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Rudi: Spiritual Cannibalism
A unique effort to help those willing to fulfill their divine potential reach their goal. Beloved Swami Rudrananda outlines the concept of spiritual work, describes his life of disciplined yoga practices, puts into perspective the relationship of human beings to one another, and explores our basic need to grow--and the role played by the guru in fostering this development.
- GenresSpiritualityNonfiction
182 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 9, 2009
The second and third editions of Spiritual Cannibalism were rearranged and edited considerably, and over 100 sentences were eliminated from what originally appeared in the first edition, including this statement by Rudi:
"My initiation by Swami Nityananda took place two years after his death."
Only the first edition, published in 1973, contains Rudi's original text.
Furthermore, in the Introduction to this edition, Michael Shoemaker (a.k.a. Swami Chetanananda) states, "The first edition of Spiritual Cannibalism, assembled from various manuscripts and transcriptions of Rudi's talks, was published in January, 1973." This statement is completely untrue. Rudi wrote an original manuscript and published it himself.
"My initiation by Swami Nityananda took place two years after his death."
Only the first edition, published in 1973, contains Rudi's original text.
Furthermore, in the Introduction to this edition, Michael Shoemaker (a.k.a. Swami Chetanananda) states, "The first edition of Spiritual Cannibalism, assembled from various manuscripts and transcriptions of Rudi's talks, was published in January, 1973." This statement is completely untrue. Rudi wrote an original manuscript and published it himself.
February 9, 2009
Spiritual Cannibalism is truly a spiritual classic.
This first edition, published in 1973, by Links Books, is the only edition that contains Rudi's exact words. Subsequent editions by Rudra Press have been edited and rearranged considerably, and there are over 100 sentences that were cut from the newer versions, including the following sentence:
"My initiation by Swami Nityananda took place two years after his death."
This first edition, published in 1973, by Links Books, is the only edition that contains Rudi's exact words. Subsequent editions by Rudra Press have been edited and rearranged considerably, and there are over 100 sentences that were cut from the newer versions, including the following sentence:
"My initiation by Swami Nityananda took place two years after his death."
September 23, 2025
“People locked in their own tension, relating to themselves with self-pity, reduce their capacity as human beings.”
I read the first edition, which is rough reading. This is like the spiritual equivalent of listening to a low bitrate mp3 downloaded on limewire. Some interesting thoughts especially on karma, work and teaching but fair warning Rudi is clearly not a “main highway” teacher.
Editing and structure is very basic. I imagine these would be Facebook posts if published in 2025 rather than a book.
I read the first edition, which is rough reading. This is like the spiritual equivalent of listening to a low bitrate mp3 downloaded on limewire. Some interesting thoughts especially on karma, work and teaching but fair warning Rudi is clearly not a “main highway” teacher.
Editing and structure is very basic. I imagine these would be Facebook posts if published in 2025 rather than a book.
February 4, 2012
This was one of the first books I read as I was starting on my spiritual journey. It showed me that I was not alone.
July 26, 2012
Love the title and so far a great book about Rudi
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews