“Where am I?…How did I get here?” is more than a trite line from nineteenth century melodramas and novels. It is a query put forth by potential sages throughout the history of conscious mankind. When asked on a cosmic scale, it is bold indeed: What is this universe I keep finding myself in, and how did I get here? That is answered by esoteric Christian cosmology. In Robe of Light Abbot George Burke explores the whys and wherefores of the mystery of creation. From the emanation of the worlds from the very Being of God, to the evolution of the souls to their ultimate destiny as perfected Sons of God, the ideal progression of creation is described. Since the rebellion of Lucifer and the fall of Adam and Eve from Paradise flawed the normal plan of evolution, a restoration was necessary. How this came about is the prime subject of this insightful study. Moreover, what this means to aspirants for spiritual perfection is expounded, with a compelling knowledge of the scriptures and of the mystical traditions of East and West. About Abbot George’s writing: “As informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring”. —James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review "Abbot George is like the Emily Dickinson of modern day spiritual writers." —Reverend Gerry Nangle

Robe of Light: An Esoteric Christian Cosmology

Religion & Spirituality

(Swami Nirmalananda Giri), Abbot George Burke

New Age & Spirituality

Light of the Spirit Press

A new translation of the most important spiritual classic which India has produced. Often called the "Bible" of Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita is found in households throughout India and has been translated into every major language of the world. Literally billions of copies have been handwritten and printed. The clarity of this translation by Abbot George Burke makes for easy reading, while the rich content makes this the ideal "study" Gita. As the original Sanskrit language is so rich, often there are several accurate translations for the same word, which are noted in the text, giving the spiritual student the needed understanding of the fullness of the Gita. The Story of the Gita Several thousand years ago in north-central India, two people sat in a chariot in the midpoint of a great battlefield. One of them, the yogi Arjuna, knew that it would be not be long before the conflict would begin. So he asked Krishna, the Master of Yoga, what should be his attitude and perspective in this moment. And above all: What should he do? There was no time to spare in empty words. In a brief discourse, later turned into seven hundred Sanskrit verses by the sage Vyasa, Krishna outlined to Arjuna the way to live an entire life so as to gain perfect self-knowledge and self-mastery. The battle was ferocious and everyone lost. Only a handful remained alive. But when Vyasa wrote his epic poem, the Mahabharata, he put Krishna’s inspired words into it as a precious jewel. Instantly they were extracted, named The Song of God (Bhagavad Gita), and circulated throughout the subcontinent of India. What is the appeal of the Gita? 
<ol>
<li>It is totally practical, free of any vague or abstract philosophy.</li> <li>It is not dogmatic. At the very end Krishna says to Arjuna: “Now I have taught you that wisdom which is the secret of secrets. Ponder it carefully. Then act as you think best.” No threats, no promises, no coercion. It is all in the reader’s hands.</li> <li>The Bhagavad Gita tells us that we can attain a Knowing beyond even what it tells us. And it shows us the way.</li> </ol> For those unable to make a spiritual journey to India, a greater pilgrimage can be made by anyone anywhere in the world by simply reading The Holy Song of God, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. It will be a holy pilgrimage of mind and spirit.

The Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God

Hinduism

“The old adage is still true: All that glitters is not gold.” “Over and over people have mistaken trivial and pathological conditions for enlightenment, written books, given seminars and gained a devoted following. I have encountered quite a few myself, including people who believed they were the Divine Mother, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saint Francis of Assisi, Archangel Michael, Lucifer and assorted famous masters of the past. One called our monastery and left lengthy narratives on our answering machine about herself because, she said, she did not want to die without anyone knowing about her experiences and attainment. Another one wrote me a note that simply said: ‘I am the Goddess!’” “I have known more than one person who believed all their dreams were revelations of truth. And I have known some that continually predicted their imminent death for decades. Others told me how enlightened they were, including the one that had whiplash from ‘crashing into the divine light.’ What did they all have in common? They had an experience! Not of one of them was an intentional fraud. They believed their delusions based on their experience.” “Most of these unfortunate people were completely unreachable with reason. Yet there are those who can have an experience and realize that it really cannot be real, but a vagary of their mind. Some may not understand that on their own, but can be shown by others the truth about it. For them and those that may one day be in danger of meditation-produced delusions I have written this brief study.”  The above is from the author in the book's preface. In Dwelling in the Mirror you will learn:  different types of meditation and the experiences they produce, and the problems and delusions which can arise from them. how to get rid of negative initiation energies and mantras. what are authentic, positive meditation practices and their effects and aspects. an ancient, universal method of meditation which is both proven and effective.  “I am very grateful for this book, and for the clean, honest wisdom it dispenses, and I would eagerly suggest it to anyone who’s on a path of spiritual discovery. It was certainly not what I expected when I started reading, but by the time I reached the last page, I knew it was exactly what I needed to hear.”–Sandra Carrington-Smith, author of Housekeeping for the Soul:

Dwelling in the Mirror: A Study of Illusions Produced by Delusive Meditation and How to Be Free from Them

The unique story of Jesus, Saint Thomas his Apostle, and how the Dharma of India became part of Saint Thomas Christianity “Original Christianity” is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization. In The Christ of India Abbot George Burke presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his “Lost Years” in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists. The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity includes the following: • The Christ of India, about the Essene roots of Jesus and the early Christians; the spiritual training of Jesus; The "lost years" of Jesus, with much information never before gathered together in one place; Jesus' return to the West, and how his teachings were misunderstood; Jesus return to India after his resurrection; and much more. • The Apostle of India, about how Jesus' apostle Saint Thomas went to India, and how the Christianity which grew up in India had a totally unique character compared to elsewhere in the world; the history of Saint Thomas Christianity in India and how it was persecuted by the colonialists. • The Beliefs of Original Christianity • Special Appendix: Indian Masters Who Considered Jesus One of Them. Stories of masters who had visions of Jesus, and those who researched Jesus’ time in India, including Sri Ramakrishna, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda and others You will learn about the manuscripts which proved Jesus lived in the "East," and the efforts to suppress the news of their discovery. You will learn about the Indian Saint Thomas Christian bishop of the 18th century who taught karma and reincarnation, who later became a wonderworking saint revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike. Those who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.

The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity

Biographies & Memoirs

Historical

"Satsang with the Abbot is a must-read for the seeker of truth. Brilliantly presented."~ Sandra Carrington-Smith, award-winning author of Housekeeping for the Soul: A Practical Guide to Restoring Your Inner Sanctuary. "The scriptures contain a mixture of sand and sugar, as it were. It is extremely difficult to separate the sugar from the sand. Therefore one should learn of the essence of the scriptures from the teacher or from a sadhu." -Sri Ramakrishna Abbot George Burke has spent a lifetime helping spiritual aspirants separate the sand from the sugar. Grounded in the perspective of classic Indian thought, directly taught by such luminaries as Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Sri Anandamayi Ma, and blessed with the clarity and originality of thought that can only come from years of spiritual practice (sadhana), his answers to his inquirers' questions are unique, fresh, and authoritative. The questions in this book range from the most sublime to the most practical. "How can I attain samadhi?" "I am married with children. How can I lead a spiritual life?" "What is Self-realization?" Among these 350+ questions and answers, you will find these topics: 
<ul>
<li>karma, reincarnation, and spiritual evolution,</li>
<li>avatars, angels, devas, spirits, ghosts and demons, </li>
<li>death and the after-life, astral travel, astrology,</li>
<li>esoteric view of Jesus and Christianity, the "Lost Years," and modern yogis who saw Jesus,</li>
<li>effective meditation methods, how to deal with the mind, vegetarianism, and practical spirituality,</li>
<li>stories of Babaji, Yogananda and his disciples, Anandamayi Ma, Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples, and modern saints of India,</li>
<li>the spiritual principles (dharma) that unite the inner traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and the world's religions.</li>
</ul>In Abbot George's replies to these questions the reader will discover common sense, helpful information, and a guiding light for their journey through and beyond the forest of cliches, contradictions, and confusion of yoga, Hinduism, Christianity, and metaphysical thought. (One of the most valuable spiritual activities in East or West is satsang: a gathering of spiritual aspirants for spiritual study, discussion and inspiration. A satsang is especially beneficial when there is someone with many years of practice and experience who answers the questions asked by the aspirants.) Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is the founder and director of Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico. In his many pilgrimages to India he had the opportunity to meet some of India's greatest saints and yogis, and in the United States he also encountered various Christian saints. He is the author of numerous books on practical spiritual life.

Satsang with the Abbot: Questions and Answers about Life, Spiritual Liberty, and the Pursuit of Ultimate Happiness

