A Course in Miracles is so pure, so wonderful, so powerful, and so much more spiritually advanced than any other piece of the world's literature (past and present), that you have to actually experience it to believe it. But those whose minds are too attached to worldly thoughts, and lack the underlying thirst for true spiritual knowledge that is necessary for its understanding, will likely not comprehend a single whole page. That is not because A Course in Miracles is confusing - on the contrary its principles are remarkably simple - but rather because it is the nature of spiritual knowledge that those who are not ready to understand it, simply cannot understand it. As stated in the Bible, at the beginning of the book of John: "The light shineth in darkness, and darkness comprehended it not".

Ever since I first became aware of the majestic and awe-inspiring presence of God, I have enjoyed reading many wonderful spiritual works like the Bible (my favorite parts are the Sermon on the Mount and Psalms), the Bhagavad-Gita, the Upanishads, the Koran and the poetry of Kabir and Rumi. None of them come close to the greatness of a Course in Miracles. Reading it with an open mind and heart, your fears and troubles wash away. You become aware of a marvelous love deep within you - deeper than anything you knew before. The future begins to seem so bright for you and your loved ones. You feel love for everyone including those you previously have tried to leave excluded. These experiences are very powerful and at times throw you off balance a little, but it is worth it: A Course in Miracles introduces you to a love so peaceful, so strong and so universal - you will wonder how so many of the world's religions, whose aim is supposedly a similar experience, got so off track.

I would like to say here to any Christian who feels that his church's teachings do not truly satisfy his thirst to know a kind, merciful and loving God, but is somewhat afraid to read the Course because of others' claims that it is inconsistent with "true" Christianity: Don't worry! I have read the gospels many times and I assure you that a Course in Miracles is completely consistent with Jesus' teachings while he was on earth. Don't fear the fanatical defenders of exclusionist dogma - these poor people think themselves to be the only carriers of Jesus' message, and the only ones worthy of his blessings, while all other will go to hell. A Course in Miracles reflects Jesus' true message: unconditional love for *all people*. While he was on earth, Jesus said to judge a tree by its fruit. So give it a try and see how the fruits that ripen in your life taste. If they taste bad, you can abandon A Course in Miracles. But if they taste as sweet as mine do, and the millions of other true seekers who have found A Course in Miracles to be nothing less than a heavenly treasure, then congratulations - and may your heart always be abundantly filled with peaceful, loving joy.

Review by Pradeep Egri Toronto, ON Canada