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The spiritual journey is perhaps the most personal experience of our lives—but does that mean we have to go it alone? With The Guru Question, award-winning author Mariana Caplan brings you a unique and much-needed guide for deciding whether you need a dedicated mentor to help illuminate your path to awakening—and if so, how to navigate the deep complexities of the guru-disciple relationship. For those seeking a teacher worthy of their trust and devotion, or anyone who has been frustrated by their experiences with a spiritual teacher, Caplan offers a candid, practical, and daringly personal examination of the student-teacher dynamic, including: Are you ready to be a student? If and when you should consider making a commitment to a spiritual teacher The path of the conscious learner—how to retain your power and autonomy while accepting a mentor's authority Tips for the wounded seeker—the valuable lessons we learn from our encounters with false teachers Spiritual scandals and predatory gurus—guidance for avoiding the inherent pitfalls in the student-teacher relationship How to recognize the inner light of divinity as it manifests in the imperfect human guise of your teacher—and yourself In a time when a distrust of authority has been proven to be a healthy trait, we tend to be justifiably suspicious of those who present themselves as gurus and spiritual masters. Drawing upon her knowledge as both a scholar of mysticism and lifelong practitioner of spiritual traditions, Mariana Caplan helps readers develop the discernment that is crucial when seeking an authentic teacher—and reveals the immeasurable rewards that can come from having a trustworthy guide on the spiritual path.
Book Synopsis The Guru Question by : Mariana Caplan
Download or read book The Guru Question written by Mariana Caplan and published by Sounds True. This book was released on 2011-06-01 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The spiritual journey is perhaps the most personal experience of our lives—but does that mean we have to go it alone? With The Guru Question, award-winning author Mariana Caplan brings you a unique and much-needed guide for deciding whether you need a dedicated mentor to help illuminate your path to awakening—and if so, how to navigate the deep complexities of the guru-disciple relationship. For those seeking a teacher worthy of their trust and devotion, or anyone who has been frustrated by their experiences with a spiritual teacher, Caplan offers a candid, practical, and daringly personal examination of the student-teacher dynamic, including: Are you ready to be a student? If and when you should consider making a commitment to a spiritual teacher The path of the conscious learner—how to retain your power and autonomy while accepting a mentor's authority Tips for the wounded seeker—the valuable lessons we learn from our encounters with false teachers Spiritual scandals and predatory gurus—guidance for avoiding the inherent pitfalls in the student-teacher relationship How to recognize the inner light of divinity as it manifests in the imperfect human guise of your teacher—and yourself In a time when a distrust of authority has been proven to be a healthy trait, we tend to be justifiably suspicious of those who present themselves as gurus and spiritual masters. Drawing upon her knowledge as both a scholar of mysticism and lifelong practitioner of spiritual traditions, Mariana Caplan helps readers develop the discernment that is crucial when seeking an authentic teacher—and reveals the immeasurable rewards that can come from having a trustworthy guide on the spiritual path.
Indian Gurus remain an important issue in the contemporary world and affect politics, culture and commerce alike. This spiritual/economic figure has become a worldwide phenomenon, signalling that syncretism is taking place on a global scale. At the same time, the concept of the guru will remain a constant challenge to ideas of enlightenment and democracy. The present book focusses on this challenge presenting contributions from an interdisciplinary perspective. German, Indian and American scholars have explored guruism in tradition, economy and Jungian psychology as well as in contemporary literature, travel writing and film. Individual studies of gurus such as Ramana Maharshi or Osho/Bhagvan, but also Gandhi and Tolstoi furthermore illustrate the spiritual globalization that has been taking place over the last century.
Book Synopsis The Guru Challenge by : Elmar Schenkel
Download or read book The Guru Challenge written by Elmar Schenkel and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2023-03-27 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Indian Gurus remain an important issue in the contemporary world and affect politics, culture and commerce alike. This spiritual/economic figure has become a worldwide phenomenon, signalling that syncretism is taking place on a global scale. At the same time, the concept of the guru will remain a constant challenge to ideas of enlightenment and democracy. The present book focusses on this challenge presenting contributions from an interdisciplinary perspective. German, Indian and American scholars have explored guruism in tradition, economy and Jungian psychology as well as in contemporary literature, travel writing and film. Individual studies of gurus such as Ramana Maharshi or Osho/Bhagvan, but also Gandhi and Tolstoi furthermore illustrate the spiritual globalization that has been taking place over the last century.
