Creator, Protector, Destroyer: Discover that You are God [Paperback]

John Picken (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 1997

Through the principles of the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism - a faith of heightened awareness rather than a religion - this book seeks to facilitate one's dismantling of one's self image and lay the groundwork for a new one. Practitioners of Kashmir Shaivism believe they will address the fundamentals of the human predicament and the mystery of being, unveiling their true identities. By teaching the practicalities of this philosophy, the author hopes to provide an introduction to the beginner.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

While this is a far cry from the spiritual literature passed out at the airport, readers should be aware that J. R. Picken deals with ideas from Kashmir Shaivism which may spark controversy at first glance. Whether or not Kashmir Shaivism appeals to you, changing your religion is not a requirement for changing your outlook on life; Picken isn't trying to supplant anyone's religious systems, only to supplement them. His revelations are passionate and introspective. Picken's casual voice keeps me from feeling like I'm receiving a sermon, and makes reading this book feel more like a discussion over dinner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (January 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567185223
• ISBN-13: 978-1567185225
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #222,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating explanation of an ancient spiritual practice., January 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Creator, Protector, Destroyer: Discover that You are God (Paperback)

John Picken spent several summers in northern India, studying with the last living master of Kashmir Shaivism, possibly the world's oldest religion, which had been passed down through generations through word-of-mouth. Picken was an MD and PhD; he had attained all the trappings of success but not the happiness his parents had predicted. He found contentment by practicing Kashmir Shaivism. According to this teaching, everything is God, and nothing is outside God, so we have within us the forces of nature--creation and destruction. Fear, the Protector, is built in as a survival mechanism. Once we recognize who we truly are--Creators, Destroyers, and Protectors, rather than "good" people who inexplicably ruin whatever we care about--we become able to control the forces of nature rather than allow them to control us. Yes, we go on diets because we are creators; yes, we eat junk food because we are destroyers. This is a very thought-provoking premise, which enables us to forgive our unhealthy behavior, then work against it consciously.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent...needs an open mind, December 30, 2003

By 

"getnugent" (Miami, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creator, Protector, Destroyer: Discover that You are God (Paperback)

This is a great book to read...and read...and read...
You will not be able to put it down and you will go back to it over and over...You WILL need and open mind to read this..it will shatter many of your beliefs and make you wonder what if...I am a true believer and always have been of the Kashmir Shaivism philosophy...
Take the chance and go for it...read it and then wonder ...
Very good gift for all those who are searching...

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read but says quite a bit, December 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Creator, Protector, Destroyer: Discover that You are God (Paperback)

I have to agree with the other reviewers here; this book was a real eye opener. The author's writing style was very easy to follow as it leads you through the philosophy of Kashmir Saivism, which I hadn't heard of till I saw this book. It does not go into great detail, which is what makes the book so appealing. It left me wanting to know more about this philosophy.

A great introduction. It may really open your eyes if you happened to be bogged down in Dogma.