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Roberta J. Beckman
The 1958 edition of Houston Smith's research (now titled The Illustrated World's Religions) described each religion as if it were his very own. This opened for me the possibility of an underlying unity. It developed my awareness of the evolution of human consciousness throughout the ages and encouraged my own journey.

Early on, when I was alone and quiet, I sometimes could forget myself and some kind of force would overtake my short story writing, modern dancing and art work. In 1973, the Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral handed me Western classical mystic books. I read and wrote reviews about them for my own benefit. Then I attended several silent contemplation retreats. By 1976, I began exploring Eastern mysticism, specifically the Buddhist, Tao, Sufi and Yoga methods of meditation.

As a divorced mom, I worked for 20 years supervising a university psychiatry clinic. I retired in 1995, promoted my little greeting card business (cards available at NRB!) and found my life partner. Writing spiritual book reviews propels my own personal growth and hopefully, will help other seekers to expand their own unique spiritual paths.

My five all time favorite books are:

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda

The Science of Yoga (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) by Taimni

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi recorded by Sri Ramanasramam

Sex, Ecology, Spirituality by Ken Wilbur

How to Know God by Depak Chopra.

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