Western Seeker, Eastern Paths: Exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism & Tantra [Paperback]

David Pond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 8, 2003

Approaching the Eastern path is to embrace mystery - to accept that there is much beyond our ability to understand. Western Seekers, Eastern Paths helps readers explore the philosophical underpinnings of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Tantra, and offers specific practices, meditations and techniques for implementing these mystical teachings into your life. The Eastern paths embrace the subtle realms of consciousness beyond the rational mind. You will learn techniques for gaining a peaceful mind, to access the information that comes from following spirit and to experience the depths of meaning by listening to the needs of the soul.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Pond (Chakras for Beginners), a professional astrologer, sets out to explore the benefits that practitioners of an emerging "new Western spirituality" might glean from established Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist and Tantric traditions. Unfortunately, the perspective of this new Western spirituality itself is weakly defined and proves to be a limited platform from which to investigate these Eastern religions. It a priori treats the traditions themselves as essentially interchangeable paths to the same conclusion, trivializes their genuine differences, and thereby fails to penetrate their depth and richness. The book devotes one chapter each to Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Tantra, first surveying the fundamental beliefs of each tradition, then providing specific suggestions for incorporating elements of that tradition's teachings-such as postures and breathing techniques-into the reader's own meditation practice. Pond also offers intermittent personal anecdotes to illustrate his own methods of assimilating these teachings into his spiritual life. He is clearly knowledgeable about these Eastern paths; the discussion of the seven Hindu chakras (spiritual power reservoirs aligned along the spine) is particularly accessible. Yet the material is not always well organized, and the style is frequently awkward. This book is best suited for those who are interested primarily in finding new techniques to enrich their own pastiche of spiritual practice; those who want to explore Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism or Tantra in any depth, however, will need to turn elsewhere.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

David Pond (Washington) is a professional astrologer, national speaker, yoga teacher, writer and guide for spiritual journeys to sacred sites around the world.

David was originally trained as an elementary school teacher. It was here that he learned how to present complex ideas in a simple manner. He then went on to gain a Master of Science Degree in Experimental Metaphysics from Central Washington University. His formal education complements his many years as a practicing professional astrologer, and his life long study of yoga and meditation, thus giving him an in-depth awareness of the field of metaphysics.

A well respected member of the metaphysical community, David has co-author two books: The Metaphysical Handbook, which sold over 20,000 copies, and Crystals, Stones & Chakras. He is also a contributing author in Astrological Counseling and The Mountain Astrologer.

David utilizes his skills by giving lectures, private consultations and taped readings. David has helped individuals find a deeper meaning in life, get in touch with their source of strength, improve relationship skills and identify and overcome problem areas.

David and his wife Laura organize yearly trips to sacred sites such as Bali, the Yucatan and Hawaii.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (January 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567185355
• ISBN-13: 978-1567185355
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,394,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction to Eastern philosophies, January 22, 2003

By 

"roxx33" (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Western Seeker, Eastern Paths: Exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism & Tantra (Paperback)

The world of Eastern philosophies can be intimidating when you are just getting started. This is a book I had always wished existed, a title that looks at dozens of branches of spiritual and religious ideas in short chapters. David Pond, who has a Masters of Science degree in Experimental Metaphysics, writes Western Seeker, Eastern Paths. He examines Buddhism, there's more than one kind. Learn the basics of Hinduism, where there is more than one god...so many more! There is also more than one kind of yoga, and he gives you a brief introduction of other forms. I had been cautious of getting a book on Tantra, fearing if I left it out on a table people might think I was studying sex magic. Tantra, as with the other topics, has more than one level. This book showed me that although there is such a thing as Tantric sex, Tantra is a different topic on its own. Tantra is explained as a "path of constantly expanding awareness." Each chapter ends with a few quotes to ponder, and then a wonderful in-depth suggested reading list to further your knowledge. The Tao te Ching, Tibetan Book of the Dead, or Bhagavad Gita are great works, but where does one start when you begin the Eastern path? You start with Western Seeker, Eastern Paths-it will definitely help you find directions in your learning.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wealth of Wisdom, December 14, 2003

By 

Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Western Seeker, Eastern Paths: Exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism & Tantra (Paperback)

This valuable book assists Westerners in exploring the philosophical foundations of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Tantra, the four major Eastern traditions.

The book provides excellent practices, meditations and techniques for applying the Eastern mystical teachings in the individual's life. These practices will help the reader to maintain a peaceful disposition, to harness the creative inspiration within and to enjoy greater depths of meaning by paying attention to the needs of the soul.

The core beliefs and practices of the four great Eastern traditions are made accessible whilst their techniques and practices are presented in a way that makes it easy to incorporate into the life of the Western spiritual seeker. The book contains illustrations and concludes with a thorough index.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Western Seeker Eastern Path, January 25, 2003

By 

"pchick9" (Seattle,Wa. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Western Seeker, Eastern Paths: Exploring Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism & Tantra (Paperback)

Loved the book! The previous reviewer must not have read the preface and introduction. The book gives a wonderful overview of the Eastern philosophies. It doesn't intend to be an in depth study of any. The Author has wisely listed other books for that at the end of the chapters. I for one wanted to have an idea of the workings of each of these Eastern Paths and decide which one or ones-- I might want to pursue further. The book was a tremendous help, giving all of the basics and then some. It was very enjoyabe. interesting and easy to understand.
I am going to start trying some of the meditation and yoga techniques that were described so well.
This book should be on everyones shelf that is interested in knowing the basics in Buddhism,Hinduism,Taoism and Tantra.
It is a fantastic Reference Book.
Kudos to Mr Pond. Thank You.