13. Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation by Lea Terhune
|
Karmapa - The Politics of Reincarnation by Lea Terhune. On one
hand, an in-depth account of how successive lamas in Tibet are chosen,
generation to generation, and on the other hand we are given an
in-depth look into the lives of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje
(1924-1981), and the current 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje, born
in 1985.
Tibetan Buddhism is the religion the Karmapas live and preserve by rigorous and long years spent in its study and practice.
Myself, like other westerners, it seems, are curious and ripe for the
philosophies and practices of Tibetan Buddhism - meditation and
chanting included.
With world peace seeming to elude our planet at this time, the insight
these holy men bring to the world table is just what we need to nurture
our souls and spirits.
Throughout the book we get views now and then of how His Holiness the
14th Dalai Lama has been instrumental in preserving the lineage of
Karmapas. I enjoyed reading glimpses into this great spiritual leader
told in a personable way.
The text is illustrated with many photos of the 16th and 17th Karmapas
and their Heart Sons - other high lamas who reincarnate as Karmapas'
closest disciples to extend the work of Tibetan Buddhism.
Even though I consider this basically a scholarly text, for all the
detailed insight into the process of finding and maintaining the
lineage of Karmapas, Lea Terhune has woven in the personal side of the
process of choosing reincarnations so effectively, that the book reads
as a good novel.
I spent several late nights with this fast-paced book keeping me company; it was hard to put down!
Details - 308 pages by Wisdom Publications; 8.9 by 6.1 inch paperback; ISBN: 0861711807
Here is a link to Amazon.com for online purchasing
Karmapa of Tibet: The Politics of Reincarnation by Lea Terhune
| 14. Kite Runner, The by Khaled Hosseini
|
This first novel and best seller,
The Kite Runner, by Khaled
Hosseini may not be about meditation, but it is certainly a book to
meditate upon for its plethora of examples of developing personal
character.
The story takes place in Afghanistan and the United States, two very
different cultures and climates in many ways. Without giving the plot
away we get to feel like we are part of the family beginning in its
earliest days in the homeland of Afghanistan when times were okay -
before the arrival and devastation wrought by the Taliban.
The Kite Runner really takes us on a run, a fast track into the
intimate family life of the main character, Amir, from his early
privileged life, through struggles that one may confront coming face to
face with self-preservation.
I feel Mr. Hosseini's novel is a study in human nature while portraying
a break in character in-depth. The outer events are just what we need
to see how the human ego interferes with the development of right and
true virtues. This kind of tug of war is what we all face growing up to
a greater or lesser degree.
But still, we all are faced with spending our time becoming greater
souls internally, or staying on the surface of life concerning
ourselves more with acquiring possessions to the detriment of those
around us if necessary. It is the kind of book you don't want to lay
aside; it kept me on the edge of my seat hoping at each turn in events
that Amir would do the 'right' thing when faced with those choices.
Life is not so easy, it is not always clear-cut how to act for the best
in all situations. In this novel we get to see the results of Amir's
choices and how they impact his life at the moment and later on.
If we keep in mind, that as in real life we are all interconnected in
many ways, we will not be too surprised to find the author using twists
and turns of connection to tell his tale. It is certainly a worthwhile
read for all truth seekers and those wanting a further understanding of
human nature.
Highest recommendation!
Details - 400 pages paperback; Riverhead Trade (April 27, 2004) ; 7.8 by 5.1 by 1.1 inches; ISBN-10: 1594480001 ISBN-13: 978-1594480003
To order from Amazon.com go to
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
| 15. Left Behind Series, The by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye |
Written by Jerry B. Jenkins, conceived by Tim LaHaye, the books called
the "Left Behind" series are a monumental collection of Christian
futuristic fiction, based mainly on the Biblical Book of Revelations.
The fictional characters and plot revolve around real quotes from the
Old and New Testament of the Bible. Reading the 13 books, numbers 1 to
12 plus the sequel, can be confusing to the reader trying to separate
fact from fiction. The facts being the Bible verses, the fiction being
the characters that weave the author's tale of what might happen from
the time of the Rapture and afterward on earth and in heaven.
The main characters are with us throughout the series in their
life-changing roles and for some, their change of bodily composition
after the Rapture. But I don't want to give away too much about that as
I found this part of the fictional portrayal very creative. I've always
been curious about how a natural earthly body could be different from a
Glorified Body.
My own background is Catholic and in my middle years I stretched to
embrace the interfaith movement in the Catholic Church. So, I think the
series could hurt the feelings of those of other world faiths as it has
no ecumenical spirit; no acceptance of other belief systems. Suffice to
say again, that I feel only born-again Christians, or those curious
about those beliefs, would be comfortable reading the books.
But, all the subjective points are my own, and you may really enjoy the
plot and fast moving action. There is hardly a slow-down from beginning
to end; the series might be just the titillation you're looking for. In
my opinion the books are adult reading, because of the amount and
methods of gore.
The book titles are -
One : Left Behind
Two : Tribulation Force
Three : Nicolae
Four : Soul Harvest
Five : Appollyon
Six : Assassins
Seven : The Indwelling
Eight : The Mark
Nine : Desecration
Ten : The Remnant
Eleven : Armageddon
Twelve : Glorious Appearing
The Sequel : Kingdom Come
The "Left Behind" books are from Tyndale House Publishers, Incorporated.
My books arrived in a big box from
Amazon.com, so that is one place that has them all in stock.
| 16. Life After Death - The Burden of Proof by Deepak Chopra |
From cover to cover I was engrossed in Deepak Chopra's
Life After Death - The Burden of Proof.
The title is intriguing and none of us can deny mortal death will come,
but reading this book in its both logical and spiritual
interpretations, including examples from science and many world
religions, gives clues that we go on in consciousness without a mortal
body.
I love that we are led on a story within the story about the wisdom
humankind can learn in the physical and mental incarnation we are
currently partaking in. I won't give details and ruin the story line
but I think it is worth it to read the book for the various levels of
insight presented.
The book is divided into
Part One: Life After Death with
chapters titled: 1. Death at the Door; 2. The Cure for Dying; 3. Death
Grants Three Wishes; 4. Escaping the Noose; 5. The Path to Hell; 6.
Ghosts; 7. The Invisible Thread; 8. Seeing the Soul; 9. Two Magical
Words; 10. Surviving the Storm; 11. Guides and Messengers; 12. The
Dream Continues. Followed by
Part Two: The Burden of Proof: 13. Is Akasha Real?; 14. Thinking Outside the Brain; 15. The Mechanics of Creation; Epilogue: Maha Samadhi.
Here is what Dr. Chopra says about meditation in Chapter 7: "But the
great spiritual guides of the past wanted to reassure their followers
that space wasn't the same as a void. We know this because our own
inner silence isn't a void. It doesn't take dying to go beyond thoughts
and images. When someone meditates deeply enough, thoughts disappear
and leave only the experience of silence."
To me, this is saying consciousness is a viable living condition
whether residing in flesh or not and continues without the presence of
a physical body. But everyone should come to their own conclusions on
this score, and the path while living is accessible through deep
meditation.
What Deepak Chopra gives us in this intensive book is many ways to look
at life and consciousness, and the seen and unseen universe, and then
decide for ourselves what feels right; what makes sense.
My highest recommendation for the serious truth seeker.
Details - 304 pages hardcover; Harmony (October 17, 2006); 9.4 by 6.6 inches; ISBN: 978-0307345785
To order from Amazon.com go to
Life After Death - The Burden of Proof by Deepak Chopra
| 17. Life of Pi by Yann Martel |
Winner of THE Man BOOKER PRIZE 2002 does not begin to describe the rich
style of images and events depicted in Mr. Martel's narration of "Life
of Pi."
The story opens in Pondicherry, India, told through the life of a 16
year-old boy, Pi Patel, whose father owns and runs a zoo, and who has
aspirations for greater wealth and security for his family.
We learn how Pi adapts to his parents' differing attitudes on religion,
and his own strong and ever-growing yearning, and ingenious methods, to
more fully know and love God.
Without giving away the awesome adventure, be prepared to be carried on
a sea voyage upon a tiny boat; you will experience right from where you
are all his trials and tribulations; adventures and insights.
It is a moving experience, uncomfortable as it may be to read the
graphic lines, because the reader feels right in the thick of the scene.
On the deeper level, Pi's experiences hit at the core of every thinking
person's search for meaning in life. And, as he is on the boat a long
time he does not have much else to do, spurring some interesting
creativity to survive.
