The Direct Path

Rating:
Summary: A Goldmine of Wisdom
Review: I don't like to read books with to many words in them, especially long, complicated words. Andrew Harvey tends to push my limits. However, I forgive him, because he has so much to say and I don't expect to believe everything anybody says. Despite his tendency to put a lot of words into a sentence, I read almost all of them. In fact I had difficulty putting the book down until I had.
Harvey's passion to see God through the eyes of the many wise teachers from the different spiritual paths gives us nuggets of truth and golden practices that can enrich the path of any person willing to take the time to try them. To try them all on for size would be a serious undertaking, but Harvey himself has has done that. To try one, then another and maybe another has the potential to enrich the life of anybody that could use a lift of body mind and soul. I am reminded of the last words I heard from a master teacher of mine. " If you don't do it, it won't work" I know of no better source for such practical wisdom.

Rating:
Summary: Is Andrew Harvey really humble?
Review: I get sick and tired of spirtual people who claim they are humble but are judgmental of people who aren't like them. Just because Andrew Harvey happened to have everything going for him when he wrote this book doesn't give him the right to tell everyone to be like him. Saying that fantasy is selfish is extremely judgmental and narrow-minded. If he didn't have his perfect 15 years younger boyfriend he'd probably feel differently!

Rating:
Summary: Lots of Ideas...
Review: The book introduces itself with the author summarizing his upbringing and professional journey. This section lends itself to the impression that the author is exceptionally well-read, well-traveled, and that he has had the good fortune of many teachers, primarily of non-western influences. It is from this densely-lived life that the author offers the contained spriritual exercises. Eighteen exercises are richly and vividly explained. He's so thorough, it seems like way more than just eighteen! To me, this is a reference book to consult when someone feels that their contemplative practices are starting to feel a little stale. It contains a lot of suggestions to chew on. The reason I issued the above rating is that I can't see myself engaging in any of them on a committed basis. No two people are the same when it comes to spiritual practice, you know.

Rating:
Summary: Great book to read slowly and reflect upon
Review: This is a great book that has been thorougly researched, and the author has talked with many spiritual leaders from all walks of life. He has 18 Practices that he guides you through, and teaches you different methods of relaxation.

The author also has a section on "reducing daily stress" where one excercise is "close your eyes - and take five deep, calm breaths, trying to empty the mind completely." He says that this simple method really works well.