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

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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!

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.

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.

The Odyssey Of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews With Enlightened Teachers Of Our Time by Berthold Madhukar Thompson is a selection of interviews with twelve East Indian spiritual teachers, each of whom are widely respected for their enlightened wisdom. Hindu guidance to life-long harmony, the full depth of the immortal truth within Socrates' classic phrase "Know thyself," as well as insights on the meaning of destiny and God's will round out this superbly presented anthology of spiritual acumen. Essentially a chronicle of Thompson's personal quest for spiritual meaning and eternal truths, The Odyssey Of Enlightenment is a welcome and highly recommended contribution to Eastern Spirituality reference collections and Hindu Studies supplemental reading lists.

Berthold Madhukar Thompson's book The Odyssey of Enlightenment is a fascinating read.

At first I thought the book was too full of new age stuff. I did not believe the first two gurus (Osho and Papaji) were truly enlightened. Rather, I felt that these two that Madhu had spent the most time with were more like cult leaders. They wanted devoted followers and their money. Although they did speak of some well-known wisdom, they were very ignorant and unresponsive of Madhu's burning questions.

I became worried for Madhu in his search, even though he felt he had benefited from these two teachers. He was in a deep trap, a trap in the desire for enlightenment--something he only had heard of. He wanted permanent happiness and bliss because he could not face the negative emotions in his daily life, and he wanted escape. He did not have a conscious knowledge or an intuitive knowledge of what enlightenment was.

However, his sincerity and honesty saved him. He never gave in to half truth. When he left Papaji and started on his journey looking for other teachers, I too enjoyed meeting the teachers along his way. Many of the teachers had insightful wisdom to share with him.

In spite of that, Madhu was not ready to receive some of the teachings, and the teachers were again ignorant of the ineffectiveness of their words. I could feel Madhu's frustration when the teachers seemed to go around and around the questions and never gave a straight answer. Either these teachers were very inflexible in their teaching, or they had limited understanding of Reality, or maybe they and Madhu were not good match. Sometimes I felt the guru would say things just to show how special and advanced they were on the path of enlightenment. Sometimes when they tried to point out the opposite, they appeared like Zen masters, but was Madhu ready for such teachings? I thought not.

When we met UG Krishnamurti the anti-guru, I felt he was arrogant and unkind toward Madhu. I don't know why he would do this. His book on the Myth of Enlightenment has been on my wish list for a while and clearly he has important insights into spirituality. I might read his book and see for myself.

Toward the end, I like Andrew Cohen for his responsiveness and coherence (moral integrity, clarity of intention, and open-hearted humility).

In the end Madhu met D.B. Ganolli and found his peace in the teaching of Advaita Vedanta, the spiritual scripture. It seems that Madhu had found his own path, his own way of spiritual search. When he was ready, his new guru appeared.

From Madhu's journey, I believe more firmly that there are infinite ways to reach one's destiny in life, and each person has to find his own way.

The Odyssey Of Enlightenment: Rare Interviews With Enlightened Teachers Of Our Time by Berthold Madhukar Thompson is a selection of interviews with twelve East Indian spiritual teachers, each of whom are widely respected for their enlightened wisdom. Hindu guidance to life-long harmony, the full depth of the immortal truth within Socrates' classic phrase "Know thyself," as well as insights on the meaning of destiny and God's will round out this superbly presented anthology of spiritual acumen. Essentially a chronicle of Thompson's personal quest for spiritual meaning and eternal truths, The Odyssey Of Enlightenment is a welcome and highly recommended contribution to Eastern Spirituality reference collections and Hindu Studies supplemental reading lists.