From Publisher's Weekly: "[Abbot George] Burke enthusiastically explores the story as a means for knowing oneself, the cosmos, and one's calling within it. His plainspoken insights often distill complex lessons with simplicity and sagacity. Those with a deep interest in the Gita will find much wisdom here." Several thousand years ago in north-central India, two people sat in a chariot in the midpoint of a great battlefield. One of them, the yogi Arjuna, knew that it would be not be long before the conflict would begin. So he asked Krishna, the Master of Yoga (Yogeshwara), what should be his attitude and perspective in this moment. And above all: What should he do?There was no time to spare in empty words. In a brief discourse, later turned into seven hundred Sanskrit verses by the sage Vyasa, Krishna outlined to Arjuna the way to live one’s entire life so as to gain perfect self-knowledge and self-mastery. The Bhagavad Gita tells us that we can attain a Knowing beyond even what it tells us. And it shows us the way. With penetrating insight, Abbot George Burke illumines the Bhagavad Gita's practical value for spiritual seekers, and the timelessness of India's most beloved scripture. With a unique perspective of a lifetime of study and practice of both Eastern and Western spirituality, Abbot George mines the treasures of the Gita and presents them in an easily intelligible fashion for those wishing to put these priceless teachings into practice. Drawing from the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Jesus, Paramhansa Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, Papa Ramdas, and other spiritual masters and teachers, as well as his own experiences, Abbot Burke illustrates the teachings of the Gita with stories which make the teachings of Krishna in the Gita vibrant and living. While Yogananda in his commentary on the Gita, “God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” focuses on the valuable symbolism contained in the Gita, Abbot Burke dwells primarily on the practical aspects, and what aspirants can put into practice here and now on a daily basis. Any student of the Bhagavad Gita will find “The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening” an essential companion in their studies. At times general principles found in the Gita are illumined, and in other places the deeper meanings found in the Sanskrit text are explained word by word so that seekers will have and in-depth understanding of the religion, practices, and culture that those familiar with Indian religion and philosophy take for granted. "A must read for anyone on a spiritual quest for the truth!” —Sailaja Kuruvadi
Abbot George Burke has spent a lifetime helping spiritual aspirants. In his replies to the questions in this book, the reader will discover common sense, helpful information, and a guiding light for their journey through and beyond the forest of cliches, contradictions, and confusion of yoga, Hinduism, Christianity, and metaphysical thought.
The unique story of Jesus, Saint Thomas his Apostle, and how the Dharma of India became part of Saint Thomas Christianity "Original Christianity" is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization. In The Christ of India Abbot George Burke presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his "Lost Years" in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists. The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity includes the following: • The Christ of India, about the Essene roots of Jesus and the early Christians; the spiritual training of Jesus; The "lost years" of Jesus, with much information never before gathered together in one place; Jesus' return to the West, and how his teachings were misunderstood; Jesus return to India after his resurrection; and much more. • The Apostle of India, about how Jesus' apostle Saint Thomas went to India, and how the Christianity which grew up in India had a totally unique character compared to elsewhere in the world; the history of Saint Thomas Christianity in India and how it was persecuted by the colonialists. • The Beliefs of Original Christianity • Special Appendix: Indian Masters Who Considered Jesus One of Them. Stories of masters who had visions of Jesus, and those who researched Jesus' time in India, including Sri Ramakrishna, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda and others You will learn about the manuscripts which proved Jesus lived in the "East," and the efforts to suppress the news of their discovery. You will learn about the Indian Saint Thomas Christian bishop of the 18th century who taught karma and reincarnation, who later became a wonderworking saint revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Those who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.
Bringing a refreshing and timely perspective to ancient wisdom and showing seekers of inner peace how they can effectively lead a spiritual life in the modern world, The Dhammapada for Awakening: A Commentary on the Buddha's Practical Wisdom by Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is the first of a series of new books from Light of the Spirit Monastery in Cedar Crest, New Mexico.The Dhammapada for Awakening explores the Buddha's answers to the urgent questions, such as “How can I find find lasting peace, happiness and fulfillment that seems so elusive?” and “What can I do to avoid many of the miseries big and small that afflict all of us?”.Drawing on the proven wisdom of different ancient traditions, and the contemporary masters of spiritual life, as well as his own studies and first-hand knowledge of the mystical traditions of East and West, to Abbot George illumines the practical wisdom of Buddha in the Dhammapada – and more importantly, and make thatmakes that teaching relevant to present day spiritual seekers.The Dhammapada is the first collection of Gautama Buddha's practical teachings for those seeking Nirvana, compiled only three months after his passing away by his enlightened disciples, who named it Dhammapada: The Way of Dharma. It is a distillation of forty-five years of the Buddha's teaching.Abbot George says of the Dhammapada, “Over and over in the teachings of Buddha we find that he is giving us only that which can be applied in our daily lives in order to fit ourselves for freedom from all that binds us.”In The Dhammapada for Awakening you will learn: • An esoteric understanding of the mind and how to deal with it. • How we create our destinies by our thoughts and actions, and how we can use that knowledge to shape a better present and future for ourselves. • What are the obstacles to reaching our full potential, and how we can avoid them.Whether a person is Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, simply spiritual, or merely discontent with the status quo of their lives, the universal spiritual principles in The Dhammapada for Awakening will prove helpful in empowering seekers to tread the path to Freedom, that they may become finders.
[Originally Perspectives on Yoga] "Dive deep; otherwise you cannot get the gems at the bottom of the ocean. You cannot pick up the gems if you only float on the surface." -Sri Ramakrishna Many people come to the joyous and liberating discovery of yoga and yoga philosophy, and then dive no deeper, resting on their first understanding of the atman, Brahman, the goal of yoga, and everything else the classic yoga philosophy teaches about "the way things are." In Living the Yoga Life author Abbot George Burke shares the gems he has found from a lifetime of "diving deep." This collection of reflections and short essays addresses the key concepts of the yoga philosophy that are so easy to take for granted. Never content with the accepted cliches about yoga sadhana, the yoga life, the place of a guru, the nature of Brahman and our unity with It, Abbot George's insights on these and other facets of the yoga life will inspire, provoke, enlighten, and even entertain. Abbot George has this to say about these perspectives: "This is not a book about the technique of yoga, but about the Yoga Life which makes the successful practice of yoga possible. Yoga is not just a practice or a philosophy; it is an entire way of life. And by yoga I mean the quest for liberation of the spirit, for Yoga is an eternal science intended to reveal and manifest the Eternal. The topics include: Meditation, religion, karma, reincarnation, bhakti and jnana, kundalini and the subtle anatomy, samadhi, liberation, the mind and intellect, masters (true and false), spiritual reading, advice to yogis and much more. The book lends itself to in-depth research on a topic, or brief inspirational reading. Whether you are new to meditation and the yoga life, or a more experienced yogi, you are sure to find this book a helpful and practical guide.
A complete A to Z guide about how to meditate using the world's oldest and most proven method: Om Meditation. No initiation from gurus necessary.Om Yoga Meditation: Its Theory and Practice is a thorough guide providing all the information that might be desired for a successful meditation practice, illumining the art and science of effective inner life. Beginning with an in-depth explanation of what yoga is and what its goals are, and continuing with a background on the theory of mantra, Abbot George then shows the value of the unique mantra Om. He shows that Om Meditation is the original yoga, citing the classic scriptures of India and the testimony of the saints.In Om Yoga Meditation you will discover the techniques for using Om in meditation, and how to make your meditation the most effective. You will also learn the foundations of the yogic life that will support and nourish your practice, and be given the keys to bless others as well as yourself using Om
With a refreshing and timely perspective to ancient wisdom, Abbot George's unique background shows seekers of inner peace how they can effectively lead a spiritual life in the modern world. The Dhammapada for Awakening explores the Buddha's answers to the urgent questions, such as "How can I find find lasting peace, happiness and fulfillment that seems so elusive?" and "What can I do to avoid many of the miseries big and small that afflict all of us?". Drawing on the proven wisdom of different ancient traditions, and the contemporary masters of spiritual life, as well as his own studies and first-hand knowledge of the mystical traditions of East and West, Swami Nirmalananda illumines the practical wisdom of Buddha in the Dhammapada – and more importantly, and make that makes that teaching relevant to present day spiritual seekers. The Dhammapada is the first collection of Gautama Buddha's practical teachings for those seeking Nirvana, compiled only three months after his passing away by his enlightened disciples, who named it Dhammapada: The Way of Dharma. It is a distillation of forty-five years of the Buddha's teaching. Swami Nirmalananda says of the Dhammapada, "Over and over in the teachings of Buddha we find that he is giving us only that which can be applied in our daily lives in order to fit ourselves for freedom from all that binds us." In The Dhammapada for Awakening you will learn: • An esoteric understanding of the mind and how to deal with it. • How we create our destinies by our thoughts and actions, and how we can use that knowledge to shape a better present and future for ourselves. • What are the obstacles to reaching our full potential, and how we can avoid those obstacles. Whether a person is Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, simply spiritual, or merely discontent with the status quo of their lives, the universal spiritual principles in The Dhammapada for Awakening will prove helpful in empowering seekers to tread the path to Freedom, that they may become finders.
