What do you think?
Rate this book
Your Immortal Reality: How to Break the Cycle of Birth and Death
In this fascinating book, Gary Renard and his Ascended Master Teachers, Arten and Pursah, teach you how to integrate advanced spiritual principles into your everyday life. Doing so leads beyond theory to an experience of the Divine and the undoing of the ego. Your progress will be accelerated to such a degree that, with continued practice, you can’t help but stop the need to reincarnate . . . once and for all.
Like Gary’s first book, The Disappearance of the Universe, this work elaborates on the teachings of two spiritual classics, The Gospel of Thomas and A Course in Miracles. By focusing on a unique brand of quantum forgiveness, rather than the old-fashioned kind, and taking the understanding of the importance of thought up to a whole new level, your goal will become nothing less than to break the cycle of birth and death.
Like Gary’s first book, The Disappearance of the Universe, this work elaborates on the teachings of two spiritual classics, The Gospel of Thomas and A Course in Miracles. By focusing on a unique brand of quantum forgiveness, rather than the old-fashioned kind, and taking the understanding of the importance of thought up to a whole new level, your goal will become nothing less than to break the cycle of birth and death.
223 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2006
112 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 24, 2012
I wanted to give this book zero stars, or a minus one star. Half way through I thought about throwing it away, but I completed it so that I could give it a review. Renard states his purpose is to elucidate, through "ascended masters" that appear to him in physical form, "A Course in Miracles." For those who may be unfamiliar with "A Course," it is a blend of Christian, Buddist and Kabbala teachings. In my opinion, Renard failed miserably. He struck me as a wanna-be mystic at best and a sexual-predatory con-man at worst. I found his attempts at humor distasteful and offensive, and his many sexual advances to Purah, the female ascended master, were the worst parts. At one point he offers to have sex with her, and she responds by wearing a short top that exposes her belly-button. He has, after all, a self-confessed belly-button fetish, so why wouldn't she?
In addition, Renard uses this book as a platform to proclaim his political views. It's amazing that two ascended masters are in total agreement with his political ideology, and so much they even add their own two cents.
I did not read his first book, and I seriously doubt that I will. I'd rather read the back of a cereal box.
In addition, Renard uses this book as a platform to proclaim his political views. It's amazing that two ascended masters are in total agreement with his political ideology, and so much they even add their own two cents.
I did not read his first book, and I seriously doubt that I will. I'd rather read the back of a cereal box.
May 28, 2012
Was not a big fan of this book. Lot of judgement in here...just didn't feel very spiritual to me.
June 20, 2016
I'll list the good, bad and ugly for this second installment in GR's take on A Course in Miracles.
Good-- It is consistent with GR's view on what ACIM means (below), and extends on his first book. It offers a few tips on seeing others as guiltless, OK, and 'forgiven'; it does correctly hit on the idea of the conceptual world being a self-made illusion that is unreal (temporary) and based on the separation (subject/object reality).
Bad-- There's very little in this book that wasn't covered in his previous book DU. The story tends to drone on and repeat after a while. Some practical processes would have been more helpful than harping on the same ideas as previous. There's also a number of questionable (incorrect) assumptions that GR (and his 'enlightened' friends) make (and I'll only list a few here to save space): such as ACIM being the 'fastest path' to enlightenment, GR's version of 'forgiveness' being the 'only way' to enlightenment, that the idea of present moment awareness isn't important or going to 'get you there' (when clearly the Holy Instant is an integral tool presented in ACIM- of same import as forgiveness), Atonement means applying GR's version of forgiveness to everything (which is contrary to Atonement being the acceptance of perfection NOW, not after any process/act). Gary's overall idea of 'nonduality' is more akin to qualified nonduality as a philosophy. Strangely, the whole of GR's work centres largely around individuals who become enlightened, seem to have self-autonomy and detail who they were in past/future lives (while at the same time blasting other teachers for buying into the dream-universe illusion). In this sense, it's probably more akin to the Neo-Advaita type view (do nothing, except realize it is all a dream), overlayed onto ACIM (which is itself a Christianized form of Vedanta). Finally, I really don't see the value in reworking the whole Gnostic gospels into the story, and giving 'newly translated' quotes) which are on the most part too vague to use (to undo the illusion).
Ugly-- Some of the future predictions (taken around 2006) appear ridiculous now (and even when the book was written). GR's enlightened friends seem to personify all of the common (and incorrect) New Age ideas about what 'enlightenment' entails, and how it relates to individuals- when in fact, enlightened individuals by definition is an oxymoron. The whole yarn about lifetimes and 'how many more incarnations to go..' etc. becomes distracting. Likewise, the repetition on how GR's book writing mission is going, and how the author is one of the few teaching what ACIM is 'really about' gets a little tiring.
GR keeps making the (newbie) error of putting forth an absolutist view that the objective universe (including individuals) is illusory and unreal, while at the same time having to make concessions for its reality and the individual's place in it (and how individuals should act by listening to the voices in their heads). In contrast, any true nondual path will acknowledge that the relative/conventional universe must be considered both 'real' and 'unreal' in order not to fall into obvious nihilistic traps. There doesn't seem to be any serious investigation into the individual self within GR's system, and 'who' exactly is gaining all these spiritual ascensions.
Finally, regarding ACIM: GR's view of ACIM is clearly not the totality of ACIM, and focuses on one particular view of ACIM- that being 'forgiveness', which in GR's eyes means contemplating the notion that 'all is an illusion', and carrying this notion around at all times, in all situations etc.- which somehow undoes hidden 'unconscious guilt' (isn't this also part of the dream?), brings on mystical experiences (more dreams), and leads ultimately to dazzling 'enlightenment' (in GR's definition), reduced incarnations and oneness. Personally, I can find little evidence in ACIM itself to support this exact view, and there are a number of teachings and tools presented in ACIM (such as the Holy Instant, the use of 'miracles', etc.) which GR rarely touches upon in his system.
Overall, worth taking for a test-drive.. but no gold star.
Good-- It is consistent with GR's view on what ACIM means (below), and extends on his first book. It offers a few tips on seeing others as guiltless, OK, and 'forgiven'; it does correctly hit on the idea of the conceptual world being a self-made illusion that is unreal (temporary) and based on the separation (subject/object reality).
Bad-- There's very little in this book that wasn't covered in his previous book DU. The story tends to drone on and repeat after a while. Some practical processes would have been more helpful than harping on the same ideas as previous. There's also a number of questionable (incorrect) assumptions that GR (and his 'enlightened' friends) make (and I'll only list a few here to save space): such as ACIM being the 'fastest path' to enlightenment, GR's version of 'forgiveness' being the 'only way' to enlightenment, that the idea of present moment awareness isn't important or going to 'get you there' (when clearly the Holy Instant is an integral tool presented in ACIM- of same import as forgiveness), Atonement means applying GR's version of forgiveness to everything (which is contrary to Atonement being the acceptance of perfection NOW, not after any process/act). Gary's overall idea of 'nonduality' is more akin to qualified nonduality as a philosophy. Strangely, the whole of GR's work centres largely around individuals who become enlightened, seem to have self-autonomy and detail who they were in past/future lives (while at the same time blasting other teachers for buying into the dream-universe illusion). In this sense, it's probably more akin to the Neo-Advaita type view (do nothing, except realize it is all a dream), overlayed onto ACIM (which is itself a Christianized form of Vedanta). Finally, I really don't see the value in reworking the whole Gnostic gospels into the story, and giving 'newly translated' quotes) which are on the most part too vague to use (to undo the illusion).
Ugly-- Some of the future predictions (taken around 2006) appear ridiculous now (and even when the book was written). GR's enlightened friends seem to personify all of the common (and incorrect) New Age ideas about what 'enlightenment' entails, and how it relates to individuals- when in fact, enlightened individuals by definition is an oxymoron. The whole yarn about lifetimes and 'how many more incarnations to go..' etc. becomes distracting. Likewise, the repetition on how GR's book writing mission is going, and how the author is one of the few teaching what ACIM is 'really about' gets a little tiring.
GR keeps making the (newbie) error of putting forth an absolutist view that the objective universe (including individuals) is illusory and unreal, while at the same time having to make concessions for its reality and the individual's place in it (and how individuals should act by listening to the voices in their heads). In contrast, any true nondual path will acknowledge that the relative/conventional universe must be considered both 'real' and 'unreal' in order not to fall into obvious nihilistic traps. There doesn't seem to be any serious investigation into the individual self within GR's system, and 'who' exactly is gaining all these spiritual ascensions.
