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What are some of the most influential books or texts related to Spiritualism in Eastern Religions and New Religions?

Margretta McCerery

When it comes to spiritualism in Eastern religions and new religions, it can be challenging to narrow down the most influential books or texts. However, there are a few that stand out as staples within these spiritual practices.

First and foremost, the Bhagavad Gita is undoubtedly one of the most influential texts in all of Eastern religion. This text is seriously revered by Hindus and is considered to be a sacred manuscript that outlines everything from the nature of God to the way a person should behave in their daily life. This book is essentially a dialogue between Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) and Arjuna, which takes place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The message of the Gita is to carry out one’s duty selflessly and without attachments to the outcomes.

Another essential text in Eastern spirituality would be the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. This text outlines the philosophical teachings of Taoism and contains many themes that Eastern religious practitioners find useful. The book teaches readers to always strive for balance and harmony, to let go of fear and resentment, and to let nature guide their path. It’s often used as a tool to get individuals in touch with their own inner nature and find peace in living in tune with the universe.

One of the other most influential spiritual texts in Eastern religions would be the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This text outlines the practice of yoga and meditation, which are two spiritual practices that are foundational in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These sutras provide the reader with a step-by-step manual on how to achieve spiritual enlightenment via these practices, which is something that many spiritual practitioners in the East strive for. The book also details how the individual can detach from their ego and connect with the universal consciousness.

Moving on to New Religions, a significant example of an influential book would be A Course In Miracles. This text was written by Helen Schucman in the 1970s and has gone on to become a fundamental teaching text for the spiritual movement. The book covers a wide range of themes, from forgiveness to salvation to self-knowledge, and provides readers with a daily practice regimen to help them remain on the path towards enlightenment.

Another book that’s worth mentioning is the Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. This text, written in 1993, follows the journey of the protagonist as he undertakes a spiritual quest that ultimately leads him to discover nine key insights that lead towards spiritual awakening. The book covers elements of shamanism, meditation, and even quantum physics, and is a must-read for anyone interested in New Age spirituality.

In conclusion, this is by no means an exhaustive list of the essential texts related to Eastern religions and New Age spirituality. Still, these books have nonetheless played an instrumental role in shaping the beliefs and practices of countless spiritual practitioners worldwide. Their influence has been felt in many different spheres of life, and it’s likely that they will continue to inspire spiritual seekers for generations to come.