New Books Reviews by Valerie Sziraky

New Book Reviews by Valerie Sziraky Enlightenment for Everyone by Paul Ferrini. What I find completely refreshing about this book is its direct nature and its precise, uncomplicated style. Ferrini's explanation of enlightenment brings clarity to a concept too easily complicated. The general premise is that there is no need to search outside ourselves to become enlightened because the light is already within. Through covering topics like living in the present, maintaining spiritual relationships, and practicing spiritual concepts, he gently leads the reader from finding this light within to finding it in others. Emphasis is placed on practicing one's spiritual nature experientially. HC $16.00

God is No Laughing Matter
by Julia Cameron.
Not straying a bit from her straightforward style, Julia Cameron delivers yet another gem to her devoted readership. The most interesting aspect of this book is the way she addresses the fact that many spiritual "experts" have obscured their intended messages with rhetoric and convoluted explanations. As usual, she drives right to the heart of the matter with spontaneous humor and interesting anecdotes. I love her exercises and experiments at the end of each chapter which include questions like "Are you guilty of spiritual solemnity?" or "Are you able to say no to spiritual manipulation?" Even though those two questions make us smile, they are thought provoking. The entire book made me slow down and think about my spiritual path, rather than just race down it. HC $19.95

The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Of all the books I have ever read on my spiritual path, this one has left the deepest impression on my soul. The lessons in this book are universal and have been expressed many times before in different ways, but for some reason I really "got it" after learning the four agreements. Those agreements are : 1) Be impeccable with your word, 2) Don't take anything personally, 3) Don't make assumptions and 4) Always do your best. Sounds very simple doesn't it? Try consciously putting it into practice every day. Ruiz explains why these four principles are crucial to our discovering Heaven on Earth. He teaches that practicing these concepts first helps you to have a beautiful experience on this worldly plane and subsequently those around you. If you read only one book ever, let it be this one. Soft cover, $12.95

Awakening to the Sacred
by Lama Surya Das.
Lama Surya Das is the most highly trained American in the Tibetan tradition. It is always interesting when an enlightened spiritual leader combines the beliefs of his chosen practice with concepts from other spiritual philosophies in order to teach. This is just what he has done in this beautifully written, inspirational book. He reminds us that gaining enlightenment is achieved by moving toward simplicity. It is never gained in a week or a month, but through a lifetime of spiritual practice. In this work, he provides us with many tools to move toward our true nature including many stirring prayers and meditations. He also addresses the subjects of mindfulness, simplicity, fasting and inner work. Elegance and warmth underscore this book from beginning to end. I recommend as a guide for the beginning spiritual seeker and as pure inspiration for the advanced. Soft cover $15.00