This book is not technical and does not give any instructions on healing. It is basically a story of a healer and his life with his wonderful gift. It is truely inspirational and moving. It gives hope and leaves a lasting impression on your soul. I'm actually meeting the author tomarrow and he will be doing a healing on me. I am very exited to talk with him and feel his energy! In the book his healing sounds very powerful and enLightening! Definately one that I would recommend to anyone with an open mind and heart!!

Gene Egidio's book is nothing less than extraordinary.Beyond exciting reading; it's all true. This work transcends all worlds of taboo and occultism. The directness and simplicity of his writing are the foundation blocks that make this work truely rich.I give this book 5 stars.

This book was great. It tells of a man who was thought to be possessed because of his healing abilities. An inspirational book that should be read by all. It makes you wish you had his healing abilities...

An affirmation is a statement of truth which one aspires to absorb into his life. It has been said that we are what we eat. It would be truer to say, "We are what we think." ~J. Donald Walters

Affirmations can heal your mind and body. Since 1948, J. Donald Walters has been studying and practicing the ancient science of concentration and meditation known as Raja Yoga. You do not have to actually practice Yoga in order to enjoy or benefit from his knowledge. You may enjoy the affirmation and not say the prayers (To Cosmic Energy, God, Divine Mother, Spirit, Lord, Heavenly Father) or just enjoy reading the passage on the left explaining the fifty-two basic subjects. You can take what you need from this book and enhance your life. You could adapt the prayers to your own religious beliefs.

Within this tiny book you will find a passage, an affirmation and a prayer for: Success, Energy, Immortality, Humility, Sharing, Consideration for Others, Inspiration, Joy, Discrimination, Humor, Truthfulness, Happiness, Forgiveness, Courage, Non-attachment, Self-confidence, Acceptance, Positive Thinking, Love, Service, Work, Contentment, Introspection, Calmness, Wisdom, Concentration, Security, Self-control, Will Power, Generosity, Awareness, Moral Vigor, Willingness, Patience, Renunciation, Enthusiasm, Devotion, Openness, Even-Mindedness, Self-expansion, Power, Income, Good Health, Peace of Mind, Perseverance, Practicality, Gratitude, Kindness, Alertness, Non-injury, God-Remembrance, High-Mindedness.

I especially enjoyed reading the topic of "Acceptance." Here we learn that this is one of the most difficult lessons in life and the author explains how we waste so much energy wishing our lives were different. He explains how we can accept what comes into our lives as coming from God.

The Affirmation: "I accept with calm impartiality whatever comes my way. Free in my heart, I am not conditioned by any outward circumstance."

I also enjoyed reading the section on "Immortality" and thinking of myself as a "child of eternity." When you think of death as being a change and not an "end" it does not seem as frightening unless you are still wondering where your soul will end up.

The section on "Joy" and "Happiness" is enlightening and very true.

J. Donald Walters believes in affirmations which are repeated with deep concentration. The words are then carried into the subconscious and can change us on levels of the mind in which we have little conscious control.

To heal yourself, you may have to set your inner conflicts in order and start to think differently about your life.

I have also enjoyed reading: "Secrets of Emotional Healing" by the same author.

"Affirmations for Self-Healing" is a book to keep on your bedside table to read in quiet moments of reflection perhaps while listening to "Relax: Meditations for Flute and Cello" composed by Donald Walters.

The learned writer from Portland, Oregon seems to have missed out in his school lessons what a book review should consist of. He has made his dislike of the author quite clear, but other than his childish attack on the editing I found nothing to give me any inkling what the book can or cannot give me. Luckily I had already read the book, so I can give my own review. The book is a fine example of affirmations, how and when to use them, with an added point of using prayer along with them. There are 52 affirmations and prayers so you can use one a week for a year. I found many of these affirmations to have a strong effect in my life. Don't let the small minority of Donald Walters hate mongers turn you away from a wonderful author. Here is an affirmation that our friend in Oregon could use. "The whole world is my home and the human race, my family. With God's kindness I embrace all men.

P.S. I really think the review should stick to just that, and not be used to further the anger of a few. This seems to fall under the atacking the author catagory.

A little jewel of a book with a user friendly format that allows it to be used as a real handbook. It's set up with an inspiring and helpful chapter on how to use affirmations in the most effective way, then it goes on to present fifty-two different qualities with corresponding affirmations. Mr. Walters, in his descriptions of the qualities, provides the reader with deep insights which aid in focusing the affirmations with the appropriate awareness and intent.

I've personally gained a lot from using quite a few of these affirmations and I've also found them very beneficial in working with others in my position as a counselor.

A very practical book for healing!

Finally...an anthem for beauty and meaning in the arts!

I sent a copy of this book, in an early manuscript edition, to Sir Kenneth Clark, the late doyen of British art historians. Lord Clark thanked me, remarking that he'd "found myself much in agreement with it."

And, no wonder; where Clark ferreted meaning from the clutter of Western art in his celebrated television series, "Civilisation," Walters's subject is even wider: the arts as a force for personal change. And he's found a marvelously clarifying key in the concept of Self-realization.

Pick up a puppet by the head, and everything becomes order; lift it by an arm and it's a jumble. Similarly, Walters shows that if we grasp the arts from the focusing perspective of human fulfillment, we'll have free sailing. At least, if we understand where human fulfillment actually lies. And Walters is sublimely qualified to talk about human potentials. In an alternate persona, he's known Swami Kriyananda--one of the most prolific and lucid interpreters of oriental philosophy and spirituality for the West.

When I was at Stanford in the '60s, I wish I'd had "Art as a Hidden Message," because it would have saved me a great deal of time. This book is quite amazing for the way it finds the essences in philosophy, the arts, and spiritual practice; and Walters makes it all immensely enjoyable. With such a vast subject before him, you'd think he'd run out of breath, but he never does. This is Michael Jordan of the mind.

"Art as a Hidden Message" is a great Groovy Book. I suspect Walters will eventually be honored as brilliant synthesizing minds. That's okay, but don't wait--this is a stunningly universal, immensely satisfying book.

What an inspiration for creative people everywhere, and certainly a guide, not only to self-realization, but also a practical foundation for anyone searching for what art, or indeed, any expression of life, means.

Nearly 20 years ago, I sent an early edition of this book (titled "Meaning in the Arts") to the late Lord Kenneth Clark, doyen of British art historians. The renowned author of the "Civilisation" book and TV series courteously responded, saying that he found himself "much in agreement" with Walters's views.

Despite its somewhat "new-agey" title (the book is, after all, addressed primarily to working artists, and not to academe), it's the most inspiring and profoundly insightful book I've ever read about the arts. Definitely, it has the power to help return the arts, and society, to a sense of meaning. After Lord Clark's "Civilisation" was published, numerous readers wrote to thank him for restoring their sense of meaning, to the extent that he'd dissuaded them from committing suicide. "Art as a Hidden Message" has that kind of power. I'm confident that Lord Clark, were he alive today, would find himself still in agreement with the views expressed in this much-expanded editions.

"It is urgent also that mankind seek a deeper-than-rational understanding of life. For as human knowledge grows, it encompasses other cultures and other ways of thinking. This expansion of awareness cannot but convince people of the truth and beauty of other great religious teachings." ~Swami Kriyananda

Although J. Donald Walters was raised as an Episcopalian, he was later initiated into an Indian monastic order and took the spiritual name, Swami Kriyananda. Through his teaching he challenges the reader to attain a deeper form of belief. He often contrasts real spirituality with the outward show of pomp and ceremony.

The author encourages a deeper understanding of what you believe. It is not enough to say you believe, you must "live out your faith."

I've been very impressed with his "Secrets of" series. They are little books that can really help you change the way you are thinking so you can be more successful, peaceful or fulfilled as a human being living on this uncertain planet.

In all the uncertainty, J. Donald Walters brings us to some of the most important ideas Jesus taught and compares them with teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Walters explains the Bible in ways you can't even imagine are possible. Yet, in the end it makes complete sense. I loved his explanation of how God is the "Word."

J. Donald Walters says that everything in this book is consistent with Paramhansa Yoganda's actual writing, so he says it is not really his book, but rather a disciples attempt to present his guru's teachings in a way as to reach a wider audience. Yogananda's mission is to show the underlying oneness of the Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna (representing God) and Arjuna (a devotee/aspirant toward divine union). I was amazed by the sheer poetic beauty of the text.

The Contents Include:

Part I - The Eternal Christ
The Eternal Word: Key to Manifested Existence
What is the Source of Life?

Why is the Light "Incomprehensible" to Darkness?
The Incarnation
"The Only Begotten" - Why?
Receptivity: they key to Spiritual Development
Divine Grace vs. Divine Law
Can God Be Know?

Part II - The Instruments of Recognition
How to Study the Scriptures
Finding a True Teacher
How to Relate to a Master
Heaven Is Our Birthright!
Imperfection Is of the Ego- Perfection Is of the Soul

Part III- Son of Man: Son of God?
Who is This Son of Man?
Resurrection, and the Meaning of Divine Tests

Part IV- The Soul's Ascent
The Way Beckons
"Works" That Lead to Perfection
"Be Ye Therefore Perfect!"
Restlessness vs. God-Centeredness
The "On Thing Needful."
The Inner Way of Pilgrimage
The Inner Kingdom
How Devotees Fall
How Devotess Can Rise Again
The Eternal Present
The Redeeming Light

Index of Bible Quotations
Index of Bhagavad Gita Quotations
Index of Quotations by Paramhansa Yogananda

Most of the book does seem to focus on the teachings of Christ. It is important to note that the author believes in reincarnation. Rather interesting theories on this subject. He also has some thoughts on Astrology and its origins. There are ideas you may accept or reject, however the explanations are always entertaining and often enlightening.

