God Makes the Rivers to Flow

God Makes the Rivers to Flow is an anthology of spiritual passages curated by Eknath Easwaran specifically for use in meditation practice. Published initially in 1982 and expanded through several editions, the collection draws from diverse religious and spiritual traditions across the world. The book presents sacred texts that meet specific criteria for meditation: they must be positive, practical, universal, and inspiring. Each selection is accompanied by contextual information and guidance for incorporating the passage into meditative practice, following Easwaran's passage meditation method. Selections include writings from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and other traditions, with familiar texts like the 23rd Psalm presented alongside lesser-known spiritual works. The anthology has been released in multiple formats including print, ebook, and audio versions, with condensed editions published under alternative titles. This work serves as both a practical meditation guide and a bridge between different spiritual traditions, emphasizing the common threads of wisdom that connect diverse faith practices.

Readers describe this as a thoughtful collection of spiritual passages that helps with meditation practice. Reviews note its accessibility for both beginners and experienced meditators. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations before each passage - Diverse selection from multiple traditions - Practical advice for memorization and practice - Compact size for daily use Common criticisms: - Some translations lack poetic quality - Limited depth on certain traditions - Not enough context for some passages Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (193 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (57 reviews) Sample reader comments: "Perfect morning companion for contemplation" - Amazon reviewer "Helps bridge Eastern and Western spirituality" - Goodreads review "Could use more Jewish and Islamic texts" - Goodreads review The book resonates most with readers seeking an interfaith approach to meditation and those who want structured guidance for memorizing spiritual passages.

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🌟 Eknath Easwaran founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation in California in 1961, making him one of the first teachers to bring meditation to the West. 🌟 The book's title comes from the Rig Veda, one of the oldest sacred texts in the world, dating back to around 1500-1200 BCE. 🌟 The passage meditation technique advocated in the book was developed by Easwaran while he was a professor of English literature at the University of California, Berkeley. 🌟 Many selections in the book come from mystical traditions, including works by St. Teresa of Avila, Rumi, and the Cloud of Unknowing - texts that were often censored or suppressed in their time. 🌟 The anthology has been translated into over 25 languages and is used in meditation groups worldwide, with particularly strong followings in India, Germany, and the United States.