Swamiji has produced three major publications. Here I intend to give you an overview of what to expect if you’re interested in them.
Happy For No Good Reason has been a bestseller in Australia. It is a clear and complete manual of meditation and related subjects. The book, which includes a CD, is given to our Learn To Meditate students as it is a perfect starter that gives you all the basics you need to begin a meditation practice immediately. Topics include: The Inner Self, Outer World And Inner World, Kundalini — The Inner Power, Mind Culture And Self-Empowerment, Witness Consciousness, Self-Inquiry, Four Ways To Deal With A Bad Situation, Attitude, Relationships, Self-Realisation In The World. A number of meditation techniques are given including a guided meditation, which is on the CD. Happy for No Good Reason is tailored to beginners. It is simple, practical and easy to read.
Next there is Consciousness Is Everything: The Yoga Of Kashmir Shaivism. I have studied and practised Kashmir Shaivism under Swamiji’s guidance for a number of years. I have fumbled through many weighty academic tomes of dense translations and interpretations, trying to reap what is real or of use and give it some lucidity both for others and myself. I believe that the spiritual tradition of Kashmir Shaivism has re-emerged in the last few decades and is revealing itself in the West in a very alive and modern way. In all my research, however, there was no practical guide to this powerful teaching. Swamiji’s book is the first in a stream of transmission that is destined to flow for many years to come.
Allow me a little indulgent preamble here. In 2003 we did an Introduction to Kashmir Shaivism Course. Though everything we do at the ashram is in the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism and Swamiji speaks on it often, this was the first time we had designed a course that focused directly on the main teachings and practices of Shaivism exclusively and for the public. One night about halfway into the course I was sitting at the back listening to the lecture. There was a feeling of bliss in the room. I felt a lot of energy arising in my inner world and was forced to close my eyes. The Shakti or spiritual energy was very present; it was as though it wanted to say something to me. So I tried to listen and the words came, God is happy with what you are doing. It is a gift to humanity. I was convinced that these words had come from higher Consciousness. They felt completely true. A feeling of love for all humankind and a desire to help by sharing this knowledge filled me. It occurred to me that these teachings belong to everyone and if we practise and have them in our being it is actually our duty to pass them on to others. At the end of the session I went over to Swamiji, wanting to share my thoughts. As I approached he turned to me grinning recognizably. He motioned for me to sit next to him and when no one was watching he leaned over to me and said ‘ You know, what we are doing here is a real service to humanity ‘. It is hard to describe in words how I felt at that moment. I will say that in my opinion Kashmir Shaivism is a gift of liberating wisdom and has a transforming power that belongs to everyone.
Consciousness Is Everything (CIE) carries this gift in an accessible way. It is relevant. It is a storehouse of ideas that are alive with the power to transform understanding. In clear language Swamiji introduces all of the core teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. Like Shaivism itself this whole book is aimed at practice, self-knowledge and growth. There are numerous contemplations and exercises urging readers to experience for themselves the truth of its message. Some topics included are: Shaivism in the Vernacular, Self-Recognition, Veda and Tantra, The Cause of the Universe is Consciousness, Consciousness and the Mind, The Levels of Creation, Shaivite Vision of Bondage and Liberation, The Esoteric Five Processes, Shaiva Tantra, Doubt and Conviction, The transcendental State, Language Mysticism, Time and Space, Love, and more. If you want to broaden your vision and explore Consciousness itself I cannot recommend this book enough. This is a profound and weighty book and is perhaps not for beginners. But if you’re game don’t let me stop you. You can read the Introduction and Chapter five here online. It is my great pleasure to invite you to Swamiji’s second book Consciousness Is Everything: The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism.
Soon to be published is Swamiji’s third book I can’t hear you, I Have a Carrot in My Ear. Growing up in Brooklyn Swamiji was told a joke: Two people are walking along and one of them has a carrot in his ear. The other says to him: ‘you have a carrot in your ear’, and the other replied, ‘I can’t hear you, I have a carrot in my ear!’ It is a sort of Zen joke. Now at the ashram the term ‘having a carrot in your ear’ has come to mean an attitude or tendency that one is unconscious of. In this book Swamiji answers questions about spirituality in all areas of ordinary life. Topics in the book include; Communication With Compassion and Truth, Relationships, The Mind, The Guru, Self-Inquiry and Meditation. It is a wellspring of practical wisdom and inspiration. Swamiji’s teachings on meditation and self-Inquiry are seen in action as they deal with the different aspect of the path. You can read some excerpts here.
All of Swamiji’s books will soon be available in U.S. bookstores. You can also order copies on line at www.shivayoga.org
Click to see Dennis Waterman's review of HAPPY FOR NO GOOD REASON.
Click to see Dennis Waterman's review of CONSCIOUSNESS IS EVERYTHING.
