Book Description
The Fall is a major work that overturns mainstream current thinking on the nature of civilization and human nature. It draws on the increasing evidence accumulated over recent decades that prehistoric humanity was peaceful and egalitarian, rather than war-like and crude. It is not natural for human beings to kill each other, for men to oppress women, for individuals to accumulate massive wealth and power, or to abuse nature. The worldwide myths of a Golden Age or an original paradise have a factual, archaeological basis.
Customer Reviews:
Intriguing Ideas.......2007-09-04
The Fall contains many intriguing ideas about why humnanity is in the situation in which we find ourselves. Taylor reminds us, thankfully, that all the misery encountered by so many people in the course of their lives is just plan wrong. It does not have to be.
I would suspect that many of his ideas would be challenged by other scholars and a discussion of his theories would be most interesting.
The Fall is quite repetitive in places. I would have liked to have read how Taylor thinks we can have a more compassionate peaceful society on a global scale with more than 6 billion people alive today.
A wonderful book.......2006-05-27
I bought this book after reading Eckhart Tolle's endorsement: "A fascinating and important book on the origin, development and the imminent demise of the ego...Highly readable and enlightening, as the author's acute mind is imbued with the higher faculty of spiritual awareness." Eckhart Tolle's books have changed my life so I was sure this book would be important for me too, and haven't been wrong. I've read it through over the last three days and feel also though my whole outlook on the world has been altered. This book is a complete revisioning of human history from a spiritual point of view, seeing human history in terms of the development of the ego, looking at how the ego has given rise to thousands of years of violence and oppression. Taylor looks in turn at warfare, male domination, social inequality, alienation from the body, abuse of the natural world and so on, showing how the over-developed sense of ego produces these problems.
The book makes the important point - using a massive range of research - that earlier human beings and many of the world's native peoples - did not have our strong sense of self or ego and so were free from all of this disorder. The book's depiction of how the insanity of so much human behaviour is produced by the ego is riveting and extremely impressive. After reading this there is no way you can look at "normal" human behaviour in the same way. Taylor makes it absolutely clear that what we consider as normal is, in many ways, insane. And just as impressively, Taylor puts together an extremely good case for the idea that we are beginning to transcend the insanity of the ego and moving into a new era. This is one of those books which makes you look at the world in a new light, and gives you inspiration and hope for the future. Somehow it gives me the inspiration to try to fight for a better world, to contribute to the collective change which is taking place, and rekindle the state of harmony which the human race has lost.
An excellent book to make you think.......2006-05-22
I loved Steve Taylor's lucid account of why he thinks the world is in such a bad way, how we got to be in this sorry state and how we can get out of it. It skillfully blends history, psychology, sociology and spirituality to produce a book that is not only thought provoking and enlightening but also enjoyable to read. Despite the potentially depressing nature of the issues covered, Steve Taylor manages to remain positive and provide solutions for a way forward to a better world. This is an uplifting book and recommended to anyone searching for answers to difficult questions.
thought-provoking.......2006-05-03
Steve Taylor manages to come up with a seemingly obvious but until now neglected theory about human nature and the development of civilisation. He analyses not only where we went wrong historically but also where we are still going wrong today. Our intensified sense of ego distorts the way we behave, as does the establishment of a culture that rewards selfishness, aggressiveness and the whole me-me-me I-want-it-now childishness that embodies the modern world. He says what a lot of people (including me) have been thinking for a while. If there is war, oppression and hunger in the world - how did it get here? And can we ever change? Steve Taylor suggests some fascinating answers to these questions. I was impressed enough to give up my job and house and go and live in a field growing my own vegetables... well, maybe not yet.
inspiring .......2006-05-03
This is an inspiring and thought-provoking book. The author offers a completely new way of looking at the human race's past, and a new way of explaining all of the madness in human nature. It covers thousands of years of history and even looks into the human race's future, but is always extremely readable and even entertaning. It tries to explain almost too much - the origins of war, religion, male domination and so on - but it all makes sense it terms of theories he puts forward. All of these "pathologies" are seen as the consquence of our over-developed sense of ego. Underyling the whole book there is a sense of the spiritual, a vision of a possible state of harmony and meaning beyond our present traumas.
Average customer rating:
- the world to come and then some
- Ya gota read this one!
- The World to Come
- Take the meat . . . spit out the bones--
- The Sylvia Browne Of Her Era
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The World to Come: The Guides' Long-Awaited Predictions for the Dawning Age
Ruth Montgomery
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0609805371
Release Date: 2000-12-05 |
Amazon.com
Ruth Montgomery fans, celebrate! The World to Come is the renowned prognosticator's first book in 12 years, and according to the author, her last. Having written it at age 87, it's easy to understand why she feels this way. Montgomery was a syndicated White House columnist during the Roosevelt years up through the Johnson administration. An assignment by the International News Service to write an eight-part series on séances resulted in her first book, A Search for Truth, and a friendship with noted medium Arthur Ford. After Ford's death, he and a group of otherworld entities began communicating with Montgomery via automatic writing. Many have ranked her powers of foresight with that of Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce. In this new book, the Guides (as she calls her invisible coauthors) rewrite some old predictions and reveal surprising new ones for the upcoming millennium. --Randall Cohan
Book Description
In The World to Come bestselling author and world-renowned psychic Ruth Montgomery presents a wealth of new material about who we are, where we are headed, and how we can cope with the political and natural upheavals that loom in our future.
Many rank Montgomery's remarkable powers of foresight with those of Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce. Now, with the clarity and candor that has won her such a loyal following, Ruth gives a tour of the next century and beyond. Ruth discusses her guides' prediction that the earth is bound to shift on its axis and provides information about what areas are safest as severe global weather patterns intensify. She also shares stories of numerous people from ancient Palestine, including herself, who have been reincarnated at this time to help bring peace and healing to the world. Finally, in what she intends as her farewell book, Ruth offers a warm and fascinating look at her own life.
Customer Reviews:
the world to come and then some.......2007-07-02
i love this book. it's a page turner. i could not put it down.
i love ruth montgomery's style. it is simple and easy to understand. i started reading her books when i was a teenager 35 years ago. they are as important and meaningful to me today as they were when i was 15. they are invaluable to me in my search for the truth. ruth has paved the way for my subsequent interest in - and aptitude for - edgar cayce, seth, paramahansa yogananda, carlos castaneda, ramtha, quantum physics and more.
the "world to come" predicts a shift in the earth's axis, a walk-in president to usher in the new age and the millennium of peace and harmony that follows. within this context ruth includes interesting information about many things: the beginning of humankind, life after death, reincarnation, spiritual guides, lemuria and atlantis, ufos, christ consciousness and more. the chapters that describe the life of jesus are particularly interesting.
i would not recommend this book to individuals looking for facts, or a specific roadmap to the past or future. i highly recommend this book to those seeking to glimpse our past and future. this book is not a scientific journal. it is a book that revels in possibilities, and for readers like myself passionately inspires.
Ya gota read this one!.......2007-05-30
I have read a number of Ruths books in the past. All were quite good, but this one, "The World to Come". really grab my attention. It is one of those books you will have a hard time putting down. Ya gota read this one!
The World to Come.......2007-02-03
Thought Provocing and is was able to verify much on the net through science to back up the predictions
Take the meat . . . spit out the bones--.......2006-06-02
Generally, books have one topic, and so I expected this of "The World to Come". This book seems to be divided into two topics: the prediction of a polar shift and its effects; and a discussion of who in her circle was which Biblical character at the time of Jesus, and where are they now? More importantly, where was her editor? I purchased the book from an interest in the title topic, expecting a degree of depth. What I found, instead, was an admixture of Mrs. Montgomery's guides and Mrs. Montgomery's personal beliefs and/or imagination. Some of the things she and her guides have to say conflict with everything else I've read about the same subject from a variety of sources. Take what answers with your spirit, and discard the rest, remembering that guides are not God and not perfect. As for the extended chapters on the Biblical who's who: who cares? There are other, more helpful books dealing with reincarnation. These last chapters leave me wondering whom she was trying to edify and uplift--herself or her readers?
