Author | Speaker | Spiritual Counselor | Writing Coach
Philip Goldberg
Philip Goldberg is the author or co-author of numerous books; a public speaker and workshop leader; a spiritual counselor, meditation teacher and ordained Interfaith Minister. A resident of Great Barrington, MA, in the heart of the Berkshires, he hosts the Spirit Matters podcast, posts frequently on Substack, conducts online courses and workshops, and contributes regularly to several publications.
By Philip Goldberg
Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life
“Karma” is in our vocabulary, but do we really know what it means?
The word is everywhere—not just in alternative spirituality, and among Hindus and Buddhists, but in news reports, ads, sitcoms, sports columns, and the everyday conversations of people who wouldn’t know the Upanishads from Us Magazine. Stephen Colbert invokes the term on TV and Taylor Swift summons it in song.
This book chronicles the origin and evolution of karmic theory and describes how the concept came to the West. It explains exactly what karma means—and, crucially, what it doesn’t mean—then shows how to apply karmically sound ethical principles to relationships, life decisions, health, death, and all aspects of self-development. “We’re always planting karmic seeds,” writes Philip Goldberg. Our task is to “choose the right seeds and plant them skillfully, in the right way, at the right time, under the right conditions.”
Karma is a profoundly useful idea, and Karmic Relief is a profoundly useful book. It offers a blueprint for building a fulfilling life and a way to reconcile some of life’s most vexing conundrums.
More Books By Phil
How to Work with Phil
Practical Spirituality with Philip on Substack
Phil posts two or three times a week on his Substack. Most of his posts are short essays related to the theme of Practical Spirituality–advice, guidance, commentary on spiritual concepts, quotes from and tributes to spiritual luminaries, spiritual takes on current events, etc. Sometimes, the posts are announcements about his offerings or those of teachers he respects. Once in a while, he’ll range further afield and share something on his mind, whether serious or humorous.
You can subscribe for free and get most of his postings in your Inbox. You can also become a paid subscriber and take advantage of special offerings, such as: monthly Zoom gatherings where people come together to share insights and concerns about life on the spiritual path in these challenging times. Most sessions have special guests who add fresh perspective and expertise. Other offerings for paid subscribers include transcripts of selected podcast interviews with spiritual teachers and jokes, stories, and cartoons that combine spiritual insight and belly laughs–because spirituality is serious business and also a hoot.
Spirit Matters Podcast
The spiritual landscape has never been more diverse, more eclectic, more individualized, or more internally focused. We all need guidance and support navigating our paths, and Spirit Matters aims to help by hosting deep conversations with wise people. Tune in to our illuminating, insightful, inspiring interviews with experts from a wide range of perspectives: East and West; religious and secular; metaphysical and scientific; philosophical and experiential. IT’S FREE! Subscribe through the usual podcast services (Apple, Spotify, Google, etc.) or listen to any show from our growing archive. Click here for the show’s home page on mindbodyspirit.fm.
While you’re at it, check out the archive of my earlier podcast, which I cohosted with Dennis Raimondi for 7 years. You’ll find over 250 illuminating shows—all cost-free. Here’s the alphabetical listing.