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One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

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Jerry Katz had me from the first sentence when he defined nonduality as "the experience of our true nature, the taste of being" -- what a clear, concise definition. Direct seeing itself is the experience -- you can call the experience itself Self, or if you choose, God -- and in this direct seeing one becomes whole. This is the experience of becoming a participant in the natural bliss of plants and flowers and trees, and it is one's death as well as rebirth. As soon as we drop the mind [ego] that is the source of all fear, this new world unfolds. In it, we become one with nature. Nothing is separate, nothing is different, and everything begins to throb in harmonious peace, which is our true nature.

Then, one page later, when Katz said that the need for knowing nonduality is grace, and that grace is a profound gift arising from truth, my heart nearly exploded. He went on to say that allowing the desire for nonduality to unfold saves us from fear -- the fear that we're missing what is real [true] and the "great fear" that we do not exist [we just "are" -- "being," as opposed to "being this" or "being that"]. This was all said in the first three pages and is where this review probably needs to end, even though the following 190 treasure-filled pages are as plenary as these three.

The essence of the remaining pages is that we cannot transcend a duality by choosing only one of its sides. It is the choosing itself that is the mistake. The nondual path is where there is no extreme, no duality, no choice to make. Instead, we are to move into the consciousness that chooses, into the state of knowing that perceives the duality. This movement is true wisdom, and it is this wisdom that is the door to light. All actions, perceived as good or bad, happen against a background of "being" that is unaffected. Ultimately, neither good nor bad has any real existence. Reality is beyond dualities. Consciousness -- which is all there is -- supports all, without involvement. "Good" actions are those that point one back towards the truth, towards knowledge of Self. "Bad" actions entrench one further in the depths of illusion, taking one further away from Self. And, there is no reaching Self because You are Self -- you are already That. This is nonduality, where there is no separation from Self or truth.

Still, I am compelled to comment on Jerry Wennstrom's chapter of "becoming nothing" in the nondual perspectives section. A film has been made about the life of Whidbey Island artist, Jerry Wennstrom. Beginning in 1979, Wennstrom destroyed all the art he had created, gave everything he owned away, and began a new life. He sensed an inner and outer world in perfect order and became a willing participant in that order -- he leaped into the void, the ultimate creative act. In reading this chapter, I tasted the "great freedom that nothing is ours to hold or identify with...and that the only territories consistently worth exploring are the badlands of limitation and fear. When we release the personal identity, then our gifts will be sanctified and returned. The attempt to do anything significant in the world before we have been deeply changed ourselves is a way to avoid real change. Good intention counts for very little...doing our own work first leads to our true and unique participation in the world we wish to serve." Jerry Wennstrom and I met in the Heart as I read this chapter, three times in a row. The Heart is the only possible place to meet, to join -- no separation from truth is there. And, I'll end this review with a quote from Wennstrom: "A mature creative life, which has discovered its source, finds it is linked to everything."

The editor of "One: Essential Writings on Nonduality", Jerry Katz, exhibits an intuitive grasp of the universality of a nondual understanding of reality through his selection of the broadly ranging texts included in this volume. He succeeds both in presenting the essential features of Nonduality through his selection of the succinct teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi which are formatted in a clear question and answer format, and also in ensuring that his readers do not stray from the important point that Nonduality is not a particular school of thought or system of any one person or culture, but rather lies at the heart of a broad range of writings in many fields, including education, art, and cinema, as well as in mystical writings from all major religions. This is the fruit of this book.

There are many ways to talk about Reality, but none of them adequately encompass the wholeness of Reality. Language focuses on descriptions of the world around us, but necessarily loses focus when we attempt to turn it onto the essential nature of Wholeness. Lacking a basis upon which to distinguish non-dual Reality, each speaker must necessarily create his or her own language for describing the nature of that which they have come to realize in their heart. By placing many of these descriptions, each couched in its own subjective terms, side by side in this volume, Jerry Katz had made it possible for us to find the nuggets of gold buried, sometimes deeply, other times lying close to the surface, in each contribution and thus to see their common nature. As he points out in his introduction to the selection of texts he calls "Nondual Confessions": "It is important to grasp that self-realized people are speaking from an understanding about reality very different from the understanding of most others."

"One" is probably the best introductory text for gaining access to this understanding of Reality. Finding this book is a grace, spending the time to understand its' meaning is worth every moment.

James Corrigan
An Introduction to Awareness

Q: What is the sound of one editor, editing?

A: Deafening, like the roar of many waters, is the silence and peace it can bring! -- especially so in this case, as the editor, Jerry Katz (owner of nonduality [dot] com) knows the nondual literature of past and present as few other Earthlings do.

Nonduality is an ancient view of consciousness and being, albeit a minority view. It's what you've always known, but have ever been told is naive and impossible: All is one! And the beauty of this realization is nothing less than breathtaking in its arrangement in this volume.

If you're just beginning your inquiry into nonduality, his selections will bless you on your way, while encouraging you to retain the suppleness of 'beginner's mind.' If you are a person of long and/or deep spiritual practice, able to bring an open thought to these readings, you will surely find insight here.

His is a full-spectrum presentation. He has a gem dealer's eye for clarity, hue, sparkle, while never seeming to be put off by packaging or provenance. This man knows how to select and string pearls! And he doesn't care if they are from freshwater water, or salt; from east, or west. He shows us their fitting place; he is able to juxtapose them into a setting that is fluid, graceful, stunning in their relational beauty. Readers will find their wariness of brandname spiritual practices fade as they are able to behold, simply, what is.

His selections range from Native American to Christian, from Tao to Hindu and Sufi. And they all point to One, not-two, thus nondual. Isn't it time you availed yourself of some help putting 'Humpty together again?' The whole is the sum of the parts. And they belong together, as he shows us. Yes, it's just a start, but the journey is both inviting and compelling. This is a great place to begin.

~eric. Alden, NY

This is perhaps the most ambitious book to date in the field of Nonduality. In "One: Essential Writings on Nonduality", Jerry Katz unleashes seven years of editorial experience with this debut work showcasing the latest, most engaging modern writing on the subject side-by-side with the wisdom of major ancient traditions.

Much more than simply a compilation, "One" is a major step in increasing our understanding of Nonduality by explaining it from an impressive and diverse range of perspectives. In today's society where the dangers of religious divisiveness are painfully evident, this sort of pointing to common ground is not only refreshing and liberating, but perhaps a necessary step towards a better global future.

Katz is able to take things further yet, going outside the realm of religion and spirituality, into applications of the Nondual perspective in psychotherapy, education, art, and even pop culture. I found these sections particularly unique and inspiring.

Highly recommended.

- Gary Crowley, author, "From Here To Here, Turning Toward Enlightenment"

One: Essential Writings on Nonduality, edited by Jerry Katz, is a well chosen collection of ideas and writings discussing the captivating concept of nonduality. The thoughts and expressions presented to a curious reader are not based in a sole tradition or philosophy. Instead, Katz has brilliantly drawn on lively passages from major traditions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This unique selection of writings paints a vivid picture of nonduality for the reader; bringing an ancient philosophy into the modern world with striking relevance.

Nonduality is a hard concept to grasp at first because the mind is trained to make distinctions in the world and nondualism is the rejection of distinction. Not to say that all differences are eliminated, merely transformed into relationships. Presented with an in-depth and captivating explanation of the notion of nonduality in the first chapter, the reader is eager to delve into the rest of the book. Further exploration is like a journey toward the understanding of truth and the desire for nonduality. Conclusions and explanations are drawn from every walk of life. There is something for everyone in the journey including beliefs from Judaism, the Native American tradition and Buddhism. If these discussions are not enough to fascinate, One also includes discussions of psychotherapy, art and even the cinematic phenomenon The Matrix.

Each writer's work featured in this complete collection is an exciting and intelligent commentary about Nonduality. Jerry Katz has ceased to become an editor and has transformed into an inspired guide into the world of nondualism and the search for truth. Any reader interested in finding the enlightenment that links us all together would greatly enjoy this book. It is a fascinating read from beginning to end and every step along the way.

I am grateful to Jerry Katz for offering us this superb introduction and explication on the meaning, function, and essence of Nonduality.

In the past, when friends or acquaintances asked me to recommend a book on this marvelous, but sometimes difficult subject, I was forced to hand them a half-dozen books and point out the pertinent sections--No more! Mr. Katz's lovely book brings all the essential writings together--and much more!

Part One of "One: Essential Writings on Nonduality", begins with a straightforward and lucid introduction to the essential concepts of Nonduality, then suddenly and unexpectedly, Katz expertly guides us beyond the "concepts" of Nonduality and evokes the experience itself! With the compassionate wisdom of a Zen master, Katz pulls this off by directing our awareness to the evidence of our own inherent wisdom. By page 4 we may realize that we are "not in Kansas anymore", and by page 7 we may be startled to find that while "there is no place like home", there is "no place BUT home."

In Part Two, Jerry Katz begins to present the marvelous implications of Nonduality by guiding us gradually, and logically into the meaning and function of Nonduality in our lives here and now. As he does throughout the book, Katz leads the reader at a steady pace into subtler depths of this profound characteristic of reality by gradually building upon the knowledge we have attained in the earlier sections.

With a wonderful selection of teachings by Sri Ramana Maharshi, Katz takes us for an exciting exploration of the essential teachings regarding spiritual liberation, freedom from fear and greed, and the actualization of a full and authentic life.

Outlining the two fundamental "attitudes", or "approaches" to practice and enlightenment, Mr. Katz furnishes us with all the tools and knowledge we need to begin our journey along the ancient Way, which is actually beneath our own two feet at this very moment.

Part Three is a veritable treasure trove of the sacred wisdom from all the great religions and spiritual traditions of the world. By utilizing a number of insightful selections from Buddhism, Taoism, Advaita, Sufism, Judaism, Christianity, and the Native American Tradition, Katz not only reveals the wonders of Nonduality--he gives us a direct presentation of it!

