Mantras: Words of Power Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Mantras: Words of Power
Book Review: five stars for the songs of stars
Summary: 5 Stars
The word mantra has turned into somewhat of a catchphrase these days, thrown around without little knowledge the life behind the "Om" I now see advertising everything from soft drinks to imported furniture. In Mantras: Words of Power, Swami Radha explores sacred history and living reality of mantra practice. Mantras have the power to heal, protect, liberate, and ultimately bring the mind to state of consciousness where it can connect with the Divine. Too often in the city I find I have the dangerous tendency to think of yoga as something that I fit in between appointments and errands. Swami Radha reminds me yoga can be lived in every moment of my life and that Mantra practice -- whether it be in a temple or on the subway -- helps to discipline the emotions, focus the mind and work towards the evolution of my soul. "Mantra is the Song of Star," she writes, "and will transport you to that Star." Reading this book reinforced my belief in those songs of stars.
I appreciated Swami Radha's personal and feminine approach to mantra practice. She speaks from experience and integrates practical advice with memories of her own discipline and doubts when studying with her guru, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. She narrates the struggles she faced in mantra practice. At some point, she says, the mind will inevitably begin to ask questions like: "Why am I doing this? Where is this taking me? Why does this bore me? Wouldn't I be better off reading or doing charitable acts?" The real power of Mantras lies in their ability to connect us with the small still voice inside, to the greater Self. In the end that inner voice will be our greatest encouragement. Her words, images, poems, prayers and music nourish practice.
Everything I read by Swami Radha only reinforces my enthusiasm for yoga. "Mantras," she writes, "are like music. They embody both the audible experience and the subtle sound that carries the meaning." Swami Radha reminds me that yoga is more than a physical practice, a routine, or something I fit in between appointments and errands. Yoga, like music, can flow through all hours and places with harmony, tempo and rhythm, bringing with it the subtle connections and sounds that carry the meaning.
Book Review: Great book on practicing mantras, but ...
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a great book with thorough instructins on working with mantras. The only issue I had relates to gurus, which these books suggests one should have - though for those who really feel that they must have one, there are at least some decent admonishions in choosing one wisely. Just because one poses as a guru, doesn't necessarily make him neither an enlightened individual, nor someone who has your best interests at heart - so do watch out. I also think it best that one should follow one's inner wisdom and inner guidance.
The focus of this book is more on the details related to the practice, rather than the diveristy of mantras. Several mantras are provided, together with interesting stories relating to the experiences of the author and others who have used them.
Book Review: Befriending Mantra
Summary: 5 Stars
Mantra is "a precise combination of sacred syllables" that can help you to concentrate, control and express your emotions, and refine them into true feelings such as consideration, love and devotion. Ultimately, mantra chanting will lead to Self-realization.This book is written by Swami Radha, a highly respected female spiritual leader, who knows the subject intimately from her personal experience. She gives clear and detailed instructions on how to use mantra in your daily life. It is a beautiful book filled wth images, musical notations, poetry and prayer. Included are personal accounts of people who have incorporated this practice into their lives. Also included are inspired words on the guru-disciple relationship from Swami Radha's guru, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India.
If you are interested in mantra and its practical application then this is the book to get. You won't be misled.
Also available are CD's with Swami Radha chanting specific individual mantras such as Hari Om and Om Namah Sivaya. I've used mantra for 18 years, and as far as I'm concerned it's the best friend a person could have!
Book Review: Mantras Words of Power
Summary: 5 Stars
Easy to read and inspiring . A detailed practical guide for chanting mantras to help people with their development. The benefits of mantra chanting are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Examples of those benefits are illustrated in personal stories told by the author and her students. A connection is made between mantra and hatha yoga - if a mantra is chanted during a hatha yoga pose one can penetrate the deeper levels of the pose and experience its mystical meaning.Book Review: A MUST read for any one who seeks to know the Mantra.
Summary: 5 Stars
Swami Radha has brought the ancient wisdom tought to her by her Guru from Rishikish and made this wisdom accessible to the western mind. She shows us how it works within the context of the western experience and she is constantly encouraging us to know from our own explorations of the Mantra. She is indeed a very powerful and enlightened writer who by example shows us the power of speech and the power of the ancient chants.