He talks about the Divine Consciousness which is the true life which enlightens human minds and speaks of a time where there will be more cooperation's between the world's religions. He seems to promote a unity of all religious beliefs and explains how the quest for divine truth is the essence of all religions.

"Love is not great because Jesus loved. Jesus, rather was great because he demonstrated so perfectly the quality of love." pg. 25

Is there a way to know all the happiness and fulfillment you have ever craved?
Should our goal in life be to know God?
What is the Christ Consciousness?
Who can satisfy our deepest longing for divine love?
What did Jesus really mean when he said: "Let the dead bury the dead."
How long should you meditate?

In a time when religion has become one of the most neglected of human concerns, this book will help to recharge your soul and lift up your spiritual consciousness.

A fascinating explanation of ancient scriptures. A book you will want to read at least twice!

The time for knowing God has come. ~Paramhansa Yogamamda

Spiritually Healing.

Ably written J. Donald Walters who, as Swami Kriyananda, founded the Ananda network of spiritual communities, The Promise Of Immortality: The True Teaching Of The Bible And The Bhagavad Gita is an in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages both in the Bible and in The Bhagavad Gita. Passages on Jesus Christ, the soul's ascent to redemption, and overcoming the flaws of one's own ego in religious study are all discussed in this thought-provoking, heavily researched and deeply spiritual analysis that earned the rank of Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's "Book of the Year" award. The Promise Of Immortality is highly recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Ably written J. Donald Walters who, as Swami Kriyananda, founded the Ananda network of spiritual communities, The Promise Of Immortality: The True Teaching Of The Bible And The Bhagavad Gita is an in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages both in the Bible and in The Bhagavad Gita. Passages on Jesus Christ, the soul's ascent to redemption, and overcoming the flaws of one's own ego in religious study are all discussed in this thought-provoking, heavily researched and deeply spiritual analysis that earned the rank of Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's "Book of the Year" award. The Promise Of Immortality is highly recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita.

I had every intention of majoring in accounting when I started college. This was the textbook used in my first two accounting classes, and I was quite pleased. The book is incredibly user-friendly. It reads like a regular book, and doesn't just beat you over the head with facts as most textbooks do. However, this doesn't mean it is all fluff. The information presented is clear and concise. As you read the book even gives real world applications of "Accounting in Action", applicable to the material in the chapter. Some of these examples are fascinating.

Here's how much I like this book... I am taking a cost accounting class now and when I get confused by something in that book I refer to the last chapter in Accounting Principles, which is Managerial Accounting. And more often than not I get a better explanation.

An Excellent text to complement the teaching of financial accounting fundamentals. Reccomended on a 100%.

Prof. Graziano Maldonado, Jr.
East University
A Member of the Ana G. Mendez University System

"The secret of friendship is never belittling a friend's enthusiasms." - Day Twelve

If you have the desire to be a better friend or have a friend who would enjoy a mini-book about friendship, I can recommend this to you.

Not only does J. Donald Walters give some very unique ideas, he draws on deep principles and is a keen observer of human interaction.

The Secret Books are part of a series of "seed thoughts." Two pages are offered for a day of the month. You can read the saying several times and with each repetition, the words will become absorbed more deeply into your subconscious.

J. Donald Walters starts the book in a practical way by giving the first secret and explaining the type of friends you want to choose. If your friends are not sincere and loyal then you may be pouring your life into leaking vessels and find your time essentially spent mopping up spills.

Besides marriage, keeping friendships vibrant, alive and interesting may be one of the most difficult tasks. You really do have to work at being a good friend. The best friends are very accepting of you as a soul and are willing to help you overcome your perilous ways. In fact, they care enough to tell you the truth even if it hurts. Although, at times we tend to like the friends who baby us and shield us from the truth. We like some friends to be a refuge from the storm.

The author presents Friendship in an open and free way.

"The secret of friendship is accepting your friends as they are, and not trying to re-create them in your image, or according to your own desires." -Day Nine

You may also enjoy: "Secrets of Emotional Healing"

I happened upon this book purely by accident, it was in the waiting room of my massage therapist. What moved me about this book, it isn't full of syrupy "goody-goody" stuff but pratical objectives and goals one can set for themselves to be both a good friend and to have and keep good friends. It'll take you about 20 minutes to read this book, but the thoughts wil last well beyond that.

Donald Walters presents a very short, practical guide to being an effective manager.

This guide is drawn from the psychological/spiritual laws that underpin human relations. This is in sharp contrast to the current fad for down home, concocted anecdotes and repackings of the obvious that lure the unwary traveler in airport books stores.

The end-of-chapter check lists are particularly practical and useful.

If you want to make yourself and your team more effective, this is the book to have.

This book should be retitled: "Directional Relativity--Key to Values for an Energy Age."

The present title is simply too academically dry to do justice to the contents, which are rich with humor and easily comprehended by a lay audience--even though it deals with the main currents of philosophical thought in this century.

What Walters does is simply to show how the same findings of modern science upon which nihilists such as Sartre have created a life-denying "philosophy" of meaninglessness, can be more sensibly re-interpreted as reflecting a deep, expansive meaning in the cosmos.

Walters offers the individual a basis for hope. Values--that endless, chaotic battleground for intellectuals, city planners, and talk-show hosts--Walters lays out clearly: values relative, but they're also directional. A lazy slob is doing a "good thing" when he gets a job as a used-car salesman; but for Gandhi, the same action would have constituted a great fall. Saints and slobs have different priorities, but the direction both must follow to achieve happiness is toward expansion of awareness, which always produces a sense of increased inner freedom and joy.

I wish I'd found this book in college; I'd have stopped reading long, boring, pretentious, hyper-intellectual tomes in fruitless search for meaning!

I found this book Extremely helpful for learning meditation. It presents the principles of yoga meditation in an absolutely non-sectarian context. The ancient practice of meditation, in fact, is non-sectarian, as is so cleary portrayed in this book. The approach in the book is based on the Eightfold path of Patanjali- a non-sectarian approach if there ever was one.

Walters supports his teaching with examples from different meditation paths, including (but not limited to) his own teacher, Yogananda. Meditation is presented cleary, simply, without dogma, and without any of the woo-woo new age stuff that's so common today. Yoga meditation is, after all, ancient rather than new.

Even though Walters draws upon the ancient teachings of India, he presents meditation in a context that is easily approachable to modern people.

His connection to the Ananda communities is clearly mentioned on the cover- the previous reviewer apparently is confused about this and other aspects of this excellent guide to meditation.

This book offers a thoughtful, creative, and practical approach to meditation as a practice and as a way of life. Obviously based on wisdom of a high order and drawn from a distant past, it is at the same time relevant, intelligent, well written, and even humorous. It is very inspiring and shows the writer, Walters, to be a person of sensitivity and realized wisdom.

Walters offers many helpful hints for meditators of all paths, novice or experienced. Even though he is the founder of Ananda (as clearly explained on the back cover), his approach is completely non-sectarian. I would highly recommend this book as an appropriate gift for a friend who meditates, or to give your own practice a boost.

This book gives further insight into Yogananda's life and teachings. It is written by one of his main students, who spent much personal time with him, and assisted Yogananda in putting his writings into finished form. Kriyananda (the author's spiritual name) tells how he, as a westerner, finds his spiritual path, and what he goes through as he follows it It is well written and enjoyable.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. Donald Walters {Swami Kriyananda} makes God not only more understandable, but treats Him in a manner we don't always see; as a friend and mentor, a constant loving companion who is enjoying His grand drama of life and death, pleasure and pain, good and bad, through each one of us. {Actually I should have said enjoying Herself, As Walters often speaks of God as the Divine Mother, the feminine aspect of Divinity}.

If you have read "The Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda, "The Path"is the perfect companion piece, for it pictures Yogananda as Yogananda himself could not, as a being of pure Light and Divinity, a Yogi-Christ walking amongst us. If you have yet to read Yogananda's autobiography, it will be next on your list.
Believe me, the God spoken of in the "The Path" is a God we can all relate to. A warm, personal God, full of love and compassion for each one of us. A God of Ecstatic Bliss of whom we are all part; our seeming separation only a minor, and very temporary circumstance. A God who is gently bringing each of us, step-by-step, back to our true home in the ever new joy of pure Spirit. [The new edition of this book is entitled "The Path: One Man's Quest on the Only Path There Is."]

I have always wanted to know more about Yogananda, and this book certainly provides it, in detail. Whereas Yogananda talked about the miracles involved with eastern mysticism in his "Autobiography of a Yogi", Kriyananda shows the western world how one can bring the higher principles of yoga into practical manifestation. This book gives a first-hand account of what it was like to live with one of the great masters of yoga (Yogananda)and all its challenging implications. Anyone who is interested in yoga or the spiritual path will find this book inspiring. What is even more fascinating is how Kriyananda went on to selflessly serve his guru through the creation of the Ananda World Brotherhood Colony. It is obvious that Yogananda and Kriyananda are very close and that Yogananda has been able to "continue" many of his visions for society through the willing instrument of Kriyananda. This in itself lends inspiration and encouragement for one's own spiritual path.