How and when to start on the spiritual path? Swamiji says, "Just start - Now! Today is the best day. A better day will not come!"
For beginners these essays serve as an excellent introduction to the study of Vedanta. This book lays a solid foundation for all advanced study of Vedanta, provides guidance for right living and inspires every reader to pursue the path of spirituality. It is refreshing even for advanced students. Thousands have benefited from this timeless work on Self-development due the emphasis on the practical application of Vedanta in Life.
Swami Chinmayananda, pioneered the art of conveying sublime knowledge intricately wrapped in Sanskrit scripture through the medium of English discourse and commentary. On realising the true purpose of life, he worked tirelessly and with tremendous energy for more than four decades to spread the message of Vedanta. A great writer, leader, patriot and spiritual giant - He brought about a spiritual renaissance of the Vedantic heritage to the world. A powerful orator with his own brand of wit and humour; he paints vividly the wisdom of the ages in front of us. His commentary on the Bhagavad Geeta and Upanishads are considered one of the best ever for their clarity and crisp logic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.