The Supreme Self [Paperback]

Swami Abhayananda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2006

Inspirational masterpiece for our times.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Swami Abhayananda was born Stan Trout in Indianapolis. He attained his goal of realizing God in 1966, and is the author of History of Mysticism and other titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Mantra Books (January 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905047452
• ISBN-13: 978-1905047451
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #831,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born Stan Trout on August 14, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was graced by God's vision in 1966 at the age of twenty-eight. A few years later, I met a holy man called Swami Muktananda, and I journeyed to India to live with him and to learn from him. After some time, he invited me to join the spiritual Order of sannyasa, and gave me the name "Swami Abhayananda", which means 'the bliss of fearlessness.' I have kept that spiritual name ever since, though I eventually parted with Swami Muktananda and his organization.

My focus has always been on God and His revelation, and my writings reflect that focus. I am not hindered by organizational ties or religious affiliation, and so the scope of my vision and my philosophy is universal, embracing the mystical traditions of both East and West. Today, I live a simple, solitary life, devoted to meditation on God and the sharing of His truth. It is my sincere wish that God may bless you as He has blessed me.

Please see my latest book, Mystical Theology, presenting a comprehensive and reasoned theology that accurately reflects the mystic's vision and is at the same time compatible with current scientific evidence. Available on the Kindle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The bhakta view, August 25, 2006

By 

D. Waite (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Supreme Self (Paperback)

A very readable book offering valuable information on the topic of bhakti, which the author seems genuinely qualified to provide.

The first part describes the author's own spiritual search and `enlightenment experience', and reads very much like a modern-day `Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna'.

The second part, and for me the most interesting, draws parallels with other non-dual philosophies, showing how they all differentiate between the transcendent, non-dual reality and a manifest world which is simply an appearance of duality, created as it were through a divine power.

The third part looks in greater depth at the philosophy and highlights particular aspects such as the problem of evil, the nature of grace and the question of free-will.

The last part addresses the apparent conflict between the paths of j~nAna and bhakti and provides the best rationale I have encountered to explain the essential non-difference of these approaches.

I have to say that I would quibble over a few points of exposition of the philosophy but I would definitely recommend this book for anyone whose outlook is more oriented to the heart than the mind and also for those who have difficulty reconciling the two paths.

It should also be noted that the author is a firm believer in astrology and in addition to mentioning this in the body of the book he provides an extensive appendix containing charts. If, like me, you believe that one's personality/destiny is affected or revealed more by the passing of a truck in the street outside than by a planet in the outer reaches of the solar system, you should note that this idiosyncrasy in no way affects the quality of the rest of the book. (I do also know of other Advaitins who believe in Astrology.)

Dennis Waite, author of Back to the Truth: 5000 years of Advaita

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rings true, July 2, 2010

By 

Skipperoo (Oregon) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Supreme Self (Paperback)

This is a very nice book of awakening, enlightenment, etc. The sincerity of the author rings throughout and it's an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed the autobiographical parts about his awakening experience. Also, the quotes he's included throughout the book by Rumi, Shankaracharya, Einstein, the Upanishads, Plotinus and Kabir, add a lot of depth. Finally, the exercise (that's included in Part 3: The Knowledge of the Self) for understanding the "all-inclusive One" was very helpful. Thanks to the author for presenting Truth in a really helpful and understandable way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, August 21, 2011

By 

Katharine Rawls (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Supreme Self (Paperback)

Absolutely amazing book for identifying your true self which is much deeper and richer than your surface personality. Great book for waking up to who we really are. Read it.