Book picks similar to
Essence With the Elixir of Enlightenment: The Diamond Approach to Inner Realization by A.H. Almaas
spirituality
diamond-approach
psychology
inner-work
Faith and Will: Weathering the Storms in Our Spiritual Lives
Julia Cameron - 2009
In this, her most personal book to date, she provides a heartbreakingly honest and insightful depiction of her struggle to reconnect to her faith and her realization that having faith, of necessity, means relinquishing will. A wise and passionate book, "Faith and Will" gently guides readers through the process of learning to let go and, in turn, learning to live.
The Mystique of Enlightenment: The Radical Ideas of U.G. Krishnamurti
U.G. Krishnamurti - 2002
Krishnamurti, in his own words. The Mystique of Enlightenment is a scathing critique of contemporary spirituality. In a world in which spiritual techniques, teachers, concepts, and organizations are legion, U. G. stands nearly alone in his rejection of it all: "I am only interested in describing this state, in clearing away the occultation and mystification in which those people in the 'holy business' have shrouded the whole thing. Maybe I can convince you not to waste a lot of time and energy looking for a state that does not exist except in your imagination... The natural state is acausal: it just happens." The author does not equate the natural state with enlightenment, which he describes as an illusion created by our culture. He states emphatically that one can do nothing to attain the natural state. In fact, any movement towards it separates one from it. U. G. Krishnamurti is an original voice in which much of contemporary spirituality is understood in a new way. For those interested in the full spectrum of modern spiritual thought, this is a "must read." In the well-known history of J. Krishnamurti, few names have been so strongly associated with his message as U. G. Krishnamurti, who shared a close but contentious relationship with him over many years. U.G. was raised to take on the mantle of guru, much like J. Krishnamurti. When the two men eventually met, each had rejected the guru role, and for years they conversed regularly, struggling to uncover the nature of truth, before a falling out led each in a different direction. It is fairly common in reading modern spiritual books to find references to U. G. Krishnamurti's influence on both teachers and their students. His books have been translated into nearly every European language, as well as Chinese and Japanese. Widely regarded in India and Europe, The Mystique of Enlightenment is considered by U.G.'s closest associates to be the best summary of his ideas. The book consists of transcripts of informal talks with those who come to ask him questions. In one of these talks, he relates his life story, including the events leading up to and comprising what he calls his "calamity," or his entry into the natural state. Since his own experience of coming into the natural state at age 49, he has spent his time traveling throughout the world, staying with friends or in rented apartments for a few months at a time. He gives no public talks, but meets with people who come to see him. What he offers is not hope or encouragement, but stark reality: "Of one thing I am certain. I cannot help you solve your basic dilemma or save you from self-deception, and if I can't help you, no one can." His message is simple: he has no message. Nevertheless, his words can inspire you to face your own assumptions and motivations and discover for yourself what is true.
How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment
Dōgen - 1983
In drawing parallels between preparing meals for the Zen monastery and spiritual training, he reveals far more than simply the rules and manners of the Zen kitchen; he teaches us how to "cook," or refine our lives. In this volume Kosho Uchiyama Roshi undertakes the task of elucidating Dogen's text for the benefit of modern-day readers of Zen. Taken together, his translation and commentary truly constitute a "cookbook for life," one that shows us how to live with an unbiased mind in the midst of our workaday world.
The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves
Curt Thompson - 2015
Its name is shame.Whether we realize it or not, shame affects every aspect of our personal lives and vocational endeavors. It seeks to destroy our identity in Christ, replacing it with a damaged version of ourselves that results in unhealed pain and brokenness. But God is telling a different story for your life.Psychiatrist Curt Thompson unpacks the soul of shame, revealing its ubiquitous nature and neurobiological roots. He also provides the theological and practical tools necessary to dismantle shame, based on years of researching its damaging effects and counseling people to overcome those wounds.Thompson's expertise and compassion will help you identify your own pains and struggles and find freedom from the lifelong negative messages that bind you. Rewrite the story of your life and embrace healing and wholeness as you discover and defeat shame's insidious agenda.
Infinite Potential: What Quantum Physics Reveals About How We Should Live
Lothar Schäfer - 2013
With his own research as well as that of some of the most distinguished scientists of our time, Schäfer moves us from a reality of Darwinian competition to cooperation, a meaningless universe to a meaningful one, and a disconnected, isolated existence to an interconnected one. In so doing, he shows us that our potential is infinite and calls us to live in accordance with the order of the universe, creating a society based on the cosmic principle of connection, emphasizing cooperation and community.
Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard
Jennie Allen - 2017
Author and Bible teacher Jennie Allen invites us into a different experience, one in which our souls overflow with contentment and joy. In Nothing to Prove she calls us to...* Find freedom from self-induced pressure by admitting we're not enough--but Jesus is. * Admit our greatest needs and watch them be filled by the only One who can meet them. * Make it our goal to know and love Jesus, then watch what He does in and through us.
God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours
Regina Brett - 2009
When Regina Brett turned 50, she wrote a column on the 50 lessons life had taught her. She reflected on all she had learned through becoming a single parent, looking for love in all the wrong places, working on her relationship with God, battling cancer and making peace with a difficult childhood. It became one of the most popular columns ever published in the newspaper, and since then the 50 lessons have been emailed to hundreds of thousands of people. Brett now takes the 50 lessons and expounds on them in essays that are deeply personal. From "Don't take yourself too seriously-Nobody else does" to "Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift," these lessons will strike a chord with anyone who has ever gone through tough times--and haven't we all?
The Pursuit of Holiness
Jerry Bridges - 1978
But holiness is something that is often missed in the Christian's daily life. According to author Jerry Bridges, that's because we're not exactly sure what our part in holiness is. In The Pursuit of Holiness, he helps us see clearly just what we should rely on God to do--and what we should accept responsibility for ourselves.
Life Visioning: A Four-Stage Evolutionary Journey to Live as Divine Love
Michael Bernard Beckwith - 2008
You will never die. And the reason you've incarnated is to reveal the glory of the Divine as you and you alone can. This is the essence of the Life Visioning Process, Michael Bernard Beckwith's transformational inner technology for uniquely expressing the love, wisdom and beauty that you are. Life Visioning invites you to join the founder and director of the Agape International Spiritual Center for his first full-length audio-learning course, and begin the adventure of conscious participation in your soul's evolution by activating your highest potential.A Spiritual Journey Through Four Stages As we mature along the spiritual path, explains Michael Beckwith, we move through four stages of consciousness. Stage one, Victim Consciousness, finds one in constant reaction to things happening "to me" at the hands of a power outside of our control. In stage two, as the Manifester, you take responsibility for your life and put the laws of the universe to work for you. We become a third stage, Channel, when we surrender our will to a higher intelligence that functions "through us." Stage four Being Consciousness manifests as enlightened living.On Life Visioning, Michael Beckwith offers guided meditations, creative visualizations, affirmative prayer, and insights from diverse traditions to support you in navigating the four stages. He then leads you through a complete Life Visioning session that allows you to intuit "God's idea of itself as your life." Here is the same powerful practice that Michael Beckwith has taught to thousands during the past 30 years, shared for the first time on audio. It is a tool you can return to any time as a basis for discovering and unleashing the ultimate potential for your life.Tune Yourself in to the Eternal Broadcast"Through Life Visioning, we become the living condition through which divine ideas express themselves," explains Michael Beckwith. "These ideas can be anything from solutions to problems to a new business model to direction in your spiritual development." With Life Visioning, you place yourself in position to "catch and articulate" the eternal broadcast of that which is seeking to manifest through you, for the benefit of all."
I'm Still With You: Communicate, Heal & Evolve with Your Loved One on the Other Side
Sherrie Dillard - 2020
Psychic medium Sherrie Dillard shares amazing case studies that show how the power of love transcends the veil between this world and the next. You will also discover exercises and meditations for healing grief and continuing the soul journey you are on with those who have passed away.I'm Still With You also shares breathtaking insights into the soul review process that occurs on the other side and shows how that process uplifts and influences surviving loved ones. This comforting book provides suggestions to help you move through the grieving process and guides you on a transformative soul-to-soul journey with your cherished family and friends.
Nothing Special
Charlotte Joko Beck - 1993
'Nothing Special' offers the rare and delightful experience of learning in the authentic Buddhist tradition with a wonderfully contemporary Western master.
Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All
Karen Ehman - 2015
What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it is best to remain silent. And what to do when you’ve said something you wish you could now take back. In this book a woman whose mouth has gotten her into loads of trouble shares the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue.Beyond just a “how not to gossip” book, this book explores what the Bible says about the many ways we are to use our words and the times when we are to remain silent. Karen will cover using our speech to interact with friends, co-workers, family, and strangers as well as in the many places we use our words in private, in public, online, and in prayer. Even the words we say silently to ourselves. She will address unsolicited opinion-slinging, speaking the truth in love, not saying words just to people-please, and dealing with our verbal anger.Christian women struggle with their mouths. Even though we know that Scripture has much to say about how we are—and are not—to use our words, this is still an immense issue, causing heartache and strain not only in family relationships, but also in friendships, work, and church settings.
Made for More: An Invitation to Live in God's Image
Hannah Anderson - 2014
But too often as women, we try to find this safety in our roles and relationships, our professional accomplishments, or our picture-perfect homes. And as we do, our souls shrink smaller and smaller. It's because these things aren't made to hold us.In Made for More, Hannah Anderson invites you to re-imagine yourself, not simply as a set of roles and categories, but as a person destined to live in the fullness of God Himself.Starting with our first identity as image bearers, Hannah shows how Jesus Christ makes us people who can reflect His nature through our unique callings. She also explores how these deeper truths affect the practical realities that we face as women—how does being an image bearer shape our pursuit of education, our work, and even our desire for holistic lives?Because you are made in God’s image, you will only ever know yourself—only ever be yourself—as you find your identity in Him. Find it now.
Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing
C.J. Mahaney - 2002
J. Mahaney strip away the nonessentials and bring you back to the simplest, most fundamental reason for your faith: Jesus Christ. Chapters include "Breaking the Rules of Legalism," "The Cross Centered Day," and "Assurance and Joy." His Gift, Your Hope Do you desire more passion for Jesus Christ? Return to the very essence of your faith--the cross of Christ. Here, the deepest truths of Calvary will stir your passion for Him into an unquenchable fire.
The Wisdom of Sundays: Life-Changing Insights from Super Soul Conversations
Oprah Winfrey - 2017
“I see it as an offering,” she explains. “If you want to be more fully present and live your life with a wide-open heart, this is the place to come to.”Now, for the first time, the aha moments of inspiration and soul-expanding insight that have enlightened millions on the three-time Emmy Award-winning Super Soul Sunday are collected in The Wisdom of Sundays, a beautiful, cherishable, deeply-affecting book.Organized into ten chapters―each one representing a powerful step in Oprah’s own spiritual journey and introduced with an intimate, personal essay by Oprah herself―the Wisdom of Sundays features selections from the most meaningful conversations between Oprah and some of today’s most-admired thought-leaders. Visionaries like Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, and Shonda Rhimes share their lessons in finding purpose through mindfulness and intention. World renowned authors and teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Thich Nhat Hahn, Marianne Williamson and Wayne Dyer, explain our complex relationship with the ego and the healing powers of love and connection; and award-winning and bestselling writers like Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Elizabeth Lesser explore the beauty of forgiveness and spirituality.Paired with beautiful photographs, including many from Oprah’s private property in California where each episode of Super Soul Sunday is filmed, The Wisdom of Sundays promises to be a timeless keepsake that will help readers awaken to life’s wondrous possibilities and discover a deeper connection to the natural world around them.