Tantra – The Way of Acceptance
By Osho

Much misunderstood in the West, the message of Tantra – The Way of Acceptance – is one that brings clarity to the idea of Tantra yoga for Western readers. Osho puts forth the Tantric concept that only through total acceptance of ourselves can we grow. Osho speaks on Tantra meditation techniques (let go and surrender), and tantric love and spirituality in this much valued small format book, highlighting and returning all the while to the Tantric message that says: “Don’t live a repressed life, otherwise you don’t live at all!”. It’s an easily accessible read that teaches how to live a life of expression, creativity, and joy.

Available at all good book stores nationwide.

Introducing Buddha, A Graphic Guide
By Jane Hope & Borin Van Loon

A concise yet expansive summary of the origin and development of Buddhism, Introducing Buddha describes the life and teachings of the Buddha in an easy-to-understand way. Covering a lot of ground, it approaches its vast subject with little jargon, yet manages to capture the spirit of the teachings of Siddhartha. Clearly presented, the graphics have been superbly illustrated in fine line drawings reminiscent of a comic book, giving this book a light-hearted feel to what is considered somewhat dense, philosophical subject matter. This results in easy and efficient learning. You’ll learn all about the Buddha history, traditions, culture, and philosophy and the many experiences of sudden enlightenments and flashes of epiphany, as well as the practices of meditation, Taoism and Zen. It goes on to describe the role of Buddhism in modern Asia and its growing influence on Western thought. Introducing Buddha is a lovely book to get you started in Buddhism and is deceptively a “great book” despite it’s small format – don’t write it off!

Available at good book stores nationwide.

Over thousands of years, plants and animals have evolved exquisite sensitivities and adaptions to the changes in the seasons and have sychronised their life-cycles to the earth’s annual journey around the sun. How do they do it? How do birds know when to igrate, squirrels to hibernate, insects to emerge from their pupae, flowers to bloom? What effect do the seasons have on human wellbeing, and how does the season in which we are born affect our subsequent life chances?

Season of Life provides the essential science that enables us to understand the biological basis of seasonal behaviour. It explains how seasons have shaped the course of human evolution and how, even in the modern world, the markers remain. Our bodies still beat to an ancient rhythm that has important consequences for our physical and mental health.

Season of Life is an engaging and beautifully written book that’s educational and filled with the wonderous joys of nature. Scientifically literate audiences will really enjoy this one!

Available from book stores nationwide for R169.95 or email Jean Scott: jscott@bookpro.co.za for more information.

Author Marcus Chown takes familiar features of the mundane world and reveals how, in the light of our current scientific knowledge, they tell us profound truths about the ultimate nature of reality. He shows readers how to read the cosmic signs in the everyday world, or, in the words of William Blake, to “see a world in a grain of sand” or a falling leaf or a rose or a starry night sky.
A great introduction to modern physics that’s both non-intimidating and appealing to the layman, it’s an eye-opening and fascinating read guaranteed to make you want to learn and discover more brain-bending insights about the nature of life itself.

Cumes’ Chakra Gardens invites the reader into the world of the Sacred Valley, deep in the heart of the Andes of Peru, and into a magical reconnection with Mother Earth and oneself…

Each chapter weaves stories of personal healing and transformation with the garden’s elements, and includes a living cultural history of the Quechua people, and the sacred rituals and ceremonies they use to create a world in balance.  The seven chakra gardens are inspired by the ancient yoga philosophy which connects the seven energy centers to one’s soul.   “Chakra gardens are gardens of peace.  They do not restrict or impose.  They simply support people in experiencing their own deep connection to Source,” writes the author.

In vibrant photographs and clear captivating text, Chakra Gardens – Opening the Sense of the Soul tells the story of how Carol Cumes built the chakra gardens on her Willka T’ikka Garden resort in the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru.

Starting with the earth garden for the first, root chakra, Carol takes the reader through each chakra, describing the resonance, the healing properties, the plants and even meditations that the reader can use to release blockages and promote health.

This is a book for any reader who loves gardens, but is especially valuable for the combination of both chakra energy and plant healing information. Readers will be inspired to create their own chakra gardens wherever they are!

About the author: Carol Cumes, author, gardener, yoga retreat chatelaine, and non-profit founder of the Willka T’ika Children’s Fund in Peru won the Gold Nautilus Award in the Home & Garden/Natural Living category for her publication Chakra Gardens: Opening the Senses of the Soul (Mitra Publishing).

Proceeds from the book benefit the non-profit Willka T’ika Children’s Fund to support the isolated mountain schools and Andean children in their communities.

Order the book online at www.chakragardens.com

Miracle Cards
By Marianne Williamson (HayHouse Books)

This 50-card deck is beautifully illustrated with sepia photographs that reflect the miracles inherent in our everyday lives. On subjects ranging from relationships to the future of the planet, Marianne Williamson, the acclaimed lecturer and bestselling author, offers spiritual reflections and applies universal truths to issues that confront all of us on our daily journey.

The Law of Attraction Cards
By Esther and Jerry Hicks (HayHouse Books)

The evidence of the Law of Attraction is everywhere in life and a conscious awareness of this powerful law can be activated within you as you experience these beautiful cards. Take deliberate control of awareness of your experience of this law and your life will be dramatically enhanced. Serving as a deliberate self-empowerment tool to help you live a more joyful life, according to the authors, “these cards will remind you that you do have personal control of your own life experience”.

Magical Messages From The Fairies Oracle Cards
By Doreen Virtue Ph.D. (HayHouse Books)

By the world’s leading “angel” herself, this card deck by Doreen Virtue has a message or answer for you from the beloved “nature angels” who live close to the earth. Helping with everyday concerns such as relationships, health issues, and finances, each card has a gorgeous painting of fairies and, the enclosed guidebook walks you through the steps for giving an oracle reading for yourself or others as well as outlines the extended meanings behind each card.

Wanam – Africa and India, A Spiritual Dialogue
By Swami Veda Bharati (Ahymsin Publishers –www.ahymsin.org)

Bringing African and Indian spirituality together, Swami Veda Bharati’s experiences in Africa in helping build bridges between the two communities at academic and leadership levels, led to him writing Wanam, a book that connects what appears to be the divergent religions of Vodou and that of Hinduism and the Himilayan yogis. The number of common practices and spiritual beliefs reinforces Veda’s message that “spirituality is eternal” and that “God is one”.

The Guru of Joy – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & The Art Of Living
By Francois Gautier (HayHouse Books)

To millions around the world, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the epitome of unbounded love and truly a “guru of joy”. This biography not only carries Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s eternal message of love and a revival of human values but, presents him in a very enchanting way, with stories and experiences of seekers who have been with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar along his path. This ever-smiling guru is the founder of the international Art of Living Foundation and the book offers previously unpublished material about his childhood, his adolescence, his spiritual development, his organization, and his healing breath workshops.