As the late great mythologist, Joseph Campbell revealed in "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," there may be many "faces" but there is only One "hero", Jerry Katz reveals the "One" reality as it speaks through all the great traditions.

This section of the book provides such a wealth of information, knowledge, inspiration, and traditional wisdom that we may want to have at least two copies; for we are sure to wear this book out as we will be returning to this section again and again for decades to come.

Part Four of "One: Essential Writings on Nonduality", provides the reader with some of the ways that the reality of Nonduality manifests in society, culture, and the world. This whole section is like icing on the cake.

Jerry Katz takes us behind the scenes, giving us an inside tour of the modern world through an exploration of the nature of Nonduality in:

o Psychotherapy

o Education

o Art

o Even in the movie, The Matrix

In Part Five (Yes, there is more!) Jerry Katz brings it all together (or actually reveals that it has ALWAYS BEEN altogether) by highlighting some extraordinary implications of Nonduality, as well as providing us with some grist for the mill on our own journey.

Throughout "One: Essential Writings on Nonduality", Jerry Katz provides us with the kind of lucid and insightful commentary that opens our hearts to the marvels of this vast unnamable fathomless void that we call home.

Highly Recommended!!

Non-duality is the most important topic one can study, contemplate, discuss with others, and practice. Practice until you are living with an understanding and an attitude that you are part of the oneness of all life. You will realize that you, the real You, are an immortal, invincible spirit-soul.

This book on essential writings on non-duality, compiled by Jerry Katz, can help you understand more about your oneness with all life. It includes writings from around the world, both ancient and new. It has some great questions and answers from Sri Ramana Maharshi, a Self-realized master and one of the most well known teachers on non-dualism in recent Indian History.

It also has selections from Taoism, Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, Judaism, Native American, and more. These are nuggets of wisdom that have been around for a long time, yet still not assimilated by the mainstream populace.

There are some people today who have assimilated the understanding of non-duality, and some of their writings are included which gives you a modern perspective. A review of the deeper meanings behind the Matrix movies is one I'm sure people will relate to.

Once you have this book you will want to keep it handy for re-reading and and meditating on the insights it contains. --review by Clifford J. Mikkelson, author of Gospel of One, Letters of Aul

"ONE" is perhaps the first cross-cultural guidebook to nonduality. Most often, "nonduality" is thought of as a hazy topic limited to Eastern spiritual teachings or postmodern Western physics. But Jerry Katz bursts these boundaries by including chapters on unexpected areas. From art to psychotherapy, from cinema to the education of children. Any of these angles can be a heart connection, opening the sweet inquiry into nondual realization.

What I find particularly valuable is how he restores traditional religions, which often get a bad rap in nondual circles. By including well-selected readings from the nondual branches of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, Jerry shows beautifully how these ancient traditions have pointed RIGHT HERE, all along.

Jerry's own writing is wise and friendly, with a twist of wry humor. If you read between the lines, you can feel he has lots more to say about these things, and I look forward to it.

It would be hard to find a more sure-footed guide into the territory of nonduality. Not only is the book clear enough to serve as an introduction, but those already familiar with nondual writings will find it offers fresh insights into the timeless sources, as nondual voices from various religious traditions reflect a shared understanding. When someone with such a broad knowledge selects the more outstanding passages, you can be sure they are worthy of your attention. In his own words, "This book contains both the worthwhile and the impossible". Examples of the more radical nondual perspectives appear, and yet the book never loses touch with that very human desire for truth. Jerry Katz has a mission to make nonduality available and relevant to the regular people on the street, so he also includes contemporary writers. Nonduality is showing up in some surprising ways in today's culture, as seen by examples from education, art, pschotherapy, and the movies.

This is living truth, and you will be inspired to take up the challenge of living it yourself. What is this inquiry into our true nature or reality, and how is it relevant to your life now? I especially like how the questions most readers might already be asking are used to provide continuity and bring the focus back to just how all this matters to us. Because Jerry Katz has the sort of inclusive vision that simply wants others to see, too. Reading this small book is a gigantic gift, as you will discover with every minute of unwrapping it.

"As we read these accounts of nondual perspective, over and over again we will find accord with the practice of inquiry and surrender prescribed by Sri Ramana Maharshi. These perspectives are various ways of confessing or calling for a turn toward awareness, Self, God, our unbounded nature. That turning is the job of one who desires nonduality."

This book has everything one needs to know about Nonduality whether or not you are just exploring the subject for the first time or have first hand experience of Nonduality as an ongoing reality of your life. Jerry Katz is the Godfather to this subject and one of it's most effective communicators. His editing has made the different masters directions in their chapters of the book merge together into one serene flow emptying ones spiritual heart to allow the "Truth" to fill it. And that's what the enquiry into Nonduality is all about.
Peace and blessings,
Bob Rose, President,
Meditation Society of America