"Yoga Pathway to the divine", a nice book by Paramahansa Prajnananda

Just completed reading second book by the same author. It is clear, that it is written by a person from own personal experiences and not just a 'routine presentation or a discourse by uninitiated' This difference has made book simpler and accurate guide. Obviously more like a text book for his deciples yet equally useful to regular readers. It was published a few years ago on 93rd birthday of his guru, Paramahansa Hariharanand. We all have 'political' mind- A nice way to highlight need for 'spiritual' mind if any worthwhile progress is to be made in serious persuit of Kriya Yoga.

A soccer-ball gets kicked as long as it is inflated. Not otherwise. We are inflated by ego. No one would kick us if we are not inflated.

Wonderful book: "Empires of Indus" by Alice Albinia

Very interesting account of her journey from the mouth of Indus on Arabian Sea till the origin of the river ine western Tibet, near the Mount Kailash. More impressive is her historical coverage of the areas she traverssed, her courage to travel in those remote and 'out-of-bound' areas. One thing stands out, humans are all same everywhere, help came forth to her from all those seemingly deadly places. Many things mentioned by her struck me as dejavu; remarkably, two: the gutter cleaners of Karachi and the rock-carving in Kargil depicting a pregnant male giant, presumably, King Yuvanashwa; father of great King Mandhata. A must read book; I am full of appreciation for this girl, Alice, who was just perhaps 26 and having written this book with so many references covering wide variety of subjects.

Book "Saraswati's Children": Alan Machado (Prabhu)

History of Manglorean Christians is attempted to be unearthed by the author. Seems to be an admiral effort. Book is rich with quotes from authoritative ancient documents. Book was published in 2002, however I chanced to see it only recently. Author has referred to injustice and atrocitiies unleashed on Christians by Tipu sultan and other Muslim kings.

Hindu Sarasvat Brahmin were converted by Portuguese and others into Christianity. However they retain pride of being from the 'Sarasvat' stock and hence this title of the book. Hindu Goddess Sarasvati is a Goddess of Knowledge and fine arts, the adjective 'Sarasvat' (meaning follower of knowledge Goddess) lends them a some sort of respect.

 

Super brain Yoga

How interesting: This was the very thing our teachers were asking us to do, when we failed to perform in the school. It was as a punishment, but not really, it was a cure. Look at it!

http://pranichealing.com/video/superbrain-yoga-workout-improve-brain

Book: Eat Pray, Love by Eliza Gilbert

A rather nice reading, covering her 2006 travels to Italy, India and Indonesia. Her references to Hinduism made it more intersting. The book is a best seller and being made into film. I am prompted to write this as its review has appeared in the New York Times of 7th January 2010, just two days back (while I had read it much earlier).

"Antasthah Brahmand" (The Universe Within) A Book by Paramahansa Prajnananda

Today it was a re-reading. A small 100 page book written by Swami Prajnanananda, spiritual head of Kriya Yoga international organization. A great book, very informative on seven chakras. Book is in Hindi language but I know that it was translated from original work in English by the title, "The Universe Within". It is inteesting to see what organs of the body are connected with each chakra and activating which chakra enhences certain abilities. Beware: It is essential to practice under the supervision of empowered yogi for real benefits.

"Eating Animals", a book by Jonathan Safran Foer

“Eating Animals” by Jonathan Safran Foer. Read review of this book (Review published in Los Angeles Times-Washington Post). Seemed very interesting

“With all the studies on animal agriculture, pollution, toxic chemicals in factory-farmed animals and exposes of the appalling cruelty to animals, we can’t plead ignorance, only indifference”

“Food is not rational. Food is culture, habit and identity. For some, that irrationality leads to a kind of resignation. Think your way through it. Define the terms, Choose your priorities. You have that luxury”

Author recalls an episode from the life of his grandmother during the war. (Reviewer calls it as “Strongest part of the book”. Apparently it was a time of food scarcity and uncertainties. She was not sure if she could make it to another day. A farmer, a Russian sees her condition, goes into his house and comes back with a piece of meat.
“He saved your life”
“I didn’t eat it”
“What, it wasn’t Kosher?”
“Of course”
“But not even to save your life?”
“If nothing matters, there is nothing to save”

FOR MORE INFO:

http://www.eatinganimals.com

or

http://www.amazon.com/Eating-Animals-Jonathan-Safran-Foer/dp/0316069906

My book, "Bhagavad Gita and Hinduism, what everyone should know"

My book has gone in for printing and hopefully first copies would be despatched to me by the publisher.

We understand the world around us (including Hinduism, Hindus and Hindu Literature) using logic at our disposal. Imagine for a moment, if the logic for which we are proud and what makes our personality was flawed?

This book clarifies many topics. One can then view the world in a different light. How does your computer feel, once the virus and bugs are removed by your virus scan.

Did you know for example that there is no 'Satan' in Hinduism and that 'good' and 'bad' are so utterly confusing?

And that Hindus do not have concept of 'Lord' or 'Malik' who 'owns' and 'controls', who gives 'commandments' and whose instructions are 'inviolable'?

And that there are no commandments in Hinduism? And that they are not needed?

And why is it that Cow is holy?