In Search of Celebration - Osho (2004)

The book is a collection of conversations with Osho. Osho talks about various topics with simple parables. While I have not been a follower of Osho or any of his teachings, the first book for me was a great eye-opener. It shared his knowledge of many fields and simple explanations that make him such a guru with a vast following even after so many years of leaving the worldly presence. While I may not agree with all the views expressed, I can definitely find a connection he can establish with the audience and all the readers. 

I will definitely recommend the book. 

The Guru of Joy - François Gautier (2002)

Sri Sri Ravishankar is a revered spiritual master from India. While most of his teachings are along the Hindu philosophy, he has followers across the globe. This book introduced the guru from a westerner's perspective. Though a Westerner, the author is associated with the Sri Aurobindo ashram in Puducherry. So, he had been exposed to the Indian philosophy. He describes the guru, his childhood, his works, and the experiences of the fellow devotees with the guru. The book also contains messages from Swamiji and how it can benefit the society. The beneficial effects of the Sudarshan Kriya and its effect on the human body and mind are discussed in great detail. 

The Art of Happiness - HH Dalai Lama and Howard C Cutler (1989)

A practicing psychologist/psychotherapist interviews HH Dalai Lama for his opinion on elements of happiness. He tries to match the modern scientific interpretation of happiness with the spiritual master's understanding of the same subject. Human happiness is achieved through five attributes. 

• The purpose of life
• Human warmth and compassion
• Transforming suffering into a positive outcome
• Overcoming obstacles like fear and anger
• Living a spiritual life

The last two are interesting as you realize the viewpoints of the scientist and the spiritual master do not quite match. While science emphasizes releasing or venting out fear and anger, the spiritual master focuses on forgetting and managing the bad influences from life. Lastly, the spiritual master distinguishes religion and spirituality. He thinks religion plays a significant role in a person's life, while the psychologist prefers the influence of a secular spiritual basis for an individual. 

Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess - Bobby Fischer (1966)

Why didn't I learn chess from this book? The best first book on chess. With frame after frame of the board visually in front, I just devoured it in one sitting. 

Definitely, recommended. 

The Nine Questions People Ask about Judaism - Dennis Prager (1981)

I did not know how and when this book landed in my bookcase, but it is a good read, although parts of the book are relevant to the period when it was written, like working on the cause of Soviet Jewry. It introduces Judaism, its principles, why the rules are conceived, how they are relevant today, etc. My take, it is good to know people's beliefs and respect them. But, the arguments can be made virtually from any other sect and practice, given an opportunity. So, there is no need to compare across faiths. What is more relevant is how the Faiths can provide space to others equitably for a better social and world order. 

As a non-Jewish person with no real introduction to Judaism, the book gave me some good insights into the community and its practices.