The Sylvia Browne Of Her Era.......2006-02-28
Although Ruth Montgomery, whose street cred before she started these supernatural books included being a member of the White House press corps, was more of a class act than the current crop of psychics de jour, her claims are ultimately just as hokey. Montgomery seemed to want to keep one foot on first base in that she remained big on writing about Jesus as her personal savior (whom she knew in a past life in ancient Judea) even while she inched out into all sorts claims that contradict most Christian religions. (I'm not writing this to lend support to Christianity, just saying...)
Montgomery's forecast of a new age has fizzled. Rather than dwelling in a new millennium of world peace and enlightenment as foretold by her, her "guides," and her supposed other side contact, the late celebrity medium Arthur Ford, we have war, disease, natural disaster and all manner of old-fashioned suffering during a time that is, if anything, growing less tolerant and enlightened.
As most of her readers and detractors are aware, Mrs. Montgomery promised the earth would shift on its axis just before the year 2000, and unless I've been too busy writing these reviews to have paid attention, that didn't happen. She cops out regarding her failure in this book by saying the decision "was made" to wait another decade...or two...or maybe...well, maybe three, before tilting the earth and killing off nearly all of humankind, and my guess is she figured not only would that save face since her prediction flopped, but by then she and her loyal readers would be long dead (she did pass away in 2001) and spared having to live down cries of fraud.
Montgomery went off the deep end in this book. She comes close to taking credit for turning a hurricane away from her Florida town, and she tosses in everything but the kitchen sink when it comes to claims about what's on "the Other Side." (There IS something touchingly pathetic about her, this old lady, "channeling" her own recently deceased husband, Bob, however.) It might surprise my friends to know just how many of Ruth Montgomery's books I've read, along with other titles in the "New Age/occult/paranormal" section but I've yet to find even one title, especially The World To Come, that would make me think anyone but the author-and not spirit guides, interplanetary entities, etc.-are writing these books. A long list of Montgomery's failed predictions would include her promise that Ronald Reagan would be a one-term President, that the 1988 election would be won by a big-spending Democrat, that WWIII would erupt in 1984 in the Horn of Africa, and that before the end of the 20th century, contact with space aliens would be commonplace and openly-known. You'd think all this would have torpedoed Ruth Montgomery's popularity, but I've found those who need some sort of external validation that "the great magical beyond" exists outside their everyday lives will forgive any discrepancy in order to cling to hope that an enchanted "super-reality" is there. On the surface there's little that's harmful about books by Montgomery, Browne, and their kind, but the sad truth is, far too many people accept the message of these highly-paid gurus as literal truth, and then end up in some cases the worst for doing so.
The World To Come was a pale version of Montgomery's decades-long song and dance routine, and a very weak read indeed. My advice is don't waste your time.
Customer Reviews:
Soul Sounds, Mourning the tears of truth.......2000-03-15
True, a rare type of new age book. No lies in this, just truth. Also very informative, interesting and heartwarming. I reccomend it to anyone seeking truth.
My favorite book by Mary Summer Rain.......1997-08-20
Alot of staight-from-the-shoulder answers for the everyday person interested in the new millenium and also spiritual depth
Book Description
The Summer of Chaos has ended. Ansalon's nightmare has only just begun.
The gods have departed the world, heralding a new Age of Mortals. But before the dust of war can settle, vast shadows cover the land. Dragons have come to Ansalon, larger and more powerful than any ever seen, and they will wreak havoc on nations still trembling from war. As the lands themselves begin to change under the dire magic of the new dragon overlords, new heroes arise to lead the fight for freedom.
The first book in a rerelease of a key trilogy in the
Dragonlance saga, this trilogy covers key events that take place between Dragons of Summer Flame and the bestselling War of Souls trilogy. Will all-new artwork and cover designs, these books tie in with The Dhamon Saga.
Customer Reviews:
Tough to finish, from a long-time Dragonlance fan.......2007-10-08
First off let me state that the most recent person to give this book 5 stars "doesn't normally read" and can't spell.
I've read a lot of Dragonlance, and really a lot of fantasy in general, and I've come across a few books that were tough reads, but this one trumps them all. Here's a comment D&D fans everywhere will appreciate: This book reads like it was written from the point of view of a DM planning an adventure. Characters go here. Characters do this. This happens. That happens. What's sad is that it reads at some points like a poorly planned adventure, where scenes seem haphazardly strung together, and at times I found myself rereading pages to try to follow the trail, only to realize its really not there at all. Books should read like they're from the point of view of the characters, or perhaps at points an under-educated omnipresent being. I kept wanting to finish, as I've never stopped in the middle of a Dragonlance novel in the past. It just got harder and harder to keep going, but I did it. Underdeveloped characters, played out scenes, the list just goes on & on. I'll stick to the Weis & Hickman as far as Dragonlance is concerned in the future, and would have to recommend some George R.R. Martin, or perhaps a dabble of Terry Goodkind if you're looking to delve a bit further into fantasy. WoTC, please do the Dragonlance line some credit and filter out your authors BEFORE publishing.
Don't waste your time.......2006-03-18
The dragonlance series has been a personal favorite since the chronicles. I have read every book margaret and Tracy had to offer. Since I began the series in middle school, I have re-read them several times, each time enjoying it just as much as the last. It has been a long journey into the world of Krynn!
The fact that margaret and tracy let other authors use their world, and completely destroy it, angers me. Publicity and money must be worth more than the fans....
This book was ridiculously painful to read....A terrible plot....underdeveloped characters....and a seemingly disproportioned writing style don't just bore the reader, but if they are a dragonlance fan, angers them.
This BUTCHERS the series....if you are a fan, steer clear...if you are a first timer to the series, Stick to Margaret and Tracys' books ONLY.
If i could give it negative stars, I would.
Excellent story, mediocre characters.......2005-05-13
The bad reviews are an unfortunate result of Weis & Hickman's amazing ability to develop characters. In fact, the world of Dragonlance is a fantasy world. If you have read as many series as I have, you understand that there is a draw to this well developed world that is familiar, fun, and exciting. So all of us reviewing this have read the Chronicles and Legends. We love the characters, and all of us were blown away at how well the characters became entire worlds unto themselves. And then the other books, and stories, were so easy to be drawn into because of this.
Now comes the Fifth Age (don't worry, no spoilers). It's different, all the old characters are gone. Now we (the readers) don't feel like you're in the same world. Before, it was so easy because we saw so many characters walk through Ansalon, and learned and experienced Ansalon through their eyes. Many Dragonlancers will agree that the character development in the Chronicle/Legends were superior in quality, well above _ANY_ genre of books (and I love Steven King). The reason Dragonlance is so popular is (arguably) because of the amazing character development that Margret Weis and Tracy Hickman did. And I'm not gonna lie to you, the character development in this book and the series is NOT as good as the Chronicles/Legends. That being said,
SO WHAT. This is a series. None of the 50+ books in the Dragonlance series has been as good as Chronicles/Legends. Okay, enough about character development. Don't compare it. These books are good. They keep you on the edge, and they are fantastic stories about the history of new Krynn. If you're like me, you'll love reading what happens next the absorbing stories. The conversation is sub-par. But the interaction, the storyline is still very fun and exciting. Don't read this book expecting Chronicles/Legends. Read this book expecting the next exciting story of the Dragonlance world.
Work better left for another author.......2004-11-30
Perhaps the biggest tragedy associated with 'The Dawning of a New Age' is that there is vital 5th age information contained within its pages, but the reader must plod through Jean Rabe's drivel to get to it. An outline would be better.
It's time for Dragonlance/Wizards of the Coast to replace Jean Rabe... w/Chris Pierson? He showed potential with his Kingpriest Trilogy. I don't foresee myself ever purchasing one of her books again (and from the reviews below it seems that many longtime Dragonlance fans share this sentiment). If the Fifth Age is to take hold it definitely needs a new voice.
To anyone who gives this book 4 stars: I encourage you to read earlier Dragonlance novels (Chronicles, Legends, Elven Nations, etc) or other contemporary Dragonlance trilogies (Ergoth). That's 4 star writing.
Takes a few pages to get started.......2004-04-29
This book reminds me a lot of the first of the Dragonlance Chronicles. I didn't like it much until I got into the second book. I'm now almost done with the second book in this series and I like it a lot. 350 pages isn't enough to do it justice. I'm always a big fan of making BIG books to completely tell a story. I think with a few hundred more pages this book could have been spectacular. As it stands, I'm pleased with this book,
I liked the idea of the Dragon overlords, I liked the links that are being made to other Dragonlance stories, but felt the characters were not very fleshed out. And the action scenes were rushed.
Book Description
This book is a chronology covering events and characters having dramatic consequences in history. In their own words the gradual unfoldment of the New Age World Order is presented here in a manner which holds the readers' attention throughout.
Book Description
FOREWORD
On September 11, 2001, Muslim terrorists launched an attack on the United States to punish it for being what Osama bin Laden considered `the land of the infidels'! In fact, this attack was an attack on the entire Western world and, even more important, it was an attack on Western civilization, the underlying objective being to take civilization back fourteen hundred years to a time of great glory for the Islamic world.
In the wake of the attack by young Muslim extremists, which resulted in the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, our leaders attempted to assure us that the terrorists did not represent the entire Muslim world. It was said that they were the actions of a minority, of an extreme fringe group. It was, and continues to be, troubling, however, that we have heard very little strong condemnation coming from the supposed moderate Muslim community. Who are these moderates? Why have they not spoken out more vociferously? Do they really exist? When will they speak out with moral indignation? Indeed, will they ever?
For most Westerners Islam is thought to be just another world religion, equal to Christianity and Judaism. But is this really the case? Upon closer study, Islam seems to be far different from the other two religions. Certainly no one would accuse Muslims of being tolerant, non-judgmental, non-violent or peace-loving! While Muslims have been allowed to build hundreds of mosques in Western countries, Christian churches may only rarely be built, if ever, in Muslim countries! Indeed in some Muslim countries such as the Sudan, it is official government policy to demolish churches! In addition, it is difficult to believe that any world religion would advocate treating women as second-class citizens, and actually get away with it!
The concept of brotherhood in Islam is strong. The posture advocated by Prophet Mohammed in the Koran toward non-Muslims, however, is to seek them out and annihilate them. The phenomenon of suicide bombers is at once both pathetic and chilling. On the one hand, it is pathetic that young Muslims are taught that they can gain entrance into paradise by taking people's lives in such a gruesome manner. Carnal pleasures, of course, await the males upon entrance into heaven! On the other hand, it is chilling to think that there are any people living in the 21st century ready to teach and encourage such savagery. What is the supposed theological justification for holding to such beliefs? Indeed, is there any such thing in Islam as theology in which the tenets of the faith are examined critically? Isn't it the case, rather, that the teachings of Prophet Mohammed are accepted literally, and without question?
In his book, The Dawning of a New Dark Age, Mark Alexander explores these questions, and often finds disturbing answers. Unlike many authors on the subject, Mark actually lived and worked among Muslims for many years; so he has first-hand knowledge of the religion and culture. While on his tours of duty in the Middle East, Mark immersed himself in Islam and Arabic culture, studying the religion both from Occidental and Oriental perspectives. He familiarized himself not only with the Koran, but also with the beliefs and attitudes of Muslims in the street. This experience has given him unusually clear insights into the aspirations of the Muslim world. Mark's conclusions will not be comforting to those who would like to believe that the long-term threat to the West is limited to the aspirations of a few fundamentalist terrorists.
Douglas Kennedy, Ph.D.,
Customer Reviews:
A watchman 's call.......2006-08-02
An easily accessable read outlining the dangers that Islamism presents, not just to western civilisation, but to all cultures, for Islam's intent, made plain in this book of short essays, is nothing short of that age old plague of man's existance - world dommination. A dramatic statement, yes, but unless we awake to the dangers clearly outlined in this book, a drama that will unfold under our very noses, with catastrophic consequences for us all. Make no mistake, the Quran says it, the pious muslims say it, and Mark shows you exactly where and how they say it, in a format that is easy to read and follow.
Islam is immiscible with other cultures, 1400 years of history and countless tales of cultures lost tell us in unmistakeable detail that this is so. Mark's book gives you an insight as to why this is so. As Mark shows, by adhering to the idols of our age, 'political correctness' and 'multiculturalism', we are facilitating Islam's age old dream. This book goes against the prevaling orthodoxies of our times and in so doing, delivers a clear warning of the danger which faces us all.
The Unvarnished Truth.......2006-02-26
A book of reader-friendly and short essays, Mark Alexander's The Dawning of a New Dark Age examines the tenets of Islam and clearly delineates what those tenets mean for Western civilization. Concentrating on the present danger, the signs of which continue to proliferate since the book's publication in 2003, the author passionately spells out and proves the bottom line: Islam is not just another religion. Mr. Alexander writes from the Christian perspective, but his book will also appeal to those who are not Christians because he uses excellent sources as well as his personal observations. READ THIS BOOK!
Single best book to start to learn truth about Islam.......2004-12-07
A BOOK WORTH READING
The Dawning of a New Dark Age, A Collection of Essays on Islam, by Mark Alexander (1st Books, ISBN: 1-4107-9037-1, paperback; 2003.)
I thought I knew almost all of the current books (past few years) about Islam. I had not encountered this book, however, until the author alerted me to it, for which I am grateful.
After reading the book, I can recommend it enthusiastically to readers new to Islam and its dangers, but I must offer a qualification to that recommendation.
First, the writing is excellent. The author's style flows, with great grammar and syntax as well as thought formulation and progression, i.e., he is clear and easy to follow. I would love to see more writing from him.
The book is presented as a series of short essays. One may start at any point reading these and lose absolutely nothing by skipping about, as long as one reads the entire book. If you start reading from the beginning and proceed systematically to the end, you may notice repetitions, but probably not if you dip in and out until finished.
Second, and more importantly, his grasp of Islam meets many criteria of depth and breadth. He lived in Saudi Arabia long enough to come to terms with Islam, particularly the Saudi variety (Wahhabism), and Arabs. He knows the subject well and covers almost all of the concerns people should have about Islam. There is so very much I agree with that I almost had déjà vu. Some of the 47 chapters are more appealing to me than others, but these chapters are like 47 unique facets, each giving insight to this huge problem of Islamism. Someone beginning the work of studying Islam will find valuable nuggets of information in all 47 chapters.
Anyone unfamiliar with Islam will get a terrific education, delivered quickly and painlessly. It is such an easy introduction that I would put this book into the MUST READ category for those who want to understand why Islam is a threat to American culture and values, and who want a good place to start understanding the problems Islam creates for our civilization.
Third, the author is not just pro-Western culture, but he is unabashedly pro-American. He sees with objectivity about the threat that Islam poses to our country and the entire civilized world, and he minces no words presenting his thoughts fearlessly, without concessions made to the "sensitivities" of this or that person or group or nation. I greatly admire how he identifies multiculturalism and political correctness for the evils that they are, and identifies Islam and its evils for what they are. Since he spent significant time in school in England, he speaks to how the Brits have severely endangered themselves by being so obliging to the Muslims infesting their country. He also has excellent chapters on France and Turkey.
My sole complaint is that, for all of the author's excellent qualities, he is not philosophically-oriented; I wish so much that he was. Were he so oriented, his case against Islam could be even stronger, perhaps unassailable. He wants very much to wake people up, to shake them out of their passive unconcern, to fill their minds with good information, and to neutralize the poison of relativism, multiculturalism, and political correctness, all of which are sustained by today's wide-spread moral uncertainty among Americans. He is looking for answers in terms of guiding principles, and he comes close to finding them.
However, he relies on Western religion as a philosophical base, particularly Christianity, rather than philosophical principles, and this perspective just does not take him as far as he obviously wants to go. Religions have values which differ from religionist to religionist, and which separate religions from a strong system of philosophy. Rational, integrated philosophical principles complete the armamentaria, and take those who hold these principles the full distance.
What religionists and non-religionists have in common is a shared vision of the incredible danger Islam poses. We also support the Constitution, which guarantees our freedom of thought and Rights of Man. We must stand united and well-armed through the discipline of philosophy rather than distracted by differences in details of various belief systems.
[We discuss the philosophical elements of Islam and dealing with it within our website, 6th Column Against Jihad (http://www.6thcolumnagainstjihad.com).]
Otherwise, I enjoyed this book very much, and I think it offers much of value to an intelligent reader who wants a good place to start to understanding Islam.
(Review by George Mason)
A wake-up call for the West.......2004-01-20
In his no nonsense book, Mark states clearly, without any equivocation at all, that the West is on a dangerous path -- a path that could well lead to loss of freedom and democracy if it doesn't start minding the store. This is a great read. Highly recommended for all those who need to understand the threat the Islamic world poses to the West.
Telling It Like It Is.......2004-01-05
A MUST READ for Americans who do not understand the forces behind the attacks by Islamic terrorists on Western civilization. Mark Alexander bases his analysis on extensive research in Islamic literature, passages from the Koran, and his own experience gained from living and working in the Middle East. Mark's book is beautifully and powerfully written and is eminently readable.
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- A Western Bridge to the Dark
- Hmm...
- Dark Retreat Journal
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Dawning of Clear Light: A Western Approach to Tibetan Dark Retreat Meditation
Martin Lowenthal
Manufacturer: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Customer Reviews:
A Western Bridge to the Dark.......2004-04-20
Of all the dzogchen practices within the Bon/Buddhist tradition, few have remained more mysterious, or have rubbed more against the grain of our Western culture at large than that of the dark retreat. The practices of the dark have continued to lie out on the distant horizon of experiential understanding for many practitioners here in the West who are making their way through the Bon or Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Now, though, with a depth and breadth of understanding that comes through having had extensive dark retreat teachings as well as having completed over a dozen dark retreats, combined with over thirty years immersion in the mainly Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Martin Lowenthal, dharma teacher and founder of The Dedicated Life Institute, has written a landmark book, complete with a blessing and forward by the wonderful Bon lama, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, that sheds an illuminating contemporary ray of light on this ancient practice of the dark.
After Tenzin Rinpoche's forward which praises Martin's work and warns that practices of the dark must be approached respectfully under the guidance of an experienced teacher, the book begins with a brief overview of the ways in which the dark has been used within great wisdom traditions. At the heart of the book is a beautiful tapestry woven of two parts: actual journal entries which document some of his lived dark retreat experiences mainly from a four-week dark retreat completed in 1998; and Martin's commentary written more recently that establishes those experiences within the radiant spaciousness toward which his own teachings as well as those of Bon and Buddhism point.
Here, then, we have the first-ever spontaneously live broadcasts from the front-line of a dark retreat manifested as poetry, reflections, insights, and Martin's descriptions of his daily experiences in the dark from the mundane to the subtle and higher. Thankfully, throughout the journal entries, Martin remains transparent, allowing the reader to live vicariously for a moment within this illuminating darkness. Here's one entry, a poem, as an example:
Sitting in the Dark
Sitting on a firm cushion thoughts come and go
Mind remains.
Feelings arrive insistently and exit reluctantly
Heart remains.
Inner lights and colors arise, pass through, and disappear
Darkness remains.
"I" goes
"Am" remains.
These journal entries act as springboards for Martin's flowing commentary within this section and the portion following, entitled "A Framework For Understanding the Teachings." An established dharma teacher in his own right, Martin's melodic contemporary writings on some of the perennial subjects found within the teachings of the Bon/Buddhist tradition provide freshly whispered heart-reminders that coax one beyond the clinging to familiar dharma concepts, and toward the Truth that only ever just IS! Here is one jewel:
"All spiritual work requires a fine balance between will and willingness. With will we mobilize our attention and energies with determination in a direction. Will helps us to start and to sustain effort. Willingness allows us to accept and be shaped by grace. It suggests an open perspective and a heart posture of surrender in which we intentionally offer ourselves, realizing that our natural state is not at odds with life, but an authentic expression of Spirit."
Before the book ends, Martin gives us a brief overview of some of the specifically Tibetan Bon teachings on the dark retreat, and in two appendices, specific practices and preparations helpful for when one is properly prepared to do a dark retreat.
The mark of a great bridge is that it affords one a safer passage across what once seemed a wide gulf, and urges one when ready to move forward into new territory, transforming one's perspective, expanding one's horizons. From the gross, to subtle, causal and non-dual, from past to present, from deeply Tibetan traditions to an integration with contemporary Western culture, this landmark bridge, "Dawning of Clear Light: A Western Approach to Dark Retreat Meditation," works on many levels to help make our safe and effective passage into the dark retreat a reality.
Hmm..........2004-01-31
Mr. Lowenthals description of his Dark Retreat didn't seem to have a lot in common with the 'real' Tibetan 49-day Dark retreat and its practices. I know at least 4 people who have done the 49-day dark retreat of which one is very close to me and as much a Westerner as Mr. Lowenthal. It is 'unthinkable' to leave the dark room, even if it is with a mask on, as well as having sex, food brought into the room by a person or even talk to several people while doing this practice. I must say... It is good he wrote "A Western Approach" as this certainly is NOT the Tibetan approach :-)
Dark Retreat Journal.......2003-10-28
This book was not at all what I expected. I was hoping that this was going to be the first manual describing the teachings of the tibetans regarding the practice of the Dark Retreat. I was sorely mistaken. The main problem with this book is the very misleading title: "A western approach to Tibetan Dark Retreat Maditation" A title that would have been proper would be: "The journal of a Western Practioner engaged in the Tibetan Dark Retreat Meditation" or something to that effect.
If your looking for a manual on the dark retreat check out "Darkness Technology" by the genious Master Mantak Chia. Even though he is Thai he certainly gives a much more "Western Approach" by including the results of tireless scientific research that sheds light on the psycho-physiological effects of the dark retreat. It also includes the general Taoist perpective on the matter. If your looking for the Tibetan perpective read anything by Namkai Norbu Rinpoche and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche their teachings are priceless and they tend to mention the dark retreat practice from time to time. If your looking to actually do a Dark Retreat read as much as you can about Dzogchen and lots of experience with Tsa Lung or Taoist Qigong. Actually studying with these masters is also very important.
So all in all Lowenthal's journal was somewhat interesting and surely worth a read through if your planning to engage yourself in one of the most powerful spiritual practices known to humankind.
For the liberation of all sentient beings!
-Inyo
Average customer rating:
- My only complaint- too short!
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Batman & Spider-Man (New Age Dawning)
J. M. Dematteis
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Spider-Man and Batman
ASIN: 1563893088 |
Customer Reviews:
My only complaint- too short!.......2005-08-16
Batman and Spiderman team up to take on villains Kingpin and Ras Al Ghul. I believe that Dematteis does a superb job with all four characters. Spider-man is a wise-cracking but compassionate man who has an overwhelming sense of responsibility. Batman is a dark, menacing figure with no super-powers. Perhaps the only reason he teams up with Spiderman well is because he identifies with Spidey's strong sense of responsibility. Kingpin is a scheming, criminal mastermind, which lends itself to a good plot twist near the end of the story. Ras Al Ghul is a self-proclaimed visionary and savior who believes the path to salvation involves rebuilding the world after nearly wiping out its population.
The Demon plans once again to upset the balance of the earth. He approaches Wilson Fisk, believing that the Kingpin can finally help him realize his ideal. However, betrayal is very likely with these two. What will happen when they team up?
The story and dialogue are very well done. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.
Average customer rating:
- Infinitely simplistic view into the creation of heaven & hel
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Aurora: The Dayspring, or Dawning of the Day in the Orient
Jacob Boehme
Manufacturer: Holmes Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Occultism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1558181814 |
Customer Reviews:
Infinitely simplistic view into the creation of heaven & hel.......1999-09-01
The aurora is a book of spirit not of understanding. The simplicity of the author is so profoundly penatrating that unless you have walked the tight-rope your self, the book will completely alude you. I believe this book is a major cornerstone for the student on the way to enlightenment. Boehme's presentation has been called clustered at best, but if ready, the word unfolds from within, and you will walk away a changed person.
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