Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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

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.

In this book Russill lays out a foundation for mutual understanding between Christians and Hindus. His approach is honest and is supported by a core of genuine life experiences (aka. He knows of what he speaks). He was/is a protege of Bede Griffiths The Marriage of East and West so his inclusive (aka 'ecumenial') approach is no surprise. What this book beings to bring out is that it is direct experience of the divine (aka mysticism) which is common thread behind all of the major belief systems (aka 'religions') in the world.

There are parts of the book that will challenge the Christian as to whether they are beholding to Christianity or to Christ. So if you are dogmatic or extremely fundamentalist (meaning that the Bible is more your savior than the Christ) then you will find this book bitter in your mouth. But if you can really examine yourself in your being it could become sweet as honey. Having met Russill I can say he is a genuine person who carries the spirit of Christ is kindness and mastery.

Of course I would recommend most of Bede Griffiths books which are masterworks (Bede was ahead of his time). There are also many other similar approaches to bridging the Christian/Hindu divide and another great book is The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels.

And, don't be suprised, but Russill is also a master of sound. A great example of his work is Shabda: Mantra Mysticism. There are so many layers to this recording that I consider it one of the finest collections of spiritual music ever made. Bravo!

The author, a product of a "Jesuit monk," attempts to link Christianity with Eastern (i. e. Hindu) thought--and does an excellent job. Not surprising, in that it is generally accepted that valid religious traditions are variations of universal spiritualism.

However, the book does leave unanswered a question that has been burning in me, anyway, all my thinking life. It never explains how Jesus "is the only son of God who came down to Earth to atone us of our sins" (which seems to be the main premise of Christian thought).