Customer Reviews

The Breath of God

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An enthusiastic friend encouraged me to read this book, which takes its title from a line of Kabir's poetry: "Student, tell me, what is God? He is the breath inside the breath." In their exploration of what it means to be fully human, something holy happens in the 134 meditations collected here. Each has the potential to "cut through" to the inner search for meaning and truth, honesty and integrity in our lives (p. 212). Swami Chetanananda teaches us that "it is the heart that illumines the mind, not the other way around" (p. 55).

The heart governs our entire experience of life (p. 5). Success, we're told, is not measured by the amount of money we earn or recognition we receive. "Rather, success is the degree to which you mobilize the resources within yourself, and the degree to which you allow those resources to manifest. This is success. This is fulfillment" (p. 20). Swami Chetanananda encourages us to continually become aware "of the essense of your own life" and then learn to live "from that essence whether you're walking, riding the subway, working in your job, or doing anything else" (p. 26). "I tell people simply to do good work, whatever that work is," he says. "Care about the quality of your work in your science, your study, your profession, or your relationships. Do well. Don't be lazy. Care deeply. If you care, then ultimately, you must come to an understanding of the immense importance of spiritual growth" (p. 239).

This book is like a breath so deep that it shifts your heart's chemistry around. It will appeal to anyone interested in learning how to experience life more fully from the heart.

G. Merritt

Among this American-born, India-traveled meditation master's several books, this is one of my favorites (I haven't read a few of the latest). It is a simple compilation of short essays taken from his informal talks to his students (his center is now located in Portland, Oregon). Being an American, "swamiji," as his students like to call him, is good at expressing deep-seated ideas, techniques, fears, and so forth, many of them based on ancient Indian philosophy and religion, in straightforward--and sometimes even irreverent--American venacular. In sum, this is a highly readable blend of spiritual thought, practical advice ("One thing you can do when you start to feel anger welling up is to notice where in your body you feel it."), psychological insight ("Fear is something that arises for most people. The reason for this is that any time a new area opens up for us, we recognize that allowing ourselves to flow into it will change us completely..."), and personal conversation and confession ("Some people tell me they have a nagging feeling that something is missing in their spiritual practice..."). Each 200-600-word essay expands with sincerity and lightness on such a thought

As always Swami Chetanananda's wisdom is delivered unadorned with a clarity that is difficult not to respond to. His words dance with energy and offer the reader a guide to living with growth as the goal on all levels. Each chapter is complete in itself so this is a book one can open anytime and anywhere. It always amazes me that no matter which page I turn to irrefutable wisdom greets me. If you read this one it's a safe bet you will read all the rest of Swami Chetanananda's work. It can change your life!

Since I first discovered this book twelve years ago, it has become an old friend that I know I can depend on. It's the kind of book you can open to any page and find what you need in the moment. The essays are short and accessible, profound but readily digested. Swami Chetanananda explains the purpose and techniques of spiritual practice, the importance of a teacher, and the role of personal responsibility. The Breath of God contains a wealth of pragmatic advice for dealing with the range of obstacles we encounter as we pursue the spiritual path.

Swami Chetanananda words of wisdom are soothing, comforting, and wise.... he is an old soul. I open it daily at a random page and his words of wisdom always amaze me, it is always appropriate to where I am at. He is a gifted mentor.

I bought this book since my yoga teacher reads excerpts at the end of each yoga practice. The passages are short, profound thoughts that really give one's soul beautiful, kernels of wisdom and thought.

Whether a novice or an Old Hand, this book is great inspiration and reminds us that the very breath in us does not really belong to us but is literally, the Breath of God...Ahhhhhhhhh....

Inspirational, educational, insightful, motivational, this book has it all. I consider it one of the most profound and helpful books I have ever read, only equalled by Swami Chetananda's DYNAMIC STILLNESS. This book has taught me that true spirituality should much rather be called "reality" -- as it shows you how to be more authentic and idealistic, successful and blessed in your life. Thank you, Swami Chetananda, for this spiritual treasure, from one whom you may never meet, but who considers you one of his main gurus.