Chasing the Avatar (Descent) (Paperback)

~ Jovan Jones (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Maya is a young woman with extraordinary prospects drowning in intense discontent. In the midst of this discontent, she meets Cha Ma, a guru. Immediately, she comes to believe that Cha Ma is an avatara human incarnationof the goddess Kali, the most malevolent, destructive of all Hindu deities. Spellbound, Maya runs off to India to live in Cha Mas ashram as a Hindu. Her choice hurls her parents, Paul and Marie, into a battle far beyond their wildest imagination for they must fight for their daughters life, and even her soul, as she teeters on the edge.

About the Author

From 1995 to 1997, Jovan Jones lived in a South Indian ashram and traveled around with a Hindu guru. She earned her MA in Political Science from Harvard in 1998. Soon thereafter, she moved to North Carolina in order to be near her parents, Ryven and Brenda, and to raise her son, Isaiah. She taught Social Studies and Language Arts in Cumberland Countys public schools, where she was chosen to be the countys Teacher of the Year and NCs Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year Runner-Up. Presently, she serves as the Mentor Facilitator in the large public school system, working with mentors and beginning teachers to increase teacher retention and efficacy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Image (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0768428246
• ISBN-13: 978-0768428247
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #777,749 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST READ!, June 19, 2009

By	Wake up "Wake up" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

I Just read "Chasing the Avatar" by Jovan Jones This book just came out. Don't let the Christian stuff bother you. It is nessisary for her true story. I have my own story. You have yours.
I have lived in Amritapuri, India and traveled with Ammachi. This book is A MUST READ for anyone who has been a devotee or thinking about becoming one. "Chasing the Avatar" will be shocking for those seeking enlightenment with the help of an Avatar.
This is the book YOUR GURU WILL NOT WANT YOU TO READ Nor will the greedy elements of guru empires. Though she has changed the names in the story. those who have been to an ashram in India will understand with profound recognition those who haven't will be saved alot of suffering. This is an important book to read if you have a guru or not.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different View Of Amma, The Hugging Saint, July 6, 2009

By	Kalliope-Amorphous (Providence, RI United States) - See all my reviews

"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (-Matt 7:15)

As an ex-devotee of Amma, the hugging saint, this book was a very cathartic read. While I am not Christian, I can strongly identify with many of the authors experiences.

Anyone who is considering giving up their soul to Amma, visiting or moving to the ashram, or embarking on the path of "devotee" NEEDS to read this book. This might also be a good read for families who are struggling with the loss of family members who have taken off to join the ashram or follow Amma. Jovan writes from a Christian perspective, but what she writes about the "darkness" I and many other ex-devotees have experienced for ourselves.

I know that some people will be turned off by the overly Christian tone of the book. They may feel that since the author has chosen another religious path that she has good reason to be critical of an Eastern guru, or that somehow her newfound Christian path has influenced her feelings toward gurus in general. Yet, Christian or not, many ex-devotees may have prayed for an "avenging angel" to deliver them from the darkness that they once believed was "the light". Therefore, I think many people will relate to this book.

There is darkness in this world. There is light in this world. There is also darkness that masquerades as light. Chasing The Avatar is a true journey through darkness and into light, regardless of your religion or beliefs. The authors accounts of sickness, psychological torment, and delusion are not only her own, but they are a story that many ex-devotees know all too well. Her accounts of ashram life are also true to the experiences of many visitors over the years.

My hat goes off to Jovan for having the strength to tell her story. When I first left the group, I wrote about my disappointment and I am still getting attacked for sharing my experiences. You will find that anyone who speaks negatively about the group will become a target of vicious attacks, which also proves the absence of light and goodness. Jovan has found her strength through Christ. May we all be so lucky to find strength and recovery through the path that is meant for us. Come hell or high water, may truth and goodness prevail over greed and delusion. Keep writing, Jovan!

4.0 out of 5 stars The Descent into Darkness, August 3, 2009

By	Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Maya, brilliant, and successful in her academic pursuits became enmeshed in a search for enlightenment that led her to the very edge of darkness. A casual meeting with Cha Ma, a Hindu guru, changed the direction of her life. "Chasing the Avatar" is a fictionalized account of Jovan Jones personal descent into an ominous evil.

Maya put her doctoral program on hold, gave up her Boston apartment, deserted her faith, and left her family behind to seek truth and to study Hinduism. Her pursuit led her to South India to the ashram of Cha Ma. Here she hoped to find truth and to move to the level of enlightenment.

Jones uses detailed descriptions of angelic beings embattled in spiritual warfare to powerfully illustrate the impact of prayer in changing the outcome of the battle from satanic destruction to spiritual victory.

The glossary included at the end of the book helps the reader understand recurring vocabulary unique to the setting of this novel and to followers of Hinduism.

Jovan Jones writes with intensity. Her work is informative, disturbing, and spiritually sensitive. I am look forward to the sequel.