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Resurrecting Jesus: Embodying the Spirit of a Revolutionary Mystic
The life of Jesus offers each one of us a map to the direct realization of our eternal and divine nature. On Resurrecting Jesus, Adyashanti presents 12 audio sessions excavating the deep, mythic underpinnings of the Gospels, and how we can each find in the story of Jesus the spark for our own spiritual unfolding. Adya begins by sharing his personal ties to the life and teachings of Jesus-and how his background in Zen Buddhism and his own journey of awakening inform his unique understanding of "what it means to be in true relationship with the eternal principle." He then unpacks the story of Jesus to show how the events central to his life mirror the process of spiritual realization-and what that might mean for each of us individually. Adya illuminates the central archetypal figures of the Jesus story at work within each of us, including Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, Judas, and Pontius Pilate. He concludes with a profound discussion of the embodiment of the universal Christ consciousness.
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First published February 1, 2014
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About the author
Adyashanti
133 books573 followersAdyashanti is an American spiritual teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area who gives regular satsangs in the United States and also teaches abroad. He is the author of several books, CDs and DVDs and is the founder of Open Gate Sangha, Inc. a nonprofit organization that supports, and makes available, his teachings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 4, 2015
Adyashanti is a Zen Buddhist born in Cupertino CA in 1962. This book is based on a series of talks/classes he gave in 2013. It outlines his interpretations of Jesus's teachings, along with various episodes in his life as related in the Gospels, all from a Buddhist perspective. He regards Jesus as one of the most enlightened (in the Buddhist sense) men who ever lived, at least on a par with the Buddha himself, but expressing his experience of the spiritual in an entirely different way. The interpretations are sensitive and nuanced, and in most cases I found them very instructive. This is definitely not an orthodox Christian reading, and it doesn't always work with equal felicity; but then neither does any other interpretation I've read. The author tells a number of disarming stories about his own youthful naivety and his struggles with organized religion as he was growing up. He freely admits that in a particularly dry, unrewarding place in his meditation practice, he found the love of Jesus as introduced to him by the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux to be the one thing that enabled him to progress. This book, in conjunction with Paul Knitter's much broader Without Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian, has been a real education for me.
August 20, 2014
I really dig Adyashanti as a meditation teacher and all-around guru, but I feel like some of his character insights in this book were a little tone deaf. Mary Magdalene may have "loved too much" but it seems profoundly naive to say that someone becomes a prostitute because of their "lustful" nature. It's my understanding that women become prostitutes out of desperation, a need for protection, and lack of resources and/or education, not because they have deep feelings for the men who pay to use their bodies. I think Adyashanti is a tremendously insightful teacher, but some of his insights here seemed to miss the mark.
September 20, 2023
Adyashani, a Zen monk, an American, a prolific writer on non-duality, presents his perspective on the mystery of Christ.
'Resurrecting Jesus'.
The author talks about the spirit that underlies all mystical traditions. He mentions that Christ, Yogananda, and Buddha had the biggest influence on his development.
The main theme is that the narrative of the life of Christ represents the spiritual process within the great saints across all traditions, and within us. (Birth, life, death, resurrections, ascension.)
Adyashanti draws heavily upon the New Testament, and touches on the Gospel of Thomas, Meister Eckhart, and St. Theresa of Avila.
Towards the end of the book the author describes how five main characters - John, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, and Judas - represent archetypes that are ever-present; within us, and within the people we encounter. It is a very beautiful end to the book.
This is the second book I've read from the author. It is easy-reading, relatively short, and at times, poetic.
Recommend.
'Resurrecting Jesus'.
The author talks about the spirit that underlies all mystical traditions. He mentions that Christ, Yogananda, and Buddha had the biggest influence on his development.
The main theme is that the narrative of the life of Christ represents the spiritual process within the great saints across all traditions, and within us. (Birth, life, death, resurrections, ascension.)
Adyashanti draws heavily upon the New Testament, and touches on the Gospel of Thomas, Meister Eckhart, and St. Theresa of Avila.
Towards the end of the book the author describes how five main characters - John, Peter, Mary Magdalene, Pontius Pilate, and Judas - represent archetypes that are ever-present; within us, and within the people we encounter. It is a very beautiful end to the book.
This is the second book I've read from the author. It is easy-reading, relatively short, and at times, poetic.
Recommend.
September 21, 2014
I felt like this book described the steps of spiritual awakening and then illustrated HUMAN Jesus's journey to enlightenment throughout the Gospels, but not HOW to achieve this personally. I want to too! Only gave this book a 3rd star because of the final Part Three of the book. I'm glad I read this, and it definitely did have some sections worth thinking about, even discussing with my kids maybe as a subject for the dinner table, but just never got really excited about this book.
I kept thinking about a few people who I feel are living spiritually awakened. You can almost feel the spirit radiating out of them. But how can I find that within me? I keep thinking of the person who said we are not supposed to be human beings having divine experiences. We are divine beings having a human experience. As Adyashanti says, that is hard to experience in this Western culture where everything seems so egocentric. It was interesting to study the Gospel with his approach.
I kept thinking about a few people who I feel are living spiritually awakened. You can almost feel the spirit radiating out of them. But how can I find that within me? I keep thinking of the person who said we are not supposed to be human beings having divine experiences. We are divine beings having a human experience. As Adyashanti says, that is hard to experience in this Western culture where everything seems so egocentric. It was interesting to study the Gospel with his approach.
February 12, 2016
One of the most personal, beautiful and fascinating books I've read about Jesus, written by a Buddhist who sees with open eyes and heart.
September 10, 2021
I loved this sounds true program and Adyshanti's wisdom around the Jesus story. I struggle with large organized religions sometimes because they seem more interested in regulating, judging and being rules based than they are with someone's spiritual journey at the Jesus story. I learned so much and really got clear on key points for my spirituality.
“As Jesus says in the Gospel of Thomas, “If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” [Gospel of Thomas 70]”
“Of course, there are those churches today that are inspired by the real living presence of Christ, but as a whole, Christianity needs new life breathed into it. It needs to be challenged to awaken from the old structures that confine spirit, so that the perennial spirit of awakening can flourish once again.”
“In the original Greek, one of the meanings of sin [hamartia] is simply “to miss the mark.”
“we’ve come to understand sin as a kind of moral failing, but that interpretation actually comes from the power structures of the church and religious authorities. If you can convince somebody that they are inherently impure and that there is a mistake at the center of their being, then sin becomes a wrongdoing that deserves blame.”
“In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly challenges the religious authorities of the day, but ultimately what he’s saying is relevant to all forms of religion. It wouldn’t matter if he grew up a Jew, or a Christian, or a Buddhist, or a Hindu, because he’s speaking about the structure of religion itself—its hierarchy, its tendency to become corrupted by human beings’ desires for power, for influence, for money. Jesus, I think, had a profound understanding that the religion itself, instead of connecting us to the radiance of being, connecting us to that spiritual mystery, could easily become a barrier to divinity. As soon as we get too caught up with the rites and the rituals and the Thou shalts and Thou shalt nots of conventional religion, we begin to lose sight of the primary task of religion, which is to orient us toward the mystery of being and awaken us to what we really are. Of course,”
“Myth isn’t about factual or historical truth, but about a deeper truth. In ancient times, people saw myth in a very different light—as a vehicle that can transmit and carry a subtlety and richness of experience that simply cannot be conveyed by linear, conceptual forms of language.”
― Adyashanti, Resurrecting Jesus: Embodying the Spirit of a Revolutionary Mystic
“As Jesus says in the Gospel of Thomas, “If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” [Gospel of Thomas 70]”
“Of course, there are those churches today that are inspired by the real living presence of Christ, but as a whole, Christianity needs new life breathed into it. It needs to be challenged to awaken from the old structures that confine spirit, so that the perennial spirit of awakening can flourish once again.”
“In the original Greek, one of the meanings of sin [hamartia] is simply “to miss the mark.”
“we’ve come to understand sin as a kind of moral failing, but that interpretation actually comes from the power structures of the church and religious authorities. If you can convince somebody that they are inherently impure and that there is a mistake at the center of their being, then sin becomes a wrongdoing that deserves blame.”
“In the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly challenges the religious authorities of the day, but ultimately what he’s saying is relevant to all forms of religion. It wouldn’t matter if he grew up a Jew, or a Christian, or a Buddhist, or a Hindu, because he’s speaking about the structure of religion itself—its hierarchy, its tendency to become corrupted by human beings’ desires for power, for influence, for money. Jesus, I think, had a profound understanding that the religion itself, instead of connecting us to the radiance of being, connecting us to that spiritual mystery, could easily become a barrier to divinity. As soon as we get too caught up with the rites and the rituals and the Thou shalts and Thou shalt nots of conventional religion, we begin to lose sight of the primary task of religion, which is to orient us toward the mystery of being and awaken us to what we really are. Of course,”
“Myth isn’t about factual or historical truth, but about a deeper truth. In ancient times, people saw myth in a very different light—as a vehicle that can transmit and carry a subtlety and richness of experience that simply cannot be conveyed by linear, conceptual forms of language.”
― Adyashanti, Resurrecting Jesus: Embodying the Spirit of a Revolutionary Mystic
December 12, 2024
Although I have not read many books on Jesus or Christianity, this is one I keep re-listening to. I did not read it, I listened. The audio was the best I've ever heard, it felt like the author was having a dinner conversation with the listener. Great insights on his journey through Buddhism to Christianity. I'll keep re listening!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2018
Although he didn’t have a particularly religious upbringing, Adyashanti’s connection to the Jesus story began during his childhood, when he was still Steven Gray, living in Cupertino, California. He grew up in a family that frequently discussed spirituality and religion and had a grandfather he describes as having “embodied the Christian spirit of generosity and love.” As a teenager Steven was passionate about bike racing and meditation, but meditation ultimately triumphed and he went on to study Zen Buddhism. At 31 Steven had a profound awakening experience and changed his name to Adyshanti (which means primordial peace) and became a spiritual teacher. It was during this period that he began to read about the Christian mystics, especially St. Therese of Lisieux, which shone a different light on the Jesus story, illuminating Adyashanti’s understanding of Zen. He was rewired. As he put it, “That’s a very powerful dynamic, when the mystery of our own being meets a really extraordinary story. That meeting can elicit something quite transformative.”
All of Adyashanti’s spiritual exploration, practice, and growth inform his method of teaching, which encompasses many traditions including Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta (Hindu philosophy), and the Jesus story. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine,” he has said, “but is open to all and found within all.”
Resurrecting Jesus reflects this. The Jesus Adyashanti shows us is a revolutionary mystic, “breaking through all the false boundaries and imaginary dividing lines that separate us as human beings and separate us from the world.” Adyashanti recognizes that “the Western mind has been dominated by Christianity for more than two thousand years, so whether you’re Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, or even atheist, you can’t help but be impacted by the story. This fact alone makes the story worth examining, and in doing so, we might find that the Jesus we’ve been told about is very different from the Jesus in the Gospels. That’s what I hope to investigate.”
And he does.
All of Adyashanti’s spiritual exploration, practice, and growth inform his method of teaching, which encompasses many traditions including Zen Buddhism, Advaita Vedanta (Hindu philosophy), and the Jesus story. “The Truth I point to is not confined within any religious point of view, belief system, or doctrine,” he has said, “but is open to all and found within all.”
Resurrecting Jesus reflects this. The Jesus Adyashanti shows us is a revolutionary mystic, “breaking through all the false boundaries and imaginary dividing lines that separate us as human beings and separate us from the world.” Adyashanti recognizes that “the Western mind has been dominated by Christianity for more than two thousand years, so whether you’re Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, or even atheist, you can’t help but be impacted by the story. This fact alone makes the story worth examining, and in doing so, we might find that the Jesus we’ve been told about is very different from the Jesus in the Gospels. That’s what I hope to investigate.”
And he does.
April 16, 2023
I'll be perfectly honestly, I didn't read this book all the way.. and that's for good reason.
Adyashanti starts off by describing his love for the Christian mystic St. Theresa and Jesus. He has a genuine encounter with Jesus of the bible which I believe was real and genuine, this marked him and helped him. BUT the rest of the book that I read is someone building Jesus in their own image, a MYSTIC Jesus... Not Jesus The Son of God who died for sin to give us Right standing with God. Books like this are dangerous, I don't think Adyashanti had much to any humility around the biblical text. He put his own meaning around the text, rather than look at what Jesus was actually saying. This is is called isogesis. The book doesn't give credit or Glory to who Jesus truly is but builds him into a Jesus who Adyashanti wants him to be to fit his spiritual narrative.( A trap that we all can easily fall into) if you're looking for the Real Jesus, this book won't help. False Mystic Jesus doesn't save.
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse." C.S Lewis
Adyashanti starts off by describing his love for the Christian mystic St. Theresa and Jesus. He has a genuine encounter with Jesus of the bible which I believe was real and genuine, this marked him and helped him. BUT the rest of the book that I read is someone building Jesus in their own image, a MYSTIC Jesus... Not Jesus The Son of God who died for sin to give us Right standing with God. Books like this are dangerous, I don't think Adyashanti had much to any humility around the biblical text. He put his own meaning around the text, rather than look at what Jesus was actually saying. This is is called isogesis. The book doesn't give credit or Glory to who Jesus truly is but builds him into a Jesus who Adyashanti wants him to be to fit his spiritual narrative.( A trap that we all can easily fall into) if you're looking for the Real Jesus, this book won't help. False Mystic Jesus doesn't save.
"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse." C.S Lewis
March 4, 2018
Everyone and their grandma needs to read this book. If only our western culture could adhere to the story of Jesus in a way that relates to our divine being without dogma and religion. It is funny that Jesus, someone who would get enraged by hierarchical religious structures, is being praised in these very places today. He has been misunderstood because the structures built around his message have totally corrupted it. His message could only be heard by people in a certain state of consciousness. Instead of relating the story of Jesus back to us, the western religious structures have convinced the masses that they were born as sinners. However, this was not the message of Jesus. The message of Jesus message is simple: the kingdom of god is within you. How that has been so misinterpreted, I do not know. But Adyashanti does a fantastic job at bringing the story of Jesus back to to life. Perhaps the most outstanding theme of the story is that Jesus’ life is a reflection of our inner life. For example, Some of his disciples represent parts of ourselves that deny the truth of divine being when encountered in some way or another.
July 26, 2019
As someone who has been turned off from Christian mythology.
I have not yet read the bible and would classify myself as an atheist. The book gave me a positive impression of the story of Jesus and I enjoyed Adyashanti's framing of the different stories and tellings.
I have a clearer idea of the central characters Pontus, Judas, Mary and the disciples.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
I have not yet read the bible and would classify myself as an atheist. The book gave me a positive impression of the story of Jesus and I enjoyed Adyashanti's framing of the different stories and tellings.
I have a clearer idea of the central characters Pontus, Judas, Mary and the disciples.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
August 11, 2014
My minister once told me that I was a mystic. Intrigued, I wanted to hear what Adyashanti had to say about Jesus. The words hit all my buttons.
Read
December 31, 2020Resurrecting Jesus interprets the story of Jesus as one of spiritual awakening, arguing he preached “intimate, personal, immediate access to divine being, to the Kingdom of Heaven within” - hence the description “revolutionary mystic”. I’d never encountered such a framing before; it was really interesting to see the gospels read in a metaphorical sense instead of historically or as moral didacticism. By no means do I have a sophisticated understanding of the non-dualistic ideas Adyashanti uses here, and not every part hit home for me, but it’s written in a way I still found quite approachable and was able to take much away from. I found this to be a thoughtful, mind-expanding read that’s given me a new lens through which to see these stories.
The message of the Jesus story is that we must fully enter the world - and that the way to freedom is through pouring ourselves into life, through saying yes in the biggest, boldest, possible way. And we can only do that when we connect with that sense of well-being, which is love. Love doesn’t ultimately concern itself with questions like, “Am I having a great time?” It doesn’t concern itself with the ego’s search to have a better and better experience. Love is a completely different energy. Love pours itself forth, gives itself fully; love finds its fulfillment by offering itself.
September 4, 2024
In this book, recently-retired spiritual teacher Adyashanti gives his perspective on the story of Jesus. His perspective draws substantially on his background in Zen Buddhism. He also treats events in the bible as mythic and allegorical rather than as actual events. So, for example, he treats the crucifixion of Christ as being about the death of the ego.
I guess it will most likely appeal to those who enjoy Adyashanti's teachings, as well as those wanting to bring together different religious perspectives, in this case Christianity and Buddhism. It is less likely to appeal to those who regard Jesus as a historical figure and want to know more about that.
I should also mention that, if you don't enjoy a lot of repetition of points, this is not the book for you!
I guess it will most likely appeal to those who enjoy Adyashanti's teachings, as well as those wanting to bring together different religious perspectives, in this case Christianity and Buddhism. It is less likely to appeal to those who regard Jesus as a historical figure and want to know more about that.
I should also mention that, if you don't enjoy a lot of repetition of points, this is not the book for you!
June 12, 2020
Wow wow wow.
In all honesty, I adore stories about Jesus. That being said, I abore the ‘Christian’ Depiction of the man and his teachings.
This book should be something which all followers of Christ have on their bookshelf. It will shine a new light on what you think you know about Jesus and his teachings. Whilst i wouldn’t say it necessarily negates the Christian depiction of the stories behind Jesus, it certainly challenges some of the concepts behind how they’ve been translated over the years. You can belong to any religion to enjoy this book, including Christianity. I would urge anyone to read it.
In all honesty, I adore stories about Jesus. That being said, I abore the ‘Christian’ Depiction of the man and his teachings.
This book should be something which all followers of Christ have on their bookshelf. It will shine a new light on what you think you know about Jesus and his teachings. Whilst i wouldn’t say it necessarily negates the Christian depiction of the stories behind Jesus, it certainly challenges some of the concepts behind how they’ve been translated over the years. You can belong to any religion to enjoy this book, including Christianity. I would urge anyone to read it.
March 8, 2018
Highly recommend. A new lens with which to look through the story of Jesus and apply to your own life; that of spiritual awakening. As opposed to being presented as some untouchable that no one could ever hope to embody or aspire to, Adyashanti has distilled the kernels of his teachings and life story and presented them in such a way so as to illuminate to the reader that this was not merely the premise but the entire purpose of the teachings of Jesus. Highly illustrative and interesting and as always Adya's voice is both deep and incisive.
April 15, 2023
My first book about Jesus! Got a glimpse of his life story. The author brings interesting perspectives about Jesus's life and spirituality. I found it good and intresting in some parts. However can't say that it was mind blowing. Could be because I have been reading too much on the same theme (spirituality) and I found nothing revealing from this book!
I listened to the Audible version and found it to be repetitive in a lot of places. Overall worth listening to it once. Compelled me to read more about Jesus's life and different versions of the stories.
I listened to the Audible version and found it to be repetitive in a lot of places. Overall worth listening to it once. Compelled me to read more about Jesus's life and different versions of the stories.
August 11, 2024
Recommended by a close friend who lived on an intentional interfaith community in Taos, NM.
This book is fascinating and extremely different from anything I’ve read about Jesus, but it’s definitely repetitive and a little too universalist. Adyashanti basically places Jesus and humans on the same playing field, saying that Jesus has discovered an enlightened state and brought forth his divine being. He challenges readers to look at Jesus’ life as a metaphor for a spiritual journey. There are some interesting points about the historical impact of Jesus’ life and why people are continuously intrigued by Jesus.
As I said, it’s very different from what I have read or think, but it’s always good to understand other perspectives.
This book is fascinating and extremely different from anything I’ve read about Jesus, but it’s definitely repetitive and a little too universalist. Adyashanti basically places Jesus and humans on the same playing field, saying that Jesus has discovered an enlightened state and brought forth his divine being. He challenges readers to look at Jesus’ life as a metaphor for a spiritual journey. There are some interesting points about the historical impact of Jesus’ life and why people are continuously intrigued by Jesus.
As I said, it’s very different from what I have read or think, but it’s always good to understand other perspectives.
January 28, 2020
This book breathes new life into a two thousand year old story. I felt deeply touched , saddened and inspired by the age old story of Christ. Whether you believe it as historical fact or an old myth, this story has shaped the world for good (and bad). Adyashanti has with his beautiful interpretation of the gospels of John, Mark and Thomas renewed my faith in a revolutionary figure who dared challenge the status quo of his day. A figure that ultimately sacrificed himself to awaken others.
March 9, 2020
Enjoyed this book thoroughly!
To provide some context, I am drawn to Buddhist philosophy but don’t identify as a Buddhist (yet); I am still exploring the world of religion and spirituality.
And I am certainly not Christian but I had attended Christian schools for most of my life.
This book was a fascinating way to interpret the Bible. I will never read the stories and think of the figures like John, Mary, Judas, Peter...the same ever way again!
To provide some context, I am drawn to Buddhist philosophy but don’t identify as a Buddhist (yet); I am still exploring the world of religion and spirituality.
And I am certainly not Christian but I had attended Christian schools for most of my life.
This book was a fascinating way to interpret the Bible. I will never read the stories and think of the figures like John, Mary, Judas, Peter...the same ever way again!
December 31, 2020
A beautiful analysis of Jesus' life
I grew up catholic but I was never taught the story of Jesus the way Adyashanti did. This book offered me a chance to look at Christianity with a different lens and even to consider giving it another chance. The author compares the moments in Jesus' life as an example of our own spiritual journey, the characters in the story as parts that live within ourselves, and invites us to connect with the divine while we are alive. Very powerful.
I grew up catholic but I was never taught the story of Jesus the way Adyashanti did. This book offered me a chance to look at Christianity with a different lens and even to consider giving it another chance. The author compares the moments in Jesus' life as an example of our own spiritual journey, the characters in the story as parts that live within ourselves, and invites us to connect with the divine while we are alive. Very powerful.
February 25, 2024
A new understanding of the Jesus story
This book revealed the life of Jesus in a way that brought his story alive like my Catholic education never did. After rejecting the Christianity of my youth and finding solace and aliveness in Zen practice, it has been remarkably satisfying and reve!atory to rediscover Jesus in a whole new light. This book was crucial for this new understanding and for the deep healing it has brought me.
This book revealed the life of Jesus in a way that brought his story alive like my Catholic education never did. After rejecting the Christianity of my youth and finding solace and aliveness in Zen practice, it has been remarkably satisfying and reve!atory to rediscover Jesus in a whole new light. This book was crucial for this new understanding and for the deep healing it has brought me.
July 25, 2025
One of the best books I have ever read; a truly revolutionary outlook on Christ that could shift the paradigm of this world as it falls into merely doctrine and dogma. Adyshanti’s words relay deep truths spoken from a living relationship with the living Christ as the Christ consciousness/ Holy Spirit in us. His way of simplifying complicated years old theology and making it an experimental, living love and truth is brilliant. I can’t wait to read more of his books
January 2, 2018
An interesting non-dual, Zen oriented take on the life and teachings of Jesus. Would recommend to those who are familiar with Zen or Dhyana Yoga and are interested in Jesus Christ. I would further recommend the first volume of the Philokalia for an early Christian version of Zen by the Desert Fathers.
June 29, 2020
Transformational
I wish I had read this book years ago. I followed mainstream religion for so long but just couldn't connect. I kept feeling guilty because there was something I clearly wasn't getting until I read this. Merchant's words spoke directly to my soul. This is a book for life that has truly resonated with me. It just makes so much sense. Thank you 💓
I wish I had read this book years ago. I followed mainstream religion for so long but just couldn't connect. I kept feeling guilty because there was something I clearly wasn't getting until I read this. Merchant's words spoke directly to my soul. This is a book for life that has truly resonated with me. It just makes so much sense. Thank you 💓
October 12, 2022
I found this book to be very inspiring. The author emphasized the fact that the Kingdom of God is here and now, and we have the Spirit of Christ living within us now. It was very enlightening reading about how God's Spirit can lead us, inspire us and live a life of love as we make our way through this current life.
November 28, 2022
I really enjoyed hearing Adyashanti's insights on the story of Jesus. I listened to the audiobook, not sure if it's exactly the same as the print version. Adyashanti took a mythical approach to the story of Jesus, explaining how Jesus' life arc also highlights the path of enlightment that faith seekers often find. I found the insights in the story to be hopeful and comforting.
May 15, 2017
The author asks us to look at the life of Jesus through Buddhist eyes. I think we always learn something new when we view our Christianity through other eyes. For the most part I agreed with him although there are theologians who wouldn't. He did have some excellent points however.
July 21, 2017
I read this as a group discussion. Adyashanti shines a new light on how Jesus is portrayed, as a man. The central archetypes of Jesus, - Peter, Mary Magdalene, John, Judah's, and Pontius Pilate - how they related with the spiritual impulse within us. Worth reading again and again.
July 22, 2017
Excellent. Very good to read the life and significance of Jesus written by someone not primarily calling himself a Christian - yet deeply identifying with the mystical meaning of the historical Jesus. I found it both freeing and challenging.
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