Spirituality

Beyond Mars & Venus: Lessons of Dialogue and Peace, a Buddhist's perspective
by Susan M. Andrus

Beyond Mars & Venus: Lessons of Dialogue and Peace, a Buddhist's perspective refutes John Gray's faulty theories of relationships and helps readers learn how to resolve conflict by using dialogue. Susan Andrus explains how the Buddhist perspective of the connectedness of all matter helps the reader see how we improve relationships and change our environment through changing ourselves.

Ramakrishna & Christ, the Supermystics: New Interpretations
by Paul Hourihan

This inspired in-depth study compares the lives and mysticism of Ramakrishna, the great saint of 19th century India, and Jesus Christ, the avatar of the West. It will appeal to all interested in a universalist, non-creedal approach to religion, and receptive to the truths of mysticism. With the detailed information available, Dr. Hourihan covers Ramakrishna's life from his unique childhood to his remarkable marriage and beyond. He guides us through his extraordinary struggle for ever-deepening levels of God-realization far transcending our earthbound imaginings. A significant part of the book is devoted to an interpretation of Christ's life as seen from the viewpoint of India's yoga traditions.

This title won the Best Spiritual Book Award for 2002-2003 from the Sacramento Publishers & Authors Association.

The Death of Thomas Merton, A Novel
by Paul Hourihan

This winner of the Best Spiritual Book Award for 2003-2004 from the Sacramento Publishers & Authors is a penetrating fact-based study of what could have occurred on the last day of Merton's life. It is the first book to provide a radical reinterpretation of Merton's character. Hourihan provides a convincing answer to a question that a multitude of Catholics, and others, have asked themselves: Why did the famous Catholic monk, and acclaimed writer die so mysteriously and suddenly?

The author probes the enigmatic December 1968 event, which occurred at an international monastic conference outside of Bangkok, with such insight that the significance of Merton's death is illuminated for the first time. He sees Merton as a tragically divided soul unable to resolve his conflicts within a Christian framework, and who was driven for release--too late and unsuccessfully--into the world of Oriental mysticism. He was a man who should not have become a monk in the first place; falling victim as he did to his own spiritual inadequacies, as well as to fame, and uncritical hero-worship from both laity and clergy alike lacking knowledge of what constituted a true mystic. Hourihan dramatically reveals why Merton was not a "spiritual master or mystic" as he has been referred to by followers. His basic conclusion is that Merton is typical of Westerners who lack grounding in a mystical orientation that would instruct them about the nature of spirituality. This dramatic portrayal, written by an American who writes from an Eastern philosophical perspective, will appeal to ex-Catholics and others with a Christian background searching for guidance outside of their traditional faith.

It is not recommended for warm admirers of Thomas Merton who want to maintain their cherished image of him.

A Myopic Life Resonated From the Brink of the Abyss
by Simeon W. Johnson

Simeon Johnson's life has been transformed from a myopic life resonated to a vanguard of change life! Born in Jamaica, the youngest of thirteen children, SIMEON JOHNSON overcame much hardship. As a young child, he witnessed his mother's death; as a teenager, he endured myriad hardships and even came to the brink of suicide. Who, then would have said God blessed Simeon? Yet now he has returned to testify to the world and the testimony of the Cross. In his book A Myopic Life Resonated From the Brink of the Abyss, he describes his miraculous transformation.

Kabbalah for Beginners
by Rav Michael Laitman PhD

The Kabbalist Rabbi Laitman, who was the student and personal assistant to Rabbi Baruch Ashlag from 1979-1991, follows in the footsteps of his rabbi in passing on the wisdom of Kabbalah to the world. This book is based on sources that were passed down by Rabbi Baruchs father, Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, the author of the commentaries on The Book of Zohar, who continued the ways of many great Kabbalists throughout the generations before them. The goal of this book is to assist individuals in confronting the first stages of the spiritual realm. This unique method of study, which encourages sharing this wisdom with others, not only helps overcome the trials and tribulations of everyday life, but initiates a process in which individuals extend themselves beyond the standard limitations of todays world.

Introduction to the Book of Zohar(Volume One): The Science of Kabbalah
by Rav Michael Laitman PhD

The Science of Kabbalah (Pticha) is the first in a series of texts that Rav Michael Laitman, Kabbalist and scientist, designed to introduce readers to the special language and terminology of the Kabbalah. Here, Rav Laitman reveals authentic Kabbalah in a manner that is both rational and mature. Readers are gradually led to an understanding of the logical design of the Universe and the life whose home it is. The Science of Kabbalah, a revolutionary work that is unmatched in its clarity, depth, and appeal to the intellect, will enable readers to approach the more technical works of Baal HaSulam (Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag), such as 'Talmud Eser Sefirot' and Zohar. Although scientists and philosophers will delight in its illumination, laymen will also enjoy the satisfying answers to the riddles of life that only authentic Kabbalah provides. Now, travel through the pages and prepare for an astonishing journey into the 'Upper Worlds'.

