Two little spiritual gems (Book Review)

Title: Practical Spirituality for Enriched Living: Author: Shri Nimishananda; Publisher: Satsangh Publications (Bangalore); Pages: 231; Price: Rs.225

Title: Chakras for Starters; Author: Savitri Simpson; Publisher: Anada Sangha Publications; Pages: 127; Prices: Rs.150

Both these easy-to-read books are for those who are on the spiritual path or want to embrace spirituality. In 46 chapters of two to three pages each, Shri Nimishananda dwells on ways to lead a balanced spiritual life in tune with nature. He writes on karmic debts, the spiritual code of conduct, and the inner enemies humans must guard against including lust, anger, attachment, greed, pride and jealousy. In what is by now globally accepted as truth, he underlines that meditation not only brings peace, contentment and happiness but also increases one's mental horizons. The book has simple tips on how meditation, prayers, watering the plants and feeding birds and animals help us to connect with divine energy. Just 20 minutes of daily meditation can do wonders.

Savitri Simpson demystifies the 'chakras' - which form part of our spiritual anatomy and are the vortices of energy located along the central axis of our bodies. The book offers guided mediation and exercises for each chakra. Our sages have identified that when the charkas are out of balance, they become the root cause for various diseases. Understanding and awakening the charkas can result in immense benefits including calmness, will power, inner peace, self control and, above all, spiritual transformation.

(M.R. Narayan Swamy can be reached on narayan.swamy@ians.in)