The Impersonal Life: The Classic of Self-Realization

by Joseph Benner

The classic of practical mysticism is published with four bonus works in this handsome signature edition.

Since it first appeared in 1914, The Impersonal Life has touched hundreds of thousands of readers. Its simple meditative message teaches you, step by step, to realize that your own consciousness is one with all of Creation--that you are an outlet of Divine will. Once that extraordinary truth is understood, your wishes become one with God, and your life unfolds in a meaningful, exuberant mosaic in which your fondest hopes and highest purposes are realized.

Written anonymously by American mystic Joseph S. Benner (1872-1938), The Impersonal Life is one of the modern landmarks of New Thought and mystical spirituality As a special bonus, this edition includes four of Benner's most powerful essays: The Way Out; The Way Beyond; Wealth; and The Teacher.

Here is a complete journey into the work of a spiritual genius and practical mystic.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Metaphysics, Reference, New Age

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1941

Reviews

[Kim Ezpeleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're ready - you get it! And you keep it in your purse - on your nightstand. Everywhere. I'm reading again now. Blown away by this. Never leaves my mind. High level spiritual writing.

[Kareem Shihab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is the deal with this book. Its a bit of a confusing read at first and even throughout, but once you understand in form is which it is written it is quite eye opening. Don't be put off by the fact that he uses words like christ consciousness and other religious jargon, this book is about understanding the self and approaches the idea of non-divergent thought as the essence of life. Other people might call it living in the present but this book was written way before all those new agey terms were used for this ancient wisdom.

Trust that thought and being trapped in the mind is not the best way to live day to day, but rather let life flow through in the absesnce of compulsive thought trust that when something comes up you will be able to make the correct decision. Truly inspiring book! 5 stars.

[Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benner goes way beyond imagination and deep into the impersonal self everyone has in them. His explanation is by far the most profound, logic and credible one I have ever heard and felt. In this book he writes as if it is yourself talking to yourself. The way he describes the impersonal self of each one goes straight to a point of wisdom and enlightenment. To read this book one must definitely have had to go through a series of self experience moments. To analyze what he is saying and really feel it as if it was you, yourself and no one else in this world is the great teaching of this book. Reading and focusing on his meaning and what he was trying to transcend has been a peak experience I would never forget.

Finding yourself in yourself deep inside. The answer to all the questions lies beneath your awareness and thinking. Your impersonal self is everything and everyone. Feeling the presence of the whole universe inside you and you in all the universe. the sense of separation is just an illusion, there is no other, what you believe another is, is still your impersonal self manifesting through difference perspectives.

[Ann Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep having to buy new copies because I give this to everyone who might find it interesting - the root from which many 'spiritual' books have sprung, brilliant.

[Jackie St Hilaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The divine manifested in you.

It has been said that Elvis Presley had this book close by for every day meditation, that he gave away 1000 copies to family and friends. Next to the Bible, Elvis pondered these words every day.

Written in 1914 and authored Anonymous, the author who was a Lutheran pastor did not want to be recognized. After his death, his wife sent it out for publication to Devorss & Co.; New edition of Revised edition edition (June 1, 1941) by Joseph Benner. This is a small book only 90 pages but it will open up vistas within you.

But beware of going too fast on your spiritual journey, you can't jump hoops, you can't get ahead of God. Once you have searched and found the ultimate truth that has been within you since birth, it will take time for you to discern what exactly you should be doing and doing is just what you should stop. God cannot possibly work within you if you are moving too fast. Slow and easy wins the race but not too slow that you miss the opportunity to make a difference in your surroundings. Like St. Paul says in Philippians 3:14 : "I press on toward the goal"

All has to come from the depth of your heart, the dwelling place where God has been waiting for you to enter fully in His love.

Discernment will come through the Holy Spirit, oftentimes very subtle, you have to pay attention and not get too absorbed with your own thinking and desires. This is a paradox because one cannot just sit around all day waiting for divine intervention, one has to move forward, take steps and stay connected within. The outcome of each day will either give you rest and fulfillment or anxiety. You will know deep within if you have followed your true self.

The Gospel of Thomas: (3) Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty."

The Impersonal Life is also available on Public Domain. I ordered the Kindle edition.

Spiritualality very similar to Andrew Murray
The LIFE AND WORKS of ANDREW MURRAY - 50 Titles - [Illustrated]

For a more modern translation of God living within you read John A. Sanford, a Jungian and Episcopal Priest
The Kingdom Within: The Inner Meaning of Jesus' Sayings

and Dr. Wayne Dyer
I Can See Clearly Now

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ultimately irritating

Bennet writes in the first person as if taking dictation from God. At first glance, the book is a rehash of Buddhist philosophy but quickly reveals its true colours as an exposition of Christianity's intelligent creation in which humans (specifically men as women are never mentioned) are nothing but God's manipulated robots. It's an irritating read. Try Eckhart Tolle instead.

[Michelle Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you have to be ready to receive the message. If it is hard to understand then set it aside and read at another time. Amazing!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a beautiful book about the Creator, and our role in life.

[Nidhi Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful book I have ever read!

[Angeline Peyrefitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thy Will Be Done!

This book remove all doubts of oneself and restore the true self. Be Still and know that I am God.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My experience with this book is just Transcendent !!! :)

All through the pages, I felt a Majestic Powerful Omniscient being is talking directly to me.

It was suggested by a well-educated, cultured & inspiring person called JP Sears (Y)


It's worthy the time I spent reading it.

[JEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not an easy read at first and it is not for everyone - you definitely have to be in a place that's ready to receive it's message. It may come off as religious at first as it it Christ mind based, but it is universal and so far from religious teachings. For "A Course in Miracles" followers, you will enjoy this little book - it is the perfect compliment to ACIM's core teachings. I will definitely re-read this book again and again...

[Rob Divers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring

There is a voice inside us that speaks in whispers, some hear it and some don't. Our thoughts are a voice we each recognize. The voice in his book will come alive and clearly have a conversation with you. In it you may just discover who you are. And find there is much more to our thinking than we may have believed.

[Nettie Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book recommended by Dr. Wayne Dyer prior to his passing. According to Dr. Dyer, Elvis carried a copy of this book around prior to the author being revealed. It wasn't until Joseph Benner passed that his wife told of his authorship to this book. The words of the book were channeled from source to him.

[Shannon Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The simple and clear Truth.

[Anjuna Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think once you push past the christianity part, this book is inviting you to peel back your ego and face your humility. Life is impersonal, not personal, and we are all but cogs in a great cosmic world if its (god/the universe/creation) we don't fully have control of our own bodies, you cant tell your heart to beat, its automatic. Built by somethings (a creator or impossible chemical reactions) who are we/intelligent monkeys/ who can only just begin to understand the universe around us, to question the logic of a world that managed to build networks of suns and planets and cells and bone structures and arteries and veins and trees and mountains and impossible expansions. If we dont tell our bodies to feel sad, glad, angry, ect, then how can we question what this is all for, survival? An ant farm, the ants dont have brains to know what they're doing yet from our perspective it all makes sense, it all fits together, the universe all works together in a rhythm. Sorry, that got deep. It is deep. I did feel something. I think I liked it.

[Camille Bovee]

One of the most profound books I have ever read...It was given to me by my parents.
What a precious gift. I refer to it often. A must-read for anyone who wants to explore a more intimate relationship with God!

[Sonee Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing, if you are ready to absorb its depth. It’s short yet dense. It took time to really comprehend its meaning and I feel it’s one of those books I’ll re-read multiple times. Every time I do I’m sure my understanding will shift.

[Sharon Bright]

I was curious to read this book because it’s said that Elvis Pressley carried this book with him and gave it as gifts. This book serves as a strong reminder that the Divine is within all of us and we only need to become conscious of our oneness through the journey inward.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Going Meditation ....

[Obi Lourdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES.

[Rob Levasseur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Elvis Presley's favorite book. He was reading it when he died in his bathroom

[Fabrizio Stucchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read "Three Magic Words" of US Andersen, I could have avoided reading this book, it is almost the same content.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Impersonal Life

This is a book to read more than once. The content is presented in a way that helps you understand difficult concepts.

[Isabella Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

This religion class sucks and this book is freaky and weird. You say you're channeling Jesus but then talk like God and tell me that I actually have no free will because I'm carrying out the actions set forth from some higher being? At one point this says that I should be in a toxic, tyrannical relationship because that will bring me closer to "Him" and a healthy relationship is only good for the selfish egoic self...like hello. I'm sick of reading these BS books that perpetuate harmful messaging in the name of making money off of people's beliefs!!

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea how people are calling this a self-help book, it is not. This is a bible lecture, the author writes as if he is dictating directly from God. You would think God would know how to structure arguments better.

[Jason Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps this small volume will find its resurgence as it transcends its 100th birthday. Written as if speaking from the Higher Mind, the author gently reveals a step by step map to heaven on earth. Are you ready to hear? Or will you read and walk away from a truth unrecognized?

[Dustin Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You are what you believe you are. Not one thing in your life is Real or has any value to you only as your thinking and believing has made it such.”

“The Impersonal Life” written by Joseph Sieber Benner and published in 1914.

This read is great for anyone who has an interest in spirituality, or maybe has a longing for purpose and meaning in life. Perhaps you’re going through some tough trials in life, or maybe you perhaps feel lost. This is a great book for you. Maybe you are overall content and happy with life, yet sometimes feel something is sometimes missing, then this book is for you.

Joseph is an American Spiritual writer, and this is his first book of many, which I have yet to read. This book was one of Elvis Presley’s favorite books. It inspired, motivated, and gave him peace and comfort. Elvis loved books on spirituality, in fact was fascinated by them. Elvis never quite understood why he, a poor boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, became the massively successful and adorned figure that he became. Presley often stayed holed up in his bedroom upstairs at Graceland when he would be home especially the last years of his life, as fans always stayed gathered at the gates of his home. But Elvis found comfort, peace, and meaning in this pages. In fact, he gave away hundreds of copies to many people, and allegedly was the book he had with him the day he died in his upstairs bathroom.

This book can be difficult to follow by the wording, but take it slow. I found that zero distractions and if I found my mind wondering off, I would start the passage over again. Every sentence is spiritually juicy, and it’s definitely a read worth studying and rereading.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this was a tough read. Not because of the content but the Archaic language. That aside, It is an inspiration to anyone who is searching for an understanding of life here on earth and the hereafter, if there is such a place. I'm going to read this again because, I think, I have much to learn from this little book.

[Tristan Tamaso · Rating 5 out of 5]

If its confusing for you when u read it or you dont get a lot of messages its just its not yet the time for you. I helped me a lot to not define that which we try to define and observe all as it is, as the breathing happens as well as thinkg whether we want it or not. A truly work of art. Thank you. I am planing to read it again.