By Philip Goldberg
American Veda
From the jacket copy: “In February, 1968, the Beatles went to India for an extended stay with their new guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It may have been the most momentous spiritual retreat since Jesus spent those forty days in the wilderness.” With these words, Philip Goldberg begins his monumental work, American Veda, a fascinating look at India’s remarkable impact on Western culture.
This eye-opening popular history shows how the ancient philosophy of Vedanta and the mind-body methods of Yoga have profoundly affected the worldview of millions of Americans and radically altered the religious landscape.
Praise for the Book
“American Veda is an illuminating, gracefully written and remarkably thorough account of India’s spectacular impact on Western religion and spirituality.”
– Deepak Chopra
““American Veda shows us how we got to where we are. It chronicles a revolution in consciousness initiated by the voices of India’s Sanatana Dharma (eternal religion) and describes its lasting influence on our culture, from gurus, meditation, and yoga to sitar music and aromatic curries. Savor it.”
– Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential”
“In a delightful, compelling way, American Veda shows how India’s ancient wisdom has permeated our lives, including many of the self-improvement teachings that have benefited millions. I loved reading this book.”
– Marci Shimoff, NY Times bestselling author, Happy for No Reason and Love for No Reason
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.
