Spirituality for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Sharon Janis (Author) "Spiritually, I believe I can manifest many good things in my life..." (more)
Key Phrases: ancient spiritual scriptures, equality consciousness, contemplative writing, Bhagavad Gita, Play Track, Cultivating Spiritual Virtues (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Spirituality for Dummies is for smart souls who know that we are all really beginners when it comes to understanding spirituality. Like all books for dummies, the layout is filled with lots of information boxes, bulleted lists, humorous cartoons, quick tips, and pithy quotes (from Marcus Aurelius to George Carlin).

Fortunately, author Sharon Janis put a lot of research into this informative discussion on spiritual growth. As a result, she maintains a solid voice that transcends the cluttered and sometimes superficial format. Spiritual practices, such as yoga and mediation, are briefly explained along with how to cultivate spiritual values and rise above suffering. At times she offers the kindly voice of experience: "When I'm able to give something to another person, I know it is God giving through me. Then, rather than expecting anything in return I am grateful for having been of service." At other times she is the voice of a well-educated teacher: "Ex means 'out of,' while status is a 'fixed condition.' This means that, in a way, the more fixed conditions you have to move out of, the more ecstatic you can become. Therefore every trouble in your life is really a beautiful gift to be unwrapped." --Gail Hudson

Product Description
A fun and easy guide to exploring the higher self.

Today, more people than ever are searching for meaning in their lives--and exploring a sometimes confusing array of spiritual practices and traditions. Without complex doctrine or far-out philosophies, this friendly guide demystifies spirituality and shows you how to incorporate spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation into your daily life. In down-to-earth terms, the author explains

• What spirituality is--and isn't--in easy-to-understand language
• Spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting, mantras, rituals, prayers, and affirmations
• The advantages and challenges of practicing spirituality alone or in a group
• The role of the soul" in various religious traditions, as well as concepts like karma, dharma, and reincarnation
• How to incorporate spirituality into everyday life

Not merely a compendium of abstract ideas or complex theories, Spirituality For Dummies brings an elusive subject down to earth.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (September 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552988
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552984
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #529,234 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Gem, October 22, 2000

By A Customer

This is truly a gem of a book. It is inspiring and illuminating. The author helps us to recognize (and live) the spirituality in every day life. I find it incredibly uplifting. If I am feeling down, I need only open it to a random page, and I find something helpful. It is not a book only to be read, but to be experienced as well. There are many helpful tools to help drive home many of the points. Don't be put off by this, though. You can still get a lot out of it even if you choose not to partake in the exercises. Even if you don't agree with my five stars, I recommend you buy this book anyway. It is well worth the cost of the included CD alone.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect book for Perfect Dummies!, September 27, 2000

By	"somagail" (Sebastian, Fl United States) - See all my reviews

As a serious spiritual seeker for over 26 years, I deeply appreciate Sharon Janis sharing her revelations of the simple wisdom of a true spiritual perspective. Having read Janis' beautiful first book, "Never to Return," I had already discovered the honesty and penetrating depths of her own personal spiritual journey. Now, in "Spirituality for Dummies," she reveals even more how very special it is to approach life with a simple and open heart, and humor...always appreciating the cosmic giggle at the center of it all. I applaud Janis' literary gift for writing from the profound and eloquent openheartedness of her own search for universal truths. I strongly recommend this book, for yourself and as the perfect gift for those you love.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was EXACTLY what I was looking for!!, February 6, 2007

By	Cindy Glavas "Cindy" (Orange County, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After years of wondering what the meaning of life was, and what my purpose here on earth is, I found this book! It helped me uncover the world of spirituality, which in turn helped me answer some of these most fundamental questions!

The book is such an easy read, and the author has a brilliant sense of humor. I often reference the book over and over, for information on certain specific subjects, which is very easy to do in the "Dummies" format. It is also written to embrace all religions, non-religions, races, genders, etc. It truly is a book for everyone!

I recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow spiritually, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and still do)!