Smile... and enjoy this lila!

Welcome to Radha's Krishna Links ~ Spiritual Enhancement Page ~ Adoring my Beloved Krishna!

This page was last updated 06.15.09

Adore me only
With heart undistracted;
Turn all your thought
Toward solitude, spurning
The noise of the crowd,
Its fruitless commotion....

-- Bhagavad Gita 13.10

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Recommended Reading

Sri Krishna said of literature:

"My dear Uddhava, an intelligent person should never take to literatures that do not contain descriptions of My activities, which purify the whole universe. Indeed, I create, maintain and annihilate the entire material manifestation. Among all My pastime incarnations, the most beloved are Krsna and Balarama. Any so-called knowledge that does not recognize these activities of Mine is simply barren and is not acceptable to those who are actually intelligent."

-- Uddhava Gita 11.20

The Most Sacred Texts:
"Scriptures" are texts handed down through the generations recognized as having some useful or redeeming personal, if not societal, value. Generally, they promote spiritual growth by pointing to common values and concepts useful in setting aside individual ego and developing an affinity to the greater cosmic Reality, however that may be defined. Each tradition has unique teachings, but all share certain core beliefs common to most other traditions. Fundamentalism is usually unyielding obedience to narrow interpretations of scripture and often result in systems of practice at odds with the greater message of scripture. Beware of fundamentalist tendencies in most traditions as they always promote, in some way, the advancement of human ego; this is how fundamentalism, at times, results in horrendous activity.

The texts below are arranged by category and then author. Some of the citations below are included more for bibliographic documentation than for recommendation. My comments follow each reference in italic type. Note: References to the writings and translations of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami used on this website and not specifically noted in the below bibliography, were obtained from the Bhaktivedanta database cited below.

Bhagavad-Gita

Miller, Barbara Stoler (1986). The Bhagavad-Gita, Krishna's Counsel in Time of War. New York: Bantam Books. Although a refreshing alternative translation written by an academic, I do not regard it as authoritative. It does provide a perspective on the text that differs from Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

Prabhavananda, Swami and Isherwood, Christopher (1995). Bhagavad Gita. New York: Barnes and Nobles Books. An inexpensive and concise translation of the "Song of God" from a Vedanta perspective.

Prabhupada, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1972). Bhagavad-gita As It Is. New York: Collier Books. This is a scholarly and devotional translation of the Gita complete with the Sanskrit original, Roman transliteration, and an extensive commentary on each verse. I view this text as generally authoritative although I sometimes disagree with the fundamentalist interpretations and commentary on some verses. The newest edition from The Bhaktivedanta Trust contains some revisions which have stirred controversy within the ISKCON community. Both the reprinted 1972 edition and the revised edition are currently available. Earlier, smaller edition by Prabhupada (originally published in 1968) has been reprinted and is now currently available from many bookstores in the West.

Prasad, Ramananda, Ph.D. (2001). The Bhagavad-gita (The Sacred Song), A Modern English Translation by Ramananda Prasad, Ph.D. (Third Edition). Fremont, CA: International Gita Society. This is a pocket-sized, non-sectarian English translation. You can download a copy or may obtain a printed copy of this translation absolutely for free by contacting http://www.gita-society.com/gita3rd.htm.

Prasad, Ramananda, Ph.D. (2004). The Bhagavad-gita (The Sacred Song) (Fourth Edition). Fremont, CA: International Gita Society. This edition is an excellent non-sectarian translation which includes the Sanskrit original, Roman transliteration, English translation, and commentary featuring quotations from a large number of other texts, including non-'Hindu' ones. The œcumenical quality of the commentary is extremely useful and refreshing. You may purchase this text directory from the International Gita Society, or obtain a printed copy of the English-only translation for free by contacting: http://www.gita-society.com/gita3rd.htm.

Sivananda, Swami (2003). Bhagavad Gita, Text, Word-to-Word Meaning, Translation and Commentary by Swami Sivananda. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal: The Divine Life Society. (Rs. 200/-). Although written from a Vedanta perspective, this volume has a lot of practical advice and devotional fervour. I have found this Gita very useful-- simply pass over the doctrine with which you disagree (but it may help you in the future to understand why you disagree with other respectable practitioners of the Dharma). Swami Sivananda has always advocated a deeply devotional bhakti despite the other teachings for which he is known. In the West, you can easily and cheaply order a copy of this book from The Divine Life Society website in India. The handmade hardback binding adds to its charm.

Tripurari, Swami B.V. (2001). Bhagavad Gita, Its Feeling and Philosophy. San Rafael, CA: Mandala Publishing. This is a beautiful new translation and commentary from a teacher I respect (a devotee of Prabhupada) and whose teachings often resonate deeply within me. It is a devotional translation of the Gita complete with the Sanskrit original, Roman transliteration, and commentary on each verse.

Purana

Saraswati, Swami Ambikananda (2002). (translator). The Uddhava Gita, The Final Teaching of Krishna. Berkeley, CA: Seastone. The introduction was written by Thomas Cleary. Each chapter is a clear rendering of the text and is prefaced with a summary and brief commentary. Contains extensive notes and a Sanskrit glossary. Swami Saraswati is a disciple of Swami Venkatesananda. Some web sources for the Uddhava Gita were also used on this website. The Uddhava Gita is actually Book (Canto) 11 of the Bhagavata Purana; if you already have the complete Bhagavata Purana, then you already have the Uddhava Gita.

Bryant, Edwin F. (2003). (translator). Krishna: The Beautiful Legend of God, Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Book X. New York: Penguin Books. This is a modern translation of one of the great narrative texts about Krishna. Chapters 29-33 compose the Rasa Panchadhyayi, a text especially relevant to developing a madhurya bhava relationship with Lord Krishna.

Das, Kalankanta (2003). (translator). Bhagavat Purana: Pastimes of the Supreme Person. P.O. Box 247, La Crosse, Florida 32658 USA. This is a modern rhyming English rendering of the first two books of the Bhagavata Purana by a devotee of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The rendering is, at times, too simplistic and like reading Dr. Seuss, but it is an inexpensive text. I purchased my copy at an ISKCON mandir.

Ramayana

Tulasidasa (1990). (Prasad, R.C., translator). Tulasidasa's Shriramacharitamanasa (The Holy Lake of the Acts of Rama). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. This is a beautiful edition of Tulasidas' rendition of the Ramayana translated into both modern Hindi and English. The story centers around Ram, Krishna's previous avatar. Contains several appendices, including the Hanuman Chalisa.

Other Bhakti Texts

Karthikeyan, N.V. (2005). Kandar Anubhuti, (God-Experience) of Saint Arunagiriathar. Shivanandanagar, Uttaranchal: The Divine Life Society. (Rs. 120/-). This work presents the original Tamil, transliteration, English translation, and an extensive commentary on this devotional text. Although devoted to Skandar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, there is much in this book that is useful. The text is preceded by extensive forward and introduction.

Sivananda, Swami (1998). Narada Bhakti Sutras (Revised Edition). Shivanandanagar, Uttaranchal: The Divine Life Society. (Rs. 50/-). Although written from a Vedanta perspective, this volume is very useful for devotional life. In the West, you can easily and cheaply order a copy of this book from The Divine Life Society website in India.

Tyagisananda, Swami (undated). Aphorisms on the Gospel of Divine Love or Narada Bhakti Sutras (with Sanskrit text, word-by-word meaning, English rendering of the text and elaborate explanatory and critical Notes by Swami Tyagisananda). Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math. Although written from a Vedanta perspective, this version of the Narada Bhakti Sutras is often very devotional and helpful in daily spiritual practice. The œcumenical perspective will be useful for those living in the West. This text has been in existence since the 1940s and I found a copy in my local library. Cheap paperback editions are available various Vedanta sources.

A zipped copy of Prabhupada's edition of the Narada Bhakti Sutras as a MS Word® document is available for free download from the Internet Archive.

Buddhist Sacred Texts

Byrom, Thomas (1976). (translator). Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha. New York: Bell Tower. Preface by Ram Dass.

Cleary, Thomas (1995). (translator). Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha Translated from the Original Pali. New York: Bantam Books. A very clear translation interspersed with useful comments. The Dhammapada is one of the foundational works of Buddhism and is highly recommended for the spiritual beginner.

Taoist Sacred Texts

Chan, Wing-Tsit (1963). (translator). The Way of Lao Tzu (Tao-te Ching). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. There are many very useful translations of the Tao Te-ching in print, each having their own thought provoking perspectives. I have several and this edition is probably the most general introduction to this wisdom text. This edition is complete with an academic introduction and commentary with references.

The Tao may be understood by our union with Brahman or even the awakening of Shakti within us and can be seen as an intermediary step toward union with Krishna (BG 18.54-55). Brahman represents the monist union with the Deity while union with Krishna could be understood as either monoist or dualist. The traditional Vaishnava perspective is an eternal dualistic lila with Krishna (BG 9.34). I believe that, like the 'nature versus nurture' debate in many psychological explanations for human behaviour, the answer is that both are true. Whatever way is the ultimate reality, my sweet Krishna is my wonderful end.

MacHovac, F.J. (1962). (translator). The Book of Tao. White Plains, NY: Peter Pauper Press, Inc. This was my first translation of the Tao Teh Ching, or of any mystical text outside of my childhood religion. The translator rearranged the sutras from their traditional positions to an order that seems more natural, according to content. This is a pleasant and thought-provoking version of the Tao.

Star, Jonathan (2001). (translator). Tao Te Ching, The Definitive Edition. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam. This text presents a re-ordered critical Chinese text with English translation, commentary, and an exhaustive Chinese glossary and concordance.

Other Sacred Texts

Wansbrough, Henry (1985). (editor). The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB). Garden City, NY: Doubleday & Company, Inc. This is a beautifully rendered, often poetic translation of the Bible, although the critical notes reflect a liberal academic bias. The English translation of the biblical text is recommended for a devotional study of the Christian scriptures and a "readers edition" without most of the notes is generally available.

The Holy Bible (KJV, AV, the "King James" or "Authorised Version"). Public Domain. This version is recommended for a study focused on the meaning of the original texts. It is much more of a word-for-word literal translation of the original languages. Although the language is archaic, I find it much clearer than the often muddled renderings of more modern translations. Many useful helps based on this version are still available. Most of the uncredited quotations of the Bible on this website are from the AV or are my personal adjustments of the authorised text. Other public domain versions of the English language Bible, such as the Geneva Bible, have also been consulted for this website. "Darby" refers to an extremely accurate nineteenth century literal translation from the Greek original similar to the AV by John Nelson Darby, one of the founding fathers of the "Plymouth Brethren" movement of Protestant Christianity.

