Review
"This memoir is a poignant statement on the search for truth in a culture fixated on image and material wealth. Janis begins her story with her first memories from infancy, then takes readers through the full course of her life, sharing her experiences and how they shaped her inner and outer existence. She writes with kindness and compassion for all those involved, placing neither blame nor guilt, and takes pleasure in and responsibility for her life's entirety. Janis' humanity comes shining through, allowing us to see her fears, her stumbling, and, in all humility, her ego. Inspired by deep guidance and inner listening, this book aims to bring readers to 'a sense of wonder and respect for their own journey' and a greater regard for others on their paths." -- NAPRA ReVIEW
Never to Return is the true story of one woman's spiritual adventure beginning with sneaking away to church at age two and a half to spending ten years of monastic life in an Indian Ashram to a materially satisfying Hollywood career. Sharon shares her powerful inner quest to remember what she had once learned but had since forgotten with humor and clarity. She is a charming storyteller who invites you to drink of her deep experience with Indian spirituality and her search for truth in a world obsessed with appearances. -- Magical Blend Magazine
Sharon Janis was one of those terrible kids that could do anything she wanted, starting at age two. She began talking practically hot from the womb, did a course in hypnotherapy at age seven, was painting and selling her paintings at sixteen. Her IQ was off the chart then she decided to throw it all up and run off and become a student of Muktananada, in upstate New York. Once there, she became an expert video producer, musician, cook, toilet cleaner, and milker of cows (you are expected to be a Renaissance Man or Woman in the ashram.) This is her story and it's a dilly. It's a good story, and for those of us who are interested in what exactly goes on in those ashrams, it's hard to put down....Few writers so far have told the tale of what it is like to live and study, heart and soul, with the likes of Muktananda. -- RALPH--Review of the Arts, Literature, Philosophy and the Humanities, Formerly the Fessenden Review
Never to Return is the true story of one woman's spiritual adventure beginning with sneaking away to church at age two and a half to spending ten years of monastic life in an Indian Ashram to a materially satisfying Hollywood career. Sharon shares her powerful inner quest to remember what she had once learned but had since forgotten with humor and clarity. She is a charming storyteller who invites you to drink of her deep experience with Indian spirituality and her search for truth in a world obsessed with appearances. -- Magical Blend Magazine
Sharon Janis was one of those terrible kids that could do anything she wanted, starting at age two. She began talking practically hot from the womb, did a course in hypnotherapy at age seven, was painting and selling her paintings at sixteen. Her IQ was off the chart then she decided to throw it all up and run off and become a student of Muktananada, in upstate New York. Once there, she became an expert video producer, musician, cook, toilet cleaner, and milker of cows (you are expected to be a Renaissance Man or Woman in the ashram.) This is her story and it's a dilly. It's a good story, and for those of us who are interested in what exactly goes on in those ashrams, it's hard to put down....Few writers so far have told the tale of what it is like to live and study, heart and soul, with the likes of Muktananda. -- RALPH--Review of the Arts, Literature, Philosophy and the Humanities, Formerly the Fessenden Review
From the Inside Flap
Back Cover
"This was the time to decide what I really wanted. The doors of possibility opened wide. Should I become beautiful? Famous? Wealthy? Brilliant? Respected? Loved? I sorted through all the desires that came up and one by one tossed them to the side. In an objective light, each of these potential desires crumbled into insignificance. They were based on goals that had been injected into me by contemporary society; they were not my own. What did I really want from life? I wanted to do whatever was right, based on a big picture I could never see. I wanted to be whatever I was meant to be, and to be happy with whatever my destiny brought. How could I ask for specifics when I was embroiled in cultural illusions? How could I ever know what was really important in life? After casting aside a long list of potential goals, I realized that all I really wanted was to be content. No matter what porridge of experience was placed before me, I wanted it to taste good. I wanted! sweet times to taste good, and I wanted sour times to taste good as well. I wanted to move with the natural flow of life, instead of asking that my short-sighted whims be fulfilled. I wanted my desires and actions to align with whatever was meant to be. I wanted to be in tune with the universe. Clearly, the all-pervasive intelligence that guides the atoms and galaxies to move with such perfection could choose the best path for my life. My best course of action was to get out of the way of its flow, and to be happy with whatever unfolded. Why not break experience down as I had the flavors and textures of the apple? Why not choose to be happy? Unknowingly, I had tapped into the secret of surrender as a path to happiness. It often takes time for the seed of our prayers and affirmations to germinate and bear fruit. First, I had some disturbing lessons to learn." —Sharon Janis
"This was the time to decide what I really wanted. The doors of possibility opened wide. Should I become beautiful? Famous? Wealthy? Brilliant? Respected? Loved? I sorted through all the desires that came up and one by one tossed them to the side. In an objective light, each of these potential desires crumbled into insignificance. They were based on goals that had been injected into me by contemporary society; they were not my own. What did I really want from life? I wanted to do whatever was right, based on a big picture I could never see. I wanted to be whatever I was meant to be, and to be happy with whatever my destiny brought. How could I ask for specifics when I was embroiled in cultural illusions? How could I ever know what was really important in life? After casting aside a long list of potential goals, I realized that all I really wanted was to be content. No matter what porridge of experience was placed before me, I wanted it to taste good. I wanted! sweet times to taste good, and I wanted sour times to taste good as well. I wanted to move with the natural flow of life, instead of asking that my short-sighted whims be fulfilled. I wanted my desires and actions to align with whatever was meant to be. I wanted to be in tune with the universe. Clearly, the all-pervasive intelligence that guides the atoms and galaxies to move with such perfection could choose the best path for my life. My best course of action was to get out of the way of its flow, and to be happy with whatever unfolded. Why not break experience down as I had the flavors and textures of the apple? Why not choose to be happy? Unknowingly, I had tapped into the secret of surrender as a path to happiness. It often takes time for the seed of our prayers and affirmations to germinate and bear fruit. First, I had some disturbing lessons to learn." —Sharon Janis