Pi's ingenuity was a lesson to me that when circumstances are dire, if
I dive deeply into my mind and carefully refect on options, something
entirely new may come to mind. His process of thinking and creating out
of necessity is a model for all.
I loved the images through which the journey is revealed, because to me
even though events seemed to be happening a certain way on the outer
level there was an underlying storyline. Why not judge for yourself and
give it a read!
Recommended!
Here is a link to Amazon.com if you wish to order this book:
"Life of Pi"
| 17a. Light Behind the Angels by Lauren D'Silva |
Light Behind the Angels by Lauren D'Silva is more than a spiritual read,
it details an in-depth process of coming into our full glory as human souls
while still encased in bodies.
Lauren D'Silva shares her own mystical and practical journey
on the path to enlightenment step-by-step in great detail, and in a manner that
lets readers feel they are right there witnessing each transition and
transformation.
Besides following the journey many key aspects of
mystical practices are revealed that would take maybe 10 books to otherwise
learn about.
Ms. D'Silva doesn't hold back on revealing all the
beautiful insight she experiences, right along with stories of when events
didn't go as hoped or expected. And that is real life, not a fairytale of
events, but instead the highs and lows of forward and backward movement toward
the ultimate goal.
You'll learn about the topography of this part of
Great Britain and this really puts you in the place where the author lived. You
can see the towns and landscapes, both. I find that is so important in
understanding the characters in the book. The rich detail paid to describing
places in time also carries readers right to those moments. Also of note is the
writing style which flows smoothly and keeps the reader engaged.
As we
are all connected in the human family you may feel very familiar with the turn
of events as they occur, I know I did. Reading this book is more than one
person's journey, it brings us to what we are all meant to find out about
ourselves as human beings on planet earth, and as souls of the larger universal
family.
This is a must-read for all New Age
travelers!
Details: 236 pages; paperback; Local Legend Publishing
(July 12, 2010); 8.9 by 6 inches; ISBN-10: 1907203168; ISBN-13: 978-1907203169
***
I bought my copy of this book from Amazon.com, and I am
also an associate. Here is the link:
Light
Behind the Angels by Lauren D'Silva
Also available at
Amazon.co.uk:
Light
Behind the Angels by Lauren D'Silva
Review by Susan Helene Kramer
| 18. Love, Medicine and Miracles by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. |
Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned About Self-Healing From A Surgeon's Experience With Exceptional Patients
by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. is a positive approach to healing, and if I
had one phrase to describe it's philosophy I would say the magic bullet
presented is unconditional love.
I have always been a proponent of loving unconditionally; it has worked
so well in my life in times of both sickness and health, bringing a
state of meditative relaxation to me while loving unconditionally and a
harmonious state of mind to the recipient.
This is Dr. Siegel's first book in his series on techniques and ways we
promote our healing and benefit others in their recovery process. It is
also available in other formats listed at the foot of this review.
I was inspired when I first read through this volume - my usual
practice with a new book is to open it to the center and scan to the
front and to the back. But with this book after scanning to the front I
had to immediately stay at the front and start reading because it is
chock full of useful information; a wealth of insight from a
well-respected man in his field.
Even his photo is inspiring, full of light and warmth. And if a picture
is worth a thousand words, Dr. Siegel's is worth many times over that.
As with his photo, his words of wisdom are inspiring and a great help
to anyone coping with catastrophic illness. And as a caregiver at times
in my life I find his advice on tender loving care is right on and
contagious to the patient, lightening their attitude and relaxing their
body.
The book is laid out in two main sections which in themselves speak for
the intertwined nature of the mind and body and their influence on each
other. Part I. MINDING THE BODY and Part II. EMBODYING THE MIND are
appropriate plays on words that characterize their inseparable nature.
Even though I began reading in earnest at the front of the book the
ending was most inspiring reminding us we all die but most of us can
choose our moment if it is after a long period of illness. When we
relax and let go with feelings of love all around us, knowing those we
love will survive because of the love and nurturing we have shown, we
can peacefully let go.
Highly recommended!
Details - 272 pages paperback; Harper Paperbacks (June 6, 1990) ; 8.1 by 5.3 by .7 inches; ISBN-10: 0060919833 ISBN-13: 978-0060919832
Four versions from Amazon.com
The book
Love, Medicine and Miracles by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.
also -
CD-ROM
Audio Cassette
VHS Tape
