The Book On The Living God [Paperback]

Bô Yin Râ (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1991

In this central text of the Hortus Conclusus cycle, the author shows the difference between the numerous subjective, man-made images of God--ranging from the fetish of the savage to the intellectual constructs of the philosopher--and the objective spiritual reality that human beings are capable of knowing through experience. The phantom gods that human minds create owe their existence and their power to nothing more than man's own will; they vanish when there are no more believers willing to sustain them. What in this book is called the Living God is something very different. It neither is a "person" moved by human passions, nor an omnipotent, all-knowing potentate who made the cosmos out of nothing in order that it worship him. Man's individuated Living God is, rather, shown as the sublimest self-creation by and of the Spirit. It is a spiritual scintilla that is born, as light from light, within each human soul that has prepared itself to be a fitting vessel. Contents: Word of Guidance. "The Tabernacle of God is with Men". The "Mahatmas" of Theosophy. Meta-Physical Experiences. The Inner Journey. The En-Sof. On Seeking God. On Leading an Active Life. On "Holy Men" and "Sinners". The Hidden Side of Nature. The Secret Temple. Karma. War and Peace. The Unity among Religions. The Will to Find Eternal Light. Mankind's Higher Faculties of Knowing. On Death. On the Spirit's Radiant Substance. The Path toward Perfection. On Everlasting Life. The Spirit's Light Dwells in the East. Faith, Talismans, and Images of God. The Inner Force in Words. A Call from Himavat. Giving Thanks. Epilogue. Reminder.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You should not read this book if you believe the teachings of your faith with heart and soul. You should not read this book if you have never doubted God. This book is written for all those who suffered bitter conflicts in themselves in their unceasing quest for God, but who, for all their labors, never found Him. -- WORD OF GUIDANCE

Would it not be simple-minded to assume that the sublime immortals who mediate eternal light are Buddhists, lamas, pundits, let alone performing fakirs? To them it matters little whether you believe in the Bible, the Koran, the Vedas, or in the teachings of the Buddha. Among the followers of all these faiths, however, they always find some individuals to whom they can send help and guidance. -- "THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN"

You still are speaking of a "god" whom you consider the creator" of all things; a "God" who brought forth, and sustains, an everlasting world in His own honor, for His own glory. Yet such a view of God and of creation's origin could only be excused in ages of the past that still possessed no knowledge of the countless ways in which the elements of Being manifest themselves today; knowledge that alone should be sufficient for a thinking mind to put away the old ideas. -- THE EN-SOF

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From Word of guidance: And so I here can show you only from without what shall one day reveal itself within the inmost self of readers who have understood what I convey.

In order that it may reveal itself you need a resolute, untiring will to reach your highest goal; and only who is strong enough to force such will to serve him can hope to see my words confirmed within his own experience.

He indeed, will find the way that leads him to his Living God.

And in himself he shall discover the kingdom of the Spirit and its eternal hierarchies.

His Living God shall then be born in his eternal self.

I do not seek to offer "proof" for what I have to say.

Whether my disclosures state the truth you must determine for yourselves.

For only in yourselves abides the silent judge who shall confirm what you may feel as you absorb my words.

The "proofs" I have to offer would tell you very little: for none of you has gone the arduous ways that I once had to travel.

Moreover in the Spirit's realm there are no proofs of "universal" cogency.

Here everyone will find the only proof convincing him within his own eternal self.

What I present is not a "scientific" discipline. Nor is it a religious "creed."

I merely show you all that can be shown of the eternal wisdom of the Spirit's inner East: the mystery surrounding the radiant Temple of Eternity.

May my words encourage you to wake up and regain your timeless self at last: for to this day not one of you is conscious of the self he is.

May inner strength and blessings be with all who manifest good will and firm resolve!

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: The Kober Press; First Edition edition (December 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0915034034
• ISBN-13: 978-0915034031
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,271,995 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five stars is not enough, February 7, 2000

By 

Marek (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book On The Living God (Paperback)

From the first moments of reading this book it is clear, that here is talking somebody who knows, who can see clearly what he teaches, who was born to teach and has the full right to teach. This book is not only an introduction to the author's teachings together with the introduction of the author himself, it is also full of important advices for the reader's life. Very impressive is chapter "The path", that describes the path a man can walk to find their Living God, pointing out possible dangers one should avoid, also the teachings about words and their power to influence our life is just excellent. For me, this is the most important book in my library, closely followed by other books of Bo Yin Ra. I mention the "Words Of Life", which can be understood as one of the "exercise books", beautiful and full of wisdom, while "The Book on the Living God" can be understood as the introductory to his text books. The treasures from books of Bo Yin Ra are given to everybody who reads them with an open heart, the wisdom in his books is clear and open, it is not hiding behind obscure images or puzzles, neither is built from questionable pieces of ancient legends and myths. This book is excellent as a handbook for everybody who want to learn more about themselves, who search for a reliable source of information about the nature of the world we live in. It is excellent as a guide for everybody who want to make their very first steps on the way to their Living God.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insight on truth, February 23, 2000

By 

Jorge M. Huneeus (Brazil & Chile) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book On The Living God (Paperback)

I was surprised and happy to see so many of Bo Yin Ra's books listed. They reflect truth. They are deep and really take you on a trip within and beyond. My first contact with his work was in French, many, many years ago. I have never ceassed to read his books. They bring peace and silence to my mind. I would love to see more of his books published in English and, hopefully too, in Spanish and Portuguese. languages.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book on the Living God, February 3, 2000

By 

Lynn Westgate - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book On The Living God (Paperback)

This book has become my "Atlas" for daily living, revealing paths I may never have found or explored on my own. It stays in my backpack, so I'm never without the sensible, useful guidance it offers to those of us who are searching for answers we've never found elsewhere.