Words to Live By Summary of Key Ideas and Review - Eknath Easwaran

“Words to Live By: Daily Inspiration for Spiritual Living” is a profound and uplifting book written by Eknath Easwaran, a renowned spiritual teacher, author, and translator. This book serves as a guide to living a spiritual life by offering daily inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice.

Easwaran’s intention in writing this book is to provide readers with timeless teachings and tools that can be applied in their daily lives to cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and a deep connection with the divine.

The book is organized into 366 daily passages, one for each day of the year, making it an ideal companion for daily reflection and contemplation. Each passage is concise yet thought-provoking, drawing upon various spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, to offer universal insights and guidance.

The main themes explored in “Words to Live By” include mindfulness, compassion, self-discipline, love, resilience, and spiritual growth. Easwaran emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, developing inner strength, and cultivating positive qualities such as patience, forgiveness, and gratitude.

Through his teachings, he encourages readers to deepen their understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their connection to the divine.

The author’s intention is not to provide a rigid set of rules or dogmas but rather to offer practical wisdom and encouragement to individuals on their spiritual journey. Easwaran’s teachings transcend religious boundaries and can be embraced by people of all faiths or those who are simply seeking a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Idea 1: The Power of Mindfulness

One of the first big ideas from the book is the power of mindfulness to cultivate inner peace and transformation. Easwaran emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the here and now, paying attention to one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions.

By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your habitual patterns, desires, and attachments, enabling you to make conscious choices that align with your higher values.

Easwaran provides a practical exercise for developing mindfulness: the practice of slowing down. He suggests deliberately slowing down one’s daily activities, such as eating or walking, and fully immersing oneself in the experience. By doing so, you can break free from autopilot mode and develop a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

Idea 2: Cultivating Compassion and Love

Another significant idea explored in the book is the cultivation of compassion and love towards oneself and others. Easwaran emphasizes that true spiritual growth involves developing an expansive and unconditional love that extends beyond personal attachments and preferences. He encourages readers to cultivate empathy, understanding, and kindness in their interactions with others.

Practical exercise: Use “loving attention” to cultivate compassion. This exercise involves consciously offering loving attention to those around us, listening attentively, and responding with empathy and understanding. By practicing loving attention, you can deepen your connections with others and foster a greater sense of harmony and compassion in your relationships.

Idea 3: The Power of Self-Discipline

The book also explores the power of self-discipline in spiritual growth. Easwaran emphasizes the importance of developing self-control over one’s thoughts, words, and actions. He encourages readers to cultivate positive qualities such as patience, forgiveness, and humility while letting go of negative habits and tendencies.

Practical exercise: The author gives us a practical exercise for developing self-discipline: the practice of observing one’s thoughts. He suggests becoming a witness to the flow of thoughts without judgment or attachment. By observing the mind objectively, you can gain insight into your thought patterns and gradually develop greater control over your mental processes.

Idea 4: Finding Inner Strength in Challenging Times

The book addresses the challenges and difficulties that individuals may face on their spiritual journey. Easwaran emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding inner strength amidst adversity. He encourages readers to develop a positive attitude, perseverance, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

Practical exercise: Easwaran suggests a practical exercise called “mantra repetition” to cultivate inner strength. This involves the repetition of a chosen mantra or a sacred word, such as “peace” or “love,” with focused attention and devotion. By regularly practicing mantra repetition, you can calm the mind, access inner resources, and develop resilience in the face of challenges.

Idea 5: Embracing Silence and Stillness

The book highlights the significance of silence and stillness in spiritual practice. Easwaran emphasizes the need for quieting the mind and creating space for inner reflection and contemplation. He encourages readers to set aside dedicated time for silence and stillness, away from distractions and external stimuli.

Practical exercise: Sit in silence to embrace silence and stillness. This involves finding a quiet space, sitting comfortably, and simply being present without any external engagement or mental chatter. By regularly practicing sitting in silence, you can deepen your self-awareness, connect with your inner wisdom, and experience a profound sense of peace and clarity.

Idea 6: Living with Purpose and Meaning

The book delves into the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning. Easwaran emphasizes the need for aligning one’s actions and choices with one’s core values and spiritual aspirations. He encourages readers to reflect on their life’s purpose and make conscious decisions that contribute to their personal growth and the well-being of others.

Practical exercise: Write a personal mission statement to clarify your purpose. This involves reflecting on one’s values, passions, and strengths and articulating a concise statement that encapsulates one’s mission in life. By writing a personal mission statement, you can gain clarity, focus, and a sense of direction in your actions and choices.

Idea 7: Cultivating Gratitude and Contentment

The book explores the transformative power of gratitude and contentment in daily life. Easwaran highlights the importance of appreciating the blessings and opportunities that exist in the present moment rather than constantly seeking external sources of happiness and fulfillment.

