2020/03/03

알라딘: 여신을 찾아서



알라딘: 여신을 찾아서



5 hrs

I have just finished the book ( in korean) i received from its author last autumn when i was visiting korea. I sent by ship all books i received and bought then and the box arrived jyst now after 3 months as the post office told me. The title of the book is "in search of goddess". The author visited greece, and italy and different regions of korea with an international group of women scholars and laywomen in search of the trace of goddess, which the history has lost its track.
I am writing a kind of book review on the part that resonated in me to send it to my brother who is doing "healing work" ( called "art of living") in korea, since this book is about the need of healing for Korean women. In the second part of the review, i raise a question: why searching for goddess?
I don't know if i will succed to put the second part in the same posting. My knowkege of facebook management is very elementary!


My Book review contined in the form of message sent to my brother and his wife. (1)
Hi y, m
I am reading at the moment the book book given to me (finally arrived by ship one week ago) last autumn when i was in seoul. "In search of godess" ( in korean) .
여신을 찾아서, 김신명숙. I told you about her and her group called " goddess group".
When you have time, it is worthwhile reading it, particularly the chapter on the author's relationship with her mother, in the context of korean women's suffering and self erasing attitude and women's frustration transmitted through generations, resulting from korean patriarchal system( but also in the west).
Listening to what she (and many korean women say, expressed verbally or non verbally), you can underatand deep damages done to korean women and the healing needed.
The first step to healing, in my view, is mindful listening (inducing to let them express what they have felt) and to assure them their true worth, as the author of the book develops and conclude at the end (p.551-563, 치유와 변화의 길 - the road of healing and change).
I think your work with your group is doing this, but if you acknowledge specifically women' s suffering history, it will help women participants to become aware of their story ( herstory).
I will photocopy two chapers mentioned above and send you.
5 hrs

I have just finished the book ( in korean) i received from its author last autumn when i was visiting korea. I sent by ship all books i received and bought then and the box arrived jyst now after 3 months as the post office told me. The title of the book is "in search of goddess". The author visited greece, and italy and different regions of korea with an international group of women scholars and laywomen in search of the trace of goddess, which the history has lost its track.
I am writing a kind of book review on the part that resonated in me to send it to my brother who is doing "healing work" ( called "art of living") in korea, since this book is about the need of healing for Korean women. In the second part of the review, i raise a question: why searching for goddess?
I don't know if i will succed to put the second part in the same posting. My knowkege of facebook management is very elementary!
My Book review contined in the form of message sent to my brother and his wife. (1)
Hi yujin, marsha
I am reading at the moment the book book given to me (finally arrived by ship one week ago) last autumn when i was in seoul. "In search of godess" ( in korean) .
여신을 찾아서, 김신명숙. I told you about her and her group called " goddess group".
When you have time, it is worthwhile reading it, particularly the chapter on the author's relationship with her mother, in the context of korean women's suffering and self erasing attitude and women's frustration transmitted through generations, resulting from korean patriarchal system( but also in the west).
Listening to what she (and many korean women say, expressed verbally or non verbally), you can underatand deep damages done to korean women and the healing needed.
The first step to healing, in my view, is mindful listening (inducing to let them express what they have felt) and to assure them their true worth, as the author of the book develops and conclude at the end (p.551-563, 치유와 변화의 길 - the road of healing and change).
I think your work with your group is doing this, but if you acknowledge specifically women' s suffering history, it will help women participants to become aware of their story ( herstory).
I will photocopy two chapers mentioned above and send you.

여신을 찾아서
김신명숙 (지은이)판미동2018-05-10


































8.6100자평(1)리뷰(10)

592쪽
140*210mm
715g

책소개
페미니스트이자 언론인으로 잘 알려진 저자가 10년간 국내외 다양한 여신을 찾아 나선 이야기를 담은 『여신을 찾아서』가 출간되었다. 『나쁜 여자가 성공한다』, 『김신명숙의 선택』 등의 베스트셀러를 쓰고 기자·방송진행자, 페미니즘 저널 《이프》 편집인 등으로 활발히 활동했던 저자는 운명처럼 ‘여신’을 만났다. 이 책에는 저자가 그리스의 크레타 섬 여신순례를 비롯해 제주도·지리산·경주 등 전국 각지를 돌아다니며 10년간 국내외 다양한 여신문화를 답사했던 이야기가 담겨 있다.

저자는 모든 생명을 낳아서 품고 길러 온 생명력 자체가 여신이라고 말하며, 가부장제적 역사와 문화 아래 잊혔거나 억압된 여신문화를 새롭게 풀어냈다. 현대인들에게 낯설게 느껴지는 ‘여신’이 오늘날까지도 곳곳에 생생히 남아 있다는 사실, 여성의 내면·삶·공동체 안에서 치유와 변화의 힘을 이끌어 내는 페미니즘이 있다는 사실은 많은 독자들의 삶에 심정적 지지와 흔들리지 않는 이론적 토대가 되어 줄 것이다.


목차


순례를 떠나기에 앞서| 여신영성과 여신문화
여는 글| 동굴의 입구에서

1부 크레타에서

1. 삶의 고개를 넘을 때 여신은 손을 내민다
2. 여신은 우리의 고통을 함께한다
3. 크노소스에는 지배, 차별, 전쟁이 없었다
4. 여신은 산, 물, 나무, 뱀, 새, 벌, 돌… 자연이다
5. 태어나라, 자라라, 죽어도 다시 태어난다
6. 여신은 변신의 신비이자 창조력이다
7. 여신은 위대하고 신성한 어머니다
8. 군대보다 사랑이 더 멋지다
9. 여신은 근원의 고향이다

2부 내 나라 내 땅에서

10. 제주의 여신들은 지금도 살아 있다.
11. 어머니에서 딸로 이어진 제주의 뱀 여신
12. 꽃을 피우는 큰 어머니가 되어라
13. 서해바다에 사는 여덟 딸의 어머니
14. 지리산에는 하늘의 여왕이 산다
15. 고인돌에 사는 태초의 어머니
16. 왕권을 보증했던 여신들
17. 신성한 여근: 하늘과 땅의 뿌리
18. 첨성대는 반추상 여신상이다
19. 남산의 춤추는 여신: 상서로운 나선
20. 가야왕실의 시조신: 거북과 암소
21. 그 시절엔 인간세상이 태평했다

다시 여는 글| 여신서클: 여신은 어디에나 있다
후주
참고자료와 참고문헌
사진 출처
접기


책속에서


첫문장
지난 25년간 이끌어 온 크레타 여신순례가 한국에 여신 영성을 소개하는 책으로 이어졌다는 사실을 알고 기뻤습니다. 이 책의 1부는 순례에 참가했던 김신명숙 씨가 쓴 기록입니다.




P. 12~13 모든 사람은 여성의 몸에서 탄생한다. 이 엄연한 사실에 여신의 뿌리가 있다.

여신은 모든 이분법적 구분을 뛰어넘어 전체를 감싸며, 뭇 생명과 존재들의 상호연결성과 상호의존성을 드러낸다. 남성 또한 여신의 일부다. 아들도 어머니의 몸에서 태어나 그녀의 젖을 먹고 자란다. 그들의 심리를 형성하는 원초적 토대도 어머니다. 여신은 여성과 남성뿐 아니라 세상의 모든 다양한 성들도 낳고 품는 통합적 모성이자 여성성이다. 접기
P. 31~32 오늘날 여신이 낯선 수수께끼로 남은 것은 불교와 유교가 한국사회를 지배해 온 결과다. 음사(淫祀)로 몰리고 미신으로 배척당하면서 우리 여신들은 힘을 잃고 달빛 아래로 숨어야 했다. 그러나 그녀들은 그럼에도 불구하고 이 땅 곳곳에 낮은 포복으로 살아 있었다. 수많은 민초들이 자신의 고단한 삶을 집 앞의 산 할미, 물 할미, 돌 할미들에 의지해 왔기 때문이다. 그녀들의 풍요로운 생명력과 신통한 치유력, 보호와 축복 없이 그들의 삶은 유지될 수 없었다. 접기
P. 205 늙어서도 행복한 엄마라면 얼마나 좋을까?

그러나 이 사회에서 대부분 어머니들의 내면은 늙어갈수록 무력해지면서 뒤틀린다. 사랑으로 키워준 어머니의 이런 노년을 대면해야 하는 딸들은 고통스럽다. 자신도 어머니가 된 딸이라면 그 심정은 더 복잡해진다. 늙은 어머니와 딸의 관계는 찢기고 다시 만났다가 다시 찢겨나간다. 강하고 지혜로운 엄마, 언제든 기꺼이 찾아가 조언과 위로를 구할 수 있는 엄마는 어디에 있는가? 불가능한 꿈일까? 접기
P. 442 우선 눈길이 간 것은 첨성대가 우물이라는 인식이었다. 학계뿐 아니라 대중적으로도 가장 인정받는 견해다. 첨성대 맨 위에는 우물 정(井)자 돌이 2단으로 얹혀 있다. 중간 몸체에도 두 곳에 정자형 장대석이 걸쳐져 있다. 첨성대는 온몸으로 자신이 우물임을 알리고 있는 것이다. 그런데 우물은 샘이나 연못과 함께 세계적으로 여신의 성소였고 임신·출산과 긴밀히 관련되어 있었다. 때문에 혁거세는 나정, 알영은 알영정에서 태어난 것이다. 게다가 첨성대는 최초의 여왕인 선덕여왕 때 지어졌다. 이 두 정보는 첨성대의 정체가 ‘여성’을 키워드로 할 가능성을 강력히 시사한다. 접기
P. 556 기적 또한 멀리 있지 않다. 힘없이 늘어져 있던 거실의 화초가 물을 먹고 다시 생생해지는 것, 바로 그것이 기적이다. 해월의 가르침대로 어느 것 하나 신성하지 않은 것이 없고, 일상의 작은 일들 또한 하늘을 모시는 행위다. 가족을 떠난 수행처도 때로 필요하지만 가족과 함께 하는 일상도 성스러운 것이다.

이제야 알겠다. 하찮은 일로 무시당해 온 여성의 일, 그 숱한 보살핌의 행위들, 밥해서 먹이고 씻기고 아플 때 돌보고 텃밭을 가꾸는 일들이 얼마나 신성하고 가치 있는 일인지를. 왜 이제는 남성들도 그 일을 배워야 하는지를. 접기


추천글

김신명숙의 『여신을 찾아서』는 한국여신 연구에 이정표를 세운 ‘여성사적(Her-Storical)’ 작품이다. 하늘 아래 새것이 없다 하지만 이 책은 반짝이는 오리지널리티로 가득하다. 지금 대한민국과 세계에서 일어나는 남성들의 폭력에 대한 여성들의 고발운동, ‘Me Too’는 고대 여신들의 힘이 다시 돌아오는 징표로 보인다. 지배와 종속, 폭력에 근거한 가부장적 문명은 보살핌과 돌봄, 자비에 근거한 여신 문명에 의해 치유되고 고쳐져야 한다. 신화적인 차원에서의 남성 신들은 역사적인 현실 속에서 남성지배를 정당화했다. 지고의 진선미가, 최상의 깨달음과 자유와 구원이 남성 신으로만 표현될 때, 여성들은 자기의 가장 깊은 존재에 깃들여 있는 영혼의 힘조차 잃게 된다. 여성들은 완전히 온전해지고, 최고의 자신이 될 가능성을 실현하기 위해서도 여신을 필요로 한다. 이 책을 통해 한국의 많은 사람들이 ‘신성한 여성성(Divine Feminine)’을 회복하고 가장 자기다운 생명력이 뿜어 나오는 풍성한 삶을 살기를 기원한다. 21세기는 ‘남성적 깨달음(Enlightenment)’이 ‘여성적 현묘함(Endarkenment)’과 한몸이 되면서 분리와 분열을 넘어 통합과 합일의 문명을 열어갈 것이다. 아픔과 고통의 ‘Me Too’가 나도 여신이라는 자기실현, 자기 초월의 ‘Me Too’로 변화될 그날을 꿈꾸며 나는 이 책이 우리에게 아름다운 안내자가 되어 줄 것이라 확신한다. 진정한 자신이 누구인지, 나는 이 세상에 왜 왔는지, 어떻게 사는 것이 의미 있는 것인지 존재의 목적에 목말라하는 모든 분들게 이 책은 ‘영혼의 묘약’이 될 것이다. 여신과의 만남에 모든 답이 있다.
- 현경 (뉴욕 유니언 신학대학원 교수, 세계평화위원회 자문위원)

강물처럼 자연스럽게 흐르는 문장을 따라가면서 분명 느낄 수 있었다. 여신은 살아 있다. 지금 우리와 함께 살아 숨 쉬고 있다. 샘이 되었다가 바다가 되기도 하고, 나무가 되었다가 숲이 되기도 하며 장작이 되었다가 불이 되어 나를 따스하게 매만져 준다. 사람은 혼자서 살아갈 수 없다. 나의 내면에서 바람처럼 나를 다독이는 여신의 힘, 사랑하는 사람이 나에게 전해 주는 여신의 힘. 우리가 함께 만나는 순간순간이 서로에게 여신이 된다. ‘일상의 행복’이란 함께 사는 삶에서 우러나온다는 깨달음이 모두에게 필요하다. 여신을 찾아 저 멀리 크레타에서 시작된 여행길이 자연스레 제주를 지나고 서해바다를 헤엄쳐 지리산을 오른다. 아, 나도 떠나고 싶다. 경주 남산의 여신처럼 춤을 추며 ‘삶의 고개’를 넘실대고만 싶다.
- 은하선 (섹스 칼럼니스트, 《이기적 섹스》 저자)

지난 25년간 이끌어 온 크레타 여신순례가 한국에 여신 영성을 소개하는 책으로 이어졌다는 사실을 알고 기뻤습니다. (…) 김신명숙 씨가 얘기하듯, 선사시대 여신의 발견은 학문적 추구에 그치는 게 아닙니다. 가부장제적 문화와 종교에서 자라난 여성들에게 신이 여자였다는 사실의 발견은 심대하게 삶을 변혁시킬 수 있는 일입니다.
- 캐롤 크리스트 (여신운동의 대모, 미국 아리아드네 연구소 대표)


이 책을 추천한 다른 분들 :
동아일보
- 동아일보 2018년 5월 19일자 '새로 나왔어요'
한겨레 신문
- 한겨레 신문 2018년 5월 18일자 '출판 새책'



저자 및 역자소개
김신명숙 (지은이)
저자파일
최고의 작품 투표
신간알림 신청

가부장제 문화를 극복하기 위해서는 여성적 신성이 되살아나야 한다는 신념으로 여신학)Goddess Stdies)분야를 홀로 개척하고 있는 연구자이자 대학강사. 2013년 국내 최초의 여신학 분야 박사논문을 썼다. 이후 여성적 신성의 관점에서 한국 여성관음의 역사를 추적해 이 책을 출간하게 됐다.
2018년 5월 출간한 『여신을 찾아서』(판미동)를 통해 여신의 역사, 여신문화, 여신순례 등을 한국사회에 소개했다. 과거 강력했던 한국여신의 역사를 회복하는 일을 생의 과업으로 삼고 있다. 여신이 신앙의 중심에 있었을 때 여성 역시 존중... 더보기


최근작 : <여성관음의 탄생>,<여신을 찾아서>,<그 삶이 내게 왔다> … 총 6종 (모두보기)


출판사 소개
판미동
도서 모두보기
신간알림 신청


최근작 : <닥터 도티의 삶을 바꾸는 마술가게 (리커버 특별판)>,<오늘 일은 끝!>,<케톤하는 몸>등 총 74종
대표분야 : 심리학/정신분석학 17위 (브랜드 지수 52,560점), 정리/심플라이프 19위 (브랜드 지수 2,212점)





출판사 제공 책소개



선사시대 여신의 발견은 학문적 추구에 그치는 게 아닙니다. 가부장제적 문화와 종교에서 자라난 여성들에게 신이 여자였다는 사실의 발견은 심대하게 삶을 변혁시킬 수 있는 일입니다.
- 캐롤 크리스트 (여신운동의 대모, 미국 아리아드네 연구소 대표)

아픔과 고통의 ‘Me Too’가 나도 여신이라는 자기실현, 자기 초월의 ‘Me Too’로 변화될 그날을 꿈꾸며 나는 이 책이 우리에게 아름다운 안내자가 되어 줄 것이라 확신한다. (…) 여신과의 만남에 모든 답이 있다.
- 현경 (살림이스트 라이프코치, 뉴욕 유니온 신학대학원 여성신학 교수)


“인류 최초의 신은 여자였다.”

제주도에서 크레타까지,
모든 생명을 품는 ‘여신’을 찾아 떠난
페미니스트 김신명숙의 여신 문화 답사기

페미니스트이자 언론인으로 잘 알려진 저자가 10년간 국내외 다양한 여신을 찾아 나선 이야기를 담은 『여신을 찾아서』가 판미동에서 출간되었다. 『나쁜 여자가 성공한다』, 『김신명숙의 선택』 등의 베스트셀러를 쓰고 기자·방송진행자, 페미니즘 저널 《이프》 편집인 등으로 활발히 활동했던 저자는 운명처럼 ‘여신’을 만났다. 이 책에는 저자가 그리스의 크레타 섬 여신순례를 비롯해 제주도·지리산·경주 등 전국 각지를 돌아다니며 10년간 국내외 다양한 여신문화를 답사했던 이야기가 담겨 있다. 저자는 모든 생명을 낳아서 품고 길러 온 생명력 자체가 여신이라고 말하며, 가부장제적 역사와 문화 아래 잊혔거나 억압된 여신문화를 새롭게 풀어냈다. 현대인들에게 낯설게 느껴지는 ‘여신’이 오늘날까지도 곳곳에 생생히 남아 있다는 사실, 여성의 내면·삶·공동체 안에서 치유와 변화의 힘을 이끌어 내는 페미니즘이 있다는 사실은 많은 독자들의 삶에 심정적 지지와 흔들리지 않는 이론적 토대가 되어 줄 것이다.


“원초적 생명력, 보살핌과 치유의 힘, 주체적이며 자신을 긍정하는 여성들, 그 안에 여신이 있다.”
신이 여자였다는 사실, 그리고 당신의 삶
가부장제가 확립되기 이전의 평등한 사회, 신비롭고 풍요로운 생명력과 자연의 힘을 여신으로 섬겼던 미노아 크레타 문화는 현대를 살아가는 우리들에게 특별한 통찰을 준다. 크리스트가 매년 꾸준히 이끌고 있는 크레타 여신순례에 참여한 저자는 웅장한 딕티산의 딕티나, 그리스 본토와 달랐던 크레타 제우스, 미노아 바다의 여신 등을 새롭게 조명하며 고대의 여신신앙에 관한 독자들의 이해를 높인다. 또한 성경 창세기에 등장하는 선악과와 이브의 이야기에서 뱀과 나무와 여성을 신성시했던 여신신앙의 흔적을 발견하거나 크노소스 궁을 여사제가 여신을 모시던 성소라고 해석하기도 한다. 하지만 신이 여자였다는 사실을 기억하는 일이 단순히 가부장제 이전의 과거로 돌아가길 희구하는 일은 아니다. 중요한 지점은 ‘여신’을 받아들이는 관점이 현대사회의 억압적·대립적·위계적인 문화를 치유하고 바로잡는 대안이 될 수 있다는 데 있다.


“제주도는 살아 있는 여신의 섬이며, 첨성대는 신라의 여신상이다.”
최초로 밝히는 한국여신의 놀라운 허스토리
국내 최초로 여신학 박사학위를 받은 저자는 전국 곳곳을 다니며, 잊혔거나 왜곡된 한국의 여신들을 새롭게 발굴하여 우리에게도 우리의 페미니즘과 여신이 존재해 왔음을 강조한다. 이는 서구에서 시작된 페미니즘과 여신운동을 일방적으로 수용하여 소개하는 데 그치지 않고, 그 이론적 토대를 바탕으로 우리나라의 자생적인 여신신앙을 적극적으로 읽어 내려는 작업이다. 가령 저자는 첨성대가 여신상이자 신전이며 금관가야 김수로왕 탄생설화에 등장하는 구지가가 여신신앙과 관계되어 있다고 이야기한다. 여체의 곡선을 형상화한 첨성대의 가운데 뚫린 입구는 자궁을 뜻하며, 구지가 역시 구지봉 꼭대기에 신성한 성혈(性穴), 즉 자궁을 만들기 위해 흙을 파면서 부른 노래라는 것이다. 저자는 현재까지도 여신신앙이 활발하게 살아 있는 제주도에서 신당을 방문하고, 하늘의 여신인 성모천왕이 있는 지리산 천왕봉을 오르기도 하고, 서해바다에서 개양할미를 만나기도 한다. 저자의 안내를 따라 책장을 넘기다 보면 어느덧 마고할미·바리공주·심청 등 우리가 익히 알고 있던 한국여신에 관한 이야기들도 더 깊이 이해할 수 있게 된다. 특히 파편화되어 본래의 모습을 잃어버린 마고할미, 설문대할망 등이 그 원초적이고 거대한 신성을 되찾아 위대한 여신으로 부활하는 것을 느낄 수 있다.
여신을 알고 주변을 돌아보면 우리 곁에 항상 있었던 여신을 발견할 수 있다. 실제로 저자는 유한한 인간으로서 느꼈던 존재론적 불안, 여성으로서 또 페미니스트로서 살아가면서 느꼈던 한계를 ‘여신’을 만나 해결할 수 있었다고 한다. 페미니즘에도 힐링이 필요하다. 모든 생명을 품은 이 지구와 우주가 여신이며 우리 모두가 여신으로부터 나왔다는 걸 안다면, 우리의 삶은 근본적인 차원에서부터 변화를 맞이할 수 있을 것이다. 접기

평점
분포

8.6




호오, 주제가 참 흥미롭다. ‘남신‘도 찾아보자.
crue20 2018-05-15 공감 (1) 댓글 (0)
T



여신을 찾아서 / 김신명숙 /판미동

그들은 어머니를 죽였습니다.
-p175-


책을 읽기에 앞서 행하는 나만의 의례(?)가 있다.
아무 페이지나 읽으며 종이 냄새를 맡고 책과 인사를 나누는 것이다.
그러다 마주친 문장,
'그들은 어머니를 죽였습니다.’
별안간 강렬한 감정이 올라와 울고 말았다.
그리고 누군가가 내게
‘이제야 인정받았어....고맙다. 아무도 미워하지 말아라’
라고 말하는 것 같았다.
인정받은 주체는 누구이며, 누구를 미워하지 말라는 것일까...

책은 저자가 크레타 여신 순례를 다녀온 1부와,
한국에서 찾은 여신 이야기가 담긴 2부로 나뉘어져 있다.
사실 나는 2부에 큰 관심이 있었지만
마시멜로우를 기다리는 아이처럼,
욕구를 지.연.시.키.며 1부부터 차근차근 읽기 시작했다.


1부는 내가 좋아하는 부도지의 마고성처럼
평화롭고 조화로운 여신의 나라이야기가 펼쳐져 있다.
들어서 머리로는 알지만
진짜 정말 어떤 세상일지 상상도 안가는 평화로운 세상,
내 아이들이 살아갈 세상은 그런 세상이길 바라본다.


왕위를 빼앗길까 두려워 자식을 먹어 치우는 아버지,
장성한 후 아버지의 권력을 탈취하는 아들,
남신이 지배하게 된 신화의 세계는
미노아 여신문명과 너무나 다른 권력투쟁의 시대를 증언한다.
-p128-


크레타 순례에는 동굴이 많이 나온다.
축축하고 어두운 동굴,여신의 자궁, 생명의 발현지.


모든것은 그녀로부터 나오고, 그녀에게로 돌아간다. - 나선춤 , 스타호크. p114-


어둠을 벗어난 밝음에서는 모든 것이 생장하고 성장한다.
하지만 그것은 노화 즉 죽음을 향해 진.행.되.고 있는 것이기도 하다.
밝음, 즉 양의 기운은 사방으로 뻗어 나가는 성질이 있다.
뻗어나가며 확장하다 결국은 응축되어 궁극의 음,
즉 어둠으로 돌아간다.
그렇게 다시 어둠에 머물며 생명을 기다린다.
어머니의 자궁 안에서...
여신의 동굴에 대해 읽으며 문득 무라카미 하루키의 소설 속 우물이 생각났다.
무의식, 변신, 변화 , 부활의 메타포, 우물과 동굴.


자궁에 다시 들어가는 행위는 그곳에서 변환을 거쳐 재탄생한은 것을 의미합니다.
진정한 변화은 어둠을 통할 때 가능하니까요.
우리 문화는 흑백논리에 의해 빛과 어둠을 대비시키고 빛만 예찬합니다.
어둠을 죄악시하거나 없애야 할 대상으로 여기지요.
그와 동시에 남자는 빛, 여자는 어둠과 연관돼 있어요.
하지만 자궁과 땅속이 그러하듯 생명은 어둠 속에서 생겨납니다.
씨앗이 싹을 틔우기 위해서는 어둡고 찬 흙 속에 있어야 하듯
치유나 변환, 새로운 삶을 찾는다면 자기의 중심에 어둠을 품어야만 하지요.
-p136-


우리가 신비의 길을 걸을 때,
우리가 어둠 속으로 들어갈 때,
우리는 시작한 여행에 불필요한 모든 것,
방해가 되는 모든 것들을 버릴 것을 요구받는다.
오직 발가벗었을 때 우리는 새로 태어날 수 있다.
버림의 상징으로 우리 각자는 어둠 속으로 변환의 자궁으로 돌을 던질 것이다.
-p141-


죽음은 무가 아니야. 변환의 과정일 뿐이야.
-p149-

나는 가이아, 마고, 설문대할망 등 어머니 여신의 이야기가 좋다 .
크로노스와 같은 태초의 신,거신족 마고할미.


마고할미는 한국 신화의 근원이자 첫머리다.
그녀는 태초의 시간에 뿌리를 둔 창조여신으로 그리스 가이아 여신에 비견할 수 있다.
-p365-




나는 여성의 문제와 미래에 관심이 많고
여신이야기를 사랑하지만 이런 생각이 들었다.
신에게 젠더가 적용될까?
젠더를 적용해야할까?
또다른 의인화와 역할 놀이는 아닐까?
남신의 폭력성과 권력욕이 여신을 처참히 몰락시켰지만
이제 여신의 시대가 도래할 것이니 남신은 무릎을 꿇어야 하는 걸까?


그녀는 편을 들지 않아요. 다만 우주의 균형을 유지할 뿐이죠.
-영화 아바타 중에서-


나는 여신이라는 의미가
생명력, 모성애 등의 능력을 포함한 여성성이 설명하는 것이지,
‘여성'이라는 젠더가 부여되는 것은 아니라고 생각한다.
분석심리학에는 아니마와 아니무스라는 개념이 있다.
이것은 남성 속의 여성, 여성 속의 남성,
즉 자신의 성에 반대되는 이성의 속성을 뜻하는 용어다.
누구나 아니마와 아니무스를 가지고 있지만
오랜 관습과 사회적 역할 놀이가 이를 억압하고,
강제하기 때문에 우리는 좌절감과 분노를 느끼게 된다.

저자는 ‘여신'이라는 조화와 평화의 메타포를 통해
각자의 아니마와 아니무스를 인정하고 사랑하라고 말하는 것은 아닐까?



나는 이 책을 읽으며
풀 한포기가,
나무 한 그루가,
흙 한줌이,
저 하늘이,
이 지구가
어머니처럼 보듬어 주고 있으니
외로워 말고 씩씩하게,
'무소의 뿔처럼' 당당히 살아가라는 메시지를 받았다.


그리고 또하나,
'아무도 미워하지 말라'는 마고어머니의 가르침을 받았다.
감사하고 행복한 일이다.


이 책을 만나게 되어 감사하다.
-20180530, 글월마야 myamago-



- 접기
글월마야 2018-05-30 공감(4) 댓글(0)
Thanks to
공감




여신을 찾아서

인류 최초의 신은 여자였다.
모성원리가 지배했던 그 시절은 대체로 평화롭고 평등했다.


중국에 여와 신화가 있다는 건 들었지만 우리나라의 마고할미도 마찬가지로 여신과 같은 존재라는 건 몰랐어요. 저자는 선사시대부터 신화와 역사속의 여신의 흔적과 증거를 기록했습니다. 남성이 주도권을 잡기 전까지 여신을 숭배하는 시대는 평화로웠다고 해요. 여신은 모성 존중과 자연에의 사랑을 표현한다고 되어 있어요.


단군 신화에 나오는 웅녀가 단군 이전에 홀로 여신으로 존재했을 가능성도 있다고 해요.
한반도에서 출토된 신석기 여신상은 손가락에 꼽을 정도다.

하지만 옛 동아족 지역에서 불쑥 나타난 우하량의 거대한 여신은 한반도 여신의 역사를 새롭게 돌아보라고 속삭인다.p.90

크레타 섬의 미노아 사회와 크로노스 성소에 깃든 여신에 대해서 자세히 말합니다. 그리고 한국의 크레타 섬으로 제주도를 꼽습니다. 제주 무신도의 특징이 뱀 이미지라는 것까지 크레타 섬과 무척 흡사하다고 해요. 심지어 시집갈 때 뱀신을 모시고 가는 마을도 있었답니다.


제주에도 설문대할망이나 자청비, 가믄장아기 등 많은 여신들이 있다.

더구나 놀랍게도 크레타 섬 여신상과 유사한 무신도도 있다.p.263


지리산 성모천왕은 고려 개국을 이끈 배후가 되었다고 해요. 호국신이기도 했고 병을 낫게하는 신통력을 가진 존재로 알려져있다고 합니다.


지리산 천왕인 성모가 도선을 시켜

왕건의 할아버지 작게건이 제왕의 땅에 터를 잡도록 했다.
지리산 성모는 무엇보다 호국신으로 여겨졌다. p.345


신라에 대여신 서술성모가 있었고 여왕이 통치권을 갖는 배경이 되었다고도 합니다.



가야에는 정견모주가 있었고 그녀가 대가야의 왕 뇌질주일과 금관국의 왕 뇌질청예를 낳았는데, 뇌질주일은 이진아시왕의 별칭이고 청예는 수로왕의 별칭이다.p.510-511


이 책은 여신 신화에 대한 발자취를 추적하여 크레타 섬을 비롯해 여신과 관련된 유물이나 증거가 있다면 끈질기게 찾아내서 기록으로 남긴걸로 보여요. 여신은 생명탄생, 치유, 자연, 보호 등의 따뜻한 이미지로 그려집니다. 여성의 신체를 형상화한 유물, 건축물, 지형 지물도 의미를 갖고요. 남성성과 평화, 공존, 이해를 할 수 있는 여성성을 알 수 있게 되었어요. 여성에 대한 잘못된 인식을 돌아보게 합니다. 이 책의 내용처럼 여성이 먼저 올바른 기준을 세워 남성과 화합하여 인권 회복을 이끌고 세상을 치유하는 변화와 기적이 일어나길 바랍니다.

*이 리뷰는 출판사에서 도서를 제공받아 작성되었습니다.

- 접기
무파스 2018-10-28 공감(0) 댓글(0)
Thanks to
공감




여신을 찾아서










어릴 적 읽었던 신화 이야기에서는 남성 신이 중심이었다. 간혹 헤라와 같은 여신이 등장하기는 했지만 내 머릿속에도 남성 신이 세상을 창조했다고 남아있다. 그래서 첫 문장부터 흥미로웠다.


인류 최초의 신은 여자였다.


작가의 경험을 시작으로 그녀 앞에 나타난 '여신'을 따라 시작된 순례길은 그리스 크레타 섬에서 시작하여 우리나라 제주도까지 이어졌고 그 길에서 작가 만큼이나 나도 새로운 충격을 받았다. 당연히 하늘은 남자, 땅은 여자라는 오랜 유교적 관점에서 살아왔기에 하늘에도 여신이 존재했다는 사실은 놀라울 뿐이었다. 아는만큼 보인다고 했던가. 내가 모르는 낯선 세상과 그 곳에서 펼쳐질 '신성한 여성'과의 만남이 기대되기 시작했다.
두꺼운 책이지만 편하게 읽을 수 있었던건 여신에 대한 이론과 지식만을 담은게 아니라 저자의 순례길을 함께 했기 때문이다. 그녀의 이야기, 순례길을 함께 하는 사람들의 이야기, 그 속에서 만난 여신 이야기까지 마치 여행서를 읽는 듯한 느낌도 받았다. 책 곳곳에 소개된 사진은 여신 문화와 역사를 이해하는데 도움을 준다.


여신은
위대하고 신성한 어머니이다.


저자는 어두운 동굴 순례에서 생명의 순환을 이해하며 두려움과 공포를 이겨내고, 현재의 여성을 바라보는 미적 기준을 탈피하여 고대 여신상들을 보며 새로운 아름다움과 여성에 대한 신성함을 깨우쳤다. 또한 특히 한국 사회에서 어머니와 딸의 애증 관계에 대해 이야기하며 자신의 이야기를 들려주었다. 솔직한 자기 고백에 나와 대입해보며 공감할 수 있었던 것도 이 책을 즐겁게 읽을 수 있었던 이유였다.


우리 모두가 꽃이다.


크레타 순례길에서 신화와 역사를 배웠다면, 우리나라 순례길에서는 자식을 위해 한없이 희생하는 모정을 느낄 수 있었다. 소박한 신당 안에 모셔진 수성당 개양할미와 여덟 딸. 전쟁과 왜란 등을 겪으며 고통을 당하고 죽어가는 생명을 바라봐야 했던 지리산 성모천왕. 금기시하는 여성 성에 담긴 성스러움과 풍요의 상징. 우리나라 역사 속 여성 숭배 이야기까지 풍부한 내용이 담겨 있다. 여행서와 역사서를 동시에 읽으면서 머릿속 저장고가 푸짐해지는 기분이 들었다.
언제부턴가 페미니스트라는 단어가 심심찮게 등장하면서 우리 사회에서 여성과 남성으로 나눠 싸우는 일이 종종 발생하고 있다. 내 기준에서는 도통 대립하는 이유가 이해 안되는 일들이 더 많은 것도 사실이다. 이런 현실에 여성이든 남성이든 이 책을 읽어보라 권하고 싶다. 더불어 살아가야 하는 시대에 페미니즘에 대한 올바른 이해와 모성과 어머니로 이어지는 역사와 문화를 배울 수 있다.

- 접기
소피아 2018-05-22 공감(0) 댓글(0)
Thanks to
공감




여신을 찾아서

이 책은 단순히 역사속에서 사라진 여신을 찾아 그 모습들을 조명하는 그런 글은 아니었다. 작가가 크레타 섬과 한국에 있는 여신관련 장소들을 술례하며 보고 듣고 느낀점들을 적은 여행서에 가까웠다.
책 표지에 보면 첨성대를 제외하고는 전부 알 수 없는 모양들이 나오는데 이 모양들이 모두 여신들에 관련된 것이라고 한다.

내가 예상했던 책의 내용과는 많이 상이한 부분이 많았다. 내가 생각 했던 부분은 고고학적으로 잊혀진 여신의 모습들을 찾아내고 재 조명해서 어떤 식으로 받아들여야 하는지에 대한 이야기일 것이라고 막연히 생각하고 있었다. 하지만 이 책은 작가 자신의 순례길을 통하여 여신들을 만났다는 것과 그것에서 얻어지는 환희에 대한 내용이 주였다. 그리고 크레타섬에서는 순례길의 안내를 만났던 가이드와의 영적 교감과 새로운 곳에서 새로이 알게되는 여신들에 관한 작가의 감정등을 주로 설명하고 있다.

작가 김신명숙은 현재 대학에서 여성학을 가르치고 있다고 한다. 여신영성에 입문한 후 '여정'이라는 꽃이름도 갖고 있다고 한다. 근데 여신영성은 무엇일까하는 궁굼증이 생겼다. 그래서 열심히 네이버를 찾아봤다. 그런데 모르겠다. 우선 '영성은 신령한 품성이나 성질'이라는 뜻인데 그럼 '여신이 갖고 있는 신령한 품성이나 성질'을 말하는 것인가보다.

책 속에서 기독교의 동정녀 마리아와 그의 어머니인 안나에 대해 것을 설명듣는 부분이 있다.
"안나와 요아킴은 결혼해 부유하고 신실한 삶을 살았으나 자식이 없었다. 낙담한 요아킴은 하느님께 기도하러 광야로 갔다. 그동안 집에 남겨진 안나도 아이를 주신다면 하느님에게 바치겠다며 간절한 기도를 올렸다. 그때 한 천사가 안나에게 나타났다. 그리고 그녀가 가장 놀라운 아이를 잉태할 것이라고 알렸다. 요아킴도 기도 중 역시 천사의 예고를 듣고 기뻐하며 집으로 돌아왔다. 그 후 안나는 딸을 낳았고, 매우 기뻐하며 마리아라는 이름을 지어 주었다. 마리아가 세 살이 되었을 때, 그들은 그녀를 예루살렘 성전으로 데려가 그곳에서 양육되도록 맡겼다." 고 '야고보 원복음서'에 담겨 있다고 한다. 나도 이런 내용은 처음 듣는 것 같다.

"여신은 모든 이분법적 구분을 뛰어넘어 전체를 감싸며, 뭇 생명과 존재들의 상호연결성과 상호의존성을 드러낸다. 남성 또한 여신의 일부다."라는데 꼭 여신에게 모든 대표성을 부여하여야하는 이런 풀이가 오히려 이분법적인 사고 방식을 가져 오는 것이 아닌가 라는 생각을 조심스레 해본다.

황소머리와 뿔도 여신상징을 한다고 한다. 그렇게 얘기를 듣고 보니 자궁-나팔관과 많이 닮아 있다. 하지만 그것이 왜 여신상징으로 사용되었는지 이유는 분명치 않다고 한다. 좀더 권위자의 의견이나 관련 문헌등의 예시가 있었으면 참 좋았을 것 같다는 생각이 든다.
또한 그리스 신화의 원조격이 크레타 섬의 신화라고 한다. 그래서 제우스와 다른 그리스 신들의 조금은 다른 신화적 이야기들이 나와 있다.

크레타 섬의 얘기보다는 역시 한국 관련된 얘기가 좀 더 편하기는 했다. 우리가 흔히 알고 있는 할망이라는 단어부터, 마고할미, 바리공주, 성모천왕, 삼승할망 등 우리나라의 여신들이 많이 소개되어진다. 그리고 정말 놀랐던 점은 첨성대가 여성의 몸을 형상화 한 것이라고 한다. 그래서 입구가 없고 가운데 네모난 창구만 있는데 이는 여근에 해당한다고 한다.


소설 "영혼의 새"에서 주인공 클라라는 미국에 입양돼 미국인으로 자란 후 한국에 와서 정체성의 혼란기를 겪지만 놀라운 여행을 통해 신석기 시대 여성조상을 만나고 나서 정체성을 되찾는다는 글이 있다. 작가는 이 소설이 신석기 여신문화를 보여주는 소설이라고 한다. 솔직히 난 무슨 말인지 모르겠다.

이 책은 나에게는 참 어려운 책이었다.
작가는 30대에 페미니스트가 되고, 40대에 여신을 만났고, 50대에 국내 최초로 여신학 박사논문을 썼다고 한다.
아직 나에게는 페니니즘은 어려운 학문인가 보다.
- 접기
pilsunheo 2018-05-28 공감(0) 댓글(0)
Thanks to
공감




페미니즘 도서 추천 여신을 찾아서




솔직히 난 이 책을 통해서 여신이라는 존재와 여신 순례단이라는 것도 처음 알게되었다.

책 중간에 리츄얼(Ritual)이라며 의식을 치르는 장면들도 나온다......!
의식은 내가 원하는 내용은 아니기에 뒤에도 몇번이나 나오지만

글때 마다 후다닥 읽고 걍 넘어갔다.

크레타에서 크노소스 궁이라고 하여 미노타우로스
신화로도 유명한 미노스왕을 바로 떠올렸다. 하지만
1900년에 발굴을 하였을 때 여신상이나 여성들을 묘사한

유물들이 나왔다는것에 대해 신기하기도

하면서 동시에 여신에 대해 호기심이 생겼다.

또한 크노소스 궁에서 미노스왕에 있는 이 왕좌는 우리가

지금껏 봐온 왕좌와는 차이가 분명이 있다. 그래서 일부학자들은

이 방이 여사제의 방으로 보인다고도 말한다. 터무니 없는 소리같지는 않았다.

중간중간에 설명하는 내용의 사진을 넣기에 글과 비교해보면서

볼 수 있어서 좋았고몰랐던 크레타 문명의 유적들도

되게많이 알게되서 이 점을 정말 많이 좋았다!




208-209P 에는 수메르 여신 이난나가 신랑 두무지를 기다리면서

부르는 노래를 보는 순간 낯 뜨겁기는 했지만 우리가

지금 생각하는 성 행위와 그때 그 시절의
성행위는 의미가 다를 것 이라는 생각도 들었다.



But 2부에 첨성대가 모성의 상징여신상이자 신전이라는 이야기가 나왔다.



솔직히 이 부분은 내가 이해하고 수용할 수 없는 내용이었기에

제대로 보지도 않고 믿지도 않았다.


-우리 문화는 흑백 논리에 의해 빛과어둠을 대비시키고

빛만 예찬합니다.어둠을 죄악시하거나 없애야 할 대상으로 여기지오.

-기억되는 사람은 결코 죽지 않는다.그리고 우리는 기억을 통해

죽은 사람과도 연결되며 변화한다.

2020/03/02

Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic: 4th Edition - Kindle edition by Darren Main, Stephen Cope. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic: 4th Edition - Kindle edition by Darren Main, Stephen Cope. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.








Follow the Author

Darren Main
+ Follow


Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic: 4th Edition Kindle Edition
by Darren Main (Author), Stephen Cope (Foreword)


4.6 out of 5 stars 143 ratings
-----
Everyday, millions of people roll out their yoga mats or sit on their meditation cushions in an effort to quiet the mind and heal the body. Some practice Iyengar yoga, while others practice vinyasa or restorative yoga—almost all who practice yoga have touched something deep within themselves and had their lives transformed by this ancient practice.

In Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, Darren Main offers a fresh, down-to-earth approach to the time-tested practice and philosophy of yoga. He shows us the way to apply the ancient wisdom of India to every aspect of life. From work and relationships, to death and dying—allowing even our busiest days to become powerful and mystical adventures, filled with all the wonder and magic that was once reserved for those living as monks and nuns.

This is not a book about perfecting yoga asanas or pranayama breathing techniques. It is a book about changing the way we see the world—transforming every experience and relationship into a yoga practice unto itself.

Since teachers like Swami Vivakananda and Paramahansa Yogananda brought yoga to the West, yoga students and teachers alike have sought to integrate the practice and philosophy of yoga into modern life. Find out why this best-selling yoga book has been used in yoga teacher training programs the world over and has become a modern spiritual classic.

_______

With gentle humor and obvious knowledge, Darren Main shares with us his practice and understanding of yoga. He does a beautiful job of interspersing his life experiences with the classical teachings in a way that makes them clear and alive. You will enjoy this book.
—Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D. Author of 30 Essential Yoga Poses and Living Your Yoga

Our urban lifestyles could greatly benefit from a bit of mysticism. To live in a magical, mystical world one only has to uncover the potential in their own daily lives. Darren Main gives us a how-to book on yoga, which offers us ways to transform the mundane into the mystical.
—Sharon Gannon, Author of Jivamukti Yoga


Darren Main is wonderfully talented at bringing the essence of living yoga off the mat fully to life for all who are on the yoga path. He writes in a friendly and accessible tone that makes often esoteric philosophical concepts easy to grasp in practical ways that one can apply in daily life. I highly recommend this book to all yoga students and teachers interested in more deeply exploring the practice on the mat and bringing it all more broadly into their life out in the larger world.
—Mark Stephens, Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques


A practical, easy-to-read road map to becoming an Urban Mystic
—Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D. Author of Shortcuts to God and Love is Letting Go of Fear

In Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic Darren Main has given us a wonderful doorway into the potentially complex world of raja yoga. His work provides us with a compelling but accessible Baedeker to the sometimes dense world of Indian metaphysics. It is a yoga commentary with a uniquely American voice. It is piquant, experience-near, real, contemporary, and very sensitive to the reader for whom the world of Sanskrit terms and Indian ideas is completely new and foreign. Darren’s work, like raja yoga itself, is precise and methodical in its approach to spiritual practice.
—Stephen Cope Author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self

Darren Main takes yoga off the yoga mat—adroitly applying the ancient system of yoga to the daily challenges of the modern mystic. Combining personal insight and anecdotes with practical, down-to-earth teachings, he brings you into a world in which every part of your life has sacred and transformative potential.
—Yogi Amrit Desai Founder of Kripalu Yoga, Lenox, MA, and author of Amrit Yoga


-----


Editorial Reviews

Review

A Practical , easy to read road map to becoming and Urban Mystic. -- — Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D. Author of Shortcuts to God and Love is Letting Go of Fear

Darren John Main has given us a wonderful doorway into the potentially complex world of raja yoga. -- —Stephen Cope, author of 'Yoga and the Quest for the True Self'

You will enjoy this book. -- —Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., physical therapist, international yoga teacher and author of 'Relax and Renew' and 'Living Your Yoga'.

[Darren] gives us a how-to book on yoga which offers us ways to transform the mundane into the mystical. -- —Sharon Gannon, co-creator of Jivamukti Yoga

From the Author

Living the practice of yoga in our modern world is no small task. The world is organized in such a fashion that living a spiritual life is an up hill battle. Yet today more than ever we need mystical techniques such as yoga to help us find inner peace and heal the world. It is my hope that 'Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic' will help you find the natural balance that exists within all beings. -- Darren John Main, darrenmain.com

About the Author

Darren Main is a long-time spiritual seeker who has studied psychology and social work. He is a yoga and meditation instructor and massage therapist in San Francisco, where he works extensively with the HIV community and gay/lesbian community. He is the cofounder with David Nelson of Castro Yoga, one of the premier yoga centers in San Francisco. He also travels widely in the United States, leading workshops.
  Return to Product Overview


-----




File Size: 1143 KB
Print Length: 262 pages
Publication Date: May 27, 2017

Follow

Biography
Darren Main is a yoga and meditation instructor and author. He facilitates workshops and gives talks on yoga and modern spirituality throughout the United States and abroad and is the host of the internationally syndicated podcast Inquire Within. He teaches Yoga on the Labyrinth, in San Francisco's iconic Grace Cathedral.
www.darrenmain.com




Ad feedback



Customer reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
143 customer ratings


Read reviews that mention
urban mystic darren main path of the urban highly recommend teacher training yoga philosophy eight limbs yoga and the path modern day modern world anyone who wants limbs of yoga today world must read recommend this book yoga teachers teacher trainings complex concepts yamas and niyamas new to yoga


Top Reviews

Sydney Khan

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely amazing resource for a a yogi at any point in the journey towards enlightenment!Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is so real and honest! I often feel that texts on this subject can be alienating or inaccessible, this book was incredibly refreshing. An absolutely amazing resource for a a yogi at any point in their spiritual journey. Darren covers the 8 limbed path, the ego, maya and many more illuminating topics. I found the book to be rooted in history and it was not watered down or overtly western. Research, appreciation and care were brought into explaining ancient philosophical perspectives.

The information presented was accessible,insightful, and useful in many areas of my life. The urban mystic is alive and real, and I felt that through Darren's stories of personal discovery while encouraging the pursuit of exploration without attachment when observing our own lives. I read this book for a teacher training and was so excited to deepen my understanding of what yoga means as a way of life and not just an hour long workout. I feel at ease knowing that it is meant to be a practice of being better, not perfect, the connection and importance of service really spoke to me and my journey in finding a career as well.

Overall this book gave me so much and has inspired me to do so for others throughout my journey as a yogi! Thanks Darren!

22 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Timothy R. Venard

5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly what I needed, when I needed it.Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
This book fell into my lap at a time when I was searching for answers. I had just barely begun a yoga practice for health and physical reasons. I wasn’t aware of how much I needed the deeper level this book provides until I read it.
Darren is extremely easy to follow. His writing is clear and concise. He offers gems of wisdom that whet the appetite for more. He gets right to the root of the matter and touches the places where others just gloss over the surface.
This book has set me on the path of deeper exploration, with joy in my heart about what I will find - whether “good” or “bad.” It is not an instruction manual to tell you how to live your life, or spoon feed you what you think you need. Rather, it is an outline, or a map, to help you find your own way to peace.
Nice work, Darren. I will definitely be handing this out to my friends. The only drawback is that now I’m going to have to buy a print version, so I can make notes and highlights...

9 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Monica Carroll

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for any yoga teacher, period!Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book is a must have for any yoga teacher period! Grasping the teachings of the bhagvad gita, the upanishads, and the yamas and niyamas is a very complicated process. The teachings were traditionally spoken, then applied; students would be with their masters for as long as it takes to understand the path. Our modern times do not afford us the opportunity to develop with any true integrity the true teachings and yet we as a society scream for it. Darren Main's book, Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic, has a beautiful way of applying these ancient teachings to modern day approaches and clarity. It not only helps one to apply these lessons to our modern lives, but gains our understanding of how simple it is to truly follow the path of the urban mystic. I have read this book myself and to my students for years and the meanings often times change and grow with the student. Like my favorite passage states, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.'

12 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Hilary G.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for spiritual seekers navigating the modern worldReviewed in the United States on October 31, 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I found this book at the perfect time, when I was struggling to participate in the modern world of corporate work and realities while also yearning to follow a spiritual path and deepen my yoga practice. As a yogi, this book resonated so deeply with me and helped me integrate my love of living yoga with my work and social life to bring light and authenticity to my leadership in my work and in my life. I love Darren's clear, candid writing style and positive tone. He is talented at making ancient yogic concepts applicable to modern life. This book changed the way I approach the modern world as a spiritual seeker. A must read!

10 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Evelyn

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good readReviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Darren has such an amazing voice to his writing. This book goes in depth about how you can live a Yogi life in this fast pace consumerism world, where it is so easy to come out of our peace. Thank you Darren for this book!

5 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

jleroux

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book - highly recommend for its clarity and practical approachReviewed in the United States on May 23, 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
My friends/yoga teachers Dennis & Kathy Lang are true yogis and authors themselves (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1719441154/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=) so I knew I could trust their recommendations for books on a deeper understanding of yoga. They recommended “Urban Mystic” and it is such a wonderful book. With clear and simple language as well as humor, Darren Main demystifies yoga principles while maintaining an attitude of deep respect for the practice He adds stories from his own life and those of friends and students to further clarify how yoga can change lives for the better. How to bring yoga into a “ modern” life? Here it is. Highly recommend.🙏

One person found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Carl Arndt

5.0 out of 5 stars The philosophy of yoga was clearly described and I loved the author's personal stories he included as wellReviewed in the United States on June 13, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
This book greatly exceeded my expectations. The philosophy of yoga was clearly described and I loved the author's personal stories he included as well! This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about yoga.

3 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

Anna O

5.0 out of 5 stars Great introduction for new yoga teachers and other urban mysticsReviewed in the United States on February 14, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I read this book during the yoga teacher training with Darren and found it an excellent resource for someone who needs an initial introduction to yoga philosophy. It's relatable: there are many personal examples that illuminate the concepts effectively and are also enjoyable to read. The book is written almost deceptively simply and yet it gives an effective and thought provoking introduction to yoga history and philosophy, including the eight limbs, and how they relate to the present day. The fact that there are so many contemporary and real examples makes it particularly useful for yoga teachers, because we can think of similar experiences from our own lives and use them to relate to our students. The path to further studies is clearly outlined and made easy. In summary, this is a great resource for the new yoga teachers and other urban mystics.

2 people found this helpful

HelpfulComment Report abuse

See all reviews from the United States

Sadhguru: More Than A Life by Arundhathi Subramaniam | Goodreads

Sadhguru: More Than A Life by Arundhathi Subramaniam | Goodreads



Sadhguru: More Than A Life

by Arundhathi Subramaniam


4.48 · Rating details · 783 ratings · 71 reviews

Hardcover, 256 pages
Published December 1st 2010 by Penguin Books


Apr 04, 2013Kalpana rated it it was amazing
Arundhati Subramaniam, what a book you have written? It’s like reading a beautiful poem from the start to the end. Especially the first and last chapter was like reading my own mind. I'm not into Isha Program or attended any Satsang but have read a lot of books about him. I have been in search of truth as far as I can remember, have read a lot of works of other gurus and religions but no one gave me an answer like he does. However, my egoistic mind hasn't decided if I'm going to take this path but the last paragraph you have written has made me too emotional and the moment I think those words, am in tears. The friend who referred this book said this book is not for everyone to read, not sure what it means but this is definitely meant for me. Thanks for the great work. (less)
flag23 likes · Like · comment · see review



Feb 05, 2011Mini rated it it was amazing
Shelves: all-time-fav-reads
After about eight years of searching for my “live” Guru, I have finally come to believe I have found him. It wasn’t an easy journey, more difficult is the one that awaits me. But Sadhguru makes me believe and want to believe that the answers to my questions are all there within him, waiting to be answered. He came into my life about five years ago, but the sceptic I am, I saw his picture, read the write-up on the brochure, heard the “call” and then ignored it. But some things are inevitable. And sure enough, he came back, this time when my husband became an Isha meditator, as we like to call ourselves. Eventually, I found myself sucked into the Isha vortex, watching Sadhguru DVDs, listening to his humourous, yet sensible take on life, spirituality and the Divine. And then the Dhyanalinga temple happened. Sadhguru was yet to happen then. I knew I could trust him, but there were many questions that played in my head.

While reading Ms.Subramanian’s book, I felt I was reliving the last few months of uncertainty. Once I stepped into the whirlpool, I knew I’d probably never step-out., wouldn’t want to, that is. Her questions were the same ones that have plagued my thoughts till a couple of months ago (A few Isha meditators I spoke with while I was reading this book shared a similar experience). With excerpts from his discourses and personal conversations she had with this Mystic Guru, she tells us the story about this Man that has lived ‘more than a life’. She keeps her language simple throughout the biography although you get a glimpse of her extraordinary mastery over the English language only in the introduction and closer to the conclusion. Interesting and captivating, I’d say that this compelling book is a must-read for all Isha Meditators…as for the non-Meditators, I’d definitely recommend it to them as well.
(less)
flag11 likes · Like · comment · see review



Jun 19, 2015Kalyani rated it it was amazing
Never knew Mystics can be made like this ! So charmed by this mystic who appears more real than anything I have experienced ! Challenge to traditional belief but not disruptive.
flag10 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review



Sep 05, 2014Wendy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spiritual-in-nature, non-fiction
Beautifully written. Fascinating. Having been around Sadhguru, this book seems to have captured much of his playfulness and fire.
flag8 likes · Like · comment · see review



Dec 26, 2012Prakash Swamy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spiritual
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, my spiritual Guru, is a contemporary Yogi, Mystic and Enlightened Master, who created Isha Foundation and works tirelessly to revive our once great culture and long forgotten spiritual science through Isha Yoga programs, creation of Consecrated spaces and multiple initiatives for rural poor and environment to uplift Human beings and their way of Life. The Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple consecrated by Sadhguru at the Isha Yoga Center in the Velliangiri foothills near Coimbatore is well known worldwide.

Sadhguru More Than A Life is an enchanting book by a Trapezium about an Ellipsoid and its Creator! Written by Arundhathi Subramaniam – an Isha meditator and writer (she might get offended if I don’t mention Poet) – tells the fascinating fairy tale like story of how the Dhyanalinga came into being and the being that took more than one birth to create it, finally in this lifetime – our lifetime! This book offers a near biographical account of Sadhguru’s lives (yes, you read that right, Lives, not Life) along with a few core members of the Isha Yoga phenomenon that led to the creation and consecration of the only-one-of-the-kind-in-this-planet Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple, offering the possibility of self-realization to millions worldwide, including this self (my journey started in 2009 and it is fair to say I’m still at the starting point).

Naturally, like any book by or about my Master, this book too isn't for the faint-hearted. Nor is it for the pious ones who're tied up in their religious beliefs (which they automatically assume are unquestionable as they've been told to abide by them by their revered mutt head, grandmother, family priest or astrologer). If you're one of those occasional nut cases (the author certainly seems to be one and self belongs to that category as well) who dares to question long held beliefs, let go of the old ways and willing to tread a new path, this book is right up your alley. But beware; it won't be an easy journey, for my Master is like no other. He isn’t into Scriptures, doesn’t expound on Vedanta or quote from Gita. He basically doesn't give a damn about anyone or anything – revered or not, unless he has experienced and understood that by himself. And when he speaks incisively and decisively about those first hand experiences, you'll either faint and fall over or will end up picking your jaw that has just dropped, for the nth time.

Mostly a faithful retelling of the various beings’ factual account (which unwittingly reads like fiction) – include the Master himself – of who, what and how, this fast paced book starts from Sadhguru’s exceptionally curious childhood, moves on to his extremely vibrant youth and then to his extraordinary transformation to Yogi and Mystic with a singular focus to accomplish his mission over three lifetimes and culminates with his present form and future possibilities.

The 250 pages long book is divided into 9 chapters, apart from an Introduction and Postscript by the author (we’ll come to that later). Sadhguru’s extraordinary lives (and of those whose lives intertwined with his, many times over) can make you either drink the events that occur in one go and get intoxicated with his grace or go breathless every now and then and take a deep breath at the end of each chapter to contemplate on what hit you or how silly your long held beliefs appear all of a sudden. Sadhguru's unique views and scientific explanations help in lifting the veil of our ignorance about things that we think we knew. A word of caution for Isha meditators and beings that walk the spiritual path – keep a handkerchief at hand and the book slightly away from your face as it’s quite possible that tears (Swamy calls them Joy Drops) will flow on to the book time and again. I lost count of how many times!

‘Pure Awareness and Madness’ The Beginning of the Journey

The endless beginning of the story introduces the reader to Sadhguru’s creation (that incidentally makes him the Creator, which he indeed is) – the Dhyanalinga – a formless form that’ll last forever, even if this planet ceases to exist in its present form. While reading the line “You make your way to one of the shadowy alcoves and sit down to receive the Dhyanalinga” (which incidentally I’ve done more than once), I felt the same impact of “And then came the dance” from Amish’s Shiva Trilogy. Both books naturally have a Shiva connection!

‘Falling Upwards’ Lifetimes Three

Sadhguru’s three lifetimes (four, if one counts how this extraordinary game of life started) unravel before the reader’s eyes vividly in this chapter. From the Bilva’s unknown realization to ShivaYogi’s unexpected initiation by the Guru’s Guru Sri Palani Swamy to Sadhguru Sri Brahma’s unnerving fiery but failed attempt to accomplish the mission, resulting in him leaving his physical form through all 7 chakras as Chakreshwara after declaring “I will be back”, the reader is left with palpable excitement to meet Jaggi, aka Sadhguru in this Life.

‘This One Will Graze Human Beings’ The Black Sheep Who Turned Shepherd

A fascinating account of Sadhguru’s birth (he isn’t named Jagadish, aka ‘The Lord of the Universe’ for nothing), curious childhood and energetic youth, this chapter offers the reader a glimpse of the Master’s prowess early on in his eventful Life. From his ability to see all beings in energy form to getting into meditative state on top of a tree while skipping classes to catching and keeping snakes (without realizing his close association with them from another lifetime) to creating his own Xanadu like private lair in his home terrace to interactions with his (in all probability) realized great grandmother to his death experiment (or experience – a possible parallel to Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi’s) to initiation into Yoga by Sri Malladihally Swamy (“He was almost superhuman”) to dabbling in politics to an early fascination for automobiles (that continues till date) to his sister’s ascetic journey to his failed attempt to join the armed services to his voracious reading (at the library, daily, for an year) to his uneventful college classes to very eventful counseling to fellow students to his animal encounters to his first romance to his successful farming business (and long meditations, deep understanding of snakes and poetry writing while at the farm) to an attempt to start a commune and ending up running a successful construction business, readers will quickly pace through pages of history in the making.

The Man Who ‘Went Up and Never Came Down’ From Motorcyclist to Mystic

Starting with an emphatic account of Sadhguru’s enlightenment (“I went up and didn’t come down”), this chapter offers a glimpse of the enormity of what is to unravel in the remaining part of the story. The transformation of the motorcycling youngster to the Mystic who’ll rev up the lives of millions is mind boggling, to say the least. Yet it also offers solace in the fact that self-realization isn’t something that happened only millennia ago (with Gautama the Buddha being the shining beacon of knowing and teaching) but is a possibility even in this day and age. His whirlwind romance and wedding to Vijji akka (at Isha, everyone is referred to as either Akka – sister – or Anna – brother, unless they’re Brahmachari(ni)s or Sanyasis) follows. Sadhguru also starts teaching Yoga like a true Master, but with a difference – his is the ancient form of Yoga taught by none other than Adi Yogi Shiva himself (that Sahaja Sthithi program has now transformed into multiple programs including Inner Engineering and Shoonya Meditation), dabbles with farming one more time and realizes his final destination – Coimbatore, where his dream of 3 lifetimes will come to fruition.

‘Compassion as Conspiracy’ Preparing for Harvest

Bharathi (wow, what a blessed soul and being), Raja, Indira, Somu, Srinivas, Suman, Kiran… One by one, the core group of Isha meditators start coming to their Master like bees to a fragrant flower and willingly get intoxicated with the divine nectar he offers. The Jaggi that scores of meditators naturally gravitated to was also transforming into an altogether different being already during this time. Sadhguru offers a glimpse of who he truly is at times to them to remove any cobweb of doubts lingering in their minds. The powerful Bhava Spandana (BSP) and Samyama programs happen for the first time (this self too has participated in BSP and longs to be part of Samyama soon) with volatile results and an energy explosion among participants.

Some like Bharathi akka get to know who they were in their past lives (her life has been intertwined with Sadhguru’s for more than 2 lifetimes). Teachers’ Training program and formation of Isha Foundation also happened during this eventful period. Sadhguru finally finds the Mountains that has been in his eyes from childhood at Velliangiri near Poondi and the seed of Mystic’s Isha Yoga Center are sown in the misty wilderness at the foothills of the southern Kailash (where Adi Yogi Shiva is said to have spent time and Sadhguru Sri Brahma attained Mahasamadhi).

The stage was set for the mission of three lifetimes and Sadhguru announces the 90 day Wholeness program, that’ll prepare the core group for the magnificent event. The participants endure dire living conditions and a grueling Sadhana schedule during which their Master ‘Unleashed the Guru’ within him. Many incredible events happen during the entire tenure of the program, culminating with Jaggi making the final transformation to Sadhguru. Reading “I am not your Jaggi anymore, I am Sadhguru” sent shivers down my spine (it should be ‘up’ – spiritually speaking), which I’m sure must be what they too should’ve felt at that time (except Bharathi akka, may be)!

‘When the Divine Descends, You Just Accommodate’ The Deepening Pilgrimage, the Darkening Night

A poignant account of the phenomenal accomplishment of Mahasamadhi by Vijji akka – someone who probably wasn’t expected to achieve that exalted state by any of the Isha core group members, this chapter lets the reader travel through a turbulent time of preparation for the once-in-many-millennia creation and consecration of Dhyanalinga (“A concoction of pure awareness and madness”, which incidentally is how Lord Shiva’s nature is also described), while offering fleeting glimpses at the persona of Sadhguru – an eclectic mix of all consuming passion and all encompassing compassion, who was the glue that was holding all the pieces of the puzzle together from falling apart.

Sadhguru recalls meeting the silent sage Swami Nirmalananda (where the seed for Vijji’s deep desire for attaining Samadhi was inadvertently sown), the Swami’s attainment of Samadhi and puts Vijji akka and Bharathi akka through the paces to establish the triangle of energy necessary for the (lost science of) Prána Pratishtha ready. Getting two women who are the polar opposites to seamlessly merge into oneness wasn’t an easy task for even that accomplished Master! He also takes them on a Karma Yatra to the places of their previous births to clear the remaining karmic barriers. This chapter also takes the reader deep into the esoteric energy space that most humans bound by physical limitations of the five senses will find hard to comprehend.

‘If You Drop Your Fruit Willingly, Stones Can Be Minimized’ Countdown, Crisis, Denouement

With one part of the triangle gone as Vijji akka attained Samadhi (“She left through her Anahata”), Sadhguru contemplates the alternatives to complete the consecration of Dhyanalinga (whose creation has historically been plagued by insurmountable challenges to whoever attempted, invariably resulting in failure to complete when they’re so close to completion) and decides to take it upon himself to ensure no further delay. While Sadhguru performing both his and Vijji akka’s roles helped move the process forward, it also started depleting his energy reserves, resulting in fast deterioration of his physical health. It eerily reminded every participants about his prediction (declaration rather) that he’ll leave this body at the age of 42. They feared the worst as the day of consecration got closer.

There were other social hindrances too (a natural result of the ignorant arrogance of suspicious idiots, which incidentally thwarted the historical attempts earlier too), which the Isha meditators endured with quiet dignity and came out unscathed through their perseverance and unwavering faith in their Guru (he did play a part too in removing the last remaining obstacles). When the Dhyanalinga consecration finally concludes on 24th of June 1999 (and Sadhguru falls like an uprooted tree, with whatever life left in his physical form flickering), all readers will invariably be left overwhelmed by the enormity of the energy consecration process, enchanted by the unwavering focus of the Master towards attaining the goal across many lifetimes and the unshakable faith his followers had in him all through and enamored by the Guru who practically revived a long lost sacred science (propagated first by none other than Agasthya muni, one of Adi Yogi Shiva’s seven disciples, several thousand years ago) single handedly and spirituality as a way of living that’s independent of religion!

And his zest for Life as it is (“He’s probably the most alive human being I’ve known” – Arundhathi) brings him back from the brink (“My body was broken beyond repair” - Sadhguru), when Bharathi akka desparately said – hoping against hope that the wanderlust in him is the only thing that could keep him alive – “Shall we hit the road?”

‘Time to Graze the Valleys of Life’ The Master, the Man and his Message

Whether you're spiritual or not (most humans are incapable of differentiating being religious and spiritual), you'll relish Sadhguru's precise and decisive responses to the seekers' many questions (mostly by the author) in this chapter. From his uncanny ability to swiftly switch from one thing or person to other with equal attention to each to his capability to be present with or initiate the spiritual process for people not physically present to his unassuming ways of enabling ailing seekers do extraordinary things (such as climbing the Himalayas despite being critically ill) and unnerving candor in refusing to acknowledge such acts as miracles, many things that Sadhguru says or does (such as his own miraculous recovery from multiple ailments with the help of the eternal knowledge repository called Kailash) are beyond comprehension for normal readers. But the fact that all these acts were witnessed by people first hand exemplifies how lightly he wears his divinity or Gurudom.

His absolute clarity shines through when he explains what is Brahmacharya, how knowledge of the inner science can cure and prevent ailments, why he’s creating a monastic order with many strict regulations, how to avoid fake Gurus (real Guru happens when your longing deepens), what Enlightenment means, why he cries during processes (such as Linga Bhairavi consecration) or at the end of Sathsangs, why teaching meditation to political leader and entertainers is important, why transmission is more important than teaching and many more profound things.

‘The Ball Game’ and Beyond The Master Plan

Now that Isha – Yoga of the Divine, is already a global phenomenon, what remains in the Master Plan of the Master? This short chapter tries to answer that question. It’s a very interesting answer to a very profound question with Sadhguru declaring “Never again”, when asked if he’ll consider taking the physical form again!

Oh, about the Introduction and Postscript – it may be prudent to read them later, if you’re someone who might just drop a book if the first chapter isn’t fascinating enough (one of my colleagues did that with Asura – Tale of the Vanquished recently, to my surprise, but I relished the book, completed reading it in 4 days and also published a review). They do offer an important perspective - that of a not-so-spiritual seeker’s agony of having to live Life as we know it (resulting from our ignorance of Life as it is), innate inability to trust anyone as Guru, intolerance to conform (to defined process or practices) and an almost endless search for answers to perennial questions and the eventual cleansing of the cobwebs in her mind, to this grand tale of shock and awe, but Arundhathi’s propensity for liberal use of the flowery language of poetry (she’s a poet after all, but I haven't read her poems yet, to comment), ends up tying the narration into complex Asana like knots – not just in the Introduction and Postscript, thereby exasperating the reader enough to let him or her exclaim and almost howl “Why?”

One thing that’s missing in this book is Sadhguru’s sharp that will enthrall even the most doubtful among the hordes that make a beeline for his MahaSathsangs. It’s possible that the author either wanted to ensure the readers get the gravity of this grand story right or she’s such a serious person that wit and humor are dismissed with a ‘huh’! The “I” too is so pronounced in her narration that the readers may end up throwing their hands up and wonder if this is Sadhguru’s story or hers (thankfully, she ensures it is Sadhguru’s, starting from Page 17)! While she’s undoubtedly blessed to have been drenched in my Master’s grace, my respect for his patience and boundless compassion went several notches up when I realized how he must’ve felt while “I”nteracting with (many a character like) the author, for a substantial amount of time, to enable the writing and publication of (t)his extraordinary Life story ("A biography? I'm not done with Life yet!"). Strange are his ways and stranger is the company he keeps (just like his 50% partner Shiva). Shambho!

There are two possible outcomes while reading or on completing this book – an overwhelming sense of awe on what he has accomplished in this lifetime and a longing to be immersed in his boundless grace, in this lifetime and beyond! To be in the presence of a living Master in this lifetime itself is a blessing. “I’m available to all who’re willing!”, says my Master and he’ll only be glad to bless one more being with the possibility of eternal bliss! Availing that possibility to know ‘Life as it is’ will be a goal worth pursuing for the remaining part of our lives. Needless to say, as a seeker, I’m thankful to Arundhathi for letting me learn about my Master’s vibrant Life, which I’ve known only in bits and pieces so far.

I bow before my Master with deep reverence for creating the eternal energy form of Dhyanalinga, a living Guru in the primordial Linga form, who’ll sow the seed of spirituality into whoever enters his sphere, forever. And I bow once again for blessing us – irrespective of whether we deserve it or not – in this lifetime to have not one but two Gurus (the Creator and his Creation – whichever way you look at it) at the same time. Shambo!

And one more thing. I would love to write a sequel to this book (either by myself or collaborating with Arundhathi), starting from where this one concludes – the Dhyanalinga consecration – and walk the readers through the even more fascinating story of the mesmerizing growth of the Sadhguru and Isha phenomenon, the metamorphosis that they’ve brought into millions of seekers worldwide and the consecrations that he continues to perform (Linga Bhairavi, Adi Yogi aalayam, Mahima and Suryakund). If the Tamil translation of this book hasn’t already been picked up by SuBa or Muthiah, I would love to take up that too. my Master willing, of course!

Sadhguru More Than A Life is Highly recommended by Swamy for all – seekers or not.


Happy reading & a joyful Life to all seekers :-)

Love + Gratitude = @PrakashSwamy

Swamy’s first Sadhguru Sathsang experience | http://bit.ly/Vr2

SwamyView of Himalayan Lust by Sadhguru | http://bit.ly/WeYJ39 (less)
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review



Jul 10, 2015Richa Kashelkar rated it it was amazing
This book has spoiled reading for me forever. Never again will I be able to find something that grips my actual breath so much; this book has iron claws. Not just because it is probably the best thriller I've read as yet, or because it is true or so recent, but because knowing what happens in it means so much to your very own life. If you assume it to be true (which, it is very difficult to NOT do), it alters the meaning of everything you've known so far. And if it doesn't leave you absolutely shaken and broken at the end, you've not understood it.
Thankfully I read it when I was alone because someone bawling their eyes out with a book in their hands would've been a confounding sight to behold for most people. (less)
flag6 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review



Jul 01, 2013Sindhu Nair rated it it was amazing
The portrait of a contemporary mystic and guru, so well explained in a unique way, which grips you to read the book till the last page.
flag5 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review



Jun 19, 2014Nikhil Nehriya rated it it was amazing
This book describes a truly extraordinary life replete with fascinating unfathomable events from the life of the subject. It provides that rare insight into the world of a spiritual person. Most events described in the book are either completely bizarre or too fairytale-ish to believe. But never the less, they don’t cease to amaze.
The man himself says about these events, “It would be foolish to believe it, but it would be even more foolish to disbelieve it”. That pretty much sums it up.

flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



May 24, 2017Pavan Reddy rated it really liked it
The prose is lucid, the read though is enigmatic just like the central character Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. As someone, who had no knowledge about the guru or his Isha foundation, I am fascinated by the way his personality and work is protrayed in the book. My next stop, Isha Ashram (Coaimbatore).
flag5 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review



Aug 16, 2019Nitesh Kumar Aggarwal rated it it was amazing
Most inspiring book I've ever read. Sadhguru is a spectrum beyond comprehension.
flag4 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review



Jan 05, 2019Divya Garg rated it it was amazing
A book to know, A book to understand..This is so brilliantly written... Absolutely wonderful.
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



Oct 04, 2019Ajay rated it really liked it
Finally i got to read book on Sadhguru. I really admired him.
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



Jul 22, 2019Logan Streondj rated it it was amazing
Really a wonderful read, his early life was quite amusing, and I was starting to get concerned until he achieved enlightenment on a hill, then things got really interesting.
I have to say it's a great blueprint based on what has worked for Sadhguru. Though I do believe it could be worthwhile for him to read some on spiritual matters, I guess he would say he doesn't have time, as he is practically animating a corpse through spirit at this point (his brain waves could not be detected).

There are some pretty intense retreats described in it. It reminds me of those initiation ceremonies where the more arduous and pointless something they undergo is the more devoted they become. Though it seems he doesn't know how to express enlightenment in stages, likely as a side-effect of not having read much on the topic. I'm sure nevertheless that all the people had legitimate great experiences with all the meditation and ecstatic experiences that occurred.

Also a rather dangerous concept which I've considered even taking a star off for is his belief that (mahasamadhi) wilful release of the body achieves moksha, when it does nothing of the sort, as all it does is release the body. I know this may be a difficult truth for him as it has caused so much pain to him and his organization, but the only way to stop such pain in future is to realize it for what it is.

moksha is a separate phenomena that can only be achieved in the soul world post-mortem, and does not depend upon the manner in which the body died. The exit method is really mostly spectacle, like some gurus and lamas like to turn into light, much as Jesus did. But that doesn't mean they achieved nirvana, merely that they transformed their bodies to light. These events are meant as a reminder of our divine power, which can be used in many ways even while alive and full of life.

I do like how he mentioned that wearing metal can help prevent accidental mahasamadhi, I have concluded much the same from my experience, that it is necessary to have grounding objects to stay in this world. I usually keep some jewellery on at all times.

In terms of the Dhyanalinga that's an interesting story as well, and may very well be worth visiting. (less)
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



Mar 27, 2018Bhakta Kishor rated it really liked it
Shelves: biographies, guru
He baffles me and continues to do so. He is a mystic but still a mystery. He is referred to as Sadhguru. In his own words “When someone comes from their scholarship, they are referred to in different ways. If someone comes from an inner experience, they are referred to as Sadhguru. The word “Sadhguru” is not a title. It is a description. Sadhguru means “uneducated Guru.” I am almost hundred percent spiritually uneducated. I don’t know any scriptures, I have not read the Vedas and I didn’t bother to read the Bhagavad Gita. I come only from my inner experience and the only thing I know for sure is this piece of life from its origin to its ultimate.”

For many of us brought up on a diet of the archetypal saffron clad sloka chanting Gurus, Jaggi Vasudev remains an enigma – the jeans-clad motorcyclist mystic, the snake handling charmer, a fakir dressed in long flowing robes, a turban on his head, an overgrown white beard or a modern-day Moses.

All this aside, he is a charmer. He seems to have the answers to all the questions thrown at him by the media and the likes of Barkha Dutt or the retorts of die-hard atheists like Javed Akhtar. What captivates is his erudition and his slightly nasal but deep voice which holds the listeners' attention. Whether I believe all that he says or not, I like to listen to him. Arundhathi Subramaniam in her brilliant Introduction to ‘More than a life – SADHGURU’ says that “the book is an attempt to share some of that sense of wonder that these years of knowing Sadhguru have been about. More fundamentally it is an attempt to tell the story of an exceptional man.”

The blurb on the back cover says ‘This is the extraordinary story of Jaggi Vasudev or Sadhguru – a young agnostic who turned yogi, a wild motorcyclist who turned mystic, a skeptic, who turned spiritual guide. It seeks to recreate the life journey of a man who combines rationality with mysticism, irreverence with compassion and deep self- knowledge with a contagious love of life. Pulsating with his razor-sharp intelligence and modern-day vocabulary, the book empowers you to explore your spiritual self and could well change your life’. (less)
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



Sep 26, 2015Jyoti rated it it was ok
From the little I had heard or seen of Sadhguru Jaggi, I'd found charming and curious. I didn't like his mannerisms in Q&A videos where he'd trivialise the questions asked by people but I liked knowing him somewhat as I felt there was more to him than met the eye. Reading of the book was my attempt to know him some more.
The book is well-written and the author tries her best to see herself as an unbiased observer of her guru. But she tries so hard to portray that stand that the whole text reads pretentious and sponsored. Her main point that resounds through her oration: Sadhguru is different from the rest and everything he does is mystifying so even her skepticism about him is to be accepted simply because he is worth everyone's acceptance! He enjoys being what he is and asks for no forgiveness for what he leads people to believe. His flamboyance may be carefully constructed, however strange he may be, he does make his disciples see kindness in his methods and will liberate them all.
I'm happy for her and others who've found their liberator in him. I'll just have to keep searching for mine. (less)
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review



Oct 31, 2016Harmeet Singh rated it it was amazing
I bow down in gratitude of having the priveledge of reading this book and thank Sadhguru for revealing the journey of his life and Arundhathi of beautifully capturing it in the form of this book. I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt that not writing my experience of this book would be unjust.

This book on the life (or should I say, lives) of Sadhguru written by Arundhathi hasn’t just been a phenomenonally, mind-blowing read, but considering the fact that I am a slow reader- it has been an experience, an adventurous experience of unravelling the depths of what is possible for this human life.

I'm not left with much to speak as I only bought this book to know more about the Guru who seemed to be trending on YouTube, nowadays. After watching most of his videos, I felt curious to know how he got to where he is now. So like me, if you are also intrigued by this man, buy yourself this book. Every penny and every second spent with this book is worth it!

Pranaam (less)
flag3 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review


---
Amazon BR

Satheesh A. Donthy
5.0 out of 5 stars Take your life on a better trajectory. Start by reading this book.

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

If you are planning to learn from a Siddha (a very special category of Indian Gurus) through Isha Foundation, I strongly recommend that you read this book before taking any Inner Engineering classes online or in-person. Your ability to understand Sadhguru will improve and your questioning / swirling mind will slow down a bit. Your receptivity to the initiation process and to receive the instructions to learn the sacred Kriyas will improve beyond your imagination. Do not get confused with brain-washing. You don't need to change your religion or an existing relationship with a Guru. Isha Programs are very agnostic to religion. Sadhguru is least interested in your belief system. He does not want to give you any new ideas. He only wants to share tools that you yourself can apply and see the results on your own. Read this book and learn following from Isha Foundation. Your health and life will improve so much, I don't care to waste words on what you are going to see for yourself.

- Surya Kriya
- Inner Engineering Online
- Shambhavi Maha Mudra One Day
- Hatha Yoga (for the courageous)
- Upa Yoga (for beginners)
- Anga Mardana (for body builders)

50 people found this helpful



storyteller312

4.0 out of 5 stars Clouds & Shadows
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2018

Sadhguru posses all the definition of a shadow. This book brought no more insight into the man or his mission than before I read it.

The author goes into great detail about herself and personal beliefs. At first that seemed to present an impartial perspective on the subject. But as the book nears its conclusion she admits that Sadhguru is in fact her guru. Wouldn't that cancel an impartial point of view?
This does not imply her writing isn't truthful but it has a bias.

Personally I find Sadhguru a fascinating individual on a mission. I had hoped to know more about both thorough this book but was disappointed.

4 people found this helpful

ozshiva
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read!!

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018

My 3rd book of Sadhguru - undoubtedly the most amazing one!! I started with the Inner Engineering book, followed by Adiyogi (source of Yoga) and now this. This book takes you into a different world, would make you want to live that experience. I may be re-reading this one few times....

7 people found this helpful

I Love Books

5.0 out of 5 stars Want a life of BLISS? START HERE

Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2019

Love this book, written by Sadhguru, I met him 25 years ago when I attended his 13 day program in Nashville Tennessee, my dear Jaggi Vasudev. His program was amazing, did wonders for my life, and 20 years later he is world-wide famous. But still the same. No religion necessary, no cult here either, just a true path to inner happiness and peace, and along the way you may find health improvements as I did. I recommend this book highly and all the others he has written as well. More info about Jaggi on his Isha website.

2 people found this helpful


Dr. A. Karin Wettig

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Biography of a passionate Master - inspiring for more

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2014

When I got this book in my hands, I couldn't stop reading, because every chapter was exciting and written with the passion of a person who truly dedicates her emotional approach to understand her guru and write a picture of him that would really touch the hearts and inflame the spirit of people around the world. I was following his video series on youtube since a longer time before I bought this book, but it is indeed worthwhile. There are details not mentioned ever in his videos, there is much about his youth, his moneymaking, his personal life with his wife and daughter. The chapter about the unplanned Samadhi of his wife really made me cry and long I would have met her too in person. The story of the Dhyanalinga and many more experiences are reported in a really magic way, I liked this book more than any criminal story as it is criminally inspiring and also provoking the question - which path do I like to walk in this life and where is the final goal. ...

12 people found this helpful

Jack Bauer
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply great. Provides a larger perspective of human's life through his lifes journeys.....

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2018

Wow, the book is simply great! An eye-opening book. It could be regarded as one of the initial books into one's spiritual journey ....... Sadhguru has mentioned the depth and dimension of human's life which is general people like me are ignorant about. He tries to provide perspective to this life which people has generally lost it.
Helpful

Christina Carlini
5.0 out of 5 stars Most mind-bending book I have ever read

Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2018

By page 153 I had to put the book down. I just shook my head in disbelief. "Did this... really happen?" I thought. This book pushed my skeptical mind to it's outer limits. I found myself in constant astonishment or plain disbelief. By the of book, I felt genuinely convinced that it is indeed the life work a true master. Whether I was fooled or not, I still benefited greatly from the pure mental exercise. Read this book if you want to expand your mind. Period.

3 people found this helpful

Whizkid
5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Chronicle

Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2013

A captivating chronicle of Sadhguru's life. Its rare to get the true biography of a mystic but the author (Arundhathi Subramaniam) has carefully penned words from a neutral stance. This is to get the reader not thrown off by the unbelievable events that have taken place in his life. Yes a mystic life is supposed to be magical or else why would anyone look at mystics in reverence. The important part is its true.
The book takes you to a point where a lot of us can't comprehend, as spirituality and mysticism takes you beyond the logical dimensions. The struggle that Sadhguru took and is still taking just to get people to the next level from wherever they currently are is far bigger than what you would term as an "herculean task". But he does it as a breeze.
A very interesting read for those who want to understand why its very important to get to the next step from where they are, however small it may be.
An excellent attempt by the author to bring to light a mystical life in the hands of a common man.

7 people found this helpful

See all reviews from the United States


Top international reviews
Mrs. M. L. Scurfield


5.0 out of 5 stars A Great true story, that possibly can, encourage us to find our true path.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a stunning book! I couldn't put it down! What an amazing life Sadhguru has had! It has left me with deep respect for this man, and a stronger yearning to follow my own path.



Mrs. Gillian Wilson

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2019

Really fascinating and beautifully written book. Great read if you are as interested as I am in Sadhguru’s spiritual teachings. I loved it.