, Bertie develops his own harebrained schemes that leave him up in the air several times unexpectedly. The complications are unusually humorous and add many pleasures to your reading or hearing of the stories.

After you having finished laughing along with and at Bertie, think about where your own ego may cause you to try to prove yourself able . . . where other are more able. Most people feel uncomfortable around those who are more intelligent than they. If you hire or work with such people, doesn't that really show good intelligence on your part, of the most practical sort? Don't spoil it by insisting on your own way, when you are up the creek without a paddle. Yell for help instead!

Right ho!