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Don't Polish Your Ignorance It May Shine
The persistent questions of seekers fill this book. It's all here the pain, the confusion, the raging gut level thirst, all that it means to be human and alive and wanting. And through it all are the clear, strong, unwavering tones of a master who reminds us that the only thing that lies between the human and the divine, the finite and the boundless, the seeking and the finding, is choice.
What does that choice entail? Not the acquisition of any path breaking wisdom, but a determined refusal to strengthen one's ignorance, to reinforce one's deceptions, to gold plate ones limitations.
The danger, Sadhguru tells us, does not lie in being in the dark that can be dispelled for anyone who genuinely desires it but in settling for an easy brilliance, a spurious radiance. The danger does not lie in seeking urgently, but in arriving chealy.
Don't polish your ignorance, he warns aphoristically, unforgettably, recurrently in the course of this book. It may shine.
What does that choice entail? Not the acquisition of any path breaking wisdom, but a determined refusal to strengthen one's ignorance, to reinforce one's deceptions, to gold plate ones limitations.
The danger, Sadhguru tells us, does not lie in being in the dark that can be dispelled for anyone who genuinely desires it but in settling for an easy brilliance, a spurious radiance. The danger does not lie in seeking urgently, but in arriving chealy.
Don't polish your ignorance, he warns aphoristically, unforgettably, recurrently in the course of this book. It may shine.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
187 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
Sadhguru
138 books3,397 followersSadhguru is a yogi, mystic and visionary. Named one of India's 50 most influential people, Sadhguru's work has touched the lives of millions worldwide through his transformational programs. Sadhguru has a unique ability to make the ancient yogic sciences relevant to contemporary minds. His approach does not ascribe to any belief system but offers methods for self-transformation that are both proven and powerful.
An internationally renowned speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller Inner Engineering, A Yogi's Guide to Joy, Sadhguru has been an influential voice at major global forums including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, addressing issues as diverse as socioeconomic development, leadership and spirituality. He has also been invited to speak at leading educational institutions, including Oxford, London Business School, IMD, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Wharton and MIT. In February 2017, Sadhguru was the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan Award by the Government of India, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.
Dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of humanity and gifted with utter clarity of perception, Sadhguru possesses a perspective on life that never fails to intrigue, challenge and surprise all those he encounters. Sadhguru established Isha Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization operating in more than 300 centers and supported by over 11 million volunteers worldwide. Through powerful yoga programs for inner transformation and inspiring social outreach initiatives, Isha Foundation has created a massive movement dedicated to addressing all aspects of human wellbeing.
Sadhguru has also initiated several projects for social revitalization, education and the environment through which millions of people have been given the means to overcome poverty, improve their quality of life and achieve community-based, sustainable development.
In the fall of 2017, Sadhguru initiated Rally For Rivers, a nationwide campaign aiming to implement sustainable and long-term policy changes to revitalize India's severely depleted rivers, which found great support among India's people and leadership. With over 162 Million individuals pledging their support, Rally for Rivers is the largest ecological movement in the world to date. In the fall of 2019, Sadhguru launched Cauvery Calling, a uniquely modelled project that focuses on enhancing farmer wealth while simultaneously impacting river flow and riverine ecosystems. It will enable farmers in the Cauvery basin spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to plant 2.42 billion trees.
In the United States, Isha Foundation is headquartered at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, Isha Institute is established as infrastructure for raising human consciousness and offers a variety of programs that provide methods for anyone to explore and experience the yogic science in its full depth.
About Sadhguru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
Visit - https://sadhguru.org/karma
An internationally renowned speaker and author of the New York Times Bestseller Inner Engineering, A Yogi's Guide to Joy, Sadhguru has been an influential voice at major global forums including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, addressing issues as diverse as socioeconomic development, leadership and spirituality. He has also been invited to speak at leading educational institutions, including Oxford, London Business School, IMD, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Wharton and MIT. In February 2017, Sadhguru was the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan Award by the Government of India, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.
Dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of humanity and gifted with utter clarity of perception, Sadhguru possesses a perspective on life that never fails to intrigue, challenge and surprise all those he encounters. Sadhguru established Isha Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization operating in more than 300 centers and supported by over 11 million volunteers worldwide. Through powerful yoga programs for inner transformation and inspiring social outreach initiatives, Isha Foundation has created a massive movement dedicated to addressing all aspects of human wellbeing.
Sadhguru has also initiated several projects for social revitalization, education and the environment through which millions of people have been given the means to overcome poverty, improve their quality of life and achieve community-based, sustainable development.
In the fall of 2017, Sadhguru initiated Rally For Rivers, a nationwide campaign aiming to implement sustainable and long-term policy changes to revitalize India's severely depleted rivers, which found great support among India's people and leadership. With over 162 Million individuals pledging their support, Rally for Rivers is the largest ecological movement in the world to date. In the fall of 2019, Sadhguru launched Cauvery Calling, a uniquely modelled project that focuses on enhancing farmer wealth while simultaneously impacting river flow and riverine ecosystems. It will enable farmers in the Cauvery basin spanning Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to plant 2.42 billion trees.
In the United States, Isha Foundation is headquartered at the Isha Institute of Inner-sciences in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, Isha Institute is established as infrastructure for raising human consciousness and offers a variety of programs that provide methods for anyone to explore and experience the yogic science in its full depth.
About Sadhguru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_co...
Visit - https://sadhguru.org/karma
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 21, 2016
Any person who has questions, questions beyond the daily existential questions, about human life, desire, creation, their own self -should consider reading this book. It's one if the best books that I have read.
Sadguru as his speeches and his various discourses is very compelling. He doesn't need to convince you on any point - on reading this book, you will be shocked yourself with the questions that you have always had in your head and he answers them such simplicity and poise. The various examples quoted by him are excellent.
This book might crumble all your belief system or atleast jolt some of them. Be ready to let it all go away, since whatever it is that you're clinging on to yet- has not produced any far reaching effects for you in your life- just drop all your philosophies and be in the void.
There is a lot of power in " I do not know". I do not know has immense possibility.
Sadguru as his speeches and his various discourses is very compelling. He doesn't need to convince you on any point - on reading this book, you will be shocked yourself with the questions that you have always had in your head and he answers them such simplicity and poise. The various examples quoted by him are excellent.
This book might crumble all your belief system or atleast jolt some of them. Be ready to let it all go away, since whatever it is that you're clinging on to yet- has not produced any far reaching effects for you in your life- just drop all your philosophies and be in the void.
There is a lot of power in " I do not know". I do not know has immense possibility.
December 25, 2018
Mystic's musings is the best of all the books that I have read of Sadhguru. Most of the dialogues consolidated in this book "Don't polish your ignorance It may shine", are available in the form of YouTube videos as well.
July 1, 2019
A wonderful book if you read and it is blissful if you practice.
After reading this book if you start again writing likes and dislike's . It simply mean you didn't understood anything in this book.
After reading this book if you start again writing likes and dislike's . It simply mean you didn't understood anything in this book.
December 12, 2020
Difficult to categorize.
Saddhguru is refreshingly blunt, witty, wise and I love him.
He uses stories at times to help explain/answer questions, to give you a clearer perspective and deeper understanding where mere words cannot do.
I cannot possibly review this on content ( I am not a guru).
I suppose, you will be drawn to him, like me, in some way, when/if you become/are thirsty for experiencing the true nature of reality.
He can give you a map, or you can follow him, or you can jump on his bus and let him take you there. As a mystic, he provides tools/practices so you can experience for yourself. These tools are not divulged in the book, as I suppose some people can and would misinterpret if he did (my guess).
I took his Inner Engineering course recently (a highly recommended course now on sale at 50% off)
and loved it. He has many you tube videos which contain some practices/tools which you can try and experienced personally.
