Customer Reviews

Play of Consciousness: A Spiritual Autobiography

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is difficult to put into words what is contaned within this book, many who have read it, myself included, find it more of an experince, than just a read. A subject that can often be laborious to comprehend, Muktananda weaves into a colorful, amazing, stimulating and often unbelievably true tale. I found myself mesmerized and willing to set the book down only when I was so saturated with his energy that I would pass out. A deffinate recommend and a great gift to anyone who is on a spiritual path..

This book is divided into two "sub-books"; 'the path of the siddhas' and the 'teachings of the siddhas'. Swami Muktananda's explanation of his meditation experiences forms the core of this book.

The way he reveals his different states of meditation experiences may be different from other saints who have reached the state of samadhi or bliss but I have no doubt that his experiences are authentic and he was not hallucinating. The point is that Muktanananda has already reached the highest states of consciousness or Nirvana during his meditations.

The reason why I gave this book a 4 star rating and not a 5 star rating is because Muktananda had failed to give a more detailed biography of his guru. If he had included a more comprehensive account of his guru, this book would deserve a perfect rating.

I would also like to recommend the "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda. This saint (who is also my guruji) had also attained the state of samamdhi.

This book is about the experience of meditation through yoga. I read this book when I was 13 and some of the concepts were a little advanced for me at that time. Nonetheless, this book helped me to understand some experiences I had with meditation when I was young.

I was raised with Siddha Yoga. Growing up, there was no place I felt safer than I did at the Siddha Yoga Ashram. For me it has been and always will be home. My spiritual journey extends beyond the confines of Siddha Yoga, but my spiritual awareness and love for God was nurtured and developed through Baba and Gurumayi's teachings, guidance, and love. I use their teachings daily.

There is concern with truth or falsity of the Guru only when the seeker is looking for someone to worship rather than for a path of growth and spiritual development. I have learned a lot from people who weren't "Gurus". The word guru means to bring from darkness "gu" into light "ru". In this sense, we are surrounded by gurus all the time. All we have to do is seek them out, and they appear.

It is Baba and Gurumayi who have taught me to search for the diamonds within the coals. When I am not in the right state of mind, I remember this simple teaching, and then I am surrounded by diamonds instead of black coals.

In reading this book, find the diamonds and pearls in Baba's words and take them with you. Then you will feel rich and you will not be disappointed.

I would also like to add that Siddha Yoga is not for everyone. The teaching of Siddha Yoga is that "God dwells within you as you". The teaching of Siddha Yoga is NOT "The Guru is your God". I have never heard Gurumayi suggest we be dependent solely on the Guru. I have on the other hand heard Gurumayi say that the Light of God dwells within us. A teacher deserves respect - whatever, or whomever that teacher may be. Yoga will reflect your state of mind, and it is not always easy or comforting to see our own reflection. But seeing is necessary for growth. Co-dependency and obsessive behaviors may surface for some, but it is not the fault of Siddha Yoga, and should be taken up with a therapist.

So many of us yearn to know God, to know the Truth, to know our own Self. Yet, the way is often concealed or murky. What would we give to actually experience it? What would we give to know what to expect on the journey to the Self? Play of Consciousness is an extraordinary book. Each time I read this book, I am drawn into a deep state of meditation and experience my own inner perfection. Again and again, Play of Consciousness gives me courage to move forward in my own spiritual journey. Such is the greatness of Swami Muktananda. Not only did he live established in his own perfection, but through every word, every action, every thought, he imparted his attainment to all and encouraged us to keep progressing. Those receptive to the grace and love contained in this masterpiece, will surely experience their own true greatness and perfect love. What a blessing to humanity it is to have a detailed account of the spiritual journey and divine attainment of this extraordinary Siddha, or perfected being.

This is one of the most unique books written based on a Siddhas experience of enlightenment. Normally Siddhas do not share their spiritual experiences so elaborately; this is definitely one invaluable book for any spiritual seeker. Just holding the book can bring about spiritual experiences.

So many of us yearn to know God, to know the Truth, to know our own Self. Yet, the way is often concealed or murky. What would we give to actually experience it? What would we give to know what to expect on the journey to the Self? Play of Consciousness is an extraordinary book. Each time I read this book, I am drawn into a deep state of meditation and experience my own inner perfection. Again and again, Play of Consciousness gives me courage to move forward in my own spiritual journey. Such is the greatness of Swami Muktananda. Not only did he live established in his own perfection, but through every word, every action, every thought, he imparted his attainment to all and encouraged us to keep progressing. Those receptive to the grace and love contained in this masterpiece, will surely experience their own true greatness and perfect love. What a blessing to humanity it is to have a detailed account of the spiritual journey and divine attainment of this extraordinary Siddha, or perfected being.

This book is extraordinary in that in gives a first-hand account of the journey of spiritual awakening and meditation that leads to Self-realization. Muktananda writes from both the perspectives of having been a disciple of an enlightened Master and as a Guru who has much to teach sincere aspirants on the inner path. His words carry the conviction of actual experience; this is not a theortical treatise on the ultimate meaning of life and human potential. It is rather a testament to what happens when the power of grace and the longing of a true seeker meet. The intention of this book is not to inspire a belief about the enlightened state of Muktananda; but rather to impart a description of essential truth to the reader which is meant to be verified by actual experience.

This book is a one of the few "must reads" for those inclined toward Kashmir Shavism, or in fact, for almost anyone who enjoys eastern spiritual thought and the upliftment of consciousness.

This is a unique personal autobiography by Paramahansa Muktananda.
In the pages of this book he transmits his experiences directly to the reader in a very special way that only some great teachers can.

This book does not deal with the mundane details of Swami Muktananda's life nor does it deal much with the details of his teacher Swami Nityananda's life; more of that sort of thing can be found in "Meditation Revolution" by Douglas Renfrew Brooks, or by Muktananda's earliest biographer Swami Prajnanananda.

What this book does do is to transmit some of Paramahansa Muktananda's consciousness to the reader in a unique way, giving the reader some direct experience of Muktananda's life and his Awareness.

I read many of Muktananda's books and this is an excellent introduction to anyone who craves the experience of "knowing" God. Although Muktananda has passed on, his personal account of the process of having a Guru as his guide was enlightening. It lead me to read "The One Minute Guide to Prosperity and Enlightenment" by Sri Siva, a modern day Siddha Guru who now travels around the world with a similar message for the sincere spiritual aspirant. Both authors emphasize the importance of having a Guru to safely guide the person through the process of "knowing" God. In the world today, there are many teachers, though few who have first-hand experience of "knowing" God in their lives. Both authors lead us to that "knowing" God state and the world around us is forever changed!

I spent 8 years studying with the author of this book and he was as amazing as his story. This is the best spiritual autobiography ever written. It is a true guide for Kundalini awakening.