Two reviews, one by Jacco (Saten) and one by Chetan Arup, of the newly-published book by Dhyani Maria Kovar, subtitled, A Step-by-Step Approach to Master Self-Awareness, Build Meaningful Relationships & Thrive in Your Personal and Professional Life with Proven Strategies
The Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence
A Step-by-Step Approach to Master Self-Awareness, Build Meaningful Relationships & Thrive in Your Personal and Professional Life with Proven Strategies
by Maria Kovar (Dhyani)
Kindle: ASIN: B0F9459KDP
Paperback: ASIN: B0F9DR2K8T
ISBN-13: 979-8284489352
Independently published, Publication date: May 2025
Available from Amazon worldwide
A marvel of a book
by Jacco (Saten)
A marvel of a book almost literally landed in my lap some weeks ago. On May 20, Dhyani (Maria Kovar) released a wonderful small book, titled The Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence. Quite frankly, knowing Dhyani, it didn’t come as much of a surprise, but I must say, it was a very pleasant and delightful one. I hardly read personal growth books anymore, however this one marks a definite exception. And as I dove deeper into the book it became clear: its title is absolutely accurate! I found it to be full of treasures – practical guidelines and advice, gentle and loving help along the path of inner growth. It’s an offering from the heart of a conscious soul to anyone open to taking a hand for some time in support of their inner journey.
I have known Dhyani for a very long time, attended many of her courses in the ‘90s, and also worked with her as a teacher at Osho Ko Hsuan School. She has always been one of my very favorite therapists. It is the unique blend of softness and clarity, playfulness and strength, and her warm, caring, non-intrusive approach that made it easy for most participants in her groups to open up and trust themselves. And this is exactly what I find in her book. So, in that respect, it didn’t come as much of a surprise – certainly not for me. And still it is stunning to come across yet another highly inspiring expression of Dhyani’s vast life experience, her decades of working with people, and ultimately, of her love for mankind.
This Ultimate Guide basically offers itself as a friend, a traveling companion focusing on an essential aspect of the spiritual journey, one that is often neglected despite its deep importance: facing, feeling and integrating the vast richness of our emotions. In this book Dhyani makes it compelling and attractive to open up to this part of our being by offering a wide range of insights, perspectives, and suggestions. When I flip through the pages, my overall impression is this: Dhyani seems to have covered it all – in just 130 pages. Amazing!
The book is laid out in a very structured format, with content that is easily accessible. In several reflective passages throughout the book Dhyani offers specific questions that invite the reader to go even deeper into a given subject, providing a practical addition to the overall journey. The main feeling I get from this book is: there is someone with me, by my side. It is not a book aimed at simply acquiring more knowledge about emotional intelligence, – it’s a true journey companion. I can dive deeper into the landscape of my emotions, even dare to face feelings which I might have been avoiding until now, and there is someone right beside me. It is an art to present a book in such a way – so inviting and intriguing, so welcoming and clear.
From time to time, I find myself randomly flipping through the pages of the book. So far, no matter where I’ve opened it, I have always found something meaningful – something that spoke to me and touched me. One chapter on nonverbal communication, in particular – about a magical exchange with a horse – brought tears to my eyes.
In The Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence Dhyani presents – in a condensed and easy-to-follow format – a wide range of basic and practical insights. All of them are deeply relevant to essential aspects of our daily lives, with a special focus on communication and on taking full responsibility for our own emotions by acknowledging and integrating them with awareness.
A book that stands apart
by Chetan Arup
In a world saturated with self-help books, The Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence stands apart – not just as a guide, but as a deeply human, soul-stirring journey into the heart of emotional life. From the very first pages, the book gently but firmly dismantles the myth that emotional intelligence is merely a skill to be learned through techniques. Instead, it illuminates the truth: emotional intelligence is something we live – with our bodies, our silences, our breath.
One of the most unforgettable anecdotes recounts a powerful moment with a grief-stricken horse – a mare who had emotionally shut down after the loss of her companion. The author doesn’t impose healing but simply shows up, standing beside her in shared sadness. What unfolds is not a miracle, but a testament to the quiet, almost sacred power of nonverbal communication. No words. Just presence. And healing begins. It’s this subtle but profound understanding that runs through every chapter. Non-verbal cues – our posture, tone, breath, even our silence – are explored not as mere add-ons to communication but as the foundation of deep human connection. We are reminded that a mother’s embrace, a friend’s stillness, or a therapist’s attuned silence often carry more weight than any well-intended advice.
The book also offers actionable, beautifully-worded practices that feel more like invitations than instructions. One standout section encourages readers to expand their emotional vocabulary beyond the basic trio of happy-sad-angry. With terms like wistful, tender, and elated, the reader is nudged to build a personal lexicon of emotion – a map of the inner world that makes the invisible visible. In a culture that often values performance over presence, The Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence is a deeply-needed reminder: we don’t need to do more to connect – we need to be more.
Author’s bio
Dhyani Maria Kovar has spent decades exploring the human mind and heart. She studied many humanistic approaches to healing, always curious about how we relate to ourselves and each other. In 1987, she met her spiritual master, Osho, and spent his final years close to him. After his passing in 1990, she carried his teachings forward with others – sharing meditation and therapy in Osho’s center in Pune, and guiding groups in Europe.
As a director at Osho Ko Hsuan School in England, she nurtured emotional intelligence and presence in children and staff alike. While living in England, she also met Zen master David Ferguson, with whom she experienced Kensho – the clear seeing of one’s true nature – in April 1999.
Dhyani’s life bridges spiritual insight with grounded, practical support for daily living. Since 2005, she has worked with Somatic Experiencing, deepening her understanding of how trauma shapes the nervous system and how people can find safety and resilience in their bodies again. Today, she continues to teach, write, and accompany people from many cultures on their journey back to themselves – always with warmth, clarity, and respect for each person’s unique path.
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