Finally, regarding ACIM: GR's view of ACIM is clearly not the totality of ACIM, and focuses on one particular view of ACIM- that being 'forgiveness', which in GR's eyes means contemplating the notion that 'all is an illusion', and carrying this notion around at all times, in all situations etc.- which somehow undoes hidden 'unconscious guilt' (isn't this also part of the dream?), brings on mystical experiences (more dreams), and leads ultimately to dazzling 'enlightenment' (in GR's definition), reduced incarnations and oneness. Personally, I can find little evidence in ACIM itself to support this exact view, and there are a number of teachings and tools presented in ACIM (such as the Holy Instant, the use of 'miracles', etc.) which GR rarely touches upon in his system.
Overall, worth taking for a test-drive.. but no gold star.
February 5, 2008
Whether you believe what he says, his message is awesome
March 8, 2008
If you practice ACIM, it broadens and deepens your understanding.
November 1, 2013
The second book following The Disappearance of the Universe. Same review as my last one. This book will change your life. If you do not want to change, don't read it.
October 15, 2014
Arten e Pursah, mestres ascensionados, voltam a visitar Gary, desta vez num período mais curto, de dois anos, durante o qual ele se torna um palestrante relativamente conhecido sobre Um curso em milagres (UCEM) e vê seu O desaparecimento do universo entrar para o catálogo da poderosa Hay House, editora de Louise L. Hay, autora do best seller mundial Você pode curar sua vida.
Mais leve que o primeiro livro, Sua realidade imortal vem mostrar exemplos práticos de como aplicar o perdão avançado, chamado de quântico, que é aquele que vai na causa, e não no efeito que vemos no mundo da forma. Gary começa a interagir com outros professores do UCEM, que nem sempre estão descompromissados com objetivos egoicos, e descobre, através de uma experiência no espaço-tempo, que o roteiro do ego de fato está todinho programado. Outro ponto importante deste livro é a recitação, por parte de Pursah, do Evangelho de Tomé; mas, pra mim, contraditoriamente, é uma parte dispensável. Quero dizer: dão bastante importância a ele, então deve conter algo que absolutamente não fui capaz de ver.
Não recomendo que ninguém leia este livro antes de ter lido O Desaparecimento do Universo. Menos espantoso, menos brilhante e muito mais rabugento que aquele, Sua Realidade traz menos insights, embora continue puxando nossas orelhas toda vez que tentamos burlar a lição do não-dualismo puro que é a mensagem do Curso. Por outro lado, traz algumas bem-vindas metáforas para entender o sonho e o karma nas páginas 18, 19, 35, 43, 70, 95 – e isso é o legal a respeito de Gary: ele realmente nos ajuda entender o Curso. Outra observação é que neste livro o autor dirige aos mestres perguntas que a plateia lhe fez. Então são coisas que ficam mais bem esclarecidas, como quando a gente acha que descobriu uma falha no Curso. Aí vêm Arten e Pursah e catipimba: respondem na lata – e a gente põe de volta o rabo entre as pernas.
Mas, do ponto de vista de uma experiência bastante particular, este livro trouxe uma revelação, que fez meu coração bater acelerado: desde 1994, quando li pela primeira vez A Tempestade, de William Shakespeare, tomei como citação favorita para minha vida – aquela a que recorro nos momentos difíceis, que sei de cor e salteado, e que deixo à mostra em minha escrivaninha – , algo que fala sobre o sonho. De repente, esta citação, que ficou cantando na minha cabeça quando abri pela primeira vez O Desaparecimento, é citada no final do capítulo 6 do Sua Realidade. Quêêê?! Parei tudo, parei de ler, fui catar meu exemplar de A Tempestade e fiquei pensando nisso, eufórica, pela madrugada adentro, na paixão absoluta que tenho por Shakespeare, que começou muito cedo em minha vida, antes dos 10 anos, sem que até hoje eu seja uma grande leitora de obras inglesas (exceto Harry Potter, que o mundo inteiro leu). Durante três dias trabalhei na resenha de A Tempestade, que publiquei aqui no blog, cotejando traduções da obra, que fui buscar pela internet e também em livrarias. Então a mensagem do Curso já estava no meu roteiro?! Hahaha, é uma possibilidade mesmo, não é? Hahaha
O mais bacana de uma vida com busca espiritual são os sinais e as coincidências, porque eles nos encorajam. Sim, são apenas ilusões, como tudo o mais – mas dão um baita ânimo!
Vá em frente e leia as citações que trouxe deste segundo livro de Gary. Você gostará.
Leia o restante desta resenha com as citações em:
http://asmelhorespartes.blogspot.com....
Mais leve que o primeiro livro, Sua realidade imortal vem mostrar exemplos práticos de como aplicar o perdão avançado, chamado de quântico, que é aquele que vai na causa, e não no efeito que vemos no mundo da forma. Gary começa a interagir com outros professores do UCEM, que nem sempre estão descompromissados com objetivos egoicos, e descobre, através de uma experiência no espaço-tempo, que o roteiro do ego de fato está todinho programado. Outro ponto importante deste livro é a recitação, por parte de Pursah, do Evangelho de Tomé; mas, pra mim, contraditoriamente, é uma parte dispensável. Quero dizer: dão bastante importância a ele, então deve conter algo que absolutamente não fui capaz de ver.
Não recomendo que ninguém leia este livro antes de ter lido O Desaparecimento do Universo. Menos espantoso, menos brilhante e muito mais rabugento que aquele, Sua Realidade traz menos insights, embora continue puxando nossas orelhas toda vez que tentamos burlar a lição do não-dualismo puro que é a mensagem do Curso. Por outro lado, traz algumas bem-vindas metáforas para entender o sonho e o karma nas páginas 18, 19, 35, 43, 70, 95 – e isso é o legal a respeito de Gary: ele realmente nos ajuda entender o Curso. Outra observação é que neste livro o autor dirige aos mestres perguntas que a plateia lhe fez. Então são coisas que ficam mais bem esclarecidas, como quando a gente acha que descobriu uma falha no Curso. Aí vêm Arten e Pursah e catipimba: respondem na lata – e a gente põe de volta o rabo entre as pernas.
Mas, do ponto de vista de uma experiência bastante particular, este livro trouxe uma revelação, que fez meu coração bater acelerado: desde 1994, quando li pela primeira vez A Tempestade, de William Shakespeare, tomei como citação favorita para minha vida – aquela a que recorro nos momentos difíceis, que sei de cor e salteado, e que deixo à mostra em minha escrivaninha – , algo que fala sobre o sonho. De repente, esta citação, que ficou cantando na minha cabeça quando abri pela primeira vez O Desaparecimento, é citada no final do capítulo 6 do Sua Realidade. Quêêê?! Parei tudo, parei de ler, fui catar meu exemplar de A Tempestade e fiquei pensando nisso, eufórica, pela madrugada adentro, na paixão absoluta que tenho por Shakespeare, que começou muito cedo em minha vida, antes dos 10 anos, sem que até hoje eu seja uma grande leitora de obras inglesas (exceto Harry Potter, que o mundo inteiro leu). Durante três dias trabalhei na resenha de A Tempestade, que publiquei aqui no blog, cotejando traduções da obra, que fui buscar pela internet e também em livrarias. Então a mensagem do Curso já estava no meu roteiro?! Hahaha, é uma possibilidade mesmo, não é? Hahaha
O mais bacana de uma vida com busca espiritual são os sinais e as coincidências, porque eles nos encorajam. Sim, são apenas ilusões, como tudo o mais – mas dão um baita ânimo!
Vá em frente e leia as citações que trouxe deste segundo livro de Gary. Você gostará.
Leia o restante desta resenha com as citações em:
http://asmelhorespartes.blogspot.com....
January 1, 2017
This was one of the worst books I have read in a long time! I would rate this zero if I could.
Several years ago I read Renard's first book "The Disappearance of the Universe". It was a very accessable summary of The Course in Miracles, which I was studying at the time. But when I got to the ending chapter and read that one of the ascended masters told Renard that he was the reincarnation of St. Thomas the Apostle AND Pursah (the ascended master) was him in the future I was so disgusted. I couldn't believe the author's gall claiming to be St. Thomas. And I felt so stupid for falling for his story of having two “ascended masters” visit him for several years, teaching him ACIM. I chucked the book into the garbage as I didn't even want to donate it and subject this falseness to someone else.
