A book that will change your life
It's time to spend a few quiet moments with your favourite book. Time to escape from the daily chores and relax. In my case this is not a book I was given or found tucked away on a shelf in the local second hand bookshop. My favourite book is one that I collated and had published, a book filled with inspiration and joy, one that has changed my life!
This book and its sublime messages shall bring the reader richness and a deeper understanding, appreciation and love of themselves and those around them. A book that will open the reader to a depth of insight, wisdom and reflection that will bring peace, happiness and contentment into their lives. This book is a collaborative effort I the compiler, Sri Chinmoy the meditation teacher the author, and the beautiful design and production by the publishers.
When I suggest that this book, Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden shall also have a profound effect on your life, I refer firstly to the introduction, "Allow yourself the time to quietly read and reflect on these ageless teachings; welcome them all, as each carries a clear and loving message. May this be the beginning of a continuing experience of your openness to growth, free from what limits and divides us".
The messages are carried within the 300 aphorisms that are divided into nine separate categories. To suggest that we are limited immediately challenges the reader to understand that there is room for improvement within themselves. The acceptance of this then enables the reader to be openly receptive to these pearls of wisdom. Sri Chinmoy's inspiring messages are aimed at our spiritual heart, that region within that clearly identifies with these truths.
We are encouraged through daily prayer, meditation and quiet contemplation to experience a deeper more fulfilling part of ourselves. To tap into an infinite reservoir of compassion and unconditional love that shows us that we are members of a global family hopefully showing respect, tolerance, concern and understanding to each other: that we can live in peaceful co-existence with members of our world family regardless of their faiths or beliefs. This reality opens our hearts bringing oneness and compassion as a new spiritual reality.
The poems remind us of our need to protect Mother Nature, to sit quietly in full appreciation of her beauty, vastness and diversity. They arouse within us the need to be patient with ourselves as we strive to adopt these truths into our daily lives, understanding that the resulting transformation takes time and that we should be kind to ourselves as they take place, by not expecting too much too soon.
Further on the compiler says, "These aphorisms are life transforming and a constant source of delight and inspiration. May each in its own unique way inspire you to pause and reflect, to search for your higher meaning and purpose, bringing you the fullness, richness and happiness in life".
This suggests that we are more than just a physical body, more than just the single "I or me", that we have a greater calling and purpose. In understanding this we can then strive through our daily activities to encourage, support, show concern and understanding to those around us. Offering to them through our love and selflessness to find happiness in their lives, and in doing so we fulfil that part of our ourselves by selflessly helping others.
At a time on our planet when there is so much violence, misunderstanding, intolerance, greed and hate in the world, Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden brings a wisdom that is both timely and transforming. This best selling book of Sri Chinmoy's is non-denominational, making it an ideal gift for any individual, its soul-stirring universal messages bring joy and inspiration to the reader.
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Further endorsements -
"Sri Chinmoy is a master of the aphorism. There is no-one writing from the same spiritual height, with the same certainty, the same authority of voice. Deceptively simple, these poems, prayers and meditations resonate in the mind and expand in the heart. Written with clarity and lucidity, they are inspirational, instructional and above all, accessible. This book is a delight".
Alan Spence, Award-winning Scottish author. Professor in Creative Writing, University of Aberdeen. Scotland.
"In this selection of aphoristic writings by Sri Chinmoy we see into the deep and multifaceted wisdom of one of our great contemporary spiritual leaders and poets. These writings are drawn from that deep well of wisdom and beauty that nourishes all humankind. Every breath and every word of Sri Chinmoy tells us that we all belong to one human family, beyond any division of language, culture or faith".
Thomas E. Pliske, PhD Senior Lecturer Environmental Studies/Liberal Studies Florida International University Miami, FL. USA.