New Age Alternative Belief Books

I don't think this book is worthwhile to the public. The author borders on the edge of intelligent design and creates unbased analogies in his book about how things just work out.

I can't think of examples because I honeslty tossed this book in the trash and am just writing a review because for some reason Amazon has this book as one its recommendations for me.

Often, personal stories of discovery in books on physics/healing/cosmology, etc, tend to be tedious and self-indulgent. Not so with Bruce Lipton's work, "The Biology of Belief". Not only are his descriptions and analogies for his discoveries and insights into cell biology and consciusness clear and concise, but one finds oneself swept along through the book by Lipton's own great enthusiasm for his subject.

This is a ground-breaking book based on ground-breaking, risk-taking science. I congratulate Lipton on a wonderful work that is intellectually stimulating, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. Lipton is bringing biology into the new spiritual era of quantum theory, and placing the power for our own healing of life and body squarely onto ourselves. A must-read!

Lipton's book turns our understanding of the world inside out: it is not the DNA inside the cells that controls them, but the interaction of the outer cell membrane receptors with their environment. Starting from what is known and accepted, the author extrapolates to what transcends accepted science. Along the way he presents to the reader a thorough description of cell biology. It is all quite remarkable, but will you dare follow where he leads? How the mind affects the body's health? The effect that mother's emotions have over the development of the fetus? How some hydrocephalic children have high IQs although they lack most of their physical brain?

And then there is the matter of matter. The author points out that everything in the universe consists of atoms, and atoms are made out of [electrons and quarks] invisible energy not tangible matter. And since all energy in the universe should be describable by one mathematical expression, everything is inter-related, everything communicates with everything else. One could follow many paths from here, but Lipton concentrates on how our personal beliefs affect our physical cells: how many of these beliefs, formed from as early as our fetus days, lie hidden in our unconscious only to surface unexpectedly and affect our cells in completely mysterious ways.

The author saves most of his personal conclusions for the epilogue: a discussion of our conscious selves, our personal relationship with everything else in our environment (which he calls the Divine), and mankind's next step up the evolution ladder. He concludes that "The survival of the Most Loving is the only ethic that will ensure not only a healthy personal life but also a healthy planet." He thus joins the considerable number of scientists who have discovered that the effect of love exceeds the boundaries of religion and should be treated as a real and potent power in the universe.

(The writer is the author of The Way of the Butterfly: A Scientific Speculation on God and the Hereafterand of "Christianity Without Fairy Tales: When Science And Religion Merge.")

I have referenced this book to so many people I cannot count. When I encounter people who do not understand the actual biology and physics of the "attraction principles", I send them to Lipton who does a superb job. He is able to clearly describe what a non-scientist can understand, while using scientific backbone to support his views. I am glad this one is on my shelf.

If you really want to understand what is going on inside out of you, please read this book. Excellent reading.

An excellent confirmation, well-presented, of eternal life and love! The case studies are presented with such depth and engagement, that I did find it necessary to limit reading to one study a day/time. A worthwhile read!

I found much comfort in this book, after the death of my children. It gave me a feeling of peace, and hope for the future.

Nothing new in this book. Skip it if you are wanting to learn new information about the other side. Goodbye to this book! I did not even get half way and I was bored.

I read this in 1997 after I lost a very close loved one. I have received numerous contacts from him since he passed. Mostly in dreams. A few times - his presence. (And even something surreal.) My real life experiences match the book in the sense that they are unexpected (they come when they want to come ... not necessarily when we call them) and they are short. You HAVE to open your mind and your heart. If you keep it closed, you will not experience these wonderful gifts from God. I believe everyone can. This book helped me through my deepest moments of grief. So for that, I am grateful to the authors for compiling these stories. To the naysayers, I say ... fine. Don't read it or recommend. For those who believe ... this will help in your healing. (And it's just fascinating. I'm fascinated by every experience I've had personally. I know for a fact my loved one is around ... and still with me from his own dimension. It's not anything I need to convince anyone of or to prove to anyone. These are personal moments that God has allowed my loved one and I to share. By his good graces! God is so giving ... it His gift to the grieving.)

My wife passed away almost a year ago, and a friend gave me Hello from Heaven. The book helped me a lot, and I wanted to share it with my sons and a few friends. So thats why I bought several copies of it from you. The book gave me hope, at an extremely hopeless time of my life. Sincerely, Gary M. Rembold Sr.

I like the book. There's a lot of positive things to ponder. The book I got was super-tiny, like a little flip-book or something. I guess you could say it's very pocket-sized, whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

One of the most real and grounding books I have ever read. It can quiet any raging storm. It certainly quieted mine. I have owned this book for years, and everytime that I read it, it's like reading it for the very first time. It is always new. And I am one to rarely read the same book over and over and over. You really do get it when you read this book. Every word resonates with my soul. I am at a point in my life, and am having experiences that are making me really assimilate the truths presented in the book as the way to do this life while on earth. So simple, yet power beyond any earthly measure that I've come across. It has replaced my need for a therapist and other things recommended for controlling anxiety and depression. I am now able to let go and trust in what I've always known to be true. If you purchase the book, you are giving yourself and the planet, because we will all benefit, a great gift.

Keep it with me all the time. Helps me to realign into balance and impeccability when the kindness and compassion within me gets challenged, inert or thoughtless. Pocket sized.

This little book can bring you peace. My wife turned me on to White Eagle and his book "The quiet mind." Keep it in your pocket or backpack and just read it when you get upset. It works.

This is one of my favorite daily books. It has the most wonderful quotations to soothe and inspire you, whether you're sad, depressed, stressed, angry, frustrated, worried, irritated, fearful, or upset in any way. The words of wisdom ring true to me on every level and, its gentle teaching makes me feel deeply loved and attended by loving spiritual beings.

This is a very nice and gentle set of Faery Cards. I bought it after having owned the Froud-MacBeth set, which is magnificent, but stronger, deeper, profund and sometimes a little bit scary at first.

Doreen's card set however, is a soft and reassuring way to start the day. But do yourselves a favour, buy Doreen's 'Healing with the Fairies' book. They sell separately, but you will see lots more sense in the cards, and if you are a believer you won't be able to put it down. If you are not, this book may just change your mind. They both go definitely together.

Better still, do as I did, use this card set together with the Froud/Macbeth FaeryOracle cards. Doreen Virtue teaches how to do a two or multiple deck reading, and you'll be surprised at how the Faeries on both decks work together.

Highly recommended.

Nicely worded and inspirational booklet, but many of the cards are very dark in color. These cards aren't nearly as nice as Virtue's Archangel Oracle Cards or her Messages from Your Angels cards.

I bought these because I love fairies. I did not expect much from the cards though. It was an impulse buy. Years ago I once listened to some audio tapes by Doreen Virtue and was not especially impressed with what she had to say. I don't recall exactly which of her many products it was but it seemed rather fluffy.

I have been pleasantly surprised by this particular Virtue product. I have really enjoyed the art and the messages. The cards have a lot of wisdom and each has a positive affirmation to go along with it. You really can't go wrong with whatever card you choose. The box says "There are no negative or frightening cards or images". I appreciate this as I have been cautious when it comes to Tarot cards which I believe might be dangerous--although I really know little about them.

I have been quite amazed by the Fairy cards. I have used them many times now--yet I haven't even viewed all 44 cards. I have seen only the back design of many of them. I am literally choosing the same cards over and over again while at least half the cards I have yet to come across. This is synchronicity! It is no accident. It just can't mathematically be possible with the number of times I have used them. There is something guiding me in what I choose. I do hope it's the fae. These cards work, are helpful and lots of fun.

I have been an ardent fan of Doreen Virtue's Oracle Decks and have almost all of her decks in my collection. I have had the Healing with the Faeries Oracle Cards with me for some time now but only recently have started using them. As is always the case with Doreen's Oracle decks, the cards are beautifully illustrated, here you are treated to beautiful illustrations of faeries...some are illustrated in the classical tradition, and others are more abstract, but they are all beautiful! The The messages are uplifting and enlightening and I have always found an insightful message with every reading. Some critics complain that her decks tend to have the same repetitive message, I choose to see it more as emphasising some important points over and over again so that we may reap the most benefits out of the readings.I can't wait for Virtue's newest deck!

I own three decks of fairy oracle cards, this one being one of them.

This is probably the most lighthearted of the three. There are many pictures that are sugary sweet and really show the lighter side of fairies. For those who are a fan of fairies like Tinkerbell, this is the deck for you. The majority of the pictures are beautiful and the decks works very effectively in readings.

Now as I just said, this deck is very light-oriented. If you are looking for something that shows more of a variety of fairies, I would highly recommend Brian Froud's, "The Faeries' Oracle," which is also an excellent deck to work with. Also, both Doreen Virtue's and Brian Froud's cards work well with each other as they are both fairy oriented.

This deck is much like the Healing With the Angels Oracle Cards, only it is much more polished in the book and the picture selections are nicer.

I would reccomend these cards to anyone who likes fairies or Doreen Virtue's cards. This is also one of her easier decks to read in my opinion, so if you are a beginner, this deck is very good.

I had this book a couple of years ago, lost it, missed it and just HAD to replace it!

This is not only a GREAT read, but a MUST-have to keep for reference -- I find myself referring to mine over-and-again!

Another delightful, interesting and informative book by Doreen Virtue!

Angel medicine is a life changing book. This book captured my attention from the beginning all the way to the end. Doreen's way of teaching people in how to work and heal with the angels is easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

Terrific Read - lots of info, lots of uplifting energy - a must read to anyone interested in the Angelic Realm. Once again, Doreen Virtue puts out a book that shows the other side of the veil to those who choose to look there.

you will love this book....it is so well written and iformative...you will not be sorry you bought this....I would reccommend this book to anyone wanting to find out more about angels and how angels can help you and in turn how you can help others.....blessings

The first part of this book was slow, but further on into the chapters it was great!! I use it as a reference book lots and have even let my daughter read it who likes it as well. Very informative and would recommmend it to anyone who wants to know about the wonderful life of angels

I bought this book for my nephew and it met all my expectations and I am sure he will be quite pleased with it.

Excellent reading. Michael Garrett has become a fine teacher like his father before him. A true student of life Michael takes the Cherokee ancestral stories, mixes in some modern day experiences and relays a wonderful message. If harmony and balance are traits you would like to have within your own life I highly recommend this selection.

If you want to find balance in your life, this book is an excellent way to start on that pathway.

Michael continues his journey of a Helper in the truest form of "being Cherokee". I am amazed at how simple God our Creator is revealed in our self induced complexity of life. Thank you Michael for helping to remove the scales of our heart and spirit. For those of you who are Christians, I would encourage you to use Michael's book as a help in your journey through the Bible.

Blessings

I came across this book while exploring my recently discovered Native heritage. It fit the bill perfectly, helping me learn about universal Native traditions, practices, and thinking. I could go on and on, but it's enough to say that this book is well written, informative, and enjoyable. Michael Garrett has a lot to offer.

A little book like this is certainly not going to attempt an exhaustive study of the feminine aspect of God, so what is beng offered here (to the Western civilization) is a chance to examine your inner longing for a Mother God and a method to test your faith on the subject. Of the Christian churches, only the Catholics come close to acknowledging the divine feminine in the Virgin Mary, calling her the Mother of God. Jews and Muslims worship only the masculine authoritarian God. Hindus, Buddhists, and Wiccans have an awareness...of the yin yang thing. This book is a bedside or coffee table book, but it is much more than that too. Read it and test your faith. Ask for the flowers to appear. I did, and I recieved an amazing bouquet completely out of the blue (I never get flowers) that just happened to match the odd combination of colors I was wearing that day. There is a Mother God. Ask and you shall receive. I am writing this review today even though I read this book more than a year ago, because today is the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, spiritual Mother to all of Mexico.