The Holy Bible (ASV or the "American Standard Version" of 1901). Public Domain. This version contains the translations preferred by the American members of the Revised Version (RV) committee of 1881, based on the initial Wescott-Hort compilation of variations from the Textus Receptus (or the "Received" majority Greek Text of the New Testament). The Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1946-52 is based on newer editions of the Wescott-Hort (critical) Greek text. Some of the language chosen for use in the ASV is illuminating. The field of textual criticism is terribly convoluted and has been a contentious issue in Christianity for the past 125 years.

Peterson, Eugene H. (2003). The Message//Remix: The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress. This is a contemporary paraphrase but one in line with most conservative evangelicals. As with most dynamic translations, the text is more influenced by the translator's biases than in more literal translations; nonetheless, this is a good and thought-provoking rendering of the Bible in modern English. The work is aimed at today's youth without resorting to the slang of other paraphrases.

Meyer, Marvin W. (1984). (translator). The Secret Teachings of Jesus, Four Gnostic Gospels. New York: Vintage Books. Contains The Gospel of Thomas as well as three other gnostic texts. Good for contemplation. The (relatively) new cache of extra-biblical writings has revealed a wide range of suppressed early variations of Christianity.

Strong, James, S.T.D., LL.D. (1890). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. Public Domain. This concordance is exhaustive in its coverage of the AV biblical text; I have included this work here since every single word of the Bible has been catalogued with reference to its every occurrence in the Bible. Each occurrence of a word in the English text has also been indexed with a number referencing the Hebrew or Greek word of the original language text. Appended Hebrew and Greek dictionaries indexed with these "Strong's" numbers provide the reader ready access to the original biblical texts. Many other Christian references also use these "Strong's" numbers. A number of different reprints and editions of this monumental and useful work are now available.

The Presidency of Islamic Researches, IFTA, Call and Guidance (1410 AH). The Holy Qur-an: English Translation of the Meanings and Commentary. Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia: King Fahd Holy Qur-an Printing Complex. A beautifully printed English rendering of the Qur-an with extensive conservative notes and introductions, produced by royal decree. The text and commentary tends toward a fundamentalist perspective.

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Is Bhakti in the Bible? Read on! Sustain me with raisins, refresh me with apples; for I am sick with love. O that his left hand were under my head, and that his right hand embraced me! I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the hinds of the field, that you stir not up nor awaken love until it please. The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle, or a young stag. Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. (Song of Solomon, 2:5-11, RSV) The "Song of Solomon" is considered by many authorities to be the 'Holy of Holies' of the Bible. Regardless of doctrinal positions, such love of the Divine was surely practised by some in the ancient Israelite tradition.

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He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose.

-- Jim Elliott

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Other Texts:
I view the writings of the ecstatic poets as nearly on par as commonly received scripture. Rumi, Hafiz, Kabir, Lalla, Mirabai, Teresa of Avila, all show that the ecstatic union with God is an experience common to all the spiritual traditions of humanity. Whatever your path, you can know God in a sure and deeply personal way. Your path is your own. Follow it, using these illuminated writers as guides. In recommending Sufi and Buddhists texts, I am simply pointing to other paths that lead to spiritual growth. Ultimately, it all leads back to the One I am calling Krishna.

The works below are arranged alphabetically by author. A few of the texts listed are here for documentary purposes. These documentary texts are not recommended for general reading and this may be indicated by bold text in the comments below.

Arberry, A. J. (1968). (translator). Mystical Poems of Rumi 1; First Selection, Poems 1-200. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. This is an earlier, authoritative translation of Rumi from the Persian; often the English source for the free renderings of Barks and others.

Armstrong, Karen (2001). Buddha. NY: A Lipper/Viking Book (Penguin Group, Penguin Putnam Inc.). A general introduction for the Westerner with notes and glossary.

Armstrong, Karen (2006). Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time. NY: Atlas Books (HarperCollins Publishers). A general introduction for the Westerner with notes and glossary.

Asma, Stephen T. (1996). Buddha for Beginners. New York: Writers and Readers Publishing Inc. Designed for the college crowd as a crash course meant to grasp the basics of Buddhism.

Barks, Coleman (1992). (translator). Lalla: Naked Song. Athens, GA: Maypop Books. Lalla was an ecstatic poet who lived in medieval Kashmir. Spare and fierce in her devotion, she went naked in renunciation of the world and in love of Shiva. Her poetry applies regardless of what name you call God.

Barks, Coleman and Moyne, John (1995). (translators). The Essential Rumi. HarperSanFrancisco. Rumi was a Muslim scholar who fell in love with his teacher and then with God, becoming the most well known of the Sufi poets. Recommended.

Barks, Coleman (2003). (translator and commentator). Rumi: The Book of Love: Poems of Ecstasy and Longing. HarperSanFrancisco. This text brings some previously published poems together with newer poems, observations, and commentary--tempered by Barks' years of fame as a Rumi advocate.