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

A complete guide in the theory and practice of meditation on the mantra "Soham." 
 Why Soham Yoga Meditation?
 Meditation is the process of centering our awareness in the principle of pure consciousness which is our essential being. In this way we will never lose sight of our real identity. 
 Normally we lose awareness of our true Self through consciousness of external objects. Since we are habituated–if not actually addicted–to objective consciousness, we can use that very condition to our advantage. Rather than disperse our consciousness through objects that draw us outward, away from the source of our being, we can take an object that will have the opposite effect, present it to the mind, and reverse our consciousness. 
 Such an object must have three qualities: 
<ol>
<li> it must be something whose nature it is to turn our awareness inward and draw it into the most subtle depths of our being, </li> <li> it must be something that can continue to be perceived even in those most subtle areas of our awareness, </li> <li> it must already be present in our inmost being awaiting our discovery of it. Therefore it must be an object that can both impel and draw us, accompanying our questing consciousness inward, not being transcended when the mind and senses are gone beyond, but revealing itself as the Self. </li>
</ol>
That object is the mantra Soham. By sitting with closed eyes and letting the mind become easefully absorbed in experiencing the inner mental repetitions of Soham we thereby directly enter into the state of consciousness that is Soham, the state of consciousness that is both Brahman the Absolute and our Self. 
 "Meditation is the shortest, simplest and most efficient method of Self-realization. Experiencing the oneness between the seeker (the individual sadhaka) and the sought (Satchidananda Brahman) is the essential feature of meditation. Soham sadhana is its most potent method (practice)". —Swami Swarupananda of Pavas 
In Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self you will find a full explanation of:
<ul>
<li>What is Yoga?</li> <li>Why Soham Yoga?</li> <li>How to practice Soham Yoga meditation.</li> <li>What great teachers say about this practice, such as Ramana Maharshi, Swami Sivananda, Gajanana Maharaj, Swami Muktananda, Kabir, Sankara, and many others.</li> <li>Pointers for success in meditation</li> <li>The foundations of yoga.</li> <li>Breath and Sound in Meditation </li>
</ul>
Those who seek to practice meditation will need nothing further than this in-depth guide.

Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self: An In-Depth Guide to Effective Meditation (The Soham Yoga Collection)

Children's Books

The unique story of Jesus, Saint Thomas his Apostle, and how the Dharma of India became part of Saint Thomas Christianity\n“Original Christianity” is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization.\nIn The Christ of India Abbot George Burke presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his “Lost Years” in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists.\nThe Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity includes the following:\n• The Christ of India, about the Essene roots of Jesus and the early Christians; the spiritual training of Jesus; The "lost years" of Jesus, with much information never before gathered together in one place; Jesus' return to the West, and how his teachings were misunderstood; Jesus return to India after his resurrection; and much more.\n• The Apostle of India, about how Jesus' apostle Saint Thomas went to India, and how the Christianity which grew up in India had a totally unique character compared to elsewhere in the world; the history of Saint Thomas Christianity in India and how it was persecuted by the colonialists.\n• The Beliefs of Original Christianity\n• Special Appendix: Indian Masters Who Considered Jesus One of Them. Stories of masters who had visions of Jesus, and those who researched Jesus’ time in India, including Sri Ramakrishna, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda and others\nYou will learn about the manuscripts which proved Jesus lived in the "East," and the efforts to suppress the news of their discovery.\nYou will learn about the Indian Saint Thomas Christian bishop of the 18th century who taught karma and reincarnation, who later became a wonderworking saint revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike.\nThose who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.

Bringing a refreshing and timely perspective to ancient wisdom and showing seekers of inner peace how they can effectively lead a spiritual life in the modern world, The Dhammapada for Awakening: A Commentary on the Buddha’s Practical Wisdom by Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is the first of a series of new books from Light of the Spirit Monastery in Cedar Crest, New Mexico. The Dhammapada for Awakening explores the Buddha's answers to the urgent questions, such as “How can I find find lasting peace, happiness and fulfillment that seems so elusive?” and “What can I do to avoid many of the miseries big and small that afflict all of us?”. Drawing on the proven wisdom of different ancient traditions, and the contemporary masters of spiritual life, as well as his own studies and first-hand knowledge of the mystical traditions of East and West, to Abbot George illumines the practical wisdom of Buddha in the Dhammapada – and more importantly, and make thatmakes that teaching relevant to present day spiritual seekers. The Dhammapada is the first collection of Gautama Buddha’s practical teachings for those seeking Nirvana, compiled only three months after his passing away by his enlightened disciples, who named it Dhammapada: The Way of Dharma. It is a distillation of forty-five years of the Buddha’s teaching. Abbot George says of the Dhammapada, “Over and over in the teachings of Buddha we find that he is giving us only that which can be applied in our daily lives in order to fit ourselves for freedom from all that binds us.” In The Dhammapada for Awakening you will learn: • An esoteric understanding of the mind and how to deal with it. • How we create our destinies by our thoughts and actions, and how we can use that knowledge to shape a better present and future for ourselves. • What are the obstacles to reaching our full potential, and how we can avoid them. Whether a person is Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, simply spiritual, or merely discontent with the status quo of their lives, the universal spiritual principles in The Dhammapada for Awakening will prove helpful in empowering seekers to tread the path to Freedom, that they may become finders.

The Dhammapada for Awakening: A Commentary on Buddha's Practical Wisdom

Buddhism

"From the very beginning there were two Christianities." While the rest of the Apostles dispersed to various areas of the Mediterranean world, the apostle Thomas travelled to India, where growing evidence shows that Jesus spent his “Lost Years,” and which had been the source of the wisdom which he had brought to the “West.” In The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening, Abbot George shines the “Light of the East” on the sometimes enigmatic sayings of Jesus recorded by his apostle Saint Thomas, revealing their unique and rich practical nature for modern day seekers for spiritual life. Below is a sample commentary on one of the verses of the Gospel of Thomas: Ending Duality Jesus said, When you make the two one, you will become the sons of man, and when you say, ‘Mountain, move away,’ it will move away. (106) Making the two one Unity is always the state of everything: duality is only part of the dream aspect of relative existence, of creation. So what Jesus is saying is that we must dispel the illusion of duality–banish it from our mind–not by intellectual affirmation or any thought process but by entering into the state of Oneness though meditational experience, through prolonged practice of yoga. This is possible because unity lies at the very heart of our existence; it is our eternal nature. Becoming the Sons of Man Jesus often referred to himself as Son of Man, and the expression occurs over eighty times in the four Gospels. It appears even more times than that in the Old Testament where it is used by God and angels to address prophets and others that are being taught by direct revelation. So just as Jesus is not the Christ, but rather a Christ, in the way he was a Son of Man in the sense that all human beings are destined to be just the same as he. Sons of Man and Sons of God are really the same thing, which is reasonable considering that man and God are one. That being so, these words of Saint Paul are very significant for us: “The earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.… Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:19, 21, 22). Creation itself is the great womb of God in which all sentient being are gestating (evolving) unto the point of delivery (birth) into the Infinite Consciousness as liberated Sons of God. Moving the mountain The mountain will move when the Sons of God tell it to, because they are one with the mountain. In this verse, as well as in similar ones in the Bible, a mountain is any obstacle to spiritual life and progress. It is literal, too, because I have seen Dur Mountain in Cairo which moved several miles at the command of a Coptic Orthodox saint, a simple shoemaker. (After it had moved some miles he called out: “Dur!” which means “Stop!” So it is called Dur Mountain.) Anyone can see from the strata of the mountain that it is sitting in a place not native to it. If you go to its point of origin you see that the strata fit perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. No geologist can honestly deny the fact that the mountain is now sitting miles from its original location. The vistas opened to us by Jesus have no boundaries except those we set ourselves.

The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening: A Commentary on Jesus’ Sayings as Recorded by the Apostle Thomas

Christian Books & Bibles

A growing number of people are open to the subject of past lives, and the belief in rebirth—reincarnation, metemphsychosis, or transmigration—is becoming commonplace. But it often thought that belief in reincarnation and Christianity are incompatible. But is this really true? May a Christian believe in reincarnation? The answer may surprise you. Reincarnation–also known as the transmigration of souls–is not just some exotic idea of non-Christian mysticism. Nor is it an exclusively Hindu-Buddhist teaching. In orthodox Jewish and early Christian writings, as well as the Holy Scriptures, we find reincarnation as a fully developed belief, although today it is commonly ignored. But from the beginning it has been an integral part of Orthodox Judaism, and therefore as Orthodox Jews, Jesus and his Apostles would have believed in rebirth. This historical study of reincarnation in both Judaism and Christianity cites many authorities of both traditions, including many Christian saints and Fathers of the Church, as well as both Old and New Testaments. In our opinion the testimony of orthodox Judaism, ancient Christianity, and the Bible is sufficient to answer the question: May a Christian believe in reincarnation? Included in this second edition is Annie Besant’s article on various scientific, moral, and historical aspects of reincarnation from a Christian perspective.

May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?

Besant, Annie

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by (Swami Nirmalananda Giri), Abbot George Burke. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by (Swami Nirmalananda Giri), Abbot George Burke

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by (Swami Nirmalananda Giri), Abbot George Burke. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Robe of Light: An Esoteric Christian Cosmology

The Bhagavad Gita - The Song of God

Dwelling in the Mirror: A Study of Illusions Produced by Delusive Meditation and How to Be Free from Them

The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity

Satsang with the Abbot: Questions and Answers about Life, Spiritual Liberty, and the Pursuit of Ultimate Happiness

Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self: An In-Depth Guide to Effective Meditation (The Soham Yoga Collection)

The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity

The Dhammapada for Awakening: A Commentary on Buddha's Practical Wisdom

The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening: A Commentary on Jesus’ Sayings as Recorded by the Apostle Thomas

May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?