Customer Reviews

Nothing Exists That is Not Siva: Commentaries on the Siva-sutra, Vijnanabhairava, Gurugita, and Other Sacred Texts

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This book is composed of brief commentaries by Baba Muktananda of individual lines of various sacred texts as noted in the title. Sometimes it may only be a paragragh or two; sometimes a page. But I found this simple format and these brief explanations to be profoundly moving and enlightening. As I would read a commentary, and I would only read a few a day, I would find myself drawn naturally into a profound contemplative orientation towards my thoughts and actions and notions about myself and my life. It always felt very healing and as if unnecessary burdens were dissolving on the spot. I would at times be moved to tears of gratitude, to meditative silence, to joyful realizations. This book is indeed food for the heart, soul, and mind. It is alive with blessings. It is literally, not metaphorically alive, and if you relate to it with care and attention, you will find yourself in a sacred and precious relationship.

NOTHING EXISTS THAT IS NOT SHIVA includes jewels of wisdom from Shiva Sutra, Gurugita, Vijnanabhairava and few other texts with Muktananda's enlightening commentaries.

Muktananda keeps on reminding the reader that Shiva is everywhere present and that a spiritual aspirant has to keep this always in his awareness. Here is an example related to working successfully with mantras:

"The one who repeats the mantra is Shiva, the mantra Namah Shivay is Shiva, and the Lord of the mantra - its goal - is Shiva. The secret of the realization of a mantra lies in repeating it, having identified oneself completely with Shiva. In the Svacchanda Tantra, Lord Shiva says:

'O Goddess, only he who knows that Shiva is within himself as himself realizes the goal of the mantra.'"

The book is to be read, re-read, savored, absorbed and, of course, applied. As I read it once I found joy bubbling within me. I'll be reading it many more times.