An Interview with Deepak Chopra
Well known spiritual author Deepak Chopra reflects upon the significance of Buddha's life as it relates to us today. He also discusses his plans for the future, including upcoming books, and gives us insights into how he tries to live his own life.

How to Overcome a Difficult Past
Dr. Arthur Caliandro looks at the inevitability of suffering in the lives of individuals, but offers hope, saying YES! we can overcome our past difficulties and build good, meaningful lives, no matter what we may have been through. His prescription is to "keep the faith, .... never give up and stay with the process of living." In fact, he says that the bible could be called "The Book of Overcomers."

It's Time To Forgive
Sheri Rosenthal and Susyn Reeve offer valuable insights into how to forgive, even when it's very difficult to do so. And when to forgive? "Any time you feel resentment or regret toward yourself or another, it is the time to forgive. When you are plagued by a circumstance from the past .... when you believe you are right and someone else is wrong.... when you are criticizing, blaming .... any time misery, suffering, and complaining have taken up what appears to be permanent residence in your mind, it is time to forgive." They also give specific tips and techniques to help us forgive, and they remind us that through forgiving we really free ourselves from bondage.

A Near-Death Experience
Rev. Juliet Nightingale conveys an incredibly detailed, fascinating account of her experience "beyond the veil," in which she describes passage to the "Other Side" as being like "passing from one room to another." The very extended experience she had was so wonderful, in fact, that the hardest thing for her was having to come back! For anyone interested in what it's like to "die," this is a must-read!

Concentration
Self-help legend Napoleon Hill's essay on concentration very clearly states that in order to be truly successful, one must cultivate the ability to focus their attention upon a single thing and hold it there unwaveringly until that task has been achieved. He also points out that concentration is invaluable for enhancing our memory, an important tool for so many of life's requirements. He states that "Your only limitations are those you set up in your own mind. Concentrate on overcoming them and nothing can stop you."

Wisdom and Light from Babaji
Many are familiar with the book Autobiography of a Yogi, in which Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the existence of Babaji, a great master who lived for centuries in the Himalayas, anonymously exercising an enormous uplifting influence upon humanity. In this article, we were given permission to reprint a wide array of quotes from Babaji, which were recorded in 1952 by the well known Indian journalist, V.T. Neelakantan. These quotes are very inspiring and are sure to be enjoyed by many students of Truth.

Tapping Into the Power of Yoga Asana
Yoga teacher Durga Ahlund focuses upon various backbending poses, which help to relieve backache, stretch the spine, and strengthen the nervous system. Durga also states that these poses can help to enhance confidence and release tension.

A Reader’s Story
In this feature, reader Patrick P. Stafford shares a true story in which he was literally drowning a few miles offshore from Mogadishu, Somalia, in the Indian Ocean. As a young marine, he was very strong and confident, but a series of stomach cramps and huge waves were about to do him in. Finally, he "let go to God" and miraculously managed to survive. A very entertaining article!

The Road to Self-Discovery
Delia Sellers reflects upon some of the key questions that have helped her proceed on her own spiritual journey:
Am I enthusiastic about my life? Do I hesitate to share my feelings and experiences with others, even those whom I trust? What unresolved issues do I have that seem to stay with me like a constant companion day after day, year after year? Delia discusses the details of this kind of self examination, and colors it all with anecdotes from her own life. Sometimes, she points out, a little soul searching is just what we need to move on in our personal journey.

The Sacred and Soulful Art of Alex Grey
Alex Grey is widely regarded as one of the foremost visionary artists alive today, and this article goes a long way to substantiating that. Author Jill Mangino interviewed Alex and shares many wonderful insights into his work. The article features lots of large photos of Alex's incredible art,
which make you want to visit his Chapel of Sacred Mirrors in New York City.

Politics and Peace
In this interview, Marianne Williamson focuses upon "the intersection between politics and spirituality," emphasizing the need for spiritual regeneration in our beleaguered world. We find Ms. Williamson to be very spiritual, but also very practical and down-to-earth, a refreshing and inspiring combination. She takes an unflinching look at the difficult state of affairs on the Earth today, while expressing absolute certainty that the solutions are spiritual. She states "I have hope, because I believe in miracles. I believe in radical changes of heart.....I have hope and faith in forces unseen."

Egoism, The Source of Suffering And How To Rise Above It
Marshall Govindan looks at how to remove suffering through wisdom, which alone can discriminate between the real and unreal. The Self alone is real, the source of happiness and freedom, yet through the illusion of the outer world, we identify with the body and mind instead of that great Presence of Life within us, which gives us everything we have. Marshall does much more than philosophize; he offers many practical means for rising out of egoism, such as the cultivation of calmness, self study, and doing something for others every day with no expectation of reward. He exhorts us to "make a conscious effort to move beyond the ego and become a light unto oneself."

The Essence of Power Living
Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy was a high-powered executive for MTV, but she almost worked herself into her grave. She shares how she completely turned her life around through deciding to really nurture herself on all levels. Her father, a major influence in her life, always taught her to ask herself three questions: Who Am I? Where Am I? What Must I Do To Be Me? By getting back to those three questions, she made the necessary adjustments and found harmony and balance in her world.

Building Blocks of Wisdom
Paramahansa Yogananda gives insights into three important areas of life: discrimination, self-control, and love. About discrimination, he says "Good is the sweet pill of lasting happiness, coated over with a momentarily bitter difficulty of discipline. Each person must judge for himself and make the wiser choice." Regarding love, he states "One who is aware of the Divine in all creation cannot detest any man or feel any sense of disdainful superiority."

Inspired History: Lao Tsu
Lao Tsu lived centuries before Christ, yet his wisdom
still resonates with millions of people throughout the world.
In William Hansen's article about this great sage,
we learn much about his life and are given many wonderful quotes
from his writings. Within those writings there is a magical blend
of simplicity and profundity that lifts the reader to a place of sublime clarity.

How to Stop Worrying
Jack Addington teaches us how to stop worrying, one of the most destructive habits there is. We all know that we should stop, but actually doing it can be a tall order. Through looking objectively at what worry is all about, we realize that we simply must deal with it and master it. He cites three good ways to accomplish this, fleshing out each technique with instructive stories and examples. He says "open yourself to receive the divine power and you need never again worry."