Indian Books

Absolute bliss! This is a magnificient work of synthetesis of the complex and fascinating world of Yoga; history, traditions, techniques are presented with knowledge , expertise and a suave voice (well its a recording). I have been listening to the whole thing 3 times now and there is still much to learn.

This set is a decent introduction to yoga for someone who knows nothing about yoga and has never been involved in any kind of esoteric practice. I don't know why is it entitled "The Lost Teachings of Yoga", since the information presented on these CDs is widely available elsewhere. Most of the information presented here comes from Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. There are also references to Babaji and Trailanga Swami from Autobiography of a Yogi, Gopi Krishna's Kundalini experience, transcendental meditation, and works related to tantra, mantras and hatha yoga.

Few CDs in this set deal with yamas and niyamas (moral virtues) which are presented here in a way that sounds pretty much like the Ten Commandments given by Moses. For comparison purposes, Emmet Fox has written a wonderful book explaining those Ten Commandments but not in terms of "thou shalt not", but rather in a way that makes perfect sense to esoterically or spiritually inclined individual, and I suppose I have expected on these yoga CDs explanation of yamas in niyamas more from a spiritual perspective, rather than from physical perspective.
For example, the author talks how difficult and challenging it is to live by them and mentions that he uses the model of 12-steps from AA to make the process easier. That may very well work, though I have found that since all of the moral virtues arise out of the principle of Oneness, as the individual meditates upon One Spirit, surrendering to it within to the point that he allows it to take over and in that way experiencing Oneness - all moral virtues fall in place effortlessly. If one walks through life with the awareness of himself, his own spirit, one spirit, being present in everything and everyone, he would neither wish to injure another nor to take anything from another; he would not have to struggle to live with conscience, it happens naturally, as the outcome of the experience of oneness. It doesn't take struggle - by embracing the higher, the lower falls off.

The author talks about different branches of yoga and when it comes to bhakti yoga - yoga of divotion - he made it sound as if bhakti yoga is of necessity steeped in duality. For many people, and in the beginning stages of spiritual understanding and experience, it may be so, but ultimately, what one experiences is that one is loving and perceiving himself - one Spirit - One Self - everywhere, and eventually all forms dissolve and only the Self remains. One merges with that which he loves, and in that merging one dissolves in it, and in that merging and dissolution, all forms dissolve also. Such has been my inner experience. This path of yoga leads to the same outcome as any other path of yoga and for that matter it is present to some extent in any other path of yoga.

Overall it is a good set of CDs.

This is an extensive and innovative review of the traditional teachings of Yoga, well delivered in an engaging, conversational manner. The key Yoga teachings from the Hindu, Buddhist and Jainism traditions are systematically developed, well-woven with references to both the classic literature and an astounding range of references to other world wisdom traditions and history. Among my favorites is his linking of the four traditional goals of life from the Vedas with the Declaration of Independence of the United States and the preamble to the Constitution.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are, of course, discussed in depth. I appreciate his emphasis on the central role of the Kriya Yoga model of transformation - a model still quite relevant today - even though there are some differences from the Krishnamacharya teachings I have heard from Desikachar and Kraftsow. All of the more well known eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are discussed in depth, with much deserved emphasis on the Yamas and Niyamas, the traditional moral foundations of Yoga. Each of the seven traditional paths of Yoga are well explained in some especially educational ways, not just listing the different paths. Georg's command and experience with of the spectrum of Yoga teachings allows him to present some of the teachings in new ways, such as his 12 steps to spiritual recovery and his tests for authentic yoga.

The lecture style is easy to listen to. He peppers his discussions with questions that a modern student would logically ask, and then weaves personal experience into his answers. Feuerstein is not afraid to focus on contemporary issues with the lens of the classical teachings. For example, free market capitalism. As an economist I have a few different interpretations than his, but I appreciate the importance of examining modern situations and making personal choices from a considered moral foundation as opposed to simply self-interest.

I see these tapes as an important resource in three key ways. First, as a delightful educational and thought-provoking experience for the Yoga student in all of us - perhaps on long cross-country drives as I do. Second, for Yoga teachers brushing up on selected topics for their own teaching. The tapes have already helped me prepare for a couple of lectures I am giving later this month. Third, I see these tapes as recommended or required "reading" in the many new Yoga teacher-training courses springing up around the country to help meet their philosophy requirement.

My only regret is that these lectures on tape are not available in written form so one can easily go back to review and highlight key sections. Feuerstein is a prolific writer and these teaching are well discussed in a wide variety of his books elsewhere. In my view, however, the lectures on this tape set are especially well put together. They are an intellectual tour de force distilling many decades of study and writing. I very much enjoy hearing them in his own voice.

I have looked for a long time for something that taught yoga philosophy in an engaging, comprehensive manner. Some books are a bit on the dry side, others just touch on one small aspect of it. This CD set is a wonderful overview of the classical philosophies of yoga. The author's voice is clear, soothing and pleasant. Best of all, he's interesting! I haven't found a more complete and well-organized source of yoga philosophy. Definitely a worthwhile purchase!

Sharing his thoughts, along with quotes that inspired him.
Daisaku Ikeda's four book series is filled with warm encouragement and timeless wisdom Quotes supporting each title (Prayer, Courage, Determination, and Love), will inspire and touch your heart.

Each page of this book has a short quote on love - love of nature to love of spouse, love for your children to love for the world. I bought two more copies, one for my son (a new father) and one for my best friend (a new grandmother). It's a beautiful book to keep or give as a gift.

This small book has some great quotes to help us overcome life's obstacles, another great book by Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda is a very wise man. In this book and all the books in this series President Ikeda's deep compassion for all human life brillantly shines. His thoughtful words inspire hope and courage, helping people to move forward releasing the chains of despair and powerlessness.

I UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO NEED A FREE BOOK REPORT FAST SO HERE IS ONE.

It is the summer of 1778, and 16-year-old Maggie Callahan is traveling through central Pennsylvania in search of her aunt and uncle, her only surviving family. With her aged friend Jake. The person who takes care of her. Furthermore when they almost reach there destinations her and Jake are taken captive by Seneca Indian�s. While traveling along the war trail Jake manages to escape.
After living among the Seneca Indians Maggie is adopted by them and given to the Seneca in marriage to firefly Frenchgirl's brother. Frenchgirl is other captive who can also speaks English and helps Maggie out. While Maggie is out on a hunt for food her and firefly wait for Frenchgirl and the other Indian to come back with the boar they rap there self in the fur of an animal they had killed early that day. While sleeping together in the fur wolfs come and attack them. Not being able to move because of the fur becoming frozen. Firefly foot is bit off. And ends up dies on the boot ride home in Maggie�s arms.
A few months after firefly�s death Maggie find out that she is pregnant with firefly's baby. She gives birth to a baby boy which is named hoot owl.
When a British office notice Maggie red hair he try's to recapture her. But now Maggie has become custom to her Indian ways and wished to stay among the Indians. While running from the British officer she comes a pone the mysterious Indian woman whom the Indian�s call Ragpicker. Maggie has only seen her while making the fires at night for firefly journey She is called Ragpicker because she goes though the Indians garbage to survive . The British officer tell Ragpicker to take the baby and for Maggie to come with him. Ragpicker takes the baby but Maggie still gets away. Now she doesn�t know where Frenchgirl or any of the other Indians are. And Ragpicker does not come back with Hoot owl .Maggie must try to find her way back to her aunt and uncle house to survive.
Maggie fights bitter cold and near starvation in making her way back to her aunt franny house. She mostly live on pine needle tea. Finally after having many heart ships. Maggie finds the tavern on the Allegheny and now know when Jake escape from the Indians he didn�t die but made it back to her aunts house were he lay�s there sleeping now.
In over all I really found myself glued to this book. I just couldn�t put in down. I believe they explained many events well. So many things happen to Maggie and her strength through all of these hardship borders on the unbelievable. Although there was a few things that stump me. Like Firefly, Frenchgirl's brother and Maggie's husband, is a completely mysterious character. He is described as blond and blue-eyed, but readers are not told if he is Frenchgirl's natural brother--and if he is, why he can't speak English as she can. This is over all a five star book in my eyes and cant wait to read a follow up book on Maggie.
Writing by Alisha L. Somma

Maggie Among the Seneca by Robin Moore is a great book! This book starts out with Maggie and her friend, Old Jake Logan. They are drained and exausted and have been traveling for four days! They are heading towards Ohio River Country. Maggie is an Irish, sixteen years old red head. Her hair as red as the fire burning that night. She wore a short blouse and dress, and an apron with her knife tucked into the waist band of her apron . My favorite section is when Maggie gets stolen by two Seneca men.
Maggie's aunt Frannie and uncle Thomas are the only family she has she hopes her dad is still alive. Maggie is a caring girl and also cares for nature. Maggie's alive when the Indians are.
Oh-no! Trapped! Maggie's so scared after a couple of months pass as Maggie is in the Seneca. In the winter of Maggie's second year there she meets Frenchgirl . Frenchgirl was captured by the Seneca warriors too and so was her brother Firefly. Maggie whose new name Redwing was forced to marry Firefly . A few months later after Firefly died Maggie had a baby who she called Owl Hoot . I can't tell you the rest you'll have to read it on your own.
I'd recommend this book to a friend because it's an outstanding book with excruciating detail. This is one of the best books I've ever read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes surprises.

Maggie ran from her fiance in sinking Creek, she went with her friend Jake Login, and found herself taken by a Seneca tribe, now you ask will she servive? What will happen to Jake? Will it be a piece of cake? of course there is another book but just to be sure take a look. I love this book it's fun to read, yes I think it's neat in deed!

I read this book for the first time after the author gave an assembly at our school. He kindly donated a copy of this work to our library. It's the second book in a trilogy, the first being The Bread Sister from Sinking Creek, also a wonderful book.

Maggie Among Seneca tells the tale of Maggie who is desprately tring to find her way to her aunt after the last members of her immeadite family sicken and die. On her journey to locate her, Maggie and her party are captured by a band of Indians and taken to their camp. She is able to befriend a girl who had been taken captive by the same tribe several years before, and who kindly explains everything that goes on for the bewildered Maggie. When she learns to fit in, she meets with both love and heartache, but ultimately still dreams of finding her family.

Robin Moore tells the story very well, in a manner which had me wishing that I had not read it, so I could read it all over again for the first time. Many of my freinds who I coaxed to read this book have the very same opinon, and we are all looking forward to the third book in the trilogy.

At a time when the power of violence appears to be growing and unchallenged, this book provides an important reminder that there ARE alternatives.

Gandhi, King and others demonstrated to the world and to history that non-violence is more powerful than violence, if one has the courage and discipline necessary to apply it. Mary King's book does a better job than any other I've read at laying out this very-human saga. I came to recognize in this book that it is through the diligent and committed work of many unsung people over many decades that these two great leaders were able to make the decisive contributions to humanity that they did. Even though Gandhi had said it many times - that what he did could be done by anyone - one can only truly appreciate this truth when one has the "full story." And Mary King delivers the full story.

I also found the collection of quotes one of the best organized and most useful I've ever seen. Anyone with any level of leadership responsibility in social issues will want this book on their shelf - and in their suitcase.

For anyone interested in world peace, Mary King's book, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action, is a must read.

In the post cold war era, the battling forces of conflict - war and negotiation - peace have changed. From 1945 to 1990, the United States/Soviet Union standoff shaped public policy. The absence of the super power conflict has created a void and the opportunity for regional controversies has emerged. The essence of Mary King's theme is to utilize the people-based non-violent practices of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. as the major new forces for peace and conciliation.

Mary King's whole background and international experience makes her a unique voice. She cut her teeth in the 1960's in Mississippi, active in America's civil rights batles, working with Julian Bond and Martin Luther King, Jr. From there she has been one of the world's leading spokespersons and activists working on the international scene on behalf of women's rights, civil rights and peace. Her first book on civil rights in Mississippi won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Journalism.

There are not nearly enough books published in English on the extremely important topic of nonviolent social action. I am a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and realize how very many publications there are that examine all aspects of the use of violence/force in international and inter-group relations. But sadly, few of those books give much sober assessment of the huge limitations there are on the effectiveness of coercion-based actions (e.g. in Kosovo, Bosnia, etc.) This book helps to provide an antidote to that. In addition to giving full descriptions of Gandhi's and Dr. MLK's thinking on the power of nonviolence, the author, Mary King, also provides some fascinating material about the effectiveness of nonviolent acts in more recent struggles.

I have written a regular column on global issues for 'The Christian Science Monitor' for nearly a decade now. In the past couple of years, I have also been blessed by the opportunity to work as a writer with an extremely inspiring group of Nobel Peace laureates, including the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Tutu, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, and others. (Based on that work, I wrote a book called "The Moral Architecture of World Peace: Nobel Laureates Discuss our Global Future".) It was significant that nearly all the laureates I worked with mentioned both Gandhi and Dr. MLK--who was also himself a Nobel Peace Laureate--as prime inspirations in their own work and thinking. So I was looking for one reference book that I could use myself, and to which I could refer readers, that would provide a broad overview of the thinking of those two men. I was delighted to find it in Mary King's book, which ideally should be placed as a source-book in every high-school and community library in the country!

Mary King has woven together photos, quotes and her own reflections in a manner reminiscent of the popular GANDHI THE MAN by Sri Eknath Easwaran. Her subject is broader, however, in that she gives us not only Gandhi and King but some of the more dramatic leaders of nonviolence in the modern world. The need for information and understanding about this subject and these people cannot be overstated. Mary King was superbly qualified to respond to that need, and she has done so beautifully in this volume. I agree with previous reviewers that it should be in the library of every school and college.

I really enjoyed Nelson's book and found it helpful in my research on the Koyukon people. This is ed in specifics. Nelson presents a sensitive and unbiased ethnography that is well written and enjoyable to read.

Nelson's work is so absolutely excellent. His sentence and paragraph structure are so easy to flow with that I think he could make just about anything interesting. Often anthropologies are dry or are just this side of being believable....as is the case in some books about adventures among far-flung populations. Nelson is so thorough in his describing of myth, language and native understandings which engage the reader's imagination. He's an incredible writer-just as good as those fiction writers who are touted as being great artists in the New York Times Book Review that comes out with the Sunday edition. His writings are well grounded and there is nothing New Age or simplistic in his portrayals of the natural world or indigenous peoples in this case. I find his realism refreshingly accurate and precise when alot of what appears on his same subjects are vague emotional tomes that can be finished in an afternoon and promptly forgotten. If his name appears as author on any written work, read it!!

A fresh direction for anthropological study that is from the "inside." The author lives "among" the people and learns from them, taking pains to distinguish the influence of "western" cultural values. The relationship between this "outsider" and the people who recieve him among them should be the model for all such explorations.

As an anthropologist trained in Alaska, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand something more of what they see in Alaska than they can get from a tour guide. It will enhance your sensitivity to the power and mystery of Alaska and you'll see more than you would have if you hadn't read it.

Over a decade of bloody war makes trust difficult. "Making Peace with Conchise: The 1872 Journal of Captain Joseph Alton Sladen" is a transcript of the Captain's journal of their efforts to make peace with the chief of the Chiricahua Apache chief known as Conchise. A first person source of the white man's dealing with the red man, "Making Peace with Conchise" is a riveting and enlightening piece of history, enthusiastically recommended.

I read this book in one setting. What a fascinating journey Sladen takes you on in this first hand account of a significant moment in history. I've been reading books on the west my entire life and I have to say this is the best single book one could read on the American Southwest. It chronicles the remarkable meeting between General O.O. Howard and the Great Apache leader Cochise. Sladen records Cochise's personality and style in great detail. He gives a vivid portrait of life in an Apache village. He presents Tom Jeffords and Howard as they really were. He describes the incredible county this drama played out in with the sensibility of a true lover of beauty and nature. Sladen's become one of my heros along with Cochise and Edward R. Sweeney who edited this book and wrote a brilliant biography of Cochise.

Cochise is an elusive character. There are no photographs of him, and only one eloquent speech, which was recorded by an Army interpreter. Otherwise, we are left with vague secondhand accounts that often make him a two-dimensional cardboard cutout. Sladen's journal breathes life into this dynamic individual. It is fascinating reading, and, as Sweeney the editor points out, Sladen is not judgmental. He simply describes life in the Apache camp. A wonderful book.

Another book on my shelf from U. of Oklahoma that gets better with rereading.

Though this one was released more than 5 years ago, it reads as though written yesterday. And that is something, since the diary that underpins it was written in 1872.

This is must reading for anyone enjoying information of the period of the Apache wars in Arizona/New Mexico area. Other than the author's previous biography on Cochise, nothing is available giving personal views of Cochise and his people. And Cochise's statement that no whiteman would look upon his face was well kept. These two military men, and Tom Jeffords were among the few that ever did.

Enough good words cannot be said about this one.

Semper Fi.

Underrated and profound! Much more than a children's book. The story, the spirituality, and the simplicity/truth of style make this book a compelling read for anyone from age 9-100.

This interpretation of the life of Mary Jemison as written by
Ranya M. Gangi is wonderful. It is one of the few versions that is actually approved by the Seneca Nation, and also features an epilogue by Pete Jemison, who I met along with Wanda Jemison as a small child. This story of Mary Jemison is focused on the harsh reality that occured when she was captured in Pennsylvania and given as a gift to the Seneca's to replace a fallen brother. Gangi's interpretation of this story teaches us many unknown facts about Jemison as well as the Seneca Indians, which people may be unaware of. After reading this touching story, I went to Letchworth State Park where Ms. Jemison is buried to pay my respect to this local heroine. This book is the best version of Jemison's life that I have read, and I strongly reccomend it for all ages.

Mary Jemison was a Scot-Irish girl captured by the Shawnee and French during the French and Indian war. Subsequently "gifted" to two Seneca sisters, she was raised with their culture, values, and spirituality. Seaver's book does not do this woman or her story justice and Lois Lenski is not "in tune" with the heritage. Rayna Gangi is a versatile author, and has the insight, spirituality, and cultural heritage to make this truly fascinating story come alive. Mary is strong, vulnerable, wise and trusting. She loses two sons to white devices, and chooses to stay a Seneca. Letchworth State Park has her statue, Gangi has her real story. This book is the ONLY one on Mary Jemison sanctioned by the Seneca Nation as being the truth. Highly recommended for all ages.

Rayna Gangi is most definitely a talented and versatile author. I have read, "Forget The Cures, Find The Cause," (3 times!) and then searched to see what else she has written. Mary Jemison is based on a true story and this is the only version sanctioned by the Seneca nation. She's also written the screenplay. What a find! Anyone from 9 to 90 will love this book!`

I loved this book! I'm an adult, but even so I raced through this story. Maya is a wonderful, spunky character, who's warm, funny, and very real. I would follow her through a thousand more adventures. The writing is vivid and beautiful, full of metaphors and colorful descriptions. I'm looking forward to Anjali Banerjee's next book!

I've been dying to read this book based on the reveiws.. When I saw it in the library, you can imagine that I grabbed it of the shelf ! Usually, I get too excited about books, and they turn out to be dissappointing.. But this was definetly worth it !! I love Maya's character and the whole plot that follows. I saw Ganesh in a new way, due to the way he talked to Maya and by his hungry actions, which was also very interesting ! Being Indian myself, I could relate to this book very well. This book was not only funny, but it gives a good lesson near the end.. This has to be my favorite book of all time !

Wendy Lamb Books, 2005. Born in India and raised in Manitoba, Maya struggles to find her identity as the only brown-skinned kid in school. When her beautiful cousin, Pinky, arrives from India bearing a statue of the god Ganesh and proceeds to steal the boy Maya wants, Maya prays to Ganesh to remove all of her obstacles-with unintended consequences. A unique story with a dream-like quality that shows a young girl embracing her culture and learning about herself.

A respected literary figure once proposed the question, "Why must all the good things belong to the past?" With her debut novel, Maya Running, author Anjali Banerjee places that somber notion squarely where it belongs - at the end of the emotional queue alongside disheartened, dispirited and despondent.

Although published by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House created to appeal to children and young adults, Maya Running has a great deal to offer those of us not in Generation Y. Baby boomers (like me) and Gen Xers (like my grown children) can find pleasure and profit in this charming novel. Think The Color Purple by Alice Walker or The Bluest Eyes by Tony Morrison then add a touch of sweet and dash of late twentieth century savvy, and you get the story of Maya Mukherjee, a Canadian born girl of Indian descent searching for her identity.

From first page to last, I was enchanted with Ms. Banerjee's original and unique narrative voice, the delectable unification of teenage humor, hope, awe and envy. Her characters are clearly drawn and the relationships effectively established. When I read the book, Maya's challenges and successes strolled pleasantly beside me, unhurried and unforced, a testament to Ms. Banerjee's workmanlike pacing of story, plot and dialogue.

All good things do not have to belong to the past. Maya Running reminds old folks that no matter how packaged or marketed, there's still plenty of simple joy in the here and now. Remember the last time your rode in a limousine with the windows down?

William Schroder
Author of Cousins of Color
www.cousinsofcolor.com

"When a sincere man begins to dance,
the seven heavens, the earth, and all creatures begin to dance." - Shams

Little did we know about Shams Tabrizi, except that he was the enigmatic master of Maulana Jalalludin Rumi. Now we may get an inside picture through this wonderful autobiography, translated by a thorough scholar (William Chittick). Moreover, it may correct certain childish misconceptions we may have had about both Rumi and Shams.

This is an authentic biography, however rather atypical. From the translator's introduction: "The first thing we need to remember about the Discourses is that it was not written by Shams. Rather, one or more individuals in Rumi's intimate circle took notes while Shams was speaking, often, but not always, when Rumi was present. (...) What is certain is that he never saw a final version - or if he did, it has not survived." Consequently, this autobiography does not read as a continuous story, but consists of random notes in the original manuscript, organized however into chapters in this English translation.

Who was Shams Tabrizi? You must read the book in order to answer this question for yourself. Shams recounts: "What then do you know of me? I went into that thicket where lions wouldn't dare to go (...) and awesomeness settled into me." Indeed, what did anyone know of him?

What is clear from this book is that Shams's heart-secret (sirr-e asrar) was no match for contemporary mystics, although he did respect just one or two or perhaps a few.
With every encounter he would reveal the other's state (hal) and spiritual standing (maqam) through gnostic insight, and invariably he would manifest as idol-breaker. Then they would flee his presence, being incapable to tolerate his face.
He is very critical even of the great ones in Sufism, particularly Bayazid Bistami and Mansur Hallaj, whom he frequently mentions in comparisons, or even Junayd. He says: "The station of `He is the Real' is far above that of `I am the Real'. And explains: "The difference between me and the great ones is just that - what I have inwardly is exactly what's outward."

He appears to have been vastly different from other Sufi masters. Whereas others would train recipients with "preparedness" to become saints (wali) and masters in their own right, Shams was made for a different task. He says: "I haven't come to do with the common people in this world - I haven't come for them. I've put my finger on the pulse of those who guide the world to the Real."
He explains, "If everyone in the inhabited quarter was on one side and I was on the other, I would answer every one of their difficulties. I would never flee from speaking (...) The inhabited quarter is where the people reside. The other three quarters burn from the shining of the sun, so people don't live there."

All his life he served the Companion. "My goal in the idol-temple is the image and beauty of Your face. If I want the idol of words for the sake of those meanings, it will not happen without the Companion. The Companion must be there."
And elsewhere: "When someone finds the way to be my companion, his mark is that companionship with others becomes cold and bitter for him." And: "I have a pearl within me. Whenever I show its face to anyone, he becomes estranged from all his companions and friends."

He would accept no disciple, but all his life he was waiting for the one, to become his sole companion; who was to be Jalalludin Rumi. Shams: "From the day I saw your beauty, inclination and love for you sat in my heart."
And he explains: "There are many great ones whom I love inwardly. There's affection, but I don't make it manifest. Once or twice when I made it manifest, I did something while keeping company with them, and they didn't know and recognize their duty in companionship. I took it upon myself not to let the affection become cold. When I made it manifest with Mawlana, it increased and did not lessen."

If you read carefully, you may discover from the text the universal rule of companionship and its graceful severity: "What is before your heart? Say whatever there is! If there is an obstacle, tell me about it. If you tell me about the obstacle, I will teach you the Path. It will become easy, because I know the Path better than you."
And elsewhere: "Whatever the state that comes, you should quickly tell the companion about it and be done with it. Don't think, "How can I talk like this to the companion?" The companion will see it, even if you don't talk about it." And: "As long as pride and existence are within you, you must say `God is greater', and you must intend the sacrifice."

"Without doubt, whenever you sit with someone and are with him, you will take on his disposition. On whom have you been gazing that tightness should have come into you? If you look at green herbs and flowers, freshness will come. The sitting companion pulls you into his own world. That is why reciting the Koran purifies the heart, for you remember the prophets and their states. The form of the prophets comes together in your spirit and becomes its sitting companion."

What they experienced in their mutual company transcended the secret-of-secrets of anyone but themselves. Rumi sung in verse: "The whole description of Godhead in Shams of Tabriz transcends any notions concerning free will and ordainment." While Shams: "This was a cask of Divine wine, its lid caked with grime. No one was aware of this. The cause of this cask being opened was Maulana. Whoever seeks to understand this must be aware that the cause has been Maulana."

We do not know what befell Shams when he finally disappeared. After Rumi's death, Fakhruddin `Eraqi (his contemporary poet-mystic) would often speak of Rumi; he would sigh and say, "No one ever understood him as he should have been understood. He came into the world a stranger, and left it a stranger."

When one reads a translation cum introduction by a scholar, one doesn't want to "read" the ego of the scholar between the lines. One doesn't want to be put on sidetracks by speculative claims that serve nobody but vain academia. Far from such limitations, I think Chittick has done a thorough scholarly job. This book is a must-own for anyone seriously interested in Islamic Sufism (or any tradition for that matter) in general, and (auto)biographies of mystics in particular, even though this autobiography forever remains: advanced reading.

"I'll not put you in the heart or you'll be wounded,
I'll not keep you in the eye or you'll be lowly.
I'll give you a place in the spirit, not the eyes or the heart,
so you'll be my companion at the least breath."

"Even if it be after a thousand years, these words will reach those for whom they're intended."

"They're all seeking the benefit of knowledge. You should seek for good deeds, so that you may obtain good from the Companion. This is the kernel, that is the husk."

Who was Rumi's beloved? Who was this dervish who overturned Rumi's world, leading him to leave the safe path of knowledge and enter the burning path of love? Who was he before he met Rumi and how was he changed by this encounter? If you, like me, wondered about this timeless story of lover and beloved, you can meet Shams in this book and read his own words in English for the first time. Although it lacks a narrative structure, it brings him alive in moments of vitality. The story of Rumi and Shams is the story of the meeting of two human beings that, like the conjunction of two planets, realigned the fates. My novel about them, like Siddhartha or Last Temptation of Christ, is the tale of the lover of God, the mythic story of the human soul. This book offers a description of the human beloved who stood, for Rumi, as the divine beloved.

Rumi was one of the greatest of the Sufi teachers. But until he met his teacher,Shamis-i-Tabrizi, he was only a Sufi scholar who was spiritually asleep. After teaching Rumi for three years Shamis left his student, and Rumi became one of the world's greatest poets whose spiritually inspired writings inspire millions of people from all the world. We know a good bit about Rumi's life, but very little about Shams, his teacher. Through the work of a diligent Iranian scholar who collected manuscripts which were accounts of Shams oral discourses both before and after he met Rumi we get to know Shams in ways not available to us before. Me & Rumi: The Authobiography of Shams-i Trabrizi is a translation of those manuscripts which allows to get to know Shams a little better. These short discourses are not easy reading, but by reading and reflecting on each passage, we can acquire seeds for our meditations. I don't recommend this book unless you are willing to work hard for the precious spiritual insights available through study and meditation. If you are mentally and spiritually lazy, don't waste your time or money. If you curious and want to broaden your spiritual perspectives, this book is well worth your money and study.

It's hard to overstate the importance of this beautiful book to anyone who has been touched by the Sufi path, and especially Rumi. Chittick has provided us with a portrait of Rumi's master, Shams of Tabriz--and he's not what one might expect.

Rumi has become famous in the contemporary West for his divine poetry--and rightly so: he is one of humanity's greatest lovers and poets, and this comes across in every line. But as others have asked: Do we honestly know what this "love" Rumi talks about really is?

Here we have Shams of Tabriz, master to Rumi, the man Rumi loved most in the world, in Rumi's eyes a spiritual being of the first order. And he can be cruel, insensitive, and harsh. Lots of people around him hate him. If I remember correctly, he even makes a fart joke at one point.

He's seen as almost an embarrassment in a company of dervishes and scholars. And yet one suspects that this has more than a little to do with his ruthless and relentless practice of exposing imposture and hypocrisy--reminiscent of the work of Jesus, with the same sad, predictable result.

The connection between Rumi's love and this wild man's character is the absolute, uncompromising love of God. For this, really, is the love of Rumi: it brooks no insincerity or reservation. It is the essence of Islam: utter submission to the divine. Shams reminds us, as he reminded those around him, that this has nothing at all to do with sweet words and noble sentiments, with putting on spiritual airs and gaining the admiration of the faithful.

This can be a painful reminder. It threatens what the ego craves. And the love of God threatens the self as well--as Rumi and Shams both show us, when we truly love God, there is only love and God: we disappear. Shams' job was to show Rumi what this really meant. Rumi's job was to show us--despite the fearful protestations of the ego--what it really is: beautiful and joyful.

God bless William Chittick for this wonderful gift.

