Following the reading of this book, I took the liberty of writing down those topics in which I had had a direct experience. Amazingly it took up a full page. I think what is so interesting about this work is that it is a “self help” book (although, it is so much much more than that) that appeals to the reader on so many different levels. The reader can relate to it on a stylistically level because of how informal it is written. Reading this book was like having a talk with a good friend. It did not have the feel of a dry textbook explanation. Also, the reader can use it as a spiritual or psychological guide. Having and interest in both psychology and religion, it was

intriguing to see someone illustrate the journey of the spirit within the constructs of psycoanalysis. Furthermore, I was really fascinated with seeing an aspect of Hindu belief within the frame work of Western society. I have been eager to learn about how someone from Western society decides to convert or adapt Hinduism as a belief system.

My present experiences with my sister have provided another direct correlation. In his discussion on creating a transformational space, Cope explains that the transformational space needs to be “open to and support other paths of development” (p. 31). This idea is one that I am currently struggling with in my own life. The basis of my religious beliefs are Christian; however, as my knowledge increases on other religions and beliefs, I tend to incorporate those beliefs that do not compromise my Christian faith. When discussing this with my sister, she pointedly asks me how can I sufficiently serve several Gods? She continued on to say that you can pick and choose things from several religions to make your own. At that moment, I felt as though I had betrayed God (my Christian God). I began to question whether or not I was merely spiritually towing-the-line trying to cover my own butt - playing all the sides.

I would compare myself to a jnana yogi as Desai compared Cope. I truly feel that through knowledge is liberation. Like Desai described, I do find myself saying, “not this not, that” (p. 62) in my journey for spiritual knowing. Earlier I stated that I have this feeling of inadequacy and inaccuracy. By in adequacy, I feel that I am not good enough yet; I have not achieved the things I wanted to at this time in my life. One might find it peculiar that I used the term “inaccuracy” to describe how I feel. However, like Stephan Cope and Paula, I feel as if I'm living an in

Some topics in this essay:
True Self, Amrit Desai, Little I'm, Christian God, Observation Judgment”, Cope Paula, Begun I'm, true self, reading book, quest true self, Quest True, yoga quest true, christian faith, speaking tongues, quest true, feeling feelings, transformational space, cope's friend, yoga quest, western society, Yoga Quest,