Kindle Life

by Chinmayananda

A preliminary text of Vedantic studies, this work lays a very good foundation for all advanced studies. Full of guidance for right living, the book inspires every reader to pursue true spirituality. The language here is simple, yet forceful. Avoiding Technical jargon, Pujya Gurudev initiates us into the essentials of a higher, value-based life. Organized into over thirty lessons or essays, the material here is ideal for a novice. Of course, advanced students would also find the teachings here very refreshing. Used in Chinmaya Study Group and Yuva Kendras(Youth Groups) as an introductory work, many thousands have received great benefit from the timeless piece of Self-development literature. As a forerunner to higher Indian Philosophy, this book is sure to be of great help to study circles in academic environments and outside as well.

Genres: Spirituality, Hinduism, Self Help, Nonfiction, Philosophy

282 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2008

About the author

Chinmayananda Saraswati, also known as Swami Chinmayananda and born Balakrishnan Menon, was an Indian spiritual leader and teacher who inspired the formation of Chinmaya Mission in 1953 to spread the message of Vedanta. The organization, which was founded by his disciples and led by him, has over 300 centres in India and internationally.
He was a disciple of Sivananda Saraswati at Rishikesh, who founded the Divine Life Society. He was later advised by Sivananda to study under Tapovan Maharaj in Uttarkashi in the Himalayas.

Reviews

[Parth Bhatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for spiritual seekers

[Tanvir]

Great book.

[Vish Wam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind opener.

[Sanjeev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a student of Hinduism and Spirituality in general, I found this book invaluable. It is simple, lucid, and worth reading many times.

[Tamanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I think there are many lines from the book I will remember forever. I also like his advice to read certain books more than once to get more out of the readings.

[Jignesh Patil · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read book for all and in any phase of life

[Anamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic book on philosophy of life as stated by the ancient Hindu texts - the Vedas/ Upanishads

[Aswath Narayanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands alone because of the authors lucid writing, such a depth topic of vedanta has been given in a nutshell. He explains the Santana dharma as it is apart from the so called religious perspective, he says religion is not only of praying to god and doing rituals it is a way of life or Art of living to be a better citizen. One who ask questions on everything is a spritual seeker.

[o · Rating 4 out of 5]

good summary stuff for beginners

[G E · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favourite lines in this books is the following: "Here too, we can deceive ourselves; and more than 99 percent of the religionists all over the world are doing it today. They make a great show of their devotion and scriptural learning, of their rituals and the paraphernalia attached to their religion, all a mere crude superficial show".

Swami gives an insight into the importance and benefits of meditation when it comes to aligning our mind, body, and soul. This book mainly made me re-think what the words judgement, and passion mean. The author writes about the Japa as an effective method for spiritual progress, how one should make the mind immune to selfishness and passion, and "... discriminate continuously. Be good. Do good. Be kind. Be tolerant, merciful and all loving".

It made me reconsider these two words, especially with regard to one's dharma, fate, and destiny. It's an interesting read for anyone who wants to understand the philosophies behind yoga practices and methods. This book made me curious about the practice itself.

[Shivangi · Rating 5 out of 5]

a year and a half later finally got myself to finish this… annotated the whole thing and took a while so im proud to have finished and to wrap up my reading challenge!!

written by a western college educated atheist communist who thought indian philosophy was a scam so he stayed at a hindu monastery to write an exposé on them but then was like shittt they’re kinda turning out bangers here… focuses on using indian philosophy to live a good life, ex. helping others, finding meaning in your career, handling negative emotions in life etc etc. this is way better than most self help books I’ve read bc it’s written by someone who actually has experienced life and knows what they’re talking about. straight banger.

[Pooja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Life by Swami Chinmayananda is a book on Vedanta philosophy, written in a simple and accessible style using everyday examples to explain complex philosophical concepts.
It is a popular introductory text for those who are new to Vedanta, and is also a valuable resource for more advanced students.

[Samir Kamat · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book

Have studied many books on Vedanta. With this one I came full circle. The study approach with a list and order to read is very helpful.

[Shubham Dixit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good starting point to understand Hinduism from the Vedanta perspective. Particularly this book is also the starting book for the study scheme given by the Chinmaya mission.

[sashank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very gentle Introduction to swamijis preachings and vedanta , good for beginners

[Varun K · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in a series of books. Concepts are explained in a very clear and concise manner.

[Geraldine Gomez Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favourite lines in this books is the following: "Here too, we can deceive ourselves; and more than 99 percent of the religionists all over the world are doing it today. They make a great show of their devotion and scriptural learning, of their rituals and the paraphernalia attached to their religion, all a mere crude superficial show".

Swami gives an insight into the importance and benefits of meditation when it comes to aligning our mind, body, and soul. This book mainly made me re-think what the words judgement, and passion mean. The author writes about the Japa as an effective method for spiritual progress, how one should make the mind immune to selfishness and passion, and "... discriminate continuously. Be good. Do good. Be kind. Be tolerant, merciful and all loving".

It made me reconsider these two words, especially with regard to one's dharma, fate, and destiny. It's an interesting read for anyone who wants to understand the philosophies behind yoga practices and methods. This book made me curious about the practice itself.