Pathways to Higher Consciousness

by Ken O'Donnell

A thought-provoking and accessible guide to how an ancient spiritual practice known as Raja Yoga meditation—Yoga of the mind—can help us develop attitudes that will dramatically improve the quality of our inner lives. Using the author’s own story as a starting point, this illuminating work provides a whole new perspective on matters of the spirit, including rediscovering the nature of the self, understanding and exploring the different levels of consciousness, learning about the natural law that governs the universe, and how to support your spiritual development with the right lifestyle. 
Previously published by the Brahma Kumaris Organization—a group that seeks to help everyone rediscover his or her potential for greatness by facilitating a process of spiritual awakening that is both non-denominational and respectful of all traditions—Pathways to Higher Consciousness is an enlightening entry on the very first Sterling Ethos list.

 

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Ken O’Donnell is a dynamic, stimulating speaker and widely experienced consultant. His strong point is questioning common assumptions in the business and personal development contexts especially in complex situations. He approaches common challenges from a more human perspective.

He has an immense enthusiasm to help improve inter-personal relationships on any level. Using an empathetic and sensitive approach, he helps individuals, teams, public figures, and executives to work more effectively in a world that has been described as one of permanent uncertainty.

He is fluent in three languages– English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Having lived and worked extensively on five continents has given him the skill to help and motivate others from his practical knowledge of this cross-cultural experience. This reinforces leaders and builds trust, productivity and communication at all levels.

Reviews

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it bad of me to say that even though I gave this book 4 stars I'm struggling to remember what distinguished it from the other six and a half books I've read this month on the same subject?

OK - here's my best attempt.

First off - this is Gyan. Gyan means knowledge - specifically BK (Brahma Kumaris) knowledge. The BKs do a seven day introductory course that is an entry point to the inner activities of the organisation and this book is pretty much based on those seven lessons.

The author has been practicing Raj Yoga meditation with the BKs since the mid-1970s and this is reflected in the deep and subtle treatment he gives to the subject. Having said that, it's not so deep and subtle that it sends me to sleep. There are concrete, real life examples here that anchor the explanations to familiar things that I can see and touch and yet still, there is the reassurance that the words are fixed firmly in the realms of spirit.

All the books I've read this month so far have led me deeper into spirituality in that they have either sparked my intellect into looking at things in different ways (so that my left-hand brain can progress) or have deepened my experience of connection with the virtues and values of myself and God (so that my right-hand brain can grow stronger).

This book falls into the former category.

Here's an example - there's a section in the book that contrasts people with a strong intellect against those with a weak intellect. The difference between them is explained as being that those with a strong intellect are able to defeat their bad habits, whereas those with a weak intellect cannot do so.

I love the way that the idea of this is wrapped up in the metaphor of football match, with the bad habits on one side and the various aspects of an intellect on the other. My side is that of intellect and the point is that if I want to win the match, I need to have a strong intellect.

I don't know about you, but because of my competitive nature, this kind of approach challenges, motivates and makes me determined to be a person with a strong intellect so that I can be a winner.

Competition is not really considered a good thing in spiritual circles, with co-operation being preferred, but when the competition is against bad aspects of the self (bad habits) then this makes it alright in my eyes.

Anyhows - that's enough for now, I'm busting for a pee.

Conclusion - good for those who like their intellects to be stimulated whilst learning about spirituality; not so hot for those who like to be impelled into deep spiritual experiences.

[Triffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was 'meh' up until about the last third or so. I think O'Donnell's intent is good but the message got lost in bad analogies and overly simplistic verbiage that, at times, seemed to contradict itself.

I see what he's going for and I applaud his efforts to help bring Awareness to the masses.