There is a real need for a Guru if we are undertaking a spiritual journey. But before embarking on a spiritual path, we must honestly determine whether we are ready and whether our need for a guru is genuine, as opposed to just an emotional outburst. Ask yourselves this question: “Am I committed, or am I just involved?” We do not need a guru if we do not want God. The complications in life are so great that the poor mind is unable to handle them. When we are moving blindly through the valley of life, stumbling in darkness, we need the help of someone who has eyes, who has been on the path, who has followed it to the end, and who can tell us the right way to go. Guru is not the body; Guru is light; and Guru is wisdom. Light and wisdom are essential in human life. By divine right, the title of guru is conferred only upon those exalted souls who, through their own Self-realization and oneness with God, are qualified to lead others from the darkness of ignorance to the everlasting light of truth. He is a humble prophet or messenger, invested with the duty of showing the true spiritual way to ordinary people. God sends the seeker indirect guidance at first, through books and lesser teachers. When the desire for Him is very strong, He sends the help of a Self-realized guru. There are many who are trying to lead others but who have no right to do so. No one can take you to God unless he himself has found God. The blind can't lead the blind. There is also a difference between a Guru and a spiritual teacher. A teacher is one who has some experience, who can guide you to a certain point, and who is perhaps capable of transmitting some spiritual power, but he would not be a guru. That does not mean that spiritual teachers are bad, but they must recognize their limitations. They must see that they do not have all the answers. There is a need to exercise some prudence to distinguish a true guru from a sea of self-styled leaders. The fake gurus are all over the place, and they can hide themselves very well. It is thus difficult to differentiate between a fly-by-night Baba and a truly evolved Guru. Each one of us is susceptible to exhibiting docile “cult-follower” behavior in the right/wrong circumstances. People believe that “it can never happen to them” because they want to believe they are stronger and better than the millions who have fallen victim to alleged cult mind control. Mind control is alive and well and in many varied forms across many countries. A so-called cult will generally target the most educated, active, and capable people it can find. Such beliefs as “others could be made to do that but not me” and “others could be swayed by speeches but not me” are dangerous. The ease with which this happens is important for both scientific understanding and real-world problems ranging from friends and family in cults to extremist movements. The research by Stanford University, reproduced here, very well proves the same. But there is a great deal we can do to stay safe, sane, and whole and to help the people we care about. Spiritual search is indeed the inborn divine right of every human being. Knowledge and education are the birthrights of every human being. Do whatever we want; spirituality is our inner force, which has a constant pull. This pull becomes very strong at times. So strong that man has no choice. But he will have to make the right decision. Finally, it is God alone who is the true Guru, acting through the agency of souls that are awake in Him and who appear as spiritual advisors, sometimes spiritual masters, for our spiritual ascension—call it spiritual help—once we are ready. This book can be referred to as a spiritual journey book, advising on how do you go on a spiritual journey and safeguarding against cults and extreme beliefs. God help you.
Book Synopsis How to find the Guru by : Sanjeev Sareen
Download or read book How to find the Guru written by Sanjeev Sareen and published by sanjeev sareen. This book was released on with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a real need for a Guru if we are undertaking a spiritual journey. But before embarking on a spiritual path, we must honestly determine whether we are ready and whether our need for a guru is genuine, as opposed to just an emotional outburst. Ask yourselves this question: “Am I committed, or am I just involved?” We do not need a guru if we do not want God. The complications in life are so great that the poor mind is unable to handle them. When we are moving blindly through the valley of life, stumbling in darkness, we need the help of someone who has eyes, who has been on the path, who has followed it to the end, and who can tell us the right way to go. Guru is not the body; Guru is light; and Guru is wisdom. Light and wisdom are essential in human life. By divine right, the title of guru is conferred only upon those exalted souls who, through their own Self-realization and oneness with God, are qualified to lead others from the darkness of ignorance to the everlasting light of truth. He is a humble prophet or messenger, invested with the duty of showing the true spiritual way to ordinary people. God sends the seeker indirect guidance at first, through books and lesser teachers. When the desire for Him is very strong, He sends the help of a Self-realized guru. There are many who are trying to lead others but who have no right to do so. No one can take you to God unless he himself has found God. The blind can't lead the blind. There is also a difference between a Guru and a spiritual teacher. A teacher is one who has some experience, who can guide you to a certain point, and who is perhaps capable of transmitting some spiritual power, but he would not be a guru. That does not mean that spiritual teachers are bad, but they must recognize their limitations. They must see that they do not have all the answers. There is a need to exercise some prudence to distinguish a true guru from a sea of self-styled leaders. The fake gurus are all over the place, and they can hide themselves very well. It is thus difficult to differentiate between a fly-by-night Baba and a truly evolved Guru. Each one of us is susceptible to exhibiting docile “cult-follower” behavior in the right/wrong circumstances. People believe that “it can never happen to them” because they want to believe they are stronger and better than the millions who have fallen victim to alleged cult mind control. Mind control is alive and well and in many varied forms across many countries. A so-called cult will generally target the most educated, active, and capable people it can find. Such beliefs as “others could be made to do that but not me” and “others could be swayed by speeches but not me” are dangerous. The ease with which this happens is important for both scientific understanding and real-world problems ranging from friends and family in cults to extremist movements. The research by Stanford University, reproduced here, very well proves the same. But there is a great deal we can do to stay safe, sane, and whole and to help the people we care about. Spiritual search is indeed the inborn divine right of every human being. Knowledge and education are the birthrights of every human being. Do whatever we want; spirituality is our inner force, which has a constant pull. This pull becomes very strong at times. So strong that man has no choice. But he will have to make the right decision. Finally, it is God alone who is the true Guru, acting through the agency of souls that are awake in Him and who appear as spiritual advisors, sometimes spiritual masters, for our spiritual ascension—call it spiritual help—once we are ready. This book can be referred to as a spiritual journey book, advising on how do you go on a spiritual journey and safeguarding against cults and extreme beliefs. God help you.
In the 21st century there will be a shift back to the student-teacher relationship as we realise the limitations of trying to do it on our own. However, this relationship will have to be created anew to reflect our new awareness.
Book Synopsis Do You Need a Guru? by : Mariana Caplan
Download or read book Do You Need a Guru? written by Mariana Caplan and published by HarperThorsons. This book was released on 2002 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the 21st century there will be a shift back to the student-teacher relationship as we realise the limitations of trying to do it on our own. However, this relationship will have to be created anew to reflect our new awareness.
The present work is an in-depth study of Tayumanavar, a seventeenth century poet-philosopher, mystic and saint of Tamil Nadu. His profoundly philosophical humns were the poet`s creative response to the contesting creeds of his time, reflecting his own intimate religious and mystical experience of God, Siva (Sivanubhava).The present study of Vedanta Siddhanta Samarasam as God-experienced by Dr. Thomas Manninezhath will no doubt, awaken a new interest in the hymns of Tayumanavar and the legacy of religious experience they bequeath to us. Religious experience (anubhava), supported by reason and enriched by reflection, has to be the meeting ground for the followers of World Religions today.It is fascinating to see how Tayumanavar sought to bring about the harmony of two opposed traditions through a re-reading of his own tradition and a re-interpretation of the scholastic Advaita in favour of a more religiously inspiring popular Advaita.The work illustrates how many of our contemporary concerns enshrined in such concepts as Comparative Religion, Ecumenism Religious Dialogue etc. were also a concern within the `household` of Hinduism even as early as seventeenth century A.D. The author`s interpretation of Vedanta Siddhanta Samarasam of Tayumanavar offers a unique basis for religious tolerance and co-existence even in our present-day context of plurality of religions and creeds. That, indeed, speaks volumes for the actuality and relevance of the work.
Book Synopsis Harmony of Religions by : Thomas Manninezhath
Download or read book Harmony of Religions written by Thomas Manninezhath and published by Motilal Banarsidass Publ.. This book was released on 1993 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The present work is an in-depth study of Tayumanavar, a seventeenth century poet-philosopher, mystic and saint of Tamil Nadu. His profoundly philosophical humns were the poet`s creative response to the contesting creeds of his time, reflecting his own intimate religious and mystical experience of God, Siva (Sivanubhava).The present study of Vedanta Siddhanta Samarasam as God-experienced by Dr. Thomas Manninezhath will no doubt, awaken a new interest in the hymns of Tayumanavar and the legacy of religious experience they bequeath to us. Religious experience (anubhava), supported by reason and enriched by reflection, has to be the meeting ground for the followers of World Religions today.It is fascinating to see how Tayumanavar sought to bring about the harmony of two opposed traditions through a re-reading of his own tradition and a re-interpretation of the scholastic Advaita in favour of a more religiously inspiring popular Advaita.The work illustrates how many of our contemporary concerns enshrined in such concepts as Comparative Religion, Ecumenism Religious Dialogue etc. were also a concern within the `household` of Hinduism even as early as seventeenth century A.D. The author`s interpretation of Vedanta Siddhanta Samarasam of Tayumanavar offers a unique basis for religious tolerance and co-existence even in our present-day context of plurality of religions and creeds. That, indeed, speaks volumes for the actuality and relevance of the work.
The Sanskrit word “Guru” means teacher or guide. To the Pandavas, “Guru” meant a man by the name of Dronacharya. To Eklavya, “Guru” meant a clay statue. Yet both of these are examples of a Guru-Disciple relationship. There are many applications of the concept of Guru. Guru Sutra explains the relationship between the Shishya (the Disciple) and a SiddhGuru (the Spiritual teacher). How can you identify the Guru in your life? And how can you as a disciple maximize the learning from your Guru? Find all the answers in the Guru Sutra.
Book Synopsis Guru Sutra - The Guru Who Wont Keep Spiritual Secrets by : Hingori
Download or read book Guru Sutra - The Guru Who Wont Keep Spiritual Secrets written by Hingori and published by Hingori Sutras C/0 Pali Hills Tourist Hotel Pvt.Ltd.. This book was released on 2019-07-16 with total page 213 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Sanskrit word “Guru” means teacher or guide. To the Pandavas, “Guru” meant a man by the name of Dronacharya. To Eklavya, “Guru” meant a clay statue. Yet both of these are examples of a Guru-Disciple relationship. There are many applications of the concept of Guru. Guru Sutra explains the relationship between the Shishya (the Disciple) and a SiddhGuru (the Spiritual teacher). How can you identify the Guru in your life? And how can you as a disciple maximize the learning from your Guru? Find all the answers in the Guru Sutra.
This book is a comprehensive, easy-to-read introduction to personal counseling written for professional and volunteer counselors and those who train them. The chapters describing basic and more advanced counseling skills are arranged in a sequence that is particularly suitable when teaching student counselors to learn and practice using these skills for the first time. The authors adopt an integrative approach that allows the reader to learn, understand, and use skills taken from major counseling approaches, and to integrate these into a sequential process that maximizes the possibility of facilitating change in the client. Of considerable value for new counselors are those sections of the book that describe the fundamental principles of the counseling relationship, and explain the theories of change applicable to the various approaches to counseling. Unique features include: a highly practical integrative approach to counseling; discussion of the specific skills required for success; practical suggestions on ways to learn and develop new skills; ways of managing particular situations involving angry, depressed, grieving, and suicidal clients; an understanding of the role of a counselorOCOs supervisor; information on practical issues such as keeping records, arrangement of the counseling room, and ways to look after yourself as a counselor; plus practical information on issues of confidentiality and professional ethics. Additionally, there are numerous examples of useful dialogue to illustrate real experiences of and for use in counseling situations, including key statements that are highlighted throughout the book for ease of reference. This text will serve as a valuable resource for workers in a wide variety of helping professions where counseling skills are useful such as psychology, social work, welfare work, medicine, nursing, education, and human services."
Book Synopsis Personal Counseling Skills by : Kathryn Geldard
Download or read book Personal Counseling Skills written by Kathryn Geldard and published by Charles C Thomas Publisher. This book was released on 2008 with total page 318 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a comprehensive, easy-to-read introduction to personal counseling written for professional and volunteer counselors and those who train them. The chapters describing basic and more advanced counseling skills are arranged in a sequence that is particularly suitable when teaching student counselors to learn and practice using these skills for the first time. The authors adopt an integrative approach that allows the reader to learn, understand, and use skills taken from major counseling approaches, and to integrate these into a sequential process that maximizes the possibility of facilitating change in the client. Of considerable value for new counselors are those sections of the book that describe the fundamental principles of the counseling relationship, and explain the theories of change applicable to the various approaches to counseling. Unique features include: a highly practical integrative approach to counseling; discussion of the specific skills required for success; practical suggestions on ways to learn and develop new skills; ways of managing particular situations involving angry, depressed, grieving, and suicidal clients; an understanding of the role of a counselorOCOs supervisor; information on practical issues such as keeping records, arrangement of the counseling room, and ways to look after yourself as a counselor; plus practical information on issues of confidentiality and professional ethics. Additionally, there are numerous examples of useful dialogue to illustrate real experiences of and for use in counseling situations, including key statements that are highlighted throughout the book for ease of reference. This text will serve as a valuable resource for workers in a wide variety of helping professions where counseling skills are useful such as psychology, social work, welfare work, medicine, nursing, education, and human services."
This teaching comes from five different discourses given by Mark Griffin. Griffin is a master of meditation and speaks from the direct experience of the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Finally we have a westerner who is able to explain what the Bardo - the interval between death and rebirth - is about in terms that are easy for the western mind to understand. Mark Griffin is well-versed in the study of religions, spiritual traditions, metaphysics and physiology, and weaves this knowledge into his teachings. But of utmost importance is that he speaks with the authority of someone who has the direct experience, and is not simply repeating book knowledge. This book/audiobook gives a thorough explanation of what happens in the period between death and rebirth. Though much of this material is covered in books such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead it has remained difficult for the western mind to comprehend. Now with this fresh look at the afterlife condition, Griffin brings the subject into clear focus in a manner surprisingly accessible and riveting, without recourse to many Buddhist or Sanskrit terms. The books also includes 8 full color plates to help the explanation. Through profound states of meditation and during the process of achieving realization, Griffin has repeatedly had direct experience of the Bardo itself, and is well-versed in traversing its many paths. His talk comes not merely from study, but from this experience. In the talk we learn that of those who gain enlightenment, 99% do so in the Bardo Thodol. How to do this is the subject of this book - important information for any spiritual seeker indeed! The content of the book comes from a special study session (the Bardo Kunda) held over six hours in March 2007, plus a two hour question and answer session five days later, and followed up with a recap and meditation session focusing on the connection of the Bodhicitta and the Bardo given six days later. There are also excerpts from a question and answer session held in October 2001, and the recent question and answer session held at the Joshua Tree Summer Retreat June 2008. (Kunda is a Sanskrit word meaning "wellspring, a source of continuous supply". In the Kunda Series, meditation master Mark Griffin explains and demonstrates the nature and experience of profound subjects dealing with advanced consciousness in the human form.) This book is available in two formats, please choose below. The perfect bound book is 240 pages, and includes 8 illustration plates. Second edition published September 1, 2008, 8.5 x 5.5, ISBN-13: 978-0975902028
Book Synopsis The Bardo Thodol by : Mark Griffin
Download or read book The Bardo Thodol written by Mark Griffin and published by Hard Light Publishing. This book was released on 2008-07-01 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This teaching comes from five different discourses given by Mark Griffin. Griffin is a master of meditation and speaks from the direct experience of the state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Finally we have a westerner who is able to explain what the Bardo - the interval between death and rebirth - is about in terms that are easy for the western mind to understand. Mark Griffin is well-versed in the study of religions, spiritual traditions, metaphysics and physiology, and weaves this knowledge into his teachings. But of utmost importance is that he speaks with the authority of someone who has the direct experience, and is not simply repeating book knowledge. This book/audiobook gives a thorough explanation of what happens in the period between death and rebirth. Though much of this material is covered in books such as the Tibetan Book of the Dead it has remained difficult for the western mind to comprehend. Now with this fresh look at the afterlife condition, Griffin brings the subject into clear focus in a manner surprisingly accessible and riveting, without recourse to many Buddhist or Sanskrit terms. The books also includes 8 full color plates to help the explanation. Through profound states of meditation and during the process of achieving realization, Griffin has repeatedly had direct experience of the Bardo itself, and is well-versed in traversing its many paths. His talk comes not merely from study, but from this experience. In the talk we learn that of those who gain enlightenment, 99% do so in the Bardo Thodol. How to do this is the subject of this book - important information for any spiritual seeker indeed! The content of the book comes from a special study session (the Bardo Kunda) held over six hours in March 2007, plus a two hour question and answer session five days later, and followed up with a recap and meditation session focusing on the connection of the Bodhicitta and the Bardo given six days later. There are also excerpts from a question and answer session held in October 2001, and the recent question and answer session held at the Joshua Tree Summer Retreat June 2008. (Kunda is a Sanskrit word meaning "wellspring, a source of continuous supply". In the Kunda Series, meditation master Mark Griffin explains and demonstrates the nature and experience of profound subjects dealing with advanced consciousness in the human form.) This book is available in two formats, please choose below. The perfect bound book is 240 pages, and includes 8 illustration plates. Second edition published September 1, 2008, 8.5 x 5.5, ISBN-13: 978-0975902028
Download or read book Lucifer written by and published by . This book was released on 1893 with total page 542 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Includes an overview of Indian telling; the basics of storytelling; stories from all the states and tips on how to tell; over 50 activities covering visual art, writing, craft and discussion; interesting and replicable black and white illustrations based on folk styles; unique story map; ways to find other stories to tell; discussion on storytelling in schools; and further resources, story sources and reading.
Book Synopsis The World of Indian Stories by : Cathy Spagnoli
Download or read book The World of Indian Stories written by Cathy Spagnoli and published by Tulika Books. This book was released on 2010 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Includes an overview of Indian telling; the basics of storytelling; stories from all the states and tips on how to tell; over 50 activities covering visual art, writing, craft and discussion; interesting and replicable black and white illustrations based on folk styles; unique story map; ways to find other stories to tell; discussion on storytelling in schools; and further resources, story sources and reading.