Introduction to the Book of Zohar (Volume Two)
by Rav Michael Laitman PhD

Introduction to the Zohar is the second in a series written by Kabbalist and scientist Rav Michael Laitman, which will prepare readers to understand the hidden message of "The Zohar". Among the many helpful topics dealt with in this companion text to The Science of Kabbalah, readers are introduced to the 'language of root and branch', without which the stories in the Zohar are mere fable and legend. Introduction to the Zohar will certainly furnish readers with the necessary tools to understand authentic Kabbalah as it was originally meant to be, as a means to attain the 'Upper Worlds'.

Attaining the Worlds Beyond is a first step toward discovering the ultimate fulfillment of spiritual ascent in our lifetime. This book reaches out to all those who are searching for answers, who are seeking a logical and reliable way to understand the world's phenomena. this magnificent introduction to the wisdom of Kabbalah provides a new kind of awareness that enlightens the mind, invigorates the heart, and moves the reader to the depths of their soul.

The Path of Kabbalah
by Rav Michael Laitman PhD

“Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any manner of likeness” (Exodus 20:3). This commandment from the Bible is the basis of the Kabbalistic wisdom, for Kabbalists know that the only true reality is that of His Essence, the Upper Force. When we accept this concept, we can become truly open to the prospect of freedom for every person, for every nation, and for the entire world. While the structure of reality and how we perceive it are at the surface of this book, it is the underlying story of the human soul that truly captivates us: this is about you and me, and all of us. It is about the way we were, the way we are, and the way we will be.

The Kabbalah Experience
by Rav Michael Laitman PhD

The Kabbalah Experience is one of the most fascinating books ever published in Kabbalah. It is a journey in time from the past to the future, in situations we might all experience at some point. Anyone who wants to learn how to make the most of every moment in his or her life, anyone who wishes to find a happy, fulfilling life, will find the answers in this book. Since the days of The Zohar and the Tree of Life, the language of Kabbalah has never been as clear as it is in this moving piece. It is worthwhile contemplating the answers in the text, experiencing them in the simplest meaning of the word. Any student of Kabbalah, novice or advanced, will find this book to be a wonderful companion and a great reference for a fountain of genuine knowledge.

Looking Beyond What You See
by Brenda L. McKnight

Looking Beyond What You See is a simple and effective tool to make permanent, positive changes in your life by learning the right things to say to yourself. This book goes beyond positive thinking. It is more than wishful thinking with no concrete instructions on how to achieve success–the will of God–in your life.

America's first book ever for empaths, this how-to helps the estimated 1 in 20 Americans with a natural gift for directly experiencing what it is like to be other people. Techniques show how to stop picking up pain-and without putting up walls (which don't work and only make people feel dead inside).

Other techniques help readers to turn empathic gifts ON, for clear and amazing experience of otherness. A variety of empathic gifts are identified in this entertaining how-to.

Buried Treasure
by Ted Schroder

Buried Treasure is about the 'how' and the 'what' of faith. The first half of the book is about how you go about having faith. What faith means. How does faith square with the facts as we know them. How can we have faith in a scientific age. The issues of doubt, certainty, proof, superstition and prejudice. The risk of faith.

The second half of the book is about the content of Christian faith and what it is that Christians have historically and universally believed as contained in the Apostles' Creed. The analogy of searching for buried treasure in the ocean is used to illustrate the adventure of faith and its rewards.

Heretic : Confessions of an Ex-Catholic Rebel
by Jerome Tuccille

Religious fanaticism and intolerance are perhaps the greatest evils afflicting the human race. Most of the violence in the world today and throughout history has been caused by major religions trying to exterminate those who don't share the same beliefs.

In this eye-opening memoir, author Jerome Tuccille shares the story of his intensely personal struggle with the Roman Catholic Church. After turning in an essay on the Virgin Birth that claimed the Catholic Church dehumanized women, Tuccille is denounced as a heretic by the dean of a Catholic college. As a result, he abandons the religion of his youth and embarks on a global odyssey through Australia, Singapore, India, Europe, and the United States. Tuccille's adventures lead to a life of decadence and transcendental discovery.

HERETIC dramatizes a tug-of-war between the sensual and the divine, revealing the constant struggle with spiritual questions that have stirred the minds and hearts of thoughtful people since time began.

Sacred Vow
A Novel by C.G. Walters

"Sacred Vow is a metaphysical novel about a man who responds to the mysterious call of a woman, opening the way to redefinition of both himself and his understanding of the world around him. He takes his first steps on a journey to accept the world around him as a place to live, not simply a place to survive day-to-day. Sacred Vow is both a narrative and the means for the author to communicate a positive message about life and fully integrating the most into each moment. Highly recommended."
-Midwest BookReview