Customer Reviews

The Way IT Is

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a book with big typeface and lots of white space. Therefore, it can be read quickly. But it also lends itself to rereading selected passages. It presents non-dual philosophy and spirituality in a clever, playful, imaginative fashion. The author was influenced by Ramana Maharshi's teachings on Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism). However, the author presents these concepts in a more generic, religiously-neutral fashion. Although the author does a good job, books of this kind sometimes come across as too mental, and lacking heart. Not that non-dual spirituality lacks heart. For example, Ramana Maharshi was a very loving saint. However, this wavelength does not always come through clearly in derivative presentations of his underlying philosophy. Also, if one approaches the book from a Buddhist sensibility, the way non-dualism is presented here could maybe seem a little theistic and teleological in flavor. Nevertheless, it is a unique and interesting little book.

"I totally disagree with Grant Peck's poor review of this fascinating little book. In my opinion, The Way IT Is is quite extraordinary. Obviously, Mr. Peck missed both the Author's light-hearted humor as well as the profound truth that Hillig was pointing at. I consider that The Way IT Is is one of the best explanations of how (and why) this thing called "consciousness" disguises Itself as absolutely everything that "is." The Author's use of the common pronoun "IT" to describe this whole process is simply brilliant. Perhaps Mr. Peck believes that ultimate Truth can only show up in wordy, convoluted books that only befuddle the Reader. Hillig's book, however, cuts through the spiritual gobbledegook that often surrounds this subject and just "tells It like It is." I'm a big fan of this book, and I sincerely hope that Mr. Peck's poor review does not discourage others from checking "IT" out. Believe me, this little book is well worth the price."

Steve Linksy, Ph.D.

If you are still confused about all the concepts around in philosophy and spirituality, Chuck Hillig's book is highly recommended. Chuck is inspired by the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, but presents the core of this message for Westerners in a very direct and uncomplicated way. Do not expect any serious talk, just a conversation between you and a friend who is trying to make it clear that it is much more simple than you could ever imagine. Enthusiastically recommended reading for students of Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Taoism, and Zen.

Jan Kersschot, author of "Nobody Home"

This isn't really a review, but I just had to share! I love this book! I give it to all my friends as a gift and recommend it to anyone who wants to clearly understand what all this spirituality stuff really boils down to. Chuck Hillig knows something a lot of people want to know and tells it wonderfully! ;-)

I like the book a lot. Using "IT" to point to the real Self is simple, effective, Zenny, and easily reminded.

There is a more "serious" Question and Answer section in the book that is especially valuable because it answers some of the tougher questions about Consciousness.

Chuck is a wonderful person. I got this book from him as a gift for being very interested in his works.

My deepest gratitude to an awakened friend.

If you are still confused about all the concepts around in philosophy and spirituality, Chuck Hillig's book is highly recommended. Chuck is inspired by the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, but presents the core of this message for Westerners in a very direct and uncomplicated way. Do not expect any serious talk, just a conversation between you and a friend who is trying to make it clear that it is much more simple than you could ever imagine. Enthusiastically recommended reading for students of Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta, Taoism, and Zen. I did an interview with Chuk a while ago, and know he knows all about "It".

Jan Kersschot, author of "Nobody Home"

"Mr. Peck missed both the Author's light-hearted humor as well as the profound truth that Hillig was pointing", I'm not Mr Peck, but I agree with him. Just because he doesn't care for the book, doesn't mean it didn't "understand" it, and doesn't see th humor. Authors should respect the readers time (and money), really, this book can be reduced to "Everything is IT", and if you know that, then you don't need the book and if you don't, the book won't help. Nothing terrible about the book, it's just unnecessary, and if you need non-dual reading, then anything else would be a better use of time and paper (Tolle, Ramana, Zen Masters).

What a waste of time. This author seems to think that the notion of being here now, can be summed up by the word "IT". He tries to be overly "cute" by tying this pronoun to everything "that is" and makes light of the nonsensical nature of such a stretch.

Just think about "IT". "IT IS"! This is somehow expected to be profound and revelational. It is neither.

I should have noticed the cheap cover as a tell tale sign of a self published book. Clearly no reputable publisher would spend a dime trying to market this contrivance.

I have never taken the time to write a review before, but I was so irritated at having wasted my time and money on this that I couldn't help myself! I had to say something.

Anyone that rates this book positively has either the mentality of a shrew or has never read a meaningful book on the subject.