Eknath Easwaran

[ahenshaw]

Hello All,

What are your thoughts of Eknath Easwaran.

Peace, Alice

[Peter]

I hadn't come across him before.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eknath_Easwaran

Easwaran's program for spiritual growth consists of eight points was introduced with his 1978 book Meditation. Each point had a dedicated chapter:

1. Meditation: Silent repetition upon memorized inspirational passages from one of the world's great religions. Practiced for one-half hour each morning.
2. The Mantram: silent repetition of a mantram, holy name or hallowed phrase rom one of the world's great religions.
3. Slowing Down: set priorities to reduce stress and hurry
4. One-Pointed Attention: give full concentration to whatever matter is currently at hand
5. Training the Senses: enjoy simple pleasures in order to avoid craving for unhealthy excess
6. Putting Others First: denounce selfishness and cultivating altruism
7. Spiritual Companionship: practice meditation in the company of others
8. Reading the Mystics: draw inspiration from the writings of the scriptures of all religions.

Hmm, I see today is the anniversary of his death.

What do you think of him Alice? Has any of his work been particularly important to you? Do you have anything that you'd like to quote?

Cheers,
Peter

[zendancer]

Alice: Yes, I remember Eknath, and I have several of his books. He was an inspirational person and showed people how to live a relaxed life full of joy, kindness, helpfulness, and peace. He grew up in a very supportive family in India (he had a terrific grandmother) but later moved to the USA. I'm going from memory, but I think he married an american woman and taught English. As a result of his writings and efforts, several meditation centers were founded, and I think that many of them are still functioning. His main center was called something like "The Blue Mountain Meditation Retreat Center." I would like to have met him, and I still recall some of his advice about how to lead an unhurried happy lifestyle of service and gentleness. He was just an all-around nice guy. His primary focus was not on enlightenment; it was on how to live in the world and leave it a better place than you found it. I often pull out his books when I'm looking for a good quote.

Did you know him or visit any of his centers?