Light of the Spirit Press presents the best in spiritual reading. From our “Dharma for Awakening” series (practical commentaries on the world’s scriptures) to books on how to meditate and live a successful spiritual life, you will find books that are informative, helpful, and even entertaining.
Presented by Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram), these books feature the writings of the head of the monastery, Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) which are also found on the monastery’s website, OCOY.org (Original Christianity and Original Yoga).
Now Available: The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening
In this new book from an author with over 50 years of study in the field of religions and spiritual practices of both East and West, with penetrating insight, Abbot George Burke illumines the Bhagavad Gita's practical value for spiritual seekers, and the timelessness of India's most beloved scripture. He mines the treasures of the Gita and presents them in an easily intelligible fashion for those wishing to put these priceless teachings into practice.
To explore our books, click on the titles below, use the pulldown menu above, or visit our Books Page.
Satsang with the Abbot
Questions & Answers about Life, Spiritual Liberty, and the Pursuit of Ultimate Happiness
The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening
A Commentary on Jesus’ Sayings as Recorded by His Apostle Thomas
The Christ of India
The Story of Original Christianity
May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?
The Bhagavad Gita–The Song of God
Dwelling in the Mirror
A Study of Illusions Produced By Delusive Meditation And How to Be Free from Them
Foundations of Yoga
Ten Important Principles Every Meditator Should Know
The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening
A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life
Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self
An In-Depth Guide to Effective Meditation
The Dhammapada for Awakening
A Commentary on Buddha’s Practical Wisdom
Robe of Light
An Esoteric Christian Cosmology
A Brief Sanskrit Glossary
A Spiritual Student’s Guide to Essential Sanskrit Terms
I totally loved this book!
“After running across many spiritual and self-help books filled with unrealistic promises, this little jewel had the impact of a triple Espresso.”
– Sandra Carrington-Smith, author of Housekeeping for the Soul
This is not just another book like so many others.
“Burke draws upon both Christian and Hindu teachings in his beautifully executed explanations of each verse in The Gospel of Thomas.”
Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is the founder and director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA.
In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was made a member of the ancient Swami Order by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharati Krishna Tirtha.
In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. He was ordained in the Liberal Catholic Church (International) to the priesthood on January 25, 1974, and consecrated a bishop on August 23, 1975.
For many years Abbot George has researched the identity of Jesus Christ and his teachings with India and Sanatana Dharma, including Yoga. It is his conclusion that Jesus lived in India for most of his life, and was a yogi and Sanatana Dharma missionary to the West. After his resurrection he returned to India and lived the rest of his life in the Himalayas.
