[.ca] The Promise of Immortality: The True Teaching of the ... (ISBN 1565891503)

Recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion:
Ably written J. Donald Walters who, as Swami Kriyananda, founded the Ananda network of spiritual communities, The Promise Of Immortality: The True Teaching Of The Bible And The Bhagavad Gita is an in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages both in the Bible and in The Bhagavad Gita. Passages on Jesus Christ, the soul's ascent to redemption, and overcoming the flaws of one's own ego in religious study are all discussed in this thought-provoking, heavily researched and deeply spiritual analysis that earned the rank of Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's "Book of the Year" award. The Promise Of Immortality is highly recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Profound Work of Great Beauty:
"It is urgent also that mankind seek a deeper-than-rational understanding of life. For as human knowledge grows, it encompasses other cultures and other ways of thinking. This expansion of awareness cannot but convince people of the truth and beauty of other great religious teachings." ~Swami Kriyananda Although J. Donald Walters was raised as an Episcopalian, he was later initiated into an Indian monastic order and took the spiritual name, Swami Kriyananda. Through his teaching he challenges the reader to attain a deeper form of belief. He often contrasts real spirituality with the outward show of pomp and ceremony. The author encourages a deeper understanding of what you believe. It is not enough to say you believe, you must "live out your faith." I've been very impressed with his "Secrets of" series. They are little books that can really help you change the way you are thinking so you can be more successful, peaceful or fulfilled as a human being living on this uncertain planet. In all the uncertainty, J. Donald Walters brings us to some of the most important ideas Jesus taught and compares them with teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Walters explains the Bible in ways you can't even imagine are possible. Yet, in the end it makes complete sense. I loved his explanation of how God is the "Word." J. Donald Walters says that everything in this book is consistent with Paramhansa Yoganda's actual writing, so he says it is not really his book, but rather a disciples attempt to present his guru's teachings in a way as to reach a wider audience. Yogananda's mission is to show the underlying oneness of the Holy Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna (representing God) and Arjuna (a devotee/aspirant toward divine union). I was amazed by the sheer poetic beauty of the text. The Contents Include: Part I - The Eternal Christ The Eternal Word: Key to Manifested Existence What is the Source of Life? Why is the Light "Incomprehensible" to Darkness? The Incarnation "The Only Begotten" - Why? Receptivity: they key to Spiritual Development Divine Grace vs. Divine Law Can God Be Know? Part II - The Instruments of Recognition How to Study the Scriptures Finding a True Teacher How to Relate to a Master Heaven Is Our Birthright! Imperfection Is of the Ego- Perfection Is of the Soul Part III- Son of Man: Son of God? Who is This Son of Man? Resurrection, and the Meaning of Divine Tests Part IV- The Soul's Ascent The Way Beckons "Works" That Lead to Perfection "Be Ye Therefore Perfect!" Restlessness vs. God-Centeredness The "On Thing Needful." The Inner Way of Pilgrimage The Inner Kingdom How Devotees Fall How Devotess Can Rise Again The Eternal Present The Redeeming Light Index of Bible Quotations Index of Bhagavad Gita Quotations Index of Quotations by Paramhansa Yogananda Most of the book does seem to focus on the teachings of Christ. It is important to note that the author believes in reincarnation. Rather interesting theories on this subject. He also has some thoughts on Astrology and its origins. There are ideas you may accept or reject, however the explanations are always entertaining and often enlightening. He talks about the Divine Consciousness which is the true life which enlightens human minds and speaks of a time where there will be more cooperation's between the world's religions. He seems to promote a unity of all religious beliefs and explains how the quest for divine truth is the essence of all religions. "Love is not great because Jesus loved. Jesus, rather was great because he demonstrated so perfectly the quality of love." pg. 25 Is there a way to know all the happiness and fulfillment you have ever craved? Should our goal in life be to know God? What is the Christ Consciousness? Who can satisfy our deepest longing for divine love? What did Jesus really mean when he said: "Let the dead bury the dead." How long should you meditate? In a time when religion has become one of the most neglected of human concerns, this book will help to recharge your soul and lift up your spiritual consciousness. A fascinating explanation of ancient scriptures. A book you will want to read at least twice! The time for knowing God has come. ~Paramhansa Yogamamda Spiritually Healing.

Horrible:
What a waste of time. There is no spirit of realization behind the words. It just made me want to go direct and read the words of Parmahansa Yogananda directly and not waste time on this ego trip.

An in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages:
Ably written J. Donald Walters who, as Swami Kriyananda, founded the Ananda network of spiritual communities, The Promise Of Immortality: The True Teaching Of The Bible And The Bhagavad Gita is an in-depth comparative commentary on parallel passages both in the Bible and in The Bhagavad Gita. Passages on Jesus Christ, the soul's ascent to redemption, and overcoming the flaws of one's own ego in religious study are all discussed in this thought-provoking, heavily researched and deeply spiritual analysis that earned the rank of Finalist in ForeWord Magazine's "Book of the Year" award. The Promise Of Immortality is highly recommended reading for students of Comparative Religion, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita.