Customer Reviews

Soul Wisdom: Practical Treasures to Transform Your Life

5 star:		(142)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(37)
2 star:		(35)
1 star:		(37)

 

 

I happened upon this book in the new release section here on Amazon, and sucker that I sometimes am, thought "wow, look at all the 5 star reviews!!" I was amazed that out of 130+ reviews, all were 5 stars, with the exception of 2 or 3. I browsed to see what the table of contents held and decided to bite. My hopes were for something more along the lines or caliber of the Orin & Daben materials, with an Eastern influence. Got my copy a few days ago, and sat for well over an hour reading, and within the first 2 minutes, I began to get this not so uplifting kind of hunch that perhaps the book I was reading was not the same book that got all the 5 star reviews. For one thing the fundamental principles are basic, yet very repetitiously stated, and I found it became very boring in no time. Think: 20 or possibly 30 pages along the metaphorical lines of "if A + B = C, then C = B + A..over and over and over again". THat's just the early portion of the book, so can only guess what the later part contains, honestly. The feeling though was that he was trying to fill the pages to make it appear that there was more info available to the reader than in all actuality there is.

Well, I gave it another whirl earlier today, and made my final decision that this book is not what I had wanted or hoped for.

Here's the rub: if interested, go to each of the reviews here for this book and click on each individual's "see all my reviews" tab for referencing what other materials these people have reviewed, etc. I won't go on any further except to say I leave it up to each of you to make your own conclusions given a very odd yet obvious pattern as far as the ridiculously large majority of reviewers choices in only reviewing the Dr Zhi material(s)and nothing else. Period.

Perhaps there are some valuable things that Dr Zhi truly has shared in this book, but I don't feel there is anything here that warrants purchasing or actually putting into practice on a daily basis.

I cannot believe that anyone would buy into this hocus-pocus. While the author's credentials seem incredible, I did not find this work as a whole credible. The idea that the "Divine" would appear to him while he was teaching a class could be true; however, the idea that the author somehow has these supernatural divine powers that enable him to "download" powers to the reader on certain pages in his book are offensive to our intelligence.

His mental downloading of "Soul Language" to the reader is also nonsense, but I have to admit, I did learned how to say 3,396,815 in Chinese. Chanting it over and over faster did not give me any kind of spiritual tongues that the author claimed it would, but it is a useful distraction that could be used in "Mindfulness" meditation. I suggest that those looking for peace and tranquility look into Thich Nhat Hanh's books.

The author's "Soul Song "music was not a complete loss. Although I grew tired of hearing his "Farmer in the Dell" like, E-I-E- I-O" lyric, the music was nice.

For the most part this book was filled with worthless swill tainted by the author's outlandish claims. After reading so many great self-help books, I found this one boring and not worth the time and effort getting past the author's stupendous claims.

If you want to read powerful self-help books, read The Power of Being Different by John Carinci; The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh; Learning from the Heart: Lessons on Living, Loving, and Listening by Daniel Gottieb; Turning the Mind Into an Ally by Sakyon Mipham; The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness by J. Mark G. Williams; or the wisdom books in the Bible.

I am sure I'll get a backlash from cult followers; however, I think it is a safe bet that you can skip this book.

I read the description of this book and really was interested in reading this novel. Yet, I think the description was probably better written and presented than the majority of the novel. I really, really, really didn't 'get' this. I feel like the author's style of writing was the biggest problem. Too many times I found myself lost, thinking I had been re-reading the same pages. Well, it turned out that a lot of the same ideas or concepts were simply being repeated over and over and it took far too long to get to the actual 'meat' of the book.

Another problem I had with the novel is that it succumbs to the pitfalls of the 'self help' book: it sounds rather hokey. I think, and based on looking at other reviews, that you'll either get and understand the whole 'soul wisdom' concepts presented or you won't and I unfortunately was in the 'don't get it' group. I couldn't see myself applying most of these suggestions and concepts in my own life or even feeling fully comfortable taking this advice since I felt Zhi Sha was pushing a product, 'soul wisdom', over actual self-help material. I just didn't understand or find myself trusting this book.

In conclusion, not very engaging but to each his own. I'd buy it used for sure.

I was so excited to get this book and see that there was a free CD of healing music inside! But let me tell you right now, the first thing you need to do is throw away the CD, then throw away the book - don't even pass it along to someone else because it could hurt them more than help them. Also, if you try to use the CD, you will have problems. It is not formatted for standard players. It worked on my computer, but it would not work on my BOSE or in my car.

This author parades his work as self help and spiritual philosophy, and I am very open and interested in new ideas and this sort of thing, but this book and author are not helpful nor spiritual. I can't believe it was on the New York Times Bestseller list!!! What kind of politics, money, or sex happened there???

The CD is like the book, beautiful on the outside but jarring to listen to. There is the lovely piano and string ensemble lulling you to a gentle state, then this nerve wracking fingernails-on-chalkboard kind of voice comes in to sing over and over and over the same la-la-las. Just awful is too kind. Just trash it is better.

The book appears wonderful on the outside, but the inside is just as jarring. Nothing new and something scary with the author trying to make us believe that we can tap into the divine and plug in to downloads for healing. Not the kind of launguage one should be looking for if seeking spiritual wisdom and knowledge. Also, the writing is just plain bad. It is very repetitive with short, choppy sentences - almost child like. I don't know if this is from his problem using the English language correctly (as evidenced on the CD, or just a really poor choice of editors.

The author seemed to be pushing his personal "follow me" beliefs whereas true spiritual teachers say don't follow me. They say follow god or your heart etc. Personal attention seeking and pandering just did not fit well with what I thought I was getting.

If the title for this review is not enough, try this: Do not waste your time with this book. The book can be summed up this easily: Babble, sing, move, tap and dance... None of this is original and nothing is put into context. As with all of Sha's books, this is material that is largely not his and written by others. Sha calls this downloading the material into another's soul and the "writer" simply allows the book to unfold as they type. Really? Editing is NOT creating FOR someone else...

This material is akin to Charismatic Christianity Revival meetings.

A better approach to this is to speak your heart with nonsense syllables. It can be very freeing and creative. The Soul Songs from this self-proclaimed master prove that everyone can benefit from singing lessons. Bradford Keeney will teach you to Shake better than almost anyone. EFT will have you tapping in no time. And whirl in a circle as a child or a Sufi to celebrate life.

There, no more money to this organization and you have started a trend towards getting rid of another guru of love.

I am usually pretty open to just about anything regarding self help or spiritual but Soul Wisdom just didn't do anything for me. I did try some of Dr. Sha's suggestions and chants, but I did not experience any evidence of change. It's really not his concept that bothers me, as much as the fact that the book is extremely repetitive. I think it could have been shortened to about 30 pages and Dr. Sha could have still said all he did. I have nothing against Dr. Sha, he seems to be a true believer, and if all the reviews are to be believed, it seems many others share that belief. However, I am writing a review on Soul Wisdom, and not the man himself. Therefore, my opinion of the book is that although I doubt it will do you harm, I also seriously doubt you will get anything out of it. I for one would rather spend my time reading books that I enjoy.

It is with mixed feelings that I write this- The world DOES need a soul movement - and Dr. Sha's teachings are based on some basic truths and provide empowering tools that can provide benefit...

But, I'm just not sure it needs the ultra-organized commercialized dogma of the Dr.Sha "Mission":

First of all, similar to his previous books, don't be duped by the "best seller" status or 5 star ratings:

1) members of the Mission contribute thousands of dollars in lieu of `blessings' from Master Sha as a part of a `book campaign' - these funds are used directly by Master Sha's institute to internally buy books from retailers 2 or 3 at a time to falsely and unethically stage the book's popularity (Google "Dr Sha book campaign" if you don't believe me)
2) members of the Mission are urged to write positive reviews about Master Sha's books, and get discounts for it...thus all the prosaic 5 star reviews.

It's not really that they want to sell lots of books - they want to attract more members to the Mission- i.e. to join the Sunday Blessings and the Retreats....which is where the real money is made. It's not that unlike this story: google "Did dirty tricks create a best-seller"

Sure, the members deeply believe that they are promoting truth (indeed, other religions have done much worse in the name of God)...but personally, I don't find these methods to be all that `saintly'(it might even be karmic)... if there are real truths in the book and the Mission it would sell itself on its own merit like most best sellers do.

And what `services' does Master Sha offer at his blessings and retreats? Well, Master Sha believes that he is a "Channel" of the Divine, and he (and only he) has been given special powers. So he (and only he) can offer you- via the "Dr Sha dot com" channel (check it out for yourself):
- Divine Protection against every imaginable hazard
- clear your Karma for $2000. just like that - no followup or practice or nothing...even Dr, Sha calls it a "short cut"
- Transplants for diseased organs
- Body Soul Transplant for $5000 (not explicitly listed in the web site, but it is a prerequisite, among others, to be come a Master Teacher Healer)
- Etc.
(actually, you can usually get the blessings for less because there is always a last minute special to appeal to the "shoppers")

What is a Body Soul Transplant? You current soul leaves you and a new soul (a saint) chooses you. Its sad that some people are so down they feel they need a brand new soul....and I guess all the poor folks have little chance at becoming a saint...how exclusive.

By the way, for the higher services, you aren't told the cost of these until you apply first, in which Dr. Sha receives Divine guidance in whether he should accept you. Imagine trying to say no after the Divine supposedly accepted you (but of course, these are "priceless treasures").

But that's just the tip of the iceberg...the later chapters of his books speak of the higher Soul Transformations etc. The "highest" downloads for the `chosen' ones are offered only at the "invitation only" retreats (i.e. for those who have `passed' the previous courses)...

Dr Sha's Sunday blessings are as follows:
He offers a free blessing (download). Then his top assistants (the "professionals" on "dr sha dot com" who have gone through the full Soul transformation and have received all the highest downloads so that their souls reside in their highest chakra and they can see with their third eye- paid for either with $ or Universal Service(tm) to the Mission) describe what they saw. Then all the people who have registered get their downloads. That's it.

