Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice for Daily Life: A Spiritual Training Course

This book is written by one who has studied deeply and practiced the techniques of Kriya Yoga for many years. The book provides a very clear base and philosophy of the traditions of Kriya Yoga. Respect is paid to the preceptors of the tradition, Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar Giri, Paramahansa Yogananda, and Roy Eugene Davis, who is her teacher / guru and a direct disciple of Yogananda. The process of meditation is well defined and one can easily use the book as a guide for practice. Chapter 6, page 79. It is also a practical guide to living a life in harmony with the teachings of the Kriya Yoga tradition that is presented. It is extremely well done and practices are defined in a manner which shows that the author not only is well versed in theory, but also is well practiced in the process. The deliberate, mindful, presentation of the material is rare in spiritual books and guides. "Authentic Self-Discipline is aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with the intention of the true Self." Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brien, Living the Eternal Way, p 98 She defines the "Four Fold Practice" of Kriya Yoga based on the traditional eight (8) limbs of yoga as defined in the Yoga Sutras. The explanation is provided in a manner that allows one to improve their life through the application of the teaching to daily activities. Defined in Chapter 3, page 29. 1.) Study and Contemplation of the Nature of Reality 2.) Meditation/Prayer (This includes the Pranayam of Kriya Yoga and Mindfulness monitoring of breath) 3.) Self-discipline and the Cultivation of Virtues by practicing the Restraints and Observances defined in the 8 Limbs of Yoga 4.) Dedication to God and Surrendering the Sense of Separate Self. In the contemplation and study of scripture and in all endeavors, the author references oral traditions and the key teachings of classical texts like the Bhagavad Gita, The Koran, the Christian Bible, The Yoga Sutras, and various Buddhist scriptures and other inspirational works. This is a great book for the beginner or the most advanced student. What I like best about this book is the teaching of the philosophical basis underlying practical application of the material in a manner that uses day-to-day examples. For example, how to apply concepts like Harmlessness (Ahimsa) as a practice that allows one to see how living by this precept can relate directly to how one uses the resources of this planet. Not harming the planet by not abusing and wasting resources is the same as not harming others, or not using products from those who have been exploited or abused. "Beyond behavior and actions in the world, harmlessness concerns our words, feelings, and our thoughts. To criticize, to gossip, or think envious thoughts of another is not consistent with harmlessness. One strives to root out violence, such as anger and hatred, from the mental field." Chapter 7 - Cultivating the Virtues, page 101. Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian has applied every con