Digital Dharma: A User's Guide to Expanding Consciousness in the Infosphere (Paperback)

~ (Author) "First-level digital dharma is about mastering how we send out and respond to rudimentary signals of aliveness that encode the most basic message: "I am..." (more)
Key Phrases: digital dharma, first chakra, second chakra, Higher Self, New York Times, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his first book, Vedro, a telecommunications consultant, explores the intersection of Eastern philosophy and the digital age. I am not a guru or enlightened master, he writes. While this book is richly footnoted... it is not an intellectual treatise but rather a statement of personal wonderment at the connectedness of the inner and outer worlds. In succeeding chapters, Vedro follows the seven chakras of energy yoga, linking each to landmarks in the development of communications technology. For example, he connects the throat chakra to the Internet and in doing so advances interesting theories about both, including the idea that the Internet challenges us to tell the truth—and confront lies—compassionately. In each chapter he details the effects technology has had on human development, from both a personal and global perspective, all while providing fascinating insight into its technical workings. He accompanies his narrative with an impressive array of quotations from media gurus like Marshall McLuhan and spiritual teachers such as Ken Wilber. Vedro is optimistic about the fast-expanding world of digital technology, some may say simplistically so. Yet his optimism is based on a healthy understanding of technology's pitfalls, and his absorbing book sheds much light on two normally disparate subjects. (Oct.)
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Product Description

In simple terms, Vedro explains the advanced technologies involved with the Internet, HDTV, GPS locating, MP3 players, and much more. He identifies the benefits of emerging media as well the potential traps. By paralleling different media forms to the ancient Hindu yoga system's spiraling seven chakras that ascend along the human spine, he teaches us how to use media to improve our relationships with others and ourselves and take the next step towards evolving our consciousness and becoming more whole.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Quest Books; 1 edition (October 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083560859X
• ISBN-13: 978-0835608596
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,007,537 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 Deeper Understanding for Reaching Out and Touching Someone!, December 9, 2007

By	Carla Pfalzgraf-Vedro (Rockford, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a teacher of middle schoolers, I am amazed when watching kids use their cell-phones and other assorted gizmos. Teenagers, more than most of us, have an insatiable need to connect with others--literally and virtually--it is a constant in their lives. Steven's book helped me put their behavior (as well as my own and others) into a much larger frame--one that connects the deepest human needs (and the ancient ways of meeting these) with today's technology.

An acknowledgement, I am Steven's sister-in-law!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, well written, March 22, 2009

By	Michael A. Williams (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This is a well done book connecting the digital/media age to the chakra system of Eastern philosophy and consciousness studies. The reader would b e advised to have some background in eastern philosophy or he or she may be a little lost and bored.

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful and insightful, March 20, 2009

By	Paul Levinson (New York City) - See all my reviews

An engagingly written, highly perceptive and well-researched account of the social and psychological conditions surrounding the emergence of what I call "new new media". Highly recommended, for students and the general online public.