Visit our Online Store to get more information, including informatin on how to download all our Home Study Program materials.

Alchemy of the Soul: The Eros & Psyche Myth as a Guide to Transformation
      by Martin Lowenthal
      Purchase Online
      View larger image of cover

In Alchemy of the Soul, Martin Lowenthal describes how the story of Eros and Psyche illustrates the alchemical process of marrying soul and love so that life can be lived with more joy, meaning, and a tangible sense of divine wisdom. It is an important story of transformation through love—gaining a balanced sense of self and service in order to grow into a higher, more mature love. In Part I, he gives an evocative retelling of the Eros and Psyche myth. Part II examines the power of myth and alchemy and shows how spiritual alchemy can restore and transform the soul. Part III is an initiation into the alchemical mysteries using the Eros and Psyche myth as mentor. Alchemy of the Soul takes alchemy from the realm of the esoteric and places it in practical terms of story—terms that anyone can understand, value, and use as a guide to life.

This is an amazing book! As the profane and the sacred mirror each other, so do careful research (no seed is overlooked) and profound meditation illuminate the way of alchemy and transformation in Martin Lowenthal’s important work on Eros and Psyche.

—Gioia Timpanelli, author of Sometimes the Soul: Two Novellas of Sicily

It is important to keep myth in our lives and consciousness. A good way to do this is through interpretation. Martin Lowenthal interprets the myth of Psyche and Eros in a way that is clear, insightful, and useful to individuals who are seeking to grow and find their own mythic truths. His obvious love for this myth, coupled with a clear and enjoyable style of writing, make this book a delight to read.

—Jeffrey Raff, author of Jung and the Alchemical Imagination and The Wedding of Sophia

Dawning of Clear Light: A Western Approch to Tibetan Dark Retreat Meditation
      by Martin Lowenthal
      Purchase Online
      View larger image of cover

Released by Hampton Roads Publishing, this latest book includes teachings from the Buddhist and Bon traditions on dark retreats, dark retreats in the Western traditions, journals from Marty's dark retreats, and instructions on preparing for doing one of your own. As the book cover says: "Dawning of Clear Light is a celebration, a joyous invitation to find the treasures that are hidden within your own world and the world around you."

Reviews:

"It is wonderful that Martin, a long-time, dedicated practitioner who is exploring his own way in the spiritual path, is offering this unique guide to the dark retreat. His wealth of personal experience and insight lends a great deal of guidance and support to other individuals who are in a journey to discovering and abiding in the light that can be found within the darkness... This book offers welcome access to the experience of one¹s self in a variety of ways during dark retreat."

     - From the Foreword by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

"Tibetan Buddhist practice is elaborate, esoteric and challenging for Westerners. This book by Lowenthal, a psychotherapist, meditation teacher and longtime student of Tibetan Buddhism, breaks ground as an English-language guide to the technique of dark retreat, a traditional Tibetan spiritual practice that a Western, non-monastic Buddhist can experience by sitting in a ... light-proof room. The dark retreat affords a clearer view of how mental and physical processes generate an individual's experience of reality. Lowenthal explains the practice, frames it in the context of teachings from the Buddhist and Bon spiritual traditions of Tibet, and uses his journal, recorded during his own retreats, as an example of the retreat experience. The journal excerpts are especially helpful as a way of concretely describing what a practitioner might encounter under these unconventional circumstances designed to promote spiritual growth. While the author writes clearly and helpfully about techniques-two appendices give useful practical instruction-and is transparent about his experience, Tibetan Buddhist teachings about the nature of reality are complex... (A) ...practitioner with good guidance from a teacher can benefit from this clear and helpful introduction to a little-known spiritual practice."

     - From Publishers Weekly/ August 4, 2003 Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"In Dawning of Clear Light, Martin has written a profoundly moving account of the Dark Retreat - the first such account by a western master of the process. This book is both deeply personal and comprehensive in its view of Dark Retreat. Page by page, you are led into one of Tibet's most powerful spiritual practices - in a way that is both engaging and illuminating. I recommend Martin's superb book without reservation to all who wish to take a deep dive into the Clear, Spacious Essence of Being."

     - John P. Milton, author of Author of Sky Above, Earth Below; Founder of Sacred Passage Retreats

Embrace Yes: The Power of Spiritual Affirmation
      by Martin Lowenthal
      Purchase Online
      View larger image of cover

This book distills much of the wisdom of Marty¹s years of practice and study to create a work of teachings on accessing the positive powers of Presence, Openness and Wonder, Celebration and Service, Love, and Learning and Dedication--all different aspects of the sacred.

Reviews:

"Yes! By all means Embrace Yes! Martin Lowenthal has crafted an inspirational classic. His positive message is mined from the intrinsic gold of all spiritual traditions. Affirming the beauty of life, he has succeeded in showing us how to transform our own negativity and cynicism into hope, perspective, and appreciation. This should be required reading for all who seek happiness. Yes!"

     - Charles Atkins, author of Modern Buddhist Healing

"Embrace Yes inspires us to live life from moment to precious moment, greeting all experience‹both painful and joyous with equal gratitude."

     - Madeline Ko-i Bastis, author of Heart of Forgiveness and founder of Peaceful Dwelling Project

"Martin Lowenthal has given us a way to affirm each moment, every action and reaction, and the totality of life itself. I am grateful for this gentle reminder to create goodness from even the most difficult of circumstances."

     - Subagh Singh Khalsa, author of Anatomy of Miracles

Opening the Heart of Compassion: Transform Suffering Through Buddhist Psychology and Practice
      by Martin Lowenthal and Lar Short
      Purchase Online
      View larger image of cover

In this intriguing book, Martin Lowenthal and Lar Short explain how Buddhism uses the practice of compassion as a way to transcend everyday suffering. They present a helpful and friendly introduction to Buddhist teachings on the habitual ways of thinking and feeling which characterize the six realms of experience. They integrate this ancient knowledge with modern psychological insights to guide readers in their quest for freedom from unnecessary pain.

Included are many meditative exercises that will help the reader to achieve a greater understanding of self and of others, and to cultivate joy in daily life. This is a remarkable book that presents a path of spiritual development rooted in creative action guided by compassion. (From the back cover.)

Reviews:

"This volume not only provides a brilliant presentation of the ancient Buddhist teaching on the 6 realms of experience as they relate to the fundamental predicament of modern man. It also describes the skillful means of a series of simple, clear, but nevertheless profound meditative practices. This is a work of deep understanding and the product of vast practical experience."

     - John Mann, Author of Rudi: 14 Years with My Teacher

"This work is an important contribution to the ongoing vital field of East/West psychology and spirituality."

     - Lama Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

"This book is easily the most understandable text on Buddhist practices that I have ever read... This is a good book with which to grow and mature."

     - Debbie Stewart in New Age Retailer, January/February 1994