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The Most Important Thing: Discovering Truth at the Heart of Life
From esteemed teacher Adyashanti, a collection of writings on the search for the ultimate reality beneath the narrative of our lives “Our inner lives are every bit as astonishing, baffling, and mysterious as the infinite vastness of the cosmos.” —Adyashanti We all define our lives through the lens of stories. Whether we see ourselves as heroes or victims, good people or bad, everyone lives according to interwoven strands of narrative. “And yet,” teaches Adyashanti, “the truth is bigger than any concept or story.” Drawn from intimate, deep-dive talks, The Most Important Thing presents writings devoted to the search for the ultimate reality of a self that exists beyond the bounds of storytelling. Here you will find vivid anecdotes and teaching stories that illuminate the felt experience of Adyashanti’s teachings—those moments of grace in which every stone, tree, ray of light, and fraught silence reveal that none of us is alone and no one is ever truly isolated from the whole of existence. These selections of the true meaning of birth, life, and deathWhy grace can arrive both through struggle and as an unexpected giftMeditation as the art of “listening with one’s entire being”Why a good question can be far more powerful than a concrete answerHow the things you choose to serve shape your lifeDiscovering the wisdom found in surprise, sadness, and uncertaintyEmbodying your innate and inextricable connection with the total environmentThe nature of ego and the ways it manifestsThe moments of grace upon which all great religions pivotWhat is the story of your life? Is it happy or adventurous? Sad or lonely? In The Most Important Thing, Adyashanti shows you how to look past your personal narratives, delve inward, and connect with the truths that fundamentally animate all of us.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
153 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Adyashanti
133 books575 followersAdyashanti is an American spiritual teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area who gives regular satsangs in the United States and also teaches abroad. He is the author of several books, CDs and DVDs and is the founder of Open Gate Sangha, Inc. a nonprofit organization that supports, and makes available, his teachings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 22, 2019
Not entirely sure how I feel about this book. There were definitely some great insights found throughout, but not as many as I’ve found in other books I’ve read so far. This also might be because I’ve read Tolle, another book by Adyashanti, Deepak, and Oprah. All of these authors and thought/spiritual leaders cover much of the same ground.
In this particular book, Adya does delve a bit deeper into meditation and provides his perspective of what it truly is. It does not involve mantras or forcefully clearing your mind. It’s simply listening for the inherent silence within.
He also spends time emphasizing how connected we are to everything around us because we are everything around us.
One thing that I would really like covered by Adya, or any other spiritual teacher/leader, is the uniqueness of a person. They all explain how connected we are, which I feel as though I’m really beginning to understand. However, as individual human entities we do experience the universe uniquely and have our own personalities. These are influenced by conditioning and the egoic mind, of course, but there is still something different about each and every human being in this planet. Where does that come into play?
I think it would be helpful to not just talk about how we are all the same, but also talk about the differences we do have and how it can be brought into our experiences and spiritual journey.
In this particular book, Adya does delve a bit deeper into meditation and provides his perspective of what it truly is. It does not involve mantras or forcefully clearing your mind. It’s simply listening for the inherent silence within.
He also spends time emphasizing how connected we are to everything around us because we are everything around us.
One thing that I would really like covered by Adya, or any other spiritual teacher/leader, is the uniqueness of a person. They all explain how connected we are, which I feel as though I’m really beginning to understand. However, as individual human entities we do experience the universe uniquely and have our own personalities. These are influenced by conditioning and the egoic mind, of course, but there is still something different about each and every human being in this planet. Where does that come into play?
I think it would be helpful to not just talk about how we are all the same, but also talk about the differences we do have and how it can be brought into our experiences and spiritual journey.
January 16, 2019
I think this is the type of book that you need to read at a certain point in your life when you are open to the messages within it. I thought initially it was going to be a guide to figure out your purpose or passion in life. It turned out to be more about meditation and mindfulness and how to be more present in daily life. There are some great insights into letting go of attachments and how to be more aware. Good for those wanting to go deeper into meditation and mindfulness.
I received an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I received an advance reading copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
Thank you Sounds True and Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
I hadn’t read anything by Adyashanti prior to this book and I am so grateful to have been introduced to this great person.
I have dipped in and out of this book, picking it up when I have wanted some of his wisdom or needed a gentle reminder of “what is important”. I love the questions that he asks and how his writing cements much of my learning. I had some lovely aha moments and he really really helped me see directly for myself experience that until that moment had only been an intellectual knowledge.
I am now enjoying exploring Adyashanti through podcasts and his other writing.
I highly recommend this great book.
I hadn’t read anything by Adyashanti prior to this book and I am so grateful to have been introduced to this great person.
I have dipped in and out of this book, picking it up when I have wanted some of his wisdom or needed a gentle reminder of “what is important”. I love the questions that he asks and how his writing cements much of my learning. I had some lovely aha moments and he really really helped me see directly for myself experience that until that moment had only been an intellectual knowledge.
I am now enjoying exploring Adyashanti through podcasts and his other writing.
I highly recommend this great book.
May 11, 2021
My first book by Adyashanti. I particularly appreciated his attempts to guide me to the understanding and even more to the experience of unconditioned awareness/Self/Silence/God/Buddha. Even coming closer to that felt meaningful and a touch blissful. Also his related discussion of birth/life/death.
February 12, 2019
Clear and Easy To Follow
As with all his books, this one is clear and easy to follow. In writing about the truth of existence itself, which is ultimately indescribable, his attempt is the best and most reliable description I’ve ever read. He gives great examples from his own experiences and clear metaphors for pointing to what spiritual awakening is like. It’s a wonderful book!
As with all his books, this one is clear and easy to follow. In writing about the truth of existence itself, which is ultimately indescribable, his attempt is the best and most reliable description I’ve ever read. He gives great examples from his own experiences and clear metaphors for pointing to what spiritual awakening is like. It’s a wonderful book!
October 26, 2019
Wonderful! Adyashanti talks about meditation, awareness, and unity in ways I've never heard before. I've been meditating for years but this book (and his other books) has opened up my meditation and my life in new ways. I have trouble putting it into words. Read his books.
August 24, 2025
“Điều quan trọng nhất” của thiền sư người Mỹ Adyashanti tựa như một bài giảng thiền không gắt gao mà rất nhẹ nhàng, giản dị mà cũng thật lạ lùng sâu sắc.
Mở đầu sách, Adyashanti đặt ra một câu hỏi tưởng như đơn giản mà đầy thử thách: “Điều gì là quan trọng nhất đối với bạn?”. Câu trả lời tưởng dễ mà không dễ, vì ở mỗi thời điểm, với mỗi người, “điều quan trọng nhất” luôn thay đổi. Nhưng điều khiến ta dừng lại và suy ngẫm là: liệu câu trả lời ấy có thực sự rõ ràng, sâu sắc và đúng đắn không, nếu ta chưa thể chạm tới điều “ý nghĩa nhất” trong cuộc sống mình. Khi còn mải mê xây dựng những điều ở bên ngoài mà chưa từng tự hỏi về điều thực sự quan trọng – điều bền vững chứ không nhất thời thì có lẽ, ta vẫn đang ở bên ngoài cánh cửa giác ngộ.
Adyashanti cho rằng điều quan trọng ấy không đến từ lý trí hay con tim, mà đến từ tận bên trong tâm thức, nơi bản thân tự dẫn dắt lấy mình. “Hành động” chính là một phần trong hành trình tìm ra điều quan trọng nhất. Cảm giác sống có ý nghĩa là trải nghiệm được sống thực sự. Khi điều quan trọng nhất đến, nó khiến mọi thứ xung quanh bỗng trở thành câu hỏi, bởi chính những câu hỏi ấy sẽ dẫn ta đến nguồn cảm hứng và năng lượng bất tận.
Tác giả nói về thiền không như một phương pháp, mà như một sự quay về rất thật. “Lý do chúng ta thiền là để chúng ta đối diện với chính mình và nó khiến chúng ta trung thực với trải nghiệm của bản thân. Thiền là kết nối với phần sâu thẳm nhất trong con người chúng ta, là cuộc gặp gỡ với sự tĩnh lặng.”
Một trong những điểm tôi thấy đặc biệt trong cuốn sách chính là quan điểm của Adyashanti về “cơ duyên”. Ông không cho rằng cơ duyên là một biến cố đặc biệt hay một trải nghiệm huy hoàng, mà đôi khi, đó là “sự biến mất”. Là khi ta trút bỏ được những gánh nặng đã mang: “Cơ duyên là khi chúng ta có thể bắt đầu lắng nghe thay vì tiếp tục hoài nghi.” Và cũng thật đáng suy ngẫm khi ông nói: “Chúng ta tin rằng chỉ cần tách bản thân khỏi những khó khăn mình đang gặp phải thì ta sẽ có cơ hội tốt hơn để cơ duyên xảy đến.”
Tác giả không ngần ngại nhấn mạnh rằng thức tỉnh tâm linh hay giác ngộ không phải là điều gì đó thần bí xa vời. Đôi khi, đó là khi ta nhìn sâu vào những điều rất đỗi bình thường trong cuộc sống. Khi chúng ta nhìn vào những điều bí ẩn đáng kinh ngạc thì sự thức tỉnh tâm linh hay giác ngộ, theo nghĩa sâu xa nhất, chính là bí ẩn mà ta đang nhìn vào. Chỉ khi ta dành thời gian để lắng nghe nội tâm và tiếp xúc với sự tĩnh lặng, ta mới có thể kết nối với những bí ẩn ấy – từ những điều thường nhật cho đến các vì tinh tú hay thiên hà.
Dành thời gian cho bản thân không chỉ là chăm sóc cái bên ngoài, mà sâu sắc hơn, là đi vào chiêm nghiệm. Càng chiêm nghiệm, ta mới có thể “tự biết mình”. Và từ đó, có thể mở lòng với vạn vật bằng trí tuệ và tình yêu. Tác giả dẫn lời bậc thầy tâm linh Nisargadatta Maharaj: “Khi nhìn vào bên trong, thấy mình là không – đó là trí tuệ. Khi nhìn ra ngoài, thấy mình là mọi thứ – đó là tình yêu. Giữa hai điều này, cuộc đời tôi xoay vần.”
Hạnh phúc, theo Adyashanti, không nằm ở những cao trào rực rỡ mà đến từ việc ta có thể quay về, yêu lại những điều bình dị, và trân trọng sự hiện diện của chúng trong đời. Đó là một niềm hạnh phúc tĩnh lặng nhưng lớn lao, vượt lên cả niềm vui thông thường. Và rồi, ông gợi mở một suy tưởng vừa lạ lẫm vừa quen thuộc đến mức không thể quên: “Vũ trụ là phần mở rộng của cơ thể thực sự của bạn, và cơ thể bạn là hình hài mà lúc này vũ trụ đang mượn.”
Với Adyashanti, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là một lý tưởng phải theo đuổi, mà là một sự hiện diện cần được sống. Không tìm kiếm bên ngoài, mà đi sâu vào bên trong. Không đặt mục tiêu để đạt được, mà để trải nghiệm, để sống, để thấy rõ và để thức tỉnh.
Mở đầu sách, Adyashanti đặt ra một câu hỏi tưởng như đơn giản mà đầy thử thách: “Điều gì là quan trọng nhất đối với bạn?”. Câu trả lời tưởng dễ mà không dễ, vì ở mỗi thời điểm, với mỗi người, “điều quan trọng nhất” luôn thay đổi. Nhưng điều khiến ta dừng lại và suy ngẫm là: liệu câu trả lời ấy có thực sự rõ ràng, sâu sắc và đúng đắn không, nếu ta chưa thể chạm tới điều “ý nghĩa nhất” trong cuộc sống mình. Khi còn mải mê xây dựng những điều ở bên ngoài mà chưa từng tự hỏi về điều thực sự quan trọng – điều bền vững chứ không nhất thời thì có lẽ, ta vẫn đang ở bên ngoài cánh cửa giác ngộ.
Adyashanti cho rằng điều quan trọng ấy không đến từ lý trí hay con tim, mà đến từ tận bên trong tâm thức, nơi bản thân tự dẫn dắt lấy mình. “Hành động” chính là một phần trong hành trình tìm ra điều quan trọng nhất. Cảm giác sống có ý nghĩa là trải nghiệm được sống thực sự. Khi điều quan trọng nhất đến, nó khiến mọi thứ xung quanh bỗng trở thành câu hỏi, bởi chính những câu hỏi ấy sẽ dẫn ta đến nguồn cảm hứng và năng lượng bất tận.
Tác giả nói về thiền không như một phương pháp, mà như một sự quay về rất thật. “Lý do chúng ta thiền là để chúng ta đối diện với chính mình và nó khiến chúng ta trung thực với trải nghiệm của bản thân. Thiền là kết nối với phần sâu thẳm nhất trong con người chúng ta, là cuộc gặp gỡ với sự tĩnh lặng.”
Một trong những điểm tôi thấy đặc biệt trong cuốn sách chính là quan điểm của Adyashanti về “cơ duyên”. Ông không cho rằng cơ duyên là một biến cố đặc biệt hay một trải nghiệm huy hoàng, mà đôi khi, đó là “sự biến mất”. Là khi ta trút bỏ được những gánh nặng đã mang: “Cơ duyên là khi chúng ta có thể bắt đầu lắng nghe thay vì tiếp tục hoài nghi.” Và cũng thật đáng suy ngẫm khi ông nói: “Chúng ta tin rằng chỉ cần tách bản thân khỏi những khó khăn mình đang gặp phải thì ta sẽ có cơ hội tốt hơn để cơ duyên xảy đến.”
Tác giả không ngần ngại nhấn mạnh rằng thức tỉnh tâm linh hay giác ngộ không phải là điều gì đó thần bí xa vời. Đôi khi, đó là khi ta nhìn sâu vào những điều rất đỗi bình thường trong cuộc sống. Khi chúng ta nhìn vào những điều bí ẩn đáng kinh ngạc thì sự thức tỉnh tâm linh hay giác ngộ, theo nghĩa sâu xa nhất, chính là bí ẩn mà ta đang nhìn vào. Chỉ khi ta dành thời gian để lắng nghe nội tâm và tiếp xúc với sự tĩnh lặng, ta mới có thể kết nối với những bí ẩn ấy – từ những điều thường nhật cho đến các vì tinh tú hay thiên hà.
Dành thời gian cho bản thân không chỉ là chăm sóc cái bên ngoài, mà sâu sắc hơn, là đi vào chiêm nghiệm. Càng chiêm nghiệm, ta mới có thể “tự biết mình”. Và từ đó, có thể mở lòng với vạn vật bằng trí tuệ và tình yêu. Tác giả dẫn lời bậc thầy tâm linh Nisargadatta Maharaj: “Khi nhìn vào bên trong, thấy mình là không – đó là trí tuệ. Khi nhìn ra ngoài, thấy mình là mọi thứ – đó là tình yêu. Giữa hai điều này, cuộc đời tôi xoay vần.”
Hạnh phúc, theo Adyashanti, không nằm ở những cao trào rực rỡ mà đến từ việc ta có thể quay về, yêu lại những điều bình dị, và trân trọng sự hiện diện của chúng trong đời. Đó là một niềm hạnh phúc tĩnh lặng nhưng lớn lao, vượt lên cả niềm vui thông thường. Và rồi, ông gợi mở một suy tưởng vừa lạ lẫm vừa quen thuộc đến mức không thể quên: “Vũ trụ là phần mở rộng của cơ thể thực sự của bạn, và cơ thể bạn là hình hài mà lúc này vũ trụ đang mượn.”
Với Adyashanti, điều quan trọng nhất không phải là một lý tưởng phải theo đuổi, mà là một sự hiện diện cần được sống. Không tìm kiếm bên ngoài, mà đi sâu vào bên trong. Không đặt mục tiêu để đạt được, mà để trải nghiệm, để sống, để thấy rõ và để thức tỉnh.
September 29, 2025
Das 2019 erschienene Buch von Adyashanti ist ein hilfreiches Werkzeug, um einen neuen Blick aufs Leben zu gewinnen. Das Buch zu lesen, ist einfach. Die Umsetzung des Buches ist das Wesentliche.
Hierzu wird einem zur Meditation geraten, welche eine durchaus neue Herausforderung für mich darstellte.
„Meditation ist die Kunst des Seins. Leider machen wir daraus oft die Kunst des Tuns.“ Eine sehr zutreffende Aussage, da ich zuvor eher mit dem Meditationsstil von Dr. Joe Dispenza gearbeitet habe. Während eines Moments der Stille konzentriert in gewünschte Visionen, gekoppelt mit entsprechenden Emotionen, hineinzugehen, ist eine sehr bereichernde Erfahrung mit vielen positiven Aspekten, allerdings ein etwas anderer Zugang als der von Adyashanti vorgeschlagene.
Adyashanti schreibt: „Der denkende Verstand ist zweifellos ein mächtiges und potentiell kreatives Werkzeug. Doch wenn wir die tiefe Natur unseres Seins betrachten, können wir durch unseren Verstand geblendet werden, weil wir das Gefühl haben, wir bestehen aus unseren Gedanken und Selbstdefinitionen und den damit verbundenen Emotionen und Gefühlen.“
„Bewusstsein ist allgegenwärtig. Beobachtungen, Gedanken, Gefühle kommen und gehen, doch das Bewusstsein bleibt.“
Die Meditation zielt also darauf ab, diese geschriebenen Worte praktisch umzusetzen.
Anders als bei dem sonst gängigen Schema der Meditation setzte ich mich auf den Boden, schloss die Augen und wartete, was passiert:
Erst wurde ich von meiner inneren Stimme in einer Tour sehr laut angeschrien und beleidigt, bis sich ein wenig später eine Stimme meldete mit der Frage: Wie wir denn jemals wieder aus dieser Situation kommen wollen? Ein durchaus berechtigter Einwand. Wenn man ohne aktive Gedanken sich einfach mal hinsetzen soll, dann gibt es ohne eine zuvor getroffene Rettungsmaßnahme bei gelungener Meditation kein Entkommen mehr. Glücklicherweise für mein Ego tat mir nach, ich tippe mal 1–2 h, eine Druckstelle am Knöchel extrem weh. Während der restlichen Meditation schwirrte in meinem Kopf dann das Thema Überwindung dieses Schmerzes, bis ich irgendwann die Augen aufschlug.
Das alles hat das Ziel, zu erkennen, dass man nicht seine Gedanken, Reaktionen und Gefühle ist, weil auch wenn diese aufkommen, so verschwinden sie doch wieder und es bleibt noch etwas; man existiert auch ohne alle Selbstdefinitionen.
Ein sehr befreiender und verbindender Gedanke.
Denn genauso wie man selbst ohne all das existieren kann, so gilt es auch für wahre Liebe.
„Wahre Liebe gibt es auch dann, wenn du nicht viel Liebe empfindest. Wahre Liebe transzendiert die momentane Erfahrung der Liebe. Falsche Liebe hingegen verschwindet, sobald dein Gefühlszustand verschwindet.“
Ein Konzept von Liebe, das jeder mal durchdacht haben sollte.
Adyashanti vergleicht seine Worte im Buch mit einer Menükarte, die nicht vergleichbar ist mit der tatsächlichen Erfahrung des Essens.
Aber bereits diese Menükarte ist sehr bereichernd und ein guter Lehrmeister, wie man es anstellen soll, ein in der Praxis verbundenes und erfahrungsreiches Leben zu führen, sich der atemberaubenden Frage zu stellen, was wir wirklich sind, und uns ein wenig mehr unseres Bewusstseins gewahr zu werden.
Hierzu wird einem zur Meditation geraten, welche eine durchaus neue Herausforderung für mich darstellte.
„Meditation ist die Kunst des Seins. Leider machen wir daraus oft die Kunst des Tuns.“ Eine sehr zutreffende Aussage, da ich zuvor eher mit dem Meditationsstil von Dr. Joe Dispenza gearbeitet habe. Während eines Moments der Stille konzentriert in gewünschte Visionen, gekoppelt mit entsprechenden Emotionen, hineinzugehen, ist eine sehr bereichernde Erfahrung mit vielen positiven Aspekten, allerdings ein etwas anderer Zugang als der von Adyashanti vorgeschlagene.
Adyashanti schreibt: „Der denkende Verstand ist zweifellos ein mächtiges und potentiell kreatives Werkzeug. Doch wenn wir die tiefe Natur unseres Seins betrachten, können wir durch unseren Verstand geblendet werden, weil wir das Gefühl haben, wir bestehen aus unseren Gedanken und Selbstdefinitionen und den damit verbundenen Emotionen und Gefühlen.“
„Bewusstsein ist allgegenwärtig. Beobachtungen, Gedanken, Gefühle kommen und gehen, doch das Bewusstsein bleibt.“
Die Meditation zielt also darauf ab, diese geschriebenen Worte praktisch umzusetzen.
Anders als bei dem sonst gängigen Schema der Meditation setzte ich mich auf den Boden, schloss die Augen und wartete, was passiert:
Erst wurde ich von meiner inneren Stimme in einer Tour sehr laut angeschrien und beleidigt, bis sich ein wenig später eine Stimme meldete mit der Frage: Wie wir denn jemals wieder aus dieser Situation kommen wollen? Ein durchaus berechtigter Einwand. Wenn man ohne aktive Gedanken sich einfach mal hinsetzen soll, dann gibt es ohne eine zuvor getroffene Rettungsmaßnahme bei gelungener Meditation kein Entkommen mehr. Glücklicherweise für mein Ego tat mir nach, ich tippe mal 1–2 h, eine Druckstelle am Knöchel extrem weh. Während der restlichen Meditation schwirrte in meinem Kopf dann das Thema Überwindung dieses Schmerzes, bis ich irgendwann die Augen aufschlug.
Das alles hat das Ziel, zu erkennen, dass man nicht seine Gedanken, Reaktionen und Gefühle ist, weil auch wenn diese aufkommen, so verschwinden sie doch wieder und es bleibt noch etwas; man existiert auch ohne alle Selbstdefinitionen.
Ein sehr befreiender und verbindender Gedanke.
Denn genauso wie man selbst ohne all das existieren kann, so gilt es auch für wahre Liebe.
„Wahre Liebe gibt es auch dann, wenn du nicht viel Liebe empfindest. Wahre Liebe transzendiert die momentane Erfahrung der Liebe. Falsche Liebe hingegen verschwindet, sobald dein Gefühlszustand verschwindet.“
Ein Konzept von Liebe, das jeder mal durchdacht haben sollte.
Adyashanti vergleicht seine Worte im Buch mit einer Menükarte, die nicht vergleichbar ist mit der tatsächlichen Erfahrung des Essens.
Aber bereits diese Menükarte ist sehr bereichernd und ein guter Lehrmeister, wie man es anstellen soll, ein in der Praxis verbundenes und erfahrungsreiches Leben zu führen, sich der atemberaubenden Frage zu stellen, was wir wirklich sind, und uns ein wenig mehr unseres Bewusstseins gewahr zu werden.
July 11, 2023
93%
I'm really surprised to find that adyashanti's work isn't more popular.
So adyashanti does a wonderful job of making a simple thing complicated enough for people to understand it.
Using scientific concepts and spiritual structures to give definition, Which ironically he kind of hates definition, ha ha To the single essence of being in this universe and they awareness of it.
I'm aware that it's a very difficult subject to translate. Because it's so simple, just live, breathe and appreciate your life.
And that's how you dismiss fear. He believes by erasing the thought definition the... Subjective definitions that we give ourselves.
Like I am a Buddhist, I am a christian, I am black I am white I am gay I am straight, Which allows us to move outside of these definitions of ourselves.
I don't agree with his definition of life-and-death, Also I would like to introduce him to hydroponics haha. Because we are not all the one, yes of the universe, we are all branches operating under our own awareness, our own cognition.
It isn't that we aren't thoughts, Because yes we are thoughts but those are parts of us, Like hair those are something that change there's something that we discard, The neural network that we have Is a very sophisticated way of showing our physical form of thoughts and consciousness.
We don't need to let our thoughts or anything. Define us because we can change and evolve constantly.
I would say that death is optional. You haven't reached it yet, Or canonically no one has reached it to the point where we can say all this person's never going to die, So a form of ammortality is certainly a possibility.
Which would really defy a lot of spiritual teachings and get people to look at me like, what? What is he talking about? Ha ha
I'm really surprised to find that adyashanti's work isn't more popular.
So adyashanti does a wonderful job of making a simple thing complicated enough for people to understand it.
Using scientific concepts and spiritual structures to give definition, Which ironically he kind of hates definition, ha ha To the single essence of being in this universe and they awareness of it.
I'm aware that it's a very difficult subject to translate. Because it's so simple, just live, breathe and appreciate your life.
And that's how you dismiss fear. He believes by erasing the thought definition the... Subjective definitions that we give ourselves.
Like I am a Buddhist, I am a christian, I am black I am white I am gay I am straight, Which allows us to move outside of these definitions of ourselves.
I don't agree with his definition of life-and-death, Also I would like to introduce him to hydroponics haha. Because we are not all the one, yes of the universe, we are all branches operating under our own awareness, our own cognition.
It isn't that we aren't thoughts, Because yes we are thoughts but those are parts of us, Like hair those are something that change there's something that we discard, The neural network that we have Is a very sophisticated way of showing our physical form of thoughts and consciousness.
We don't need to let our thoughts or anything. Define us because we can change and evolve constantly.
I would say that death is optional. You haven't reached it yet, Or canonically no one has reached it to the point where we can say all this person's never going to die, So a form of ammortality is certainly a possibility.
Which would really defy a lot of spiritual teachings and get people to look at me like, what? What is he talking about? Ha ha
September 14, 2025
It’s a bit repetitive, as most of his books are; I mean, it sometimes feels like every sentence is followed by another that just rephrases the previous one.
But if you try some of what he suggests, and stick with it, it seems like it could change your life:
-For a moment, let go of seeking something outside of your current experience.
(This was the biggest insight of the book. I realized that I am constantly seeking something outside of my current experience.)
-Realize/remember that our descriptions of things have almost nothing to do with the things themselves.
-Allow every part of your experience to be the way it is.
-Spend time with yourself in a deep way - that is, enter contemplation, a quiet but intent observation of the unfolding of experience and consciousness.
-let go of this comfort principle that can so easily start to dominate your life (‘how do I feel? do I like it? Do I not like it? Is it right for me? Is it not right for me?’)
-now and then, take time - real time - to contemplate what makes you happy, and what takes away from your happiness.
-pay attention to the way things are, rather than the way we’ve conceptualized them.
-If your mind talks nonsense, don’t try to control it, just listen.
But if you try some of what he suggests, and stick with it, it seems like it could change your life:
-For a moment, let go of seeking something outside of your current experience.
(This was the biggest insight of the book. I realized that I am constantly seeking something outside of my current experience.)
-Realize/remember that our descriptions of things have almost nothing to do with the things themselves.
-Allow every part of your experience to be the way it is.
-Spend time with yourself in a deep way - that is, enter contemplation, a quiet but intent observation of the unfolding of experience and consciousness.
-let go of this comfort principle that can so easily start to dominate your life (‘how do I feel? do I like it? Do I not like it? Is it right for me? Is it not right for me?’)
-now and then, take time - real time - to contemplate what makes you happy, and what takes away from your happiness.
-pay attention to the way things are, rather than the way we’ve conceptualized them.
-If your mind talks nonsense, don’t try to control it, just listen.
May 3, 2020
The Most Important Thing is a deep read that dives into finding and uncovering the part of the mind that is silent. It was my first impression that it can be read many times over as the concepts sink in and allow the reader to gain new perspectives about the world around us.
Adyashanti guides us that what is most important is what we are doing at this given moment and being completely present. To achieve this is the spiritual journey of finding and uncovering the part of the mind that is silent. This is the Buddha mind or complete being. The Buddha mind is within all of us and one of the ways we can begin the spiritual journey is to sink entirely into the current moment which nurtures increased awareness. Once we have awareness of the moment, enlightenment can be revealed to us where we come to understand that all things are so interconnected that we are the total environment and the total environment is us.
Adyashanti guides us that what is most important is what we are doing at this given moment and being completely present. To achieve this is the spiritual journey of finding and uncovering the part of the mind that is silent. This is the Buddha mind or complete being. The Buddha mind is within all of us and one of the ways we can begin the spiritual journey is to sink entirely into the current moment which nurtures increased awareness. Once we have awareness of the moment, enlightenment can be revealed to us where we come to understand that all things are so interconnected that we are the total environment and the total environment is us.
February 20, 2021
This is a clear-eyed and compelling collection of reflections on what is essential about life. Adyashanti comes at this topic from different angles using personal anecdotes, exploration of the teachings of others, and evocative metaphors to distill the knowledge that all life is interconnected; that there is a state that exists beyond our descriptions, stories, or conditioning; and that taking the time to step back from our assumptions and narratives, we can see this essential nature of life and gain comfort and peace. His teachings are independent of any religious view, but are frequently tied into Buddhist, Christian, and secular perspectives with an emphasis on meditation as a means for connecting various spiritual paths. Not the self help kind of book somewhat implied by its title, this is more of a gentle series of spiritual talks coalescing around the big topic of searching for meaning in one's life. (Big thanks to my friend Kathy for the gift of this book!)
August 15, 2025
Each chapter offered moments of insight, but those moments were often buried under the repetitiveness of the storytelling. The book could have benefited greatly from a firm editorial hand—many chapters could easily have been condensed without losing their value, though that might have left the book looking quite thin.
The author tended to linger on anecdotes, circling the same ideas without ever arriving at a sharp point. Whether this was an intentional test of the reader’s patience or simply a weakness in communication, I’m not sure. Unfortunately, at this point in my life, the book didn’t connect with me in a meaningful way. In the end, I found myself skimming—reading only the first two and last pages of each chapter—to bypass the redundancy in between.
The author tended to linger on anecdotes, circling the same ideas without ever arriving at a sharp point. Whether this was an intentional test of the reader’s patience or simply a weakness in communication, I’m not sure. Unfortunately, at this point in my life, the book didn’t connect with me in a meaningful way. In the end, I found myself skimming—reading only the first two and last pages of each chapter—to bypass the redundancy in between.
October 22, 2019
Remember what it was to be a child. Wonder and Awe abound! Definition, separation, and dogma are taught and/or picked up by each individual.The Most Important Thing: Discovering Truth at the Heart of Life will reveal to you what you are ready to see or possibly what you already know. Perhaps what you have always known. May you be open to a greater truth. "And the truth shall set you free." - Jesus
January 13, 2019
A must read for anyone on a spiritual path! Wow is not only for the fact it is written in such a clear and concise way, but the fact of direct transmission of teaching suggesting I was at the stage to receive it.
April 6, 2019
I got to sense awareness when reading the chapter on being conscious of consciousness. It is seeing the mystery of life that is contained and beyond the words of the book. The book is a dear friend that sits with me together in truth. Warm and clear.
January 4, 2023
Outstanding,well-written,and accessible book about key spiritual concepts
This book discusses the key concepts anyone seeking awareness, change, or enlightenment must understand. It is written in a way that makes it accessible to even beginners.
This book discusses the key concepts anyone seeking awareness, change, or enlightenment must understand. It is written in a way that makes it accessible to even beginners.
February 26, 2024
[ 2.5 stars ]
To be honest, I’m not sure why I finished this book. I’ve read others on meditation and Zen teachings before, but none as repetitive and wordy as this one. The author has received lots of high reviews though, so maybe wrong place, wrong time?
To be honest, I’m not sure why I finished this book. I’ve read others on meditation and Zen teachings before, but none as repetitive and wordy as this one. The author has received lots of high reviews though, so maybe wrong place, wrong time?
January 26, 2019
Nothing new but still, the way he expresses ideas is refreshing and acts as a good reminder of various teachings... Humane, balanced and compassionate. Not a must read but a solid one.
July 13, 2019
Beautifully written, clear and direct. I'm incredibly grateful for this book and Adya's teaching!
July 8, 2020
Not my favorite book of his. I din't feel the enthusiasm from his prior books. He seemed bored with his topics.
May 9, 2021
not as good as some of his earlier books, feels like mostly a rehash of his old stuff. good read nevertheless as anything from adya is gold.
June 4, 2022
Helpful for Clarity
The more reading one does, the more realisation dawns that it is just a finger pointing at the moon. Don't mistake the finger for the moon.
The more reading one does, the more realisation dawns that it is just a finger pointing at the moon. Don't mistake the finger for the moon.
June 9, 2022
One of my favorite Adyashanti books. The author simplifies all the concepts that other enlightened masters prefer to complicate!
August 17, 2022
Delicious nuggets of heart truths.
October 28, 2022
My Book Of The Year!
March 11, 2023
I've really enjoyed listening to the audiobook and it gave me a lot to think about, but I just need something different to listen to right now. I might return to it later.
March 1, 2024
Sách đọc tết 2024. Nd quá hay, sâu sắc
January 19, 2025
Excellent book on a spiritual life.
March 30, 2025
Consciousness is always here. Always now.
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