Abbot George (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)

A growing number of people are open to the subject of past lives, and the belief in rebirth-reincarnation, metemphsychosis, or transmigration-is becoming commonplace. But it often thought that belief in reincarnation and Christianity are incompatible. But is this really true? May a Christian believe in reincarnation? The answer may surprise you. Reincarnation-also known as the transmigration of souls-is not just some exotic idea of non-Christian mysticism. Nor is it an exclusively Hindu-Buddhist teaching. In orthodox Jewish and early Christian writings, as well as the Holy Scriptures, we find reincarnation as a fully developed belief, although today it is commonly ignored. But from the beginning it has been an integral part of Orthodox Judaism, and therefore as Orthodox Jews, Jesus and his Apostles would have believed in rebirth. This historical study of reincarnation in both Judaism and Christianity cites many authorities of both traditions, including many Christian saints and Fathers of the Church, as well as both Old and New Testaments. In our opinion the testimony of orthodox Judaism, ancient Christianity, and the Bible is sufficient to answer the question: May a Christian believe in reincarnation? Included in this second edition is Annie Besant's article on various scientific, moral, and historical aspects of reincarnation from a Christian perspective.

A complete guide in the theory and practice of meditation on the mantra "Soham." Why Soham Yoga Meditation? Meditation is the process of centering our awareness in the principle of pure consciousness which is our essential being. In this way we will never lose sight of our real identity. Normally we lose awareness of our true Self through consciousness of external objects. Since we are habituated-if not actually addicted-to objective consciousness, we can use that very condition to our advantage. Rather than disperse our consciousness through objects that draw us outward, away from the source of our being, we can take an object that will have the opposite effect, present it to the mind, and reverse our consciousness. Such an object must have three qualities: it must be something whose nature it is to turn our awareness inward and draw it into the most subtle depths of our being, it must be something that can continue to be perceived even in those most subtle areas of our awareness, it must already be present in our inmost being awaiting our discovery of it. Therefore it must be an object that can both impel and draw us, accompanying our questing consciousness inward, not being transcended when the mind and senses are gone beyond, but revealing itself as the Self. That object is the mantra Soham. By sitting with closed eyes and letting the mind become easefully absorbed in experiencing the inner mental repetitions of Soham we thereby directly enter into the state of consciousness that is Soham, the state of consciousness that is both Brahman the Absolute and our Self. "Meditation is the shortest, simplest and most efficient method of Self-realization. Experiencing the oneness between the seeker (the individual sadhaka) and the sought (Satchidananda Brahman) is the essential feature of meditation. Soham sadhana is its most potent method (practice)". -Swami Swarupananda of Pavas In Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self you will find a full explanation of: What is Yoga? Why Soham Yoga? How to practice Soham Yoga meditation. What great teachers say about this practice, such as Ramana Maharshi, Swami Sivananda, Gajanana Maharaj, Swami Muktananda, Kabir, Sankara, and many others. Pointers for success in meditation The foundations of yoga. Breath and Sound in Meditation Those who seek to practice meditation will need nothing further than this in-depth guide.

"Where am I?... How did I get here?" is more than a trite line from nineteenth century melodramas and novels. It is a query put forth by potential sages throughout the history of conscious mankind. When asked on a cosmic scale, it is bold indeed: What is this universe I keep finding myself in, and how did I get here? That is answered by esoteric Christian cosmology. In Robe of Light Abbot Swami Nirmalananda explores the whys and wherefores of the mystery of creation. From the emanation of the worlds from the very Being of God, to the evolution of the souls to their ultimate destiny as perfected Sons of God, the ideal progression of creation is described. Since the rebellion of Lucifer and the fall of Adam and Eve from Paradise flawed the normal plan of evolution, a restoration was necessary. How this came about is the prime subject of this insightful study. Moreover, what this means to aspirants for spiritual perfection is expounded, with a compelling knowledge of the scriptures and of the mystical traditions of East and West. About Swami Nirmalananda's writing: "As informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring".-James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review "Abbot George is like the Emily Dickinson of modern day spiritual writers." -Reverend Gerry Nangle