Customer Reviews

Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness

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This is the first balalnced and level-headed account of the Oneness Movement I know of. Negative accounts that vilify the movement seem generated by armchair spiritual critics who haven't experienced the blessing, or fringe body workers/newagers calling the kettle black. Previous positive accounts read like a dangling-carrot of cosmic highs that make someone like me start to crave huge experiences - which is really kind of a disservice when a lot of waking up is about making peace with this world and yourself as you find them. Arjuna's account does neither, giving us a close look at claims and disclaimers, research and fringe "research", reports of spontaneous healings and situational resolutions, as well as the real intentions of the movement and people's experiences within it.

The strength and weakness of the book is two-fold: one is that it was written in a flurry, consisting of hundreds of interviews and commentaries thereof accross the world in a very short period of time. It is rushed, but is also a fresh and exciting report. Second, it is like a snapshot of a race that tells you how things are up to the printing, and lets you clearly know things could very well be different tomorrow. This to me reveals a kind of integrity and beauty of the movement. As is the fact that the movement is seen by the founders as a temporary one with a specific purpose that will look completely different or perhaps not even exist after another 5 years.

I think it is encouraging and important that instead of talking about non-definable terms like "enlightenment", the founders speak of brain functioning and how it is out of balance, which I've intuited is true in my own life, but is also pretty obvious if one considers how out of balance the entire race is with itself and the planet. They are dealing with the science of grace if you will - that a more natural way the brain could operate is available and can be activated through the blessing.

The most curious part of the book is the disclaimer everytime the word "deeksha" is used, that somehow the right word for the blessing is really really important. The best parts of the book for me happen towards the end when Arjuna addresses criticisms of the movement, and then takes us through the 21 day process with beautiful commentary from the guides, along with people's accounts. It shows that something simple and subtle, and maybe perhaps incredibly profound is going on - more so than accounts of spiritual fireworks. It actually conveys an experience for the reader.

I have experienced receiving the Oneness Blessing and have found most of the profound effects have been in my day to day life. I could never relate to the profound experiences of oneness with everything or the "enlightening" experiences that I had heard or read about others having with the Blessing. This is not to discount what those people experienced as I am sure it was beautiful, I just personally have not found that to be true in my experience. What I have experienced receiving the Oneness Blessing is much more important to me. My mind has become much less monkey like. The chatter is still there, but it is considerably less and much more faint. My relationships with others have improved and my health and energy have never been better. My relationship with the Divine is beautiful and tangible and I feel totally and completely immersed in Divine wisdom. Things just seem to happen now, my next step is revealed at the perfect time without any struggle or effort on my part. It is so beautiful! My life is much more balanced and my awareness has increased in so many beautiful ways! I have experienced more oneness, but more on a subtle everyday level. I can relate to many of the experiences in this book. I am not so much interested in so called enlightenment, but I am concerned with less struggle and suffering in my life and the lives of all humans. The Oneness Blessing for me seems to allow me to live more in peace and more in joy.

I love how Arjuna wrote this book. It was interesting and beautiful to hear from experts, everyday people and folks from the University where this originated from. I appreciated him addressing the criticisms of the movement in a fair and balanced way. I also loved how he describes in such a clear and practical way how this phenomenon is affecting people in their everyday lives in so many different ways all over the world. It is affecting people's relationships, businesses, creativity, health and overall happiness. It is all a bit mysterious, but beautiful at the same time. I also love the vision that the Oneness University holds for the planet. In a time where naysayer's and end of the world theories are running abound, it is refreshing to see a group of people that hold a much brighter vision for the planet. It was also crucial in my eyes that they have a plan that is somewhat simple and involves everyone on the planet from every race, culture, religion and belief system. It leaves no one behind and transcends all teaching and dogma. It does not encourage people to believe in a certain way, it asks for people to continue operating in their current belief system and continue their current spiritual practices. They say that experiencing the Oneness Blessing will just enhance whatever they currently believe and practice. To me that says it all! I fully believe that for anything to really change on this planet, that a shift in consciousness must occur and it must shift for all people everywhere. It seems pretty plausible to me that the only way this can really happen is if a shift in the way our brain works does occur. I choose to put my energy behind Arjuna and the folks involved in the Oneness Movement!

If you are interested in basic improvements in all areas of your life and you are sick of self help books and trying this or trying that, read this book and give the Oneness Blessing a shot. In a subtle but profound way I have really become more accepting of who I am rather than trying to fix something that really isn't broken. It has been explained to me that this is simply a way that the Divine can reach humanity. There is nothing much for us to do other than just receive the grace. I have definitely experienced the Divine and her grace in a very real, loving and practical way since starting to receive this Blessing and it makes things flow much smoother and adds a sweet beautiful joy to it all. It is hard to describe really!
Thank you Arjuna for giving us a fair, balanced and down to earth description of this beautiful phenomenon! Thank you for being clear and precise in your description of something that is not so easy to describe. You have a beautiful gift of explaining the unexplainable and this book is definitely proof of that!

Having recieved Deeksha several times I wanted to get a better understanding of Deeksha and what others have/are experienced from the unique and pwerful process.

Arjuna Ardagh gracefully reveals what Deeksha is and is brave enough to highlight both the aknowledgements and criticims of Deekhsha and lets you as the reader make up your own mind as to its merits and validity.

If you are looking for an honest account and description of Deeksha this is it.

I am already a fan of Arjuna Ardagh's books but his recent book, Awakening Into Oneness, is a must read for anyone interested in personal or global transformation. I am on my third read of this book and I find it as fun and thought provoking as the first. His writing style is accessible, light and humorous, and the many stories he shares from the hundreds of interviews are engaging. People from all over the world share their experiences of the Oneness Blessing, some of which are quite astonishing and transformative.

I appreciate Arjuna's journalistic objectivity. He takes on what he observes to be "the fastest growing spiritual development in living memory" known as the Oneness Movement. Arjuna started off as a skeptic, reluctant to travel yet again to India to learn about what he suspected was another "Indian cult". He describes himself as feeling like "Michael Moore on his way to the Republican National Convention." As he plunges into his investigation he became more impressed with what he finds--namely, the harmony among the guides at the Oneness University, a powerful vision for global transformation, but mostly the power of the Oneness Blessing to change lives. Nevertheless he maintains an objectivity and addresses the most common criticisms of the movement. In a lengthy interview he had the opportunity to bring these concerns to the founder of the movement, Sri Bhagavan, and hear his responses.

By some, the Oneness Movement has been characterized by exaggerated claims of quick enlightenment, but Arjuna provides a balanced picture. He writes that "the awakened heart is not a big dog jumping on you and enthusiastically licking your face". What counts for Arjuna is spiritual awakening that leads to a more compassionate and sane way of living. And for many people the Oneness Blessing precipitates very moving experiences: hearts opening and relationships healing, individuals growing in self acceptance, bodies becoming more healthy, the chatter of the mind becoming quieter and for some, the direct realization of their interconnectedness with all life. Something very beautiful is happening.

This is a beautiful book about a beautiful phenomenon. If you care about anything you MUST read this book. Arjuna crafted a wonderful and loving explanation of the complicated subject of awakening and the movement that intends to make it happen by empowering all of us with the experience of our true being.
Even though I left the Oneness University with a newfound sense of stillness and awareness of the Divine, I was also left with many questions. Arjuna answered these, and questions I didn't even know I had. He did this in a clear, insightful and balanced song of words. He also captured the graceful flow of the atmosphere and the people at the Oneness University. This book not only reawakens our hope for a loving and peaceful world, but it shows us a way to help make it happen. Read this book and you will know we are loved and that JOY is our natural state.

I read this book slowly, savoring its information...its a book one could go back to again and again . Ardagh says "anything when fully experienced, is pure joy and bliss."And I felt this when reading..and remembering. Having taken the 21-day Oneness Blessing training in India myself, I felt his words exactly explained everthing and MORE.. clearly,every question about the University' origins and workings was answered. The sweet memory of being there came back...esp. the love kindness that was expressed by everyone there,including the workers in the landscape, builders, drivers, cooks, and the brilliant monks who taught us... there was a high integrity of all who live there. This book is a MUST read, if you have a longing to learn how this planent and your personal life can be brought into oneness through this gift ... Oneness.... the heart's deepest longing... .Ardagh clearly reveals what it is all about.

According to this book the OneConsciousness-blessing or Deeksha can save the planet and turn it into a paradise. Avoid a catastrophe in 2012 and bring us all up to a higher level of consciousness. Which of course sounds absolutely wonderful, just what is needed!

But when I look at the author a certain scepticism starts to creep in. For in the 70s and 80s the sama Arjuna was an enthusiastic and ardent follower (sannyasin) of Osho, and - after the alleged 'scandal' in Oregon - in the early 90s he was an enthusiastic and ardent follower of Papaji (H. W. L. Poonja) and his Satsang-movement, even travelling the Satsang-circuit himself.

As for the book itself a large portion is dedicated to some rather dubious 'scientific' argument for the effectiveness of Deeksha, much in the same way as in older books on Transcendental Meditation. There are also some interviews with the originators of the movement, the Indian couple with the somehow un-inventive names Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma, where Sri Bhagavan states that it has been his aim since childhood to save the world.

The movement seems in perfect harmony with the generel tenedency amnong 'new agers' insofar at it works with corporations and politicians. And here I find the red lamp blinking even more alarming, when Ardagh mentions the widespread use of Deeksha in Mexico, even up to presidential level, because has it changed anything, eased up the social oppression, made better living conditions for the native indian population in the country?

Connected with Deeksha is also the Moola Mantra, known from Deva Premal's latest album, and also recorded by several other artists. And I have to say so far listening to it have not changed my life.

I'm in no position to judge the genuiness of this new 'fad', in fact it would be wonderful if it's claims were true, and I don't know if Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma can save the world. But one thing I'm 99.99 % sure of is, that in a year or two Arjuna Ardagh has found himself a new fad!

Wonderful book about a very powerful life transforming experience coming from Southern India. Spreading all across the globe there are millions reaching out to a better way of living buy taking a brave journey into them selves to live a freer existance. This book explains this journey in an easy and conversation like manner. Anyone on the path of the light must read!

As predicted this book was everything i've heard about it. The book is about Deeksha and it gives deeksha. Great for the coffee table! It really does deliver alot of interesting information about the oneness university and Amma Bagavan and the truth of what they are doing. If your slightly interested in the phenomenon that is deeksha/oneness blessing i recommend it to you. A must have.

I also reccomend the set of dvd's where Arjuna interviews Bhagavan, incredible stuff.

Hello dear reader (s),
Hello dear fellow human being, being human!

Yes, I'm objectively spoken very subjective enthusiastic about Arjuna Ardagh's most recent book "Awakening into Oneness": what a moving, intelligent and inspirational book about the new spiritual fenomenon the Onesse Blessing. After each page I had to surpress myself in not getting up ang give the book a standing ovation!
It describes the possiabilty for each of us to find more peace, happiness and harmony in a rather easy way: by recieving oneness blessings and/or to do an intense 21 day program in India. It describes in a, for me, convincing and sometimes even scientific way that our brain needs a little help to function more in balance and to make it easier to experience the feeling of oneness and happiness. Such a help offers the Oneness Blessing and this may well be the last piece of our (isn't it?)lifelong puzzle to really 'come home'..And this exciting new horizon is by far not all the book has to offer..

I tell you this: I was already interested in het Oneness Blessing (then named Diksha or Deeksha) for the last 1,5 year, but it somehow didn't really take me yet..But reading this book of Arjuna has suddenly set me on fire and let me made quickly the decision to go in august this year to India to experience 'it' fot myself..I find this really unique in my career of reading a lot of (spiritual) books. Now my wife is busy reading Awakening into Oneness and she is also very touched and moved and thrilled..

So to summarise it for you: this is a really catchy wellwritten honest roadmap-guidance book into a spiritual new promising land of Oneness Blessing of making me, you and the rest of the world a better place to live in. Read it and feel for yourself what it does to you. Good luck and all the best!

Bo Baden
Schoorl, The Netherlands, bobaden@planet.nl