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Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)

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The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity Kindle Edition

by Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 515 ratings

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The unique story of Jesus, Saint Thomas his Apostle, and how the Dharma of India became part of Saint Thomas Christianity

“Original Christianity” is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization.

In The Christ of India Swami Nirmalananda presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his “Lost Years” in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists.

The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity includes the following:

The Christ of India, about the Essene roots of Jesus and the early Christians; the spiritual training of Jesus; The "lost years" of Jesus, with much information never before gathered together in one place; Jesus' return to the West, and how his teachings were misunderstood; Jesus return to India after his resurrection; and much more.
The Apostle of India, about how Jesus' apostle Saint Thomas went to India, and how the Christianity which grew up in India had a totally unique character compared to elsewhere in the world; the history of Saint Thomas Christianity in India and how it was persecuted by the colonialists.
The Beliefs of Original Christianity
Special Appendix: Indian Masters Who Considered Jesus One of Them. Stories of masters who had visions of Jesus, and those who researched Jesus’ time in India, including Sri Ramakrishna, Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sivananda and others

You will learn about the manuscripts which proved Jesus lived in the "East," and the efforts to suppress the news of their discovery.

You will learn about the Indian Saint Thomas Christian bishop of the 18th century who taught karma and reincarnation, who later became a wonderworking saint revered by Christians, Hindus, and Muslims alike.

Those who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.

From the Publisher

In his many pilgrimages to India, Abbot George had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma.

Praise from Readers

Abbot George’s writing is "as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring"

–James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review

"[His] writing is well crafted and stocked with anecdotes, humor, literary references, and beautiful quotes... I found it entertaining as well as illuminating."

–Reverend Gerry Nangle, President, Johrei Fellowship

"Highly recommended for earnest spiritual aspirant, especially those who might need a prod to keep them moving."

–Anna Hourihan, Vedantic Shores Press.

The Unknown Lives of Jesus and Mary
Living the Yoga Life: Perspectives on Yoga
May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?
Satsang With the Abbot
Spiritual Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Abbot George Burke

(Swami Nirmalananda Giri)

Abbot George is the founder and director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, NM, USA.

He has been studying, teaching and writing on practical spiritual life for over 60 years.

He has written over 20 books on Meditation, Original Christianity, and Original Yoga, as well as the Dharma for Awakening Collection: commentaries on major scriptures of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Taoism and more,

Below are some of his best sellers:

Soham Yoga: Its Theory and Practice
The Christ of India
The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening
The Dhammapada for Awakening
The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Abbot George is like the Emily Dickinson of modern day spiritual writers." Reverend Gerry Nangle

From Enas Reviews:

Author Abbot George Burke weaves his research and knowledge expertly into his book The Christ of India bringing out high quality content that highlights strong connection between Jesus and India. By tracing back the history of foundation laid by Apostle Saint Thomas, author enlightens the knowledge of his readers regarding the unique form of christianity known as 'Saint Thomas Christianity' in India.

Interpreting the teachings of Jesus from the perspective of Santana Dharma, The Christ of India is a knowledgeable yet engaging collection of authentic details and evident manuscripts about the Essene roots of Jesus and his 'Lost years'. An invaluable book for anyone desiring to know more about Jesus; delightful to read and a work of substance, vividly written and rich in historical analysis, this is an excellent work written by a masterful teacher & a storyteller.

I was genuinely impressed by the wealth of knowledge author has in his subject material and the way he distills research into an informative read that is not restricted to any religion, region or age. This book is an enriching gem of historical knowledge that deserves to be highly appreciated and possessed by all mature readers. Highly recommended.

From the Author

"Original Christianity" is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. But although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization. The material in this book will reveal that this statement is simple fact without exaggeration.

Jesus and Saint Thomas taught nothing new in either Israel or India. Their religion was identical with that which Jesus studied in India, that which is found in the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and other fundamental scriptures and spiritual writings of India. Jesus and Saint Thomas taught nothing but Sanatana Dharma. The deformed entity known today as "Christianity" is a corruption and betrayal of their actual teachings. Jesus learned his wisdom from the sages of India and so must those who would follow him.

I am not the originators of this idea. In 1920 Swami (later Paramhansa) Yogananda came to America to speak at a religious conference in Boston, Massachusetts. In his discourse at that conference he announced that he would be remaining in America and giving weekly classes of one and a half hours in length: the first half hour would be on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the second on the teachings of the Gospels, and the third on the fundamental unity of the two. For thirty-two years he held to this approach. Today many people in East and West carry on that vision. I am just one of them.

Paramhansa Yogananda was continually denounced by Christians as a Hindu missionary trying to fool Christians into converting to Hinduism, and denounced by Hindus as a Christian missionary trying to fool Hindus into converting to Christianity. He was, of course, simply presenting the truth, historically and philosophically. This book is an attempt to do the same. Those who would follow Christ in all honesty will eventually find themselves following him to India.

From the Back Cover

"Original Christianity" is the teaching of both Jesus of Nazareth and his Apostle Saint Thomas in India. Although it was new to the Mediterranean world, it was really the classical, traditional teachings of the ancient rishis of India that even today comprise Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Dharma, that goes far beyond religion into realization.

In The Christ of India Abbot George Burke presents what those ancient teachings are, as well as the growing evidence that Jesus spent much of his "Lost Years" in India and Tibet. This is also the story of how the original teachings of Jesus and Saint Thomas thrived in India for centuries before the coming of the European colonialists.

Those who find themselves attracted to both Jesus and the Dharma of India will find this book fascinating and illuminating.

About the Author

Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is the founder and director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery (Atma Jyoti Ashram) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA.

In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India's greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was made a member of the ancient Swami Order by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharati Krishna Tirtha.

In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. He was ordained in the Liberal Catholic Church (International) to the priesthood on January 25, 1974, and consecrated a bishop on August 23, 1975.

For many years Abbot George has researched the identity of Jesus Christ and his teachings with India and Sanatana Dharma, including Yoga. It is his conclusion that Jesus lived in India for most of his life, and was a yogi and Sanatana Dharma missionary to the West. After his resurrection he returned to India and lived the rest of his life in the Himalayas.

He is the author of a number of books on meditation and practical spiritual life, including Om Yoga Meditation: Its Theory and Practice, The Dhammapada for Awakening, The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening, May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?, and The Christ of India: The Story of Saint Thomas Christianity.

He has written extensively on these and other topics at OCOY.org/

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01IY3WDCM
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Light of the Spirit Press; 2nd edition (July 22, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 22, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 6.0 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 132 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #236,022 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #7 in Biographies of Buddhism
- #62 in Spiritual Biography
- #148 in Religious Studies - History

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4.4 515 ratings

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Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)

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Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) is the founder and director of the Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery) in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, USA.

In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was made a member of the ancient Swami Order by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharati Krishna Tirtha.

In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.

For many years Swami Nirmalananda has researched the identity of Jesus Christ and his teachings with India and Sanatana Dharma, including Yoga. It is his conclusion that Jesus lived in India for most of his life, and was a yogi and Sanatana Dharma missionary to the West. After his resurrection he returned to India and lived the rest of his life in the Himalayas.

He is the author of a number of books on meditation and practical spiritual life, including Soham Yoga: The Yoga of the Self, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening, The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening, May a Christian Believe in Reincarnation?, and The Christ of India: The Story of Original Christianity.

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Customers find the book provides interesting information about sources and individuals who experienced Jesus in India. They describe it as a well-written, quick read that is worth reading for serious Christians. However, some readers feel the book doesn't mention Christ or historical Christianity, instead teaching Jesus as just a prophet. Opinions differ on the credibility of the teachings, with some finding them true and earnest, while others feel there are lack of sources for some details.

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54 customers mention "Information quality"54 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides interesting information about sources and individuals who experienced Jesus in India. They say it gives them a lot to think about and is profound, clear, and life-changing.

"...The proof is pure circumstantial at best, but it is intriguing just the same...." Read more

"...On the positive side of that is that he can provide a lot of information without getting the reader too overwhelmed with proof, a lot of quotes and..." Read more

"This book does have some very interesting information...." Read more

"...Wonderful book. Well written and easily understood. Gives all necessary information (historical, philosophical, and theological) that one may become..." Read more

26 customers mention "Readability"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's readability. They find it well-written, concise, and easy to understand. The introduction and explanation of Sanatana Dharma are appreciated. The author has an intuitive grasp of the subject matter and presents it eloquently.

"...This is a quick read but those who are not informed on Indian spirituality, which I was not, this book may make the reader unsure of what he/she is..." Read more

"...It is an easy read because he chose not to do this,. He also provides interesting facts, sometimes without elaboration...." Read more

"...Wonderful book. Well written and easily understood...." Read more

"I suddenly saw everything differently. Profound. Direct. Clear and literally life-changing for me. I am deeply grateful...." Read more

25 customers mention "Value for money"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an excellent resource for Christians and spiritual seekers. They describe it as a great introductory book on the topic, thought-provoking, and an outstanding resource for scholars and spiritual people alike. The book is considered one of the best books regarding Jesus, God, Yoga, and spirituality.

"...I enjoy their approach to spirituality...." Read more

"...Wonderful book. Well written and easily understood...." Read more

"...A must read for seekers of Truth. Peace onto you." Read more

"Excellent. Thank you Swami Normal Girl. I have been interested in the life of Jesus in India since I read the..." Read more

8 customers mention "Credibility"5 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the book's credibility. Some find the teachings true and earnest, with enough citations to check their authenticity. The presentation is real and the arguments are valid, making them feel plausible. However, others mention a lack of sources for some details and assertions without elaboration.

"...His presentation is so real, his arguments so valid, that one cannot help but wonder could this time in India have actually been a possibility that..." Read more

"...He also provides interesting facts, sometimes without elaboration...." Read more

"What is in this book really feels like truth to me. It really heals the patriarchal dogmatic worldly teachings of Christ...." Read more

"...This book not only bridges the truth together it has citations to back up their claim...." Read more

5 customers mention "Christianity"0 positive5 negative

Customers dislike the book's Christian content. They find the information on Saint Thomas Christians contradictory and say it teaches Jesus is just a prophet. The book also mentions there are missing years of Jesus' life, making it unorthodox and not a true Christian book.

"...written and informative yet found the provided information on the Saint Thomas Christians contradictory...." Read more

"Hinduism 100%, no Christ or historical Christianity here...." Read more

"...Biographies obviously don't exist on Jesus, so technically 99% of his life is the missing years...." Read more

"...Book was not what I expected. Horrible. Teaches Jesus is just a prophet. Mixes eastern new age religion with Christianity." Read more

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D. Michael Sanford
A Primer On Thomasist’s Spirituality
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2018
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I know a few “Thomasist’s” (my word) from India that have noticeably different approaches to Catholic spirituality than regular Catholic Priests who are considered diocesan. I enjoy their approach to spirituality. The one thing I did not realize, until reading this book, was the history behind the formation of Thomasist’s. While I have questions about Christ’s living in India after his death, the book describes the “proof” that he was there. The proof is pure circumstantial at best, but it is intriguing just the same.

I have visited the grave of St. Thomas in Spain, and I wondered why his basilica looked “different" than most basilica’s in Europe, and to me, the decoration and design looked “far eastern.” I have never been to India but have seen many sites in video and in print and looking back at my pictures I took in Spain, they look very similar to Indian art, heavy on color and design and darkness.

This is a quick read but those who are not informed on Indian spirituality, which I was not, this book may make the reader unsure of what he/she is reading. But it is still a good read and may open the door to read more about Indian Spirituality.

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bigfoot
Very interesting and informative.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2023
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I worked for a chemist from India. He told me that Jesus lived in India. I spent several years looking for information to prove or disprove. I found another book which verified the things my former boss said. This book also verifies this information. I have also found a lot of information on Google. I have found India is beginning to promote this information. The Indians say Jesus’ tomb is in India. Sounds crazy, but I now sm open to the possibility this is true.

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9 people found this helpful

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honorvhr
Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2018
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I have some words of warning and some words of encouragement. George Burke makes many statements without even attempting to support.(I don't mean not providing a reference source, I mean simply explaining the concept.) On the positive side of that is that he can provide a lot of information without getting the reader too overwhelmed with proof, a lot of quotes and historical information. It is an easy read because he chose not to do this,. He also provides interesting facts, sometimes without elaboration. For example, there is one sentence that states that the followers made the sign of the cross differently than we do today. I have read a few other "Scholarly" books about the life of Jesus and the words of the Bible and some of this references are not completely correct. If you are Buddhist or Hindu, I would not suggest reading this book. Burke, although he is very, very knowledgeable of both principles, often refers to them as the same. Why did I read the entire book?? I found it interesting and tried to keep an open mind. I am part of a religion that broke off Indian Christians and came to America. The group is referenced once.I gave it 4 stars, rather than 3, because I enjoyed reading it, despite my perceived flaws.

