Customer Reviews

Perfect Brilliant Stillness

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Very cool book.

Into the neo-advaita space pre-populated by Douglas Harding, John Wheeler, Nathan Gill and Bob Adamson etc. rolls this Harley-Davidson shovelhead hog of a treatment. Basic idea is simple: 'Life is but a dream' ... so, get over it!

But there's nothing you can do to get over it, as you don't exist and there's no actual `it' there to get over anyway. So, um, don't worry about it.

I like Carse's treatment because he delivers a straight-forward uncompromising message in a friendly, unpretentious, and sometimes humorous tone.

Carse biographs aspects of his own awakening Experience (Note: Please forgive the advaitically incorrect language of this review. "I" know very well (except there is no I, and nothing to know) that "Carse" (there is no Carse) did not Experience anything (nothing exists) ... blabitty blah blah... just fill in the necessary disqualifiers after every single word on your own from now on please). He is at great pains to assure us that the exoticism of an awakening experience, its setting or apparent cause or context, mean absolutely nothing. Therefore it is amusingly ironic that in his case the (non)awakening happened(didn't happen) in of all places (there are no places), deep within the Amazon jungle rain forest, when he was working on mysterious shamanic practices.

For god's sake! Talk about catnip to the vast Seeker hordes out there! Poor guy, all the other neo-advaita biggies try in vain to downplay their own, relatively mundane, scenes/stories of (non)Awakening (e.g. walking in a city park or whatever), but Carse really has his work cut out for him here.

He also talks a lot about supposedly huge amounts of fake non-dualism being purveyed to unwary as the Real Thing, in the shoddy spiritual supermarkets of today. This angle struck me as odd, in that he quotes, with varying degrees of apparent approbation, practically every single neo-adviatan author, Satsang vendor, or other Big Cheese on the scene in recent times. He seems to accept them all as fellow Awakeners - Gangaji, Wayne Liquorman, Ken Wilber, U G Krishnamurthi, Ramesh Balsekar, Nisargadatta, Adayashanti, and many more. He seems to validate them all, so I'd like to know who exactly he's railing against as fake? What other donkey rump is left out there to which we can pin the tail of pusher of the bogus, misleading, false advaita that Carse calls out? Anyway it doesn't matter because all the above are just puppets hanging on the strings pulled by the one infinite consciousness.

This book reminds me most strikingly of "Hardcore Zen : Punk Rock, Monster Movies, & the Truth about Reality" by Brad Warner. Though Warner writes from a Zen context, he has a similar "cut the bullspit" attitude toward the sacred cows of his own tradition (and every other).

If you have already read lots of neo-advaitan stuff or heard much of it, there won't be any new content for you here, but you'll definitely get a relentless machine gun spray of "its all fake just give it up". That may sound tedious, but if you're in the right mood it's made fun by Carse's light and amusing style. If you don't know much about the whole neo-advaitan gamespace ("life is but a dream"), then possibly you would find Tony Parson's book to be a shorter and more accessible introduction. "Stillness" is possibly best appreciated by those who've been around the neo-advait block once or twice.

Not that it matters in the slightest as you are just another dream character merely playing with yourself until you Awaken (which isn't possible).

Carse continually returns to his basic hard-nosed point, which can be summarized by him as follows:

"Annihilation here isn't referring to some party game. It is a total and radical thing, often bloody and brutal, call annihilation; wiping out of existence; ceasing to be; death. Not death of the body; nothing dies when the body dies. Real death; the only real death, as real as death gets: the death of an individual person/self."

I'm still not sure how the absolute conviction of the neo-advaits really differs from the absolute conviction of the Jesus-believing fundamentalist or any other True Believer, those who think they've got reality cornered and on the run. Basically the same emotionally invulnerable mindset as far as I can see. But that just proves how totally unawakened I am! No matter though, as Carse is completely convincing on his own terms, and I'm totally sold that he sees a lot farther than I do.

The Self cannot be described but David Carse makes a very good effort. Quoting from Sufi and Taoist sages as well as Advaitin ones, he helps uncover the non-dual truth that is the essence of the phenomenal appearance. The language he uses is direct and carries the conviction of experience. In many books on Advaita there is the distinct feeling that what is said is in the realm of theory or based upon what has been read elsewhere; one is left in no doubt that this is not the case here. Although nothing new is being said, the material comes across so clearly, simply and self-evidently. And I think this is the key to why the book succeeds. The words carry the understanding to those seeking the explanations but they cannot prevent the heart-felt, mind-less, direct `knowing' from shining through and piercing the merely intellectual.

Although much is said about the inadequacy and ultimate failure of language to speak of reality, David's writing is very good. I have said in my own books that it is not possible to talk clearly about this subject without using the correct Sanskrit terminology but this book seems to give the lie to that statement. There are some very original metaphors and many brilliant, quotable observations. Sometimes, every other paragraph seems to contain a new profundity.

David is not a teacher of Advaita and specifically states that he does not teach. Beginners will probably not benefit and should perhaps look elsewhere to begin with. But, if you think you know it all already yet feel that `it' has still not clicked, this is definitely for you. It is the book for those who want to differentiate between intellectual understanding and realization. I have also noted that it seems to receive praise from both traditional and neo-Advaitins - and that is praise indeed!

I have mentioned elsewhere that I always pencil in the margins of any Advaita books that I read these days. Positive comments are marked: `good', `!' and Q (for `quote'); things that I don't understand are marked `?' or, if I disagree, `x'. There are very few `?', only a couple of x's and many Q's and good's. What more can I say? The only adverse comment that I would make - and it is a warning for potential readers as much as anything else - is that the early chapters do go on a bit! So, if you find that, don't be put off and give up; keep reading - it just gets better... and better!


Dennis Waite, author of Back to the Truth: 5000 years of Advaita

This book ate me up. I've read many, many, too many spiritual books covering the spiritual spectrum from A to Z (Advaita to Zen) over the past 25 years. Very, very few are so unwaveringly honest, so uncompromisingly direct, so clean and clear of ulterior motive or hidden agenda.

I didn't think I had a lot of ego left when I picked this book up. Well, I was wrong. I still have a lot of ego left, but it's a good deal smaller and more humble than it was before That behind "the david thing" as the author sometimes refers to himself, got hold of it.

Whew.

This is a take-no-prisoners book, presented as a personal spiritual memoir, but holding about as much ego-smashing power as will fit between two paperback covers. Don't read it unless you want to know what may be some hard truth. Halfway through it was clear to me that although this body/mind unit has made a lot of progress, or at least seems to have, it still has a long way to go--at least one major leap about which I know nothing more than hearsay.

This unit will take The Leap, or it won't, but it sure hasn't so far; that's clear.

Right after Mr. Carse kindly pointed out that I was deeply confused, he then patiently explained over the course of the next two chapters why that was so. He pointed the finger of blame squarely at me.

Byron Katie says that if she had a prayer, which of course she does not, it would be, "Lord, please deliver me from the need for love or approval." Boy, do I ever get that.

The means became the end. The devoted seeker became the deluded finder. I read until I found what I wanted.

Ouch. "Momma, I think that emperor is naked."

It's pretty durn embarassing. But I'm going to use it, not dodge it; own it, not deny it. It is what it is, and I am where I am. The claim of progress still rings authentic, and the Way appears clearer than ever. It's as noble a journey as any.

The best method I know to further reduce this unit's continuing claim to separation and specialness is to post my private embarrassment over its antics in the most public of high places, the Amazon International Spiritual Bulletin Board, so to speak.

Take THAT, ego.

It's a great book. Read it if you can stand it.

TWO YEARS LATER...

I'm adding this note two years after I wrote the initial review, which ended "if you can stand it."

I still think it's a great book. And it presents the truth--as seen and experienced through one body-mind. So, I am saying it is the truth, but it is not the uncolored truth. There IS no uncolored truth to be found in any words, including these.

But there is another, more patient, understanding view; a kinder, gentler, probably more helpful view that understands and beautifully explains the non-conflicting notions of spiritual event and spiritual process, of non-abiding and abiding enlightenment. You will find that in the teachings of Adyashanti. I invite you with a full heart to look into his work.

Namaste, all.

ANOTHER TWO YEARS LATER...

I still love Adyashanti, and my own teacher, Scott Kiloby, but I've grown enough now to love this book. I always knew it was a great book, but it's yet better than I thought. If you're awake, you really need to read this. If you're not, but you think you might be close, give this a close read.

Peace.

AND YET ANOTHER YEAR LATER...

I'm posting part of an email that I sent this morning, in October, 2011, to a friend, someone who reads my blog, Awakening Clarity. It tells the story well:

Oh, yes, the David Carse book is as good as anything I've ever read on awakening, and far, far better than most. I've read it again since, and will probably tackle it a third time at some point. At the time I first read it and wrote about it, I was confused, because I was still experiencing oscillation, and at that time I was experiencing a sense of separation. I need to edit that review. [This is that "edit".] I won't change what's there, I'll simply write an updated addendum, as I've done with some others. If you look on AC, I changed the What I'm Reading Now section over to Favored Books, Authors, Translators. The content is entirely different. His [Carse's] book is on that list; I have no higher praise.

In fact, my only knit to pick with him is that because awakening occurred through his body-mind in a specific way, he concludes the same thing that other Nondual police do: "Unless it happens like it happened to me, it hasn't happened." I know someone not too far from here who feels the same way; a number of core Nondualists do. In my experience, five years into awakeness, that's just not so.

Adya [Adyashanti] and Scott [Kiloby, my teacher] both say, and I concur, that awakening can occur any way it wants anytime it wants. I mean, we're talking about God here, you know? I think trying to place limits on the power of the universe still has a little pop of self-centeredness/self-satisfaction to it. I don't mean that as a personal jab; I'm just making that clinical observation.

I'm certainly not accusing that unit of not consciously having awakeness functioning through it, I'm just saying I'm allowing it to not duplicate what happened here and still be recognized as a conscious vehicle for awakeness.

This book is a must read for any seeker who wishes to better understand the subject of what is commonly termed "enlightenment". It is probably best-suited for someone with a fairly good knowledge of the subject of advaita rather than someone new to this path. When reading the words of David Carse, the reader gets the strong sense that what is being said is unquestionably the truth. To one not familiar with the subject material, this book will probably come across as pure fantasy at best, and absolute insanity at worst. At any rate, as the author warns, this work can cause one to become skeptical as well as troubled. But, to paraphrase from the gospel of St. Thomas, "after you have been troubled, you will be greatly astonished." In a word, this book is "astonishing."

I really liked this book, read it in a day. It's refreshingly frank and written without a lot of spiritual venacular and pretense. I doubt it's helpfull to spiritual seekers, but then again, that's sort of the point of the book! I imagine that the story parts can get boring to someone that hasn't had a similar, unsought, unexpected and devastating introduction to "not-this." For those who have this book will seem eerily familiar. Personally, I like the fact that David Carse hasn't followed the current rote template of setting himself up as a teacher with the requisite website, spewing out "books" of nothing more than transcibed dialogues.

I loved this book, one of those rare out-of-the-box spiritual books. Simply a plain, straight forward account of what it is like when no one's home. Carse writes like one speaks, verbs and nouns not always required for a sentence. I feel he's writing without concern for what may be "correct" for the reader, he's just authentically describing as directly as seems possible what's going on. This book is not for the intellectual. But if you're looking to become more comfortable with the space after annihilation, this book is for you.

There are two books that stopped me in my tracks and broke my addiction to questions and spiritual seeking. The book that I am currently reviewing and "Haunted Universe: The True Knowledge of Enlightenment, the Revised Edition by Steven Norquist.

In many ways, these two books are very different. Carse's book is thick, entertaining and personable. Norquist just tells you all you need to know, in a quick and unforgiving style. Yes, I would take both books with me to that lone island everyone talks about, except I wouldn't find myself in a TV show called LOST!

I have already reviewed Mr. Norquist's book, and won't say much more here. Mr. Carse says quite a bit about his experience. It's a thick book that never feels wordy and never tires the reader. David touches upon so many aspects of enlightenment that he turns his book into a firestorm of true brilliance.

Few books have I read were my immediate reaction was to think up how many friends I could share this with. The book literally consumed me. While reading it, I actually felt awake. That feeling hardly ever accompanies any books I've read before, except again Mr. Norquist's!

I have decided not to describe the contents of the book, simply because my interest here is in sharing how my mind reacted. While reading this book, something magical happened that is ever so rare. It communicated something to me that most books fail to convey, in a clear and authentic way. That the message is so simple it totally confounds the mind. This is about the conviction of experience and realization versus intellectual understanding.

"That everything is all right; That everything is perfect as it is; That all is well." As David continues to say: "This is what I see; And what I know!"

As he explains again and again, words cannot describe it. But David Carse does it better than anyone I've ever read. He is able to use words to help you use the words to take them inside to tap that space of stillness. Yes, the words cannot do it - but he does an exquisite job of pointing and following his pointer is very extraordinary. Tears of joy from reading and resonating - even though I've not 'experienced' to this intensity - I still know it - we all know it - because we are that.

Enjoyed the book very much, read it in its entirety in 2 days. I enjoyed the repetivity of approaching the One Subject from every concievable angle. As the personal mind stands, with all its conditioning, it takes this hammering from every possible angle to hopefully pierce, unexpectedly, through to Source.

I understand the authority with which it is written. Without this authority, it wouldn't be authentic would it? I have experienced the authority from which this book is written. Once experienced, there REALLY is NO DOUBT. You can't explain to anyone the unbelievable authority with which it comes. You could deny it to save your life, but you wouldn't believe your own denial.

My real question, although it is not important, is how David's understanding and Dr. David Hawkins understanding mesh. Hawkin's talks about levels, whereas David Carse would not. Perhaps he would say that there are levels within the dream, but only one knowing.

Actually, as much as I like Hawkins, I like David Carse's view as it is simpler. I think Carse would compare what Hawkins is currently doing as similar to what Ramesh and others end up doing -- that is, speaking at the level the seeker can understand, hoping that at some future point, as the mind breaks its conditioning, it will be able to make the final break.

Carse is not addressing levels. He is not addressing you in a manner that will protect any favorite positions. He is hitting the one point, the Understanding only, from every angle he can.

I found the book right on target with my understanding. Would love to be able to email him, but as with myself, we like the silence, or as one guru said, I just have a hard time with all the egojis.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is done searching, and who is willing to bear the full brunt of a direct onslaught.

Maury Lee

Very difficult to give pointers to the none dual reality that we actually are and fail (in most cases) to "see". One having to use dualistic models/language tends to obscure the obvious even more but this is as good as your going to get...... Recommended.