Book-Review
- After many years, I picked up Yoga and Mantra by Loretta Zanuccoli again. Even though I knew it well, I decided to go through it with fresh eyes, as if I had never read it before. And I was truly impressed. It would be too simplistic to call it just a basic guide to Yoga and Mantras. This book creates a structured narrative about Yoga, gathering knowledge from multiple sources that usually present only partial or isolated aspects.
- In July, I kept reading the amazing book “Talks on Agni.” by Torkom Saraydarian and I found this really interesting idea: “The Secret Doctrine says that an atom wants to become a person, and a person wants to become a god.” I’m still thinking about what this really means, but it keeps making me wonder. Maybe it explains why we always want to get better at things. This idea suggests that everything, from the tiniest bit to the biggest thing, wants to grow and improve.
- While reading Ali Abdaal’s insightful book, Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You, I stumbled upon a fascinating concept: the Batman Effect. This idea, rooted in psychology, suggests that adopting an alter ego can help us overcome our fears and tackle daunting tasks with newfound confidence. Imagine having an alter ego who is fearless, capable, and unburdened by the anxieties that often hold us back. Just as Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, we too can step into a persona that empowers us to face challenges head-on.
- One thought leads to another, and soon I’m carried along a current that brings me to considerations far from the original point. Reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, I encounter the idea that a small change in our life can lead to a significant and profound transformation if we are consistent and observe its effects over a sufficiently long period. Nothing new, right? If we go to the gym for the first time today, we won’t see much change in our body.
- Reflecting on ‘Ikigai’, a Japanese concept that sits at the intersection of what we excel at, what we love to do, what society needs and what can earn us a living. This confluence whispers the secret of a happy life. Having only read the first few pages of Héctor García and Francesc Miralles’ text Ikigai, it is remarkable how it inspires personal reflection beyond the study of Japan’s long-established Okinawa community.
- Just started reading “Feel good productivity”, a fascinating book by Ali Abdall. Now, while it might not unravel revolutionary esoteric secrets, it does invite us to ponder over simple truths that we all can observe in our everyday lives. Plus, it dishes out some pretty amusing insights, which I’d love to share with you. Ever pondered over the thought of work being a bit of a laugh? Many of us likely don’t look at our jobs as something to “enjoy”.
- How can we navigate the vast ocean of time in a nutshell, amongst waves of work and family commitments, looming deadlines, tasks, and ever-present responsibilities? The bitter taste of being unable to achieve everything gnaws at us. We could become masters in time management, but our schedule overflows, seemingly impossible to clear. The wisdom of Brian Tracy intrigues me, author of the appreciated “Eat that Frog!” and a plethora of motivational treatises, who asserts that the sole way to master our time is to change our thinking, accepting the existence of actions that can be accomplished, and others that will inevitably be neglected.
- Some texts seem to never cease to amaze, and every page you turn unveils a new treasure. This is the case with “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching”, a masterpiece written by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and a true Master of contemporary Buddhism who has devoted his life to teaching mindfulness and compassion as tools for personal transformation and social peace. I should mention that I’m not a Buddhist, but I maintain an eclectic approach and am more interested in spirituality than in religions, although I understand how it was necessary to formalize certain teachings to preserve them and to reach a greater number of people.
- “The ocean of suffering is immense, but if you turn around, you can see the land. The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy. When one tree in the garden is sick, you have to care for it. But don’t overlook all the healthy trees. Even while you have pain in your heart, you can enjoy the many wonders of life — the beautiful sunset, the smile of a child, the many flowers and trees.
- “There is a story in Zen circles about a man and a horse. The horse is galloping quickly, and it appears that the man on the horse is going somewhere important. Another man, standing alongside the road, shouts, “Where are you going?” and the first man replies, “I don’t know! Ask the horse!” This is also our story.” (Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching) Riding through life without knowing where you’re going?
- Finalmente in vendita! Si è concluso il lavoro di traduzione, revisione, impaginazione e creazione della copertina di uno dei gioelli di Torkom Saraydarian: New Beginnings. New Beginnings è disponibile in italiano: Nuovi inizi. 🌟 Il desiderio è quello di far conoscere le opere di questo incredibile personaggio che ha vissuto con i sufi, con mistici e maestri, visitando monasteri, templi antichi e scuole misteriche. Torkom Saraydarian è autore, musicista, compositore, conferenziere internazionale, mentore e docente degli insegnamenti dell’antica saggezza.
- I am reading “Ashtanga Yoga “ by Gregor Maehle. Very well written, a must for approaching or understanding Ashtanga Yoga. Detailed in both the practice (asanas and sequences) and the history and philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is developed in four parts: Fundamentals: Breathing, Bandhas, Drishti, Vinyasa Asanas: the primary series (with pictures and illustrations) The history and lineage of Yoga Philosophy: the Yoga Sutras The edition I am reading is Italian:
- In the mystical journey of self-discovery, the ancient Sanskrit term “param-guru” holds a profound significance. This term, translating to “the supreme master” or “the ultimate Guru,” symbolizes a spiritual mentor of exceptional wisdom and insight, a beacon guiding seekers on the path to enlightenment. Like a school curriculum where teachers change as we ascend to higher grades, each with their own unique wisdom, our spiritual voyage is dotted with various mentors.