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-Pilgrims to Openness-
Review by Lobsang Sherab (Chicago, IL United States) -
For more than
a thousand years yogis have been practicing Tantra, accomplishing
amazing levels of realization and nourishing a living lineage. This book is a connection to that vital tradition. When you first encounter
the Tantric view, it is radically orthogonal to our normal mindset, but
Shambhavi does a wonderful job of explaining how it works on its own
terms. Pilgrims to Openness takes the most esoteric of spiritual
principles and shows us
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...how they apply to the choices we face everyday
in our lives. I practice Buddhist Vajrayana from a Dzogchen
perspective, and this book is one of the best I've found at explaining
Tantra in terms that a modern westerner can understand without watering
it down or distorting its deepest significance. As an example check out
the article on chakras from her website, [jayakula dot org slash
chakras] which is also found in the book. This is the writing of
someone who actually knows what they're talking about and isn't just
parroting what they've read or worse peddling their fantasies as
objective facts. In short, if you seek a real guidebook to spiritual
experience, this book will be invaluable to you. |
-Green Tea Living-
A Japan-Inspired Guide to Eco-friendly Habits, Health, and Happiness written by Toshimi A. Kayaki
Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
"My
whole life I have believed that green tea is good for my health. When I
drink it, I feel refreshed. It calms the spirit and eases the mind," writes Toshimi Kayaki, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area
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...and has
published 22 books on cross-cultural and women's issues. In this
delightful paperback with illustrations by Miyuki Matsuo, you will find
a treasure trove of ideas about simplicity, thrift, homemade remedies,
and Japanese wisdom. Kayaki has adopted what she calls "green tea
living" — which includes low-calorie foods, regular exercise (walk or
bike instead of driving), and meditation. She also offers advice and
tips on regularly eating miso soup, using reflexology, trying olive oil
on dry skin, facial message with a spoon, and suggestions for living a
more frugal life.
Not only does green tea have cardiovascular benefits such as
lowering blood pressure, it can also be used on the skin as an
anti-aging cosmetic, as a means of preventing cavities and taking away
bad breath, as a cleaning tool, as a fertilizer for gardening, and as a
weight loss tactic (drink a cup before your dinner). Green Tea Living by Toshimi Kayaki is a handy and creative guide to an eco-friendly life.
C H I L D R E N' S B O O K S
DEVOTION
Praying in Color
by Sybil MacBeth —
Helps children get in touch with their inner artist and connect with God and others through prayer.
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IMAGINATION
The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom
by Steve Smallman and Nick Schon —
A delightful and playful children's
book about a creative monkey who entertains himself at the expense of
the other jungle animals.
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KINDNESS
The Mitten Tree
by Candace Christiansen and Elaine Greenstein —
A touching story about
a lonely old woman who acts from the heart in love and generosity by
knitting mittens for children who need them.
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LOVE
Big Bear Hug
by Nicholas Oldland —
A wonderful contemporary fable about the importance of expressing your affection.
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LOVE
Piglet and Grannyby Margaret Wild — A sprightly story that reveals the rewards of
patience and the bounty of the ties of love between grandparents and
grandchildren.
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LOVE
A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom — A delightful read-aloud book for very small children about friendship.
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MEANING
If America Were a Village: A Book about the People of the United States
by David J. Smith —
A thought-provoking overview of America's diversity and contrasts.
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MEANING
My Name Is Sangoel
by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed —
Salutes the importance of ethnic and cultural tradition to immigrants in America.
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QUESTING
Mama, Will It Snow Tonight?
by Nancy White Carlstrom and Paul Tong —
Celebrates the joys of nature,
the connections between animals and humans, and the wisdom of mothers.
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SHADOW
There's No Such Thing as Monsters!
by Steve Smallman and Caroline Pedler —
An enticing tale about the
fears that create monsters in our minds and keep us from sleeping
peacefully.
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WONDER
June and August
by Vivian Walsh —
A playful celebration of diversity and delight in the sharing of friendship.
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WONDER
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder
by Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac — The inspiring story of Rachel
Carson and the book she wrote that changed the way we see the natural
world.
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YOU
Wanda's Freckles by Barbara Azore —
A gem of a children's book about self-esteem and the resilience to fend of attacks on our individuality.
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This is your link to the website created by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, and is devoted to your spiritual journey, wherever it may lead. The site's name reflects a basic understanding: spirituality and practice
are the two places where all the world's religions and spiritual paths
come together. With respect for the differences, Frederic and Mary Ann
celebrate what each of them have in common. A great place to begin a journey, deepen understanding, or just emerse yourself. Enjoy! http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/
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