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The O Manuscript #1-3
The O Manuscript: The Seer, The Magdalene, The Grail
The O Manuscript, a real-life Gnostic thriller, has sold over 60,000 copies in Denmark, the equivalent of 3 million in the United States, since it was first published in 2000. Lars Muhl was for many years a successful pop star who studied the world’s religions and esoteric knowledge between gigs and recording sessions.
When a nervous-system illness sidelined him in the mid-1990s, he turned in desperation to a spiritual healer who was able to get him back on his feet after a single phone call. Intrigued by this mysterious man, Muhl traveled to southern France to become his apprentice. Together, Muhl and the healer, who is known in the book simply as “The Seer,” embark on an adventure that is part history lesson, part Jedi-style initiation.
“My work with The Seer began on Montségur, the holiest site of the Cathars, the medieval French religious sect that was persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church,” notes Muhl.” It was the middle of summer and the hike up the mountain is pretty strenuous. At the same time that The Seer was testing my physical endurance, he was breaking down my emotional resistance. He taught me how to let go of the burdens from my past.”
Towards the end of his apprenticeship, after years of searching for Montségur’s secret cave, Muhl finally stumbles upon it. Inside he finds himself in the presence of “O,” the Messenger of Light; the source of all things; the symbol of ecstatic union. O tells Muhl, “Everything mankind longs for is, and has always been, within his reach. If he would only acknowledge this there wouldn’t be anything else to look for. When this happens mankind will step out of his self-made prison and into reality.”
The O Manuscript is not another book about positive thinking. Throughout his initiation, Muhl was forced to confront his dark side, the shadows that kept him from true health and wellness. “This is my journey,” says Muhl. “Every word of it is true and really happened to me, but it is also meant to be a kind of allegory. The lessons I learned are universal.”
Praise for The O
“I recommend this amazing story to anyone seeking the path to enlightenment.” —Al Jardine , The Beach Boys
“Lars Muhl tells an extraordinary tale in an extraordinary way…It is a story that, for too long, has been cyring out to be told.” —Henry Lincoln, co-author of The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail
When a nervous-system illness sidelined him in the mid-1990s, he turned in desperation to a spiritual healer who was able to get him back on his feet after a single phone call. Intrigued by this mysterious man, Muhl traveled to southern France to become his apprentice. Together, Muhl and the healer, who is known in the book simply as “The Seer,” embark on an adventure that is part history lesson, part Jedi-style initiation.
“My work with The Seer began on Montségur, the holiest site of the Cathars, the medieval French religious sect that was persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church,” notes Muhl.” It was the middle of summer and the hike up the mountain is pretty strenuous. At the same time that The Seer was testing my physical endurance, he was breaking down my emotional resistance. He taught me how to let go of the burdens from my past.”
Towards the end of his apprenticeship, after years of searching for Montségur’s secret cave, Muhl finally stumbles upon it. Inside he finds himself in the presence of “O,” the Messenger of Light; the source of all things; the symbol of ecstatic union. O tells Muhl, “Everything mankind longs for is, and has always been, within his reach. If he would only acknowledge this there wouldn’t be anything else to look for. When this happens mankind will step out of his self-made prison and into reality.”
The O Manuscript is not another book about positive thinking. Throughout his initiation, Muhl was forced to confront his dark side, the shadows that kept him from true health and wellness. “This is my journey,” says Muhl. “Every word of it is true and really happened to me, but it is also meant to be a kind of allegory. The lessons I learned are universal.”
Praise for The O
“I recommend this amazing story to anyone seeking the path to enlightenment.” —Al Jardine , The Beach Boys
“Lars Muhl tells an extraordinary tale in an extraordinary way…It is a story that, for too long, has been cyring out to be told.” —Henry Lincoln, co-author of The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail
- GenresSpiritualityPhilosophy
540 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2008
113 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 28, 2013
Phenomenal book. It has changed my life and it now lives next to my bed for nightly reference.
July 21, 2018
A liberating story, full of both wisdom and provocation, that plants curiosity and longing in me.
August 25, 2018
If you are intrigued about the possible origins of the Kaballahh and the possible story of the Love and relationship between Jeshua and Mary Magdalene.....you will love this book....I did
November 20, 2013
***I received this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway***
What a fulfilling and captivating book. I was daunted by the sheer size of the book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Simply Put..A must Read.
What a fulfilling and captivating book. I was daunted by the sheer size of the book but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Simply Put..A must Read.
March 11, 2014
I liked the first book The Seer but was totally disappointed with the rest. Some interesting research by the author but I was put off by the graphic sexual scenes which I didn't expect to find in a book of this kind. I gave up into the second book. Would not recommend it to any of my friends!
April 24, 2016
An amazing read - and amazing book.
Read it. With an open mind, open hear and open will - listen for what whispers deep within you when reading Lars story, and the parallel stories as well.
Mindboggling and heartwarming. Shaking me up, massively.
Will re-read more than once, that's for sure!
Read it. With an open mind, open hear and open will - listen for what whispers deep within you when reading Lars story, and the parallel stories as well.
Mindboggling and heartwarming. Shaking me up, massively.
Will re-read more than once, that's for sure!
November 11, 2013
This is a very epic spiritual book. It's thrilling and thought provoking.
December 26, 2018
Love is the way.
This is a great story of a man who finds his way home. In the spiritual sense.
It is based both in modern day Europe, and the Middle East, at the time of Jesus. It talks of the Holy Grail.
I was a bit sceptical at first, because it has such strong Christian overtones. But that just helps the author tell an alternative version of The Magdalene.
It was engaging, well paced and very informative.
If you're a student of ACIM, you'll recognise the same theme in this novel.
This is a great story of a man who finds his way home. In the spiritual sense.
It is based both in modern day Europe, and the Middle East, at the time of Jesus. It talks of the Holy Grail.
I was a bit sceptical at first, because it has such strong Christian overtones. But that just helps the author tell an alternative version of The Magdalene.
It was engaging, well paced and very informative.
If you're a student of ACIM, you'll recognise the same theme in this novel.
November 20, 2020
It's a strange sensation to read the words of someone else's spiritual quest, and recognize them as your own. So many of the Gnostic traditions are recounted here, and expounded in a way that makes a very important document fo future generations.
We do not have the complete picture, yet, but while we are alive and seeking the truth, we are still seeking the Grail which is everywhere, both inside and outside of us. Reading this manuscript will aid your understanding, and enlighten your path.
Bless.
We do not have the complete picture, yet, but while we are alive and seeking the truth, we are still seeking the Grail which is everywhere, both inside and outside of us. Reading this manuscript will aid your understanding, and enlighten your path.
Bless.
May 10, 2017
The O is in the WhOAH. A very compelling read. Not enough stars in my universe to rate this.
July 23, 2020
Outstanding book.
Could not put it down. Am going to re-read immediately. So much wisdom and mind blowing perspective. Truly brilliant. Thank you Lars.
Could not put it down. Am going to re-read immediately. So much wisdom and mind blowing perspective. Truly brilliant. Thank you Lars.
August 27, 2021
This is not a book, this is an experience. A spiritual melodrama whose actions transform the reader with each page.
June 11, 2022
If this book calls, then answer✨✨✨
December 8, 2022
Wow. Just wow
July 19, 2023
Very inspiring esoteric philosophy.
Exciting Reading
Exciting Reading
November 16, 2024
This was like the feminine missing aspect of the Bible for me. Loved it, gave me some insight.
October 3, 2014
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaway. Which is perhaps where my issue with this book lies. Had I actually been in a book shop when I came across this book, I would perhaps have realised instantly what it was. Unfortunately, I did not read the description of this book thoroughly when I entered the giveaway; in all honesty, I thought I was entering a competition about a fiction book, not a non-fiction, spiritual guide.
I don't read books like this. As such, to date, I still have not finished this book (although perhaps I will some day). I completed The Seer but didn't get very far through The Magdelene (although I actually found the 'historical' chapters interesting and would have enjoyed them more without the autobiographical chapters interspersed between them). So why have I given it two stars if I wasn't compelled to complete it? It's actually very well written. It's engaging. It's thought provoking. If you want to read about spirituality and want some guide to self enlightenment, it is probably a brilliant read.
I don't though. I was bored by the book due to its subject matter, but that was me, not the book. Although I did not enjoy it it would be unfair of me to rate it poorly, because I genuinely don't think it is a bad book. Just a book that is written for a particular audience.
That said, I feel that many of the 'epiphanies' the author describes throughout the text are nothing grand or awe inspiring. In truth, much of what he spoke about were things I had discussed at Philosophy A-Level. I doubt anyone with a serious/academic interest in philosophy will find anything new in this book, but perhaps I was misinterpreting it. Concepts that were new to me, however, I completely disagreed with.
As another reviewer has mentioned, there were some overly explicit scenes that were unexpected. They felt a little like they had been placed within for shock value and I feel they were, ultimately, unnecessary.
In all, if you enjoy reading spirituality accounts, then you'll probably enjoy this book. If you're looking for either an enjoyable fictional read about spirituality or some heavy, interesting philosophical debates then don't pick this up.
I don't read books like this. As such, to date, I still have not finished this book (although perhaps I will some day). I completed The Seer but didn't get very far through The Magdelene (although I actually found the 'historical' chapters interesting and would have enjoyed them more without the autobiographical chapters interspersed between them). So why have I given it two stars if I wasn't compelled to complete it? It's actually very well written. It's engaging. It's thought provoking. If you want to read about spirituality and want some guide to self enlightenment, it is probably a brilliant read.
I don't though. I was bored by the book due to its subject matter, but that was me, not the book. Although I did not enjoy it it would be unfair of me to rate it poorly, because I genuinely don't think it is a bad book. Just a book that is written for a particular audience.
That said, I feel that many of the 'epiphanies' the author describes throughout the text are nothing grand or awe inspiring. In truth, much of what he spoke about were things I had discussed at Philosophy A-Level. I doubt anyone with a serious/academic interest in philosophy will find anything new in this book, but perhaps I was misinterpreting it. Concepts that were new to me, however, I completely disagreed with.
As another reviewer has mentioned, there were some overly explicit scenes that were unexpected. They felt a little like they had been placed within for shock value and I feel they were, ultimately, unnecessary.
In all, if you enjoy reading spirituality accounts, then you'll probably enjoy this book. If you're looking for either an enjoyable fictional read about spirituality or some heavy, interesting philosophical debates then don't pick this up.
March 16, 2014
thanks to goodreads for the preview copy
the majority of reviewers for this book seem to love the spiritual journey the author takes them on
personally i was kinda indifferent, it's not terrible by any means but i just didn't connect with the author, i find the tone a bit judgmental at times and it was a bit of an effort to read
perhaps worth a try then make up your own mind whether this book does it for you or not
the majority of reviewers for this book seem to love the spiritual journey the author takes them on
personally i was kinda indifferent, it's not terrible by any means but i just didn't connect with the author, i find the tone a bit judgmental at times and it was a bit of an effort to read
perhaps worth a try then make up your own mind whether this book does it for you or not
September 21, 2014
Liberating
December 26, 2016
Love this book!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews