A WALK WITH FOUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES: Krishna, Buddha, Jesus and Ramakrishna

Using the style of narrative nonfiction, Harvey offers this guide to four spiritual leaders whose teachings, he says, can help the world save itself from the destructive path it seems determined to pursue. Krishna teaches us (through Arjuna) how to "act in harmony with the Divine Will while giving up all fruits of action"; Buddha exemplifies compassion and peace; Ramakrishna teaches the mercy of the Motherhood of God. Intriguingly, Harvey's Jesus chapter is based on Jesus in the proto-Gnostic Gospel of Thomas and presents a more mystical Jesus than is seen in the New Testament. In each chapter, selections from the relevant primary text are featured on the right side, with Harvey's annotations and explanations helpfully accessible on the left. (May)