The Power of Mantra and the Mystery of Initiation

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting book
Review: I liked this book a great deal. It struck me as an honest and straightforward exposition on the subject. There is no attempt by the author to either indoctrinate the reader or to defend his position. It is simply a statement of the author's beliefs and experiences coupled with a coherent explanation of the subject mattter. The only thing in the book that was a problem was the emphasis on working with a "master." The author might very well be right on that point but it gives the western reader no guidance on where to turn to for that type of assistance.

Rating:
Summary: Book about Mantra tradition
Review: This is a very well written book about the ancient Indian Mantra tradition. The author imparts his wide experience of this tradition to the reader in a clear manner.

However, the author firmly believes that mantras should be imparted from a qualified guru (teacher) and should be practiced under the guidance of this guru. This is the underlying message. The author who knows this subject well, might very well be correct on this. Therefore, no traditional mantras are stated in this work.

I found this book to be a good introduction about the mantras, its powers, and its traditions.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book On Mantra in English
Review: This is the best book on mantra in the English language (I've read just about all of them). It takes you inside the yoga tradition to give you the yogis' perspective on what a mantra actually is and what initiation really means. Much of the material here is from the oral tradition in India and isn't available in other books. Fascinating esoteric teaching is presented in terms Westerners can understand. If you're into meditation, this is one of the most inspiring books you'll ever read! After reading this, my spiritual practice was galvanized.