Customer Reviews

Riding the Wheel to Wellness: A Buddhist Perspective on Life's Healing Gifts, Mediatation, Prayer & Visualization

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I have followed author Charles Atkins' blog on fraught with peril (an eclectic Nichiren Buddhist website) for some time, and enjoyed his earlier book, "Modern Buddhist Healing". Atkins has been writing for years, but his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkins Disease using the techniques he outlines in this book sent his work charging off into explorations of healing prayer. Atkins is a firm believer in the power of our lives to heal our bodies, but is not flakey or "woo-woo" in his discussions. For example, he is a strong advocate of seeking out the best medical treatment available - Atkins is not a "faith healer". His work is highly personal and takes his readers on a fascinating tour of his worldview and the role of powerful prayer.

I was sorry to see that Atkins' publisher did not see fit to allow a "search" of this book here in Amazon.com, so I will list some of the Chapters for those readers who are trying to decide if this book is "for them":

The Wheel of Samsara / Birthing; Aging and Illness; Dying and Reincarnation

Your Mind as Your Vehicle Towards Healing

Directing Your Journey - Practical Techniques/ The SOund of Visualization; Affirmations are Crucial; Practical Visualizations; For the Children

The School of Buddhism which Atkins has followed for years posits that we all possess what is called a "Buddha Nature" or pure core. As he writes in the chapter on Meditation and Science: "Because we are all intrinsically divine at the core, our prayers, intentions and affirmations, no matter what kind, resonate with the universe as if ringing a great bell". Atkins has had a lot of success "ringing" his own universal "bell" and wants very much to teach others how they can do it too. I hope the "buzz" on this book will let it reach the hands of those who will be helped by it.

This book includes a detailed explaination of how you can use visualization and chanting to deal with the suffering
accompanying sickness and death. With great compassion, the author shares his experiences working with sick and dying friends. The information in this book is compact but powerful.

Regaining health is the hoped for outcome. But he also shares
the experience of a 'good death' where one relaxes into the
"arms of the universe waiting for the newest arrival". In the end we all will face death. I was happy that this was also covered in a way which made death not seem the 'enemy' but just the next step in our path. I highly recommend this book if you or a loved one is facing illness.

In this guided manual Mr. Atkins demonstrates the awesome power of Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo in combating any affliction proving anyone & everyone can benefit from use of this universal Law. The secret is not just to eliminate suffering but in that very suffering is replaced with pure joy. Marty Ward ( "The thing you must do; what you must achieve; is to do the impossible.")ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Now that I have learned the mantra, I have been able to use it to calm myself during the day when I have free-floating anxiety and at night when my mind starts racing and I can't sleep. It has been another great tool that I have added to my chest of coping devices. This book is a boon to menopausal women like myself.

Charles Atkins has written another moving and insightful book on the ancient faith of Buddhism as it relates to the practical issues of illness, death, addiction, and emptiness. These are the timeless themes of Buddhist practice and philosophy articulated anew by each generation of practitioners. Atkins, drawing on his extensive practice and life experience, brings alive these ancient teachings for the modern reader. The role of thought and one's inner life in manifesting a life condition of health and well being is treated with particular insight. Though informed enough to offer wisdom to the experienced practitioner, the novice will find a wealth of practical advice on how to develop their own practice.

I was more than pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. The title gave the impression of it being primarily a book about health and wellbeing. It's so much deeper than that. The actual mysteries of life are dealt with head on: birth, aging, sickeness and for many the most difficult--death. The stories of people overcoming all manner of illness, were truly inspiring. I found I was reinspired to use visualizations coupled with chanting in a very natural way. Every page is infused with compassion. There is a wonderful, warm feeling of being embraced by the universe and how powerful we really are. This is an important book. I immediately sent copies to many of my friends upon finishing it. What a gift!

The new book, Riding the Wheel to Wellness is much more practically helpful than Modern Buddhist Healing. It is apparent that the success of the previous book has brought a greater insight and cohesiveness to the work of Charles Atkins. Just reading this book one feels a sense of peace and relief. I think that this book will be a tremendous help to people of diverse backgrounds, many of which may have not previously thought to take a proactive role in their own healing.

I found it interesting I used the chant nam myo horenge kyo before heart surgery, and surgery was cancell instead I had tests done I"m Ok.
no surgery...I feel great. i did not need it after all...
read it try it thais method works!

Feel blessed to have received an advance copy. In these ever present times of uncertainty..riding the wheel to wellness has come at a very pivotal point in all our lifes. The authors insight & spirtual awareness teaches us all that healing occurs when thoughts are changed & lessons learned. A must read for anyone seeking personal insight into themselves & others...just breath..you have the power within yourselfs to heal & Charles Atkins will comfort you along in your personal journey. A MUST READ.