Original Goodness: A Commentary on the Beatitudes

by Eknath Easwaran

Book Overview

Uncover the core of goodness within.

Love, compassion, meaning, hope, and freedom from fear are not qualities we need to acquire. We simply need to uncover what we already have.

Original goodness is Eknath Easwaran's phrase for this spark of divinity hidden in every one of us, regardless of our personal liabilities or past mistakes.

Easwaran is one of the twentieth century's great spiritual teachers and an authentic...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0915132915
• ISBN13: 9780915132911
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: Nilgiri Press
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.9" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

A Non-Dogmatic Treatment

Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite authors on spiritual subjects. His style is engaging and his approach non-dogmatic. From his own experience, he is able to see the core teachings of every faith and lead the reader to a greater understanding and tolerance of other paths. This book will be equally appreciated by Christians and those of an Eastern bent wishing to find a bridge with their Christian acquaintances.

Unconditional Love, Deep Wisdom

This boook is profound in that the author's voice exemplifies the universal values and principles espoused in his book--clearly he has lived his words. Sri Easwaran's familiarity with world religious traditions, his compassionate nature, and his love for all living beings make his words nonsecular and completely applicable to anyone's life. I felt I was embraced by love as I read this book. It inspired me to rededicate myself to living the higher values of humankind.

A Wonderful Book of Surpassing Wisdom

This is simply one of the finest and most inspiring books I've ever read. It takes the famous Beatitudes of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" and shows how we can train ourselves mentally and spiritually to be living embodiments of their wisdom in our everyday lives. Easwaran begins with the premise that our innermost core or essence is one with the divine ground of all being. It is timeless, indestructible, and purely good. And he shows us how we can cultivate a spiritual path which lets this goodness shine through our conventional, constricted, egoic selves. His path is based on the "perennial philosophy" that he and many religious scholars and sages say forms the heart of all the great religious traditions. But while he quotes liberally from mystics of various traditions, his focus here is on Christian mysticism. Meister Eckhart and St. Teresa of Avila figure prominently in the book, and their words grace the reader with profound wisdom and inspiration. The chapter on love alone is worth many times the price of the book. It has impacted my life more than I can say.Do yourself a favor and get this book, make it a part of your life, and share the sweet fruits of your efforts with those around you. Thw world will be a better place because of it.