Original Goodness: A Commentary on the Beatitudes - Paperback

by Eknath Easwaran (Author)

Uncover the core of goodness within.

Love, compassion, meaning, hope, and freedom from fear are not qualities we need to acquire. We simply need to uncover what we already have.

Original goodness is Eknath Easwaran's phrase for this spark of divinity hidden in every one of us, regardless of our personal liabilities or past mistakes.

Easwaran is one of the twentieth century's great spiritual teachers and an authentic guide to timeless wisdom. His books on meditation, spiritual living, and the classics of world mysticism have been translated into sixteen languages.

Commenting on the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, Easwaran shows how this spark of divinity can energize our lives - beginning with a simple method of meditation that gradually removes the conditioning that hides our native goodness.

Back Jacket

Love, compassion, meaning, hope, and freedom from fear are not qualities we need to acquire. We simply need to uncover what we already have. "Original goodness" is Eknath Easwaran's phrase for this spark of divinity hidden in every one of us, regardless of our personal liabilities or past mistakes. And in this book he shows how this spark of divinity can energize our lives - beginning with instructions in a simple method of meditation that gradually removes the conditioning which hides our native goodness. Each chapter then takes its theme from the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout, this book is enlivened with inspiring quotes from some of the greatest Christian mystics - among them Meister Eckhart, Mechthild of Magdeburg, Teresa of Avila, and John Ruysbroeck. Original Goodness will appeal to anyone wanting to learn how to meditate using a method that fits comfortably within the Christian tradition. It is full of helpful suggestions for making spiritual ideals a practical part of daily life.

Author Biography

Eknath Easwaran (1910-1999) is respected around the world as a teacher of meditation and an authentic guide to world wisdom. His method of passage meditation fits within any faith, philosophy, or lifestyle. In 1961 Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, which carries on his work today.

Easwaran's books include commentaries on the great saints and sages of the world's traditions and have been translated into 26 languages. His translations of the Indian spiritual classics (The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads and The Dhammapada) have been widely acclaimed and are all bestsellers in their field, and more than 2 million of his books are in print.

A gifted teacher who lived for many years in the West, Easwaran lived what he taught, giving him enduring appeal as a teacher and author of deep insight and warmth.