Customer Reviews

The Mantram Handbook

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Easwaran is fantastic in his simple explanations of complex spiritual truths. In the Mantram handbook he effectively de-mystifies what might seem like an occult subject to many beginners. Mantras are very useful tools to take us higher along the spiritual path, this book is an excellent starting point.

It is profoundly liberating to learn that a simple word or combination of words is the key to healing one's self and one's relationship with others. I work in numerical algorithms and I am constantly reminded of how the most enduring algorithms are often the simplest. This book changed my life, I sincerely hope it does yours too.

I read an older version of this book, published in first in October 1977 and the sixth printing in May 1988, when I purchased it. Unfortunately, they discontinued this book; God knows why. Because it is an excellent book. I tried to purchase many copies of it later on; when I was told they stopped printing it. That is a shame, because, it is one of the best books I have read. Like many of Eswaran's books, this one is a true mind-turner. It is an excellent hand book to control our will and find peace within ourself. Eswaran has brought out simple ways by which we can do this, thru examples. It is one of the best.

My husband read this book, and recommended that I read it as I mostly confidently, though sometimes stressfully, waded through the challenges of opening my own small business. Within the first few short chapters, Mr. Easwaran gives you a tip for remaining calm and focused, that is as easy as repeating the same few words silently to yourself. Like most of you, I have my family, friends, church, and colleagues for support, but many times, I just want to "take care of myself," get past the hurdle immediately before me, and move on. Using one of the mantra's suggested in this book has helped calm my mind. With a calm mind, I'm able to get in touch with what is really important to me, and make sound, positive decisions. The author then goes on to suggest some additional concepts which I found to be very thought provoking, including, reminding me of the part I can play in life by offering my services to society.

This book offers clear practical advise on choosing and using a mantram (also known as a mantra), which is thought of as the Holy Name. Eknath offers appealing anecdotes and gentle humor as he presents his Eight-point Path, which includes such spiritual practices as meditation, mantram, slowing down, one-pointed attention, and putting others first. The author is Hindu but doesn't emphasize any one faith; readers of any religion or no religion can use this. Beautiful book-cover!

Eknath Easwaran was a wonderfully observant and intuitive teacher, and thankfully, his writings live on. The Mantram Handbook gives an excellent presentation of the Mantra Yoga method of calming ones mind, as well as the benefits.For those who would like to find more by this prolific spiritual author, this book and many others are available through
The Blue Mountain Center For Meditation.
I also recommend his translation of The Dhammapada(Teachings of The Buddha).

Lists the major mantras and their purposes. Suggestions on when, how and how often to chant, etc. A good beginners book. Excellent author - I have several of his other writings and they are all enlightening.

How does a Mantram work.
That depends on how you look at it.....
If you are a religious person, you would not even question its validity ; if you are an atheist posing to be scientific, you would call it meaningless mumbo jumbo and self hypnosis; if you were a neuro scientist, you would be more careful in your explanation, since your scientific thought process would be contradicted by your observation of unexplainable neuron activity in the brain which would generally have some kind of salutary positive effect.
If you were an open minded individual like me, you would try it yourself and come to your own conclusion.
Since the conscious mind is supposed to be just 10 percent of our neural activity and the subconscious is 90 percent of the same, the Mantram which works on the subconscious; should be very very relevant for our mental health.
Thanks to Eknath Easwaran, for explaining the secrets of the 'mantram' in the most gentle,persuasive and intelligent style, which would greatly appeal to the techno-urban-intellectual-busy individual of modern times.
Truly, a life transforming book.

Helpful information about the concept of mantram. Interesting explanations, though some are contradicted by other sources. Methodology is rigid. Rigidity aside, a valuable read.