The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel [Hardcover]

Sydney Banks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2001

Beset by daily life's trials and tribulations, many people search for the elusive wisdom that will help them make sense of their journey and find inner peace. So, too, do the characters in this wonderful story by Sydney Banks. In this simple but profound tale, four colleagues meet a remarkable gardener whose unique philosophy will forever change their lives. That philosophy is equally powerful for the reader. The wisdom within these pages comes in the form of a straightforward message that is accessible to all who open their hearts to it.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The late SYDNEY BANKS is a well-known author, philosopher and lecturer who was born in Scotland in 1931. For much of his adult life he lived and worked in Canada and during the final 35 years of his life, Banks lectured at universities and health clinics in the United States and Canada. His unique philosophy and perceptions provided new insights in the fields of psychology and education. By applying the profound understand of the mind as shared by Sydney Banks, a growing number of teachers, doctors and health care and business professionals have experienced significant results in their work and their lives. He passed away in May 2009 at his home on Salt Spring Island.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Lone Pine Publishing (March 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551052989
• ISBN-13: 978-1551052984
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, August 1, 2001

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Quick Cents (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel (Hardcover)

Wow!

The first chapter or two are a bit on the fluffy side, but when you get to the discussions with "the gardner," things get philosophically deep, real deep. What a refreshing take on how the mind and our thoughts interplay to make who we are. I've read Banks's other books, and this is by far the best and most successful attempt that Sydney has made in relating his understanding of how mind, consciousness, and thought affect and direct our lives. I also enjoyed his previous book "The Missing Link," but a couple of my colleagues that read it found it to be like popcorn...it tastes great while your eating it, but it doesn't fill you up. I disagree with their opinion on "The Missing Link" to a certain extent, and also agree with them to a certain extent, but I can honestly say that the enlightened gardner isn't popcorn--this is a full pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavor). Banks has clearly gone to another level of conveying his unique perspective on life through analogies that are simply perfect (Ugh!, I can't stand using that word, but I can't think of a better synonym right now). For those who may have had trouble grasping the paradox of the concurrent simplicity and complexity of his message in the past, this book is hard to argue with--it's that convincing. I'm already passing this around the office, but enough sugar...

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple Wisdom, Hidden Treasures, November 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel (Hardcover)

In this little book, a wise and humorous old gardener converses with four psychologists about the nature of life. In spite of the fact that his views go against all their training and beliefs, the therapists find themselves intrigued and captivated.
Reading these conversations, I am often stopped in my tracks by a sentence or a phrase that suddenly brings a profound feeling or a deep insight. At that point, there is no need to read further; I put the book aside for a time, feeling full and grateful.
I recommend The Enlightened Gardener to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of the connection between spirit and psychology, or anyone just hoping to find a deeper understanding of life. Beneath the simplicity of style lie hidden treasures, appearing when you may least expect them.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sheds new light on the subject of mental wellbeing, August 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel (Hardcover)

In the novel The Enlightened Gardner we are whisked away to the charm and beauty of the English countryside, while being offered a chance to catch glimpses of our true spiritual nature. Through the words of the main character, in his conversations with a small group of professionals, we are given the opportunity to experience peace and contentment beyond what we thought possible. This book will draw you back for more than one reading, and have you continually looking at life from a fresher and more positive perspective.