Shafts of Light: Selected Teachings of Swami Ashokananda for Spiritual Practice [Paperback]

Shelley Brown (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

This is a valuable new guide to the practice of Vedanta and inner yoga: a priceless collection of spiritual instructions from Swami Ashokananda (1893-1969) to his close American disciples. Vedanta's eternal truths come alive in Swami Ashokananda's down-to-earth words of encouragement and advice. More than eight hundred passages for contemplation shed light on the spiritual path. Early chapters such as "The Agony of Conflict" and "The Secrets of Suffering" show how to cope with common problems; later chapters such as "Be Calm" and "Meditate" guide readers toward a higher state of consciousness. "Shafts of Light" illumines the heart of spiritual practice-its teachings can help seekers from any tradition enjoy a deeper spiritual life."Swami Ashokananda was a brilliant and accomplished spiritual teacher in the West."-HUSTON SMITH "Swami Ashokananda's words ignited in his listeners the longing for realization on their own."-AMERICAN VEDANTIST"Swami Ashokananda brought courage and strength to hundreds of lives."-THE BEACON

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Shafts of Light is a valuable new guide to the practice of Vedanta. More than 800 spiritual instructions—expressed in Swami Ashokananda’s engaging vernacular—illuminate the path to Self-Knowledge and bring Vedanta’s eternal truths to the modern mind.

ABOUT SWAMI ASHOKANANDA

Swami Ashokananda (1893–1969) was an illustrious monk of the Ramakrishna Order who taught his disciples practical Vedanta—the way to a higher state of being.

"Swami Ashokananda was a brilliant and accomplished spiritual teacher in the West."—HUSTON SMITH, author of The World’s Religions and Why Religion Matters

"Swami Ashokananda’s words emanated from the depths of his direct, illumined perception of the highest truths of Vedanta, and ignited in his listeners the longing for realization on their own."—American Vedantist

"Swami Ashokananda saw in his students their potential perfection. He brought courage and strength to hundreds of lives."—The Beacon

About the Author

SISTER GARGI (1912-2004) was a monastic of the Ramakrishna Order and a prominent literary figure in Vedanta circles worldwide. Recent books include her biography of Swami Ashokananda ("A Heart Poured Out") and her memoir ("A Disciple's Journal"). DR. SHELLEY BROWN authored "Centred in Truth: The Story of Swami Nitya-swarup-ananda," and has been Sister Gargi's editor and publisher since 2001.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Kalpa Tree Press; First edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970636830
• ISBN-13: 978-0970636836
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,702,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shines light into the darkness, October 11, 2007

By 

Ally H. (Winston-Salem, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shafts of Light: Selected Teachings of Swami Ashokananda for Spiritual Practice (Paperback)

Early on the path of spirituality, I stumbled upon this book at the library. A few weeks later, I was feeling miserable. Nothing my fellows recommended to lift my mood helped. The hopelessness was overwhelming. During a weekend locked in my self-imposed cell, I opened this book. Somehow, it pulled me through.

To me, it is spiritual, but not religious. It talks about what we are seeking, how to do it, and problems we face along the way. There are about 2 quotes per page. I returned the book but one stuck with me I'll paraphrase. "Until you have great control of tthe mind do not focus on it. Dwell on God."

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Book, January 21, 2005

By 

Seeker of Peace "Seeker" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shafts of Light: Selected Teachings of Swami Ashokananda for Spiritual Practice (Paperback)

I really enjoy opening this book up and finding a message for the day here. Very inspiring and uplifting.