FOW Lezing
What the Bleep Do We Know!?Advaita boekagenda
In reality, there are 'not two things' - this is the literal meaning of the Sanskrit word 'Advaita', the eastern philosophy of the Self and reality. This book is the story of Advaita, an elucidation of that philosophy; this is the Book of One
A 21st Century treatment of the ancient eastern philosophy of Advaita, this book addresses all of the issues that are covered by both traditional teachers from the lineage of Shankara and by modern Direct Path methods stemming from Ramana Maharshi and Krishnamenon. Topics are explained in an accessible and readable manner, using amusing quotations and stories along with an abundance of metaphors from a wide variety of sources. Some of the most difficult concepts are clarified, whilst recognising that this knowledge is ultimately beyond language or intellectual understanding.
The book is in three sections:
Part 1 considers the unreality of what we currently believe to be the nature of ourselves, our behaviour and the world. It looks at those factors that motivate us, such as happiness and fear, the means by which we acquire knowledge and at our actions and their consequences.
Part 2 looks at the traditional spiritual paths that are available, together with their pre-requisites, to enable us to move from this position of ignorance to realisation of the truth. Bhakti, karma and jnana yoga are covered, the value of religions examined and the theory and practice of meditation is explained. Other helpful practices, such as the use of attention and keeping good company are addressed, together with the place of the guru in these endeavours.
Part 3 considers the Reality that will be found once the goal of the Seeker is attained. The reasons for our mistaken views of the world are explained, using the Advaitic theories of maya and adhyasa. The ideas of Kant and Schopenhauer are used to show how we can never know reality in an objective sense.
There is a detailed examination of the notions of cause and effect and the ideas of free-will and destiny. Other topics considered are the nature of time and Consciousness, death and reincarnation. The nature of the Self is addressed, together with an explanation of what exactly it means to become 'enlightened'.
Finally, the Direct Path teachings are considered, being not the 'instant enlightenment' that some modern teachers would have us believe but the true 'end of knowledge' for those who have suitably prepared themselves using more traditional methods.
Knowledge of Sanskrit is not required, though terminology and pronunciation is fully explained so that other texts may be read and understood subsequently. There is a comprehensive Appendix referencing Organisations that teach Advaita, identifying resources on the Internet and providing a recommended reading list.
'The Book of One: The Spiritual Path of Advaita Vedanta' is now available.
You can order it from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
or direct from the publisher (Phone: +44 (0)1962 736888; email office@johnhunt_publishing.com ): John Hunt Publishing Ltd., 46a West Street, New Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9AU UK
or from their agent in the US (email: obooks@aol.com ): Jan-Erik Guerth, O Books 240 West 35th Street, Suite 500 New York, NY10001 USA
Or from your local bookstore: ISBN 1 903816 41 6
