General Books - Page 4

CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE:The Path to Spiritual Growth

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Subjects -> Religion & Spirituality -> Christianity -> Christian Living -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 120 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In the twenty years since its publication, Celebration of Discipline has helped over a million seekers discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God. Hailed by many as the best modern work on Christian spirituality, Celebration of Discipline explores the "classic Disciplines," or central spiritual practices, of the Christian faith. Along the way, Foster shows that it is only by and through these practices that the true path to spiritual growth can be found.

Dividing the Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit, Foster shows how each of these areas contributes to a balanced spiritual life. The inward Disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward Disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate Disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration bring us nearer to one another and to God. Foster provides a wealth of examples demonstrating how these Disciplines can become part of our daily activities -- and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and "bring the abundance of God into our lives." The discussion of celebration, often the most neglected of the Disciplines, shows its critical importance -- for it stands at the heart of the way to Christ. Celebration of Discipline will help motivate Christians everywhere to embark on a journey of prayer and spiritual growth.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Robert M Pirsig

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 528 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Self-Absorbed, Self-Pitying Rubbish 1 out of 5 stars.
6 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I agree with many of the other one-star reviews, this is actually the worst book I have ever read, out of thousands read, in my entire life. The worst book designation goes to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance because it is extremely, extremely, over-rated. I found it to be one of the most self-absorbed, self-pitying, whining complaints I had ever been exposed to - and I know about those, because I'm a former junior high school teacher.

Not only did it not contain any philosophical insights whatsoever, the book is just plain boring and badly written. The only book I have ever thrown in the garbage can - it's just rubbish, and that's where it belongs. I'm sure the author is a fine human being. I just think he wrote a very, very, bad book. Please don't waste your time on this book.

Editorial Review:

One of the most important and influential books written in the past half-century, Robert M. Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a powerful, moving, and penetrating examination of how we live . . . and a breathtaking meditation on how to live better. Here is the book that transformed a generation: an unforgettable narration of a summer motorcycle trip across America's Northwest, undertaken by a father and his young son. A story of love and fear -- of growth, discovery, and acceptance -- that becomes a profound personal and philosophical odyssey into life's fundamental questions, this uniquely exhilarating modern classic is both touching and transcendent, resonant with the myriad confusions of existence . . . and the small, essential triumphs that propel us forward.

Light On Yoga (Mandala Books)

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundaraja Iyengar

By: Routledge Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $29.92

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 84 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

If you have one comprehensive book on yoga this should be it. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book generally shows the progression of the poses from beginner to advanced. You will not be talked down to in this book. I like having more information then I need so that I can reference back and progress when I'm ready.

Great Choice 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book. I especially love the yoga plans given in the end and prescriptions. Great buy. If you truly want to link in to hatha yoga. Get this.

Iyengar Yoga 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Difinitive guide by Iyengar. Great for any level. Answers all questions on correct form and alignment. It's the "bible" of yoga.

The Best on Authentic Yoga - Philosophy & Practice 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I've been doing Yoga for almost 10 years (honestly, on and off) and recently I decided to Yoga sincerely to get rid of my backpain. My backpain vanished in 7 weeks completely and am feeling really vibrant! Earlier, I tried chiropractor / massages, it gave only temporary relief. Having realized that value of Yoga, I got intersted in knowing the philosophy as well as other asanas. During my research, most of the books and dvds I looked into are junk as they have commercialized and giving some substandard yoga. Finally, I've found this book to be the best and also validated with some authentic yoga masters. Thanks to the author who has presented this great ancient science of mind, body & soul and given it to the world in a practical format!

Editorial Review:

The definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of Yoga--the ancient healing discipline for body and mind--by its greatest living teacher. Light on Yoga provides complete descriptions and illustrations of all the positions and breathing exercises. Features a foreword by Yehudi Menuhin. Illustrations throughout.

My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers

List Price: $19.99 By: Thomas Nelson Inc Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $7.28

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 119 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Truths 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Oswald Chambers gives the awesome truths of the Bible and God's character in this easy, daily study.

Profound Devotional 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book has been a profound daily devotional for me for 15 + years. I have read it every year. The insights this man of God had are some of the most relevant, authentic, and remarkable devotions I have ever read. I continue to be amazed.

Most Beautiful Edition of a Wonderful Devotional 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have been an Oswald Chambers follower for many years. I had been reading a tattered copy that belonged to my dad. For my birthday today I got this copy for my birthday and it is so very special. The leather cover is so soft and beautiful. Two shades of purple and liliac. Soft and comfortable to hold.

The dovotions are still current today. They make you look deep within your heart to what God is saying to you.

Highly recommend.

My Utmost for His Highest 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Book was in said condition, very nice. It arrived in a timely manner.
I am happy to have purchased it as the content is very meaningful and helpful.

Editorial Review:

This classic devotinal has been loved throughout the world for years. Listen daily as scripture selec-tions and Chambers powerful words encourage, challenge, and strengthen you.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Joseph Campbell

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Macmillan Audio Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $14.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 109 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Joseph Cambell transformed forever the way we view mythology, as he wove traditional wisdom together with the modern struggle for identity and spiritual depth. This adaptation of his all-time bestseller gives new life to his brilliant poetic vision.The Adventure of the Hero, part one, describes the universal image of the hero and shows that folklore and myth can serve as potent spiritual and psychological metaphors for modern man. This part of the program follows the mythological path from immaturity to freedom -- the heroic inner struggle that leads from birth to spiritual rebirth -- to help us understand ourselves and the essence of what it means to be human beings.The Cosmogonic Cycle, part two, explores the global legends of the origins and creation of the universe and studies the hero in his various guises, including those of warrior, love, world redeemer and saint. The saga leads us to the culmination of the cycle, the dissolution of the universe and the passing of the hero to other realms -- a metaphor for the dissolution and resurrection of ourselves, and the hero that lives within us all.This program is read by renowned author and cultural anthropologist Ralph Blum, who brings a special sensitivity and power to Joseph Campbell's magical portrayal of our struggle to comprehend the timeless mysteries of our physical and spiritual worlds.

Making Children Mind without Losing Yours

Dr. Kevin Leman

Amazon Price: $11.24 List Price: $14.99 Usually ships in 2 to 5 weeks By: Revell Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $6.40

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 39 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Winner for one at Whit's End! And everybody else too! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a must read for all parents...even the ones whose kids "mind" or don't think they need to. This book is more about being a good parent and being happy with the end result. It has made such a positive impact on my family, that I have told anyone that would listen about it.

What on earth is wrong with these kids today... 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

....probably you will see yourself in this book and help your child become all they were meant to be. Help yourself and your kids, give it a read.

Helpful, enlightening, good readiing 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to know how to get children to understand discipline.

Excellent Book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is for every parent whether their child is difficult to raise or not. Easy read and many examples to help you implement the discipline.

Highly effective! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Leman does it again. This book tells it like it is and gives us a great alternative to whatever it is we are doing that is not working! I could have done with a few less sports analogies, but overall this is a great, quick read with some very effective techniques.

Editorial Review:

The author offers "7 Principles of Reality Discipline, " which he developed from Scripture, It's a loving, no-nonsense approach to child-raising. Two cassettes.

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds

Charles MacKay

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 58 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Informative and entertaining - it earns its status as a classic 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

In the weeks before the election, as the financial crisis spun ever farther out of control and the pundits' shrieks grew ever more shrill, I browsed through "Popular Delusions.." and found solace. Charles Mackay's extraordinary survey of the various manifestations of mass hysteria throughout history cannot help but offer perspective. He reminds us that, no matter how battily crazy a particular fad might seem, it's already been done by our ancestors. There is truly nothing new under the sun; the catalog of human daftness, though entertainingly long and varied, is nonetheless finite.

It's all here in Mackay's book, laid out with a kind of detached amusement that leaves no doubt as to where the author stands.

Market craziness got you down? It may cheer you up to read about the Mississippi scheme that wrought such havoc on the French treasury in the 18th century, while the South Sea Bubble engulfed the English, or to refresh your memory on Holland's infamous Tulipomanic excesses.

Three of the longer sections of the book are devoted to alchemy, the crusades, and witch-hunting. By the accumulation of examples and anecdotes across the geographical and historical spectrum (i.e. from different times and places), Mackay demonstrates that human folly remains a constant down the ages. He doesn't beat us over the head with this message - he simply assembles the data, with no overt analysis, and leaves us to draw the inevitable conclusion.

Most of your favorite targets are discussed in the book: eschatological prophets, fortune tellers, spiritualists, mediums, and the good Dr Mesmer and his imitators. The anecdotes are often hilarious, even more so because of Mackay's tone of dry amusement. But he knows when to administer the coup de grace, as for example, when he shows how easy it is to attribute post hoc meaning to the notoriously vague quatrains of Nostradamus. One can only wish that the folks at The History Channel would read these sections and take them to heart.

Shorter chapters are interspersed on topics as diverse as the wave of spouse-poisoning that swept through the courts of Europe in the 17th century, the influence of politics and religion on men's hair and beard styles, haunted houses, popular admiration of great thieves, duels, relics, and the sudden rise and fall of certain catchphrases or songs in big cities. (Yadda yadda yadda, anyone?)

This book is ideal for browsing. It's all pretty interesting stuff, presented clearly and wittily. You can learn quite a bit and enjoy yourself doing so - what's not to like?

Its classic status is well-deserved.

Editorial Review:

A complete repackaging of the classic work about grand-scale madness, major schemes, and bamboozlement--and the universal human susceptibility to all three. This informative, funny collection encompasses a broad range of manias and deceptions, from witch burnings to the Great Crusades to the prophecies of Nostradamus.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Dan Millman

List Price: $10.95 By: H J Kramer Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $3.97

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 258 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Way of the Self-absorbed warrior. 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Your life will be better if you save the money you would have spent on this book. If you like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Barney the Purple Dinosaur, this book may be for you. Yeah, this book changed my life.........for the worse. The 6 hours of mindless, self-absorbed fantasy drivel in audio form nearly sent me looking for a hanging tree. I stuck it out to the bitter end hoping this story would just END. I didn't care if the guy got hit by a train or got VD from one of his numerous trysts or if he ever figured ANYTHING out. I guess this crap sells: I bought it.

If you want to change your life forever, look elsewhere for guidance. If you want to be a divorced, self-absorbed naval gazer, this book is a good guide.

Editorial Review:

Way of the Peaceful Warrior is based on the story of Dan Millman, a world champion athlete, who journeys into realms of romance and magic, light and darkness, body, mind, and spirit. Guided by a powerful old warrior named Socrates, tempted by an elusive, playful woman named Joy, Dan is led toward a final confrontation that will deliver or destroy him. Join Dan as he learns to live as a peaceful warrior.

This international best-seller conveys piercing truths and humorous wisdom, speaking directly to the universal quest for happiness.

The Prophet

Kahlil Gibran

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 262 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Best Book Ever Written? 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I keep a copy of this book nearby at all times for quick reference, my personal copy home to numerous marks and marginal notes. Every line reads as the most delicate of poetry, honed and refined to the purest and most undeniable words of truth and wisdom.
This may be the height of human understanding, bringing a peace and solidarity which encompasses the many to make us all one.

Eight Decades Later: Still Relevant, Insightful and Eloquent 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

These days, Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" often gets dismissed as "hippie" literature. Yet, this book had been a bestseller LONG before the 1960s. Originally published in 1923, it almost instantly became a hit and even did well through the Great Depression. Today, Gibran's claim to fame is being the third best-selling poet of our time, behind Shakespeare and Lao Tzu... and pretty much entirely based on sales of this book. When his publisher, Alfred Knopf was asked who the audience for the book was, he flippantly dismissed the question. "It Must be a cult," he retorted.

Yet there is no such cult. What's incredible is that there's absolutely no marketing hype behind the success of this book. Gibran himself is long gone. There is no political, religious, or commercial enterprise attached to his name bent on winning souls and/or profits. The Gibran estate has merely been licensing copies year after year in response to the demand - a demand fueled pretty much entirely by word-of-mouth and chance discovery. The fact is, the twenty-six poems in this book have a surprising and suprassing relevance, insight and compassion. Broken down into several topics ("On Love", "On Work", "On Joy and Sorrow", etc.) the book itself recounts the sermons of a fictional poet leaving behind the gift of knowledge before he leaves his homeland.

I first found Gibran through a setting of his poem "On Children" by local Washington, D.C. singers Sweet Honey in the Rock on their album, "Breaths."

"Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you."

At the time I was about to leave for college and eighteen years of living under my parent's roof had made me restless for autonomy. That poem eloquently expressed everything I was yearning to say to them in my hours of frustration and adolescent angst. It later proved to be a reference to turn to in times where I needed confidence to live an independent and fulfilling life, while still maintaining respect and compassion towards the parents who had raised me.

I am not exaggerating when I say that the poems in this book have kept me grounded and sane throughout some of the most troubling times in my life. Our modern lives are ever hectic, stressful and busy - wrought with drama, frustration, depression, etc. The knowledge in these poems brings me back to a "middle ground" - there is a sage wisdom and clarity in the poems that has often been helpful for me in "unwinding" and coming back to earth. They bring me back to a place of clarity from whcih I can see my life from a wider perspective.

Though Gibran himself was a Christian and despite the title and conceit of the book, this is not really a religious book. The insight in this book would be applicable to your life even if you are an atheist. What's more, the poetry is mostly imagistic. Do not expect the academic poetics of Gibran's contemporaries Eliot or Pound or even Frost. They are written with the aim of being accessible and immediate to the reader and rely mostly on clear metaphors and vivid imagery.

Copies of "The Prophet" are not hard to come by. Perhaps check out the book's table of contexts either using Amazon's "Search Inside" feature or in your local bookstore and see if it addresses a problem or issue you are dealing with. That's a good a place as any to start with. Chances are, you will find something that speaks to you on some level.

Editorial Review:

A brilliant man's philosophy on love, marriage, joy and sorrow, time, friendship and much more. Originally published in 1923 - translated into more than 20 languages. With 12 full page drawings by Gibran.

Godel, Escher, Bach: Un Eterno y Gracil Bucle

Douglas R. Hofstadter

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Total reviews: 244 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

¿Puede un sistema comprenderse a sí mismo ? Si esta pregunta se refiere a la mente humana, entonces nos encontramos ante una cuestión clave del pensamiento científico. Y de la filosofía. Y del arte. Investigar este misterio es una aventura que recorre la matemática, la física, la biología, la psicología y, muy especialmente, el lenguaje. Douglas R. Hofstadter, joven y ya célebre científico, nos abre la puerta del enigma con la belleza y la alegría creadora de su estilo. Sorprendentes paralelismos ocultos entre los grabados de Escher y la música de Bach nos remiten a las paradojas clásicas de los antiguos griegos y a un teorema de la lógica matemática moderna que ha estremecido el pensamiento del siglo XX : el de Kurt Gödel. Todo lenguaje, todo sistema formal, todo programa de ordenador, todo proceso de pensamiento, llegan, tarde o temprano, a la situación límite de la autorreferencia : de querer expresarse sobre sí mismos. Surge entonces la emoción del infinito, como dos espejos enfrentados y obligados a reflejarse mutua e indefinidamente. Gödel, Escher, Bach: un Eterno y Grácil Bucle, es una obra de arte escrita por un sabio. Versa sobre los misterios del pensamiento e incluye, ella misma, sus propios misterios. / Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this book applies Godel's seminal contribution to modern Twenty years after it topped the bestseller charts, Douglas R. Hofstadter's Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid is still something of a marvel. Besides being a profound and entertaining meditation on human thought and creativity, this book looks at the surprising points of contact between the music of Bach, the artwork of Escher, and the mathematics of Gödel.mathematics to the study of the human mind and the development of artificial intelligence.