Before coming to the end of that first book, I had bought Renard's second book "Your Immortal Reality", otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. I have had it around these few years, not really sure why, curious I guess because it's based on The Gospel of Thomas. Today, kinda bored, I pulled it out and read 1/4 of it. This was worse than the first one! In one of the first few chapters Renard comments how gorgeous Pursah is and wants to have sex with her, which he asks if that would be weird having sex with yourself. What?! How can anyone take what Renard writes seriously?
Now, having read many books on the history of Christianity, I have a better understanding how false Renard's teachings are. He even claims that St. Paul was mistaken when writing his letters. Renard claims that because St. Paul was Jewish he incorporated those beliefs into his own "developing theology". From page 35: "Many centuries later, Saul of Tarsus, better known as the Apostle Paul, who was in deep guilt over his killing of numerous Christians, had a conflicted (part-ego) experience on the road to Damascus that caused him to take up what he thought was the cause of Jesus." WOW. What a claim! St. Paul didn’t add Jewish beliefs to Jesus’ teachings, Jesus did because Jesus was Jewish.
St. Paul, along with all the other Apostles, lived in danger for what they were teaching, most were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. They were taught directly by Jesus for three years. I don't think they were "mistaken". They were strongly convicted to what they believed because they had proof of the risen Jesus as they saw him die and they saw him alive again three days later. And they stood firm in their faith, even under threat of torture and death. That is proof of their Truth.
Please don’t read this book. If you are interested in the ACIM, read Robert Perry’s stuff. He is honest and trustworthy. If you want to follow Jesus Christ, have a look at Dallas Willard’s work. Amazing stuff!
Several years ago I read Renard's first book "The Disappearance of the Universe". It was a very accessable summary of The Course in Miracles, which I was studying at the time. But when I got to the ending chapter and read that one of the ascended masters told Renard that he was the reincarnation of St. Thomas the Apostle AND Pursah (the ascended master) was him in the future I was so disgusted. I couldn't believe the author's gall claiming to be St. Thomas. And I felt so stupid for falling for his story of having two “ascended masters” visit him for several years, teaching him ACIM. I chucked the book into the garbage as I didn't even want to donate it and subject this falseness to someone else.
Before coming to the end of that first book, I had bought Renard's second book "Your Immortal Reality", otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. I have had it around these few years, not really sure why, curious I guess because it's based on The Gospel of Thomas. Today, kinda bored, I pulled it out and read 1/4 of it. This was worse than the first one! In one of the first few chapters Renard comments how gorgeous Pursah is and wants to have sex with her, which he asks if that would be weird having sex with yourself. What?! How can anyone take what Renard writes seriously?
Now, having read many books on the history of Christianity, I have a better understanding how false Renard's teachings are. He even claims that St. Paul was mistaken when writing his letters. Renard claims that because St. Paul was Jewish he incorporated those beliefs into his own "developing theology". From page 35: "Many centuries later, Saul of Tarsus, better known as the Apostle Paul, who was in deep guilt over his killing of numerous Christians, had a conflicted (part-ego) experience on the road to Damascus that caused him to take up what he thought was the cause of Jesus." WOW. What a claim! St. Paul didn’t add Jewish beliefs to Jesus’ teachings, Jesus did because Jesus was Jewish.
St. Paul, along with all the other Apostles, lived in danger for what they were teaching, most were martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. They were taught directly by Jesus for three years. I don't think they were "mistaken". They were strongly convicted to what they believed because they had proof of the risen Jesus as they saw him die and they saw him alive again three days later. And they stood firm in their faith, even under threat of torture and death. That is proof of their Truth.
Please don’t read this book. If you are interested in the ACIM, read Robert Perry’s stuff. He is honest and trustworthy. If you want to follow Jesus Christ, have a look at Dallas Willard’s work. Amazing stuff!
January 4, 2008
Here Gary Renard continues the story of his personal experiences, organized around his continuing meetings with Arten and Pursah. It is also his continuing exploration and learning of A Course in Miracles, as well as a further deepening of the connection that was first developed in The Disappearance of the Universe between the Thomas gospel and the teachings of Jesus in the Course. The result is fascinating, as is the cleaned up kernel of the Thomas Gospel presented in this book by Pursah.
