Available to read online as part of the Night Lotus Productions website of free multimedia spiritual resources
Reviews of Never to Return:
Joseph Chilton Pearce: Never to Return is a beautiful and poignant spiritual odyssey that is equally provocative and touching, informative and enlightening, humorous and heartbreaking. Sharon Janis writes with an admirable clarity, and her lightness of spirit in the face of adversity is exemplary for us all.
Publishers Weekly: In this spiritual memoir, Janis records her own encounter with Swami Muktananda and his teachings. Her narrative describes the altered states of consciousness she experienced in close proximity to her teacher. According to Janis, these states are constant reminders that the spiritual life is filled with surprises and unexpected moments of enlightenment. In a larger sense, this memoir is a dialogue between Indian spirituality and Western psychology. The question that Janis answers in her memoir is: "Can a westerner come to know Indian spirituality and flourish in its depths, even when it is alien to western ways of knowing?'" She answers with a resounding "yes."
NAPRA ReVIEW: This memoir is a poignant statement on the search for truth in a culture fixated on image and material wealth. Janis begins her story with her first memories from infancy, then takes readers through the full course of her life, sharing her experiences and how they shaped her inner and outer existence. She writes with kindness and compassion for all those involved, placing neither blame nor guilt, and takes pleasure in and responsibility for her life's entirety. Janis' humanity comes shining through, allowing us to see her fears, herstumbling, and, in all humility, her ego. Inspired by deep guidance and inner listening, this book aims to bring readers to "a sense of wonder and respect for their own journey" and a greater regard for others on their paths.
Midwest Book Review: These enticing stories from one woman's journey speak to some of life's most delicate topics. Sharon Janis writes with humor, insight, and a storyteller's talent for engaging the reader. Never to Return holds great value for anyone with an interest in personal growth and self-help, spirituality and the "inner journey."
Buzz Review: Sharon's quest for truth, her spiritual odyssey, will lead you on a journey to undiscovered country. The island of you. Sharon's travels within herself have led her to many amazing and even average things. One thing sure to strike you is a feeling of coming home. One of knowing that this lady could be your best friend. She is funny, goodhearted, good-natured and her words have the relaxing effect of a fine novel. If you are looking for personal insight, Sharon Janis is here to share.
Horizons Magazine: Sharon Janis writes of growing up as a very independent child, tells delightful stories of the 10 years she spent in a monastery setting at the Indian ashram of Swami Muktananda, and how she later went to work in the Hollywood film industry. She had me alternately laughing out loud and somberly reflecting on her innocent wisdom. It's like sitting with your best friend, who suddenly has all the answers to the Universe! Never to Return is a great handbook for how to sail through many of life's challenges, with grace, understanding and ease.
Magical Blend Magazine: Sharon shares her powerful inner quest with humor and clarity. She is a charming storyteller who invites you to drink of her deep experience with Indian spirituality and her search for truth in a world obsessed with appearances.
21st Century Books: This spiritual odyssey is really fun to read. The author is very honest, provocative, and has a great sense of humor. She certainly had a unique childhood and I found her sketches about growing up in a dysfunctional family riveting and entertaining. She “accidentally” became a seeker and spent 10 years in Muktananda’s retreat in upstate New York, bridging the periods when Muktananda was the guru to his passing, and the emergence of his successor, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. Her stories and adventures range from the sublime to the ridiculous. It is a book that is very difficult to put down—the kind that keeps you up at night beyond your bedtime. What is most interesting is that the author, having spent most of her adult life in a monastery then goes out into the “real world”. This is quite a unique and rich story that I think many readers would find highly enjoyable, not to mention enlightening.
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CLICK HERE to read about how this memoir came to be
Click the chapter links to read the book online
with added multimedia touches
Chapter 1: Awakening
Chapter 2: Never to Return
Chapter 3: I Chose This?
Chapter 4: Through the Years
Chapter 5: Exploring the Unconscious
Chapter 6: Faith-Healer
Chapter 7: Hidden Persuaders
Chapter 8: The Threshold of Life
Chapter 9: When the Student is Ready
Chapter 10: Magical Meeting
Chapter 11: Toward the One
Chapter 12: Who is Shiva?
Chapter 13: Destiny Calls
Chapter 14: Winter Wonderland
Chapter 15: The Happy Pauper
Chapter 16: This Karmic Dance
Chapter 17: Stoking the Inner Fire
Chapter 18: The Fruits of Surrender
Chapter 19: That Gracious Glance
Chapter 20: How Could He Be Gone?
Chapter 21: From Heart to Heart
Chapter 22: Get a Job
Chapter 23: Smash the Idol
Chapter 24: Clothed in Devotion
Chapter 25: Nemesis
Chapter 26: Who Are You Calling Jad?
Chapter 27: A Perfect Mistake
Chapter 28: She Still Thinks She Did It!
Chapter 29: Taming the Beast
Chapter 30: Undo What You Have Done
Chapter 31: The Great Guiding Force
Chapter 32: The Wish Fulfilling Tree
Chapter 33: Where is the Key?
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