Power, Freedom and Grace: Living from the Source of Lasting Happiness

by Deepak Chopra (2006)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $14.00

Reviewed by: Eleanor Johnston

Power, Freedom and Grace is yet another book by Chopra, the bestselling author/motivational speaker who touches a powerful chord among North Americans alienated from their own spiritual traditions. His message speaks from the ancient Indian wisdom of the Vedanta to New Age positivism, and it intrigues, comforts and provides guidance to millions of readers.

Chopra maintains that, by focusing on our essential spiritual selves, we can tap the energy of the innate intelligence of the universe, thereby discovering power, freedom and grace and freeing ourselves from the illusions of materialism and ego. He challenges us to contemplate ideas such as these: “The world exists in us; we do not exist in the world”; “Everything in the universe is alive…When we fall in love with everything that exists, the universe speaks to us and reveals its innermost secrets”.

Although many scientists reject his claim that modern science informs his discovery of the field of pure consciousness, Chopra’s message is revered by many. A very engaging quotation is from the mystic, Rumi: “I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door. The door opens. I have been knocking from the inside.”

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

by Don Miguel Ruiz (1997)

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc.

Price: $12.95

Reviewed by: Eleanor Johnston

Remember the novels of Carlos Castaneda in the 1970’s? They taught the traditions of the shamanic Toltec religion that flourished inMexico and the southwestern states before the arrival of the Europeans. Like other early American traditions, the Toltec features trickster figures, spiritual wisdom and ecstatic transformations. This book summarizes Toltec beliefs--think Castaneda without plot or peyote.

For today’s North Americans to appreciate this book, it is presented in a self-help style with New Age-style countercultural aphorisms organized in an accessible, elegant format. The Four Agreements are: ”Be Impeccable With Your Word,” “Don’t Take Anything Personally,” “Don’t Make Assumptions,” and “Always Do Your Best.” By focusing on and striving toward these practices, promises the book, the reader can lead a happy, God-filled life.

Readers who look beyond Christian orthodoxy can hope that the Toltec, like the many other religions threatened by Western secular culture, survives into the future. Reading it is like reading a book by the Dalai Lama, a manuscript of ancient Norse sayings, or a collection of Taoist proverbs. Could it be that, if we look back far enough in comparing all the world’s ancient religions, we will find a shared theology, a common wisdom, a saving mysticism?