Sadhana

"Sadhana: The Realisation of Life" is Rabindranath Tagore's excellent collection of essays on the subject of Indian spirituality. Tagore's objective in this work was to give the reader an understanding not only of the scripture but as to the practice, as he writes, "So in these papers, it may be hoped, western readers will have an opportunity of coming into touch with the ancient spirit of India as revealed in our sacred texts and manifested in the life of to-day."

After presenting a general survey of spiritual practice in the different schools of Indian philosophy, the author focuses on the Trika School, popularly called Kashmir Shaivism. He deals clearly and exhaustively with such topics as Shaktipat (the descent of Divine Grace), Diksha (initiation), and the role of the Guru. His treatment of the various paths (upayas) appropriate for the different types of practitioners is especially useful. The book ends with a chapter on enlightenment (jivanmukti). This chapter not only presents the meaning of self-realization-in-this-lifetime, but offers material on this topic for the first time in English.

Christian Exercises in Eastern Form Truly a one-of-a-kind, how-to-do-it book, this small volume responds to a very real hunger for self-awareness and holistic living. It consists of a series of spiritual exercises for entering the contemplative state -- blending psychology, spiritual therapy, and practices from both Eastern and Western traditions. Anthony de Mello offers here an unparalleled approach to inner peace that brings the whole person to prayer -- body and soul, heart and mind, memory and imagination. In forty-seven exercises that teach things such as awareness of physical sensations, stillness, healing of hurtful memories, and consciousness of self and world, de Mello succeeds in helping all who have ever experienced prayer as difficult, dull, or frustrating. The essential key, he notes, is to journey beyond mere thought-forms and discover satisfying new depths in prayer from the heart. This allows for a greater sense of awareness amid silence, and disposes the one who prays to untold riches, spiritual fulfillment, and ultimately, a mystical experience of God-centeredness. Drawing on Scripture, as well as insights from Eastern and Western spiritual masters, the author has a unique appeal that transcends time, culture, and religious background. For many years a bestseller in the English language, Sadhana has now been translated into more than two dozen foreign languages. Readers the world over have eagerly received this sincere spiritual leader, who has led many toward the wealth of insight and spirit that dwells within them.

A close friend and associate of Anthony de Mello shares for the first time not only personal conversations and reminiscences, but also de Mello's own words as recorded during a 15-day retreat in India.

Sadhana- Who stalked her? Sadhana, goes to a new city to earn a living. The young ingenious and intuitive girl works her finger to the bone to establish herself in a multinational company. Just when her life is moving in the right direction unforeseen incidents crumble the ground beneath her. Someone begins stalking her. He scares her, torments her and intoxicates her...Who is he? What does he want? Swamped in fear and despair, she curses her jinxed fate. She gets more and more despondent each day. Soon, her dignity and her character are at stake! While, the Fast and Furious, Abhinav teaches her self-compassion and protects her image in the society, The Suave and Chivalrous, Manav gives her the confidence to fight through her adversities. Displaying colossal courage and unflinching determination in solving her issues by herself, Sadhana leaves no stone unturned to trace her unknown creepy stalker. How long can she wait for a hero to save her? How long can she suffer? What does she need? Or she needs to be her own hero?

The original Guru, the Self, is present in everybody's heart as Silence. This Silence can be recognized in the gap between two thoughts, two actions, two breaths, two moments. This Silence may also just appear spontaneously, when one is simply at rest, at peace. Chup Sadhana is an effortless no-practice practice, which reveals this ever-present, underlying Silence in which all the events of life are experienced. This is the missing link, which connects different spiritual traditions.