Yes, the downloads might feel empowering, but inevitably you are left wanting more...if the top assistants can really see with their third eye, wouldn't you want that too? Well you can get there by getting the downloads, becoming indoctrinated through the courses and practice practice practice (the practice e.g. chanting, empowering statements etc can make you feel good) - till you believe it (or some would say become deluded?)

So inevitably, most are drawn to take the courses and to become a Universal Servant (requires you to volunteer time to the non-profit Institute that does all the `work' - whereas payments go to Dr Zhi Gang Sha LLC.). The courses all link together and coax you higher and higher, with the light at the end of the tunnel that eventually you might be able to charge for your services, like the "Professionals" on the web site - it's the classic pyramid marketing scheme.

But here is the hard part for me: people DO feel better... faith in the empowerments can help heal. But any one will feel better if they spend time getting out of their thinking brain and doing some chanting, setting good intentions, and having faith that they are empowered to make choices to make their lives better. And the collective energy at (any) group retreats is very powerful and healing. Why not rejoice in that - it might be the piece some people really need...

But when that collective energy at the retreat is highest, and people are feeling their best, that is when Dr. Sha `suggests' that his downloads can make you even better....which is made so easily done by sticking your personal barcode on a form (& voila, your credit card is charged). It's so effective that retreat registrants have to sign a legal disclaimer saying that all though the downloads are `priceless', they must spend `within their means". From my experience, few of the faithful do, unless you call credit card bills and liquidation of savings as `within your means". (many retreat attendees spend 10's of thousands)

Seems like Dr. Sha is selling water to people standing in a river. It's a shame that our consumerist society thinks we can `buy' everything. Its part of the reason we need a true soul movement.

Members of the Mission have made a huge leap of faith to jump on these tracks. But the light at the end of the tunnel might just be an oncoming train. After investing so much, it might take an even bigger leap of faith to get off...

The author would have done better with a two page article in a magazine than writing this repetitive book. Not only are certain phrases repeated over and over ad nauseum (e.g., "very special treasure"), but the author's ideas are repeated with absurd frequency. I'm not just talking about the frequency of teaching a subject matter well so that the student learns, but WAY more than that and also on matters such as why the author thinks his book is so important.

Here's the essence of the book:
I'm so honored to be able to have this knowledge.
I'm so honored to be able to share this with you.
I'm so honored when I think of all the ways it can be used.
Here are a couple of ways I think it could be used, but I'll tweak it a little and call it a bunch of ways.
Repeat all of the above.
How you get your own soul language is by repeating a few numbers over and over, but it has to be done in my language, not your own.
Next you pray to receive blessing.
Lather, rinse, repeat a whole bunch of times.

Now, I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being grateful for one's blessing - quite the opposite. I'm also not saying there's anything wrong with praying for blessings. But the author does all this as if he thinks it's some big revelation, and he even uses jargon like "Divine Downloads" that sound kinda silly to me (but if they work for him, more power to him).

I just found this book to be full of "Yay! This is so great and I will tell you a billion and ten times why I think it is!" more than actual useful material.

Be grateful, pray for blessings, and skip this book.

When you discover the simple practices revealed in this book, you will be amazed, as I have been, to find your hidden soul abilities beginning to develop, providing you with ways to heal yourself and others, ways of communicating with other souls, of gaining profound wisdom, knowledge, and self-transformation.

These soul abilities have always been yours, yet have lain dormant until these simple practices allow you to unfold them. Once you begin on this journey of discovery, you will find to your surprise and delight that you are moving with others, seen and unseen, in a process of mutually reinforcing healing and blessing. The joy and empowerment you will experience will inspire you to explore and develop these powers still further, to the benefit of all with whom you come in contact.

I have tried repeatedly to get into this book, and remain unsuccessful. I desperately wanted the Soul Wisdom that it promised, and I especially yearned for the spiritual healing and enlightenment that would be sure to come my way if I read it with an open mind and heart.

I have read many self-help books, most of which actually do turn out to be helpful. "Soul Wisdom," however, was the most disappointing book I have ever attempted to read. I found the claims of the author to be tremendously unbelievable, and the chanting, music, dance, etc. that he claims he "downloaded" to us stunk bitterly of snake oil.

I absolutely hate to write a negative review...I prefer to just follow my mother's advice that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. But in this case I have to make an exception because this book was such a complete waste of time and money, as well as being such a disappointment, for me. Now that's the most important part of this review: "for me." That doesn't mean the book is not for you.

I have dabbled in all kinds of new age spirituality, as well as the traditional realm, but this book just seemed full of fluff and false hopes. I even put it down for a month or so at a time, then tried to start over and get into it, and it just isn't speaking to me. I'm sorry to say it, honestly, but if you are looking for spiritual enlightenment and healing, please look elsewhere first. There are many excellent books, tapes, seminars, forums, etc. where you can get spiritual support and peace. For that matter, forget the media and go into nature, whether that's the shore, the woods, the sunset...you get the idea.

Something brought you to this page to consider this book. Whether you buy it or not, I hope you find what you are looking for.