SPIRITUALISTICALLY

JESUS IN THE LOTUS - Review

May 08 2009

New Book Explores the Mystical Doorway Between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality

In the enclosed review copy of Jesus in the Lotus: The Mystical Doorway between Christianity and Yogic Spirituality (New World Library, April 20, 2009) renowned spiritual teacher and musician Russill Paul asserts that the exploration and integration of the philosophy of Yoga need not threaten, or take away from, essential Christian beliefs but can add a dimension to them and deepen one's faith.

In Jesus in the Lotus, he tells the compelling story of how, after a motorcycle accident and subsequent crisis of faith, his heart opened to the work of renegade monk Bede Griffiths, who was one of the first to synthesize these two great religious traditions. Paul then presents what he calls a pathless path that blends the wisdom of Christianity and the spiritual teachings of yoga for a holistic daily spiritual practice.

Drawing on a deep knowledge of Christian scripture as well as Hindu philosophy, Paul shows that the mystical core of religion offers much more than the simple solace of unthinking religious dogma. By demonstrating that these two seemingly separate and irreconcilable religions can actually unite in one person's spiritual practice at the core of his life- as they did for him - he offers an alternative to religious intolerance and strife as well as hope for personal liberation.

"I am not suggesting that Yogis, or Hindus, become Christian any more than I want Christians to become Hindus," writes Paul. "The intention behind this work is not about conversion to either path. My hope, rather, is that Christians and Hindus heal the wounds that intolerance, lack of knowledge, and prejudice have generated."

About the Author

Russill Paul trained as both a Christian monk and yogi under the direction of Bede Griffiths and is the author of Jesus in the Lotus and The Yoga of Sound. A faculty member at Wisdom University in San Francisco, he blends Indian and contemporary music in his recordings and performances. He lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches throughout the world. Visit him online at http://www.russillpaul.com.

Jesus in the Lotus by Russill Paul -April 20, 2009 • Religion • Trade Paperback • 248 pages

Price: $14.95 • ISBN 978-1-57731-627-5