Barks, Coleman and Moyne, John (2004). (translators). The Drowned Book: Ecstatic and Earthly Reflections of Bahauddin, the Father of Rumi.. HarperSanFrancisco. This is not poetry but prose renderings of observations and wisdom from the Sufi cleric.

Barks, Coleman (2007). (translator and commentator). Rumi: Bridge to the Soul, Journeys into the Music and Silence of the Heart. NY: HarperOne. This collection of poems celebrates Rumi's 800th birthday. The long introduction tells of the trip Barks and Robert Bly made to Iran in May 2006 to accept honorary doctorates from the University of Tehran.

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, The (1991). Complete Infobase of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Ver.1.0 (software). Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Archives. This is a database program indexing the complete works of Srila Prabhupada, printed or otherwise recorded. This first version, written for MS-DOS, is available as a free download from a number of sites on the internet. Contact The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust to purchase the latest (Windows GUI) version, containing diacritical marks, illustrations, and additional archival materials not included in the first version. For those not familiar with DOS, it will take some time and patience to learn how to use the program since it depends completely on keyboard inputs; however, this is well worth the effort if you desire ready access to Prabhupada's work and have limited resources. Quotes of Prabhupada used in this website not specifically noted elsewhere in this bibliography were found in this database. Check this website's Links page for the availability of this download.

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, The (1997). Chant and Be Happy, The Power of Mantra Meditation. Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This little book explains the purpose, method, and benefits of japa. Includes a one page introduction from and an interview with George Harrison, as well as a conversation that George, John Lennon and Yoko Ono had with Prabhupada. The whole of this conversation is now available as an MP3 file at some ISKCON websites.

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, The (1997). The Higher Taste, A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma-Free Diet. Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This little book offers an explanation and justification for a vegetarian diet, a simple explanation of the why and how of offering prasad to Krishna, and a number of basic recipes. Based on the teachings of Sri Prabhupada, you can obtain this little book from any ISKCON website or temple.

Bly, Robert (1995). (editor). The Soul Is Here for Its Own Joy. New York: HarperCollins. This is a collection of poems dealing with the spiritual path from a wide assortment of faith traditions, most from already published collections of others. Bly contributes by his arrangement of and introductions to the poems. This text may be helpful for those just starting out on the spiritual journey.

Bly, Robert and Hirshfield, Jane (2004). (translators). Kabir: Ecstatic Poems. Boston: Beacon Press. Kabir was born a Muslim but took an Hindu guru to learn ecstatic love of God. Later, he was regarded by the Sikhs as one of the founders of their tradition. Highly recommended.

Bly, Robert and Hirshfield, Jane (2004). (translators). Mirabai: Ecstatic Poems. Boston: Beacon Press. Generally, this text is a truly ecstatic rendering of Mirabai's poetry although there is an occasional bizarre twist to the translation.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2001). (Vreeland, Nicholas, editor). An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life. Boston: Little, Brown and Company. A helpful book about developing compassion with suggested meditations to help us do so.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (2002). (Hopkins, Jeffrey Ph.D., translator and editor). How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life. New York: Pocket Books. A practical guide to starting out on the Buddhist path.

Das, Bhagavan (1997). It's Here Now (Are You?), A Spiritual Memoir. New York: Broadway Books. This is an autobiography of an American youth who went to India and Nepal before it was cool and met Neem Karoli Baba, Anandamayi Ma, Hari Dass Baba, the great Tibetan Lamas, Ram Dass, and later, a native American shaman. He documents his relationship with Kali Ma and his life after India, including his wild, wild ride through materialism and eventual return to an effective spiritual practice. Caution: there is a great deal of sexuality wrapped up in the story-telling, but this is a tale of eventual redemption. My original reading was strictly for the biographical details; a secondary reading reveals a lot of teaching useful for Westerners has been woven into the text.

Das, Krishna (2001). Pilgrim of the Heart, Stories of Neem Karoli Baba, Hanuman, and the Devotional Tradition of India (audiotape). Boulder, CO: Sounds True. This is an audio autobiography of a master of kirtan, laced with the devotional chants that have shaped his life. This is an excellent story showing how Maharaj-ji has continued to work in the lives of his devotees.

Das, Lama Surya (1997). Awakening the Buddha Within, Eight Steps to Enlightenment. New York: Broadway Books. Written by another devotee of Maharaj-ji, Surya Das details the traditional Buddhist path to awakening. Although he writes from the perspective of going on to future lives, many these teachings are useful for spiritual growth.

Dasa, Mahatma (undated). Krishna Consciousness at Home, A Practical Guide. Los Angeles, CA: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. This is a useful beginner's booklet dealing with setting up a home altar, offering prasad, and daily practice. This publication is available from The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust or at ISKCON temples.

Dass, Ram (1971). Be Here Now. San Cristobal, NM: Lama Foundation. This is the "hippy" spiritual classic that still speaks to Western minds and hearts today--still in print and can be found at major bookstores as well as used. Also, you can order this and many other resources from the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, NM. Consult Be Here Now's bibliography for more reading recommendations. For a documentary on Ram Dass's life, please see Fierce Grace below.

Dass, Ram (1974). The Only Dance There Is. New York: Anchor Books Doubleday. This book covers a wide range of spiritual topics and can serve as an intermediary text.

Dass, Ram (1990). Journey of Awakening, A Meditator's Guidebook. New York: Bantam Books. An excellent resource for someone just beginning on the path.

Dass, Ram (1995). Miracle of Love, Stories About Neem Karoli Baba. Santa Fe, NM: Hanuman Foundation. Contains stories and personal accounts about a miracle-working saint in modern India. I never met Maharaj-ji. Before my rapture with Krishna, I offered puja to both Krishna and Maharaj-ji. After my ecstasy, I acknowledged and thanked Maharaj-ji for his intercession in my life as guru. He then gave me darshan in a dream the following night. It would be helpful to read Be Here Now before reading this book. You can order this and many other resources from the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, NM.

Dass, Ram (2003). "Ram Dass: Meditation of the Gita" (audio recording). NY: Karuna, LLC. This wonderful CD presents spoken word and chants from the Bhagavad Gita read by Ram Dass, accompanied by the talents of Steve Gorn, Diana Rogers, and others. The slower, more deliberate ennunciation resulting from Ram Dass' stroke render these readings so appropriate and beautiful!

Dass, Ram (2004). Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita. New York: Harmony Books. Written from a series of lectures given at the Naropa Institute in 1974, the book can be both insightful and practical. It assumes you have read Be Here Now, although it is not essential to benefit from this text. Now in major bookstores.

Devi, Yamuna (1987). Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking. Old Westbury, NY: Bala Books Inc. This was actually one of my earlier introductions to Krishna consciousness (as well as a used, battered copy of Prabhupada's Gita). Yamuna Devi was one of Prabhupada's early Western disciples who eventually became his personal cook and traveled around the world with him. It is full of personal stories as well as some of the best Indian recipes available. It is a massive tome and comes with an excellent general information section and a Hindi glossary. This edition is now available from another publisher and a smaller, abridged edition has also been available in the past. If you appreciate Indian food, especially if you want to cook just for Krsna, get this.

Dharwadker, Vinay (2003). Kabir: The Weaver's Songs. New Delhi: Penguin Books India Pvt Ltd. This is a collection of 100 poems by Kabir in modern English verse with an hundred pages of introduction, thorough annotation, a glossary, and bibliography. This work is recommended for a deeper understanding of this complex mystic.

Dyer, Wayne W. (2001). Dr. Wayne Dyer's Ten Secrets for Success and Inner Peace. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. A concise statement of some simple spiritual truths. Dr. Dyer's writing doesn't always "gel" for me, but this little book seems to do it.

Dyer, Wayne W. (2003). Getting in the Gap, Making Conscious Contact with God through Meditation. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. A possibly useful little book with CD focusing on using the "Ah" sound present in most names of God as mantra. Beware of using such meditation for ego enhancement or desire fulfillment.

Epstein, Mark M.D. (2005). Open to Desire, the Truth about What the Buddha Taught. NY: Gotham Books (The Penguin Group USA Inc.). This text does an excellent job in separating desire from attachment in modern life. The author traces modern discontent to the addiction the soul often has with objects and attempts to lead the reader out of this trap to a proper emphasis on being rather than doing. It is a useful text for struggling seekers attempting to flee materialism without resorting to absolute renunciation of modern life. In my own experience, once I have surrendered something to my Beloved, there is no more attachment-- it simply is.

Ergin, Nevit O. and Johnson, Will (2006). The Forbidden Rumi: The Suppressed Poems of Rumi on Love, Heresy, and Intoxication. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions. Nevit O. Ergin has completed the monumental task of translating all of the Rumi's 44,000 verses with this volume. His and Arberry's translations are usually the ones consulted as source material for the modern free-verse English renderings of Rumi. This single volume is the 'Holy of Holies' of Rumi.

Futehally, Shama (2003). In the Dark of the Heart, Songs of Meera. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press. A fine collection of Mirabai's lovesongs of Krishna, rendered more often into verse form than found in other interpreters.

G. & C. Merriam Co. (1977). Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Company.

Gach, Gary (2002). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism. Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books. Useful.

Goswami, Satsvarupa Dasa (1983). Prabhupada, He Built a House in Which the Whole World Can Live. Los Angeles: The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. A beautiful narrative on one of the great spiritual teachers of the past century. It shows the tremendous faith and devotion Prabhupada expressed in bringing Krsna consciousness to the West amid the many hardships.

Harvey, Andrew (2001). (editor). Teachings of the Hindu Mystics. Boston: Shambhala. A collection of poetry and prose from across the ages and the Hindu philosophical spectrum.

Haule, John Ryan (1999). Indecent Practices and Erotic Trance: Making Sense of Tantra. On-line at http://www.jrhaule.net/ipet.html. Written like an academic paper, this book length study examines the relationships between sexuality and spirituality. Well worth the read.

Hayes, Glen A. (1995). The Vaishnava Sahajiya Traditions of Medieval Bengal. Found in Lopez, Donald S. Jr. (1995) (ed.), Religions of India in Practice. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP. Warning: this scholarly article contains graphic language and erotic descriptions of the Sahajiya practices. Other chapters in this books maybe useful in the understanding the diversity of Indian religious practice today.

Hesse, Hermann (1971). (Rosner, Hilda, translator). Siddhartha. New York: Bantam Books. One of the West's classic introductions to Eastern thought. I have seen a newer English translation (by a different translator) available now.

Hick, John (2004). An Interpretation of Religion: Human Responses to the Transcendent (second edition). New Haven: Yale UP. Written from a Western academic perspective, Hicks has written an apologetic work that attempts to rectify the mystical experience with modern analytical philosophy and ecumenicism. The author reaches into all religious traditions.

Hoff, Benjamin (1982). The Tao of Pooh. New York: Dutton. A by-now classic of Western spirituality, it is a gentle teaching on acceptance and living in the now.

Honer, Stanley M., Hunt, Thomas C., and Okholm, Dennis L. (1996). Invitation to Philosophy, Issues and Options (Seventh Edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. This was my collegiate Philosophy text. It is a brief, concise, and logical presentation of the Western academic study of Philosophy. As I have grown in my study and appreciation of Sanatana Dharma and Buddhist Dhamma, I have increasingly appreciated understanding the underlying philosophical positions and assumptions. Although certainly not essential to Krishna bhava, it is helpful to understand the philosophical shifts behind individual growth in consciousness. This is especially important in comparing various philosophical positions. Newer editions are now in print.

Hubner, John and Gruson, Lindsey (1988). Monkey on a Stick, Murder, Madness and the Hare Krishnas. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publishers. This book is a telling of the murders and power struggles occurring after the death of the movement's founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, written by two investigative reporters. This is one of two cautionary books about ISKCON that I found in my local public library. This book contains graphic language and some erotic descriptions.

Jaxon-Bear, Eli (2004). Sudden Awakening: into Direct Realization. Novato, CA: An H.J. Kramer Book (New World Library). From many thousands of differing threads, the author weaves a tapestry of divine beauty, illustrating the history and purpose of human existence. It is a simple and succinct accomplishment. Written from a Vedanta perspective, Vaishnava dualists will have no problems reading from this wonderful exposition on enlightenment. Extremely useful for Westerners.

St. John of the Cross (2002). (Starr, Mirabai, translator). Dark Night of the Soul. New York: Riverhead Books. A modern translation of the one of the great Western spiritual classics. Please see the Links to Other Spiritual Resources on the Links page for downloadable files of other translations of this book and similar texts.

Kaplan, Aryeh (1985). Jewish Meditation, A Practical Guide. New York: Schocken Books. Kaplan was an intellectual, conservative rabbi interested in the mystical traditions of Judaism. Before his untimely death, he wrote a number of books on meditation and Jewish mysticism including Meditation and the Bible and Meditation and the Kabbalah. I found this text marginally useful but I really appreciate Kaplan's work in documenting the place of meditation within ancient Judaism.

Ladinsky, Daniel (1996). (translator). I Heard God Laughing, Renderings of Hafiz. Walnut Creek, CA: Sufism Reoriented. This is Daniel Ladinsky's first volume of Hafiz poems. This is a small and charming collection of poems and includes a biography of Hafiz (by Harry S. Mindlin) and a bibliography.

Ladinsky, Daniel (1999). (translator). The Gift: Poems by Hafiz, the Great Sufi Master. New York: Penguin Compass. Highly recommended.

Ladinsky, Daniel (2002). (translator). Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West. New York: Penguin Compass. Poems from Rumi, St. Francis of Assisi, Hafiz, Kabir, St. Teresa of Avila, Tukaram, St. Catherine of Siena, Mirabai, St. Thomas Aquinas, Rabia, Meister Eckhart, and St. John of the Cross. The selection of Mira poems are especially delicious!

Lemle, Mickey (2001). "Ram Dass: Fierce Grace" (video recording). Zeitgeist Video (DVD catalog no. Z1034, © 2003). This is a beautiful documentary on the life of Ram Dass and the effect that meeting his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, has had on Ram Dass' life and service. For additional information on this film or the filmmaker, see Lemle's website at http://www.lemlepictures.com.

Mafi, Maryam and Kolin, Azima Melita (1999). (translators). Rumi, Whispers of the Beloved. London: Thorsons. A wonderful translation of many of Rumi's ecstatic quatrains.

Miller, Barbara Soler (1977). (translator). Love Song of the Dark Lord, Jayadeva's Gitagovinda. New York: Columbia UP. One of the more erotic secular renderings into English of this classic song about Radha and Krishna. Written by an academic primarily for academics.

Milne, A. A. (1954). Winnie-the-Pooh. New York: Dutton's Children's Books. This is A. A. Milne's account of an unconventional but gifted sage.

Mukerjee, Dada (Sudhir) (2001). By His Grace, A Devotee's Story; Stories About Neem Karoli Baba. Sante Fe, NM: Hanuman Foundation. A personal telling of an old devotee's relationship with and stories about one of the great modern saints of India. You can order this and many other resources from the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, NM.

Narayan, R.K. (1972). The Ramayana. New York: Penguin Books. This is the famous novelist's retelling of Kamban's rendition of the Ramayana.

Nikhilananda, Swami (1977). (translator). The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. New York: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center. "Originally recorded in Bengali by M., a disciple of the Master." The English version was originally published in 1942 and has gone through numerous printings. I have found this book to contain an amazing number of insights from an extraordinary saint, especially relating to developing an intimate relationship with the Divine. Read substantial portions of this text on-line at http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk/namoma/kathamritam/.

Patanjali (1982). (Shearer, Alistar, translator). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. New York: Bell Tower. A concise translation and commentary on the science of yoga.

Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (undated). Temple Bhajana Book. Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. A useful booklet of chants and prayers used in devotions, particularly in ISKCON temples. Provides a few explanations and ground rules. This publication is available from The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust or at ISKCON temples.

Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1970). The Nectar of Devotion. Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. A translation and "summary study" of Sri Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, a work dealing with the qualifications for and states of differing bhavas experienced in the lives of devotees. This is a particularly useful resource in understanding the subject matter of this website. Sri Rupa Gosvami was a disciple of Sri Caitanya. Be forewarned that it is written from a Manjari perspective.

Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1994). The Science of Self-Realization. Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. This a collection of thought-provoking articles and conversations with Prabhupada culled from Back to Godhead magazine.

Prabhupada, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1996). Light of the Bhagavata. Los Angeles: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. This is a translation of a single chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam designed for presentation to the 1961 Congress on Cultivating the Human Spirit in Japan. It is beautifully illustrated in the Gongbi style and has an extensive commentary on each of the verses in the chapter, explaining much of the background philosophy behind the Vaishnava movement as espoused by Sri Prabhupada.

Ruiz, Don Miguel (1997). The Four Agreements, A Toltec Wisdom Book. San Rafael, CA: Amber-Allen Publishing. "A practical guide to personal freedom" and self-responsibility. This series of books provides useful principles for personal development.

Salzberg, Sharon (2004). Lovingkindness, The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Boston: Shambala. Recommended reading on developing lovingkindness, dealing with anger, and maintaining serenity.

Selby, John (1992). Kundalini Awakening: A Gentle Guide to Chakra Activation and Spiritual Growth. New York: Bantam Books. A useful step-by-guide guide, although I feel it is lacking in both theory and context.

Schelling, Andrew (1998). (translator). For Love of the Dark One: Songs of Mirabai (revised edition). Prescott, AZ: Hohm Press. For a single volume of Mirabai's songs, this text is heartily recommended.

Have Satsanga Live in the company of saints, Recite always the Lord's Name; Serve the saints with faith and devotion, Sing the Lord's glories; Discipline the senses; Never find fault with others; Be contented with whatever you get; Be indifferent to pleasure and pain; You will soon attain God-realisation. -- Swami Sivananda

Sivananda, Swami (2007). Pocket Spiritual Gems. Shivanandanagar, Uttaranchal: The Divine Life Society. (Rs. 25/-). A small collection of useful and thought-provoking sayings by Swami-ji. Extremely inexpensive.

Stanford, Miles J. (1983). The Complete Green Letters. Grand Rapids, MI: Clarion Classics. This text is an excellent summation of the spiritual life from the perspective held by a small minority of evangelical communities loosely known as Brethren and community Bible chapels. Written with a Christ-centred spirituality, the text covers spiritual growth from beginning faith and acceptance to identification, self-denial and, ultimately, rest in Him. This path, too, is one leading to supreme love of the divine Being. This work is highly recommended for those desiring to grow within the Christian tradition. When I first came across this text, I simply was not ready for it; many years of preparation were necessary for me to understand these truths. This book will not likely to appeal to you unless you are a student of the Christian tradition! Portions of Miles' major works are now downloadable from WithChrist.org.

Saint Teresa of Avila (2000). (Peers, E. Allison, translator). The Way of Perfection. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library Publisher. Online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/teresa/way.html. This is a manual for the nuns of the monasteries founded by Teresa. Once past the first chapter, this text is a good spiritual resource, although in an older public domain translation. This is a Christian text, focused on Jesus as the divine Spouse.

Saint Teresa of Avila (2003). (Starr, Mirabai, translator). The Interior Castle. New York: Riverhead Books. This is a modern translation that brings Teresa's classic out of the middle ages with a nonsectarian perspective. This book is a highly recommended spiritual manual. All faiths have their ecstatic traditions and Teresa of Jesus belongs to her "Jesus of Teresa." Please see the Links to Other Spiritual Resources on the Links page for downloadable files of other translations of this book and other similar texts.

Thayer, Joseph Henry, D.D. (1981). (Jay P. Greene, Sr., indexer). The New Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament with Index. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. The main portion of this text is a dictionary of New Testament Greek and this reference resides here only because reference to this book is made elsewhere on this website. Do not purchase if you are not a student of the Christian Greek Bible! This book is a modern reprint of the nineteenth century original with the Strong's Index numbers inserted into the body of the text. Using this system and a properly keyed Greek or English version will provide any amateur direct access to the Greek original.

Tolle, Eckhart (1999). The Power of Now. Novato, CA: New World Library. An excellent description of enlightenment and the steps leading to illumination. Available both in printed form as well as an audio CD set. An inexpensive softcover edition is now available.

Tolle, Eckhart (2005). A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. New York: Dutton. This is a substantial new contribution to Eckhart's body of work, (an equal to The Power of Now) dealing with letting go of ego, breaking free of the 'pain body' and the flowering of human consciousness. He closes with the statement: "A new species is arising on the planet. It is arising now, and you are it!"

Towler, Solala (2007). Tales from the Tao, The Wisdom of the Taoist Masters. London: Duncan Baird Publishers Ltd. This beautifully illustrated text provides stories that demonstrate useful and thought-provoking principles.

Tripurari, Swami B.V. (1994). Ancient Wisdom for Modern Ignorance. Eugene, OR: Clarion Call Publishing. A book of collected essays, now somewhat dated.

Tripurari, Swami B.V. (1998). Aesthetic Vedanta: The Sacred Path of Passionate Love. Eugene, OR: Mandala Publishing Group. An illumination of the classic Sanskrit poem, rasa-lila, this book "reveals the means to access the spiritual reality of India's erotic mysticism." More extensive quotes from this author as well as this book may be found in the section below on my own madhurya bhava experience. Much of the language used can be difficult and obscure.

Tripurari, Swami B.V. (2000). Form of Beauty: The Krishna Art of B.G. Sharma (with text by Swami B.V. Tripurari). San Rafael, CA: Mandala Publishing Group. This book is actually a collection of beautiful Krishna miniatures by B.G. Sharma, several of which appear throughout this website (altered for inclusion). Swami B.V. Tripurari has written an accompanying devotional text. This collection is available in small paperback editions or in larger folio volumes. Visit Mandala's website to learn more about this incredible artist and his unsurpassed devotional artwork.

Viswanathan, Ed. (1992). Am I a Hindu? The Hinduism Primer. San Francisco: Halo Books. An informational text that assumes the reader knows nothing and is in a question and answer format.

Wolfe, Frankie Avalon (2000). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Being Vegetarian (second edition). Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books. This is a trendy, useful guide for the Westerner desiring to transition to a more compassionate lifestyle. The first edition, written by Suzanne Havala (1999), an editorial advisor for Vegetarian Times magazine, is a completely different text but is extremely informative (perhaps, even more so!).

Yanoff, Morris (1981). Where is Joey? Lost Among the Hare Krishnas. Chicago: Swallow Press, Ohio UP. This book tells the story of the long drama that occurs when a twelve year-old boy is hidden from shared custody arrangements after his mother joined ISKCON. This is one of two cautionary books about ISKCON that I found in my local public library.

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Psalm 42 To him that excelleth. A Psalme to giue instruction, committed to the sonnes of Korah. [ 1] As the harte brayeth for the riuers of water, so panteth my soule after thee, O God. [ 2] My soule thirsteth for God, euen for the liuing God: when shall I come and appeare before the presence of God? [ 3] My teares haue bin my meate day & night, while they dayly say vnto me, Where is thy God? [ 4] When I remembred these things, I powred out my very heart, because I had gone with the multitude, and ledde them into the House of God with the voyce of singing, and prayse, as a multitude that keepeth a feast. [ 5] Why art thou cast downe, my soule, and vnquiet within me? waite on God: for I will yet giue him thankes for the helpe of his presence. [ 6] My God, my soule is cast downe within me, because I remember thee, from the land of Iorden, and Hermonim, and from the mount Mizar. [ 7] One deepe calleth another deepe by the noyse of thy water spoutes: all thy waues and thy floods are gone ouer me. [ 8] The Lorde will graunt his louing kindenesse in the day, and in the night shall I sing of him, euen a prayer vnto the God of my life. [ 9] I wil say vnto God, which is my rocke, Why hast thou forgotten mee? why goe I mourning, when the enemie oppresseth me? [10] My bones are cut asunder, while mine enemies reproch me, saying dayly vnto me, Where is thy God? [11] Why art thou cast downe, my soule? and why art thou disquieted within mee? waite on God: for I wil yet giue him thankes: he is my present helpe, and my God. from the Geneva Bible [public domain].

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Also recommended are the available recordings of Bhagavan Das, Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, and Ram Dass (also Ram Dass & Amazing Grace), all devotees of Sri Neeb Karori Baba. These recordings contain kirtan (sacred songs) using the names of God to reshape the heart of chanter. You can order many of these recordings and many other resources from the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Taos, NM.

A wonderful (Gaudiya) devotional album presented as a small book bound with a CD is available from Mandala Publishing entitled Bhajan, Mantras of Mercy (2002). It contains chants and songs performed by Rasa (from their Hearts of Space album Union) and includes textual contributions from Swami B. B. Tirtha and Swami B. V. Tripurari.

Quietly chanting the names of God in loving devotion (called 'japa') is the primary practice of Bhakti Yoga and will open your heart to God. Offering food to the Lord in deep loving devotion will also open your heart to Him. In all things, do with loving devotion to Him and your reality will change!

Wearing a jewel, Krishna sometimes counts the cows with a tulasi [basil] garland which bears the fragrance of a beloved. When he sings, on occasion throwing his arm around the shoulder of an affectionate friend, the does, mates of the black dear, approach and sit near him, the ocean of all qualities. They are carried away by the sound of the flute and, like the gopis, have given up their longings for their homes. O sinless one...dressed in festival attire made of garlands of jasmine, and surrounded by cows and gopas, plays [on the banks of] the Yamuna with his friends. The gentle wind, pleasant from the touch of sandalwood, blows, honouring Him. The lesser gods surround him and pay homage with music, songs and offerings. --Sri Bhagavata Purana X, 35.18-22