Still trying to "get it" or understand non-duality? Addicted to meditation? Too much yoga? Still searching for no self? Have you turned "no author" and "no doer" into mantras?
You're trying too hard.
The simplicity of being is much, much simpler. And author Joey Lott points you repeatedly to the simplicity of being. Which requires no effort. No trying. No mantras. No hard work.
This is the direct path to what already is. This is the end of non-duality.
This is a short book that follows a pattern of going through many spiritual practices and ideas and saying that these practices aren't important - that there is only this - the simplicity of being.
I do agree with the ideas in this book, for the most part - but when I read these non-duality books, I hope for it to light that spark in my head - help get me in that mental space, that glimpse of enlightenment the book speaks of - the simplicity of being. This book says that's not real, but that's why I read these kinds of books. Kind of like I know money isn't everything- we all do - but at the same time we do all this crap for money, and sometimes you'll read something where you really internalize the idea that money isn't everything at a deeper level.
This book just didn't touch me at that deeper level I seek. I know, there is no deeper level, there is only this - the simplicity of being. It doesn't mean it won't affect me at a deeper level next time I read it or that it won't affect you if you read it. So often, these books affect you based on where you are at at the moment.
Anyway, I did like this book and its ideas, but didn't satisfy my shallow desire to internalize the simplicity of being. I do think that this book could be quite a revelation for the right person, though.
This is the book to help bring about an end to endless seeking and perpetual questions that make you feel that you haven't arrived yet. It breaks the illusions you hold and best of all there is a chapter in the book that points out the illusion of the illusion. In other words, there is no illusion, no ego, no self and no thoughts, there is only This (whatever that may be)😃 Concepts that point to a non-conceptual reality that cannot be 'understood'
Very interesting concept that defines everything as not important. Getting you excited about defending your spiritual practices. It was funny but as I read the book I found myself agreeing with the statements about the spiritual practices I don't practice but when the author began talking about the spiritual practices I do participate in I found my mind racing for my reasons to be doing them. This book really make you think, and I love that.
THIS!!! I liked this book a lot and believe it will provide much clarity for anyone out there exploring Buddhism, mediation, non-duality and the idea of self. I think this book will be especially helpful to those who are trying to be present moment by moment. I found Lott's exploration and presentation of "This" extremely helpful in my own mediation practice and an indispensable tool in guiding me back to being present in my daily life when my monkey mind starts to take over.
Interesting school of thought. Lott does well at describing and explaining in detail at what would otherwise be confusing to understand. For a concept to have no name, but "is only this", such is the simplicity of being. Not sure if I agree with everything he said, but the simplicity of being is a good way to not be overwhelmed by emotions.
So, I've had the misfortune (as Wayne Liquorman would put it) to be a Spiritual Seeker for forty years, and I'm still Trying Too Hard. I cherish Joey's writings accordingly; they're such a powerful antidote to what ails me.
Author has put his experience which simply are opposite of what I think and believe. He may even be right with what he has written, to know that you must read it.
Short review: the book states a lot of obvious things, and over simplifies what I believe to a "living in the moment" philosophy about life. Nothing earth shattering, but decent enough.