Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #90249 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 424 pages

Synopsis
An intimate account of spontaneous spiritual enlightenment and its implications in a life lived beyond the individual self. "It is so rare to see any work that holds that essential and fundamental perception without compromise. Your book is a beacon which can shine through all of the fog and nonsense that is broadcast under the name of 'advaita' or 'non-duality'. Especially as that expression comes out of no-one!" Tony Parsons author of The Open Secret, As It Is and All There Is. "This book is a Gonzo Gita - a Gone-so Song of God; a soaring, rampaging loving outpouring of Unmanifest Source displayed in manifest consciousness, playing a complex spiritual melody through the hollow bamboo flute of a Vermont farmer/carpenter/building contractor who was all but ignorant of the non-dual tradition before a disorienting full enlightenment struck and he realized 'there's nobody home.' Robert Gussner PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Vermont Dept. of Religion

Customer Reviews

WoW
Here is a book which describes not prescribes. Inside, David Carse opens up this non dual reality we all fundamentally are. There are no methods and instructions here but there is a compendium of heartfelt streaming or outpouring. The strange thing is that the message of this book operates so deeply that you may not come out the other side...

Clear and Direct
The Self cannot be described but David Carse makes a very good effort. Quoting from Sufi and Taoist sages as well as Advaitin ones, he helps uncover the non-dual truth that is the essence of the phenomenal appearance. The language he uses is direct and carries the conviction of experience. In many books on Advaita there is the distinct feeling that what is said is in the realm of theory or based upon what has been read elsewhere; one is left in no doubt that this is not the case here. Although nothing new is being said, the material comes across so clearly, simply and self-evidently. And I think this is the key to why the book succeeds. The words carry the understanding to those seeking the explanations but they cannot prevent the heart-felt, mind-less, direct `knowing' from shining through and piercing the merely intellectual.

Although much is said about the inadequacy and ultimate failure of language to speak of reality, David's writing is very good. I have said in my own books that it is not possible to talk clearly about this subject without using the correct Sanskrit terminology but this book seems to give the lie to that statement. There are some very original metaphors and many brilliant, quotable observations. Sometimes, every other paragraph seems to contain a new profundity.

David is not a teacher of Advaita and specifically states that he does not teach. Beginners will probably not benefit and should perhaps look elsewhere to begin with. But, if you think you know it all already yet feel that `it' has still not clicked, this is definitely for you. It is the book for those who want to differentiate between intellectual understanding and realization. I have also noted that it seems to receive praise from both traditional and neo-Advaitins - and that is praise indeed!

The only adverse comment that I would make - and it is a warning for potential readers as much as anything else - is that the early chapters do go on a bit! So, if you find that, don't be put off and give up; keep reading - it just gets better... and better!

Dennis Waite, author of "Back to the Truth: 5000 Years of Advaita"

Jewel in the crown
If you buy one book on the subject of non-duality, stillness, awareness or which ever word you choose to describe THAT which cannot be described,I would suggest you buy this one and save yourself money by not buying loads of books which point to the same thing but not so well.
This book cuts through the silly arguments about traditional methods v neo-advaita or direct teaching and gets straight to the point.
The point is, as painfull as it may seem, there is no you to get it or achieve anything in the way of enlightenment.
Only when you are seen through is there a chance it may be (or maybe not) revealed. With some beautiful passages from Rumi, it is a gem of a book.
I wholeheartedley recommend this book to no-one.

Rob.