The Enlightened Mind

Rating:
Summary: NOT THE BEST
Review: A book that had potential--but missed the mark. There are a few jems inside but over all there are much better compilations out there...so just skip this one.

Rating:
Summary: Remove the log from thine own eye first.......
Review: I found this book on accident several years into my journey, and found it to be a most intriguing work. If you already claim to know the truth, the whole truth, and everyone else falls short, this book will no doubt offend your sensibilities. However if every day is a learning experience for you, and you listen to the " still, small voice within", you will no doubt recognize the transparent thread which connects all the passages in Gods love. No matter how many times I read and reread it, as my perspective grows, so do I find new teachings to inspire and motivate me.

Rating:
Summary: A title to be a title.
Review: I read this book about ten years ago, when I was searching for truth. This book did little to help that - I can remember nothing of value from this book.

If you are searching for truth, read the Bible. It is truth, and nothing will come close to it.

Also, for an easier read than other translations, check out the NIV version.

Thanks,
Calvin

Rating:
Summary: Truly Eclectic and Spiritually Illuminating
Review: Now here is a book that will keep you pondering about the ultimate meaning of life itself - it is a compilation that extols the spiritual life. In its pages you will find the writings of the greatest spiritual luminaries, who have graced this world with words of immortal bliss. It brings together the essence of the minds of the mystic visionaries, and it makes one feel that we are all brothers and sisters in truth. No matter what your spiritual practice, preference, or inclination, this book has much to offer its readers.

Rating:
Summary: Maudlin
Review: This book has a few good quotes, but alot of junk too. The Christian stuff is mostly mushy pulp, and the selections from Buddha are pretty superficial compared to the rest of what he supposedly said. There are a few good talks from Zen Masters, but only a few. I wouldn't recommend it. The wisdom in this book doesn't compare to other books of a similar nature, and you can probably pick this one up at a used book store dirt cheap. If you do find it there, though, save it for someone who is a near hopeless materialist. It might help them out abit. Other than that, save your money and buy a copy of the Tao Teh Ching, or Kahl Gibran or a book of pithy quotes.

Rating:
Summary: So many stars, one sky.
Review: This is an excellent anthology of sacred prose. Stephen Mitchell was very ecumenical and egalitarian in his selection process. Clear evidence of his own enlightened understanding where the universality of truth is concerned. The bits and pieces of the whole that is contained herein is a tasty feast for the hungry heart. A veritable smorgasbord of heavenly and earthly delights. A little Heraclitus, Plato, Jesus, Buddha, Muhammad, Rumi, Eckhart, Dame Julian, Blake, Seattle, Emerson, Einstein, and so many others. A portion of the Upanishads, the Judeo-Christian Bible, the Hermetic Writings, the Diamond Sutra, and what we have hear is truth, truth, and some more truth. If you can't handle truth don't read this collection of writings, it may just enlighten your mind. Personally, I can't get enough wisdom.

Sampler:

Ramana Maharshi:

"If the mind is happy, not only the body but the whole world will be happy. So one must find out how to become happy oneself. Wanting to reform the world without discovering one's true self is like trying to cover the whole world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes".

Dogen:

"Gaining enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon doesn't get wet; the water isn't broken... The whole moon and the sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass".

Einstein:

"A human being is a part of the whole that we call the universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest--a kind of optical illusion of his consciousness. This illusion is a prison to us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for only the few people nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature".

Rumi:

"The Love-Religion has no code or doctrine. Only God".