Not to be missed for anyone interested in this subject matter.
Not to be missed for anyone interested in this subject matter.
September 14, 2012
Another important and helpful book for students of A COURSE IN MIRACLES. Some think this one is even better than Renard's first book, 'The Disappearance of the Universe'. It's interesting from a Christian perspective as well in light of the new information it provides about the text and origin of The Gospel of Thomas.
March 15, 2013
I'm so grateful to Gary Renard for sharing his experiences with the world! This is an excellent follow-up to the mind-blowing "Disappearance of the Universe." Just as with that book, this one caused me to have many "light-bulb" moments and passages that literally sent chills up my spine. These are books that I will reread often and will have a permanent place on my bookshelf!
Currently reading
April 14, 2009This is such a cool book! Love the author's sense of humour..he gets you from the beginning w/ his humour and this just makes you more open to what he has to say : )
Am looking forward to reading his 'Disappearance' - maybe next month!
Am looking forward to reading his 'Disappearance' - maybe next month!
July 30, 2011
Big fan of the New Age movement, but this guy pisses me off... very condescending about the teachings of A Course in Miracles... he (under the guise of spirits) discounts Marrianne Williamson and other prominent teachers. Would spirit really denounce someone else just so you can sell books?
August 24, 2007
love it
April 7, 2012
"...the truth is my lack of peace, no matter what form it takes, is always a result of my own decision to not forgive. But decisions can be changed. I can recognize truth" (p.100).
December 15, 2008
Follow up to The Disappearance of the Universe....
February 26, 2009
Another great book by Gary. Again, not crazy about his sense of humor, but he speaks truth.
January 6, 2010
Excellent- very inspiring. Gary is a great teacher. His delivery of the Truth is simple and understandable. This one along with DU are fantastic!
July 17, 2010
Nutter.
January 22, 2015
Gary goes into greater depth regarding his conversations with Arteh and Pursah, and discusses his evolution as a writer and commentor on A Course in Miracles.
July 16, 2012
Gary's follow-up book to "The Disappearance of the Universe," anything with his teachers, Arten and Pursah, has to be excellent. Have been waiting 4 years now for the next one!
August 2, 2013
This book includes citations from A Course in Miracles. Presentation is interesting, humor is crass at times.
January 17, 2015
This book leaves off where, " The disappearence of the universe" lefty off. The two ascended masters continue to teach Gary and as Gary learns from them so do we if we choose to.
January 2, 2020
Had some difficulties with the book.
When I read Marianne Williamson’s books on ACIM, I instinctively feel good. When I watch David Hoffmeister or Ken Wapnick on YouTube discussing ACIM principles etc, I feel good.
This is now the second of Gary’s books I have read and it again left me feeling panicked of sorts and unsettled.
I find Gary a bit of a ‘conflicting’ character - on one hand, I find his explanations on forgiveness and some key ACIM principles very clear; on the other, however, I find some of what he says and writes about frightening, such as his comments towards the end of this book that 9/11 was concocted by the US government and that all the people who tragically lost their lives in the planes are not really dead... towards the end of the book, he also begins to make references to some future years and possible occurrences - not sure if this ties in with ‘the script is written’.
I am not sure if I doubt Arten and Pursah and I don’t think it really matters; as far as the explanations of ACIM principles go, it is quite good; but something about this book deeply unsettled me and if I have learned one thing then it is to go with my internal guide.
And lastly, I really didn’t like how he again commented on some other ACIM teachers. Did that in his first book as well. Keeps referring (not by name) to one of the key female ACIM teachers, so not sure if he is referring to Marianne Williamson or Judith Scotch or Ken Wapnick’s wife, but whoever it is, Gary seems to be the only one who implies negative comments about other ACIM teachers and that just turned me off.
I still watch some of Gary’s YouTube clips on core ACIM principles, but as far as his first two books go - not really for me.
When I read Marianne Williamson’s books on ACIM, I instinctively feel good. When I watch David Hoffmeister or Ken Wapnick on YouTube discussing ACIM principles etc, I feel good.
This is now the second of Gary’s books I have read and it again left me feeling panicked of sorts and unsettled.
I find Gary a bit of a ‘conflicting’ character - on one hand, I find his explanations on forgiveness and some key ACIM principles very clear; on the other, however, I find some of what he says and writes about frightening, such as his comments towards the end of this book that 9/11 was concocted by the US government and that all the people who tragically lost their lives in the planes are not really dead... towards the end of the book, he also begins to make references to some future years and possible occurrences - not sure if this ties in with ‘the script is written’.
I am not sure if I doubt Arten and Pursah and I don’t think it really matters; as far as the explanations of ACIM principles go, it is quite good; but something about this book deeply unsettled me and if I have learned one thing then it is to go with my internal guide.
And lastly, I really didn’t like how he again commented on some other ACIM teachers. Did that in his first book as well. Keeps referring (not by name) to one of the key female ACIM teachers, so not sure if he is referring to Marianne Williamson or Judith Scotch or Ken Wapnick’s wife, but whoever it is, Gary seems to be the only one who implies negative comments about other ACIM teachers and that just turned me off.
I still watch some of Gary’s YouTube clips on core ACIM principles, but as far as his first two books go - not really for me.
May 14, 2016
★ - Most books with this rating I never finish and so don't make this list. This one I probably started speed-reading to get it over with.
★★ - Average. Wasn't terrible, but not a lot to recommend it. Probably skimmed parts of it.
★★★ - Decent. A few good ideas, well-written passages, interesting characters, or the like.
★★★★ - Good. This one had parts that inspired me, impressed me, made me laugh out loud, made me think - it got positive reactions and most of the rest of it was pretty decent too.
★★★★★ - Amazing. This is the best I've read of its genre, the ones I hold on to so I can re-read them and/or loan them out to people looking for a great book. The best of these change the way I look at the world and operate within it.
★★ - Average. Wasn't terrible, but not a lot to recommend it. Probably skimmed parts of it.
★★★ - Decent. A few good ideas, well-written passages, interesting characters, or the like.
★★★★ - Good. This one had parts that inspired me, impressed me, made me laugh out loud, made me think - it got positive reactions and most of the rest of it was pretty decent too.
★★★★★ - Amazing. This is the best I've read of its genre, the ones I hold on to so I can re-read them and/or loan them out to people looking for a great book. The best of these change the way I look at the world and operate within it.
March 30, 2011
I like Gary & his way of introducing the Course's ideas.
I don't give a fig if he "really" has visions of Pursah & Arten, or if they're metaphors. (Heck,
we're all metaphors, if the Course is correct.)
This 2nd book was less impressive than the 1st, though still good & helpful to me.
I *guess* I'll buy the 3rd, but wish he had an editor who made him author-up just a tad. He's more insightful than his prose style betrays.
So I gave it 3 stars, though I only wanted to re-emphasize the 1st book's four.
I don't give a fig if he "really" has visions of Pursah & Arten, or if they're metaphors. (Heck,
we're all metaphors, if the Course is correct.)
This 2nd book was less impressive than the 1st, though still good & helpful to me.
I *guess* I'll buy the 3rd, but wish he had an editor who made him author-up just a tad. He's more insightful than his prose style betrays.
So I gave it 3 stars, though I only wanted to re-emphasize the 1st book's four.
October 13, 2018
Those who are to meet will meet, because together they have the potential for a holy relationship. They are ready for each other.
October 9, 2008
This book asserts the unique value of _A Course in Miracles_ even more strongly than _Disappearance of the Universe_ did. The chapter about the future (in duality's terms) was interesting.
P.S. I couldn't resist wondering if Arten was the head of the Miracle Distribution Center who wouldn't offer Renard's works...is it ok to wonder that...
P.S. I couldn't resist wondering if Arten was the head of the Miracle Distribution Center who wouldn't offer Renard's works...is it ok to wonder that...
May 31, 2022
Similar to my review for Disappearance of the Universe, I'm starting to believe Gary made up Arten and Pursah. They seem to have the same beliefs as Gary and also talk very similar to how Gary talks. The reason I am giving 3 stars is because there are gems of knowledge in this book that ring true, however, the parts where Gary talks sexually with Pursah put me off.
January 31, 2008
I liked it better than Dissapearance of the Universe but I still do not get the beliefs he espouses. He says that is ok but I don't care if he thinks it is ok or not, I just don't get it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews