Books
To purchase copies of Dr. Stewart Bitkoff’s books, please choose among those below, and follow the ‘purchase your copy’ link for each.
The World of Pond Stories, Golden Path Publishing
The World of Pond Stories is the introductory book in Dr. Bitkoff’s new series. It will take readers on a trip to a wondrous land where pond creatures live in harmony and often work together to solve problems.
These stories offer the opportunity for children and adult readers alike, to travel alongside amusing and delightful woodland characters that are expanding their hearts and minds. From “silver minnow catching” class; to humorous, yet meaningful exchanges among grasshoppers, turtles and dragonflies; to a mysterious quest with Master Turtle, you and the children in your life will enjoy reading about the spiritual journey of life in a unique and lighthearted way. Come, swim in the richness of your own spirit and journey to a magical place called The World of Pond.
Light On The Mountain, Abandoned Ladder
This is the legend of the Ancient One, a spiritual being that has been asleep for 1000 years. According to prophecy he awakens to lead the people of the city plain out of despair and oppression. Offering a message of hope and renewal, he sets in motion universal forces, which restore the balance.
This captivating tale parallels the challenges of modern society where wars rage with elusive terrorists, millions are homeless without shelter or nourishment and the rich continue to amass fortune. We are in need of a permanent solution to these age-old problems.
So come join the Ancient One as he brings Light to the mountain and reveals the inherent power of our collective human potential, working together and reaching higher.
The Appleseed Journal, Golden Path Publishing
Johnny Appleseed is an authentic American hero celebrated in film, literature and art. While famous for growing the apple industry, relatively little is known about his accomplishments in the world of spirit.
Based on actual events, this Journal chronicles Johnny’s travels during a period of time in 1843 when he mysteriously went missing. While on his way to a convention at the Church of New Jerusalem in Philadelphia, something transpired and he never arrived. Historically there is no information about why he did not attend.
As a minister Johnny had a spiritual calling and provided apple seedling, a life staple along the frontier, as part of his work. It is rumored that Hudson Valley, New York is the place where Johnny planted a message so that it could be harvested by spiritual travelers in our time. This is his story.
Beyond the River’s Gate, Golden Path Publishing
Beyon
d the River’s Gate, is a must read for all who seek a spiritual path. It offers a unique and in-depth analysis of spirituality and religion in a way that is sure to resonate with modern-day travelers.
Through his innate ability to explain religious and spiritual complexities, Bitkoff illuminates areas in which religious teachings are helpful or lacking. Further, he explores basic concerns that people have about the differences in religious forms, the spiritual journey, and its connection to challenges in the world today.
Comprised of two parts, the first encompasses 99 questions and answers covering a vast array of spiritual and religious topics percolating the minds of many, such as, Why are there so many religions?, Which religion is really “right, if any?,” What is spiritual experience?, Is spiritual experience the same as God or “the Light?,” How do I go about finding a teacher to guide me?, How can so many strong faiths co-exist?, among numerous other questions. The second section, presents stories, verses, quotes and observations to help further explain the interrelatedness of all religions and spiritual capacity.
In today’s world, travelers often get side-tracked, or confused by the excess of choices to study – from self-help movements to spiritual programs. As a result it is easy to get lost in the smaller stream, forgetting one must travel the river to its source, because past the river’s mouth, the ocean awaits.
With this book, it is Bitkoff’s hope that he will help others to travel beyond the river’s gate. What are you waiting for?
Ferryman’s Dream, Abandoned Ladder
For those modern day men and women who seek an updated version of the ever-elusive ancient spiritual teachings, The Ferrmany’s Dream was written for you. In a heartening tale, this story brings to life the true essence of modern day spiritual learning.
It was said that those who studied as Vesudeva’s apprentice reached their heart’s desire. He is a Ferryman to both rich and poor; transporting travelers across the river. Yet, these travelers are given more than just a trip over the waters and unknowingly receive a special gift bestowed upon few.
Through an interview with a local journalist about his life’s work, Vesudeva introduces the reporter to spiritual learning; carrying him to a world within a world. It is a reality that is always changing, yet singular, and transcendent, built upon preconceptions and conditioned thoughts. And one by one, he shatters these man-made notions … in the Light of Truth.
A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, Llewellyn Worldwide, Inc.
For years, Dr. Stewart Bitkoff suffered through every traffic jam, flat tire, and rude driver that marred his long commute to New York City . . . until he discovered how to transform this soul-draining journey into one filled with divine lessons and meaning. Blending spiritual wisdom with his own astute life observations from the road, Dr. Bitkoff teaches readers how to live in the present and find joy in ordinary moments. His personal stories draw insightful parallels between the “road of life” and one’s spiritual path. Meditations, tips, exercises, and prayers will help you shut off shallow concerns, center yourself, and open up to a higher consciousness. Whether you’re a stockbroker, a student, or a soccer mom, this guide will show you how to find tranquility during life’s most stressful and tiresome activities.
Sufism for Western Seekers, Golden Path Publishing
For many western spiritual seekers, Sufism is often misunderstood and viewed as an Islamic mystical tradition presented through various Sufi orders. Yet this ancient path of spiritual knowing is much broader and older, available through all religions and independent of Islam and these orders. Aldous Huxley and others have referred to this ancient mystical path as the primordial tradition or perennial philosophy. This teaching can be characterized as a generic mysticism or spirituality, available to everyone, all of the time. Once awakened, this spiritual knowing comes forward through one’s own inner awareness or “heart.” This book is a first hand account of spiritual knowing in two modern Sufi mystical schools.
Journey of Light: Trilogy (JOLT), Golden Path Publishing
Journey of Light: Trilogy (JOLT), chronicles the spiritual awakening of three men from different backgrounds. Through their own unique experience, each comes to know and is empowered by a mysterious force known as the Light. Slowly, they learn that this spiritual essence dissipates darkness and is the binding force of the universe. From it, they draw strength to move forward in their daily lives no matter how hectic they become. While some find comfort in asserting their belief is the only true way, most do not fully understand that religion is intended to vary according to time, place and the changing needs of people. The Light is the common spring from which we came and is the internal reality of all religious experience. This work offers reason for even the most skeptical of readers to believe in the reality of higher consciousness. A collection of novellas, JOLT will help you in your own search and inner journey. Dr. Bitkoff, as a young man, received training in two modern mystical schools and was designated to reveal selected aspects of the teaching in written form.
According to tradition, humanity has originated far beyond the stars and must make the return journey back to the Source. In order to accelerate and fully embrace the multiple levels of the journey, each traveler must be spiritually awakened. This awakening, or jolt to the every day consciousness, must be directed and be strong enough to set the soul free. Once that happens, the spiritual traveler perceives the Source and can journey through life purposefully.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment
“Stewart has written a book for those not afraid to think. In this book he presents simple solutions to attitude and focus problems in ways that explain the spiritual and personal principals which guide attitude. He is not afraid to point out that if we are unhappy or bored it is our own fault. He shows us that the variety of the physical which is a picture of the variety of the spiritual is available for our taking. This is a book about the obvious for those of us too busy to see it. This book can help put us back in touch with choice and with an appreciation for both reality and ourselves.” Bill Burns, Metaphysician, Psychic and Teacher
“Most of humanity is asleep.
They are drifting in this world aimlessly.
They build synagogues, mosques, and churches
in order to glorify themselves.
They do not know where they came from or where they are going.
Some of them are awakened and are trying to awaken others.
This book reflects some thoughts to that effect.”
A. Hussain, MD, Psychiatrist
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“This is a beautifully explicated work founded in Sufi tradition, which instructs on how to be free from the control of your thoughts. Bitkoff communicates on many levels, from the most obvious and practical to the utterly divine. Prayer, positive thinking, therapeutic meditation and breathing, surrender to God, are all weaved into this story in such a way that you don’t always know that you are being instructed. Whether you are looking for some peace of mind to get you through your daily commute, or if you are pursuing a much deeper understanding of life, this book will serve you outstandingly. Because Bitkoff instructs on many levels, keep this book around for a long time. You never know when some portion of it will begin to make new sense to you. I suggest reading the entire book now and parts of it every 3000 miles.” Jerry Katz, Editor, One: Essential Writings on Nonduality
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“Take a journey like no other. It is the trip of a lifetime with an exceptional tour guide. He has visited all the important sites, knows their history and significance, and can tell you where to look to get the best view. The journey is nothing less than your life and the trip is your everyday life experience. In this unique travel guide, Dr. Bitkoff teaches the basics of spiritual growth using allegory, metaphor, narrative and common sense. While life passes all around us, we are taught that our attitudes and beliefs help determine what we see, hear and feel. Dr. Bitkoff helps us to become aware of the relationship between our external environment and internal response. He helps us approach the twists and turns in life by providing intellectual, emotional and spiritual choices that we either never learned or simply failed to pay attention to.
Finding one’s center in the midst of heavy traffic is no easy feat, but as Dr. Bitkoff points out, our life rarely travels in a straight path. We often go through the motions in life as if blinded by sun glare; we are forced to slow down or change our direction. In Sufi parlance by remembering who we are, not only does our worldview change, we change as well. Life may be illusion, but the road is real. Let Dr. Bitkoff be your driving instructor.” Michael Greenstein, M.S., Hospital Administrator
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“Dr. Bitkoff has presented us with a plan for entering into the world of Spirit even when engaged in as frustrating an activity as a daily commute on crowded roads. The book is a delightful reminder that Spirit is always present in the moment. Disappointment, grief, surprise, joy, depression and even, horror are woven together into a tapestry of the daily commute and yet, each moment serves as a doorway through which one catches glimpses of the magnificent sacredness which lies just behind the physical world. It is up to the traveler to decide which doors to open. The book tells us that the doorways are everywhere and all the time and as long as we remain in the “Now” we are ever in the presence of Spirit. If we spend too much time remembering the past or worrying about the future, we waste our opportunities.
Dr. Bitkoff’s instructions are detailed and insightful. The Commuters Guide to Enlightenment reminds us that changing ones attitude can change ones whole life. For anyone considering a spiritual path this book is an excellent guide. The author shares insights and memories which are valuable resources for the journey. One can always benefit from the advice of a traveler who has already passed along the way ahead.” Rev. Charles T. Weatherford CtH, OM
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“The Commuters Guide to Enlightenment, by Dr. Stewart Bitkoff will serve as an excellent guide for our life path seekers here at Shooting for the Moon Spiritual Development Center. Enlightenment is a step by step process of exploring the knowledge buried within each of us. This book is filled with clear and exciting examples of that process. Dr. Bitkoff does not suggest isolating oneself in order to begin this quest, on the contrary he instructs us in how to find ourselves within the complex and fragmented world in which we already exist. It is refreshing and a genuine treasure.” Kathy Brown, Owner, Shooting for the Moon Spiritual Development Center
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“Anyone who feels trapped in frustrating routines will find guidance and inspiration in Stewart’s personal travelogue of turning road rage into spiritual insight.” Matthew Gilbert, Director of Communications, the Institute of Noetic Sciences and author of The Workplace Revolution
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“Like Coltrane’s intricately woven eighth notes that came from his spiritual depths and transcended the sounds of the saxophone and jazz, Bitkoff’s conscious perspectives, in A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, weaving the intricacies of driving on the Major Deegan, noting every Mile Marker, being aware of non-signaling drivers, applying exercises like “Seeing What Is In Front of You” and being open to one’s Higher Potential create an expansive, transformational feeling of one, big improvisation.” Janet Lawson, Grammy Nominated Jazz Singer and author of the forthcoming book, The Integrated Artist: Improvisation As A Way of Life
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“Like rain in the desert….When I first read A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, I found it to be both pleasant and enjoyable. It wasn’t until sometime later that I began to appreciate the subtle and profound teachings contained in its pages. Are there really people who can reflect the Light to others? Can one really attain enlightenment while commuting on the Major Deegan Expressway? The answer is, yes! But just like rain in the desert, it may take a little time for one to become more fully aware of the resulting beauty and nourishment engendered by this fascinating book. For the person willing to ride along with Dr. Bitkoff, the commute is definitely worth the effort.” Dr. Paul S. Miko, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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“Pick-up this book; enjoy an entertaining ride for both commuters and non-commuters alike. Clearly written; easily accessible and full of practical tips, exercises and wisdom at each bend in the road. Offering a rare glimpse into the world of the spiritual traveler; for readers helping turn the most mundane of daily activities into a potentially liberating experience.” Prem Anjali, PhD, Editor, Integral Yoga Magazine
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