Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

at 28, i decided to start researching eastern religions a little bit to see if i identified with any of them. this book is the perfect starter to that path. it dapples with the basic principles and education. great for those that are curious about eastern relgions in any sort of way.

I highly recommend this book as INTRODUCTORY material. It is an OVERVIEW of the BUDDHIST, HINDU, TANTRA & TAOIST paths.. A very good one, I must say, as David Pond also won a COVR award under "best new Eastern book" if I do remember myself, at INATS (International New Age Trade Show).. I HAD to get it! While it does not go into too much depth about Buddhism (not covering the samsaric wheel, spiral path, etc) it provides necessary introductory material, along with the other Paths' information. I would definitely recommend this book; what an asset, especially to the Pagan or Eastern mystic's library! :)
~Colin/Raven~