This powerful memoir tells the story of a Greek youth who, out of a desire to know the truth empirically, began to experiment in yoga, hypnotism, and various occult techniques. Eventually drawn back to the faith of his forefathers - Orthodox Christianity - he visited the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos in his native Greece, where he was brought to a knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ by the saintly Elder Paisios (1924-1994). Nevertheless, believing he had only found "part of the truth" on the Holy Mountain, he chose to give the "same opportunity" to Hindu yogis that he had given to Elder Paisios and other Orthodox monks. Thus, at the age of twenty-five, he embarked on a trip to India, where he undertook his search in the ashrams of three famous gurus, one of whom was worshiped as a god. His experiences in India, along with his subsequent encounters with Elder Paisios on Mount Athos, are recounted in the present book in vivid detail. This book is a page-turning narrative of both outward adventures and inward struggles. What stands out most, however, is the radiant image of Elder Paisios, possessed of divine gifts, laboring in prayer for his fellow man, and overflowing with unconditional love. Through this, one sees the uncreated Source of the elder's love and of the author's spiritual transformation : the true God-man Jesus Christ, who honors man's personal freedom while drawing him, through love, into everlasting union with Himself. --from back cover.

People in India form images of Jesus Christ that link up with their own culture. Hindus have given Jesus a place among the teachers and gods of their own religion, seeing in his life something of the wisdom and mysticism that is so central to Hinduism. Christians in India also make use of the concepts provided by Hinduism when they wish to express the meaning of Christ. Thus, in any case, Jesus is--for Hindus and Christians--a guru, a teacher of wisdom who speaks with divine authority. But for many Hindu philosophers and Christian theologians there is much more that can be said about him within the Indian framework. He can be described as an avatara, a divine descent, or linked to the Brahman, the all-encompassing Reality. This study looks at both Hindu and Christian views of Christ, starting with that of the Hindu reformer Rammohan Roy at the beginning of the nineteenth century, as well as those of the first Christian theologians of India. The views of Mahatma Gandhi and the monks of the Ramakrishna Mission are discussed, and those of influential Christian schools such as the Ashram movement and dalit theology. Five intermezzos indicate how artists in India portray Jesus Christ.

This AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI will astonish... "This is a riveting read of the spiritual journey of one of the most deeply disciplined seekers I have ever met. You'll find it provocative, entertaining, and spiritually sobering. It's hard to put down. Read it, digest it and be challenged. There's more to this story than meets the eye!" Philip Johnson, co-author, Riding the Rollercoaster and Sacred Quest "Today, many have embarked on a spiritual journey, but few have done it with the enthusiasm dedication and intensity of Michael Graham. While still a teenager, a twenty-eight-year odyssey began, leading him to India where he had dramatic encounters with some the 20th Century's most famous Eastern religious teachers. In this personal account he tells of these meetings and spiritual 'awakenings' and then his subsequent efforts to reconcile his amazing experiences with his questioning intellect. At the same time, he presents an eloquent insider's account of the Western world's fascination with Eastern Mysticism. This enthralling story will stimulate and challenge all spiritual seekers." Martin Roth, author Zen Guide and Living Water to Light the Journey "If you enjoyed Death of a Guru, you will devour this and it will be compulsory reading for all who take seriously the impact Eastern spirituality is having on the Western world." Ross Clifford, Principal, Morling Theological College, Sydney "This is a gripping personal account of how an honest and passionate seeker of truth found the One who is the Truth. This book is a record of a fascinating quest and an amazing discovery, and must be read by all who are seeking for meaning and love in the growing postmodern spiritual market place." Dr. Robert Solomon, Principal Trinity Theological College, Singapore

Knowledge, transcendent emotion, tranquility of body and spirit: these are only a few of the gifts offered by Eastern gurus. What is involved-really involved in these offers? R.D. Clements, who holds the Ph. D. from Imperial College in London, describes the general characteristics of Eastern religions and devotes separate chapters to the Divine Light Mission, the Hare Krishna Movement and Transcendental Meditation. He closes with practical advice to those who encounter devotees of these and other Eastern religions.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From one of the world’s most influential spiritual thinkers, a long-awaited book exploring what it means that Jesus was called “Christ,” and how this forgotten truth can restore hope and meaning to our lives. “Anyone who strives to put their faith into action will find encouragement and inspiration in the pages of this book.”—Melinda Gates In his decades as a globally recognized teacher, Richard Rohr has helped millions realize what is at stake in matters of faith and spirituality. Yet Rohr has never written on the most perennially talked about topic in Christianity: Jesus. Most know who Jesus was, but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus’s last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center. Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. “God loves things by becoming them,” he writes, and Jesus’s life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God—except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator’s presence all around us, and in everyone we meet. Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.

A spiritual walk, while wondrous, tantalizing, and mystical, can also be grueling and traumatic. It tests us beyond our limits, and we do not organize its itinerary For Carla Mancari, walking through walls and traveling miles in states of heightened awareness were easy feats. But when her quest required her to plumb the depths of total despair, only the grace of God allowed her to go on. In When Jesus Is the Guru, Carla shares the pitfalls she encountered along her journey, as well as the mystical experiences, realizations, and triumphs. Travel with her as she learns to relate to Jesus's personal humanity. As you do, you may find yourself reconnecting with your own Christian roots, where Holy Scripture becomes the living word it is purported to be. About the Author Teacher and spiritual guide Carla Mancari had her first transcendent experience in 1973 while visiting a shrine in Lourdes. She immediately resigned from her position as a counseling psychologist and began her spiritual quest. Carla traveled all over the world, studying with Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu masters. Carla's spiritual truth-seeking ultimately brought her into an ongoing, intimate, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She has taught Christ-Centered Spiritual Principles and silent prayer for over thirty-five years. Carla is the author of Walking on the Grass: A White Woman in a Black World. She co-authored The Lessons: How to Understand Spiritual Principles, Spiritual Activities, and Rising Emotions; Concordance; and Best-Kept Secret.

"Armed with wit, insight, and truly astonishing research, Falk utterly demolishes the notion of the enlightened guru who can lead devotees to nirvana.--John Horgan, author of "Rational Mysticism."