spiritual books, literature, sacred texts
“The Hunger of the Soul” by Nancy Pope Mayorga is a captivating exploration of the human spirit’s quest for meaning and fulfillment. This spiritual diary chronicles her intimate journey from 1948 to 1980, offering a fascinating glimpse into the inner experiences, profound struggles, and sublime ecstasies of a Vedantist and disciple of Swami Prabhavananda. In … Read more
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a luminary of 20th-century Jewish thought, invites readers on a transformative journey in his seminal work, “God in Search of Man.” Born in Poland to a lineage of Hasidic rabbis and mystics, Heschel’s life experiences—marked by persecution, exile, and scholarship—infuse his writing with depth and passion. Let’s explore the key themes … Read more
In splendidly candid and beautifully written volume, “One Hundred Days of Solitude: Losing Myself and Finding Grace on a Zen Retreat,” Jane Dobisz, the guiding teacher of the Cambridge Zen Center in Massachusetts, takes us on a deeply personal introspective journey of self-discovery during her 100-day solo retreat in the wintry woods of New England. … Read more
Death, a topic often shrouded in fear and uncertainty, is explored with profound depth and compassion in Kathleen Dowling Singh’s book, “The Grace in Dying: How We Are Transformed Spiritually as We Die”. This book offers a transformative and refreshing perspective on the natural process of death. This book delves beyond the fear and suffering … Read more
“The Bhagavad Gita,” Krishna’s profound discourse to his devoted disciple Arjuna, is celebrated as one of the most revered Hindu sacred texts. However, there exists another dialogue, less familiar but equally significant: the Uddhava Gita. In this lesser-known scripture, Krishna imparts teachings to Uddhava, another devoted disciple. Unlike the Bhagavad Gita, which focuses on Krishna’s advice … Read more
Miguel de Molinos, a 17th-century Spanish mystic, remains an enigmatic and controversial figure within Catholicism. His book, “The Spiritual Guide”, published in 1675, became a spiritual phenomenon, translated into multiple languages and followed by a large following. Yet, within a decade, Molinos faced accusations of heresy and was imprisoned until his death. This review delves … Read more
Conversations with God have intrigued humanity for centuries, representing a profound exploration of the divine and our place within it. From ancient prayers whispered to the sky to elaborate religious rituals, the desire for a two-way conversation with God is a universal thread. The concept of conversations with God may seem fantastical, yet it’s a … Read more
A compelling exploration of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of enlightenment, “Cave in the Snow: A Western Woman’s Quest for Enlightenment” by Vicki Mackenzie chronicles the extraordinary life of Tenzin Palmo, a British woman who defied tradition and carved her own path to spiritual awakening. The book delves into Tenzin Palmo’s journey, born Diane Perry … Read more
Patrick Laude’s “Pray Without Ceasing: The Way of Invocation in World Religions” is an invitation to explore a powerful spiritual practice: ceaseless prayer. Compiled from a rich tapestry of religious traditions, this book delves into the concept of constantly invoking a divine name or sacred formula, offering a path towards inner transformation and connection with … Read more
Uttarakhand, often referred to as “Devbhoomi,” translates to the “Land of Gods.” It’s a mystical place where spirituality intertwines with natural splendor and cultural richness. Neha Mittal’s book, “Devbhoomi Uttarakhand: The Fascinating Cultures of the Central Himalaya,” serves as a captivating guide into this mesmerizing realm. Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Central Himalayas … Read more