The Lotus Effect: Shedding Suffering and Rediscovering Your Essential Self

by Pavel Somov

Discover the Lotus Effect

The lotus plant has a unique ability to survive in muddy, humid swamps, producing beautiful flowers that bloom just above the water's surface. By repelling dirt and parasites from their leaves, lotuses are able to thrive and access as much sunlight and water as possible. What if we, like the lotus, could let the trials and tribulations of everyday life slip away and emerge unscathed and whole?

Suffering results when we lose sight of our true sense of self and absorb everyday frustrations instead of letting these feelings fall away. Inspired by Buddhist and Vedic psychology, The Lotus Effect will help you rediscover who you are by clarifying what you are not. Through the contemplative "identity detox" exercises and meditations in this book, you'll learn to let go of stress, worry, anger, suffering, and need for approval as naturally as the lotus sheds mud from its leaves. As you practice detaching yourself from life's disappointments, frustrations, and fears, you'll take the first steps toward strengthening your core "lotus self" so that you, too, will possess the resilience to blossom, no matter the circumstances.

Genres: Self Help

216 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Gianmichael Salvato · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first couple times I read this book, I did so while traveling, and found it to be a compelling combination of bringing to life historical tradition, mythos and the philosophical concepts of the Sanatana Dharma and Buddhism, in a way that was interesting and inspiring.

The author's method for overcoming negative emotional patterns is both engaging and practical.

I intend to read it again soon, when I can engage in the literal practices Somov recommends. His playful art of communication reminds me of how I imagine the great Krsna or Śakyamuni would have light-heartedly "played" with their students.

Definitely one of those books I recommend for those seeking informational detox.

[Erika]

I enjoyed the exercises Somov suggests to help with letting go of suffering to rediscover "your" essential self. It's a good self-help book to pick up at some later time when you feel the need to refer to an exercise to get yourself back on track.