He does not sell any religion, belief, philosophy, or metaphysical stuff. He is a fully realized being who is working towards raising the awareness level of as many as he can in this life time.
He does refence other masters such as Gautama Buddha and Jesus, and being Indian, will discuss much from his culture. No worries for non-Indians, he will explain, making this available to all.
I loved this book and personally use his tools as much as possible.
Saddhguru is refreshingly blunt, witty, wise and I love him.
He uses stories at times to help explain/answer questions, to give you a clearer perspective and deeper understanding where mere words cannot do.
I cannot possibly review this on content ( I am not a guru).
I suppose, you will be drawn to him, like me, in some way, when/if you become/are thirsty for experiencing the true nature of reality.
He can give you a map, or you can follow him, or you can jump on his bus and let him take you there. As a mystic, he provides tools/practices so you can experience for yourself. These tools are not divulged in the book, as I suppose some people can and would misinterpret if he did (my guess).
I took his Inner Engineering course recently (a highly recommended course now on sale at 50% off)
and loved it. He has many you tube videos which contain some practices/tools which you can try and experienced personally.
He does not sell any religion, belief, philosophy, or metaphysical stuff. He is a fully realized being who is working towards raising the awareness level of as many as he can in this life time.
He does refence other masters such as Gautama Buddha and Jesus, and being Indian, will discuss much from his culture. No worries for non-Indians, he will explain, making this available to all.
I loved this book and personally use his tools as much as possible.
February 18, 2020
The level of wisdom in this book is outstanding. Sadhguru dives with so much grace in many sensitive topics like desire, joy, love, happiness and spirituality bringing to the surface a clear map/view over what means and how to live a conscious life filled with joy in which you take full responsibility.
Definitely recommend this book. Is the kind you want to keep it close and reread it.
Definitely recommend this book. Is the kind you want to keep it close and reread it.
July 19, 2020
You should not shape the thinking of others because if you successfully shape –usually you cannot succeed – but if you succeed in shaping the thought process of another person, that means you produced a carbon copy of yourself. That is not the intention of education.
The greatest thing that you can do when it comes to life sciences is, in every class that you handle, make sure that you say, “I don’t know” at least thrice. Let the children learn that they do not know, because ignorance is and will always be a much bigger possibility than knowledge.
In the yogic culture, we always train people to identify with their ignorance because knowledge is a very limited thing, but ignorance is a limitless possibility.
"Knowledge is a small thing, ignorance is boundless."
-Sadhguru
------------------------------------------------------
The greatest thing that you can do when it comes to life sciences is, in every class that you handle, make sure that you say, “I don’t know” at least thrice. Let the children learn that they do not know, because ignorance is and will always be a much bigger possibility than knowledge.
In the yogic culture, we always train people to identify with their ignorance because knowledge is a very limited thing, but ignorance is a limitless possibility.
"Knowledge is a small thing, ignorance is boundless."
-Sadhguru
------------------------------------------------------
September 16, 2023
一些划线的句子
1. A game is a tool for you to dissolve into, not to prove who you are, not to establish yourself.
2. All knowledge is powerful only if there is somebody to show it off to.
3. Surrender is just collapsing into the existence, it is not something that you do. When all your doings stop, you are surrender. When you do Shoonya, you are actually in surrender. Meditation is deep surrender. If you really become meditative, you are in surrender.
4. Faith means you have no agenda in life. You are willing to go with God’s agenda.
5. The more knowledge you have, the less you experience.
6. The mind is incapable of being aware. It is only because of the mind that you have become unaware. If you keep the mind aside, awareness will blossom in a huge way.
7. BSP turns up your emotional energy.
1. A game is a tool for you to dissolve into, not to prove who you are, not to establish yourself.
2. All knowledge is powerful only if there is somebody to show it off to.
3. Surrender is just collapsing into the existence, it is not something that you do. When all your doings stop, you are surrender. When you do Shoonya, you are actually in surrender. Meditation is deep surrender. If you really become meditative, you are in surrender.
4. Faith means you have no agenda in life. You are willing to go with God’s agenda.
5. The more knowledge you have, the less you experience.
6. The mind is incapable of being aware. It is only because of the mind that you have become unaware. If you keep the mind aside, awareness will blossom in a huge way.
7. BSP turns up your emotional energy.
June 19, 2021
From listening his short stories on Instagram to finally reading one of his book. Loved the Title, so I decided to read & encountered with a totally different perspective of Spirituality. The way he unfolds the truth is amazing , quite a few things for the working professionals to create a balance between Work and Life .Highly thought Provoking, It might challenge the one’s core concepts at every level , How open minded one is to read and accept that will make a lot of difference. Content is very deep, So had to read paragraph quite a lot of time 🤭 to understand #DifferentIsNotWrong
November 17, 2020
This book is for those who are striving to gain some clarity in their life, with regards to many important aspects. This book will not work for you if you simply read it... that activity has to be coupled with some intense introspection. So if you're looking just for some ' spiritual entertainment content' then you don't want to read this book.
December 10, 2022
An extraordinary book. Basic spiritual read is required for better understanding. Focuses on various aspects of life including love ,fear, Security, spiritual seeking and self realisation.
Best line to cherish: Your fundamental existence,your aliveness is far more significant than your thoughts and emotions.
Best line to cherish: Your fundamental existence,your aliveness is far more significant than your thoughts and emotions.
July 2, 2018
It's a very modern spiritual book, but I'll appreciate more if less occult and more clear methods, which is why I only gave four stars. A little mixture of philosophy and perception which is the good point of this book, not too dry.
September 29, 2021
I recommend this book to anyone who is full of hesitation when treading their spiritual path and the whole aspects of it. Sadhguru really knows how to grow your thirst to KNOW and and you desire to go beyond your limits.
January 7, 2023
Another good book from the mystic
So many wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. The book can be read from the beginning to the end, or can be read randomly. Somehow, the right answers will always wait for you there in the book.
So many wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. The book can be read from the beginning to the end, or can be read randomly. Somehow, the right answers will always wait for you there in the book.
September 29, 2018
Must read
Light reading. Very important messages of life delivered in very interesting way.Ignorance is not bliss anymore in time of globalization.
Light reading. Very important messages of life delivered in very interesting way.Ignorance is not bliss anymore in time of globalization.
September 4, 2019
Keeps poking... Time and again... I dont know...
September 8, 2019
It keeps you engaged all the time in thinking about your situations
Read
December 20, 2019Love you sadhguru
April 10, 2020
Cool,
August 15, 2020
3.5/5. Very good points of views into surrendering, ignorance, thinking and general attitudes. Some things were bit of too much though
June 1, 2025
a speech converted into a book. hence it is not well structured
I am a great regard for Sadhguru but this book did not meet expectations
I am a great regard for Sadhguru but this book did not meet expectations
August 28, 2017
Truly....
Never polish your ignorance, it may shine!!!
Never polish your ignorance, it may shine!!!
October 15, 2017
Informative
The book is a collection of his discourses. Many of them are available on YouTube too. But not all of them. It answers most of your questions in a logical and precise manner.
The book is a collection of his discourses. Many of them are available on YouTube too. But not all of them. It answers most of your questions in a logical and precise manner.
Read
January 25, 2016The book talks about making choices, what they entail and the need to avoid gold plating one's limitations. The danger does not lie in being in the dark as that can be overcome if one desires but lies in settling for an easy brilliance.
August 10, 2016
Very nice book
January 5, 2017
very nice book
December 28, 2018
Smetimes Ignorance is a bliss! but number of ignorance might not a "+"
October 17, 2019
Very nice. INSIGHTFUL.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews