The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran

"The Bhagavad Gita, "The Song of the Lord", is the best known of all the Indian scriptures, and Eknath Easwaran's reliable, readable version has consistently been the best-selling translation.

Easwaran's introduction places the Gita in it's historical setting and brings out the universality and timelessness of its teachings. Chapter introductions give clear explanations of key concepts, and notes and a glossary explain Sanskrit terms.

The Bhagavad Gita opens, dramatically, on a battlefield, as the warrior Arjuna turns in anguish to his spiritual guide, Sri Krishna, for answers to the fundamental questions of life.

But, as Easwaran points out, the Gita is not what it seems - it's not a dialogue between two mythical figures at the dawn of Indian history. "The battlefield is a perfect backdrop, but the Gita's subject is the war within, the struggle for self-mastery that every human being must wage" to live a life that is meaningful, fulfilling and worthwhile."

I loved it, and found it very easy to read - Easwaran sets up each chapter, giving you a clear sense of what is happening, and the meaning behind the words. It's beautiful, and inspiring. I highly recommend it.

A Path with Heart: Jack Kornfield

"Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our American way of life. A Path with Heart brings alive one by one the challenges of spiritual living in the modern world. Written by a teacher, psychologist, and meditation master of international renown, this warm, inspiring, and expert book touches on a wide range of essential issues including many rarely addressed in spiritual books. From compassion, addiction, and psychological and emotional healing, to dealing with problems involving relationships and sexuality, to the creation of a Zen-like simplicity and balance in all facets of life, it speaks to the concerns of many modern spiritual seekers, both those beginning on the path and those with years of experience."

It's a beautiful, beautiful book. Take your time to read it, and perhaps use the guided meditations - Kornfield writes with his heart, and many times during this book, I felt my heart connect.