Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom [Hardcover]

Each thought is incredibly powerful mainly because this collection touches and challenges not only one's mind, but it also reaches the heart and the spirit.

It seems that westerners have difficulty in knowing how to live life, and the eastern philosophers just have the innate ability to do so. We are too focused on analysis and we are not very action oriented, while they offer the path and emphasize the action. Knowledge without action is really useless.

If you want to recapture the magical warmth and joy of discovery, and smile as you ponder these words of wisdom, buy this book. It's inspiring, and well worth it's small price!

There are two books by Taro Gold with the same name. This is the first edition or tiny version: 96 pages; Dimensions (in inches): 0.49 x 3.76 x 3.28. Lest anyone think I am reviewing the same book, the last one was 132 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.52 x 5.30 x 5.36.

After finding this version, I think the smaller book is my new favorite. Not only is it much cuter, you can easily put it in a small purse or keep it in the pocket of your favorite coat.

I was looking for a copy of the original book for a relative and found the smaller book. This is an example of when less is more. For some reason, I enjoyed reading this book more than the larger version. Perhaps it seems easier to absorb the information in smaller bites.

Some of my favorite quotes:

"Become a master of words."

"To change our lives, we must first change our minds."

"The surest path is one dedicated to a greater cause."

I believe these must be the words of Taro Gold who writes extensively for Buddhist publications. Taro Gold has spent much of his life living overseas. He has traveled to over thirty countries and has lived in Australia, Spain and Japan. His thoughts reflect deep contemplation over life's purpose and how to live on this planet to encourage happiness in those around us.

For instance, he says: "Do something today to improve someone else's life." This could be easily accomplished by buying a book for all your friends and relatives for "just because" presents. I'm sending this to a relative on Monday who I think will just love the mini version.

Often I think we shelter ourselves from the wisdom of other cultures, religions and when we are more open to reading selections and thoughts, we can then deepen our own beliefs and add a beautiful new meaning to our lives. There are many universal truths and many are presented in this tiny book.

I love the page about achieving goals and the list of how negative actions arise from one or more of fourteen categories. The story about the stranded starfish being saved by a little boy is a beautiful way to illustrate hope.

It does seem we have been put on this planet to test our souls. This is a beautiful book which provides guidance and hope. I found reading the quotes to be a healing experience.

"Open Your Mind, Open Your Life" is calming to the soul and will encourage confidence, optimism, good judgment and courage.

-TheRebeccaReview.com