Review Of Literature
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
Yoga And Ayurveda (1999) by David Frawley is written in a clear and concise way, and is an excellent and thorough introduction to these ancient sciences. The information is well organized and entertaining, and written in such a way as to allow transparency, for the reader, of the highly complex concepts which make up the wisdom of Indian science. The following is from the cover: Yoga and Ayurveda form a complete approach for optimal health, vitality, and higher awareness. Yoga & Ayurveda reveals to us the secret powers of the body, breath, senses, mind, and, chakras. More importantly it unfolds transformational methods to work on them through diet, herbs, asana, pranayama, and meditation. This book as the power to change the lives of those who read and apply it.
The book Seven Arrows (1973) by Hyemeyhosts Storm, has an inscription to the reader as follows: If you and I were sitting in a circle of people on the prairie, and if I were then to place a painted drum or an eagle feather in the middle of this circle, each of us would perceive these objects differently.; Our vision of them would vary according to our individual positions in the circle, each of which would be unique... So begins Hyemeyohsts Storm's teaching of the ways f the Great Plains people, the Brotherhood of the Shield, and orderly and peaceful society existing for hundreds of years before the European settlers came to North America. This teaching, through story within story, tells of the great unifying teachings of the Seven Arrows, the Medicine Wheel, the Vision Quest, and the Sundance. This book is a doorway into this very deep and sacred way, telling of the metaphorical aspects of the stories,giving us a key to the oral traditions, steeped in wisdom, which made these people and their culture one of the most peaceful, compassionate, and successful societies in recorded history. These teachings are timeless, and apply here and now. They are for all people, and can be understood at many levels. This book is highly recommended to all.
A Master Guide to Meditation (1984), by Roy Eugene Davis, describes in-depth the process that Roy Eugene Davis teaches in order to successfully meditate, as well as reach personal fulfillment and spiritual growth goals. Roy Eugene Davis wires in simple and concise language, and presents the esoteric concepts of meditation philosophy in an organized and easy to explore format. Davis was a devotee and personal disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. He is the founder and director of Center For Spiritual Awareness, as well as the author of many books and the publisher of Truth Journal Magazine. He travels and lectures worldwide, teaching meditation and spiritual growth methods.
Meditations To Heal Your Life (1984), by Louise L. Hay, is a warm and supportive book, combining meditation with affirmations, two of the most powerful spiritual tools available. Is it filled with beautiful meditations on over 100 different life issues or situations. Some of the issues covered are acceptance, addition, adolescence, changing our thinking, community, control, deserving, elder years, enough for everyone, fear, finances, God, housekeeping, individuality, love, planetary healing, rejection, sexuality, time, violence, and work. Louise Hay is a beloved spiritual teacher who has lectured, taught, and given workshops worldwide, as well as writing many books filled with loving and compassionate teachings on self-acceptance and self-realization. Any book by her is recommended, and this book is no exception.
The Science Of Being And The Art Of Living (1996), by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduces a spiritual process called "transcendental meditation" to the world, in order to honor the author's vision for "spiritual regeneration of the world." A direct descendant of the sacred tradition of India's great masters, he wrote the now classic book The Science Of Being And The Art Of Living. In a very comprehensive and detailed text, he describes his ideas on how transcendental meditation can being about a state of greater awareness, mental lucidity, physical connectedness, vibrant health, and the ability to live a peaceful, powerful, joyful, effective life. He discusses transcendental meditation as being the vehicle by which one can realize the "transcendental field of absolute existence." This book is written with a scholarly tone, is well-organized, and highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand life's greater meaning. In Meditation (no date indicated), Wendi Momen describes the creation of his book as "A group of Baha'is and friends began to meet fortnightly to explore different forms of meditation and relaxation, using as the focus of our Meditation the Baha'i scriptures. This book is the product of those gatherings. Some of the topics covered are What Is Meditation, Meditation Techniques, as well as several sections studying Baha'i scriptures as they relate to meditation. Included in this is a section called Great Questions, in which the timeless questions of man, such as the reality of the spirit of man, the inner life of the spirit, as well as the spirit's fate after the ascension from the body, are covered.
The Way Of The Shaman (1990) by Michael Harner is the classic introduction to modern shamanism, including the history and origin, and practical information on how to begin your own shamanic journey. Michael Harner is considered a world-class teacher of modern shamanism. He is the founder and director of The Foundation For Shamanic Studies, and has practiced shamanism and shamanic healing for over 25 years.
In The Way Of Zen (1957) Allen W. Watts writes about the history and origin of Zen Meditation, with its strong Taoist roots, and then, coming from a Western perspective, explores and comments on this deep spiritual practice, from its principles to its application. Watts perfectly balances his writing between Western scientific language, and the symbolic and mystical language of Eastern writing. The Way Of Zen is an important book for the Westerner exploring Zen philosophy. Alan Watts spent decades lecturing, teaching, and studying religion and philosophy. His area of interest was Eastern religion and thought, and at the age of 20 he wrote his first book on the subject, The Spirit Of Zen.
Meditation, Man-Perfection In God-Satisfaction (1978), Sri Chinmoy is a renowned author, artist, poet, athlete, spiritual leader, and peace visionary who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of world harmony and to the fulfillment of the unlimited potential of the human spirit. He is the inspiration behind several peace initiatives which have brought together millions of people worldwide in the spirit of friendship and Oneness. This book covers such topics as Why Do We Meditate, How Do I Start, Preparing Yourself To Meditate, Quieting The Mind, Discovering Your Treasure Within, and The Essence Of Aum. Much practical advice is given in a question and answer format, with Sri Chinmoy answering all sorts of questions about meditation in a gentle, loving, consistent, and firm way.
The book The Spiral Dance (1999) by Starhawk is considered a classic of the modern Goddess movement. It includes history and ancient lore, as well as modern applications of the "old religion," its symbology, mythology, and ritual teachings. This book is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in learning bout the religion of the Great Mother. Starhawk is a world-renowned teacher, social activist, and priestess of the goddess religion. She has written and so-written nine books, including The Spiral Dance.
If you want to skim the surface of meditation practice, either just out of curiosity, or to find a practice which attracts you, The Best Guide To Meditation (1998), by Victor N Davich, is a great tool. This book is a condensed reference of many meditation practices. It presents a light and entertaining, though somewhat tongue in cheek, look at worldwide meditation practices throughout history. Most information is fairly accurate, but for the serious practitioner, further study is recommended.
Rajidner Singh is considered by many to be one of the world's greatest spiritual teachers. He is an internationally recognize teacher of meditation, a direct successor in the lineage of Sant Kirpal Singh, and the current president of The World Council Of Religions. In Inner And Outer Peace Through Meditation (2003), Singh has created a gentle guide for practitioners of meditation. With a tone of wise compassion, he creates a tapestry of beautiful words, describing a practice with the potential to lead one to a lasting experience of peace and happiness. With a forward by the Dalai Lama, this book brings the reader into the presence of this wonderful teacher.
Empowering Your Soul Through Meditation (2003) by Rajinder Singh, is another beautiful text from this master. In Empowering Your Soul Through Meditation, Singh gives us a comprehensive and engaging teaching on coming into full realization of the soul, using meditation as a tool.
The Inner Guide Meditation: A Spiritual Technology For The 21st Century (1988) by Edwin C Steinbrecher is a very interesting book, and if you are studying in astrology, it is highly recommended. Steinbrecher is a well-known and highly respected astrologer, who pioneered the process of meditation in order to connect with inner guides. This book shows how to connect with the inner guides and, using the archetypes of tarot, as well as the energies of astrology, tap into inner wisdom in order to integrate the shadow self and become whole.
In this book, The Art Of Meditation (1956), Joel S Goldsmith teaches of the vital practice of prayer, as a way to experience directly the presence of God, and bring this presence into daily life. Joel Goldsmith is a spiritual healer and Christian mystic. Throughout his life, he spent many years in silent prayer with people, writing about the insight he received.
Breath By Breath: The Liberating Practice Of Insight Meditation (1998), by Larry Rosenberg, tells us "to contemplate breathing is to contemplate life itself." He takes the Buddha's sutra on breathing, and using these teachings, creates an enlightening look at the important of breath in meditation. He uses many entertaining anecdotes from his years of practice and teaching. Rosenberg has been a longtime instructor of insight meditation. Breath By Breath: The Liberating Practice Of Insight Meditation is recommended for anyone seeking to get in touch with the rhythms of the breath of life.
How To Meditation, A Guide To Self Discovery (1974) was authored by Lawrence Le Shan. Lawrence Le Shan was a practicing psychotherapist, who was a pioneer in the exploration of the therapeutic benefits of meditation. This is a beginner's book, in which Le Shan gives his thoughts on how to nevigate the metaphysical realm to gain psychological health from the practice of meditation. Le Shan litter understanging of the spiritual depth of this practice (in one section, he debunks the ethieric or energetic body and chakras chaiming they are somewhat psychologically harmful creations of the imagination) and endeavors to share his vision of the marriage of this practice of spiritual seeking, with scientific thinking. This book is used in this course because it contains some good examples of specific meditaitons.