The Little Book of Hercules: The Physical Aspects of the Spiritual Path

I think it will be a very good book! 😊

I had planned to begin this review by declaring "This is a GEM!" - and then, upon reading the previous reviews, discovered that choice of words had already been expressed. Indeed, it would be difficult to assign a base monetary value to a book such as this. It is as if there were so many hamlets of cultivation-culture situated in various valleys and the author is taking his reader into an elevated perspective that affords them a view of the broader encompassing landscape (which necessarily includes historical perspective as well).There is not a hint of condescension or self-aggrandizement in all the text - only the confident tone of someone giving their best in a sincere desire to edify. When all is said and done, I may not be as entirely convinced of the premise that the Labors of Hercules truly was consciously intended to serve as a record of cultivation progress, so much as I am impressed by Mr. Bodri's brilliance of skill in mapping cultivation's physical terrain onto that story and/or successfully employing expedient means in using it as a vehicle for conveying extremely valuable and rare information to his respected readers.As for what the text may lack, the author says, on a number of occasions, that more depth and further detail would have to be covered in future volumes. But, although (to my recollection) this is not brought up in the book (in striking contrast to those authors who seemingly design their books primarily as infomercials), if the interested reader were to visit the author's "MeditationExpert" website they would find a wealth of additional, supportive, (and free) information - including references to recommended reading (and I agree with the previous reviewer who considered the lack of such references in "Hercules" to be a shortcoming), and links to the author's eBooks. I especially recommend "How To Measure and Deepen your Spiritual Realization" which I currently consider to be probably the most useful book I have read in my lifetime (and is replete with numerous footnotes and references). Fortunately, I had just finished reading it before receiving "The Little Book of Hercules" and so, in a way, it served as a sort of footnote/text-reference backdrop/supplement to this book as I read it.I believe there are factors in life that Bill Bodri does not account for or include in his works (and I`ve never considered myself "a Buddhist" as such). I don't look to him for all the answers - for which I trust my own individual internal guidance and path. But, for the broad territory that he does take on, I know of no comparative author with the experience, acumen and wisdom to bring such authoritative clarity to the overall arena of "cultivation."I should note that "The little Book of Hercules" helped me to see what a real beginner I am in these matters. Most of what he describes I have yet to experience. So, in that sense, I may be in no position to judge, for others, the value or veracity of that information. For me, I intuit its value, and the correctness of many of its assertions, based on what experience I have had, what I've read elsewhere, and the confirmations and learning experience that took place while I was engaged with the book.For me, "The Little Book of Hercules" is, minor occlusions/inclusions (and exclusions) notwithstanding, a real gem. But, as mentioned, I recommend readers visit Mr. Bodri's MeditationExpert site for material that will help expand and clarify what was given in this excellent, generous work.

Everyone who has meditated for some time knows that meditation results in transformation of the mind, but also that meditation transforms the body in various ways at certain stages of development. Different cultures explain these changes in various ways, but it is difficult for even very serious students to see connections between traditions and cultures, without extensive study and experience.Little Book of Hercules is not a book about Greek mythology, but its goal is rather to explain the various physical transformations that are the result of meditation practice. The outline for the book comes from the stories about the labors of Hercules, which are actually describing the path of spiritual cultivation. Indeed, quite a few of the stories contain elements that would make no sense outside the basic context of cultivation practice. This is the reason why in ancient Greece, there were religious groups that also connected the labors of Hercules with the spiritual path.For readers who are accustomed to meditation necessarily involving Indian or Chinese terms, this book also shows that western culture has had its own cultivation traditions. It becomes a glimpse into a time when the best of western culture had a firm grasp of both the material and the spiritual world. It also inadvertently raises interesting questions about our own future in the 21st century.The really special thing about this book, though, is that it clearly divides and explains all the basic steps of physical transformation. Are you going through a stage in which your big toe feels sore? Or what about a pinching sensation at the heels of your feet? Cutting soreness and cold throughout your legs and body? So many phenomena are explained very clearly by this book, including what they mean, and how not to become trapped or entangled by the different stages.If I could make one change to this book, it would be to change the basic format and layout. Although it is divided clearly by chapter, the nature of this book lends itself to being reference material. I would be very interested in seeing what this book would be like if it had more of a textbook / abhidharma type of approach. This is just curiosity, though, and the book is already an excellent and rare gem as it is.In all, I would highly recommend this book, especially for meditators with some experience, but who lack a full understanding of the path (99.999%). For those who are just beginning, I would recommend that they read the following book first:  The Little Book of Meditation: The Way to Lifelong Vibrant Health, Peace of Mind, Spiritual Growth and Wellbeing . Without the full explanation that this book includes, they would probably be lost when trying to read "Hercules."

This book has been wonderfully helpful to me. It gives me a context for the physical symptoms I have been going through and prepares me for what could be ahead. I am in a online kundalini support group and they referred me to this book. I am so thankful to have this guidance.

A wonderful, well written and very complete book! As always!As a young Western Zen Buddhist priest myself, I can't suggest these books enough!Thank you mister Bodri!

Certainly one of the soundest book on the subject. A must-read for every cultivator as the different steps of the cultivation's process are accurately described.

This book came at just the right time for me. I was worried about physical symptoms - I thought they were probably part of the spiritual path I was on but could get no confirmation. A couple of sources I approached for confirmation that these symptoms were part of spiritual awakening made me feel - well a bit mad ... so I was very relieved to find this wonderful book which hit on many of my symptoms and gave me great relief.The timing was right in another sense as well.Had I read this book just a year ago I wouldn't have been ready for what it describes. I think I might have called it woo-woo stuff. But the time has come when what I formerly considered woo-woo is becoming very real-real for me.I have found the same kind of synchronicity in all my readings over the last six or seven years. All have come at a time I was right for the particular story that book contained.All part of the path ... and since I don't have a living teacher I think it is part of the old story 'when the student is ready the teacher appears'. William Bodri is the right man for me just now.

Great book, and a fascinating concept. I think it must be one of a kind. Spiritual seekers interested in broadening their viewpoint of spirituality from purely Eastern traditional perspectives will love this book. It really makes a lot more of the ancient Greek philosophies and mythology far more multi dimensional!! I really enjoyed this book, William Bodri is a great man for clarifying such subjects for all of us.

So far all of Bodri's books which i read have been mind opening and exceptional. This one deals in particular with the myth of Hercules and changes within the physical body on the cultivation path. William Bodri has a vast storehouse of knowledge regarding spiritual matters which he readily shares in his writings.

Great product & great service, thankyou :)

It`s a pleasant read, and can be very interesting if you are into Greek mythology and spiritual cultivation. I find myself skipping the mythology part to get directly to the cultivation part since that`s what interests me. As for the latter, the book provides useful explanation from various angle of various practices and tradition, which is very useful to understand the context of the cultivation practice you choose. This in turn can help you to understand/choose the right practice, given the availability of the teaching and qualified teachers. For those who want to seriously cultivate.