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Your Life is Your Message: Finding Harmony With Yourself, Others, and the Earth
The founder of California's Blue Mountain Center of Meditation offers an eight-point program of meditation drawn from the world's religions designed to help readers achieve tranquility and become more compassionate, loving, and confident people. Reprint."
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
16 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Eknath Easwaran
213 books631 followersEknath Easwaran (1910–1999) is the originator of passage meditation and the author of more than 30 books on spiritual living.
Easwaran is a recognized authority on the Indian spiritual classics. His translations of The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada are the best-selling editions in the USA, and over 1.5 million copies of his books are in print.
Easwaran was a professor of English literature and well known in India as a writer and speaker before coming to the United States in 1959 on the Fulbright exchange program. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, based in Tomales, California, which continues his work today through publications and retreats.
His 1968 class on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is believed to be the first accredited course on meditation at any Western university. For those who seek him as a personal spiritual guide, Easwaran assured us that he lives on through his eight-point program of passage meditation.
"I am with you always”, he said. “It does not require my physical presence; it requires your open heart."
Please visit bmcm.org for a fuller biography.
Easwaran is a recognized authority on the Indian spiritual classics. His translations of The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada are the best-selling editions in the USA, and over 1.5 million copies of his books are in print.
Easwaran was a professor of English literature and well known in India as a writer and speaker before coming to the United States in 1959 on the Fulbright exchange program. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, based in Tomales, California, which continues his work today through publications and retreats.
His 1968 class on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is believed to be the first accredited course on meditation at any Western university. For those who seek him as a personal spiritual guide, Easwaran assured us that he lives on through his eight-point program of passage meditation.
"I am with you always”, he said. “It does not require my physical presence; it requires your open heart."
Please visit bmcm.org for a fuller biography.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 25, 2018
Here's the deal with Eknath Easwaran and my overall feelings about him and his books. I love the guy. I never had a real mentor in my life and I never had a grandfather so even though I never met him before, I still feel a close connection to him.
It all started many years ago when I was in limbo in my life searching for some sort of answer but I didn't know where to look. I was at a bookstore and found Easwaran's book, "Meditation: An Eight Point Program." I had never meditated before although the idea sounded cool; but there was something about Eknath's face on the book cover (and his kind and wise eyes) that spoke to me. I felt something. The book was used and dirt cheap but to this day, it's one of my most treasured books because I got so much out of it.
All of Easwaran's books are the same; they're all good. But, since I am against all religion, I read all of his writing with a LOT of salt. I don't consider meditation a religion and I have read books that even say Buddhism "isn't supposed to be" a religion either. It IS the least offensive of all religions but I believe meditation can be done without any of that stuff.
This sounds corny but even though I am against religion, I feel like one of those people that says, "I'm very spiritual." It sounds dumb but it's true. I am no atheist. I believe in Universal Knowledge et al. And so with this type of open mind, I am able to read Easwaran's books and get the wisdom out of them.
Now, back to the topic at hand, my review of THIS book, "Your Life Is Your Message." This is probably the easiest of all of Easwaran's books to read and can be read a page at a time; that's how long the sections are. It's a slim little book that you can carry in your backpack. You can probably read it in one sitting!
I do recommend this little book but if you're looking for something meatier, pick up "Meditation" or "Mantram Handbook."
"Meditation: An Eight Point Program" came to me exactly when I needed it. I read it all right away and got so much out of it. Then, I put it away without really putting a meditation practice into use, and I had no mantram either.
Then, I read Tina Turner's autobiography, "I, Tina." It stuck with me because a year or two later, I was in Italy and began to have an anxiety attack. I felt helpless but out of the blue, I thought about Eknath Easwaran and his mantram book and then I suddenly remembered Tina's mantram! It just popped into my head!!
I repeated "Nam Yo Ho Renge Kyo" silently in my mind and the longer I did it, the anxiety slowly faded away. I felt like Eknath and Tina had rescued me, in a way, and so I am very thankful for having found Eknath's book so very long ago.
Every person can learn from his (and his grandmother's) wisdom. He's a sweet man and although he is the opposite of myself in that he respects ALL religion and thinks there is great wisdom in them, I can still get a lot out of his books. I have quite a few of his books and I always go back to them as they tend to give comfort like an old friend does when you need advice.
It all started many years ago when I was in limbo in my life searching for some sort of answer but I didn't know where to look. I was at a bookstore and found Easwaran's book, "Meditation: An Eight Point Program." I had never meditated before although the idea sounded cool; but there was something about Eknath's face on the book cover (and his kind and wise eyes) that spoke to me. I felt something. The book was used and dirt cheap but to this day, it's one of my most treasured books because I got so much out of it.
All of Easwaran's books are the same; they're all good. But, since I am against all religion, I read all of his writing with a LOT of salt. I don't consider meditation a religion and I have read books that even say Buddhism "isn't supposed to be" a religion either. It IS the least offensive of all religions but I believe meditation can be done without any of that stuff.
This sounds corny but even though I am against religion, I feel like one of those people that says, "I'm very spiritual." It sounds dumb but it's true. I am no atheist. I believe in Universal Knowledge et al. And so with this type of open mind, I am able to read Easwaran's books and get the wisdom out of them.
Now, back to the topic at hand, my review of THIS book, "Your Life Is Your Message." This is probably the easiest of all of Easwaran's books to read and can be read a page at a time; that's how long the sections are. It's a slim little book that you can carry in your backpack. You can probably read it in one sitting!
I do recommend this little book but if you're looking for something meatier, pick up "Meditation" or "Mantram Handbook."
"Meditation: An Eight Point Program" came to me exactly when I needed it. I read it all right away and got so much out of it. Then, I put it away without really putting a meditation practice into use, and I had no mantram either.
Then, I read Tina Turner's autobiography, "I, Tina." It stuck with me because a year or two later, I was in Italy and began to have an anxiety attack. I felt helpless but out of the blue, I thought about Eknath Easwaran and his mantram book and then I suddenly remembered Tina's mantram! It just popped into my head!!
I repeated "Nam Yo Ho Renge Kyo" silently in my mind and the longer I did it, the anxiety slowly faded away. I felt like Eknath and Tina had rescued me, in a way, and so I am very thankful for having found Eknath's book so very long ago.
Every person can learn from his (and his grandmother's) wisdom. He's a sweet man and although he is the opposite of myself in that he respects ALL religion and thinks there is great wisdom in them, I can still get a lot out of his books. I have quite a few of his books and I always go back to them as they tend to give comfort like an old friend does when you need advice.
January 1, 2024
Eknath Easwaran’s spiritual philosophy is so positive and loving. I always feel empowered to be a better person when I read his beautiful books. This was written in 1992 and still resonates perfectly over 30 years later. And I’ve already chosen another of his books, Words to Live By for my “page-a-day” book for 2024.
May 25, 2009
Wonderful perspective. Chock full of practical steps to creating harmony within and without. Meditation, daily mantras, methods of shifting thinking patterns, and much much more. I will be coming back to this book on a weekly basis as part of my spiritual practice.
July 14, 2017
This book is a little special something to accompany your morning tea and change your perspective. His inspirational stories help you slow down and become a more mindful person with each page.
August 14, 2019
Great book, I have to get my own copy to refer back to! (Just borrowed it from someone..) "Everything you do influences those around you--and everything you think + feel influences what you do.."
I like his concept of "parking the mind"-- you can "park " your mind in patience, kindness, or compassion to avoid/ bypass some negative emotions like anger, stress, depression..Also you can "change Channels" in your mind---ex. Change the channel from anger or frustration to patience or understanding. .(if possible!!)
I like his concept of "parking the mind"-- you can "park " your mind in patience, kindness, or compassion to avoid/ bypass some negative emotions like anger, stress, depression..Also you can "change Channels" in your mind---ex. Change the channel from anger or frustration to patience or understanding. .(if possible!!)
April 26, 2023
Distills a spiritual program down to a simple essence. Slow down, be compassionate, and practice a contemplative life. These reflection and intermittent exercises have guided me throughout my life. Eknath Easwaran uses practical and contemporary (at least at the time of writing) examples of how to transcend the bondage of the lower self and unite the greater Self with all living beings. A pertinent expose for these turbulent times.
July 4, 2025
Shed your old skin
Commune with nature
Turn inward
Have a continuing source of joy
Cultivate inner simplicity
Repeat a mantra
Park your mind in kindness
Slow down
Be patient
Be humble
Be a work of art
Live at life’s center
Utilize storm windows
Put others first
Listen
One thing at a time
Be attentive
Be at home in the universe
Be content
Commune with nature
Turn inward
Have a continuing source of joy
Cultivate inner simplicity
Repeat a mantra
Park your mind in kindness
Slow down
Be patient
Be humble
Be a work of art
Live at life’s center
Utilize storm windows
Put others first
Listen
One thing at a time
Be attentive
Be at home in the universe
Be content
September 10, 2021
The more time we spend decoding our reality in the territory of constructive thought patterns, the more our life-time will be in harmony, statistically attracting events that give us pleasure and happiness.
Inspiring book!
Inspiring book!
July 4, 2021
EEs reads are just wonderful spiritual reada
August 18, 2021
He is a favorite...and has lots of books...
September 8, 2023
Amazing
December 14, 2023
All true but pretty basic. Seems If you've read one Easwaran you've read them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
Beautiful insight on how to live your life as if it is the ultimate message you leave behind. Love Easwaran.
December 26, 2014
Wonderful,easy to read,full of timeless wisdom.
"If little people like you and me work together, we can do a great deal to transform the world."
". . there is a gnawing hunger for fulfillment, which is not appeased by possessions or power or fame."
"You will begin to think of others needs as you've been thinking about your own. With this expansion of consciousness comes a flood of loving energy that transforms you life and the world around you. The idea of buying or doing something for yourself at the expense of others or of the forests or rivers or air becomes unthinkable."
"If you really want to test your opinion, take it out and toss it down in front of your opposition. They will jump on it and even dance on it. When they are done, if it is torn, it is not worth keeping."
"if we want our children to grow up secure and loving, we should turn our backs on profit and pleasure and devote ourselves to putting those around us first."
"we need to learn to change our likes and dislikes freely"
"So please try to give as much time as possible to your children. Giving them toys or money is not a substitute for this."
"Among all of our activities our first priority should be to change our mode of living from wasteful to simple, from thoughtless to elegant, from destructive to sustainable."
"There is a close connection between slowing down, living simply, and bringing beauty and love into our lives."
"remind yourself just once everyday that you are a source of unfailing kindness and unchanging love at the core of your consciousness, it will help you."
"If little people like you and me work together, we can do a great deal to transform the world."
". . there is a gnawing hunger for fulfillment, which is not appeased by possessions or power or fame."
"You will begin to think of others needs as you've been thinking about your own. With this expansion of consciousness comes a flood of loving energy that transforms you life and the world around you. The idea of buying or doing something for yourself at the expense of others or of the forests or rivers or air becomes unthinkable."
"If you really want to test your opinion, take it out and toss it down in front of your opposition. They will jump on it and even dance on it. When they are done, if it is torn, it is not worth keeping."
"if we want our children to grow up secure and loving, we should turn our backs on profit and pleasure and devote ourselves to putting those around us first."
"we need to learn to change our likes and dislikes freely"
"So please try to give as much time as possible to your children. Giving them toys or money is not a substitute for this."
"Among all of our activities our first priority should be to change our mode of living from wasteful to simple, from thoughtless to elegant, from destructive to sustainable."
"There is a close connection between slowing down, living simply, and bringing beauty and love into our lives."
"remind yourself just once everyday that you are a source of unfailing kindness and unchanging love at the core of your consciousness, it will help you."
November 7, 2007
This book lists stories and passages from Eknath's lectures and talks. Most of the stories are only a couple of pages but they really hit home with their message. The stories stem around Eknath's suggestions which are in line with his 8 point program for spiritual transformation. Such practical suggestions like slowing down, meditating on a spiritual passage daily, and reading spiritual work daily are parts of the program. If you take these words to heart you can't help but be transformed internally. With internal transformation comes external results.
When Easwaran started himself on the spiritual path he was merely a college professor. However, with daily practice and work he became a wise sage in later life. The steps listed in this book are intended to allow you to reach that same state of being. Also, you don't have to be of any religious persuasion to follow these steps.
Eknath was a big follower of Gandhi and that comes across clearly in these admonishments and suggestions for living a happier and more spiritual life. It was Gandhi who said when asked for a message that his life was his message.
For no longer than what it will take to read this book it's a great return on your investment. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to have greater peace and a good set of practical suggestions to improve their lives.
When Easwaran started himself on the spiritual path he was merely a college professor. However, with daily practice and work he became a wise sage in later life. The steps listed in this book are intended to allow you to reach that same state of being. Also, you don't have to be of any religious persuasion to follow these steps.
Eknath was a big follower of Gandhi and that comes across clearly in these admonishments and suggestions for living a happier and more spiritual life. It was Gandhi who said when asked for a message that his life was his message.
For no longer than what it will take to read this book it's a great return on your investment. I'd recommend it for anyone looking to have greater peace and a good set of practical suggestions to improve their lives.
January 23, 2016
Wonderful distillation of Easwaran's 8 pointed program in 3 circles of life: self, others, and earth...the Gandhian idea of "practical idealism" fills nearly every page, these ideals are presented in narratives, quotes from spiritual teachers, and logical arguments, the ideals are connected to everyday life in a simple but profound way...the wisdom traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are well represented throughout the book...the writing are organized in short essays of 1-2 pages...i read these short reflections just before my daily meditation over a period of several months, but the book could also be read straight through in a matter of hours...i prefer the longer time frame, letting the ideas penetrate my daily life, giving me the opportunity to test things out, to have a chance to reflect, to deepen my understanding, to grow...highly recommend to any spiritual seeker.
July 30, 2014
I'm not a fan of self-help books, so I don't read much about how to change or improve life for greater happiness. This book was transformational for me, though. Filled with practical wisdom conveyed in stories from the author's own spiritual journey, there is much to learn from and reflect on in this slim volume.
February 21, 2011
usually, easwaran's books are solid 5s. and this one wasn't bad... however, I like his longer format stuff. in this book, the average passage is about 2 paragraphs long. and there's nothing wrong with that. i just prefer his books in which he writes longer passages that discuss some issue. the 'bhagavad gita for daily living' series is much better in my opinion.
June 30, 2014
I usually rate a book when I finish it. While I've reached the last page of this book I can't imagine ever being finished. This book will remain on a near shelf and I will always be in the process of reading it.
September 11, 2009
I keep this book handy for a quick inspirational lift. Easwaran helps me to slow down, be present and live my message of inner peace.
February 19, 2013
Decent little book. It has managed to get me back into meditation.
May 18, 2014
You will be a healing force wherever you go.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews