An Infinity of Gods: Conversations with an Unconventional Mystic, The Teachings of Shelly Trimmer

Quality for a paper book is great. Well made. As for the book itself. Wow it is a mind twister. It is thought provoking anyone on the seeking path I recommend picking this book up. It will be worth your time.

Who knew polytheism was so cool? And I thought the scientific method was cool. Or, if you are a theoretical physicist, that string theory is cool. Or, if you are a Hindu or New Age theorist, that Non-dualism is cool. The really interesting question for me is why Shelly, who was not a Hindu and shunned organization, had his chief disciple Goswami Kriyananda become a Hindu with a pantheistic philosophy and an organization? Why do I say Shelly was not a Hindu? We know Shelly went to California to seek out an Egyptian mystic, not Yogananda; and there is virtually no Hindu philosophy that asserts there is an "infinity of gods." In Patanjali's theistic Yoga philosophy of Samkhya there is only one God (Ishvara) that can bestow grace on the seeker. And there is a multitude or "infinity" of Purushas or "souls." But they are just pure consciousness with no personality or ego or thoughts--that is why Shankara dissolved these infinity of souls into the One Pure Consciousness of Being and Bliss--though Shankara still asserted there is only one God (Ishvara) that can bestow grace on the sincere Yogi. In the later theistic traditions of Hinduism, the "infinity of gods" are all subservient to the One God--Vishnu, Shiva or the Goddess. Perhaps the hidden message is to be inspired by the Dalai Lama's following of Nagarjuna's Mahayana philosophy: we are not to take our conceptualizations of the absolute too seriously--or cling to them. Focusing on compassion and un-selfishness in actions and meditation is a surer method. In any event, for anyone interested in the legacy of Yogananda or the inspiration behind Goswami Kriyananda's compassionate wisdom--this is a must read.

I just finished reading Ray Grasse's "An Infinity of Gods" (Conversations with an Unconventional Mystic, the Teachings of Shelly Trimmer), and I believe it is one of the most important books I have read in this life. So many lines were made between dots, so many affirmations and meaningful explanations......wow! I will have to read again, but for now, I cannot recommend it enough to any one on the search to understand more about existence and human purpose. No matter religious background, anyone searching truth will find abundances of truth within these pages. As the mystic himself stated: “When we get to basics, the answer always has to be the same. That’s why any saint who becomes aware of God should have the same answer regardless of what religion they’re using to attain God consciousness.”

An Infinity of Gods is an enjoyable and enlightening book preserving teachings from an unusual man who walked in both worlds, and worked magic in-between.

I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me such a deep insight on what the bond is between a guru and his devotee. Many sacred secrets are in the pages that have helped me to evolve. Highly recommend it for all spiritual seekers.

I am an initiate in the Kriya Yoga lineage and Shelly Trimmer is my paramguru (my guru's guru). He was a "hidden mystic", no centers or books or publications. I only had the opportunity to study with Shelly twice and it was amazing and mind expanding. For me, Ray Grasse's book has all the flavor and upliftment of being in the presence of Shelly. The book illustrates Shelly's wisdom, his sense of humor and his responses that sometimes went deep into uncharted territory. Very grateful to Ray Grasse for keeping his notes all those years and sharing them with us in this readable and enjoyable form.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Shelley Trimmer, a pointed-eared "witch-boy" raised in the magical traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch, studied Kriya Yoga and achieved his enlightenment at the feet of Paramahansa Yogananda. Although Shelley-ji always spoke of his student Goswami Kriyananda as the carrier of his knowledge,"his living book," it is truly wonderful to hear Trimmer's wisdom in his own words. Shelley's humor, his kindness, his piercing intellect, his all-embracing humanity, and the incredible breadth and depth of his mystical knowledge are all here, presented with clarity and understanding. Grasse has done us all a great service by recording the wisdom of this reclusive "hidden master" for posterity.

I really enjoyed this book. Author Ray Grasse gathered in person interviews and has created a lovely sharing of who Shelly Trimmer was and a sharing of his spiritual thoughts. Made me wish I had had the in person experience of meeting him myself. Simply beautiful.

Wonderful book. Very important insights. I still haven't gotten to the end as I found myself returning to the begining and rereading parts. Amazing.

This book is brilliant! I could write many a superlative here and go on describing my feelings and thoughts when reading it, but I'll just say it all in four words: It makes you think. Is there anything more important a book can give you? :)

Words from an enlightened person

Wonderfully written, fascinating book; very easy to read too

I felt sorry as I got near the end. Really interesting.