Essential Books and Recommended Reading
Spiritual
Welcome to my spiritual collection. On this page you will find links to books I recommend, which you can purchase directly from Fishpond online bookstore in New Zealand and Australia, or from Amazon in North America.
Madame Blavatsky is the godmother of modern spiritual teachings in the west. While eastern spiritual traditions extend back many thousands of years, the west effectively lived in the spiritual dark ages until the late 1800's, with only a few exceptions. Blavatsky became the inspiration for Alice Bailey and the school of Theosophy and many others, resulting in what many today would call the New Age movement.
Secret Doctrine: A Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy
Walter Russell had an extended white light experience, during which the workings of the universe were shown to him, and which he spent the rest of his life recording. This book gives an introduction to many of his revelations.
The Man Who Tapped the Secrets of the Universe
Jesus grew up among the Essenes and later spent much time teaching them. Many of these "lost" teachings surfaced among the Dead Sea Scrolls and are still relevant today.
The Teachings of the Essenes from Enoch to the Dead Sea Scrolls
Swedenborg was an 18th century theologian, regarded as “The Aristotle of the North”, who wrote extensively (more than 50 heavy volumes) in Latin on the hidden meaning of many biblical references and principles. Swedenborg had a number of visions (which he felt were direct experiences) of the realms of heaven and hell and the cosmos, wherein he was taken by angels on a “circular tour” after a spiritual crisis in his 50’s. This biography summarises many of Swedenborg’s theological, scientific, and philosophical works.
George Trobridge - Swedenborg: Life and Teaching 1938
It took me 8 years to find this book again, having been drawn to it in a church library at a Body Electronics Instructors Seminar I co-taught with Dr Doug Morrison in Pennsylvania in 2001.
William S Sadler - The Physiology of Faith and Fear or the Mind in Health and Disease
This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read! Ah, but I must confess, I actually listened through the audio book (which you can see below), rather than reading, as such. Nonetheless, Autobiography of a Yogi is the quintessential Eastern spiritual text written for Western eyes (and ears). It recounts Yogananda's life in India, where he met many great Masters, before moving to America in the 1930's to bring wisdom to a country in dire need. Some might ask how such a spiritual masterpiece could come from America of all places, icon of all things "Western", but this is precisely the point - the greatest Light goes where it is needed most and can do most good. That's us, folks.
Paramahansa Yogananda - Autobiography of a Yogi
This is one of the most inspirational books I have ever read! Ah, but I must confess, I actually listened through the audio book (which you can see below), rather than reading, as such. Nonetheless, Autobiography of a Yogi is the quintessential Eastern spiritual text written for Western eyes (and ears). It recounts Yogananda's life in India, where he met many great Masters, before moving to America in the 1930's to bring wisdom to a country in dire need. Some might ask how such a spiritual masterpiece could come from America of all places, icon of all things "Western", but this is precisely the point - the greatest Light goes where it is needed most and can do most good. That's us, folks.
Sri Yukteswar was Yogananda's guru. This is the only book he wrote (that I'm aware of). It's short and very profound, especially for those who have an interest in Indian wisdom.
As indicated above, this is the audio book, covering 15 CDs, convincingly brought to life by the voice of Sir Ben Kingsley (who you may remember for his award-winning film portrayal of Gandhi).
Paramahansa Yogananda - Autobiography of a Yogi
Sri Yukteswar was Yogananda's guru. This is the only book he wrote (that I'm aware of). It's short and very profound, especially for those who have an interest in Indian wisdom.
Swami Sri Yukteswar - Holy Science
Krishnamurti was just a teenager when he wrote this, but in reading it he seems to be a wise old sage (which, of course, is what his followers believed he was, in reincarnated form). Having spent years pondering the depths of Dr Ray's writings, many of his elusive statements became suddenly clear to me after reading At the Feet of the Master. I mark this one essential for those who are interested in the principles of Body Electronics.
Krishnamurti - At the Feet of the Master
Krishnamurti was just a teenager when he wrote this, but in reading it he seems to be a wise old sage (which, of course, is what his followers believed he was, in reincarnated form). Having spent years pondering the depths of Dr Ray's writings, many of his elusive statements became suddenly clear to me after reading At the Feet of the Master. I mark this one essential for those who are interested in the principles of Body Electronics.
To be honest, while I find this is still an insightful book, for me it lacks the brilliant simplicity and clarity of the earlier At the Feet of the Master, which is so inspired as to be a pretty tough act to follow.
Krishnamurti - Think on These Things
Another Rudolf Steiner contribution. I've included this one more for the hardcore Anthroposophy students.
Rudolf Steiner - Social and Political Science: An Introductory Reader (Pocket Library of Spiritual Wisdom)
What a humbling experience, reading this gem. Bach was a very successful Harley Street doctor who chucked it all in to find deeper levels of helping people with the Bach Flower Remedies, as they later became known. This book reveals his remarkable insights and spiritual nature that we can all learn from. You may never use Bach Flower Remedies, but you have to read this book.
Edward Bach - Heal Thyself: Explanation of the Real Cause and Cure of Disease
What a humbling experience, reading this gem. Bach was a very successful Harley Street doctor who chucked it all in to find deeper levels of helping people with the Bach Flower Remedies, as they later became known. This book reveals his remarkable insights and spiritual nature that we can all learn from. You may never use Bach Flower Remedies, but you have to read this book.
Great value - "The 12 Healers" (on Bach Flower Remedies, one of my most frequently used reference books) AND Heal Thyself. A great combination.
The 12 Healers lists Bach's original 12 remedies as well as the full list of 38 he eventually settled on that he claimed were sufficient to treat every emotional condition.
Return to the main Essential Books pages to browse more recommended reading for natural health and Body Electronics.
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