Seeing, Knowing, Being: A Guide to Sacred Awakenings

by John Greer

From ancient Taoist sages and Sufi mystics to Christian contemplatives and contemporary Zen masters, Seeing, Knowing, Being explores the profound truth behind all the world's mystic Living a spiritual life has nothing to do with fixing ourselves. It is simply a matter of awakening to what we already are. The real work of self-discovery--and the answer to our suffering, emptiness, and loss of meaning--is learning to see in a different way. "The mystical adventure is all in the seeing," says John Greer. "From departure to arrival, nothing changes but our eyes."

But the process isn't that simple. In this all-embracing work that is destined to become a classic, Greer artfully traces the steps and stages of the delicate process of awakening. He shows how we can move from society's hand-me-down version of reality to the wonder of our true nature--from conceptual, habitual patterns of thinking to knowing the truth by being.

Like a master artist who captures an image and stirs something deep inside of us, Greer also highlights nearly one hundred evocative metaphors, as varied and colorful as the sages themselves, to kindle your imagination and spark your intuition--to shift your perspective and shake you into an awareness that no amount of explanation can.

What Greer shows, with great wisdom and compassion, is that when you put aside the map of the mind, you can follow the compass of your heart. You can move through the details of life--going to work, raising a family, throwing out the garbage--and still experience the wonders and oneness of life with deep reverence, gratitude, and joy.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

239 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2012

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

John Greer has spent nearly twenty years inquiring deeply into the sacred texts and teachings of the world's traditions, spurred by his own spiritual search. He is a dedicated practitioner of meditation and has taught insight meditation for over a decade. John Greer holds a Ph.D. in education from Pennsylvania State University, and in three decades as a professor at the University of Memphis published numerous articles, coauthored several books on education and special education, and was a recipient of the university's highest award for distinguished teaching. He also served for two years in Nepal with the Peace Corps and has traveled extensively on six continents. He lives with his wife in Memphis.

Reviews

[Émile Santoyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I know what you're thinking... you read the title and see the author and immediately think, "cool. More vague new agey spiritual crap authored by some white American Buddhist / Taoist"

I can't blame you for this knee-jerk assumption; I had the same harsh criticism as I judged the book by its cover. However, as I read on I soon discovered what an easy to read and valuable reminder this book really is. The reminder being: the illusory nature of our perceived dualistic reality.

Greer does a bang-up job in presenting this priceless reminder in a very easy to understand way. There is no self, no you and I, and the more we cling to words and concepts the further from the true nature of reality we drift.
I give Greer a ton of credit for the impossible task of edging his readers closer to realizing the true nature of reality.

P.S. He references Alan Watts a lot so that should tell you something.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book on 4/20. (No, that's not my review.)

Even if you are blessed with a wonderful family, meaningful job, or rewarding friendships you may be among the many yearn for greater understanding of your purpose.

Greer examines our shared cultural histories and divergent religious beliefs to demonstrate how modern man has lost the ability to connect with passion and purpose...and then offers a hopeful exploration of the spiritual journey necessary to regain what is our birthright: an understanding of who we really are.

Drawing inspiration from a diversity of teachers, sages, mystics, philosophers, artists, scientists, religious leaders, and ordinary people, Greer helps the reader navigate a familiar, yet intimidating bridge between our grounded self-identity and our elevated spiritual awakening.

The book combines easy-to-understand illustrative examples of spiritual concepts with timeless riddles, sure to prompt lively thought and discussion. The book explains why we've been exiled from this spiritual understanding and how we can return to knowing the truth. Along the way the book offers a practical roadmap for greeting life's challenges with a peaceful, happy mindset.

I also enjoyed that it didn't advocate for a single religious perspective, or organized religion.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a handful of books that shape how I see myself and life. Mr. Greer's book may join that short list. His guide speaks to understanding one's self by ceasing the search for understanding. To live one simply lives. One simply does, produces and action. One stops trying to labels everything and assume what one seeing rather than simply seeing.

There is much talk of duality and separation that makes more sense as he provides images that serve as a metaphor for each concept. He includes words and ideas across the spectrum of religion and philosophy (an added bonus); although, he is quick to say that even a search for god is futile because we are what god represents - love, peace, harmony.

To stop questioning is difficult for me, but I practice and the impact is profound when successful.

[Barrett Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be of great value to anyone (of any faith).Whatever your situation this book is inspirational and thought evoking for connecting to a place within and around you. A practical book that's a meditation in itself.

[Ian Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inisightful,, resonated with me, draws from Joseph Campbell

[Iain Whitford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book and some very good metaphors