The Golden Present: Daily Inspirational Readings by Sri Swami Satchidananda

I was blessed to meet Swamiji at Satchidananda Ashram in the mid 1990's and have been an Integral Yogi ever since. This book is an excellent collection of Gurudev's teachings, presented in an easy-to-read format. One reading for each day of the year. I keep my copy at my bedside and read it again year after year. I own very few material items, but I will always have this book. Om shanti

It's all in your head. We (human beings) live like we are victims of circumstance, like if we just had x, y, or z THEN we could be happy. Oh, how wrong it is. Be careful what you ask for -- for if you are lucky/unlucky enough to get what you are chasing then you will come to realize the true wisdom of what is contained in this book. If everything that happens to you is a gift from the universe/"god" (for lack of a better word)...then you are OK. You are right where you need to be. Forget about the attachments to job, car, "success," etc...for if you rely on exteriors to derive your happiness, then when they go -- so goes your peace of mind. I'll shut up now -- but let's just say for those of you looking for a *real* paradigm -- try this on for size.

I feel a connection with Swami Satchindananda, I happened to meet probably one of the only people in my area that was blessed to be under his direct teachings. Anything I have read from him comes from a very humble and peaceful place, and helps me to stay focused in my humble and peaceful place.

This book is set out in such a way that you have a page for each day of the year. The content is very helpful and will provide you with guidance along the path of living. Satchidananda writes in a simple and gentle style that is full of warmth and love. I always come away from it feeling that little bit better and that my faith is a little stronger. Who could ask for more than that.....

This book helps in a very simple, practical and gentle way shows why there is pain in our lives and that if we can conquer of egos and truly apply these gems of truth into our daily lives how we can reach our full potential as human beings. He speaks the undeniable truth, no matter what your background is.