History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles

Average customer rating:

The Psychobabble continues
I was surprised
High Spirits and Optimism for Our Future
Make Every Day An Extraordinary Day!
Soul Food

Everyday Grace: Having Hope, Finding Forgiveness, and Making Miracles
Marianne Williamson
Manufacturer: Riverhead Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Course in Miracles | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1573222305
Release Date: 2002-11-11

Book Description

What do your spiritual convictions have to do with traffic jams, job anxiety, reading the newspaper, or arguing with your spouse? Everything, according to Marianne Williamson. It is the way we live in our everyday world that determines the shape of who we are. So Buddhist or Muslim, Christian or Jew, it is the moment when our daughter doesn't make the basketball team, or our best friend lands our dream job, or our business instinct tells us to bury the guy across the boardroom table that tests and builds our living faith.

With an attitude of hope, a call to forgive, a celebration of miracles, and the promise of strength and grace, Williamson helps us find our sacred footing on ordinary ground.

No matter where we are or what we're doing, there is the opportunity to be happy, and to be holy. The large and small difficulties of our days challenge us to open our hearts and minds. And in this book of hours, Marianne Williamson teaches us to ride the currents that lurk in each of those moments of opening to a sea change of the soul.

Customer Reviews:

The Psychobabble continues.......2007-03-22

Marianne Williamson's take on grace, mysticism, miracles, and so forth are an attempt to bring feel good spirituality into life. Williamson's text, A Course in Miracles, is the basis point for her teachings. Everyday grace is one of the more recent hodge podges of spirituality offered in an eclectic mix from Williamson whose mantra of love casts out all fear continues in her theological constructs. The one thing is .... everyday grace is far more simple than it seems. Everyday grace is about being in the flow. Williamson conjures up more feel good spirituality which she is known for.

I was surprised.......2006-08-06

I bought this book some time ago and never read it. All the hoopla turned me off (you know, Oprah and the like- I DO love Oprah, but she often picks such trying stories). Today I sat down with EveryDay Grace and pretty soon I was looking for a pencil to mark passages I want to find again. WOW. I wasn't expecting this little book to have messages I've been needing to hear. Of course, timing is everything, but I wouldn't pass on this book if you are looking for a way to connect your spiritual life with your everyday life.

High Spirits and Optimism for Our Future.......2006-07-07

Purity of heart will not make us poor. THe exaltation of poverty as a spiritual virtue is of the ego. The ego is the great fault-finder. In 'A Return to Love,' she explains her interpretation of the fairy tale, "The Frog Prince": in this story, a princess kisses a frog and he becomes a prince. We all know that. The great exhorter feels that it reveals the deep psychological connection between our attitudes toward people and their capacity for tranformation. What the kiss signified is the miraculous power of love to create a context in which people naturally blossom into their highest potential.

A miracle worker is an artist of the soul, an artist who exposes the masks we all wear. The reason so many are obsessed with becoming stars is because they're not starring in their own lives. The cosmic spotlight is not pointed at you; it radiates from within you. If we wait for the world's permission to shine, we will never receive it. The dreaded ego doesn't give that permission. The ego's world is based on finite resources.

Love is the essential existential fact. To experience love in ourselves and others is the meaning of life. Love is the intuitive knowledge of our hearts in the forms of kindness, giving, mercy, compassion, peace, joy, acceptance, non-judgment, joining and intimacy. Love is within us. The world we knew as children is still buried within our minds.

Fear is the opposite of love with forms like anger, abuse, pain, greed, addiction, selfishness, obsession, corruption, violence and war. Forgiveness is the key to inner peace because it is the technique by which our thoughts are transformed from fear to love. It's almost impossible to let go of your perception of someone's guilt when you know that by every standard of ethics, morality, or integrity, you're right to find fault with them.

We need to let the past go; only love is real. Hate wins us nothing except enemies and animosity.

Make Every Day An Extraordinary Day!.......2006-06-08

In Everyday Grace, my favorite spiritual author, Marianne Williamson, demonstrates the miraculous effect of living a life of unconditional love and forgiveness. Every single day, and in every single way, we experience grace, ease, joy, peace, and fulfillment when we connect to the divine spirit of love that lies within us. This is not an esoteric book. It is filled with practical examples of how to handle many of the common issues we all struggle with on a daily basis. Bless you, Marianne, for this inspired work.

Steven Lane Taylor, Author of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat: A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow."

Soul Food.......2006-03-29

This is the best book I've read in 10 years. Marianne Williamson writes in a way that resonates with me personally. She is spiritual, centered and grounded. She takes a very practical approach toward improving our spiritual life. This book can offer inspiration to many of us as we face daily life.

Expect a Miracle: 7 Spiritual Steps to Finding the Right Relationship

Average customer rating:

Excellent
An Absolute Must Read !!!!!!
This is a must read book!
Expect a Miracle is Terrific
An AMAZING and INSPIRATIONAL book!

Expect a Miracle: 7 Spiritual Steps to Finding the Right Relationship
Kathy Freston
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Applied Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Parenting Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0312325843

Book Description

In our hectic world, the search for love is often reduced to a soulless chase. Meditation coach Kathy Freston takes a different approach. Her seven-step program helps the reader come to a deeper understanding of the old patterns that have invisibly thwarted past attempts at finding a meaningful relationship. This supportive book encourages readers to: -Listen to their inner voice -Open up to change and growth -Clarify what they want and why -Clear out old beliefs -Find and express gratitude -Harness their natural magnetism -Stop trying so hard, and let the miracles flow.

Download Description

A new approach to looking for lasting love using meditation, visualization, and a deeper sense of self.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-09-02

Although I have not had time to read the item arrived fast and exactly as described!

An Absolute Must Read !!!!!!.......2006-08-02

Finally I found something what helped me to stop worrying about my relationships and my future. I share the opinion that if you expect luck and miracle, they arrive into your life. A lot of miracles happened to me confirming this truth always when I thought in the way Kathy suggests you. I thank Kathy for making me return to this thinking I always used before. This book helped me not only in relationships but also in other areas of my life giving me piece of mind and an incredible lightness after reading this book.

This is a must read book!.......2006-07-22

I really liked kathy freston's book the one so I decided to buy this book and have really enjoyed it. It has a lot to do with surrendering your situations or problems to whatever higher power you belive in and praying and meditating. She gives you steps to either finding a relationship although this is stuff you can use if you are already in a relationship like I am. This book has helped me so much and I feel more connected to spirit and soul and to a higher power. This is a must read book!

Expect a Miracle is Terrific.......2006-07-11

I own this book and purchased her meditative CD as well and can't say enough about both. This is not just about finding the right relationship, it's about finding yourself and identifying and ending old destructive patterns. I haven't found the right relationship yet, but I am still a work in progress and I'm no longer in a rush...all good things in time & when the time is right. I know I will meet the right person, when I am a completed work. I highly recommend the book and the CD. Kathy has a very soothing, calm voice & often I don't make it to the end because I fall asleep. I should also mention that oddly enough, about 2 months after reading this book & continuing with the mediation, I came across a bumper sticker that read "Expect a Miracle." I took that as a sign of things to come!

An AMAZING and INSPIRATIONAL book!.......2006-06-01

This book is so amazing and so right on, I cannot thank Kathy Freston enough. I "expected" a miracle and am now seeing the fruits of reading this book. Kathy is truly a spiritual guide and this book must be read by anyone, searching for a relationship or just searching. It will change your life, but only in positive, inspirational ways.
Thank you!

Good luck on your miracle mile!

Average customer rating:

Better than "Somebody's daughter"
Finding Miracles
A tale of Milagros (miracles)

Finding Miracles (Readers Circle)
Julia Alvarez
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0553494066
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Book Description

MILLY KAUFMAN IS an ordinary American teenager living in Vermont—until she meets Pablo, a new student at her high school. His exotic accent, strange fashion sense, and intense interest in Milly force her to confront her identity as an adopted child from Pablo’s native country. As their relationship grows, Milly decides to undertake a courageous journey to her homeland and along the way discovers the story of her birth is intertwined with the story of a country recovering from a brutal history.

Beautifully written by reknowned author Julia Alvarez, Finding Miracles examines the emotional complexity of familial relationships and the miracles of everyday life.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Better than "Somebody's daughter".......2005-08-05

Prior to reading "Finding Miracles" I had been reading a story similar to it (Called "Somebody's daughter") that followed the same genre but instead of it being about a Spanish (Hispanic, whatever) girl, it was about a Korean girl (who wasn't looking for her parents, but was wondering what her native country was like.) It `twas boring. Getting off that subject, I have to say that I enjoyed "Finding Miracles" very much. Written in 1ST -Person, I could really understand the emotions of the main character Milly Kaufman and her so-called struggle to learn what little she knew of her past and more when she traveled to her best friend's (Pablo) country despite the objections her family (especially her sister, Kate, who apparently was born in Pablo's country too) to her going.

The only problems I had with this story was the fact that Milly was such a cry-baby in this story; If her parents got angry at her, she would start crying while making up an excuse for herself at the same time (that was just unbelievable in terms of normal teenage reactions. It felt like she was trying to get her parents not to punish her).

And if she started sobbing about something -- mostly her native country she wanted to go to - everyone in her family - excluding her grandmother and other distant relatives- started crying. How unrealistic can you get with drama? If I started crying about something trivial like that, I declare my parents would tell me to hush up about it. All in all "Finding Miracles" was not a bad story. I enjoyed it very much as I have said before. (July 23d, 2005)

Finding Miracles.......2005-01-27

Finding Miracles is a refreshingly original story.
This is the first text that I have read from Alverez and I enjoyed the infussion of spanish in the text and the unpredictable plot. The characters are on the edge of normal but believable. Alvarez takes into account all of the culturaly diverse traits of each character.
The reason I rated the book 4 statrs instead of 5 is that I feel that there are alot of loose ends at the end of the book. Maybe there could be another book.
Joi

A tale of Milagros (miracles).......2004-12-20

Julie Alvarez's ("How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent") newest novel "Finding Miracles" is the story of Milly Milagros Kaufman, a typical all-American, half-Jewish high schooler with a not-so-typical secret: Milly was adopted as an infant from a war-torn Latin American country, where her adopted parents were serving in the Peace Corps. Milly has managed to successfully keep this info from her best friend Em, friends Jake and Dylan, and the community at large, because thinking about her sickly beginnings at an orphanage dredged up too many painful questions about why she was abandoned at the doorstep, who her birth parents may have been and if they "disappeared" during the dictatorship.

Milly is forced to confront her past when Pablo Bolívar joins her grade at high school. Pablo and his parents are refugees from Milly's home country (which is never named). One of his uncles was murdered, one of his brothers is a prisoner, and the other a revolutionary. Pablo asks Milly to help him with English in exchange for practicing Spanish, and one day makes a comment that changes Milly's life: he tells her that her eyes look like those of the mountain village Los Luceros. Also, Milly overhears an angry family discussion in which her unhappy grandmother Happy effectively writes her out of her will as she is not a "blood" relation.

Milly begins to slowly examine her feelings by confronting "The Box," a mahogany box containing her adoption papers, naturalization papers, two locks of hair (one light, one dark), a coin, and several photos, and in a brave speech running for a class office, tells the story of her adoption to the school at large. The second half of the novel chronicles Milly's journey to her homeland. When Milly's home country is freed from tyranny and democracy is slowly put into place, she takes up Mrs. Bolívar's invitation to visit, searching for traces of her shadowy past. Milly and Paco become more than just friends, bonded by the shared sadness of having lost loved ones in the war.

The novel does not have a "fairy tale" ending where everything works out perfectly, but the ending provided a satisfying conclusion to Milly's journey. Realistically written and beautifully described, Alvarez captures a girl torn between cultures, languages, and her past, and how Milly, now Milagros, makes all the pieces fit.

Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow: Hope, Humor, and Healing after Treatment

Average customer rating:

A review by a doctor and fellow cancer survivor
From the eyes of a physician in cancer's shadow
A powerful book! A real blessing!
Real Life and Faith

Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow: Hope, Humor, and Healing after Treatment
Lynn Eib
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1414305729

Book Description

Cancer's shadow looms large, even for survivors. Fears may linger: Will the cancer come back? Will I always have complications? Will life ever be normal again? Author and cancer patient advocate Lynn Eib, a colon cancer survivor herself, faces these fears head-on. Drawing on her own experiences, the wisdom of Scripture, and the stories of others who battled cancer, she helps survivors and their loved ones deal with their fears, their moods, their questions, and more. Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow shows that God wants to use cancer survivors in an incredible way, and points them to the hope and healing that only God's light can supply. No glib answers--just the truthful hope that God can penetrate and dispel any shadow in a survivor's life.

Customer Reviews:

A review by a doctor and fellow cancer survivor.......2006-04-07

Looking for a way to help someone who has just finished cancer treatment? Give this book.

Lynn Eib understands the power of telling a good story, and so this book has many of them. There are enough personal anecdotes about her to convince me that she knows what she is talking about. But most of her stories are about some of the others she has helped in her role as patient advocate in a busy oncologist's office.

The stories help to point people away from the discouragements common to many cancer survivors: fearing recurrence, having to face people who insist on their staying "positive", wondering whether life will ever be normal again.

She polishes her stories with inspiring quotes and suggestions that point the reader toward the future. This is a book of hope. I highly recommend it.

From the eyes of a physician in cancer's shadow.......2006-03-16

I read Lynn Eib's first book, When God and Cancer Meet, and found it to be the most helpful book I've ever read about dealing with cancer. I bought a case of the books and gave them out to my friends and patients who had cancer. I consider the book a "must read" for all patients with cancer.

Lynn's second bood is also excellent. It provides encouraging and helpful information on how to live during the years after receiving the diagnosis of cancer. I especially liked the chapters, "Is God Really Bigger Than Cancer" and "Living Under a Different Shadow".

As a cancer survivor, journalist, and now patient advocate, Lynn writes with skill and insight rarely seen. When patients are first diagnosed with cancer, I suggest they read When God and Cancer Meet. Six months later, as they try to return to normal life, I suggest they read Finding the Light in Cancer's Shadow.

A powerful book! A real blessing!.......2006-02-23

I laughed. I cried. I heard from God.

Real Life and Faith.......2006-02-09

What a great second book. I own the first one and this is also inspiring to someone who doubts or is at the bottom due to cancer and the aftermath of it. I had the pleasure of meeting most all of the people in the previous (When God and Cancer meet) and this book. I can attest that all the stories are true (part of my story is in here) and hope that whoever reads these books will be inspired by them and see the light of Christ even in the dark times of life. Lynn may God bless you and everyone in this book. Thanks for sticking with it and writing this book.

Zen Miracles: Finding Peace in an Insane World

Average customer rating:

My Zen Friend
Enlightening... but contradictory in parts
Not for Aspiring Buddhists Only
Outstanding primer on Zen from an outstanding author
Great Primer

Zen Miracles: Finding Peace in an Insane World
Brenda Shoshanna
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Zen | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Zen Philosophy | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spiritual | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Health, Mind & Body | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0471414816

Book Description

"This wonderful book brings East and West—and ancient and modern worlds—together and provides profound wisdom and guidance for anyone struggling with stress, anxiety, anger, fear, or loneliness. Beautifully written, funny, warm, and filled with unusual, wonderful exercises. A real miracle."—Rabbi Gary Moskowitz, Director of the Institute for Violence Prevention

"A healing journey into the inner conflicts and contradictions that separate spirit from self." —Armand DiMele, the DiMele Center for Psychotherapy

"Dr. Brenda Shoshanna is a versatile, creative, warm, and truly excellent teacher." —Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, founder of the Interfaith Seminary and Director of the All Faith Seminary

"Zen Miracles is an inviting and inspiring message for those looking for a more simple and powerful way to enhance their lives and for those who want to integrate a practical way of peace in today's distorted and increasingly violent world."—Bob Goff, NY Naturally

"Zen Miracles is a book that is invaluable for anyone seeking to bring a profound, yet genuinely joyous, experience to life. Brenda Shoshanna explores the spiritual and therapeutic aspects of Zen practice in a way that is acceptable to anyone, no matter what their faith, philosophy, or religious beliefs. With her warm and compassionate style, she exhibits the unique ability to explain even the most difficult ideas in understandable terms. Her approach is readily accessible and applicable to even the most mundane of activities. This book is a must for anyone seeking the secrets for attaining a balanced life and true peace of mind."—Lewis Harrison, Director of the Academy of Natural Healing

Download Description

This book explains the Zen philosophy and shows beginners how to meditate. Besides instructing readers, this book also includes stories of how Zen has improved people's lives.

Customer Reviews:

My Zen Friend.......2007-06-18

Since reading this book and practicing zazen, I have come to believe that miracles are not only possible, they're inevitable with continued sitting. Although I'm a beginner, I love noticing the moments of "newness" Zen has brought to my life - laughter ready to bubble up inside me, connecting with people I thought I had nothing in common with, and more delight than resistance in changing circumstances. With every sitting I feel like I'm reviving a love of life that I haven't enjoyed since childhood.

I'm reading Dr. Shoshanna's book for the second time and recognizing the beauty of the truth that she knows from experience. While she artfully weaves psychology with Zen stories and mysteries, her message is down-to-earth and practical in our daily lives. I particularly love the chapter, "Walking Through the Gateless Gate," where she describes communion with a person, a flower, a tree, an animal. Those moments are fleeting glimpses of living in harmony with all of life, with every moment received as a gift. This book is a gift, a treasure, and a life-long friend. As my practice ripens, I trust this wisdom to be my guide to life.

Enlightening... but contradictory in parts.......2007-03-01

I would actually rate this closer to 3.5 stars, but rather than rating it at a 3 and pointing out that it's better than that, I decided to do the opposite. Why? Because this is an enlightening and eye opening book that many, many people could stand to benefit from reading. The writing is crystal clear and insightful, as it fleshes out abstract Zen riddles and philosophies with practical, common sense exercises for incorporating Zen ideals into your everyday life.

My main problem with this book is that I found it to be a tad contradictory at times. Bear with me here, because I am only just now beginning to learn more about this stuff, but it is my understanding that perhaps the most fundamental tenet of Zen and Buddhism in general is that we all need to look within for our own answers, rather than trusting teachers and other authorities to spell everything out for us. However, there are a few parts of this book where the author seems to contradict this by becoming a bit overly dogmatic and spelling out exactly what various aspects of Zen are supposed to mean. The tone bothered me at times because I felt like I was being force-fed her views on certain things, and so I had to remind myself that all of these ideas are meant to remain open to interpretation.

Of course, I do realize that a book of this sort might not be all that worthwhile if it didn't dole out at least some concrete answers. For one thing, it seems intended for newcomers to Zen who stand to benefit from more than just abstract sayings and philosophies. And, overall, there were only just a select few parts that I found to be a bit too imposing, maybe 5% of the overall text (although they did stick out like a sore thumb to me).

At the end of the day, the author has done a commendable job of stitching together various Zen sayings, stories, and anecdotes... weaving them together with her own (mostly) gentle interpretations to present a readily understandable account of it all. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for new perspectives on life.

Not for Aspiring Buddhists Only.......2006-12-22

For me, this book has served as much more than an introduction to Buddhism. It actually has convinced me to start practicing meditation and has transmitted the how-to's so that now meditation is part of my daily life. Meditation has made me receptive to goodness and blessings that are all around me!

What I like about this book is its ecumenism. It covers the very abstract aspects of daily meditation practice and makes them real through illustrations from many different cultures and religions.

This book presents a pathway to faith and now I can see many more of the daily miracles in my life rather than focusing on difficulties and problems. It makes me say thank you over and over each day as I recognize these miracles - thank you to God and thank you to Brenda for showing me the way.

Outstanding primer on Zen from an outstanding author.......2006-04-04

I had previously read several books on Zen prior to coming across this particular book from Brenda Shoshanna. Unlike many of the other books I read, which tended to be bland and sometimes diffficult to follow and apply to one's own life, Dr. Shoshanna takes an entirely different approach in helping us to understand the common concepts of Zen. Her book is very well written. It is clear and concise, even for someone not entirely familiar with Zen, enjoyable to read, and most importantly, she conveys her own experiences with Zen, some of which are quite humorous, to assist the reader in understanding and applying Zen principles to his or her own life. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject of Zen.

Great Primer.......2006-03-21

If you've read a lot of Zen before this book would be an easy read for you. If you haven't it could be a seminal work. Brenda does an exceptional job of explaining (clearly for a Western mind) the basic points and benefits to approaching the external world from a Zen philosophy. There are exercises as well for the unguided.

A Course in Love: A Self-Discovery Guide for Finding Your Soulmate

Average customer rating:

The Common Sense of Love
NEW AGE RELATIONSHIPS
NEW AGE RELATIONSHIPS
My favorite book on relationships with myself and others
My favorite book on relationships with myself and others

A Course in Love: A Self-Discovery Guide for Finding Your Soulmate
Joan M. Gattuso
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Happiness | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Mysticism | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Course in Miracles | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0062513028

Customer Reviews:

The Common Sense of Love.......2002-05-15

I've read all of Joan's works and I find them and her to be "on point" with regard to human relationships--be they intimate or familial. The temptation is to negate Ms. Gatuso's findings because he doesn't mention any "professional" credentials (whatever those are). The fact that most find the book too artistic is (by and large) a justification for the books existence. If there is anyone looking for simple ways of finding the love that is inside each of us (without the expense of therapy or prescription drugs) this book is a must read. Indeed, you will find it so useful that you will want to read it more than once.

NEW AGE RELATIONSHIPS.......2001-06-02

Read "a course in miracles" as a prerequisite to this book. "A course in miracles" is the dusty, 19th century folk-art/religious cult of Millard and Myrtle Fillmore,a typical pre-Freudian, highly artistic interperatation of Man and God. Joan's book is no less pre-Freudian, but certainly less dusty. New age writers have no proffesional credentials other than their lofty artistic impression of man's (and, ahem..., womans) divine nature. Don't look for complex answers with this book, ...unless you're intimidated by simple addition.

NEW AGE RELATIONSHIPS.......2001-06-02

Read "a course in miracles" as a prerequisite to this book. "A course in miracles" is a dusty 19th century folk-art/religious cult of Millard and Myrtle Fillmore,a typical pre-Freudian, highly artistic interperatation of Man and God. Joan's book is no less pre-Freudian, and certainly less dusty. New age writers have no proffesional credentials other than their lofty artistic impression of man's (and, ahem..., womans) divine nature. Don't bother with this one.

My favorite book on relationships with myself and others.......2000-07-28

Joan Gattuso's book "A Course in Love"is the best book on relationships I have read . The book deals basicly with finding a spiritual base for the relationship with ourselves, clearing out all the blocks to our own good, forgiving our past , and taking full responsibility for our lives. Sounds like other spiritual books on relationships? In many ways ,most new thought books like this one , do ask the reader to assume the responsibility for what occurs in his/her life. I like Joan's book because she gives the explicit tools to accomplish all of the above.She incorporates many mystical traditions , Sufi, ACourse in Miracles, Unity and many more to remind one of their spiritual inheritance. I do feel, one has to be ready and open to this understanding ,and willing to do the work she has laid out in the book. The spiritually hearty will welcome this book.The forgiveness techniques, the opening the heart meditations,and the 10% of the pyramid clearing are a few of the reasons I continually workwith the book. I am now ordering it for my daughter. Thankyou Joan, for this wonderful reminder.

My favorite book on relationships with myself and others.......2000-07-28

Expecting Miracles: Finding Meaning and Spirituality in Pregnancy Through Judaism

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!
A must read for all first time Eemas!
Pregnant? Obsessed? Read this book
experience this book!

Expecting Miracles: Finding Meaning and Spirituality in Pregnancy Through Judaism
Chana Weisberg
Manufacturer: Urim Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Jewish Life | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Women | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 9657108519

Book Description

Expecting Miracles is a collection of refreshingly honest and inspiring interviews with traditionally observant Jewish mothers about their diverse experiences of pregnancy and childbearing. It is about the ways in which mothers have managed to make these important stages in their lives into a time for personal growth, spirituality and real-life miracles.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-08-02

This book is amazing. It came out during my first pregnancy but I didn't have time to buy it or read it, and now that I'm pregnant again I decided to finally get it. The stories are so real and touching and beautiful. And they're very honest. They're not all "feel good" wishy washy stories, but rather real, honest accounts of pregnancy and motherhood and how these women manage whether they have 15 children or 1. I can't put it down but I don't want it to end either. If you're pregnant and Jewish you have to get this one!

I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!.......2004-10-19

This book truly resonated somewhere deep within me. It connects the reader spiritually with her larger family, that of all Jewish women. The womens' stories are so honest and real; I felt like I was having a conversation over coffee with some of my oldest friends into the night as I read and read and read... Despite the fact that some of the women have different backgrounds than my own, there was something in each woman's experience I could ALWAYS relate to. It was so confirming to see, in print, so much of what I had felt during the months of my pregnany, my birth experience, and my initiation into motherhood. I HIGHLY recommend this book!

A must read for all first time Eemas!.......2004-08-31

When I became pregnant for the first time, I really wanted to read something that told me what I already felt in my heart - that pregnancy is the most amazing miracle ever and that hte weekly blow-by-blow account of what is happening at a physical level is not the true story of pregnancy.

When I read Chana Weisberg's book - I simply could not put it down ! All the stories of strength also helped me get through the morning sickness etc... and were an excellent reminder to think beyond the phyiscal and truly appreicate the miracle that was happening inside me.

I highly recommend this book without hesitation (particularly to all first time mothers-to-be).

Pregnant? Obsessed? Read this book.......2004-08-19

When I was pregnant with my first baby, all I could think about or talk about was -- being pregnant. At times I felt bogged down by the sheer physicality of it all, and longed to make it a more spiritually uplifting experience. I also wished I had other obsessive-compregnant women to talk to, so we could all take turns inspiring and/or boring each other. Reading EXPECTING MIRACLES filled all these gaps in my pregnant life! It was all I wanted to read. Women from various walks of Jewish religious life are telling you all the intimate details of their experiences as pregnant ladies and then as mothers and as wives. They give all sorts of ideas, suggestions and encouragement to make it more spiritual. YOu think, I could do that. I want to try that. I couldn't put this book down. It is a MUST-HAVE alongside WHat to Expect When You're Expecting. Expecting Miracles is like the spiritual counterpart to that sometimes too-physical (and occasionally scary) pregnancy guidebook. Expecting Miracles revels in the joy, excitement, spiritual potential and blessing that being the carrier of life is all about.

experience this book!.......2004-08-18

This book gives a down-to-earth, intimate account of women's experiences during pregnancy, boldly bringing out the physical, emotional and religious challenges they face. The women interviewed don't separate themselves from Judaism but rather find a wide range of ways to integrate Judaism into their identities as women, professionals, wives, mothers and individuals. This book touched me and enriched my knowledge of Judaism's view of pregnancy. I'm so glad I read it!

Gardens from the Sand: A Story About Looking for Answers & Finding Miracles

Average customer rating:

Gardens from the Sand, Dan Cavicchio

Gardens from the Sand: A Story About Looking for Answers & Finding Miracles
Dan Cavicchio
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0062510533

Customer Reviews:

Gardens from the Sand, Dan Cavicchio.......2000-02-26

(Despite the jaded outlook of the cynical reviewer from Kirkus, which condemned this book with faint praise)....Garden from the Sand sings with the inspiring power of the Nature that lies inside of each one of us....if only we listen.

A gentle and intriguing story for wise children, young adults, and adults who wish to remember the wisdom and innocence of their earliest relationships with Nature-- This is a story about trust...in the deeper powers of Life that run through all of us....and about Listening to the World as though your Life depended upon it.

It does.

It is a story about deep ecology---our relationship with the world, and how we change it, unwittingly, or with considered aaction.

This book offers a fresh and simple tale of a child's learning to understand the natural world and his place in it, and of coming of age in a single parent family.....

Clarion's search for his father, is a search for his roots..and his personal power. He finally finds himself in the relationship and stewardship of his environment and community.

Customer Reviews:

Common sense and the Shroud.......2006-06-23

I expected Joe Nickell's case against the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin to be a snide and nasty affair. But it is surprisingly even-tempered, poking large holes in the cases of the defenders of Shroud authenticity. In this book, Nickell (and his panel of scientific experts) critically examine the claims of Shroud backers. Against those who feel the Shroud was formed in a burst of radiation (supposedly from the Resurrection) Nickell asserts the common sense conclusion that this radiation, if it was to make a clear image, would have to travel only in the direction of the cloth, and not out to the sides. Against those who claim that no medieval technique is known that could account for the image's formation, Nickell gives examples of rubbing techniques--during and prior to the medieval period--that were available to artists of the 14th century. Against those who claim that the image on the cloth is an anatomically perfect depiction of a crucified man, Nickell lays out the case for the image's imperfections: one arm is longer than the other, and the blood trickles are depicted as lying atop the hair, rather then seeping from it.

On the negative side, Nickell's book is the "he said" against the "she said" of other book on the Shroud. Is Walter McCrone biased toward finding paint (as STURP - the Shroud Research group claims) or (as Nickell claims) are his findings of paint pigments and tempera binder the key to solving the Shroud mystery? Did McCrone return the sticky tape samples (Nickell) or did he violate scientific protocol by hogging them (STURP's Heller)? Going back in history, does a letter from the Bishop of Troyes (claiming he had obtained the confession of the Shroud's painter) support Nickell's case, or is it the carping of a man who is losing tourism dollars to a neat relic in a neighboring diocese?

In any event, "Inquest" is a relatively easy read, and should be studied by Shroud advocates, if only to ensure that they are not seduced by the sillier arguments made in support of the Shroud. Any book that brings the conversation to a higher level should be welcomed.

Testing of The Shoud.......2005-03-28

The Shroud of Turin has been the center of contreversy for quite a while now, but what i don't understand is that, the blood and body fluids that ran into the the shoud was realy never tested for d an a witch would prove that at least it was of hunan origen and not faked by some very wonderfull artist.Granted all fibers were tested and the cloth itself but in all that I have read and seen ,unless i missed it no d an a testing has ever been don. When a person dies there a lot of transformation that goes on. Things like the drying of the skin.Layers of dry skin fall off and can adhere to what ever it tpuches,Body fluids also seap on to all surounding matters. So what I can't understand is if everyone is so interested in if it is real or not, What is the big problem. Like I said if there was D anA testing done then why can't I find any proof of it. What a wonderfull gift this would be if this is real......Debby

"As the (red ochre) dust settles over Sindondom".......2004-12-07

Inquest on the Shroud of Turin by Joe Nickell is a clear, concise, 155-page work explaining the evidence that refutes the authenticity of the 3 1/2' x 14' cloth that allegedly covered the body of Christ after crucifixion and bears his image. Nickell's work is one-sided. He believes the shroud was created by an artist near the time it was first publicly introduced around 1353. He picks apart (sometimes in a mocking manner) the evidence shroud believers use to prove authenticity. As Nickell states at the beginning of the book, his collaboration with a panel of scientific and technical experts accomplishes equal time for the skeptics. According to Nickell, many reports on the shroud are done by pro-authenticity investigators who lack objectivity (p. 8). Mentions made in this book about Roman anatomist Dr. Luigi Gedda who, detecting a slump in the right shoulder of the image, deduced that the image was of a right-handed carpenter (p. 109) and the story of how renown microanalyst Walter McCrone was "drummed out" of the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) for publicizing his findings of iron earth pigment on the blood stains and body image (p. 125) seem to back up his claims of bias accounts of the shroud's authenticity. I do not recommend reading only this one book on the shroud because it is too one-sided (any of the books by Ian Wilson would make a good companion) but I also do not think that, because Nickell has an agenda, this book should be discounted. Whether you believe, are skeptical, or are just curious, Nickell makes excellent cases for his side of the issue.

Nickell includes chapters that cover a variety of topics: the history of the shroud, ways the shroud does not follow traditional Jewish burials at the time of Christ, the shroud versus Biblical accounts of Jesus' death and resurrection, ways that the image could be left on the cloth, and scientific consideration of the type of linen, blood stains, and the image itself. The chapters on blood and the yellow fibers on the image are a little dry and scientific (14 pages worth), but the rest of the work makes for fascinating reading. Nickell drives home his points with clarity and precision. He describes the shroud's past as one cloaked in controversy, politics, and profits which left more of an impression on me than the scientific evidence. The shroud was only first introduced to the public in 1353 and was denounced as a forgery almost immediately. Documents even show that the artist confessed.

The book ends with a summary of the areas considered in the work and the evidence the shroud is a forgery as well as information of members leaving (or being "drummed out") of STURP. The additional chapter includes an update to 1987 (four years after this book was first released) about books published during this time and about the formation of the Association of Scientists and Scholars International for the Shroud of Turin (ASSIST). Obviously much has happened since then. I saw a television documentary showing a man who claims the image is an x-ray of Jesus. An expert on ancient cloth also claimed that the type of weave used in the shroud is inconsistent with Medieval times but is found much earlier (something Nickell refutes).

The occasional tone of the book may turn off staunch believers. Nickell uses past mistakes of scientists to help discredit what they say about the shroud (p. 72). He refers to the idea that the image could be formed through resurrection as "nonsense" (p. 86). His arguments that, if the image was created supernaturally, why is it "not of better quality than it is" (p. 92) is a bit weak. Despite the author's arrogance, an objective reader will find that he makes many important points. Before the skeptics claim this book to be a slam dunk for their side, however, they should definitely check out John Heller's Report on the Shroud of Turin. Heller has a completely different take on the work of Walter McCrone. All these accounts show what an intriguing mystery the Shroud of Turin was, is, and probably will always be.

Sindonology meets critical review.......2003-10-23

Let me resurrect an old cliche & say that "Inquest on the Shroud of Turin" is good news and bad news. The good new is that several of the chapters are very strong, providing compelling reasons to discount the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin as the burial cloth of Jesus. I think the most enlightening chapter was at the beginning of the book & dealt with the provenance of the shroud. It was clear from its origin in 1355 that the cloth was a fraud. The early provenance shows that the only medieval contemporaries who did not discount the shroud as a fake were those who were profiting from displaying it to pilgrims in return for alms. Bishop Pierre D'Arcis wrote an investigation report stating that the shroud is a painting, & this fact was attested to by the artist who painted it. Even the pope discounted its authenticity when he issued a bull directing it could only be displayed as a "representation" and not as an authentic relic. It is amusing to think that the medieval mind had clearer insight into the shroud's bona fides than many modern minds.

Another strong chapter is the one that deals with the research of Walter McCrone. (...) In any event, McCrone concludes the shroud bears traces of paint pigment (as predicted by the provenance) & that proteins on the shroud are not blood but rather the paint medium tempra. What do you call a piece of cloth with paint pigment & paint medium on it? McCrone and Nickell conclude that it is a painting (as one might expect).

Now for the bad news: "Inquest" suffers from several weaknesses. Many of the chapters become lost in technical detail which I think detract from the strength of the overall argument. Why make a subtle argument when there is an obvious argument to be made that is more compelling? Also, I noted one occasion where Nickell placed emphasis where he should not & the result was misleading. Nickell states that according to the New Testament, the body of Jesus was buried according to Jewish custom, & therefore the body must have been washed. The truth is that the New Testament does NOT say the body was washed. This whole line of reasoning should have been left out in my opinion since it is misleading & detracts from the overall argument.

Another weakness is that the book has not been updated since the Carbon 14 tests were published showing that the shroud is only 700 years old. This makes the cloth about the same age as the provenance indicating it is a fake. A new chapter would tie all this together quite nicely.

Other reviewers have criticized Nickell for his lack of credentials as a scientist. If they had read the book more carefully (or at all), they would have noted that this book is clearly presented as a collaborative effort with technical specialists. Not only did Nickell consult on research, some whole chapters are ghost written by his collaborators. Another criticism is that the shroud could not be a painting since there is no brush strokes & no directionality. In spite of what other reviewers have said, these matters are addressed in the book. There are no brush strokes because the artist didn't use a brush. Furthermore, Nickell does discuss how paint could be applied without an indication of directionality. Read the book for more details.

Finally, there is one interesting argument Nickell touches on but does not develop. The image of the face on the shroud shows evidence of fresh bleeding from scalp wounds. Nickell points out that there should be no blood because the body was washed. An alternative observation is that when a person dies, the heart stops, blood pressure drops to zero, & lividity begins to set in. A dead body simply does not bleed (at least not like the fresh stream of blood seen on the face of the shroud). Hypothetically, if the shroud were indeed the burial cloth of Jesus, it means that he did not die on the cross, but that he was taken down while still alive. No death on the cross means no resurrection, & this conclusion would turn Christian theology on its head. It appears that this one observation would give the faithful plenty of reason to reject the authenticity of the shroud, rather than defend it.

Best Book on the Shroud.......2000-12-02

Joe Nickell does an outstanding job of research into the Shroud's providence and possible methods of creation. It is quite clearly the best book on the subject, as it dispences with gullible and wild speculation and sticks to the facts of its history and the science behind the image. The book was written orginally well before the carbon dating conclusively showed it to be exactly what had been predicted beforehand: a mid 14th century piece of linen. It is truly amazing that such books have to be written in the early 21st century to dispel what sensible adult minds should have done a long time ago. Highly recommended.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books