mysterious books and meditation

So I come home today after Lisa and I were sitting on the river in front of our house, and there on our steps is a book. I pick it up, wondering who in the world would have left it there. I have a vague memory of this book. I remember the author, Eknath Easwaran. Where did I read him before? Ah! Yes! I read his book, Gandhi the Man. I also read this book on my doorstep, Meditation, years ago. It’s all coming back to me now.

But, seriously! Who would have left it? Don’t my friends know that I am a Christian? Don’t they know that I shouldn’t be interested in Eastern mysticism? Don’t they know that meditation eastern-style is pagan and not based on scripture? Don’t they know that reading things like this can lead one to idolatry and maybe even demonic possession? Don’t they know that the bible is good enough for me? Don’t they know that this stuff is not only unnecessary, but also false and dangerous? They should know better than to leave such a dangerous document on MY step! What are they trying to do? Make me doubt? Cause me to backslide? Convert me? No name was left. No fingerprints. Nothing. Cowards!

Then I remembered a conversation I had with a friend not long ago who said he was reading a book on meditation. He couldn’t remember the author. This man is generous, so he told me he would buy me a copy. I am thankful for gifts like these. Timely too! This book guided me through a very important time in my life, and I highly recommend it as a good introduction to the art of meditation. His book on Gandhi is astounding also. Christians and the churches could use insights like Easwaran’s. He is familiar with Jesus. Just read his book and you’ll see what I mean. I am convinced that all truth is God’s truth. I think this is what Paul meant when he said, “we take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).