Aatma Malik.
A Synopsis of the above book –
This is a simple book on spirituality and spiritual practice, by Eketarinande Maharaj, setting out briefly the mode and the many benefits and goodness of spiritual practice, and with certain in – depth commentaries of particular Vedic spirituality philosophies. We have also peeked at the picture and role and potentials of spirituality in life and in the world of today.
We start out the book with a short story of Madhan (a fictitious character).
In Part One of the book, The Soul of Spirituality, we have a total of 16 chapters setting out the fundamental aspects of spirituality and its practice.
In Part Two, Further Commentaries, we attempt to explore deeper the topics introduced earlier in Chapters 5, 10 and 11.
Finally, in Part Three, we have a section on FAQs and a Glossary of terms.
In this synopsis, we will give a brief outline of each of the chapters.
Part One – The Soul of Spirituality.
The story of Madhan – This is a short story exemplifying the ‘roles’ that we act out in life.
Chapter 1:
Introduction – Talks about the fundamental background and basis to the writer’s spiritual experience and practice, and that of the Ashram – Atma Malik Dyanpeeth.
Chapter 2:
About the Writer – Tells about the writer , the reasons for his writing this book , and some background information.
Chapter 3 :
Soul, Atma, Self, Consciousness- Explains what these terms are and their use and application in spiritual circles.
Chapter 4:
What is spiritual practice ? – This sub -title is pretty much self- explanatory, and talks about, amongst others, the doctrine of Self – realization by way of dhyan.
Chapter 5:
Why do we need a spiritual approach to life? – Here, it basically discusses the various benefits to the individual and the power to realize abilities beyond the limitations of the physical body.
Chapter 6:
Is spiritual practice religious in nature? – Explains the differences and similarities between spiritual practice and religious practice.
Chapter 7:
A spiritual lifestyle in practice – Talks about what a spiritual lifestyle entails to the individual and also the ensuing benefit to the environment and the people around him.
Chapter 8:
The practice of Yoga in spirituality – This is also self –explanatory, and ventures into the further details of Astanga Yoga application in spiritual practice.
Chapter 9:
The concept of God in spirituality – Provides an explanation of how the God entity is perceived in spirituality.
Chapter 10:
The primary tenets of Vedic spirituality – Talks about Sat – Chit – Ananda,( Truth – Consciousness – Bliss) as the foundation of Vedic spirituality.
Chapter 11:
The Body as perceived in Vedic philosophy – Here it talks about the Vedic view on explaining the various levels and energetic layers ( koshas) of the human body and its relation/connection to the Atma.
Chapter 12:
Health – the Mind – Body connection. – Which simply talks about the benefits to physical health and the state of mind, arising from a spiritual practice.
Chapter 13:
Spirituality – the Universe – the Origin of life. – Here the writer attempts to provide a plausible explanation of the origins of life from the universe and it connection to the supreme Atma.
Chapter 14:
The World situation. – Talks briefly about the current world situation and the problems and challenges it faces .
Chapter 15:
Can spirituality help create a better world? – Suggests ways and means how spirituality and its practice can help create a better future in this world.
Chapter 16:
Conclusions – this is about the final conclusions of the discussions in chapter 14 and 15 above.
And the story of Madhan continues. – Another short story high-lighting the principle of non-attachment, and with added emphasis on the formless nature of God.
Part Two – Further commentaries.
Expansion on Chapter 5 – Extended commentary on the Siddhis ( arising from spiritual practice) and the ancient Indian discoveries.
Expansion on Chapter 10 – Extended commentary on Existence and Truth – Some detailed explanation of what these terms are.
Expansion on Chapter 10 – Extended commentary on consciousness – further elaboration on the various aspects of the term of consciousness in spirituality.
Expansion on Chapter 11 – Extended commentary on the Vedic view of the Body – which dwells deeper into the various bodies and koshas and their roles.
Part Three – FAQs and Glossary of terms.
Some FAQs, discusses a selection of 14 frequently asked questions and answers about spirituality and its practice.
Glossary of terms – sets out to explain mainly the Sanskrit terms used in this book.
This book is a brief and perhaps an introductory write up and it is assured that you would find the book most useful for a better understanding of spirituality and its practice and applications and also some other related issues.
The book has been printed in reasonably large 11.5 point font, to facilitate easy and comfortable reading for all ages, and is printed on 100gsm, white art paper. The book itself has a total of 224 pages, of which 4 of them are colour image pages.
With a view to make it easily affordable to all, it is retailed at a nominal price of RM 29.90 only. Please contact Ms Pavitra Muthiah at +60 10-234 1596 or WhatsApp, for all enquiries and advance orders and sales.