The book is a excelent review of investigation about "Men of maize". I'd apreciate if you could send me the address (email, phone, city etc.) of Gerald Martin. I want to contact him because I'like to send him a article about Asturias book. Sincerly yours Dr. Oscar Vinueza.

Men of Maize is an incredible tale of Indian life in Latin America during the early twentieth century, woven poetically by Asturias. In six parts he simultaneously creates and re-tells history, blurring the distinctions between reality and myth. He interweaves the past, present and future, giving the background tale, then continuing on to show how that tale would become the folklore of the future.

In Maize, there is a strong undercurrent of the clash of cultures that fuels the fires of conflict between the Ladinos, Mestizos and Indians. The Indians see themselves as made of maize, and to have their flesh and blood grown by foreigners for profit is abhorrent to them. As they are evermore forced off their land to clear fields for the commercial maizegrowers they begin to rebel. It is here that Asturias starts his novel, with an attack on Indian Chief Gaspar Ilóm led by soldiers and maizegrowers. The death of Ilóm, one of the magical firefly wizards, wreaks a cycle of revenge that affects all who were involved. A series of battles ensue, and tensions rise, giving way to permanent distrust and dislike between the two groups. Asturias then takes the reader farther through time, showing how the past discords (and the legends that arose from it) give hope and motivation to the generations of the future, as they struggle against the same forces their ancestors struggled with. He creates the tales of many different players in different periods of time, such as the great Chief Ilóm, the Indian postman, and Goyo Yic, the blind Indian beggar. Asturias connects these seemingly unrelated lives with a common theme: each man is gradually alienated from a "progressing" society through losing his land, his woman, and eventually his own self. By this Asturias describes the reality for an indigenous person living in an ever-fluctuating post-colonial Latin America.

Crucial to understanding this clash of cultures is understanding the Indian way of life. For the indigenous of Latin America, the answer to everything lay in the every day activities and choices of the people. The Maya are a highly ritualized culture, even the smallest activity, such as eating or drinking, is governed by unwritten rules. The clothes, the huipil, the essential food, maize, and the petate mat on which they sleep, each play their part in appeasing a higher power (by now syncretized into a Christian God). Asturias makes hundreds of references to these daily activities and the beliefs they represent. Of central importance is the maize, the crop of the Maya, their sustenance, and the basis for their existence. To interfere with the growing of the maize is to interfere with the very core of a Maya, himself being made of maize. Another recurring theme in this book is the importance of the nahual, or "soul double" that each person is assigned at birth. The nahuales take the form of animals, and those animals serve as a connection for each person to the animal world, as aides and companions.

In a loose sense the novel does progress linearly through the years of the early 1900's, though the reader immediately feels a more cyclical motion of time. Often unsure of how much time has passed between stories, and whether the events being described are in "real" time or dream time, the reader is swirled into the reality of the tale. However, by the end of the book the reader, almost surprised, finds each story tied to another in some form, with the final revelation of the identity of the betrayess, María Tecún, completing all cycles.

Asturias' ability to write from the native perspective is amazing. He has succeeded in making this novel a mystical and magical experience for the reader. Through his poetic language Asturias places the reader right in the heart of the forest, with magical fireflies swarming about and rain pelting down on the dusty paths. He has masterfully recreated in writing the lack of acknowledgement of time that is pervasive throughout Latin America. It is no easy feat to put in writing la magia de lo real, or, the magic of reality, and Asturias has done it well. He has shared with the reader an existence contrary to "Western" consciousness, where no thing is governed by "Western" rules, yet this existence found itself trying to reconcile itself with the ever-"Westernizing" world. Through fiction Asturias painst the picture of reality - the cruelty and tragedy of the idigenous struggle to survive in post-colonial Latin America.

Asturias writes like no one I have ever read before, but what irked me was the constant dependency on the back of the book for keys as to what anything meant. Much of it comes from the legends of the Mayan culture which I'm sure most people don't know concisely enough to know parts of the Mayan "bible." For the more patient reader, it is an amazing set of tales, but without the critical edition, I think one might become devoured by the profundity it entails, and comprehend only the title. From what I read however, I realized that we are dealing with an unorthodox writer, a shaman with words, and the predecessor of Marquez.

Some people said: Asturias is a writer. I say Asturias is an artist who paints the reality of a magic land: Guatemala. You could feel it. Sorry for my english, but I'm another "woman of maize". (Usually we dont speak english).