Anam Cara [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

John O'Donohue (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1996

When Saint Patrick first came to Ireland in the 5th century A.D., he encountered the Celtic people¿with their flourishing spiritual tradition, already thousands of years old. where the Christians worshiped one God, the Celts had many¿and in fact, found divinity all around them: in rivers and hills, the sea and sky, and in every kind of animal. The Celtic reverence for the spirit in all things, and their celebration of the continuous mysteries of everyday existence, survive to this day¿a vibrant spiritual legacy unique in the Western world. On Anam Ċara, Irish poet and scholar John O'Donohue blends philosophy, instruction, and spiritual insight, taking you inside this remarkable spiritual synthesis. O'Donohue shares secrets from a world where the Fates are not feared. . . where God's passionate side is celebrated; secrets to help you to reconnect with the world around you and the treasures hidden within your soul.In the oral tradition so beloved of the Celts, O'Donohue shares an intuitive approach to spirituality that takes you beyond spiritual "programs" to a place where your heart can be truly nourished and healed. You will learn authentic Irish prayers and blessings; how to discover your individual nature; awakening the senses as ¿thresholds of the spirit¿; understanding the ¿secret divinity¿ in your relationships; how the Irish ¿hospitality¿ toward death can help you become more compassionate, generous, and fearless; and much more. Tracing the cycles of life and nature, this insightful session draws from the holy waters of Ireland¿s spiritual heritage¿from the Celts and their Druid shamans, the imbas (inspirational sagas) of the wandering bards, and the sacred fountainhead of the Christian monasteries. Join John O¿Donohue for a journey to the ¿island of saints and scholars¿ where you will discover your own Anam Ċara¿¿soul friend¿.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Sounds True, Incorporated (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159179787X
• ISBN-13: 978-1591797876
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Books on CD > Poetry & Drama
  • #77 in Books > Books on CD > Literature & Fiction > Poetry

More About the Author

JOHN O'DONOHUE authored several books, including, most recently, Beauty, and the international bestsellers Anam Cara and Eternal Echoes, as well as two collections of poetry, Echoes of Memory and Conamara Blues. He lived in Ireland and frequently traveled to the United States to give lectures and conduct workshops before he passed away on January 4, 2008.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Feel You Don't Fit? This Is Your Loving Welcome To The World, December 5, 2008

By 

Katherine Graham - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Anam Cara (Audio CD)

I know of no other offering in the genre of spiritual enlightenment that will leave you as content, and at peace, as this most precious "Anam Cara" Audio presentation from the late John O'Donohue. It is not a how-to approach. It is not a paste it with a smiley face embrace. It is the truest reflection of the man himself, who found a way to transcend a world of pain, and alienation, into a deep well of grace, love, mercy and courage. It matters not - what is your particular faith-or-no-faith at all. Indeed, when I first encountered this audiobook, my husband and I needed help on a variety of levels for navigating not only marriage; but our individual quests for fulfillment in the world and satisfaction beyond what this earth could offer. We listened together, and we listened separately. And having come to the conclusion that we did not "fit" (my husband's motto for life being "If there is more than one person involved, you're gonna have problems...."), John O'Donohue provided that intangible, mystical, yet down-to-earth piece of understanding that truly allowed us the space and place (without and within) to find joy in the midst of joy; joy in the mist of sorrow, as well as joy during that gray- in-between. I can't imagine anyone who would not greatly benefit from what I personally consider to be John O'Donohue's Masterpiece.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TIMELESS CLASSIC, January 22, 2010

By 

Ms. C. M. Jenkins "Christine Jenkins" (Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anam Cara (Paperback)

If you are seeking nourishment for your soul I would highly recommend this book - it will last you a lifetime, and you will be drawn back to it time and time again.
I moved to Ireland in 1991 and someone I worked with told me of a priest in Galway who was giving a series of talks that I had to go and listen to. I remember her saying - I often don't understand a word of what he is saying, but I could listen to him forever! I felt like that the first time that I heard him speak in a room with 20 other people in Galway. I was lucky enough to hear John speak on many occasions, as I live near him and sang in the choir he supported.
When Anam Cara came out in 1997, I bought a copy immediately and read it. Again - I found an immediate resonance with some of what John was writing about, but other parts eluded me. However, as in my initial experience, even I could not fully understand the meaning of the words, their beauty enchanted me. John's expression is wonderful and his use of language profound - I had never understand nor used the words "fecund" or "penumbral" until I heard and read John using them. Yet now, their richness adds great value to the way in which I see the landscape around me.
Anam Cara, Soul Friend, is a book that I am drawn back to time and time again. When I am troubled, I often let it fall open at a page, and it will always through out some words of solace to me. I read things differently each time I pick it up, as my understanding and awareness changes.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book. Buy it., September 23, 2008

By 

Squirrelgirrel (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Anam Cara: Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World (Hardcover)

A beautiful book in so many ways. I've owned it for four years and I keep two copies accessible at home and in work because I often pick it up and read a random page. It always lifts my heart or touches me in some way. Everyone should own a copy. Fantastic Gift to give or receive. Applies to everyone. The Bantham Press Hardback Edition is the prettiest version. You probably won't find a brand new copy of that edition, but almost new is well worth having.