The Secret Fire of Alchemy - by Kevin B Turner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A spiritual journey of alchemical initiation in both Eastern and Western traditions

- Describes the initiatory stages of Kriya Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism with high-level yogis and lamas

- Shares the author's experiences of spontaneous dream initiations, astral travels, Kundalini awakening, and an out-of-body journey through the Bardo to a past life--which led him to pursue spiritual studies in Asia

- Reveals the profound parallels between Western Alchemy's search for the Philosopher's Stone and the Indo-Tibetan quest for Spiritual Liberation

Guided by a profound series of dream initiations, astral travels, intense kundalini activation, and an out-of-body journey to a past life, Kevin Turner embarks on an around-the-world quest in pursuit of the secret fire of alchemical enlightenment.

Detailing his intensive studies to discover the meaning behind his spontaneous nighttime initiations, Turner finds resonance with Goethe's alchemical quest and Descartes' assertion that the pineal gland is the seat of the soul. Turning to Eastern traditions, the author finds exact descriptions of his experiences in books on kundalini yoga and answers to his questions about death, rebirth, and the soul's Immortal Light in writings on Tibetan Buddhism--as well as profound parallels between the alchemists' search for the Philosopher's Stone and the Indo-Tibetan quest for Liberation.

Realizing his calling to accelerate the evolution of the soul, Turner travels to Asia where he meets the last living disciple of Sri Yukteswar, Swami Paramahansa Hariharananda Giri, who initiates him into Kriya Yoga. In his pursuit of the Eastern alchemical tradition, he then travels to the Himalayas in Nepal to study with Shamarpa Rinpoche at Nagi Gompa Monastery. Turner then journeys to Taipei to study Taoist alchemy and Tai Chi before returning to Europe to renew his studies of Western alchemy.

Deeply personal and spiritually uplifting, Turner's story of initiation into alchemical traditions of East and West offers insight into the initiatory process known as the "Great Work" and powerful guidance to others on the spiritual path toward enlightenment.

Review Quotes

"The Secret Fire of Alchemy is a fascinating, engaging account of the author's out-of-body experiences, full-blown kundalini activation, telepathic connections, shamanic experiences, and enlightened insights during his courageous pilgrimage across various continents and cultures. Kevin's compelling book inspires us to expand our own understanding and experience of the vastness of human consciousness."-- "Nancy H. McMoneagle, former president and CEO of the Monroe Institute"

"According to Jung, the paradox is 'one of our most precious spiritual possessions, ' for 'only the paradox comes anywhere near to comprehending the fullness of life.' Nowhere is the truth of this statement more evident than in the tradition of alchemy, whose links to Kriya Yoga, kundalini, and shamanism are explored by Kevin B. Turner in his new book. Drawing on the author's personal experience over many years, as well as displaying a remarkable erudition of the literature in the field, this richly illustrated study is as fascinating as it is informative and is almost an initiatory experience in itself."-- "Paul Bishop, professor at the University of Glasgow, UK, and author of The Dionysian Self"

"In this beautifully written book, Kevin Turner uncovers the alchemical Great Work hidden in the inner reaches of Kriya Yoga as well as in Tibetan and Taoist practices. Turner is like a Tibetan tertön who rediscovers and reveals hidden spiritual treasures, revelations known as terma in Tibetan. His encounters with great teachers in Asia are shared with sincerity and courage, allowing us to participate in his inner journey and deepen our own. A joyful, living book."-- "Guido Ferrari, director of Tao: The Watercourse Way at Wu Yi Mountain"

"In this deeply esoteric and well-researched account, Turner recounts his personal odyssey of spiritual evolution, the connection between Eastern mysticism and Western alchemy, and the rediscovery of the inner Stone of the Philosophers. Turner's dream initiation sequences are rare and among the best recorded in the alchemical tradition. Turner also has coined several new terms that I hope will find their way into broader discussions of human consciousness."-- "Sabine Lucas, Ph.D., Jungian analyst and author of Past Life Dreamwork"

"Kevin Turner, a curious, intuitive pilgrim of many intertwined paths, engagingly recounts significant encounters and observations along his path to 'becoming.' His inner and outer journeys reveal insights into the esoteric worlds of Eastern mysticism and Western alchemy, and his ouroboric cycle of spiritual successes and humbling defeats makes for an alchemical reading experience like no other."-- "Robert Hinshaw, Ph.D., Jungian analyst and faculty of the C. G. Jung Institute, Zurich"

"This book is a generous gift to the world of seekers, worthy of respect and gratitude; there is so much to contemplate here, not only about the path, but the strength of character it takes to walk it."-- "Jack Elias, CHT, author of Finding True Magic"

"Written with depth, humor, and wit, The Secret Fire of Alchemy is a masterpiece in the field of spiritual alchemy--a link in the shining Golden Chain of the sacred knowledge of spiritual completion and liberation. In the spirit of C. G. Jung, Turner simultaneously explores the time-honored Eastern tradition of self-realization and the Western quest for the lost keys of alchemy. His relentless search across continents and lifetimes opens doors closed for centuries; reveals little-known connections between Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, and Western esoteric lineages; and bears witness to the wonder of a Pan-Eurasian mystical tradition."-- "Sankara Bhagavadpada, Ph.D., Vedic astrologer and author of Self-Realization through Self-Knowing"

About the Author

Kevin B. Turner is Director for Asia at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. He is initiated in the Kriya Yoga of Swami Sri Yukteswar and the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, among others. He has lived in Asia for more than thirty years.