Book Description
DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY?
Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.
To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on the bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions to discover their top five talents.
In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more (see below for details). While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.
Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself -- and the world around you -- forever.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN THE NEW & UPGRADED EDITION OF STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0
(using the unique access code included with each book)
* A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
* A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month, and year
* A more customized version of your top five theme report
* 50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)
* The more user-friendly StrengthsFinder 2.0 companion website, with a strengths community area, library of downloadable discussion guides and activities, a strengths screensaver, and a program for creating display cards of your top five themes
Customer Reviews:
Dinamic Strengths.......2007-10-01
I found the Strengths Finder 2 to be a great, dinamic tool to helping my team find their talents. The good thing about this version, compared to Now Discover your Strengths is that it has guidelines and activities you can do to change the talents into strengths.
Find and Maximize your strengths...fast.......2007-09-24
Great product for anyone wanting to know themselves better. Especially helpful for job seekers or people in transition.
StrengthsFinder Opinion.......2007-09-23
This is great investment! The price is very low and value of the information provided is very high. The best $15 I ever spent.
Optimal Solution for Understanding Yourself.......2007-09-23
I've been a senior leader of several organizations, and consequently have been exposed to a gauntlet of industrial psychologists, personality tests, intelligence tests, leadership training, cultural orientations, yada yada.
This book/body of knowledge/tool does 2 things extremely well. By well, I mean in an optimal way measured by the degree of understanding relative to the time investment. First, for an investment of maybe an hour at minimum, and an additional few hours to explore the guidance and begin to consider the implications and choose new behaviors, etc. you get, in my opinion, the best single, and correct perspective about yourself than any combination of the other methods mentioned above, period. It is not just directionally correct, like a horoscope type paragraph that would be true for anyone who read it, but rather a set of desciptions of your strengths that just "nail it" and descibe you as you know yourself. It tells you about yourself in a way that you can understand, regardless of whether you or anyone who is around you has ever articulated it.
The second thing it does well is offer a rational and empirically validated framework that is just long overdue. It is a simple truth that has been so elusive. It addresses a major reason why leadership is so rare in business - the modern organization strangles out your ability to contribute by trying to fix what you will likely never be much good at, or hate doing even if you end up with some level of proficiency at it.
Get it, read it (25 minutes) and take the online test (35 minutes). If you are like me and the 50 people around me who've infectiosuly taken and immediately recommended this thing to their inner circle of friends and family, you will absolutley find value in it. But like anything, an idea or a tool is only as good as it is put to use. A master craftsman never blames his tools. Remember to act on it and that is something for which only you can be responsible.
Fascinating but Now What?.......2007-09-19
This was an in depth test that I think actually produced accurate results. It was interesting to see where I fell and to read the descriptions of the categories. I think the test was most likely right. So, it was fun and it was somewhat informative...now what? Overall the book didn't give me that much insight on the different categories and the suggestions in some cases contradicted each other. I think it is useful to use in conjunction with additional career books or counselors. It is important to understand your strengths and this may or may not help. Alone, however, I do not think it is enough to give much to the reader.
Amazon.com
Ekhart Tolle's message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive voice, and enthusiasm make this an excellent manual for anyone who's ever wondered what exactly "living in the now" means. Foremost, Tolle is a world-class teacher, able to explain complicated concepts in concrete language. More importantly, within a chapter of reading this book, readers are already holding the world in a different container--more conscious of how thoughts and emotions get in the way of their ability to live in genuine peace and happiness.
Tolle packs a lot of information and inspirational ideas into The Power of Now. (Topics include the source of Chi, enlightened relationships, creative use of the mind, impermanence, and the cycle of life.) Thankfully, he's added markers that symbolize "break time." This is when readers should close the book and mull over what they just read. As a result, The Power of Now reads like the highly acclaimed A Course in Miracles--a spiritual guidebook that has the potential to inspire just as many study groups and change just as many lives for the better. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
It's no wonder that The Power of Now has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 30 foreign languages. Much more than simple principles and platitudes, the book takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light. In the first chapter, Tolle introduces readers to enlightenment and its natural enemy, the mind. He awakens readers to their role as a creator of pain and shows them how to have a pain-free identity by living fully in the present. The journey is thrilling, and along the way, the author shows how to connect to the indestructible essence of our Being, "the eternal, ever-present One Life beyond the myriad forms of life that are subject to birth and death." Featuring a new preface by the author, this paperback shows that only after regaining awareness of Being, liberated from Mind and intensely in the Now, is there Enlightenment.
Customer Reviews:
Truely transformational - a practical approach to Spirituality.......2007-09-27
I was reading "I am that" by NisargaDatta Maharaj and was thinking about and trying to grasp, what he says - about just being the "witness" and at the right moment, one of my dear friend handed this over to me.
This book explains it. I dont claim that I am realized after reading this, but now I am confident I am on the right path towards the goal.
This is truely a transformational book. This is the practical guide to understand the mysteries behind teachings of great Masters. My approach towards looking at my life, rather towards every moment of my daily routine, is changed. It started answering my questions right from the first page and now I can apply this principle and answer many questions I have been having about stuff like "Why would creating music be transcendental" - 'why does one feel so passionate about his/her job and get satisfaction out of it'. 'why do people become instant heroes in emergency situations' - The answer - 'power of now.'
Read it and apply it in your daily routine and I am sure happiness (the inner one of course) and peace would be yours to keep.
Enjoy.
I would recommend "I am that" - a collection of talks of Shri. Nisargadatta Maharaj, along with this book. You will have no more questions in your life about why things are the way they are.
Wish you the best for your quest.
Keep it Simple.......2007-09-25
Here are some powerful words.
accept always attention becomes between beyond body cannot change come conscious consciousness course create death deep deeply does ego emotion energy even ever fear feel feeling find form free future get give go god happens human ing inner itself know level life light live long longer love may means mind moment need negativity nothing now own pain part past patterns peace people person physical point power presence present problems reality relationship resistance say see self sense situation something space state still suffering surrender take things think thinking thought time true unconscious unconsciousness unmanifested use want without word world yourself
According to Amazon, these are the most commonly used words in one of the most profound books I have ever read, "The Power of NOW," by Eckhart Tolle. Its simplicity appeals to me. In a world gone mad with ritual, my poor little mind needs simplicity!
As I study different spiritual traditions, I am stunned at the shear weight of them. Nothing is ever thrown away! If an old belief is superseded by a new belief, they exist together in mutual conflict. Inconsistency is piled upon inconsistency.
If I were to seriously practice some of ancient traditions, such as kundalini yoga, I would shortly feel imprisoned. Who could possibly become enlightened when there is so much that must be accepted? If enlightenment is the goal, and the path entails letting go of our attachments, then why have so many attachments to carry down the path?
Using kundalini yoga as an example again, I love many of the meditation practices I have learned from teachers in that tradition. What I find cumbersome are the doctrines, beliefs, and traditions surrounding the practices. To me a good meditation practice works because it fits like a comfortable shoe. A shoe does not care what I believe!
I know that not every one is like me. And I know that I secretly believe everyone should be like me. And I know there are those who thrive in structured systems of belief. But by the time I read about the chakras, the nadis, the related astrological signs, and how the stars affect our karma, I want to sit under a tree and quietly meditate! Or I want to dance. Or I want to sing. My poor little head whirls at such a vast amount of knowledge. Please just let me be happy!
I suppose it is human nature to make things complicated. For example, the simple message of Christ is so hidden that one can get lost in a sea of interpretations. And when this happens, rather than sailing the course of love, which Jesus preached, we risk becoming lost in the treacherous waters of doctrines. As for the Four Noble Truths of Buddha, they are now closer to the Four Thousand Obscure Truths. Perhaps it is human nature to make things complicated, but it is my nature to make things simple, which means I am either inhuman or that I will soon complicate my need to make things simple.
But, if I do complicate the simple, I can always read "The Power of NOW" again. And I will be reminded that my beliefs are not the truth. My beliefs are only beliefs. And I will be reminded to breathe and to be still. That is simple.
Thank you, John C. Conley, author of "Letters to My Friends: A No Guarantees Guide to Awakening."
Great self-help book........2007-09-18
I enjoyed this book immensely. It's somewhat cerebrally written but not academically so that it's too obtuse. Tolle does a great job of talking about "now" and getting out of your mind and into your life. I'd recommend it for everyone.
The real thing.......2007-09-18
Peaceful and powerful. The audio book version is best. You will know it is the truth when you hear it.
We always knew this....but never realized it........2007-09-11
One of the greatest books ever written.
Timeless wisdom revealed once again.
As Tolle coaxes and leads us to the 'Now', the power of realization strikes us with great intensity.
Truly, only NOW exisits.
This book can change your life !
Amazon.com
This manual-style book instantly dives into Eckhart Tolle's principles of "living in the moment," which could be a jarring experience for readers who haven't read his preceding book, The Power of Now. For the initiated, though, this makes an excellent companion guide--rich in exercises and meditations to help readers get out of their minds so they can live more peacefully in their bodies. Sometimes it's hard to fathom what on earth Tolle is talking about: "To regain awareness of Being and to abide in that state of 'feeling-realization' is enlightenment." Be patient. All concepts will be revealed (or at least more carefully explained). Ultimately, Tolle leads readers into a new form of thinking (or actually not thinking) that erases the consuming habits of waiting, worrying, and being in fear. The first step is ending the "delusion of time." He asks, "Are you always trying to get somewhere other than where you are? ... Is most of your doing just a means to an end?" If so, Tolle has a book full of advice for you. As simplistic as this may sound, Tolle's work has spiritual merit and depth, especially for frantic Westerners who find their lives diminished by packed schedules and busy-ness. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Eckhart Tolle is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most inspiring spiritual teachers, sharing the enlightenment he himself experienced after a startling personal transformation. His views go beyond any particular religion, doctrine, or guru. This book extracts the essence from his teachings in The Power of Now, showing us how to free ourselves from “enslavement to the mind.” The aim is to be able to enter into and sustain an awakened state of consciousness throughout everyday life. Through meditations and simple techniques, Eckhart shows us how to quiet our thoughts, see the world in the present moment, and find a path to “a life of grace, ease, and lightness.”
Customer Reviews:
Old wisdom made new........2007-09-11
There is absolutely nothing new in this book. Why then did it have such an impact on my life? I think it was because Eckhart Tolle took the religion out of spirituality and he took the spirituality out of life. And what was left was a simple message of liberation.
Free yourself from the tyranny of your thoughts and find peace. Yes, of course, the Buddha said much the same thing long ago. And many others have said the same thing since the Buddha. But Eckhart Tolle presented this enduring wisdom in a package that was devoid of rituals and beliefs, ones meant for another time and culture.
To practice the power of now, I need believe nothing. I do not need to sit in a certain way or chant in a certain way. I need only choose to be in the now, which is another way of saying I need only stop thinking, thinking, thinking. And by not thinking, I will have jumped a major hurdle on the path to enlightenment.
Of course, there is the small problem that I do not know how to stop thinking. I better give this little dilemma some thought because "Practicing the Power of NOW" is a little vague about how to stop thinking. But if I understand what I read, I simply follow the slogan of Nike and just do it. And there is wisdom in that. There is wisdom in finding my own way.
In the meantime, I suppose I can breathe and sink into the inner sense of well being within my body. And I can treat myself with compassion. Wait, come to think of it, Eckhart Tolle said to do that too. Such a wise man he is to agree with me.
Great book!.......2007-07-05
Shorter version of the original book, so if you forget something you can always refer to this one. Good if you don't feel like rereading the "Power of Now."
Excellent Spiritual Insight!!.......2007-07-02
Definitely one of the best spiritual books there are. Gives you a great insight on transforming the self to the real self. Reader could easily realize the uniqueness and practicality of the approach.
The only drawback I see is it is sort of uni-dimensional in its spiritual approach concentrating extensively on the now... I personally felt the insight in the movie "Peaceful Warrior" more complete.
The Best Box Of Cd's I ever Bought give this 10 Stars ********.......2007-06-21
I am applying the truths to my life and understand it - no matter what your belief system is. Listening to the Cd's not reading the book has changed my life. There is so much more to the Cd's than the book would ever offer.I listen to my Cd's over & over. It will change your life forever as it has mine.Buy the Cd's not the book and change your life.Unbelievable I got 7 Cd's and I listen to them over & over.They have changed my life.Thank you for making the Cd"s not just the book" 10 Stars**************** I am so excited over these Cd's I keep repeating myself"I have not seen anything like this spirituality,meditation,self -help spiritual growth.life changing, for many many years.
Compressing the Power of Now.......2007-06-08
This little book reminds me what the "Power of Now" is once again. It's an intense recall of the original mind blower and re-inforces and keeps the Now present in me. Its a short and powerful punch. All Tolles books pound into you the same conceptual truths over and over until your whole being absorbs them and become part of you. I recommend it to the whole world.
Book Description
Each week about fifty New Yorker cartoonists submit ten ideas, yielding five hundred cartoons for no more than twenty spots in the magazine. Arguably the most brilliant single-panel-gag cartoonists in the world create a bunch of cartoons every week that never see the light of day.
These rejects were piling up in the dusty corners of studios all over the country. Sam Gross, who has been contributing since 1962, has more than 12,000 rejected cartoons. (Seriously. He's been numbering every single cartoon he's ever submitted to The New Yorker since the very beginning.) Enter editor Matthew Diffee. He tapped his fellow cartoonists, asking them to rescue these hilarious lost gems. From the artists' stacks of all-time favorite rejects, Diffee handpicked the standouts -- the cream of the crap -- and created The Rejection Collection, a place where good ideas go when they die. Too risqué, silly, or weird for The New Yorker, the cartoons in this book offer something no other collection has: They have never been seen in print until now.
With a foreword by New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff that explains the sound judgment, respectability, and scruples not found anywhere in these pages, and handwritten questionnaires that introduce the quirky character of each artist, The Rejection Collection will appeal to fans of The New Yorker...and to anyone with a slightly sick sense of humor.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous!.......2007-09-27
This book is a must have for those who love New Yorker cartoons. They are even more amusing than some cartoons that are published, however, they are definitely not appropriate for all magazine viewers!!!
Rejected With Good Reason.......2007-09-23
I'm a fan of New Yorker cartoons and would be the first to congratulate the editorial staff on the fine job it's done these eighty years in discovering new talent, employing recognized masters like Charles Addams and Peter Arno, and knowing which cartoons fit the style and tone of the celebrated publication. The editors were wise to give most of the cartoons here in The Rejection Collection a big thumbs down. Sure, there are some concepts in this collection I liked and was surprised they weren't included in the magazine (Pat Byrnes' material most of all, the Marchetto quip on page 95, which was hilarious, and the Tom Cheney illustration on page 114, too) but mostly what's here is a gathering of gross, unfunny, perverse and mocking drawings that the readers of the New Yorker did fine without seeing at all. A much better collection would have dug into the vaults and let us see some rejected pieces that went back decades instead of just the 2000's. I understand a second volume of rejects is coming out this year and I hope it's not the letdown this one was.
You MUST have this book!.......2007-09-19
This is a hilarious and sometimes screamingly funny collection of cartoons that were deemed "too resque, silly, or weird" for publication. In other words, right up my alley.
As big as this volume is, it represents a small percentage of the thousands of brilliant items not fit for the New Yorker, and is absolutely over-the-top funny!
Not to be read in public..........2007-09-05
....unless you don't mind being seen cackling, gasping for breath with beer
running out of your nose.
You already know that these are cartoons by New Yorker cartoonists that were
rejected by that magazine. If you're a regular reader of the New Yorker, this book
will be a revelation: the difference between these cartoons and the ones that get
published is not just that these are much funnier. The difference lies in the
exuberance and boundary-pushing that's the hallmark or true art. Or at least
true cartoons. There's less of the insider-joke smarminess that congratulates you
for being hip enough to get what the joke is. Seeing what the magazine didn't
want to publish has diminished my respect for it just a bit. (I'm not cancelling my
subscription though.)
There's the cartoon of the couple sitting on a couch. Through the window, we see
the full moon. The man is visibly turning into a werewolf. The woman observes:
"You're lucky. I'm turning into my mother." Then there's the Roadkill Zoo and the
Santa with a craving for venison and the ventriloquist who getting drunk while
his dummy barfs and. . . . . . .
_Lynn Hoffman, author of bang BANG, which was rejected once or twice itself
A Funny Twist on the Usual New Yorker Cartoons.......2007-08-01
The New Yorker cartoons are always fun to read. This book of rejects contains many that can be categorized as "Things you think about but would never dare put on paper." They are laugh-out-loud funny. In addition to the rejected cartoons, each cartoonist was asked to complete a questionnaire, including his/her explanation of what an ink blob reminded him/her of. A most enjoyable read.
Book Description
At some point in most careers one considers the idea of starting a business. Some people want to pursue a dream, some figure they can beat the boss at his or her own game, and for some people unemployment forces the issue. US Customs tells us most international traders are small businesses, and world trade continues to grow rapidly. Given the improvements in transportation and communication worldwide, inevitably now small business in USA has some international component...some more than others. Surely there is no safer investment for your time and money than self-employment. Surprisingly, for many who start their own businesses, making money is not always the prime motivator. Nonetheless, recent studies provide some remarkable information about self-employment: 80% of the millionaires in USA became so in their own career - 2/3rds are self-employed; the self-employed are four times more likely to be millionaires than others. It seems the most common career move in becoming rich is to become self-employed. This book now shows you how to build a business and takes you through the steps so you will know you can do it, and is structured so you may take positive steps after each chapter toward building your business. Surely you will finish the book before your business gets started, but by the time you finish the book, not only should you feel "ready to go", but actually be on your way. World trade is different from the domestic variety, and small is different from large business. Small Business International Trade has some specific challenges which this book illumines and solves. Starting a business is necessarily disruptive... but to what extent? Like the tennis pro who shows you how to get great improvement out of small changes, book assumes you can stand minimal disruption and risk. For those who desire to engage directly in world trade, and for those who are hired to do so, this book explains how small business trades worldwide.
Customer Reviews:
This book is one you must read.......2007-07-19
I purchased this book and then ended up enrolling in one of John Spiers' classes on world trade. I can not say enough good about this book and John Speirs' approach to small business. After researching many other books, courses and programs, that seemed to be nothing more than marketing schemes designed to get you to purchase some "must have" resource for an import/export business. While reading this book I feel as if I have a mentor teaching me step by step the way to succeed in small business world trade. His approach is clear and concise. The book is easy to read because it is so well written. I feel that this book has changed my thinking and strategy and has probably saved me from making fatal business mistakes.
Simple, straightforward and thorough.......2007-05-10
Thanks very much for your book. It has certainly saved me a lot of mistakes, time and money. The book is concise, well written with lots of practical information on getting your product from conception to market. More than just a basic 'importing 101' book, it includes insights and information that could only be otherwise obtained by years of hands-on experience.
A fantastic step-by-step book.......2007-05-08
I picked up this book about a month ago and I just have to say that it's absolutely fantastic. I've been looking high and low for this book and I couldn't find it anywhere until now. Most books just reiterate information you'd typically find in some weekend trading class at a local community college.
The difference between this book and other books I've read is that this book actually gives you practical advice for small businesses. It beautifully outlines the steps you need to develop your own products from start to finish. Economies of scale for most products make it almost impossible for small business owners to compete for market share. Instead, the book focuses on innovation which is a more viable option for most people.
This book has really inspired me to pursue my product and I feel more confident now than with any other book. Thanks for an awesome and informative read.
Excellent resource.......2007-04-10
Spiers gets straight to the point. Lots of good, useful help for anyone just starting out.
Excellent business book!.......2007-03-24
John Spiers has produced a top-notch product with this book! I am very wary of accepting advice from those who tell you "how-to-do-it." Most of the time, you end up getting "advice" from some phony who has never really done it, but instead has made all his money on the books and materials claiming he has! John Spiers really HAS done it, and he's done it for over 20 years. The beauty in this book is the simplicity in which he walks the prospective trader through the process, step-by-step, of starting an importing firm. Mr. Spiers also uses his gifts of wit and humor so the reader actually enjoys the learning process, from beginning to end. This book lays out a totally different plan as to how trade is actually carried out by the small firm compared to the rest of the books out there. He gives plenty of suggestions to avoid the traps encountered by countless other wanna-be traders, ensuring you don't become one of them. To echo other reviewers of this book, the recommendations given by John are useful to anyone starting any kind of business. If you're serious about starting a trading firm or even just thinking about it, your $20 will be well spent.
Book Description
With his first book, The Power of Now, still making the bestseller lists (including the San Francisco Chronicle's) over a year after its publication, Eckhart Tolle continues to reach listeners from all walks of life with his simple and profound message: that only in the present moment can we free ourselves to seek our highest potential as human beings. Now this gifted teacher's most useful audio sessions are available in one convenient resource, with The Eckhart Tolle Collection. This new slipcased gift edition includes:
• The Realization of Being - How meditation opens the entry point to stillness, our greatest spiritual teacher, allowing us to merge with this moment in time
• Living the Liberated Life and Dealing with the Pain-Body - Points a way out of the conditioned mind that keeps us trapped and unhappy, to a deeper level of consciousness beyond thought
• Even the Sun Will Die - Historic interview recorded on September 11, 2001, shows that even in the face of disaster, a miracle happens when we say "yes" to living in this moment and no other.
Customer Reviews:
Unclear Audio.......2007-08-25
Unfortunatly, I had to return the collection due to the quality of the product. While the information is life transforming, the sound is very unclear. During Tolle's talks and meditations you hear coughing and even a wierd laugh from someone attending, every so often. I would highly recommend the CD of his book, The Power of Now. That is done professionally and worth every penny. The Audio Collection is the opposite. It's just thrown together and should be taken off the market and recorded again.
LOVE the Tolle cd's.......2007-04-02
This product is wonderful!!! It arrived very quickly and in excellent condition. I love Tolle's work and will purchase more of his cd's.
Simplifies What Once Appeared Complicated.......2006-09-30
When The Power of Now was first published, I couldn't get through it; I found it too cerebral. Then I listened to The Eckhart Tolle Audio Collection, a collection of his 3 audio bestsellers, and it all came together for me. After that, I quickly and easily read The Power of Now and his newest title, A New Earth. What an awakening! If you tend to learn better by listening than reading, check this audio collection out. It may just simplify what once appeared complicated. Eckhart is affecting world transformation with his teaching.
~ Bob Olson, OfSpirit.com editor
Essential Spiritual reading. A must have!.......2006-02-10
Echart Tolles CD collection was the next thing I bought after his book "The Power Of Now". The CD's are powerful because you get to hear the author speak and you gain much further insight into his work. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! A new book that just came out that has inspired me to no end is "This School Called Planet Earth" by Summer Bacon.
Gurdjieff said it before Tolle did.......2004-11-02
I have the book The Power of Now, published by New World Library.
In the front, it says that the librafy of congress catalogued the book in in 1948. Perhaps this is a misprint. But even if it were supposed to be 1998, Namaste publishing shows it in 1997.
At any event, I have no quarrel with its contents, except that it has all been said before, by Gurdjieff who plagiarized it from still other authors centuries before him. Gurdjieff died in 1949.
This is old, old stuff.
Carlos Castenada said it all.
Yogananda Paramahansa said it all.
Literally thousands of men before Yogananda, said it all.. ad infinitum, ad nauseum..
Amazon.com
It's easy to dismiss Be Here Now as the relic of a whacked-out '60s acid tripper. Paging through the center section of the book, with its inch-high print and psychedelic drawings, you come across lines like:
Magic Theatre
For madmen only
price of admission
your
mind
Then you turn to the first page of the book, and you are suddenly sucked into the story of a Harvard psychiatrist who has reached the pinnacle of success, discovers the mind-expanding powers of acid, and ends up trooping through India with a 23-year-old holy man from Laguna Beach, California. In the story, you see all the trappings of your own life and begin to wonder if India might hold the answers after all. Before booking your ticket, turn to the last section of the Be Here Now, "Cookbook for a Sacred Life." Ram Dass saves you the trouble by proffering a sober introduction to the basics of Hindu religion. Although he still can't resist CAPITAL LETTERS, he has done his homework, presenting a whole range of concepts and practices having to do with yoga postures, meditation, renunciation, dying, and sexual energy. So, for the most part, Be Here Now stands the test of time, and if you can entertain the center section in a retro kind of a spirit, it might be just what you're looking for: "The opposite of craving is saying, baby, this is the way it is, yeah, OK, here and now, this is it. I ACCEPT THE HERE & NOW FULLY." --Brian Bruya
Book Description
A Lama Foundation Book. Describes one man's transformation upon his acceptance of the principles of Yoga and gives a modern restatement of the importance of the spiritual side of man's nature.
Illustrated.
Customer Reviews:
Ambivalent.......2007-08-24
Richard Alpert telling his life story is alright. It's even instructive. And putting an emphasis on reverence, devotion, and love is great. The part that I like is that he DOES tell about the existence of a path of self actualization and transformation for each of us. Where i get 'heartburn' is in the assumption on the part of many who read this book that 'his' path should be 'their' path.
It's like the idea of reciting a mantra. Ok, this is supposed to give your attention span an anchor while dealing with the drama of the world to help 'hang on' to your center within the unfolding moment. This is fine for beginners who are first attempting to master the practice of 'mindfulness', but, as is poignantly expressed in the Zen classic about taming the bull, at some point, you must stop trying to guide the bull and must let the bull BE the bull. Alpert just encourages TOO MUCH striving. Striving is futile. He also misrepresents his relationship with 'Bhagavan Das' in subtle ways that distort the truth of the matter. Read Bhagavan Das's own account in his book, it's Here Now, Are You.
Finally, there is much to be learned from the study of Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, and indeed, every spiritual tradition on the face of the Earth--but you don't actualize yourself by imitating the spiritual customs of other cultures. Each of us was born into a socio-cultural matrix, for better or worse. Each of us belongs to a tribe. Like it or not, that tribe has ancient totemic icons that figure prominently in the story of our tribe. You cannot simply ditch this reality because someone else's culture looks more appealing. Spiritual transformation doesn't work that way. What you must do is to get in touch with your OWN roots, in a very personal way, and create your OWN religion. Discover the voices of your Old Ones from your own DreamTime. Instead of repeating a mantra, invent a new mantra with every incantation. What in the hell do you think enlightenment IS, anyway? You think its like striking the Comstock Lode? Going to Paradise and receiving 15 doe eyed Houris? You still have to brush your teeth and take out the trash. You will still have to wait for the bus with the rest of us. But, like some distant space vehicle, you will have turned your antenna towards your true origins and will be open to receive transmissions from command central.
Take this book with a BIG lump of salt. Enlightenment is not to be found in the Bible, the Baghavad Gita, or the Tao Te Ching, or in this book--it is to be found within yourself, and within the context of working out your karma in your own socio-cultural matrix. Of course wisdom can be studied in these scriptures, but they are NO substitute for processing ones own experience, and knowing oneself.Quit joining up with groups that claim to have all the answers. You are sufficient unto yourself. According to Jesus, the Buddha, and Lao Tse, you are perfect. As You Are. IF, as the Buddha claims, you have Buddha nature, then it's as simple as getting up in the morning. Wake up! There is nowhere to go. There is nothing to do. This is it! And thou art that! And EVERY seat is the best seat in the house!
Be here now.......2007-08-01
When I first read the book nearly 30 years ago; it significantly changed my meditation and choices of time spent. Now, been there done that.
Beautiful. Simply Beautiful. .......2007-07-18
Beautiful. Mind expansive. Life changing concepts. Open your mind and open your heart and explore within.
Best book ever!.......2007-07-05
My husband and I love this book! Wise words and the art is great.
Good read for open minded people.
Learning to Live in the Moment.......2007-07-04
During the 1960's, the younger generation of that time used acid as a way to discover and then pursue a deeper relationship with God. While times have changed, the message Baba Ram Dass puts forth in his book is timeless. Be Here Now came into my life about three years ago and reading it simply felt like it was the next step I needed to take in my own journey. After studying yoga for many years, Be Here Now helped strengthen my awareness with the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. I have never had the chance to meet Ram Dass in person, but I once saw him give a lecture when he was a guest on Lilias Folan's PBS series and found him to be one of the most humble teachers of our time. He has made his experience of India with the teachings of Buddhism and yogic philosophy his own. And with his humility and guidance one can make the experience of Being Here Now their own.
Book Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Joel Osteen uses his seven successful principles from YOUR BEST LIFE NOW to give readers an edge on new beginnings and to make their faith count most in important moments.
Customer Reviews:
It's good.......2007-09-27
I thought it was going to be a full novel however turned out to be something similar to a one page motivational daily reading. It is positive and colorful with accurate words of inspiration so I am not upset with the money spent.
Book Description
America's oldest major city, Boston has adapted to the modern age while still retaining an old-world charm. With many of her streets tracing original ox-cart paths to historic waterfronts, Boston is "America's Walking City." This volume documents the amazing changes that Boston has undergone during the last 150 years. Seventy modern color photographs are compared side-by-side with seventy archival photographs from the 1850s to the 1950s. While focusing on famous vistas and familiar landmarks, it also explores well-known neighborhoods. The Then and Now series includes: New York, Washington, Boston, and San Francisco.
Customer Reviews:
* Great Series .......2006-12-02
If the reviewer above, Charles Henry Higgensworth III, is the epitome of what a Bostonian is, then I will feel much more satisfaction in reading this book in the comfort of my dilapidated home here in Hickville, Indiana, than actually visiting the city of Boston. If you are not a true Bostonian, and are time-pressed and vapid, like me, this book is probably right up your alley. So us simpletons, who don't like to read, should find this book a real pleasure. This book isn't intended to give an entire account of the history of Boston. Mr. Higgensworth apparently can't see the forrest for the trees. I guess his superior intellect has it's limitations.
In all seriousness, this book is what it is. You take an old or historic photo, then see a contemporary photo taken from about the exact same spot and compare the two. If you don't find that concept interesting, this book probably isn't for you.
* I haven't actually flipped through this particular book, but I have seen at least 7 other books in this series. They were all fantastic and work as a great substitute for actually getting to visit that particular city. I was not disappointed in any of them and have little doubt that this one is of the same caliber.
Then and Now.......2006-09-16
The photographs in this book are good shots - clear, and larger than I had expected. It is very interesting to see how the historical city of Boston was, and how it has changed over the years, most times for the better, though sometimes for the worse.Perhaps I would get more out of this if I knew more about Boston. Unless you are already familiar with this city, then "Boston Then and Now" gives you the feeling of peeping through the windows of a house that's up for rent, rather than being taken on a guided tour. A map certainly would have been helpful, and how about an entire page of background information rather than a footnote? Just an idea, in case someone decides to revise it someday. Nice book. Worth buying.
SNOBS.......2004-06-26
"Boston Then And Now" was reviewed by Charles Higgensworth III. I do hope there won't be a number 4 Higgensworth. This man should drop the attitude. Then people may like him almost as much as this book. What a jerk!
A good backstop to any trip to Boston's sites.......2003-05-28
We purchased this book in Boston and found almost all of the sites we saw in town in this book. In this book, the older, up to 150-year old photo of the original structures on the current site, or older pictures than offered a juxtaposition of the surrounding landscape of buildings present in the past and now around selected sites.
While I was a little disappointed in no picture of Fenway Park, or in a map to help locate where some of these pictures were taken in the city (after all, I'm not a native of Boston), I found the book to very ably support the exhibits we saw on Boston's history, and add greatly to my understanding of the city and the growth of urbanism in general. The architecture depicted is often unique, and the descriptions offer a bit of information on who the architects were, how the areas shown were constructed, and more.
Overall, I came out pretty pleased by what is found in this book.
Boston for the Time-Pressed and Vapid.......2003-01-01
If Boston were a lengthy work of great scholarship, "Boston Then and Now" would be the Cliff Notes. And were you to rely upon them come examination time, you would be failed for having a trite and simplistic understanding of the weighty tome you had been asked to master. This is essentially a series of photos of Boston neighborhoods and vistas taken way back then ... followed by photos of the same neighborhoods and vistas taken now. Get it? Then ... and Now! Photo pairs are accompanied by fortune-cookie length observations that only a primate would find edifying. True Bostonians will find this book every bit as delightful as Game Six of the 1986 World Series.
Book Description
The Children of Now is a groundbreaking work that shows that a large number of kids come into the world bearing inherent gifts that are beyond strange--they are telepathic, understand subtle energies, and/or have amazing psychic abilities. Many of them remember where they were before they came to Earth and often can describe past lives.
Many doctors mislabel them as autistic, ADD, ADHD, or suggest other behavioral difficulties. More than half the time, these doctors are wrong. The Children of Now are not defective--they are differently functional. We are doing ourselves and the world a great disservice by not acknowledging these amazing children and their special gifts.
A surprising percentage of these children carry within themselves wisdom far beyond most adults. The phenomenon is very real, and more and more of these highly evolved children enter our world every day.
The Children of Now offers not only genuine stories of many children who have brought amazing talents into our world, but also practical, easy solutions to assist society in supporting and nurturing these gifted--not defective--children and their families, rather than labeling, segregating, and condemning them.
Fascinating to anyone with an open mind, and life-illuminating for parents with these incredible kids, Meg offers detailed answers derived from counseling real kids in real families.
The Children of Now is a must-read for every parent, teacher, caregiver, and child advocate. In it you'll discover:
- Why our children's DNA is different from previous generations'.
- The traits and needs of the Crystalline Children.
- The Children of the Stars and why they are here.
- Real stories of real children as Dr. Meg helps them and their families search for answers.
- Why these kids are exhibiting telepathy, telekinesis, healing abilities, and more.
- How to help the Children of Now at home, at school, and socially.
Customer Reviews:
The Children of Now.......2007-09-20
I found this book very interesting. Dr. Meg's evolution and her description of her development and how it dovetailed into working with these kids was fascinating.
Fascinating book!!!.......2007-04-29
This book is a definite must for anyone around gifted kids,be it an overnight sitter or a parent.Meg describes the phenomenon in a believable,down to earth style without the New Age hype and sentimentalism that is characteristic of so many others who write about the gifted kids.The author also mentions valuble tips on how to support and nurture these kids in the last chapter.Overall, I believe this will be a major step forward in the upbringing of these children.The only part which I felt was somewhat lacking is the despcription of the aura,the differences between each energy type in it and what traits a certain type might cause in a child.
This book is a must read!.......2007-04-21
I got it from the library, read it in one evening, and promptly came here to get one in a hurry. It blew me away! Some of the information was familiar but the new information was tremendous. She explained what is going on with the most compassion. And she speaks from personal experience, not just from research. This should be REQUIRED reading for anyone in charge of kids.
The Children of Now.......2007-03-29
Hello: This information explains the behavior and unique giftedness of what is perceived as abnormalilties in children. Children are our hope for the future.
The institutions which are in place to serve our children are antiquated and disempower the children rather than nurture and educate them; this being schools and medical system alike.
A must read for both professionals and parents.
Coming Home .......2007-03-09
Reading this book was in large part like coming home. Not only do I live and breathe much of the experience this book is talking about, yet it gave me new ways of seeing what I already know. I felt myself relax and expand at the same time. It was like an aha moment when I became reinforced and reenergized to completely know I am sharing my experiences with others similarly. How gratifying. Dr. Meg removes the thin veil to disclose the unique and sensitive attributes of these highly aware children. I am grateful to gain a better understanding of what they truly need, and what they don't to feel honored.
Books:
- Superman: The Animated Series Guide
- The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)
- The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security
- The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga
- The Dominion and Ferenginar (Worlds of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Vol. 3)
- The Dynamics of Persuasion: Communication and Attitudes in the 21st Century (Lea's Communication)
- The Genius of Flexibility: The Smart Way to Stretch and Strengthen Your Body
- The Glass Castle: A Memoir
- The Golden Age of Chicago Children's Television
- The Kommandant's Girl
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- CLA Review Manual: A Practical Guide to CLA Exam Preparation
- The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies for Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids Favorite Meals
- Script to Screen: The Story of Five Television Plays : 'from Z Cars to the Charmer'
- Redefining Health Care: Creating Value-Based Competition on Results
- Strategic Brand Management, Second Edition
- The Rejection Collection: Cartoons You Never Saw, and Never Will See, in The New Yorker
- Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin'
- Wertorientierte Unternehmensführung und Kapitalmarkt: Fundierung von Unternehmenszielen und Anr
- Statistical Analysis Simplified: The Easy-to-Understand Guide to SPC and Data Analysis
- The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon: A Novel
Motivation & Self-Improvement
| Business Life
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance
Now, Discover Your Strengths
12: The Elements of Great Managing
First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently
The Personality Code
