The Promise of Immortality

The True Teaching of the Bible and Bhagavad Gita

Destined to become a classic, The Promise of Immortality is the most complete commentary available on the parallel passages in the Bible and India's ancient scripture, The Bhagavad Gita. This groundbreaking book illuminates the similarities between the scriptures of the world's two most populous religions, vibrantly bringing each to life.

Walters sheds light on many of the famous passages from both texts, showing their practical relevance for the modern day and their potential to help us achieve lasting spiritual transformation. His elucidation of the ancient texts inspires us with convincing answers to questions long considered imponderable, such as:

• Why is everyone destined to become "Christ-like"?
• Why are "good works" alone not enough?
• Why is love the most powerful force?
• What is the true meaning of the "Golden Rule"?
• Are material desires spiritually harmful?
• What is the best way to read the scriptures?
• How do I find a true teacher?

  Through its answers to such questions, The Promise of Immortality will renew your faith and recharge your soul.

  The Promise of Immortality clarifies apparent differences in religious teachings to reveal a timeless, underlying truth. Walters makes a convincing case for the potential unity of all religious belief, and the possibility of an unprecedented era of cooperation among the world's religions.

  © Copyright Hansa Trust. All Rights Reserved

  Dimensions: 9.25 x 6.375
  Details: Hardcover, 400 pages
  Author: J. Donald Walters

  Testimonials

  "The Promise of Immortality takes us on a meticulously researched and lucidly explicated journey through two of humanity's precious scriptures, the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Walters shows us how the deep and profound truths within each wisdom tradition align beautifully with each other, and with our inborn creative gifts."
  —Mary Manin Morrissey, author of Building Your Field of Dreams

  "This insightful book plumbs the universal realms of spirituality through the common ground of two great traditions, Hindu and Christian, showing us how to achieve spiritual transformation. My own understanding of both Christ and Krishna has been greatly enhanced by reading it. [This book] helps us understand how to find our place in the universe, and how to live our lives."
  —Lama Surya Das, author of "Awakening to the Sacred"

  "Those who dip their consciousness into these pages will experience a spiritually renewing baptism and perceive the single message of the Gospel and the Bhagavad Gita: the purpose of life is the realization of God. The Promise of Immortality delivers on its promises!"
  —Abbot George Burke, Light of Christ Monastery, author of "An Eagle's Flight"

  "A rare look at both Hindu and Christian traditions from one who has inner knowledge and experience in both. Great reading for an age in which institutionalized religion must give way to the individual's inner spiritual search."
  —Dr. David Frawley, author of "Yoga and Ayurveda"

  "Walters is a modern sage and a master storyteller who writes with exceptional charm and intelligence. In reading his works, you feel like you are listening to a wise, good friend.

  "Paramhansa Yogananda wanted to bring East and West together by demonstrating the connection between the Holy Bible and The Bhagavad Gita, and Walters' book sets out to complete Yogananda's unfinished ideal. During his lifetime, Yogananda wrote separate commentaries on each of these texts, but made it known that he hoped for a side-by-side comparison.

  "Unfortunately, many people tend to believe in the superiority of their religion over any other....The Promise of Immortality transcends the apparent differences in these two texts to reveal the timeless, universal truth inherent in both.

  "While Walters' study speaks to an urgent need for understanding and compassion, his book also brings both the Bible and The Bhagavad Gita vibrantly to life. The Promise of Immortality is the most complete commentary available on the parallel passages in these two texts."
  —Bodhi Tree Book Review

  "An advocate of simple living and high thinking, Walters emphasizes the need to live wisely by one's own experience of life and not by abstract dogmas, a timely lesson given the current state of world affairs. Walters addresses many important questions for readers of all kinds, from scholars to self-improvement enthusiasts. How can we understand the deeper teachings of the Bible? As Americans become more interested in yogic teachings, is conflict with Christianity inevitable? What impact will yogic teachings have on our Western religions and culture? Pointing to the transcendent unity of all religions, Walters ponders how we can build a bridge between the teachings of East and West."
  —The New Times, Seattle

  "J. Donald Walters is a modern sage. The Promise of Immortality is a masterpiece of wisdom that both enlightens and inspires."
  —Justin Epstein, Minister, The Unity Center of New York and host
  of the television show, Practical Spirituality

  "With penetrating insight into both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita, J. Donald Walters brilliantly illuminates the soul's path to union with God through the full realization of Jesus' words, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is within you!'"
  —The Rev. Canon Charles B. Atcheson, Episcopal Priest

  " In this new book, J. Donald Walters cogently explains why the yogic teachings of India have become so popular lately and how those teachings are impacting our Western religions and culture. In the process, Walters sheds new light on the true meaning of many famous Bible passages, offering a fresh and compelling argument for the continued relevance of true Christian teaching. Walters emphasizes the need to live wisely by one's own experience of life and not by abstract theories or dogmas. He addresses such important and timely issues as how to understand the deeper teachings of the Bible; whether these teachings are compatible with yoga and Eastern religion; the impact the yogic teachings can have on our Western religions and culture; and how we can bridge the teachings of East and West."
  —Common Ground

  About J. Donald Walters

  
  More about J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda), including photos and videos, is available at the official Swami Kriyananda website.

  J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda) is an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he has taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

  An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 80 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one's own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas.

  In 1968, Walters founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community throughout the world. Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional community in the world. Today, over 1,000 people reside in five Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, Sacramento and Ananda Village) and in Europe. The European retreat and community located in Assisi, Italy, also serves Ananda meditation groups in Europe, Croatia, and Russia. Both the Nevada City and Assisi communities have world-renowned guest retreat facilities where thousands of visitors annually visit for renewal or instruction in many aspects of meditation, yoga, and the spiritual life. Walters has also established "Living Wisdom" schools for grades K-12 in Nevada City, Sacramento, Portland, and Palo Alto.

  Mr. Walters books and music have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 28 languages. He is the author of more than 80 books on a variety of topics including leadership, education, creativity, and moral values. His Best-selling titles include Awaken to Superconsciousness, Meditation for Starters, God Is for Everyone,The Art of Supportive Leadership, The Path — One Man's Quest on the Only Path There Is, Money Magnetism, The Essence of Self-Realization, Affirmations for Self-Healing, Education for Life, and his best-selling Secrets gift books.

  A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. Many of his new albums are instrumental works with brief affirmations or visualizations. Chuck Dilberto, of Awareness Magazine says, "Walters' words and music are full of his life and light. His sole intention is to heal, something we could all use during these chaotic times". His recent albums include Secrets of Love, Music to Awaken Superconsciousness, Windows on the World and Surrender: Mystical Music for Yoga. As a composer, Walters is best known for the top-selling albums Mystic Harp and Mystic Harp 2, featuring the legendary harpist Derek Bell, of the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group The Chieftains.

  What others are saying about J. Donald Walters:

  "J. Donald Walters is the kindest man I've ever met. Walters is a born, great teacher. His books are gentle masterpieces."
  —Louise Hay, best selling author of You Can Heal Your Life

  "J. Donald Walters has an ability to uncover countless unusual aspects of a subject, and to reveal them in an unexpected and original light. When he turns the spotlight of his concentration on any given subject, he leaves no aspect of it uncovered. What we have in J. Donald Walters, then, is an unusual and powerfully magnetic mind, and also one whose judgment is always fair. He is truly one of the great men of our time."
  —Derek Bell, 5-time Grammy Award-winning harpist of The Chieftains

  "J. Donald Walters has been one of the most important Western exponents of yoga in the past 30 years."
  —Dr. David Frawley, renowned authority on yoga and author of Ayurveda and the Mind and Gods, Sages, and Kings

  "J. Donald Walters is wise teacher whose words convey love and compassion. Read and listen, and allow your life to change."
  —Larry Dossey, best selling author of Healing Words

  "My listeners felt fed by the interview, and were inspired to ask for more. What a blessing it was to have an opportunity to have such understanding and wisdom on major media. After the interview was over, listeners called in for nearly two hours afterwards thanking us for interviewing Mr. Walters."
  —Jan Hutchins, KCBS radio

  "Mr. Walters is a delight to hear. His talks are always based on high spiritual wisdom, but it is wisdom made practical and accessible for ordinary people. His clarity and sincerity, his devotion, and his talks are sure to leave you feeling a renewed commitment to spiritual living, with deeper understanding of how to do that sensibly."
  —John White, author of Thinking the Unthinkable

  "There is a peace and quietness surrounding him that give a hint of his spiritual stature. Many times have I listened to him speak, and always have come away feeling refreshed and energized. It is not only the lectures, the teachings, and the books of J. Donald Walters that shed light on areas of darkness or confusion in people's lives. Above all, perhaps, it is the example of the man himself, the peace and calm that surround him, the spiritual power that emanates from him, that point the way to each person's own inner enlightenment."
  —John Harricharan, Body, Mind, & Spirit magazine

  "J. Donald Walters is one of the New Age movement's best known voices."
  — India Currents

  "J. Donald Walters is one of the best known modern exponents of the ancient science of yoga. He is a gifted lecturer, author, teacher, composer, singer, and philosopher, as well as an artist, scientist, and businessman. In 1969, J. Donald Walters founded Ananda Village, which has become widely recognized as one of the most successful New Age communities in the world."
  —Science of Mind Magazine

  "I feel I can recommend this man of love and his sparkling teachings without reservation."
  —David Alan Ramsdale, Meditation Magazine

  "J. Donald Walters is perhaps the most respected non-Indian exponent of yoga in the world."
  —Justine & Michael Toms, New Dimensions Foundation

  "Your openness, your undeviating devotion to life and service, and your joyous good humor express themselves in your bookåÉit came to an end too soon!"
  —Ken Keyes, Jr. best selling author of Handbook to Higher Consciousness