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By Nora Dunn

Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad catapulted him into the financial spotlight with his well-written way of helping just about anybody redefine their relationship with and views towards money: how to get it, keep it, and make more with it.

Since then a number of his other books have built upon this concept and financially enlightened yet more readers:

• Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing
• Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens
• Cash Flow Quadrant: Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom
• Rich Dad Cashflow 202

Rich Brother Rich Sister is a much more personal look at the life of Robert Kiyosaki, along with his sister: Emi Kiyosaki, now known as the Venerable Tenzin Kacho since being ordained as a monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

And…Wise Bread scored two copies to give away! Keep reading for more information…

Although Robert is a corporate tycoon of sorts, keeping company with the likes of Donald Trump and Steve Forbes, there are many similarities between him and his Buddhist monastic sister Emi. But those similarities are not apparent on the surface; Robert fought in Vietnam, while Emi protested the war and kept company with hippies. Robert went into business many times over, making (and losing, and making again) millions of dollars, while Emi – as a single mother and monk living in Los Angeles – was intent on making only enough money to survive, spurning material possessions in the name of her practice towards enlightenment.

But both Robert and Emi coincidentally learned from the same teachers (including and in addition to their parents) at different points in their lives. Both have found their own inner peace, spiritual families, and wealth, in very different ways. They have identified the ties that bind, some of which are harder to see than you may think.

The book is written in each of Robert and Emi’s voices equally. They address such topics as religion, spirituality, death, fear, and life. Some of their poignant life lessons are to be found: “Today, I meet many people who live in fear of dying rather than the joy of living,” Robert writes on the topic of Life and Death. “Many cling to job security, inadequate pay, abusive relationships, and live below their means, oftentimes in poor health and facing other challenges that seem insurmountable. In my opinion, many live in fear of some form of crucifixion, not realizing that their fear is already crucifying them”.

There are also some tough questions asked of the reader:

• “If money were no object, would I continue to work at my job?”
• “If money were no object, would I work at my job for free?”
• “If the answers are ‘no’ to the first two questions, then what would you work at forever and for free?”
• “If you are not willing to work forever and for free, then the chances are you have not yet found your soul’s purpose for your life. If there is something else you would rather do, maybe you should do it.”

The idea of working not for financial gain but for spiritual gain is well-addressed by both Robert and Emi. And despite their lives being apparently lived on opposite sides of the spectrum, both arrive at similar conclusions. Emi calls it Karma, and Robert simply calls it giving a gift to the world. Both acknowledge receiving gifts in return for their well-intended actions that far outweigh their original contribution.

Although the book was entertaining and an easy read, I must question how interesting it would be to somebody who is not already familiar with – and a fan of – Robert Kiyosaki. Discovering the life lessons and circuitous routes to a similar place of happiness and enlightenment of brother and sister Robert and Emi are intriguing, but then again, we all have an intriguing story to tell. The question is: Why should we read it?

I will say that the book helped me to better define my own place in the financial and spiritual spectrum; not as a result of their words or recommendations directly, but more as a function of simply reading somebody else’s definition of growth and journey through it. If you are a fan of Robert Kiyosaki and on a spiritual journey yourself, I imagine you will find Rich Brother Rich Sister to be a pleasurable read.

Are you intrigued? Would you like a copy to peruse yourself to compare conclusions? Great! Leave a comment below with your own thoughts on the parallel life journeys of siblings, or what being rich – financially and spirituality – really means. Two lucky commenters will receive a free advance copy of the book. Good luck!

Drawing will close on January 25, 2009. U.S. and Canada only.  Must be 18 or older to enter.

Wise Bread will not sell or use your email address for any purpose other than to contact the winner.

Permalink | 5 comments | Nora Dunn's blog | Channel: Personal Finance, Freebies, Lifestyle

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