Walters, Donald J. Books

The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness: Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

J. Donald Walters

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A First Rate Personal Investment w/ Big Dividends! 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

This is a very helpful, and enlightening manual on the art of yoga - more specifically, "Raja Yoga" which is a balanced and comprehensive approach to yoga practice. Knowing very little about yoga, but wanting to blend meditation with physical exercise on my own at home, I found an old record called "Yoga for Self Awareness" by Sri Kriyananda. It's a four sided set that includes a full hour and a half of yoga postures, meditation, and chants. It was pretty easy to follow along at first, but I realized that I desired to learn more and wanted to be sure I was doing the postures correctly. I was pleasantly surprised to find "Raja Yoga" by Kriyananda (aka Donald Walters) on Amazon, and ordered it right away.

The manual is divided into 14 chapters, each chapter into 7 subsets: Philosophy, Postures, Breathing, Routine, Healing, Diet, and Meditation - all treated with equal gravity, although meditation does figure prominantly throughout Raja Yoga. Yoga is rooted in religion, and so if meditation and religious sentiment don't appeal to you, you might just want to go find a local "hatha" yoga class at the YMCA, or gym. However, I will say that if you open yourself up to the basic philosophy presented here, and surrender skepticism towards Kriyananda's medical advice (which seems rather incredulous at times) you'll find yourself believing instead of doubting. The world is full of mystery (travel and see for yourself!), and to perpetually wrap oneself up in self-protective doubt is unproductive, and ultimately, harmful to spiritual (and physical) growth. Skepticism, okay; but yoga teaches one to trust, and open oneself up to incredible possibilities, and I think this lesson in itself makes Raja Yoga invaluable. I too didn't think I'd be able to do half of these postures when I first listened to the record (the cd that comes with the book is its one mediocre flaw, as it only contains an abbreviated version of the Yoga Postures record I found, along with a lecture by Kriyananda that you may or may not find inspiring. You don't need an audio supplement to do yoga, but it really helps to hear Kriyananda's magnetic voice. I suggest contacting the "student support" e-mail address provided in the introduction for records and cds).

Once you begin reading and practicing you'll quickly became impressed with just how comprehensive and easy to use "The Art & Science of Raja Yoga" is. I was able to jump right in and start making yoga a part of my daily routine. Ever since doing so, I've been amazed how my health and overall mind-set has strengthened to the point that I feel more balanced, positive, and in tune with nature. You will be too - enjoy!

Editorial Review:

Contains fourteen lessons in which the original yoga science emerges in all its glorya provensystem for realizing ones spiritual destiny. Over 450 pages of text and photos give a completepresentation of yoga postures, philosophy, affirmations, meditation instruction, breathingtechniques, proper diet, recipes, and alternative healing techniques. Also comes with an audio CDthat contains a guided yoga postures session and a guided meditation.

The Path: One Man's Quest on the Only Path There is

J. Donald Walters

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A book everyone should read 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 15 people found this review helpful.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Donald Walters [Swami Kriyananda] makes God not only more understandable, but treats Him in a manner we don't always see; as a friend and mentor, a constant loving companion who is enjoying His grand drama of life and death, pleasure and pain, good and bad, through each one of us. [Actually I should have said enjoying Herself, as Walters often speaks of God as the Divine Mother, the feminine aspect of Divinity].

If you have read "The Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda, The Path is the perfect companion piece, for it pictures Yogananda as Yogananda himself could not, as a being of Pure Light and Divinity, a Yogi-Christ walking amongst us. If you have yet to read Yogananda's autobiography, it will be next on your list.

Believe me, the God spoken of in "The Path" is a God we can all relate to. A warm personal God, full of love and compassion for each one of us. A God of Ecstatic Bliss of whom we are all part; our seeming separation only a minor, and very temporary circumstance. A God who is gently bringing each of us,step-by-step, back to our true home in the Ever New Joy of pure Spirit.
[The original edition of this book is entitled, "The Path: Autobiography of a Western Yogi.]"

Editorial Review:

Here, with over 400 stories and sayings of Paramhansa Yogananda, is the inspiring story of onemans search for truth that led him to the great masters door, where he learned to live thespiritual life more perfectly through his teachers training and example. A vitally useful guidefor sincere seekers on any path. Filled with insightful stories and mystical adventures, ThePath is considered by many as a companion to Yoganandas Autobiography of a Yogi.

The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda

J. Donald Walters

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of the 20th century. Since his classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, was first published in 1946, its popularity has increased steadily throughout the world.

Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Swami Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, "After I'd been with him a year and a half, he began urging me to write down the things he was saying during informal conversations." The Essence of Self-Realization, nearly 300 sayings rich with spiritual wisdom, is the fruit of that labor of love.

The scope of this book is vast–it offers as complete an explanation of life's true purpose, and the way to achieve that purpose as may be found anywhere. A few of the chapters include: The True Purpose of Life; On Meditation; How to Pray Effectively; The Law of Karma; The Lesson of Reincarnation; and Ways in Which God Can Be Worshiped.

Filled with lessons and stories that Yogananda shared only with his closest disciples, this volume offers one of the most insightful and engaging glimpses into the life and lessons of a great sage. Much of the material presented here is not available anywhere else.

Meditation for Starters (For Starters)

J. Donald Walters

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

An Excellent, One-of-a-Kind Meditation Video 5 out of 5 stars.
27 of 29 people found this review helpful.

This is one of the most unique and interesting instructional videos that I have ever seen. Walters begins by giving a great talk on what meditation is, how to do it, and why. He speaks simply, clearly, and practically. I really came away feeling like I could do this!

The second part is a guided visualization, also narrated by Walters. His voice is so soothing and relaxing--its the kind of voice you wish was on every guided meditation tape. Of course, it isn't very easy to create compelling visuals to go with a guided meditation, but I think the video succeeds admirably with its blend of enchanting environmental scenes and images.

I also recently discovered that there is a great companion book for this video also called Meditation for Starters, which I bought. It is the perfect accompaniment and serves as an excellent at-a-glance reference, although the video producers take great pains to emphasize that you do NOT need to buy the book to get a great introduction to meditation from the video alone. They are meant to be separate, stand-alone products. While this is definitely true, if you are really serious about getting a practice going, I would recommend buying the book as well.

Editorial Review:

Meditation brings balance into our lives, providing an oasis of profound rest and renewal.Doctors are prescribing it for a variety of stress-related diseases. This award-winning book offerssimple but powerful guidelines for attaining inner peace. Learn to prepare the body and mind formeditation, special breathing techniques, ways to focus and let go, develop superconsciousawareness, sharpen your willpower, and increase intuition and calmness. Meditation for Startersis available as a book CD set and as a 79-minute video. Each item is also sold separately.

Awaken To Superconsciousness

J. Donald Walters

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Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Here is a fresh, revolutionary approach to finding inner peace and expansive joy, presented by one of the greatest exponents of yoga and meditation alive today.

We have all experienced our subconscious minds–in our sleep, dreams, and through our unconscious thoughts and emotions. And, of course, we're all intimately familiar with the normal conscious state of awareness from which we go about our daily lives. But there is a third, less well-known state of awareness: the superconscious. The hidden mechanism at work behind intuition, spiritual and physical healing, successful problem solving, and finding deep, lasting joy, superconscious awareness is the missed link to living richer, more meaningful lives. Though many of us have experienced fleeting moments of raised consciousness and enlightenment, few know how to purposely enter such an exalted state.

Through meditation, chanting, affirmation, and prayer, J. Donald Walters teaches us how to reach this state successfully and regularly and how to maximize its beneficial effects. In Awaken to Superconsciousness, Walters shares his knowledge of the ancient yoga tradition, details how to attain inner peace, and provides inspiring meditative exercises. Awaken to Superconsciousness provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand program to help us tap into our wellspring of creativity, unlock intuitive guidance, and hear the silent voice of our soul.

Do It Now!: A Thought For Every Day Of The Month

J. Donald Walters

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

DO it NOW 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Motivating, attention grabbing, the book was an inspiring book on "how to" and why we shouldn't wait to make our dreams come true.

Editorial Review:

There is greatness within each one of us that lies waiting to be tapped, if we only knew how. Thisbook offers 365 fascinating and practical suggestions for deepening your awareness, of yourselfand of the world around you. Open the doorway to fresh creativity and a blossoming of yourhighest potential. An excerpt Live more at the pauses between your activities. These beautifulinspirations are powerful tips for helping to transform ourselves, and the world around us.

The Path: Autobiography of a Western Yogi

Swami Kriyananda, Donald Walters

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A more comprehensive sequel 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

There was too little information in 'The Autobiography of a Yogi'. That book was intended to paint a picture of what a genuine Indian saint happens to be. The story of the long and painful struggle (over lifetimes) that led to his present perfection was left implicit, for the intelligent reader to fathom through what was written between the lines.

'The Autobiography of a Yogi' was among the first books that a genuine saint from India has written, in which he has taken up the subject of himself and his own blossoming on a personal note. 'The Path' takes off where 'The Autobiography....' ends. The spirit of Yogananda shines palpably throughout this book, finding concrete embodiment in the story of the making of Kriyananda. The guru's greatness is seen through the eyes of a true devotee in a living narrative, filled with humor and gladness, without seeking to deny the existence of negativity of any kind. It is a book laden with joy, the joy of service, the joy of meditation, the simple, basic joy of existence.

The total involvement of Yogananda with the people who had entrusted themselves to his care has been beautifully depicted in the many personal stories that are strewn throughout the book. An attempt is also made to give the reader, a glimpse of the total picture of events that Yogananda saw, and which Kriyananda had access to, due to his proximity with him. However, self- glorification (even in the reflected light of his guru) is the last thing one could accuse the author of.

The later parts of the book talk of the hard test faced by the author when he was cast out of the organization to which he had given his life. This part has been written without any bitterness and self pity. It does not put the blame on anyone and can provide a real ray of hope to those who have been through a similar kind of 'dark night of the soul', when he was tempted even to question his guru. It is a part I have come back to read again and again at different periods of crisis in my own life. Each time I have found sustenance.

This book is well complemented by 'Conversations with Yogananda'. Together these books make one of the greatest saints of our time relevant and accessible to minds anchored in the technologically advanced but spiritually stunted twentieth century.

Queer Theory (Readers in Cultural Criticism)

Suzanna Danuta Walters, Patrick Califia, Larry Kramer, Carol Queen, Marjorie Garber, Cheryl Chase, Peter Hegarty, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, Donald E. Hall, Stephen Whittle, Del LaGrace Volcano, Indra Windh, Judith Butler, William J. Spurlin, Mark Norris Lance, Alessandra Tanesini, Mandy Merck

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Editorial Review:

What is queer theory? What does it do? Is queer theory only for queers? This vibrant anthology of ground breaking work by influential scholars, activists, performers, and visual artists is essential reading for anyone with an interest in sexuality studies. The fifteen articles--including one from Judith Butler, as well as an engaging introduction--map, contextualize, and challenge queer theory's project both within and beyond the academy. Summaries and suggestions for further reading make the volume an ideal course textbook.

The Promise of Immortality: The True Teaching of the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita

J. Donald Walters

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

Profound Work of Great Beauty 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

"It is urgent also that mankind seek a deeper-than-rational understanding of life. For as human knowledge grows, it encompasses other cultures and other ways of thinking. This expansion of awareness cannot but convince people of the truth and beauty of other great religious teachings." ~Swami Kriyananda

Although J. Donald Walters was raised as an Episcopalian, he was later initiated into an Indian monastic order and took the spiritual name, Swami Kriyananda. Through his teaching he challenges the reader to attain a deeper form of belief. He often contrasts real spirituality with the outward show of pomp and ceremony.

The author encourages a deeper understanding of what you believe. It is not enough to say you believe, you must "live out your faith."

I've been very impressed with his "Secrets of" series. They are little books that can really help you change the way you are thinking so you can be more successful, peaceful or fulfilled as a human being living on this uncertain planet.

In all the uncertainty, J. Donald Walters brings us to some of the most important ideas Jesus taught and compares them with teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Walters explains the Bible in ways you can't even imagine are possible. Yet, in the end it makes complete sense. I loved his explanation of how God is the "Word."

J. Donald Walters says that everything in this book is consistent with Paramhansa Yoganda's actual writing, so he says it is not really his book, but rather a disciples attempt to present his guru's teachings in a way as to reach a wider audience. Yogananda's mission is to show the underlying oneness of the Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.

The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna (representing God) and Arjuna (a devotee/aspirant toward divine union). I was amazed by the sheer poetic beauty of the text.

The Contents Include:

Part I - The Eternal Christ
The Eternal Word: Key to Manifested Existence
What is the Source of Life?

Why is the Light "Incomprehensible" to Darkness?
The Incarnation
"The Only Begotten" - Why?
Receptivity: they key to Spiritual Development
Divine Grace vs. Divine Law
Can God Be Know?

Part II - The Instruments of Recognition
How to Study the Scriptures
Finding a True Teacher
How to Relate to a Master
Heaven Is Our Birthright!
Imperfection Is of the Ego- Perfection Is of the Soul

Part III- Son of Man: Son of God?
Who is This Son of Man?
Resurrection, and the Meaning of Divine Tests

Part IV- The Soul's Ascent
The Way Beckons
"Works" That Lead to Perfection
"Be Ye Therefore Perfect!"
Restlessness vs. God-Centeredness
The "On Thing Needful."
The Inner Way of Pilgrimage
The Inner Kingdom
How Devotees Fall
How Devotess Can Rise Again
The Eternal Present
The Redeeming Light

Index of Bible Quotations
Index of Bhagavad Gita Quotations
Index of Quotations by Paramhansa Yogananda

Most of the book does seem to focus on the teachings of Christ. It is important to note that the author believes in reincarnation. Rather interesting theories on this subject. He also has some thoughts on Astrology and its origins. There are ideas you may accept or reject, however the explanations are always entertaining and often enlightening.

He talks about the Divine Consciousness which is the true life which enlightens human minds and speaks of a time where there will be more cooperation's between the world's religions. He seems to promote a unity of all religious beliefs and explains how the quest for divine truth is the essence of all religions.

"Love is not great because Jesus loved. Jesus, rather was great because he demonstrated so perfectly the quality of love." pg. 25

Is there a way to know all the happiness and fulfillment you have ever craved?
Should our goal in life be to know God?
What is the Christ Consciousness?
Who can satisfy our deepest longing for divine love?
What did Jesus really mean when he said: "Let the dead bury the dead."
How long should you meditate?

In a time when religion has become one of the most neglected of human concerns, this book will help to recharge your soul and lift up your spiritual consciousness.

A fascinating explanation of ancient scriptures. A book you will want to read at least twice!

The time for knowing God has come. ~Paramhansa Yogamamda

Spiritually Healing.

~The Rebecca Review

Editorial Review:

The Promise of Immortality is the most complete commentary available on the parallel passagesin the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita, Indias ancient scripture. This groundbreaking book illuminatesthe similarities between these two great scriptures in a way that vibrantly brings them tolife. The Promise of Immortality makes a convincing argument for the potential unity of allreligious belief. An unprecedented era of cooperation and harmony among the worlds differentreligions seems possible as Walters clarifies apparent differences in religious teachings to reveal atimeless, underlying truth.

Affirmations for Self-Healing, 3rd Edition

J.Donald Walters

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Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Affirmations and Prayers in this book work 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

The affirmations in this book have a power to transform that belies their simplicity. There are 52 topics/qualities- each one has a short description, an affirmation, and a prayer. Rather than use a new one each week, I find it more helpful to find a quality that I need to work on, and then use the affirmation for a few weeks.

This is one that I'm using now, on energy:

"Within me lies the energy to accomplish all that I will to do. Behind my every act is God's infinite power."

Try repeating it silently throughout the day for a week or so. Then decide for yourself if this book is for you.

Editorial Review:

Scientists now acknowledge that an individuals thoughts influence their physical, mental, andemotional health. People routinely enlist the help of psychologists and drugs to overcome theirdeeply rooted, harmful thoughts. This book contains 52 affirmations and prayers devoted tostrengthening positive qualities such as will power, good health, forgiveness, security, andhappiness. This is a newly revised edition of a spiritual classic, complete with a newly designed2-color interior.J. Donald Walters is widely considered one of the worlds foremost experts on personal developmentand spiritual practice. He is the author of more than 80 books that have sold over 3 millioncopies worldwide and have been translated into 27 languages.