Stephen Knapp

And His Books on Spirituality, Vedic Culture

and Eastern Philosophy

An Introduction to the Highest Levels of Spiritual Reality

This has become a huge site with lots of information for the promotion of personal and social spiritual development, especially by using the Vedic path. This site has something for everyone interested in Spiritual Enlightenment, Eastern Philosophy, the Vedas, Vedic Culture, Yoga, Hinduism, reincarnation, or life after death. It also deals with traveling to the holy places of India, the science of the soul, understanding God, vegetarianism, as well as global peace.

    Here you can find information on the books by the writer, author, philosopher, spiritual practitioner, traveler, photographer, and lecturer Stephen Knapp. He has continuously worked to help spread the profound and genuine spiritual knowledge in the Vedic philosophy in a way so that anyone from anywhere can understand and take advantage of it. There is a large amount of free information on this site, including numerous articles that will easily and quickly help provide a look into the deeper levels of wisdom and understanding that are available, especially through the ancient spiritual science of the Vedic tradition of India, called Sanatana-dharma. You can also get the insights and knowledge for you to better understand who you are, your spiritual identity, and the real purpose of life from a spiritual point of view. There are also small E-books on Vedic spirituality that can be read online or downloaded onto your computer and freely distributed to others. The deeper aspects of this knowledge is supplied in his bigger books and published at a cost, but many of these are also sold less expensively as E-books. Many additional resources for your spiritual knowledge and development are also supplied on this site. This is an attempt to allow this knowledge to flow as freely as possible for the well-being of people everywhere. Scroll down to find out more. 

    The main purpose of Stephen's work is to offer simple yet accurate ways and explanations to comprehend the lofty insights found within the spiritual philosophy and Vedic culture of India, which has much to offer humanity. So far his intention seems to be working. One of his readers wrote, "You have a rare gift in explaining the complexities of the Infinite and Incomprehensible in attractive words." C. K., from Australia, May 5, 2001. 

    Many other letters are received on a regular basis that relate similar sentiments, such as the following: "Dear Sir, Some days back I chanced on your website whilst browsing the internet. May I tell you that you are doing a lot more for Hinduism than a born Brahmin Hindu like myself is doing. Thank you. I am a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar from Chennai. Your website is a real reminder/eye opener. Thanks and best regards, K. G."  6/5/2003

    Or this one which relates a blessing: "I have become a great fan of yours. I consider you as a rebirth of Swami Vivekananda who has come to save the Vedic way of life. May Vishnu shower His abundant blessings on you!! Thank You! Yours faithfully, Balaji." 9/9/2008

   This website contains a huge amount of information that is now easily available at your fingertips, and it is always expanding. But Stephen's books contain much more and go deeper into the topics found on this site for explaining this spiritual knowledge and the process for spiritual development, and the importance of Vedic culture for the progress of humanity. Be sure to check them out. The full details and contents of which, and how to order them, can be viewed by clicking on the titles below: 

Among the books he has written are the following:

(Click on the book titles below for full details, ordering information & individual cover photos)

(1) The Secret Teachings of the Vedas, an in-depth introduction to the Vedic philosophy and the topmost spiritual knowledge available to humanity. 

(2) The Universal Path to Enlightenment, an analysis of the major world religions and the spiritual path most recommended for this age. 

(3) The Vedic Prophecies: A New Look into the Future, provides a look at what the major Puranas say will happen in the future, some of which is already happening. 

(4) How the Universe was Created and Our Purpose In It, a detailed description of the Vedic version of the creation of the material universes and life within.

(5) Toward World Peace: Seeing the Unity Between Us All, a much needed spiritual message for the present times. This is so important that I have added an ebook edition to this website for free reading and distribution. To read it now online, click here [Toward World Peace E-book].

(6) Facing Death: Welcoming the Afterlife, provides a look at the way death helps us reach our destiny, that it is not a tragedy, and how to view it and use it spiritually to relieve us of the fear of it. 

(7) Proof of Vedic Culture's Global Existence, said by many to be a must read, offering a view of world history and the importance of the Vedic influence that most books leave out. 

(8) The Key to Real Happiness, offers the means to attain one of the prime goals of life, genuine happiness. Available in paperback book form or read it here online. To start reading it online [Click Here].

        AVAILABILITY OF BOOKS: All the above books are available and can be ordered from us by mail (check the downloadable Order Form), or from Amazon.com, or through your local bookstores if they use the international "Books In Print" database rather than their inhouse database. They can also be ordered through other outlets listed on the "Links to Other Websites" page. Bookstores can order copies through New Leaf Distributing Company at 1-800-326-2665 (401 Thornton Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122--1557) and Baker & Taylor at 908-722-8000, or they can Contact Us directly. 

The Bhagavad-gita As It Is, by Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This is another great book that we are offering, which is the classic jewel of Vedic philosophy. Click the title for details. 

        BOOKS PUBLISHED IN INDIA so far include "The Secret Teachings of the Vedas", "Vedic Culture: The Difference It Can Make in Your Life", "Destined for Infinity", "The Power of the Dharma", "The Heart of Hinduism," and "Spiritual India Handbook" (Indian title for "Seeing Spiritual India").

        "The Secret Teachings of the Vedas" and "Seeing Spiritual India" (titled "Spiritual India Handbook") is available through Jaico Publishing House in Mumbai, email id jaicopub@jaicobooks.com  or visit their website www.jaicobooks.com, or go directly to: http://www.jaicobooks.com/j/j_searchtry.asp?selcat=author_name&keyword=Stephen+Knapp.

        The Indian versions of "The Heart of Hinduism" and "The Power of the Dharma" are available through Rasbihari Lal & Sons, at Loi Bazar, Vrindaban  281121, U.P., India.  Phone: 91-565-2442570. Check their website at: http://www.rasbihari.com or use this link: http://www.rasbihari.com/index.php?keyword=Stephen+Knapp&Search=Search&Itemid=1&option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse  Or email: brijwasi2001@hotmail.com.

        SEVERAL OTHER BOOKS are also sold in India on the online Indian bookstore of www.firstandsecond.com. These include The Secret Teachings of the Vedas, Destined for Infinity, The Heart of Hinduism, The Power of the Dharma, Vedic Culture: The Difference it can Make in Your Life, and Reincarnation and Karma: How They Really Affect Us. Just go to that site and do an author search for Stephen Knapp, and the books will come up.

Or just click on: http://www.firstandsecond.com/store/books/info/search.asp?ied=0&sob=&styp=ath&ath=Stephen%20Knapp&cp=1.

    You can also find the books by Stephen Knapp that are available in India through flipkart.com: http://www.flipkart.com/search-books/stephen+knapp.

    Also: http://books.rediff.com/book/stephen-knapp.

FREE "E-BOOKS"

        These free e-booklets are meant not only for reading here online, but you can also download and read them on your own computer, or share them and email them to others, as is the case with most of the articles on this site. This way we can spread free spiritual knowledge throughout the internet, especially to those who may need a better understanding of Vedic culture. All of these are now available as Microsoft Word or Adobe .pdf files and can be emailed to you upon your request so you can format them to your own preferences to be printed and distributed to others as you wish.  

(17) Why Be a Hindu: The Advantages of the Vedic Path,  a free and simple "e-book" for easy reading on the web or distribution through email for providing and promoting a better understanding of the Vedic process. This points out 28 simple yet thought-provoking distinctions that are worth considering, and from which anyone can benefit. Click on the title for immediate access. (23 pages)

(18) Vedic Culture / Hinduism: A Short Introduction, this shows that Vedic philosophy is not as complex as some people think. It briefly explains the major points of Vedic philosophy and Hinduism, how it started, what are the basic beliefs and goals that we are all looking for, what are the Vedic texts, the main spiritual concepts and processes, and some of the traits and characteristics of the practice and meanings of them. (30  pages)

(19) Basic Points About Vedic Culture / Hinduism: A Short Introduction - Part 2, This booklet goes a little deeper than the previous booklet, and is designed to give succinct and easy answers to a wide assortment of common questions about the Vedic philosophy, tradition, customs, symbols, Dharma, worship, etc. This is to help show that everything in the Vedic tradition has a purpose and a logical explanation, if we only know what it is. It is time to again awaken to the reasons for the traditions that have been followed for thousands of years, and this booklet will help do that. (40 pages)

(20) Thirty-one Days to Salvation on the Vedic Path. This "e-booklet" takes 108 of the most essential verses from the Bhagavad-gita and clearly shows how easy and simple this path can be. By taking one lesson a day and adding the recommended principles and characteristics to your life, by the end of 31 days you will have most everything you need to reach salvation, or moksha as it is called in Sanskrit, which means liberation from material existence through enlightenment. This booklet is meant for free distribution for the advancement of Sanatana-dharma, the eternal and universal spiritual path meant for everyone. (28 pages)

(21) Meditation: A Short Course to Higher Consciousness. This "e-book" provides an essential description of the process of meditation, from its basic purpose to the preparations and techniques, asanas, pranayama exercises, the use of mantras, the meaning of OM and the Mahamantra, and the means for enlightenment and ultimate liberation. It also gives information about which processes are most recommended, and gives the average person a quick understanding on how to begin and what to expect, and how to get the most out of it. (38 pages)

(22) Yoga and How To Get Started.  This ebook explains what is yoga and its benefits. It then explains how to start a yoga program, and provides instructions for eighteen asanas that you can do to begin a routine. It also describes the systems of karma-yoga, jnana-yoga, raja-yoga, bhakti-yoga, kundalini-yoga and others and how they work so you can pursue the path best for you for additional spiritual benefits. This can be used with the "Meditation" ebook for a practical guide on yoga and meditation.  (30 Pages)

(23) A Complete Review of the Vedic Literature, is an "e-book" that gives a thorough analysis of the Vedic texts and the wide variety of knowledge within them. This covers the four Vedas, the Upanishads, the Itihasas, and up to the Puranas and many other Vedic texts in between that are not often discussed. This shows how they were developed, how they all fit together, and the various spiritual paths contained in the Vedic knowledge and how they lead toward the one path most recommended for this age of Kali-yuga. (40 pages)

(24) Sri Krishna is an "ebooklet" that explains the nature of Lord Krishna, who He is, some of His activities, His beauty, and some of the nature of the spiritual world, which is our real home. This article is extensively referenced from Vedic texts and is essential for any readers new to this topic of Vedic spiritual science. Several rare paintings of Krishna are also included. (28 pages)

(25) Shiva and Durga: Their Real Identity. This "e-booklet" explains who Shiva and Durga are, the meaning of their symbols, how Krishna devotees are dear to Shiva and Shiva is dear to them, Lord Shiva's position and purpose, what is Shaivism, the Shivaratri festival, the Shaktas and Tantrism, the Tantras, how Shiva and Durga are considered the Mother and Father of the universe, how Lord Shiva appeared in the world, how he assists in the universal destruction, the Shiva-lingam, and Lord Shiva's ultimate spiritual advice. (28 pages)

(26) Manifestation of Souls and Where They Go. This "e-booklet" provides the details of how the individual souls are manifested from God, how they evolve through the material existence, and how they can be liberated from it by reaching the ultimate destination. This shows how we are all the same and all related because we all have the same beginning. (21-pages)

(27) Death of the Aryan Invasion Theory. This booklet discusses and presents evidence of the real origins of the Aryans and Vedic civilization, and why the theory of an invasion of Aryans, a so-called tribe of Caucasian people from the north, was developed to denigrate the real culture of India. It establishes how there never was an Aryan invasion, how the Vedic texts present no evidence of such happening, how the Vedic Aryans were indigenous to India, and how the Vedic influence spread from India throughout the world. (23 pages)

Defending Dharma. This booklet provides the means for standing up to defend Sanatana-dharma especially against the arguments that Christians use most often to criticize and demean the Vedic tradition, or discourage others from being Hindus or followers of Sanatana-dharma. Herein you can find the means to help yourself and others defend Dharma by using logic and common sense, and the counter arguments that can be used against the criticisms from those who simply do not understand it, especially Christians. This also helps you recognize the lapses in logic (known as "philosophical fallacies") in their own arguments. Thus, everyone should awaken to the realities of what Christianity has done to decent humans in the past, and how their conversion tactics are still performed with the mission of Christianizing the world. (33 pages) 

FREE BROCHURES

Site Description

       Articles to Read  provides many samples of Stephen's writings and information on a wide range of interesting topics. There is something for everyone. They are all listed alphabetically on the "Articles to Read" page with short descriptions of each. A list of articles and quick links to most of them is provided on the left. These include excerpts from Stephen's books as well as introductions to the many answers to questions about life that the Eastern and Vedic philosophy contain. They are offered in two parts: PART ONE provides a diverse selection for both beginners and advanced on numerous aspects of Vedic understanding, and PART TWO includes items that focus on particular issues dealing more specifically with Hinduism and India.

        The World Relief Network  publishes most of Stephen's books and are located at: P. O. Box 15082, Detroit, Michigan  48215--0082  U.S.A.  Further information about them and what their mission is also provided through this link.

       Write to Us with your questions or thoughts. Also send us an email to:

        JOIN STEPHEN'S NEWS LIST to keep informed of his future publications and activities, as well as occasional but most interesting updates in news and views on spiritual development, Sanatana-dharma, preservation of Vedic culture, developments in spiritual organizations and communities, or other behind-the-scenes items outside the mainstream news coverage, and articles by other noteworthy writers that are not on the website.

        Book Reviews allows you to check what others have said about his books. Stephen has put the culmination of over thirty years of continuous research and travel experience into his books in an effort to share it with those who are also looking for higher levels of spiritual understanding. Many people and seekers of spiritual truth have appreciated the important insights they have received from his books. More information about Stephen is provided below.

         Reviews about this Website  offers thoughts and appreciations of others who have visited this site. 

        Seeing Spiritual India provides an introduction to traveling to the holy places of India with links to a large selection of color photos taken by Stephen. This provides many interesting and beautiful views of the country, holy sites, major festivals, and its people. This is also listed as one of the "Articles." Anyone who loves traveling or who wants to see more of India will like this. Many other black & white photographs and information about how to travel to the holy sites in India can be found in his books.

        The Kumbha Mela 2001  relates background information and Stephen's personal experience of this incredible and huge festival. It is the largest spiritual gathering of people in the history of the world, with over 70 million people attending from all over. It also saw an amazing increase in Westerners, even famous movie stars, curious to see what the Mela is all about. Why is this festival so unique? Why does it attract so many people? What are its benefits? And what happens at this festival? You can find out the answers through the fascinating articles and photographs that are listed. 

        The Krishna Darshan Art Gallery  offers a wide collection of over 225 images, including a selection of photographs of lovely Krishna Deities from around the world, some of which are rare, along with a variety of beautiful paintings and prints of Krishna pastimes. This provides views into the spiritual world and helps our meditation and devotion. Access to additional prints of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ramachandra, Hanuman, Shiva, Ganesh, and others are also available here.

        The Prabhupada Photo Gallery  is also accessed through the Krishna Darshan Art Gallery or simply by clicking this link. It contains over 140 never  before published photographs of His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada in three collections, showing Prabhupada in a variety of settings and places. 

        Was the Taj Mahal a Vedic Temple? The Photographic Evidence   This is a special page that presents two collections of photographs: one that belonged to the Archaeology Survey of India and another private collection, both of which show the Vedic influence in the Taj Mahal and other buildings that lead to the idea that they were originally Vedic temples and palaces. It also presents the Vedic influence in old drawings and art from elsewhere in the world. Even if you do not accept all of this information, it makes for an extremely fascinating story. Other articles are also available through this page that provide additional evidence. 

        Directories of Temples, Ashramas and Spiritual Organizations from around the world  are now provided in response to people who have inquired about where there might be temples or centers near them. Such places are where they can continue their study or associate with similarly interested people. And if you can't find anyone near you, you can always write to Stephen, so Stay in Touch. 

        Vegetarian Recipes and Resources  is a page that provides all you need to get started or expand your ability to be vegetarian or assist others in becoming one, and the reasons for it. You get access to a large selection of great vegetarian recipes, cookbooks you can print and use now, and over 65 links to additional cookbooks and recipes, supplies, meat and egg substitutes, leather-free shoes & clothing, vegetarian restaurant directories, and information on being a vegetarian, including the health, environmental and spiritual benefits. 

        A Little Book of Prayers, Mantras & Gayatris  A great source of nectar, this offers a variety of powerful prayers, such as for giving thanks, asking  for protection, seeking higher levels of guidance, or our need for acquiring deeper feelings of love for God. Divided into 21 sections, these prayers also offer profound insights or windows into the spiritual dimension, and are thus great vehicles for our meditation on the Absolute Truth and the spiritual world. Some of what is included are Prayers to Radha and Krishna, the Brahma-samhita, Purusha Suktam, Sri Suktam, Isha Upanishad, Nrisimha Kavacha, the Sri Vishnu Sahasranam, and many other mantras, gayatris and songs to the Supreme, His incarnations, to Goddess Lakshmi, and others like Shiva and Devi and the demigods, and to the planets for assistance. Also has the words to all the standard songs used in the programs of most Hare Krishna temples. 

        Recent Archeological Finds Confirming Vedic History   is a project in which we list some of the most noteworthy archeological finds of the past few years that confirm the Vedic descriptions of world history. Other pages include new developments or research on the Sarasvati River, and Ayodhya and the temple of Lord Rama, and photos of Adam's Bridge, the ancient link between Ramesvaram and Sri Lanka. We will continue to update this information as new discoveries are found, or as additional news is sent in to us. 

        The Vedic Friends Association  is an organization that everyone can join. It is a non-profit organization for networking with other serious writers, researchers and teachers who help protect, preserve and expand the knowledge and benefits of Vedic  culture. It provides a free affiliation for helping each person understand, practice and promote the Universal Truths found in Vedic Dharma, the ancient knowledge of India. We have a team of speakers and writers who can offer knowledge on various aspects of Vedic culture, and a growing network of friends with similar interests. In this way we explore its spiritual, social and scientific dimensions for the benefit of all. We invite you to participate. Click on the link to find out more.

         Links to other websites  lists over 300 sites for more helpful information and news about India and its Vedic culture, yoga, spiritual groups, temples, current events and issues, sites for children, government related sites, organizations, or access to other spiritual books and resources for enhancing your spiritual adventure and progress, and research, plus links for travel information, Indian groceries, and much more. 

        Jokes and Anecdotes  OK, so most of this web site contains material of a serious nature. So now let us lighten things up a bit with some laughter. Sometimes this world just does not present enough opportunity for humor, so you have to make it when you can. 

        The Vedic Ambassador Study Course, based on the book "The Power of the Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism  and Vedic Culture." Now through this course, meant especially for Westerners everywhere, you can get a thorough understanding of the basics of the Vedic tradition and its philosophy, and achieve a beautiful certificate to show the dedication and knowledge you have worked to attain, and designate you as a Vedic Ambassador, one who can help explain and promote the Vedic teachings. You can also receive a membership card to carry with you. Copies of the certificate can be carried to India with you in case you need to show it to help be received more respectfully in the temples you visit. Click on the title for more details.

        How You Can Help shows the ways in which you can assist in Stephen's work of preserving, protecting and promoting the genuine spirituality as found in the Vedic tradition. So if you have liked and appreciated  what you see in this website, and want to help in how we can keep this work going, here are some things you can do.

        Please spend some time here and be sure to mark this website for future reference and assistance. We will be adding more information and resources on a regular basis. It is our pleasure to serve you in this way. This is why we are here.

        Stephen has dedicated himself to spreading the deepest and most practical levels of spiritual knowledge about the soul--our real identity. It is his strongest realization that our existence on this earthly plane becomes much easier and more vibrant the more we expand our spiritual awareness to perceive the higher dimensions and purpose of things around us.

        Though this world may give us numerous challenges, when we rise above the basic materialistic view and its limited search for solutions, our evolutionary development on all levels greatly accelerates. By recognizing that we are all spiritual beings who are, basically, attempting to achieve the same essentials for our existence--namely love, acceptance, harmony, peace, and happiness, not to mention the ordinary needs of food, water, clothing and shelter--we can reach a new level of cooperation with each other. Then everything can be much easier for everyone. It is Stephen's conviction that this can be attained by the distribution of genuine spiritual knowledge. This is one of Stephen's purposes in what he does.

