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Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul

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Richard A. Singer is a highly respected psychotherapist who has devoted his life to understanding Eastern psychology/philosophy: he has also committed his time to writing books on his personal discoveries and shares his thoughts not as a 'Guru or Sage', but as a warmly friend guide to bring the secrets of Eastern wisdom to the public. EASTERN WISDOM FOR YOUR SOUL is, then, less a course in philosophy and more of an encouragement to practice means to find peace and tranquility in each of our lives, the obvious extension of that mission would be to alter the way we are living on this planet.

The first attribute of this fine book is the simplicity of approach Singer uses. He has gathered 111 meditations from wide sources (the Dalai Lama, Buddha, Gandhi, Lao Tzu, Sufi and Zen sayings, etc) and uses these memorable brief statements to initiate a meditation, the goal of which is to bring the reader into contact with the only reality that exists: the present moment. The manner in which he manages to move even the most cynical reader is the delicate yet straightforward use of quotation, then thought, then Meditation, then thought, then Real Life Application. Using this simple (yet profound) formula Singer leads the reader through the paths of Mindfulness, Truth, Change, Ego/Illusion, Our True Nature, Unity/Oneness, Simplicity, Compassion, Anger and Resentment, Death, and ultimately Enlightenment. And he makes the journey gentle, asking only that the pages of entry in this book be absorbed slowly, using the mind clearing meditative state to come into a place where we understand our place in the oneness of the Universe.

Not that any of this information is new: it represents centuries of Eastern tradition and wisdom. Yet Singer somehow makes it all feel accessible, allowing each reader to grow at a pace most conducive to personal lives. Growing (and the is what the process certainly promises) becomes natural, as natural as waking up after a life nap of misconceptions. This is as valuable a source of learning Eastern wisdom as you will find. Grady Harp, February 08

Buddha said, "Although I showed you the means of liberation, you must know it depends on you alone." Surely these must be the thoughts of author Richard A. Singer, Jr. regarding his latest work, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul. Singer has done it again, offering guidance, and reminding us all that enlightenment is found within.

Through 111 meditations, inspired by quotations from eastern teachers, Singer shares with the reader his understanding of the wisdom imparted. Each meditation pairs with a real life application - a how-to for you to put the principle into action. These are shared under 11 core sections, such as Our True Nature, Unity, Compassion, and Enlightenment. A few of my favorites are: Change - your greatest ally in your personal journey. "It is possible that you may be moving rather quickly, but not truly going anywhere." Unity/Oneness - "No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive," said Gandhi. And Anger and Resentment - Buddha said, "Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns."

Singer is not trying to preach a religion. His sharing of the eastern philosophies, such as found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, is an offering of ancient wisdom that each reader will interpret differently and in the way they are personally meant to. His use of quotes is a tool to bring home the thought behind it and have the reader connect to the principle. We all have thoughts on being mindful, change, truth, death, and simplicity. This book is an outreach to help readers to find their own truth, leave their ego behind, and be in the now.

In a twelfth chapter, Richard shares 111 thought provoking quotes so that you can continue to meditate in the fashion the book introduces to you. A final chapter outlines the popular 12 steps of recovery, but in eastern terms. We are all recovering from the thought processes that society has instilled in us. If we follow the ancient thoughts of eastern wisdom, we may just find ourselves within ourselves, and that's a good place to be.

This easy to read and understand book is a breath of fresh air. It is a reminder of what is truly important. Singer may not wish to be the guru on the mountaintop but he is a fellow traveler and a guide, found on the beaches of the Cayman Islands. Thank the universe for his trail markings, like Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.

I bought 7 copies for my friends. I am very impressed with the wisdom and purity of this volume. It condenses the writings of many wise teachers into one book - easy to read, good format, powerful words. I recommend this to anyone interested in growing spiritually.

Wondering about the usefulness of meditation? Need some help in slowing down and enjoying life? Richard A. Singer Jr.'s Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul provides 111 meditations that can be used in your everyday life. Unlike other spirituality based books that are full of jargon, this book is easy to read and friendly in nature. There is no preaching to be found here; a refreshing change for readers who may be coming from a background of mainstream religion.

Divided into sections such as Truth, Change, Ego/Illusion, Compassion, Anger and Resentment and many more, each section begins with a quote by a well known spiritual leader, followed by a meditation, and then tips on how readers can apply this meditation in their lives.

This is the type of book that can be read over and over again and shared with family members or friends who might benefit from the knowledge. Another winning book from Richard, with many more to come I hope.

Richard is a featured author on the spirituality site Soulscode.com. Please visit the site to read more of his work.

I had to laugh to myself while reading this book. I instantly knew that the ideas and principles set forth in the book were completely right on and also that I have been living my life the completely wrong way! Not that that's funny but---you know what I mean. I loved the quotations from all of the great minds of the East as well as the author's many reminders that the troubles we face in life every day are there to test us and help our souls practice love, tolerance, kindness and patience among other things. I read the book very quickly and felt an immediate sense of peace and happiness which were subsequently erased again by life's many annoyances. I am confident, however, that with lots of re-readings and practice that I will be able to live a happier and soul-healthy life. Much thanks to the author!!

Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul: 111 Meditations for Everyday Enlightenment is an anthology of helpful meditations crafted by award-winning author, trained psychotherapist, and devoted student of Eastern psychology Richard A. Singer, Jr. Designed to help the reader transcend the restrictions of ego, improving his or her ability to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul promotes the cultivation of happiness and joy. Each page consists of an inspirational quote, the brief meditation itself, and a "real life application" often presenting insight into the meditation's wisdom for day-to-day living. A sample meditation reads, "The fleeting sensory pleasures created by material and corporeal possessions will not fulfill your inner yearning for happiness and tranquility. The blissful state you seek is already within you as a natural part of your being and must be tapped into consciously. Absolutely nothing outside of your being will provide you with genuine contentment. You may continue in this useless search externally, but know that it has no end." A suggested twelve-step plan grounded in Eastern wisdom rounds out this thoughtful and positive collection.

Richard A. Singer Jr. has done the impossible; he outdid his exhalted premier book, Your Daily Walk... with Eastern Wisdom for the Soul. Read this book, and, you'll have a new favorite author. Step aside Dr. Phil. You may ask yourself " What does eastern wisdom have to do with me and my life?"; Everything! Light, the sun, emerges from the east and light illuminates. You will find this book germain to each and every aspect of your lives as well as getting aquainted with the masters of eastern thought, such as His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. As someone who has been lucky enough to see the Dalai Lama several times I can attest to the fact that his essence is captured in this book. You will enjoy and learn from this book and come away a better person whether you have a Phd. or work construction and bowl every Wednesday night. Do yourself and everyone you love a favor and buy this book for you and them. You'll be glad you did and marvel at the changes it positively brings out.

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This book is a must read - I was a bit skeptic of the book's title but how fitting a title with these soul soothing real life issues that we take for granted on a daily basis - after reading this book I look on life in a more enlightening way - please take the time to purchase this life changing book that explain in layman's term quotes and meditations with real life applications - I assure you will enjoy the different topics - the ones I enjoyed reading the most are Love, Compassion, Enlightenment, Our True Nature, Change and Mindfulness - in fact they were all good - Enjoy.

Rick Singer has outdone himself! If you thought his first book, "Your Daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present," was wonderful, you haven't read anything yet. Singer has taken the word "mindfulness" to a new level and shows us how to apply it to every moment of our lives. A Japanese Proverb says, "Beginning is easy, continuing is hard." However, they obviously hadn't read Singer's new book, " Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul: 111 Meditations for Everyday Enlightenment" -- Rick has made it easy to begin and continue. -- Sue Vogan, author/radio show host