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Cheryl Bruedigam
The Christ of India: The Story of Saint Thomas Christianity
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2016
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Abbot George Burke seems to have a knack for tackling not only complicated spiritual concepts but as is evidenced with his most recent publication, “The Christ of India,” controversial concepts as well, which in this case will no doubt raise more than a few eyebrows. The matter of Jesus the man and Christ the anointed one are rarely separated within western Christian comprehension, yet in Burke’s look at “The Christ of India,” we begin to denote a separation wherein a viable theory may open up as to time spent in India by Jesus the man (and even the child in early training) during his lifetime on earth.

This may be a difficult theory for any westerner to even open up to, much less to grasp, as the Hindu historical accounts, names and places can be a bit difficult themselves to comprehend to the eye that has yet to study any Hindu or Sanskrit. Burke in his usual conversational manner is able once again to bring order to chaos. His presentation is so real, his arguments so valid, that one cannot help but wonder could this time in India have actually been a possibility that Jesus did in fact experience? There is much that is agreeable in that there are so many similarities in the major belief systems of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism and that not only Jesus, but the Apostle Thomas, could have had exposure to these, thereby developing a following for which it appears there is strong documentation.

Regardless of religious beliefs, the information presented in “The Christ of India,” does in fact offer a possible explanation of so much that has been shrouded (no pun intended) for two-thousand years. As any serious seeker of truth should do, we must overturn every stone, look and search in every nook and cranny, to uncover all that is hidden. Only in doing so will we further evolve in our growth, awareness, understanding and enlightenment, so it is therefore only natural that we give consideration to “The Christ of India,” whatever it may teach us. After all, it is not the facts per say that we seek but rather it is teachings that are true and earnest and for the betterment of all.

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31 people found this helpful

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K K
Half ads
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2019
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This book does have some very interesting information. There are areas where arguments don’t properly sight their sources or reference sources that no longer exist and therefor can’t be cross checked. But over all the. Uggest srawback is the fact that the actual content is the book is only 1/2 the pages. The second half is all just basically ads for their other books. It’s only like 60 pages of actual content and it’s not even in a particularly small font or anything.

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7 people found this helpful

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Russ Thomas
Essential Reading
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2017
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The Christ of India by Abbot George Burke is essential for those who would truly understand the eternal teachings (Sanatana Dharma) of Jesus which he imparted to his students. These teachings as understood by Christ's Apostles and furthered by Saint Thomas form the basis of Saint Thomas Christianity which is still taught and practiced today.

Wonderful book. Well written and easily understood. Gives all necessary information (historical, philosophical, and theological) that one may become acquainted with this Christian tradition.

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Joel
Must read.
Reviewed in India on February 6, 2025
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Wonderful insights into the greatest ever.

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Christina W.
Jesus Lehre
Reviewed in Germany on June 27, 2024
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Phantastischer Inhalt, kurz, lehrreich und Augen öffnend bezüglich dem Ursprung. Empfehlenswert, jedem dogmatischen Christen zum Lesen empfohlen

Der Buchdruck ist eine Katastrophe, ungefähr jede 3. und 5. Seite sind lose ... zum Glück Seitennummer, ansonsten das totale Chaos ... schade für den guten Inhalt

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roastfrog
It's an important seed in our personal journey
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2021
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A great book for providing missing information on Jesus' life, important foundational concepts of hinduism and an effective meditation approach, too. An approach that is going to get me going on daily meditation - where the rubber meets the road. I didn't know how much I needed this book. Well worth it. Going to get more by Abbot George Burke.

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Vernon Cook
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on December 12, 2017
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Great read

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Janine
Enlightening
Reviewed in Australia on October 8, 2020
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We are being shown more and more the ruthlessness of how Christianity was formed as a religion by the Romans.... This book illustrates how the whole basis of Christianity as we know it is formed on lies for the sake of power

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Primer On Thomasist’s Spirituality

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A Primer On Thomasist’s Spirituality

Very interesting and informative.

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The Christ of India: The Story of Saint Thomas Christianity

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Essential Reading

Must read.

Jesus Lehre

It's an important seed in our personal journey

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Enlightening