The Promise of Immortality: The True Teaching of the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita

by Swami Kriyananda and Kriyananda

Book Overview

Illuminates the underlying truth held in common by the Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565891503
• ISBN13: 9781565891500
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers
• Length: 425 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Wisdom and Insight - Great, Great Book

'Truth is one and eternal', and this book shows how, by comparing the underlying meanings behind two great scriptures. Whether your a Christian, Hindu, or someone trying to understand spiritual truth, this is a great book. The author's understanding and realization clearly shine through in this gem. Here are the chapters, which give a very good idea of what The Promise of Immortality is about: Part I: The Eternal Christ 1. The Eternal "Word": Key to Manifested Existence 2. What Is the Source of Life? 3. Why Is the Light "Incomprehensible" to Darkness? 4. The Incarnation 5. "The Only Begotten"--Why? 6. Receptivity: the Key to Spiritual Development 7. Divine Grace vs. Divine Law 8. Can God Be Known? Part II: The Instruments of Recognition 9. How to Study the Scriptures 10. Finding a True Teacher 11. How to Relate to a Master 12. Heaven Is Our Birthright! 13. Imperfection Is of the Ego--Perfection Is of the Soul Part III: Son of Man: Son of God? 14. "Who Is This Son of Man?" 15. Resurrection, and the Meaning of Divine Tests Part IV: The Soul's Ascent "He must increase, but I must decrease."--St. John the Baptist, John 3:30 16. The Way Beckons 17. "Works" That Lead to Perfection 18. "Be Ye Therefore Perfect!" 19. Restlessness vs. God-Centeredness 20. The "One Thing Needful" 21. The Inner Way of Pilgrimage 22. The Inner Kingdom 23. How Devotees Fall 24. How Devotees Can Rise Again 25. The Eternal Present 26. The Redeeming Light

Profound Work of Great Beauty

"It is urgent also that mankind seek a deeper-than-rational understanding of life. For as human knowledge grows, it encompasses other cultures and other ways of thinking. This expansion of awareness cannot but convince people of the truth and beauty of other great religious teachings." ~Swami Kriyananda Although J. Donald Walters was raised as an Episcopalian, he was later initiated into an Indian monastic order and took the spiritual name, Swami Kriyananda. Through his teaching he challenges the reader to attain a deeper form of belief. He often contrasts real spirituality with the outward show of pomp and ceremony. The author encourages a deeper understanding of what you believe. It is not enough to say you believe, you must "live out your faith." I've been very impressed with his "Secrets of" series. They are little books that can really help you change the way you are thinking so you can be more successful, peaceful or fulfilled as a human being living on this uncertain planet. In all the uncertainty, J. Donald Walters brings us to some of the most important ideas Jesus taught and compares them with teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Walters explains the Bible in ways you can't even imagine are possible. Yet, in the end it makes complete sense. I loved his explanation of how God is the "Word." J. Donald Walters says that everything in this book is consistent with Paramhansa Yoganda's actual writing, so he says it is not really his book, but rather a disciples attempt to present his guru's teachings in a way as to reach a wider audience. Yogananda's mission is to show the underlying oneness of the Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna (representing God) and Arjuna (a devotee/aspirant toward divine union). I was amazed by the sheer poetic beauty of the text. The Contents Include: Part I - The Eternal Christ The Eternal Word: Key to Manifested Existence What is the Source of Life? Why is the Light "Incomprehensible" to Darkness? The Incarnation "The Only Begotten" - Why? Receptivity: they key to Spiritual Development Divine Grace vs. Divine Law Can God Be Know? Part II - The Instruments of Recognition How to Study the Scriptures Finding a True Teacher How to Relate to a Master Heaven Is Our Birthright! Imperfection Is of the Ego- Perfection Is of the Soul Part III- Son of Man: Son of God? Who is This Son of Man? Resurrection, and the Meaning of Divine Tests Part IV- The Soul's Ascent The Way Beckons "Works" That Lead to Perfection "Be Ye Therefore Perfect!" Restlessness vs. God-Centeredness The "On Thing Needful." The Inner Way of Pilgrimage The Inner Kingdom How Devotees Fall How Devotess Can Rise Again The Eternal Present The Redeeming Light Index of Bible Quotations Index of Bhagavad Gita Quotations Index of Quotations by Paramhansa Yogananda Most of the book does seem to focus on the teachings of Christ. It is important to note that the author believes in reincarnation. R

Recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion

Ably written J. Donald Walters who, as Swami Kriyananda, founded the Ananda network of spiritual communities, The Promise Of Immortality: The True Teaching Of The Bible And The Bhagavad Gita is an in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages both in the Bible and in The Bhagavad Gita. Passages on Jesus Christ, the soul's ascent to redemption, and overcoming the flaws of one's own ego in religious study are all discussed in this thought-provoking, heavily researched and deeply spiritual analysis that earned the rank of Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's "Book of the Year" award. The Promise Of Immortality is highly recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita.