Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality [Paperback]

Russill Paul (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Drawing on a deep knowledge of Christian scripture as well as Hindu philosophy, musician and teacher Russill Paul reveals that the mystical core of religion offers us much more than the simple solace of unthinking dogma. By demonstrating that these two seemingly separate and irreconcilable religions can actually unite in one person’s spiritual practice at the center of his life — as they did in his — he offers an alternative to religious intolerance and strife, as well as hope for personal liberation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is a profound book with a unifying message to read, practice, and embody.”
— Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation

“Russill Paul, in his book Jesus in the Lotus, takes us on a journey not beyond Christianity but through Christianity to new levels of consciousness that most religious systems never reach. Guided by his mentor, Bede Griffiths, he explores the edges of faith by going to the center. It is a refreshing book, especially for those who are spiritually disenfranchised by the current shape of organized religion.”
— John Shelby Spong, author of Jesus for the Non-Religious

“Russill Paul has seen the path between East and West through the eyes, heart, and practice of devotion. He openly shares his quest and insight through a pilgrimage of reflections on spiritual focus, action, and contemplation. Listen to the depth of his wisdom and faith.”
— Don Campbell, author of Sound Spirit and The Mozart Effect

“This brilliant and inspiring book is an antidote to the divisive vectors that currently inflame many religious sects worldwide. While respecting difference and honoring uniqueness, Russill Paul leads the reader to points of contact and harmony between Christianity, Yoga, and Hindu philosophy. Today there is a universal hunger for a new vision that unites and connects us all, without which there may not be a future for humanity. Paul’s Jesus in the Lotus is an adamantine gem shedding light on the darkness of divisiveness.”
— Larry Dossey, MD, author of Healing Words

About the Author

Russill Paul is a world-renowned musician as well as a teacher of Eastern spirituality. He trained simultaneously as a monk and Yogi under the direction of the renowned sage and mystic Bede Griffiths in South India for close to five years and has taught in graduate and postgraduate spirituality programs for the past seventeen years. Born and raised in India, Russill lives in Austin, Texas, and runs a Yogic Mystery School. He performs and conducts workshops, retreats, and pilgrimages throughout the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: New World Library; Original edition (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577316274
• ISBN-13: 978-1577316275
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,185 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yogic Christianity, June 14, 2009

By 

Steve Burns (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality (Paperback)

This book has built a wonderful bridge for me between Christianity and eastern mysticism. I was a Christian fundamentalist for many years and studied the Bible and church history deeply. When my faith in fundamentalism faded I was attracted to eastern religions, and finally connected with Buddhism. This book was able to open for me the importance of the Christian teachings of love and how they are needed in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Yoga. It also shows how Christians could benefit from the discipline of eastern spiritual practices and especially meditation. The author proposes inter spirituality, not combining two religions but being both fully a Christian and fully Hindu. Not picking and choosing from a buffet bar what you like, but more like speaking two languages where you do both correctly and benefit from both. Practicing in a way where both traditions want to claim you as their own.
The author Russill Paul was born in his native India into a Catholic Family. He grew up with Hindu influences. He felt compelled to enter a Benedictine ashram early in his life and studied under the renowned sage and mystic Bede Griffiths where he studied Christianity and eastern practices side by side. Mr. Paul believes the world's religions are all needed and compliment each other but no single one is the whole picture. It is time for all religions to open their heart, minds, and spirit to the truth that they collectedly posses. This book is an excellent place to start on this path to inter spiritual connectedness.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Russil Paul offers a Mystical Doorway, May 26, 2009

By 

Rena M. Reese "luvbnme2" (Potomac, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality (Paperback)

This inspiring book presented me with enlightening historical information that frames the world religions in a new way, offers tools in support of a greater personal connection to our Divine source and frankly new hope for a reconciliation among some of the world's leading religions.

With the theme of inclusion, commonality of spiritual teachings and complimentary practices, I found myself asking new questions as I read this title. I found myself wondering for the first time, why the world religions are so separated by doctrine and practice when they really do blend so nicely? I now feel a surge of hope and optimism that the religious strife that seems to abound globally can give way to a new age, a new earth and fresh new tolerance.

I will admit there are a few book publishers that are my favorites. Like a teacher who hesitates to name a "favorite" student, the celebration of one seems something that should be kept internal. I appreciate the works and heart of many, but sometimes there are a few that seem to consistently reach out and touch the heart, bring a lift, educate-- and beyond educate, ENLIGHTEN. New World Library has done it again with Paul's Jesus in the Lotus.

Yoga, it seems, is more than a class you can sign on for an hour at a gym or studio. It is more than holding a pose or maintaining a posture while enjoying a meditative practice of sorts. It is a tool steeped in Hindu spirituality and one that can blend quite nicely with Christian practice.

A thought provoking title that inspires hope and vision-- while teaching a heightened truth--Jesus in the Lotus should be added to your summer reading list.

Rena Reese
Founder, Soul Salon International and author of The Soul Salon

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars jesus in the lotus, August 30, 2009

By 

Pat Khan "nurse yogini" (philadephia pa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality (Paperback)

This book is among my favorites, up there with Marianne Willaimson's "Illuminata". I continue to recommend this book to all my friends, yogi's and yogini's. Anyone who is open minded and truly interested in spirit/spirituality would definately enjoy this book to read and reread.