        It is through this means that we can discover who we are and get a better understanding of what is our position in this universe and our relationship with God. Fortunately, many of the answers to the numerous questions in this regard have already been given, as seen in the ancient spiritual texts of the East. These have provided not only the insights but also the timeless methods for our continued spiritual development. Stephen has studied these numerous ancient texts and practiced the methods prescribed therein for over 40 years. He is now presenting this enlightening information in a much needed, concise, and easy to read format.

        Stephen Knapp grew up in a Christian family, during which time he seriously studied the Bible to understand its teachings. In his late teenage years, however, he sought answers to questions not easily explained in Christian theology. So, he began to search through other religions and philosophies from around the world and started to find the answers for which he was looking. He also studied a variety of occult sciences, ancient mythology, mysticism, yoga, and the spiritual teachings of the East. Finally, after his first reading of the Bhagavad-gita, the classic summary of Vedic philosophy known as The Song of God, he felt he had found the last piece of the puzzle he had been putting together through all of his research. This increased his understanding of everything else he had been studying. Therefore, he continued to research all of the major Vedic texts of India to gain a better understanding of the Vedic science, until he became a full-fledged follower and practitioner of Sanatana-dharma. Now he also tirelessly works to protect, preserve and promote the deep spiritual knowledge of Vedic philosophy and its traditions. An introduction to his research, writing and projects can be found at his website: www.stephen-knapp.com.

        It is known amongst all Eastern mystics that anyone, regardless of qualifications, academic or otherwise, who does not engage in the spiritual practices described in the Vedic texts, cannot actually enter into understanding the depths of the Vedic spiritual science, nor acquire the realizations that should accompany it. So, rather than pursuing his research in an academic atmosphere at a university, Stephen directly engaged in the spiritual disciplines that have been recommended for hundreds of years. He continued his study of Vedic knowledge and spiritual practice under the guidance of a spiritual master, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Through this process he was given the spiritual name of Sri Nandanandana dasa and became initiated into the genuine and authorized spiritual line of the Brahma-Madhava-Gaudiya sampradaya. This is a disciplic succession that descends back through Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Vyasadeva, the compiler of Vedic literature, and further back to Lord Sri Krishna, who originally enlightened Lord Brahma to help in the universal creation, and who again appeared on this planet 5,000 years ago in Mathura, India to display His pastimes. 

        Besides being brahminically initiated, Stephen has also been to India numerous times and traveled extensively throughout the country, visiting most of the major holy places and temples, and many minor ones, and gaining a wide variety of spiritual experiences that only such places can give. His knowledge of India and familiarity with traveling in such a diverse country has made him an advisor for those who would like information concerning their own journeys to India. Stephen is also a free-lance photographer and does what he calls cultural photojournalism, capturing the essence of India and spiritual life in practice, which can help explain and show the depth of the culture. He enjoys giving slide shows on the holy places, and mixing photos with philosophy. You can see samples of his photography on this website.

        Stephen continues to travel to India on a regular basis, giving lectures on the benefits and glories of the Vedic tradition. His life is dedicated to spreading the eternal knowledge of the soul, Sanatana-dharma, and the Vedic teachings to help everyone get a better understanding of themselves and bring everyone closer to God. He has especially focused on the sadhana of bhakti-yoga and mantra-yoga to purify the mind and consciousness, and awake one's love for the Supreme Being.

        Stephen is also the founder of the World Relief Network. Its goal is to help relieve the sorrow, suffering and confusion on the planet by the dissemination of genuine spiritual knowledge and the means for individual and social enlightenment, and to work with others who feel the same. Many of his books are published through the World Relief Network.

        Stephen is also one of the founders and president of the Vedic Friends Association (VFA), a non-profit organization for networking with other serious writers, researchers and teachers who help protect, preserve and expand the knowledge and benefits of Vedic culture. Many students also join the VFA to learn more about the Dharmic traditions. The VFA thus works to maintain a network of people assisting in bringing the world to a higher level of consciousness and a more peaceful and happier existence for one and all. More about the VFA can be found at its website at: www.vedicfriends.org. 

        Stephen has written "The Secret Teachings of the Vedas," "The Universal Path to Enlightenment," "The Vedic Prophecies: A New Look into the Future," and "How the Universe was Created and Our Purpose In It." Other books he has written include "Toward World Peace: Seeing the Unity Between Us All,"  "The Key to Real Happiness" and "Proof of Vedic Culture's Global Existence," "Reincarnation and Karma: How They Really Affect Us", "The Heart of Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination," "The Power of the Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture," "The Eleventh Commandment: the Next Step for Social Spiritual Development," "Seeing Spiritual India" A Guide to Temples, Holy Sites, Festivals and Traditions," "Crimes Against India: And the Need to Protect its Ancient Vedic Traditions," "Destined for Infinity," and spiritual adventure, and the editor of "Vedic Culture: The Difference it can Make in Your Life," along with additional booklets on his website. 

        Stephen has put the culmination of over forty years of continuous research, practice and travel experience into his books in an effort to share it with those who are also looking for higher levels of spiritual understanding. Full descriptions of all of his books, plus numerous articles he has written, and many more resources can be found here on his website. More books are forthcoming, so check back to his website for any new developments.

        Stephen also worked in home health care for a few years and has experience in assisting with those who are departing from this world through the dying process. He has also counseled people in their loss of friends and relatives to help them understand that death is not a tragedy but only a process that can help us reach our destiny. With his insights and philosophical background, he has the qualifications and understanding to provide a most unique and uplifting view of the natural transition called death and how it can be used for our benefit. For this reason he has written his book, "Facing Death: Welcoming the Afterlife" to help others understand how to cope with death.

Hanuman in the rays of a shining sun

Stephen is Available for Making Presentations

        Stephen is available for giving lectures and talks on Vedic philosophy and culture. He continues to travel to India on a regular basis, giving lectures on the benefits and glories of the Vedic tradition. He was a lecturer at the Global Dharma Conference in Edison, New Jersey in 2003, and has given lectures for other Vedic or Hindu student college organizations, as well as at HSS camps, VHPA camps, the Hindu Mandir Executive Conferences, the WAVES conference in Houston in 2006, Hindu Heritage Day in Cincinnati in October of 2005, and in temples or personal home gatherings and Gita groups. He was also one of the lecturers at the 17th Telegu Association of North America conference in 2009, for which he received an award for "Significant Contributions to Spirituality and Hinduism."

        He has also traveled on lecture tours through Northeast India a few times to enthuse people to follow their indigenous traditions, as organized by the Vivekananda Kendra and the Kalyan Ashrama (articles describing them are on his website). He has also been very well received on lecture tours that he has gone on through Central India to give talks at schools and colleges, as well as intellectual groups such as branches of the Bharatiya Prajna about the profound nature of Vedic culture. He has also spoken by invitation in front of 25,000 people at Madison Square Garden in New York City at a gathering of the Swadyaya Movement, and at numerous other events. He also completed a lecture tour of India in 2009 in which he gave more than 90 lectures at more than 76 different colleges, universities and institutions through Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Goa, reaching over 10,000 students and personnel. [For a list of some of the institutions covered, please see his CV, accessible through the link below.]

        He continues to speak on television and radio shows, and give presentations at conferences where invited. Those who are interested can contact him for scheduling arrangements. He also enjoys showing selections from the more than 15,000 slides that he has of his travels throughout India and the many historical and spiritual sites in India and Nepal, or the amazing festivals he has attended, such as the Kumbha Mela or the Ratha Yatra in Jagannatha Puri.

        [For a Complete CV of Stephen Knapp, CLICK HERE.]

         Stephen is shown below during his travels at one of the five small stone temples called the Five Rathas at Mahabalipuram, now known as Mamallapuram, in Southern India.

Below: Stephen is shown in traditional Indian clothes of dhoti and kurta, standing on the stairway that leads up to the ancient Narasimha temple in Melkote, South India. The Narasimha Deity there is said to have been installed by Lord Narasimha's most elevated devotee, Prahlada Maharaja himself. A photo of this Deity can be viewed HERE.

        We hope that this site and the information and books found here can be or have been of help to you. Check back since we are always adding new items to this site. Thank you for any support or encouragement. Helping people on their spiritual path is why we are here. 

Introductory Video Presentations

For those with high-speed internet who prefer to observe a video presentation on various topics.

A Few Travel Videos to Holy Places of India

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