by Richard A. Singer
ISBN-10: 0979790808
Review by Heather Froeschl
Buddha said, “Although I showed you the means of liberation, you must know it depends on you alone.” Surely these must be the thoughts of author Richard A. Singer, Jr. regarding his latest work, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul. Singer has done it again, offering guidance, and reminding us all that enlightenment is found within.
Through 111 meditations, inspired by quotations from eastern teachers, Singer shares with the reader his understanding of the wisdom imparted. Each meditation pairs with a real life application – a how-to for you to put the principle into action. These are shared under 11 core sections, such as Our True Nature, Unity, Compassion, and Enlightenment. A few of my favorites are: Change - your greatest ally in your personal journey. “It is possible that you may be moving rather quickly, but not truly going anywhere.” Unity/Oneness – “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive,” said Gandhi. And Anger and Resentment – Buddha said, “Some people are like big children, harming others without even seeing it. Staying angry with these fools is like being mad at fire because it burns.”
Singer is not trying to preach a religion. His sharing of the eastern philosophies, such as found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, is an offering of ancient wisdom that each reader will interpret differently and in the way they are personally meant to. His use of quotes is a tool to bring home the thought behind it and have the reader connect to the principle. We all have thoughts on being mindful, change, truth, death, and simplicity. This book is an outreach to help readers to find their own truth, leave their ego behind, and be in the now.
In a twelfth chapter, Richard shares 111 thought provoking quotes so that you can continue to meditate in the fashion the book introduces to you. A final chapter outlines the popular 12 steps of recovery, but in eastern terms. We are all recovering from the thought processes that society has instilled in us. If we follow the ancient thoughts of eastern wisdom, we may just find ourselves within ourselves, and that’s a good place to be.
This easy to read and understand book is a breath of fresh air. It is a reminder of what is truly important. Singer may not wish to be the guru on the mountaintop but he is a fellow traveler and a guide, found on the beaches of the Cayman Islands. Thank the universe for his trail markings, like Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.
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