I was left with a very comforted feeling of approachability to the Mother God, which is far better than the "fear God" message that too many evangelistic preachers teach. A religion of love, comfort, and help from an unconditionally loving and accepting Father and Mother God - why wouldn't more people want to accept and embrace a religion like that? That is the message that Sylvia brings us. <3

Not at all what I expected in a book about the Goddess, who is the Mother of the God. Too much traditional orthodox religion.

Having studied all aspects of all spiritual paths,religions,dogmas,etc..I found it to be a great refresher!This book should be titled for beginners seeking truth in an all loving God/Goddess-FEMALE/MALE.For God/Goddess is all loving.
Once again the incomparable controversial Sylvia Browne shares her light with the uninformed-I LOVE IT!You will learn many paths & Traditions that you may never have heard of,if your new to seeking truth in God/Goddess.I especially love how Sylvia shoots straight from the hip and offers such wonderful insights with references/weblinks to seek out what she puts forth.A really great read and an easy one to understand.I Love you Sylvia.
Stay the way you are and keep sharing your knowledge and wisdom with the world for you are an emmisary of Love,Light and Truth.

I loved this book. We are Gnostic Christians and this was a very spiritual, revealing book. It expands your love for God and makes perfect sense. Sylvia Browne has opened my life up and given me a loving God in my life with no dogma and sin and all the other negatives some beliefs want you to have. He walks beside me and does not think I'm a "sinner" who needs to be "saved" or that I need to think less of myself in order to love Him. Mother God is equal with God but different. He's the intellectual side and she's the emotional side. Together they are one. It just enhances your feelings of love and protection and the belief in miracles. Thank you Sylvia!

An excellent guide to Northern European legend, culture and lore by the noted fantasy novelist and author of Taking Up The Runes. Beginning with a concise and scholarly history of the origins and spread of the Germanic peoples, proceeding to an account of their gods and customs and magicks, outlining religious ritual in both ancient and modern forms, explaining the various retro-heathen Asatru groups, their core values and issues, their parallels to and differences from other neo-pagan traditions including Wicca, and ending with a guide to further study and the various organizations of modern times. One of the most significant differences between the Norse and Celtic revivalists is that the Norse generally have a stronger emphasis on accurate cultural information and a firm basis in the surviving texts of the Poetic & Prose Eddas and the various folktales and sagas. This is a clear and complete introduction to an important part of the 21st century's diverse spiritual traditions, by an author who clearly knows whereof she speaks!

Very nice, understandably written introduction to Norse Paganism. Paxson's book covers a great deal of information in a short period of time. As an introduction to Asatru it does have all the essentials. I won't retread the points that most of reviewers have already covered.
Probably the most useful section of the book to me was, "Toasts, Boasts & Oaths". For those of you who are new to Norse Paganism, the section on , "Surviving Your First Heathen Event", is an absolute must read. Additionally the, "Asatru and Wicca", section drew some distinctions between the faiths and will give the novice some pat answers to often asked questions..
I rather liked the, "Heathen Holy Days", section and disagree with the reviewer who stated that they were "Wiccan with a few Asatru concepts grudgingly allowed". The most widely recognized days were marked with a Volknot while other celebrations & commemorations are so blatantly obvious that no explanation was needed, i.e., Leif Eriksson Day & Columbus Day. If these holidays were influenced by Wiccan thought then why is there no Norse version Samhaim?
All and all yet another good introductory book on Asatru/Heathenism. Enough detail to get you more interested but not bored. Consider "Essential Asatru" as the Cliff's Notes to "Our Troth vol. I & II". This book and Krasskova's "Exploring the Northern Tradition" compliment each other well and will point newcomers in the right general direction. After that they, (the newcomers), should be able to figure things out on their own.

In Frith,
Spence

"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
M. Addams

Diana Paxson has been revising history for decades. I met her at a conference in the eighties and she was esposuing pagan beliefs that were totally feminist in nature and had little connection to ancient realities. Marion Zimmer Bradley was the grand damme of such "find a fertility figure invent a religion" points of view. Later, Ms. Paxson "converted" to heathenism and the "asatru movement" has never been the same. This book is the usual intro for young feminized followers, but with a twist: fictionl passages that quietly promote Ms. Paxson's touchy-feely, warm and snuggly agenda. Haven't people had enough of this hippy revisionist history making?? Need I point out that Germanic and Norse peoples were fierce warriors living harsh lives and that the Vikings were vicious conquerors, thieves and plunderers? I have no problem with this personally. I am proud of my ancestors. At least Bjork, of all contemporary artists from such a magnificent background, is wildly imaginative, talented and unique, which is more than can be said for the authors of this post-Starhawk, seventies-era style manual for armchair heathens.

This is one of those books where you expect to find one kind of information only to find a more important history lesson on being Asatru.

There are a few books out now that offer a general overview of Asatru, and for the novice, I think this is the best one to start with. Diana Paxson has a great way of writing, and the book is a quick, fun read. I certainly don't think the aspiring heathen should stop there - the book IS of course only a brief introduction, but it covers the basics and provides plenty of resources to continue with.

One thing I like about this book is that TO ME, at least, it seems that the author made a very solid attempt to remain un-biased. (Although I see that some here disagree). Remaining unbiased is very difficult in Asatru, because the source material is so far removed from us and thus rather mysterious and difficult to interpret. Thus, each scholar makes his or her own interpretations, and obviously every person has their own biases and pre-conceived notions that they can't help inserting into the lore they read. There is absolutely NO authoritative overview on Asatru, because each author colors it with their own biases. That is why in Asatru it is ESSENTIAL that a person read as many authors as possible (both those considered 'liberal' and those considered 'conservative') and read the lore themselves, and then make their own determinations. The remarks here about feminism, by the way, I don't even understand where they got this from. Is it because the Goddesses are given equal weight to the Gods? I don't see any other basis! But where in the lore does it say that the Goddesses are less important? I have a feeling that perhaps some people didn't really read the book, perhaps they just assume that a female author can't possibly write a good book on Asatru.

Anyway, I do think that Ms. Paxson made a great effort to include a mention of EVERY interpretation of Asatru, even those she obviously doesn't agree with. I think this is to her credit. As I mentioned in a comment to someone else's review, all novices deserve to be exposed to EVERY interpretation before they make up their own minds. And in fact, I think numerous sections including the very important "Questions and Conflicts" does a very good job of outlining these very tense ongoing arguments (Universalist or Folkish? Honor Loki or ban Loki? Earth religion or not? Is it Wicca, or is it Tru? Liberal or Conservative? etc etc etc) In most (though admittedly not all) cases Ms. Paxson does a great job of self-restraint in regards to not pushing her own opinion, and simply lets the readers know what the different opinions are.

All that said, again I maintain that this is a perfect choice for a first book, before going on to other overview books and the lore itself. It's got a little bit of everything: some history, descriptions of the Gods and Goddesses (including very nice prayers and songs for each one), a brief description of the runes and other heathen esoteric practices, as well as both a very handy list of references and heathen organizations AND descriptions of heathen rituals and how to show good manners therein!

All in all, I can't praise this book enough, and just for it's "quick reference" value, it's definitely a keeper no matter how many more in-depth books one reads.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to know more about the traditional teachings of Advaita/Vedanta.

It would be especially useful for those who have been exposed to the recent satsang method (or non-method) of teaching, or any other non-traditional teachings of non-duality, and who have begun to wonder why after so many years of listening to various teachers, they don't seem any closer to the goal than when they started.

The teachings of Advaita/Vedanta offer a tried and true methodology which enables the student to understand and reach the goal of self-knowledge. The other newer non-traditional teachings of non-duality have no informed knowledge of, and therefore cannot offer, this approach.

Dennis's book clearly compares and contrasts the traditional teaching of Advaita/Vedanta with the various and numerous non-traditional approaches to the subject. In a logical step by step fashion, Dennis illustrates why and how traditional teachings work as an effective means of self-knowledge, and why non-traditional teachings are very unlikely to bear fruit.

Anyone who has a sincere interest in this subject will no doubt be greatly benefited from reading this book.

Look, this whole argument is stupid. There is no right or wrong answer.
Some people might like more of the neo-advaita writers, while others might like more of the traditional writers. No group is better than the other or more right than the other group. It will depend on the individual.
Again, there is no right, no wrong, no better and no worse.
And there should be no argument.

Time for bed. Sleep well.

I recently read a short debate between Tony Parsons and Dennis Waite on this very topic.

For whatever it's worth, I tend to agree with Dennis Waite about the
lack of depth or 'efficacy' in modern teachings. Yet, I don't
necessarily agree that the traditional teachings are 'better'. The
actual teaching itself is quite simple - self-enquiry, just BE-ing and
direct seeing.

There really isn't that much to 'teach' - it's all in the sincerity and
dedication of the 'student'. From here the traditional teachings have
*much* more to offer the sincere, but neither modern nor traditional
teachings have a single, solitary thing to offer the half-arsed, uninterested and/or uncommitted seeker.

[...]

What is traditional advaita?

Traditional advaita is a process, a culture, and a methodology for achieving enlightenment. It is founded in Indian scriptures, but more important than scriptures are the teacher and the methodology, according to Waite.

What is neo-advaita?

Neo-advaita gets right to the point that so many people already sense, intuit, and know from experience. The point is that "this" is "it." Stop and see. Neo-advaita confesses the truth that there is only "this." Neo-advaita doesn't go through a process of education, nor does it unfold scriptures chapter by chapter. It just says what is, in various ways.

Since it's impossible for people to gather around any interest at all without some kind of organization arising, there are processes, methods, and a culture of neo-advaita that can be identified, but they are very thin compared to traditional advaita..

Some of the teachers of neo-advaita, though they themselves do not use the term neo-advaita, include Tony Parsons, Jeff Foster, Richard Sylvester, Nathan Gill.

Theme and purpose:

The theme of this book is that you can become enlightened through traditional advaita, while it is unlikely you will become enlightened through neo-advaita and satsang.

Dennis writes about the book's purpose: "The purpose is specifically to address the concerns of seekers who are dissatisfied with the satsang or neo-advaitin approaches to the teaching of advaita and to answer related questions." Waite says, "I am not primarily criticizing neo-advaita in respect of the truth or falsehood of its actual statements but as regards its utility as a teaching methodology."

The evolution of advaita:

Neo-advaita is less than 30 years old and evolving. Traditional advaita is 1200 years old and it too is evolving. For example, one organization, The Philosophy Foundation in Waltham, Massachusetts, is dedicated to traditional advaita and offers an Eckhart Tolle reading group. Swami Chinmayananda's ashram offers youth camps and senior citizens homes. Both those organizations are mentioned by Waite in his book and their recommendation is implicit.

Dennis Waite has freeze-framed the evolution of neo-advaita, analyzed it, and suggested it bend and graft onto traditional advaita. More than anything else, that suggestion makes this book controversial. It sounds as though he is asking Tony Parsons to teach classes in the Upanishads. That is unnatural. Kindly allow me to ask, When did Dennis Waite become the Pope of advaita?

This is an important book in the nonduality genre for several reasons. Dennis Waite makes a distinction between neo-advaita and traditional advaita that is detailed and clear. Well-known players in the nonduality game back Waite's thesis. Also, Dennis Waite has developed a potential force for the evolution of neo-advaita. If his book is read by people who attend Western satsang and if they ask the right questions, that force could be absorbed by neo-advaita and a new faction might split off that looks like a neo-traditional advaita.

Dennis Waite's book "Enlightenment: The Path Through the Jungle" is a necessary addition to everyone's library because it can serve as a checklist against which they can test their understanding. Have you ever had the experience of trying to do something new, struggling with it to no avail, and then someone comes over to you and shows you what you have been doing wrong and suddenly - voila! - you understand? This book is that someone. Dennis has collected together over 500 `pointers' and categorized them under aspects of understanding Enlightenment, going to great pains to clarify the meaning of words used in nondual writings, the purpose of and need for practice, and the necessary value of scriptural teachings and guidance from an experienced teacher within Advaita. This makes it easy to find the pointers needed when questions arise for you - you can always find what you are looking for in Dennis' Index, if not in Reality!

While there will be some that take his assertions about the necessity of effort on the part of those who wish to find enlightenment and end their suffering, and his criticism of certain "neo-advaita" teaching methods, as negative, I feel it is worth the time of everyone to read what he has written and pause to digest these gentle assertions and see if they do not ring true. There is that old adage: "You get what you pay for," which, if you see your efforts to reach understanding as the payment, holds just as much in this realm as in any other.

Of course there will always be those who are in too much of a rush to "stand in line," and they don't listen to anyone anyway. This book isn't for them.

There is a disturbing current finding favor in modern Nondual circles, which Dennis points to, which I characterize as anti-Intellectualism. Concepts, more and more frequently of late, are considered to be wrong in all cases. And it is this judgment that leads to teachers today presenting an understanding of ultimate reality as requiring nothing more than a short tagline, such as "you are That!," to achieve. As Dennis explains, this is the reason that effort is rejected and scriptural authorities are ignored. But it isn't that easy to dispel ignorance, and if you spend the time to contemplate the good feelings of being together with your satsang and how you were before, you will see that all you have done is replace one misunderstanding of reality, coupled with whatever suffering, or dis-ease, this brought on, with assertions that you really don't understand when you try to make sense of them, coupled with the good feelings of companionship that one finds in satsangs. And it is this failure to make sense of these assertions that is today esteemed because it means that one is not "lost" within concepts. Yes, but one is also bereft of understanding!

You are That, and nothing needs to be done to change you, but until you understand what that little tagline means you are not enlightened. It is the conceptual wisdom of a long tradition like Advaita that has proven effective in moving individuals like you and I to this understanding. It is the ignorance that must be dispelled, as Dennis points out, and that does require effort. Understanding is not like coins in the pocket - something that you have - and you do not get $200 for just passing "Go". Understanding is something that you are, and this book will help you realize what you are "doing wrong" to become that!

James Corrigan
An Introduction to Awareness

One of the best books I've ever read. One can always return to and learn from. I highly recommend this and Villoldo's other books.

I absolutely loved reading this story, and haven't read any story as stimulating since The Celestine Prophesy.... the difference, of course being - that this book recounts true life experiences. This was an engaging, enjoyable read with many eye opening insights into other ways and worlds. I have vivid memories of the images and experiences described in this book. Fascinating!

a great and by-now classic book on the theme of shamanism by an anthopologist and psychologist. I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE HE TRIES IN IT TO DECRIBE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN COMMON WORDS

In this book Villoldo, perhaps one of the most well known teachers of Inca shamanism in the West, describes his initial encounters with the shamanic world. The book is devoted to Villoldo's experiences with two Peruvian healers - don Ramon Silva (an ayahuascero from the Peruvian Amazon) and don Antonio Morales, (a Qero style healer and philosophy professor!). Villoldo's recounting of Peruvian healing practices is gripping and the final chapter, in which he describes the death of his teacher's teacher in a little cottage on the Peruvian altiplano, is simply breath-taking. I also quite liked the description of the "operation" which allowed V. to see energy patterns and his animal allies.

If V. only recounted his experiences with the old shamans, the book would have been superb. Unfortunately, he decided to insert into the book his own personal issues and musings on the nature of reality (which tend to go on and on) and which to me seem to be rather cliche-y. this guy is a doer, not a thinker and all the theory just detracted me from the magic of his experiences. V. also seems to be unduly impressed by his newly acquired Ph.D. in psychology (from a little known local college) as if a degree means anything these days.

Still, I find Villoldo's accounts to be trustworthy and in my opinion this book is a useful read for people interested in Peruvian healing practices and in energy work in general.

For those seeking more info about Dr. Villoldo's lack of detail and other concerns regarding truthfulness in contemporary shamanism, please see "The Selling of the Shaman and the Problem of Informant Legitimacy" which appears in the Summer 1990 issue of 'Anthropological Research', Volume 46, Number 2. Dr. Villoldo is prominently featured.