Monos
"Thoroughly recommended for people at all stages on the Spiritual Journey."


Toronto Journal of Theology
"It is practical, simple and a delight to read."


Fellowship in Prayer
"This is an excellent source for lay readers and clergy looking for a way of meditation that incorporates the spiritual traditions and teachings of the West."


From the Publisher
Using exhilarating quotes from numerous Christian mystics, Easwaran focuses on the idea of "original goodness," the spark of divinity that is every individual's birthright, regardless of personal assets or liabilities. The spiritual resources everyone needs love, compassion, meaning, hope, freedom from fear are already there, ready to be uncovered. Original Goodness includes instructions on how to meditate, and how to apply the power and insights of meditation to everyday life. Original Goodness is part of a three-volume series, Classics of Christian Inspiration, which collects the best writing of Eknath Easwaran on well-loved and inspiring passages and mystics in the Christian tradition.


About the Author
Schooled in both Eastern and Western traditions, Eknath Easwaran took to the spiritual life amidst a successful career in India as a professor of English literature, writer and lecturer. He came to the University of California, Berkeley, in 1960 on the Fulbright exchange program and established the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Northern California in 1961. His deep personal experience and his love for his students have made the ancient art of meditation accessible to those who hold jobs and live active lives among friends and family.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Love, compassion, meaning, hope, and freedom from fear are not qualities we need to acquire. We simply need to uncover what we already have. "Original goodness" is Eknath Easwaran's phrase for this spark of divinity hidden in every one of us, regardless of our personal liabilities or past mistakes. And in this book he shows how this spark of divinity can energize our lives - beginning with instructions in a simple method of meditation that gradually removes the conditioning which hides our native goodness. Each chapter then takes its theme from the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout, this book is enlivened with inspiring quotes from some of the greatest Christian mystics - among them Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Teresa of Avila, and John Ruysbroeck. Original Goodness will appeal to anyone wanting to learn how to meditate using a method that fits comfortably within the Christian tradition. It is full of helpful suggestions for making spiritual ideals a practical part of daily life.

SYNOPSIS

The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount provide eight specific strategies for changing the mental habits that hide each person￯﾿ﾽs special virtues. Using exhilarating quotes from numerous Christian mystics, Easwaran focuses on the idea of ￯﾿ﾽoriginal goodness,￯﾿ﾽ the spark of divinity that is every individual￯﾿ﾽs birthright, regardless of personal assets or liabilities. The spiritual resources everyone needs - love, compassion, meaning, hope, freedom from fear - are already inside, ready to be uncovered. Original Goodness includes instructions on how to meditate, and how to apply the power and insights of meditation to everyday life.

Throughout, this book is enlivened with inspiring quotes from some of the greatest Christian mystics - among them Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magedeburg, Teresa of Avila, and John Ruysbroeck. Original Goodness will appeal to anyone wanting to learn how to meditate using a method that fits comfortably within the Christian tradition.

Original Goodness is part of a three-volume series, Classics of Christian Inspiration, which collects the best writing of Eknath Easwaran on well-loved and inspiring passages and mystics in the Christian tradition. The companion titles are: Seeing With the Eyes of Love and Love Never Faileth.

About the Author
Schooled in both Eastern and Western traditions, Eknath Easwaran took to the spiritual life amidst a successful career in India as a professor of English literature, writer and lecturer. He came to the University of California, Berkeley, in 1960 on the Fulbright exchange program and established the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in Northern California in 1961. His deep personal experience and his love for his students have made the ancient art of meditation accessible to those who hold jobs and live active lives among friends and family.

FROM THE CRITICS

Toronto Journal of Theology

It is practical, simple and a delight to read

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

This is an excellent source for lay readers and clergy looking for a way of meditation that incorporates the spiritual traditions and teachings of the West. — Fellowship in Prayer