There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (Gospel of Saint John, final verse) You can discover much of those "many other things which Jesus did" in this unique compilation of ancient records and mystical revelations, which includes historical records of the lives of Jesus Christ and his Mother Mary that have been accepted and used by the Church since apostolic times. This treasury of little-known stories of Jesus' infancy, his sojourn in the Orient as recorded in the famous Ladakh Manuscript, and his passion, crucifixion, and resurrection, will broaden the reader's understanding of what Christianity really was in its original form: a far more vibrant and conscious movement than what we see today in its place. But this book is more than just a collection of ancient texts. Abbot George Burke's illuminating and scholarly commentary adds a further dimension and relevance, and will guide you to a deeper understanding of how, as he puts it, "to manifest the inner Christ that abides within us all." The Unknown Lives of Jesus and Mary includes the text and commentary on these early writings: The Protoevangelium Of Saint James > The Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus and Mary The Gospel of the Nativity of Mary The History of Anna, The Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Gospel of Thomas The Infancy of the Savior The Ladakh Manuscript, a manuscript found in a Buddhist monastery in Tibet telling of Jesus' "Lost Years" and travels in India and Tibet The Gospel Of Nicodemus The Death of Pilate, Who Condemned Jesus The Narrative of Joseph The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary Miscellaneous Sources "An intelligent, respectful, and incredible perspective into an esoteric Christianity that is seldom seen. ... The quality of the piece was a pleasant surprise." -River Ezell
An extraordinary work of theological commentary, "The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring." -James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review "From the very beginning there were two Christianities." So begins this remarkable work. While the rest of the Apostles dispersed to various areas of the Mediterranean world, the apostle Thomas travelled to India, where growing evidence shows that Jesus spent his "Lost Years," and which had been the source of the wisdom which he had brought to the "West." In The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening, Abbot George shines the "Light of the East" on the sometimes enigmatic sayings of Jesus recorded by his apostle Saint Thomas, revealing their unique and rich practical nature for modern day seekers for spiritual life. Ideal for daily study or group discussion. The Reverend Gerry Nangle says: "The chapters are quite short, each based on one or two sayings, making them ideal for daily study and contemplation or suitable as material for group discussion. This book can be read once or twice for its rich factual content, or many times for the spiritual challenges it raises within the reader's own mind and heart." While many books related to the Gospel of Thomas deal with historical or theological issues, Abbot George's approach is remarkably practical, dealing with how Jesus' words can be applied to make your life better and more spiritually rich. This is a must have book for spiritual aspirants, whatever their background.