Practical exercise: Gratitude journaling to cultivate gratitude and contentment. This involves regularly writing down three things for which one is grateful each day. By practicing gratitude journaling, you can shift your focus towards the positive aspects of life, cultivate contentment, and develop a greater sense of inner joy and fulfillment.

Idea 8: The Practice of Forgiveness

The book delves into the practice of forgiveness as an essential aspect of spiritual growth. Easwaran emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness for releasing resentment, healing relationships, and finding inner peace. He encourages readers to let go of grudges and grievances and cultivate a compassionate and forgiving heart.

Easwaran suggests a practical exercise called “writing a forgiveness letter” to practice forgiveness. This involves writing a letter to oneself or to the person who has caused pain, expressing forgiveness, and releasing any negative emotions associated with the past. By practicing forgiveness, you can experience emotional healing, liberate yourself from the burden of resentment, and cultivate greater compassion and understanding.

Idea 9: Deepening the Connection with the Divine

The book explores the significance of deepening one’s connection with the divine, however one may conceive of it. Easwaran emphasizes the importance of spiritual practice, prayer, and devotion in nurturing this connection. He encourages readers to set aside dedicated time for spiritual activities and to cultivate an attitude of reverence and surrender.

Practical exercise: Morning meditation to deepen the connection with the divine. This involves setting aside a few minutes each morning for silent meditation, prayer, or contemplation. By practicing morning meditation, you can create a sacred space within yourself, invite divine guidance and grace, and experience a deeper sense of connection, peace, and inner fulfillment.

Idea 10: Living a Life of Service

The book emphasizes the importance of living a life of service and selflessness. Easwaran encourages readers to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and to engage in acts of kindness and compassion. He highlights the transformative power of selfless service in fostering personal growth, deepening empathy, and creating a positive impact in the world.

Practical exercise: Random acts of kindness to cultivate a spirit of service. This involves consciously engaging in small acts of kindness and generosity towards others, whether it be offering a helping hand, expressing gratitude, or providing support. By practicing random acts of kindness, you can cultivate a compassionate heart, contribute to the well-being of others, and experience a profound sense of fulfillment and interconnectedness.

Who is this Book Recommended For?

“Words to Live By: Daily Inspiration for Spiritual Living” is recommended for anyone who is on a spiritual journey or seeking greater meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life.

The book is valuable for individuals of all faiths or those who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. It offers universal teachings and practical wisdom that can be applied by people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems.

This book is especially valuable for individuals who are looking for daily inspiration and guidance in their spiritual practice. The short passages make it easy to incorporate into a daily routine, allowing readers to reflect, contemplate, and apply the teachings in their daily lives.

It is also recommended for those who are interested in exploring various spiritual traditions and integrating their wisdom into their own lives.

Review of the Book

“Words to Live By” is a truly transformative and inspiring book that offers profound insights and practical guidance for spiritual living. Eknath Easwaran’s writing is clear, eloquent, and accessible, making complex spiritual concepts easily understandable and relatable. The daily passages are concise yet impactful, providing readers with a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.

One of the strengths of the book is its universal appeal. Easwaran draws upon various spiritual traditions, emphasizing the commonalities and shared values that underlie different faiths. This inclusive approach makes the teachings accessible and relevant to readers from diverse backgrounds and belief systems.

Another commendable aspect of the book is the practical exercises provided after each idea. These exercises allow readers to actively engage with the teachings and apply them in their daily lives. The exercises are simple yet powerful, enabling individuals to experience firsthand the transformative potential of the teachings.

If there is one area for improvement, it would be the organization of the passages. While the book follows a daily format, it may benefit from a thematic or topical arrangement to enhance the coherence and flow of the ideas. This would allow readers to delve deeper into specific themes and explore the interconnectedness of the teachings.

“Words to Live By: Daily Inspiration for Spiritual Living” is a book that has the potential to deeply enrich and transform the lives of its readers. Easwaran’s teachings offer timeless wisdom and practical guidance for navigating the complexities of modern life while cultivating inner peace, compassion, and spiritual growth.

Conclusion

“Words to Live By: Daily Inspiration for Spiritual Living” by Eknath Easwaran is a remarkable book that offers daily wisdom and practical guidance for individuals seeking a more meaningful and spiritual life.

Through its 366 passages, the book explores profound ideas such as mindfulness, compassion, self-discipline, gratitude, and service, providing readers with the tools to transform their lives and cultivate a deep connection with the divine.

Easwaran’s teachings transcend religious boundaries and are accessible to people from all walks of life. The practical exercises provided throughout the book enable readers to actively engage with the teachings and apply them in their daily lives, leading to personal growth, inner peace, and a greater sense of purpose.

“Words to Live By” is a valuable resource for individuals on a spiritual journey, those seeking daily inspiration, or anyone interested in exploring universal spiritual principles. Its timeless wisdom, clear writing style, and practical approach make it a book that can be revisited and cherished for years to come.

“Words to Live By” is a gem of a book that has the potential to inspire and transform lives.