Inspiration

INSPIRING LIVES

Pilgrim of Love, The Life and Teachings of Swami Kripalu.

Atma Jo Ann Levitt, ed.

This story was incredible—this book is one I want to re-read several more times. Kripalu’s lessons are life lessons that we need to hear repeatedly. They will resonate differently at each stage of life and at each stage of the spiritual journey. It’s all about love, how to love the people in our lives more deeply, how to love ourselves more compassionately. That is the reason for existence, to connect with the Divine Love and spread it.

Light From Guru to Disciple.

Rajarshi Muni.

This little book tells the story from Bapuji’s viewpoint, relating his and Dadaji’s relationship. Published by Kripalu Yoga Ashram, and used in my teacher training at Panterra, it was nothing less than transformative. I still vividly remember the morning I picked the book up, thinking I would peruse it and get back to other “stuff.” Several hours later, I closed the book and knew my outlook on life would never be the same–and it hasn’t! I’ve talked with others who had similar experiences. I’m not going to elaborate further, read it for your own experience and tell us about it. The historic seeds of Kripalu Yoga Center are touched on at the end of the story.

Autobiography of a Yogi.

Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda. (audio cd. version)

It has been so many (>30!) years since I first came across the text version of Paramahansa Yogananda’s life that listening to it in my middle age has been like hearing it for the first time—again. This is on my computer now and I have found that while I am typing I can listen to it…I can also listen while doing a light practice session. There is so much to be gained from this set—and there are Soooo many of them that I will be listening to them for a long time…I particularly enjoy the way he sees saints in all religions….east meets west….yes…Do I believe every single thing he says? Definitely not, at least not in the literal sense of the reality of this world. Perhaps that is not the point though. These people are moving energy. Like the Bible, we mustn’t miss the teachings, metaphorical and otherwise, because we are stuck in a literal reading. Keep this in mind when reading Amritannandamaya.

Mata Amritanandamaya. This is the life story of “Mata” the hugging saint as she has come to be known. A fun read, if you suspend your vision of reality for a while. While I am sure that many miraculous events have taken place around the life of Mata, this book does push me into disbelief and makes me appreciate the Catholic stringency on one becoming a “saint.” Verification of miracles performed would add authenticity to this otherwise moving account of a poor fishergirl who grows into a powerful embodiment of the Divine Mother. Her devotion must be truly amazing. What I took away from the book was the way she maintained her vision even through nearly unrelenting derision, beatings, and poverty.

Darshan: The Embrace. (DVD)

Then I watched the movie of her life—it was interesting, but like the book, not terribly reliable! Both sources published by Mata’s organization. Someone needs to write a more objective account, or at least one that includes documentation. Having said all of that, when I visited the Mother in Toronto, I was moved by my hug and her charitable works are nothing short of miraculous in themselves! And the food at her events is cheap and wonderful! Go get yourself re-charged in the spirit of love when you get the chance.

INSPIRING JOURNEYS

Waking.

Matthew Sanford.

Please click the blog post on Mind-Body Connection mentioning Matthew’s incredible memoir. This is a must-read for all current and aspiring yoga teachers and students. It should be required reading for teacher trainings.

Three Cups of Tea.

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

This is a life-changing book. When I mentioned that I perhaps felt called to open a school in the Himalaya in northeast India, my sis, C., suggested I read this book. Fortunate me–my daughter had already read it and it was upstairs on the bookshelf. I have now recommended it to countless folks and my copy is lent out as I write this. He fearlessly builds schools in Taliban and al-Quaeda country. Schools for peace he proclaims in the heart of fundamentalist madrassa land. There are saints in this world and I’m ready to nominate Mortenson as a present and living saint. May some of your energy and chutzpah rub off on me, Greg. Thank you for being. And a little side note, my niece-in-law is presently doing her medical residency at the same hospital that Greg worked as an ER nurse at in CA!!! You go, Autumn.

Meeting Faith, The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun.

Faith Adiele.

This is an inside look at what the forest tradition means in Thailand. Adiele shares her life, raw and vulnerable, which makes her journey, oh so believable. I learned not only what the life of a Thai nun would be like, I also learned something about Buddhism from the lengthy sidebars. I loved the courage Adiele summoned to share her experiences in Thailand. I think her experiences are much more the norm than many more fabricated stories of swamis and famous gurus. This book deserves more readers!

Eat, Pray, Love.

Elizabeth Gilbert.

I was laughing out loud from the first pages of this memoir. Though the ending is a bit too wrapped up, the story is touching and very well told. Who could ever forget the eating two pizzas or the climbing out the window Guru Gita scene? Gilbert tells her own story and yet, we know that even though we have not had the same experiences, she is telling our story. If you’ve been fortunate enough to have seen Gilbert on Oprah, you know that she is for real. I joined a Open Circle Book Group for a discussion and posted a blog entry on Nov. 7, 2008 on some meaningful quotations from the India chapter.

Ram Dass: Fierce Grace,