From Publisher's Weekly: "[Abbot George] Burke enthusiastically explores the story as a means for knowing oneself, the cosmos, and one's calling within it. His plainspoken insights often distill complex lessons with simplicity and sagacity. Those with a deep interest in the Gita will find much wisdom here." Several thousand years ago in north-central India, two people sat in a chariot in the midpoint of a great battlefield. One of them, the yogi Arjuna, knew that it would be not be long before the conflict would begin. So he asked Krishna, the Master of Yoga (Yogeshwara), what should be his attitude and perspective in this moment. And above all: What should he do?There was no time to spare in empty words. In a brief discourse, later turned into seven hundred Sanskrit verses by the sage Vyasa, Krishna outlined to Arjuna the way to live one’s entire life so as to gain perfect self-knowledge and self-mastery. The Bhagavad Gita tells us that we can attain a Knowing beyond even what it tells us. And it shows us the way. With penetrating insight, Abbot George Burke illumines the Bhagavad Gita's practical value for spiritual seekers, and the timelessness of India's most beloved scripture. With a unique perspective of a lifetime of study and practice of both Eastern and Western spirituality, Abbot George mines the treasures of the Gita and presents them in an easily intelligible fashion for those wishing to put these priceless teachings into practice. Drawing from the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Jesus, Paramhansa Yogananda, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, Papa Ramdas, and other spiritual masters and teachers, as well as his own experiences, Abbot Burke illustrates the teachings of the Gita with stories which make the teachings of Krishna in the Gita vibrant and living. While Yogananda in his commentary on the Gita, “God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” focuses on the valuable symbolism contained in the Gita, Abbot Burke dwells primarily on the practical aspects, and what aspirants can put into practice here and now on a daily basis. Any student of the Bhagavad Gita will find “The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening” an essential companion in their studies. At times general principles found in the Gita are illumined, and in other places the deeper meanings found in the Sanskrit text are explained word by word so that seekers will have and in-depth understanding of the religion, practices, and culture that those familiar with Indian religion and philosophy take for granted. "A must read for anyone on a spiritual quest for the truth!” —Sailaja Kuruvadi
The unique story of Jesus, Saint Thomas his Apostle, and how the Dharma of India became part of Saint Thomas Christianity "Original Christianity" is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization. In The Christ of India Abbot George Burke presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his "Lost Years" in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists. The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity includes the following: • The Christ of India, about the Essene roots of Jesus and the early Christians; the spiritual training of Jesus; The "lost years" of Jesus, with much information never before gathered together in one place; Jesus' return to the West, and how his teachings were misunderstood; Jesus return to India after his resurrection; and much more. • The Apostle of India, about how Jesus' apostle Saint Thomas went to India, and how the Christianity which grew up in India had a totally unique character compared to elsewhere in the world; the history of Saint Thomas Christianity in India and how it was persecuted by the colonialists. • The Beliefs of Original Christianity • Special Appendix: Indian Masters Who Considered Jesus One of Them. Stories of masters who had visions of Jesus, and those who researched Jesus' time in India, including Sri Ramakrishna, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda and others You will learn about the manuscripts which proved Jesus lived in the "East," and the efforts to suppress the news of their discovery. You will learn about the Indian Saint Thomas Christian bishop of the 18th century who taught karma and reincarnation, who later became a wonderworking saint revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Those who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.
With a refreshing and timely perspective to ancient wisdom, Abbot George's unique background shows seekers of inner peace how they can effectively lead a spiritual life in the modern world. The Dhammapada for Awakening explores the Buddha's answers to the urgent questions, such as "How can I find find lasting peace, happiness and fulfillment that seems so elusive?" and "What can I do to avoid many of the miseries big and small that afflict all of us?". Drawing on the proven wisdom of different ancient traditions, and the contemporary masters of spiritual life, as well as his own studies and first-hand knowledge of the mystical traditions of East and West, Swami Nirmalananda illumines the practical wisdom of Buddha in the Dhammapada – and more importantly, and make that makes that teaching relevant to present day spiritual seekers. The Dhammapada is the first collection of Gautama Buddha's practical teachings for those seeking Nirvana, compiled only three months after his passing away by his enlightened disciples, who named it Dhammapada: The Way of Dharma. It is a distillation of forty-five years of the Buddha's teaching. Swami Nirmalananda says of the Dhammapada, "Over and over in the teachings of Buddha we find that he is giving us only that which can be applied in our daily lives in order to fit ourselves for freedom from all that binds us." In The Dhammapada for Awakening you will learn: • An esoteric understanding of the mind and how to deal with it. • How we create our destinies by our thoughts and actions, and how we can use that knowledge to shape a better present and future for ourselves. • What are the obstacles to reaching our full potential, and how we can avoid those obstacles. Whether a person is Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, simply spiritual, or merely discontent with the status quo of their lives, the universal spiritual principles in The Dhammapada for Awakening will prove helpful in empowering seekers to tread the path to Freedom, that they may become finders.
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