Blue Poppies

by Judith Wermuth-Atkinson

In Blue Poppies, the author shares her experience of spiritual life in the Indian Himalaya. For years, Judith Wermuth-Atkinson had the unique opportunity to study, live, and travel with the Hindu monk and Vedic scholar Siddhartha Krishna. She offers vivid descriptions of men, women, and children in the life of rarely accessible spiritual communities, deliberations on religious devotion or on questions of the clash between tradition and change, and observations of social attitudes toward marriage, caste, and the untouchable--all providing insights into a complex world both ancient and modern. That world has taught the author "to believe in the endless power of the mind," and she sees it as a precious source of mindfulness--a source that ought to be preserved.

148 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2016

About the author

Dr. Judith Wermuth-Atkinson is a multi-lingual author and literature scholar. She has received her PhD from Columbia University where she has also been teaching courses on world literature, philosophy, and aesthetics. Previously, she has studied and taught in different countries in Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East. She writes poetry, essays, and creative non-fiction. In addition to her academic book "The Red Jester. Andrei Bely’s Petersburg as a Novel of the European Modern" (2012) she has also published a memoir, "Näher an die Ferne" [Closer to the Faraway] (1999), as well as essays on spiritual topics, a book of tales about old people entitled “The Holy Dusters” (2015), and a number of translations of philosophical and literary works. Her most recent book is "Blue Poppies.A Spiritual Travelogue from the Himalaya" -- a book, in which she details her personal spiritual journey while she was living and studying in the Indian Himalaya.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Wermuth-Atkinson describes her many journeys to India and the Himalayas in order to further develop her spirituality and learn about the culture. Her vivid descriptions bring you right into her world as she explores this very interesting country and tells you about the incredible people she meets along the way as well as the teachers and spiritual guides she learns from. India taught the author to learn, develop and love; but she explains how difficult it was to put into words many of her experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and wished it wouldn't end. Even though I have read a fair amount about India, the author still provided much information that I was not aware of. Such a great informative read.

A special thank you to Judith Wermuth-Atkinson for personally sending me a copy of her book and thank you to the Goodreads program.

[Nissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judith Wermuth-Atkinson shows philosophy in India in a meaningful way in this book. It's a delightful read that will take the reader on the journey into India but also on a spiritual journey as well. I would highly recommend this book.

[K]

ARC. Read some time ago. Liked it