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Wake Up Now: A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening
Stop sleepwalking through life. The secrets of peace and happiness are right in front of your eyes. It's time to open them.
To wake up to your authentic spiritual nature, you don't need to spend countless years sitting in a Zen monastery, undergo a near-death experience, or travel halfway around the world to study with celebrated teachers. Enlightenment is right here, right now. It is yours for the taking. You only have to open your eyes and recognize it once and for all.
In this illuminating book, acclaimed spiritual teacher Stephan Bodian takes you on a journey straight to the heart of your true self. The journey may be filled with challenges, but the rewards are precious beyond belief. By lifting the veil and seeing yourself for who you truly are, you can at last find peace and contentment in everything you do.
A profound and practical guidebook for this extraordinary journey, "Wake Up Now" gives you a step-by-step road map for walking the pathless path at every stage of your spiritual quest, from your first moments of seeking to your initial glimpse of awakening through the ongoing process of embodying your realization in everyday life. With gentle direction, free from complicated jargon or elaborate practices, Stephan Bodian provides you with the tools you need to follow your path, including customized Breathe and Reflect exercises in every chapter and Wake-Up Calls that offer you daily ways to glimpse the deeper truth behind the ordinary.
But be warned: The teachings in this book have the power to transform your life in unexpected ways. By the time you complete it, you may be forever changed."
To wake up to your authentic spiritual nature, you don't need to spend countless years sitting in a Zen monastery, undergo a near-death experience, or travel halfway around the world to study with celebrated teachers. Enlightenment is right here, right now. It is yours for the taking. You only have to open your eyes and recognize it once and for all.
In this illuminating book, acclaimed spiritual teacher Stephan Bodian takes you on a journey straight to the heart of your true self. The journey may be filled with challenges, but the rewards are precious beyond belief. By lifting the veil and seeing yourself for who you truly are, you can at last find peace and contentment in everything you do.
A profound and practical guidebook for this extraordinary journey, "Wake Up Now" gives you a step-by-step road map for walking the pathless path at every stage of your spiritual quest, from your first moments of seeking to your initial glimpse of awakening through the ongoing process of embodying your realization in everyday life. With gentle direction, free from complicated jargon or elaborate practices, Stephan Bodian provides you with the tools you need to follow your path, including customized Breathe and Reflect exercises in every chapter and Wake-Up Calls that offer you daily ways to glimpse the deeper truth behind the ordinary.
But be warned: The teachings in this book have the power to transform your life in unexpected ways. By the time you complete it, you may be forever changed."
224 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2007
89 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Stephan Bodian
46 books55 followersStephan Bodian is the bestselling author of Meditation for Dummies (now in an updated third edition) and Wake Up Now: A Guide to the Journey of Spiritual Awakening. He’s also the author and narrator of the critically acclaimed mobile programs Mindfulness Meditation and Freedom from Stress (produced by Mental Workout) and an internationally recognized expert on meditation, stress management, and spiritual awakening. His new book, Beyond Mindfulness, is now available on Amazon.com
Trained for 10 years as a Zen Buddhist monk and licensed as a psychotherapist, Stephan has been a pioneer in the integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology and in the application of mindfulness in everyday life.
As a teacher, counselor, consultant, and mentor, Stephan’s approach blends mindful attention to moment-by-moment experience with transformational techniques from Western psychotherapy and the nondual wisdom of Zen and other spiritual traditions. Drawing on his decades of experience as both a therapist and a meditation teacher, he specializes in offering guidance that’s customized to the needs of the individual practitioner.
Trained for 10 years as a Zen Buddhist monk and licensed as a psychotherapist, Stephan has been a pioneer in the integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology and in the application of mindfulness in everyday life.
As a teacher, counselor, consultant, and mentor, Stephan’s approach blends mindful attention to moment-by-moment experience with transformational techniques from Western psychotherapy and the nondual wisdom of Zen and other spiritual traditions. Drawing on his decades of experience as both a therapist and a meditation teacher, he specializes in offering guidance that’s customized to the needs of the individual practitioner.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 27, 2020
Exactly what I needed--
Having done two years of an intense progressive approach to meditation (sitting 3-4 hours a day, plus five 10-day retreats and one 20-day), I've come to the conclusion that the effortful approach won't get me to the "final goal," as S. N. Goenka says repeatedly and I've been trying my hands at alternative approaches, and voila, ask, and you shall receive! Stephan Bodian pretty much sums up my dissatisfaction with Vipassana (and other related approaches to enlightenment) and offers what I have always been subconsciously looking for: a direct approach to awakening. Most of what he says jibes with my experience with meditation and my initial attraction to Zen (which CAN be a direct approach, though nowadays it's hard to find genuine practitioners of Dogen's simple and direct shikantaza meditation, which is very similar to Bodian's nondual approach).
Highly recommended for anyone who's been stuck in their meditation practice and tired of trying hard all the time. And for those who are having a hard time letting go of their particular meditation style.
Having done two years of an intense progressive approach to meditation (sitting 3-4 hours a day, plus five 10-day retreats and one 20-day), I've come to the conclusion that the effortful approach won't get me to the "final goal," as S. N. Goenka says repeatedly and I've been trying my hands at alternative approaches, and voila, ask, and you shall receive! Stephan Bodian pretty much sums up my dissatisfaction with Vipassana (and other related approaches to enlightenment) and offers what I have always been subconsciously looking for: a direct approach to awakening. Most of what he says jibes with my experience with meditation and my initial attraction to Zen (which CAN be a direct approach, though nowadays it's hard to find genuine practitioners of Dogen's simple and direct shikantaza meditation, which is very similar to Bodian's nondual approach).
Highly recommended for anyone who's been stuck in their meditation practice and tired of trying hard all the time. And for those who are having a hard time letting go of their particular meditation style.
August 5, 2019
แนวเซ็น เน้นการเข้าถึงการบรรลุธรรม แบบลัดและตรง
อ่านจบพอรู้แนวทางแบบคราวๆ แต่ส่วนใหญ่ อ่านแล้วรู้สึกเป็นนามธรรมไปนิด ตอนท้ายจะดูวนๆอึนๆ
อ่านจบพอรู้แนวทางแบบคราวๆ แต่ส่วนใหญ่ อ่านแล้วรู้สึกเป็นนามธรรมไปนิด ตอนท้ายจะดูวนๆอึนๆ
March 16, 2023
This is a very helpful book written by a well seasoned spiritual seeker and finder. As I expected from the title, Bodian, as a longterm practitioner of zen, followed by advaita ("direct approach" as taught by Jean Klein), gives cogent pointers to nondual reality, "always already" present.
Beyond this, the particular value of this book lies in the fact that Bodian delves into a variety of thorny issues, myths, controversies, misunderstandings and commonly missed nuances surrounding the subject of enlightenment, all aimed at clearing away these hindrances. Some of these issues are rarely or never discussed in my experience, yet they are ones that I would think beset most of us on the spiritual path, and particularly those of us who don't have access to a personal teacher who is qualified to untangle these issues. These sources of confusion, unresolved, can keep us going around in circles or lead us into cul-de-sacs.
Although Bodian himself doesn't define his role, for me he plays the part of 'kalyanamitra', or spiritual friend, rather than a guru, or at least the closest one can get to that without personal contact!
The usefulness of these discussions arises out of the kind of authenticity that can only come through the hard graft of personal struggle and breakthrough. Bodian's journey should give us all confidence that we too can overcome ignorance and awaken, if that is what we truly long for.
My only criticism of the book is that although Bodian spends time discussing the direct as opposed to progressive path, and makes many good points in favour of the more direct path, i.e. the one that ultimately delivered for him, I feel this discussion lacks the kind of depth provided by a master teacher of Advaita Vedanta such as Swami Sarvapriyananda, where both direct and progressive approaches are given their due.
I won't go into specifically how I think Bodian misses the mark in his treatment of the direct vs. progressive subject as this goes beyond a brief review, but it is interesting that often those who dismiss the need for progressive practice, such as meditation practice, in favour of diving unencumbered into the direct path of self enquiry are precisely those who, like Bodian and Spira (another direct path teacher), have formerly spent **decades** pursuing meditation and other practices! Is it possible that these practices, however frustrating, fruitless or unnecessary they now view them to be, ripened them so that they were able to powerfully benefit from the "direct" path? Is it appropriate to kick down the ladder behind them? Despite this criticism I highly recommend this book.
Beyond this, the particular value of this book lies in the fact that Bodian delves into a variety of thorny issues, myths, controversies, misunderstandings and commonly missed nuances surrounding the subject of enlightenment, all aimed at clearing away these hindrances. Some of these issues are rarely or never discussed in my experience, yet they are ones that I would think beset most of us on the spiritual path, and particularly those of us who don't have access to a personal teacher who is qualified to untangle these issues. These sources of confusion, unresolved, can keep us going around in circles or lead us into cul-de-sacs.
Although Bodian himself doesn't define his role, for me he plays the part of 'kalyanamitra', or spiritual friend, rather than a guru, or at least the closest one can get to that without personal contact!
The usefulness of these discussions arises out of the kind of authenticity that can only come through the hard graft of personal struggle and breakthrough. Bodian's journey should give us all confidence that we too can overcome ignorance and awaken, if that is what we truly long for.
My only criticism of the book is that although Bodian spends time discussing the direct as opposed to progressive path, and makes many good points in favour of the more direct path, i.e. the one that ultimately delivered for him, I feel this discussion lacks the kind of depth provided by a master teacher of Advaita Vedanta such as Swami Sarvapriyananda, where both direct and progressive approaches are given their due.
I won't go into specifically how I think Bodian misses the mark in his treatment of the direct vs. progressive subject as this goes beyond a brief review, but it is interesting that often those who dismiss the need for progressive practice, such as meditation practice, in favour of diving unencumbered into the direct path of self enquiry are precisely those who, like Bodian and Spira (another direct path teacher), have formerly spent **decades** pursuing meditation and other practices! Is it possible that these practices, however frustrating, fruitless or unnecessary they now view them to be, ripened them so that they were able to powerfully benefit from the "direct" path? Is it appropriate to kick down the ladder behind them? Despite this criticism I highly recommend this book.
June 4, 2008
I know Stephan, but, if I see him again, I will not tell him that I haven't bought his book. I am reading it at the New Age bookstore near my house. Hopefully, he does not mind that. He seems to have completely woken up to reality, so my copping his book shouldn't bug him.
It's a great description of waking up from this dream we seem to believe most of the time. My body vibrates when I read it. It is very subversive. He clearly states that dogmatic beliefs prevent clear seeing. He also clearly states that we can all realize our connection with the universe. I hold a dogmatic belief that he is right. Experience.
It's a great description of waking up from this dream we seem to believe most of the time. My body vibrates when I read it. It is very subversive. He clearly states that dogmatic beliefs prevent clear seeing. He also clearly states that we can all realize our connection with the universe. I hold a dogmatic belief that he is right. Experience.
March 16, 2011
This is a very practical, hands-on book on the subject of enlightenment. I found that the further you go into the exercises, the more your understanding of the process of awakening grows. Whether you’re new to the subject of self-realization or an expert seeker, you will find this book immensely useful and insightful. The book deals more with the pre-awakened state, although it also deals with what life is like as an awakened person. I found the writing clear and concise, which is so important when you’re dealing with something that can become so confusing!
Read
October 27, 2009"No technique or practice is required to awaken the truth of who you are."
Americans are so neurotic that they would not only effort their way to
meditate but strive to be the BEST meditators, when no meditating is
required at all. It's not about being a better person. It's about being present to what is.
Americans are so neurotic that they would not only effort their way to
meditate but strive to be the BEST meditators, when no meditating is
required at all. It's not about being a better person. It's about being present to what is.
November 19, 2011
When awareness grows we become more aware of both positive and negative aspects in our lives. This book helps explain many of the negative patterns that people encounter on the spiritual path. The flow is approachable for people at all levels of the spiritual path.
April 11, 2019
I enjoyed the first half of this before it got too new agey. The secural parts were the best parts but the quoting of white gurus with Indian names was a little to cult-like for me.
March 16, 2012
This book is outstanding. I nearly gave up on it after being somewhat unimpressed by the first chapter or two, but I'm very glad I kept with it.
Bodian is a good writer, but not the most poetic one. If you're a stickler for style and elegance, you will not be blown away here, but neither should you be disappointed. Just bear with him when he uses the occasional computer metaphor, OK?
Everyone's journey is different, so I can only say that for me personally, the points Bodian raised ring very true. It was reassuring to read him criticize New Age spirituality throughout the book; a part of me was worried it might contain a bunch of nonsense about "quantum consciousness" and suchlike. Whew.
"Wake Up Now" is written with sober honesty and a deep humility that make it refreshing to read. Additionally, there are exercises in every chapter to help bring hope the points being discussed.
Bodian is a good writer, but not the most poetic one. If you're a stickler for style and elegance, you will not be blown away here, but neither should you be disappointed. Just bear with him when he uses the occasional computer metaphor, OK?
Everyone's journey is different, so I can only say that for me personally, the points Bodian raised ring very true. It was reassuring to read him criticize New Age spirituality throughout the book; a part of me was worried it might contain a bunch of nonsense about "quantum consciousness" and suchlike. Whew.
"Wake Up Now" is written with sober honesty and a deep humility that make it refreshing to read. Additionally, there are exercises in every chapter to help bring hope the points being discussed.
April 8, 2020
Wake Up Now is a well written book that directs the reader to the truth (Dharma). It is clear that the words chosen by Stephan Bodian are from this place of truth, and that they are meant to cut through the conceptual, identity-knowing layers that exist when one is trapped in ego and suffering. As such, the words powerfully direct you straight to the source, the awareness behind all of life.
An important aspect of the book is that it acknowledges being human and the potential that we all may carry strong emotional pain. Stephan offers insights into how to proceed past this so that one can truly,and whole-hardheartedly, embody awakening.
It is a book that can be read and read again for those times when one is falling back into the story of ego.
An important aspect of the book is that it acknowledges being human and the potential that we all may carry strong emotional pain. Stephan offers insights into how to proceed past this so that one can truly,and whole-hardheartedly, embody awakening.
It is a book that can be read and read again for those times when one is falling back into the story of ego.
August 23, 2016
"People who awaken often download an enormous amount of insight in a single instant and then spend years unpacking and clarifying what they've received." For people that have had the experience of awakening, this book will be a Godsend. It absolutely helped me understand my pathless path and inner thoughts. Stephan Bodian gets straight to the point with this super practical, yet powerful book. I loved it!
December 21, 2010
Simply a must read for the seeker.
July 27, 2012
Take away dogmas. Ask yourself questions that can trigger states of awakening. Can I call this Spiritual Psychology?
Thx for the loan, Juan.
Thx for the loan, Juan.
February 14, 2023
This is a fantastic book! I'll be reading it more than once.
March 11, 2014
Reading this book is like getting spiritual double kicks on the face. One of the best books I have ever read.
February 19, 2018
I've read this book a fee times times. This is a framework to awakening through discuss g multiple people's experiences. This book was helpful for me at the time I read it.
October 6, 2021
This book is a clear, concise guide to the direct approach to enlightenment that circumvents the elaborate rituals, practices, and dogma of traditional eastern religious. I've read a number of books about the "non-dual direct path," but this one seemed unusually clear and right to the point, in clear, contemporary language.
The most interesting part of this book is I actually felt a sense of "transmission" from this book to my heart-mind. Now, before anyone recoils from that potentially "woo woo" sounding statement, I'm a true skeptic--very much in line with Sam Harris and science. To paraphrase Sam, "My bullshit detector is well calibrated." The fact is, this book hit me hard and resonated deeply with me, more than any other non-dual book I've read. The words seem to leap off the page, and bypass my conceptual mind and were understood at a deeper level.
This book receives my own coveted "5-star" review. I only rate a book 5-stars if it blows my hair back.
The most interesting part of this book is I actually felt a sense of "transmission" from this book to my heart-mind. Now, before anyone recoils from that potentially "woo woo" sounding statement, I'm a true skeptic--very much in line with Sam Harris and science. To paraphrase Sam, "My bullshit detector is well calibrated." The fact is, this book hit me hard and resonated deeply with me, more than any other non-dual book I've read. The words seem to leap off the page, and bypass my conceptual mind and were understood at a deeper level.
This book receives my own coveted "5-star" review. I only rate a book 5-stars if it blows my hair back.
June 5, 2025
Outstanding book on Awakening
I’ve read a lot of books on meditation and awakening, and for me, this is the most thorough and helpful of all. I have been trying to find something to help me understand my own awakening experience and where to go from here, and Stephan Bodian has provided deep insights and a path forward. I appreciate his discussion of the ego and processes for embodying awakening. His understanding of psychology makes his insights and recommendations incisive helpful. I will return to the book and the reflection exercises many times. Thank you, Stephan Bodian, for this clear and thorough guide.
I’ve read a lot of books on meditation and awakening, and for me, this is the most thorough and helpful of all. I have been trying to find something to help me understand my own awakening experience and where to go from here, and Stephan Bodian has provided deep insights and a path forward. I appreciate his discussion of the ego and processes for embodying awakening. His understanding of psychology makes his insights and recommendations incisive helpful. I will return to the book and the reflection exercises many times. Thank you, Stephan Bodian, for this clear and thorough guide.
March 24, 2022
I’ve read a few books about awakening now and adore I devoured some sections of this one there were others that didn’t resonate as much. The last chapters were my favorite. Maybe it depends where you’re at in your journey. I’d recommend it easier way!
January 12, 2022
It's okay. That is a clear and sensible overview. I prefer Adyashanti for the same type of content.
March 1, 2022
Great book which simplifies a very complex matter.
May 29, 2019
Forthright.
May 11, 2011
currently reading on kindle in my spare time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews