What Is Self?: A Study of the Spiritual Journey in Terms of Consciousness

by Bernadette Roberts

A renowned contemporary mystic, Bernadette Roberts takes us to the ultimate consciousness that transcends self and experience. The book includes fascinating chronicles of her own spiritual journey.
For many readers, this latest effort puts all her insights into clearer and sharper perspective. In this book, Ms. Roberts explains her concepts about ego, self, and the revelations of the contemplative life in a deeper and more mature fashion, as though her own journey has grown clearer with distance.

Genres: Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 62 2012 Reading Challenge - Psychological and Religious views of self. I think I found this book most satisfying and interesting, because I had studied the Carl Jung, Hindu and Buddhist view of self.
Roberts looks at both and also compares them with her discovery of self from a Christian contemplative view. Ultimately she argues a Christian emptiness that has some relationship with the Buddhist take on emptiness, but this one suited to her more spacious than currently popular views on the Christian take on self.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What is Self" is a compelling book written by Bernadette Roberts who is one of the great Christian Mystic Contemplatives of the 20th century. Bernadette chronicles the various steps of consciousness beginning with "ego-consciousness" through "unity consciousness" and ending with the "No-Self Experience." Except for the "No-Self Experience," her discussion is very similar to Buddhism and the great Christian Mystic Meister Eckhart. Bernadette's insight into the Trinitarian nature of reality vis a vis Christ is provocative and somewhat difficult to follow. Obviously, her profound spiritual experience has some difficulty translating into everyday comprehensible language. Although very difficult to follow, this book is strangely compelling. I would highly recommend it.

[Mike F · Rating 4 out of 5]

On one level, this book is a book for practitioners of higher levels of consciousness. At another level, it is for the general reader to understand the nature of consciousness. The author speaks about the subtleties of life in God as a Christian Catholic contemplative. The book is quite technical in that it is detailed for practitioners from all traditions to compare notes as opposed to an inspirational/motivational book. I appreciate her precise, clear, and observant way.

[Dorena Rode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly analytical presentation of the path to no-self from someone that has done it. Amazing, modern presentation.

[Davida Wilhelmsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I found this author. Why are not everyone talking about this wise woman?

[Brian Fogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette isn't as well known as she deserves to be. If you read the accounts of mystics, then this book is a must read. I recommend starting with this book, as it presents the clearest, most concise overview of what she believes.

[Lora Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Good As It Gets

If you are searching for a "frame of reference" after the unitive experience, when everything begins falling away, and words fail, look no further. This is it. Thank you, Bernadette Roberts. Thank you, thank you, thank you. God Bless You.

[Rhonda Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette Roberts' books are not easy reading but are unique and important to those interested in the path to God. She says her experience goes beyond the unitive state, such as John of the Cross wrote about.

[Hudoyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

conditioned back by Christian belief system?

[Amara Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could very well be the greatest book ever written.