The Odyssey of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews with Enlightened Teachers of our Time [Paperback]

Berthold Madhukar Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2002

This book chronicles one man's burning quest as he searches for, and tirelessly questions, a total of twelve spiritual teachers who are widely recognized as enlightened. Spurred on by a passionate yearning for truth, Thompson's odyssey takes him to remote parts of India where he engages in dialogues of a quality and depth rarely found in the annals of religion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The strength of the author's seeking elicits wisdom from the sages he visits." -- Ram Dass

About the Author

Berthold Madhukar Thompson

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Editions (August 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931254095
• ISBN-13: 978-1931254090
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #821,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interviews with Non-Dualist Masters, October 23, 2002

By 

Cynthia Sue Larson "www.realityshifters.com" (San Francisco bay area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Odyssey of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews with Enlightened Teachers of our Time (Paperback)

Have you ever wondered what's really going on at those mysterious "satsangs" with spiritual leaders in traditions of non-dualism? While these modern-day enlightenment gurus often shun media appearances, their mystique grows. Short of joining one of their organizations, it can be challenging to find out the basis for their teachings, and whether they might be helpful in guiding one to a sense of enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment in one's life. Berthold Madhukar Thompson presents riveting interviews with twelve such spiritual teachers of non-dualistic traditions in the story of his search for truth, THE ODYSSEY OF ENLIGHTENMENT.

Thompson finds and shares something truly amazing and unexpected in this book -- completely unique perspectives on how one can best find joy and a sense of eternal peace. I was surprised to find so many different definitions of enlightenment in one book, as well as some rather unexpected points of view on whether or how enlightenment should even be pursued as a goal. I was glad to see that a biographical profile and photograph of each of these special individuals is included at the beginning of each section, so I got a better sense of who they are. I found the diversity of perspectives to be quite refreshing, and know that this is a book I'll be glad to refer to whenever I want to see the world in fresh, new ways.

Thompson is a kind and trusty guide through an exploration of the essence of reality, consciousness, and oneness. Thanks to Thompson's thoughtful observations and willingness to share his own personal experiences, THE ODYSSEY OF ENLIGHTENMENT transcends potential confusion and presents the reader with a fascinating overview of the teachings of some of the world's pre-eminent enlightenment gurus of the 21st century. This book is bejeweled with insights that can help bring peace of mind, such as "thought activity is the main hindrance to realization." In addition to sharing these gems of wisdom, this book also explains how to put them into practice in one's life.

Whether you are curious about what's really being taught in various schools of non-duality and enlightenment, or would like specific information about Osho, Papaji, Harish Madhukar, Gangaji, Annamalai Swami, Lakshmana Swami, Ramesh S. Balsekar, Dadaji, Kiran, U.G. Krishnamurti, Andrew Cohen, and D.B. Gangolli, this is the book for you!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A useful book for spiritual seekers, January 9, 2008

By 

J. Seidman "Jim" (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Odyssey of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews with Enlightened Teachers of our Time (Paperback)

Despite the subtitle, this book is as much about Thompson's own spiritual quest as it is about the interviews. The search for Truth can be long and frustrating. Thompson's book is a wonderful help by illustrating how someone else made it through all the pitfalls and blind alleys on the way.

In many ways, the most interesting part of the book is the epilogue, where Thompson reflects on his search. He has the insight that all of his teachers were flawed in some way, yet they were each necessary for his journey. Knowing upfront that gurus are still people with egos, who will disagree with each other and provide contradictory information, will probably save many of us from a lot frustration.

The book is also fascinating for hearing the different opinions of what enlightenment actually is. I know several people who want enlightenment, but don't really know what it entails. The wisdom and opinions of Thompson's various teachers really helped clarify the point for me.

For anyone seeking the enlightenment of non-duality, whether through traditional Indian teaching as Thompson did, or through a newer modality such as The Sedona Method, this book is both a useful and engaging read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A humble introduction to the masters of our time, April 12, 2007

By 

R. Sberlo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Odyssey of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews with Enlightened Teachers of our Time (Paperback)

This book is one of the most honest, articulate, and personal books about the search for enlightenment that I have ever read. Thompson writes from the heart, and his dedication not only to finding the ultimate truth, but to relating the messages of enlightened masters to the reader, is at once moving and inspiring. The interviews with these masters are invaluable, and are organized in such a way that the seem to blend together even in their contradictions. Thompon's unique style summarizes their teachings with respect, humility, and thoroughness, and his personal experience of these teachings add a richness that makes this book a beautiful testament to the search for inner truth.