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Re:
More than any body of spiritual or philosophic exposition throughout history grounded in what is so, a functional study of subjective experience within an objective reality, so humble and elementary in its sublime esoterica of wisdom and insight it would not be hubris to have called this volatile mass not Re: but along the lines of Lucretius' The Way Things Are perhaps How to Live, the definitive embodied elocution of a relentless moment of careening evolutionary prerogative characterized by a profound play with humor and grace...each enlivened thought coming unbidden in response to a capitulation in utter faith to an absolute necessity whose cumulative effect is that of magic, alchemy, delight...
--Ethan Dunn, Writer
--Ethan Dunn, Writer
312 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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2 people want to read
About the author
Darrell Calkins
3 books1 followerDarrell Calkins has lectured and led seminars and retreats around the world for more than 35 years on subjects ranging from humor and mysticism in Asian philosophy to intuition and creativity. He has served as a trainer and consultant for teachers, artists, athletes, public speakers, negotiators, clergy and others in high-performance professions. His background includes extensive studies in philosophy, comparative religions and psychology, and in-depth practice in Zen, martial arts and yoga. He currently lives, writes and leads retreats in southwestern France.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 14, 2015
I have always been surprised at the depth and originality I find in this book.
There are a wide range of essential subjects such as devotion, qualities, breathing, emotions, tragedy and transformation among numerous others that are explored in a very unique, witty, clear and concise way. I like the way the book is designed and organized; you can open it, read the chapters in any order you like and you will be absorbed in insights, discoveries, new understandings or possibly revelations.
I especially love the delightful "lexicons" spread between the book's different chapters.
Re: is infused with a real love for life and its mysteries and passion are the blood of creation. The provocative, compelling letters and contemplations will expand your mind, widen your horizons and make you look at things in new, profound and enlightened ways...
A powerful, inspiring must read.
There are a wide range of essential subjects such as devotion, qualities, breathing, emotions, tragedy and transformation among numerous others that are explored in a very unique, witty, clear and concise way. I like the way the book is designed and organized; you can open it, read the chapters in any order you like and you will be absorbed in insights, discoveries, new understandings or possibly revelations.
I especially love the delightful "lexicons" spread between the book's different chapters.
Re: is infused with a real love for life and its mysteries and passion are the blood of creation. The provocative, compelling letters and contemplations will expand your mind, widen your horizons and make you look at things in new, profound and enlightened ways...
A powerful, inspiring must read.
Read
March 14, 2010A fascinating book about how to live to fulfill our hopes and dreams. Deep, funny and so true. An exciting journey.
May 14, 2015
While I cannot begin to attempt to discuss the book Re: in a fashion that comes near to the eloquence, crystal-clear clarity and precision in Ethan Dunn's description of the material held within—which, in itself, is substance enough to inspire a book—I find Re: an essential part of my own writing and life, too much so to not take the chance to do so. Re: is a collection of letters written by Darrell Calkins in a somewhat spontaneous, creative series of conversations on the internet exploring questions of well-being, dignity, nature, faith, hell, consciousness, imagination and mastery within the creation of one's life among many other subjects.
My relationship to the book has evolved over the years (now seven years) from one of rapt, overwhelmed wonder to subtle fascination as the subjects therein, and also from seminars and retreats with Darrell Calkins, continue their workings in my mind, psyche and experience of life.
I find it difficult to give a thorough review because as a manual, Re: is wide-ranging as life itself, and more so. Each time I venture through its writings, my understanding and perception of the size of life and my placement within it expands.
Each chapter manages to come at subjects of well-being including suffering, the seeds of war, harmony, transformation, redemption, emotion, art, guilt, desire and many others with a language that is exceptionally clear and simple. I’ve always been curious about what the essence is of each philosophy I encounter; how do the works of sages from hundreds of years ago relate to my, and our, experience on the planet and its mysteries today? I am an avid reader of works from schools of Western psychology, critical thinking and spiritual discipline and find Calkins’ work as genius in how he distills wisdom throughout schools of thought and philosophy and makes it comprehensible.
To me, Re: is a guide to navigating the fundamental experience of being alive with a self-knowledge and rich appreciation. Calkins explores the far reaches of the planet and human psyche.
Don’t be fooled by the small number of reviews or by the fact that you haven’t seen this book on the New York Times Bestseller’s List. If you are, you’ll miss out on an incredible landscape of possibility and human potential. In my experience, the most creatively original and ground-breaking works are little recognized and under the radar (like Van Gogh’s paintings and Immanuel Kant’s philosophical writings that were scarcely known or recognized during their lifetimes). It’s the mysteries you can feel exist somewhere, deep down, but remain just out of touch.
This book is a keepsake for the entirely of one’s journey through life.
My relationship to the book has evolved over the years (now seven years) from one of rapt, overwhelmed wonder to subtle fascination as the subjects therein, and also from seminars and retreats with Darrell Calkins, continue their workings in my mind, psyche and experience of life.
I find it difficult to give a thorough review because as a manual, Re: is wide-ranging as life itself, and more so. Each time I venture through its writings, my understanding and perception of the size of life and my placement within it expands.
Each chapter manages to come at subjects of well-being including suffering, the seeds of war, harmony, transformation, redemption, emotion, art, guilt, desire and many others with a language that is exceptionally clear and simple. I’ve always been curious about what the essence is of each philosophy I encounter; how do the works of sages from hundreds of years ago relate to my, and our, experience on the planet and its mysteries today? I am an avid reader of works from schools of Western psychology, critical thinking and spiritual discipline and find Calkins’ work as genius in how he distills wisdom throughout schools of thought and philosophy and makes it comprehensible.
To me, Re: is a guide to navigating the fundamental experience of being alive with a self-knowledge and rich appreciation. Calkins explores the far reaches of the planet and human psyche.
Don’t be fooled by the small number of reviews or by the fact that you haven’t seen this book on the New York Times Bestseller’s List. If you are, you’ll miss out on an incredible landscape of possibility and human potential. In my experience, the most creatively original and ground-breaking works are little recognized and under the radar (like Van Gogh’s paintings and Immanuel Kant’s philosophical writings that were scarcely known or recognized during their lifetimes). It’s the mysteries you can feel exist somewhere, deep down, but remain just out of touch.
This book is a keepsake for the entirely of one’s journey through life.
October 16, 2008
My brother-in-law gave me this book. Calkins gives workshops in the U.S. as well in as in France, where he lives. He's not affiliated with one school of thought, but rather hopes to change how we look at the questions we all ask ourselves.
His book is a compilation of letters he's written to people in response to their various questions (ranging from how do I construct an identity not based on desires? What's really the purpose of suffering (if any?) Calkins makes distinctions between desires versus yearnings; what contributes to human evolution versus inhibits it; and the idea of a "slippery person" (someone who bends with challenges and obstacles, but does not stop working to realize his or her yearnings.) I can think of more reasons why not to read a self help book, but this book is more of a self-help for the species. Calkins doesn't accept obstacles--physical, mental, social, whatever--as a legitimate reason to give in to normal traps or habits. He's trying to phrase questions differently (not what makes you happy?) so that one does not keep coming up with the same answer (or trap.) It's an interesting book and Calkins writes with urgency and humor (often crass.)
His book is a compilation of letters he's written to people in response to their various questions (ranging from how do I construct an identity not based on desires? What's really the purpose of suffering (if any?) Calkins makes distinctions between desires versus yearnings; what contributes to human evolution versus inhibits it; and the idea of a "slippery person" (someone who bends with challenges and obstacles, but does not stop working to realize his or her yearnings.) I can think of more reasons why not to read a self help book, but this book is more of a self-help for the species. Calkins doesn't accept obstacles--physical, mental, social, whatever--as a legitimate reason to give in to normal traps or habits. He's trying to phrase questions differently (not what makes you happy?) so that one does not keep coming up with the same answer (or trap.) It's an interesting book and Calkins writes with urgency and humor (often crass.)
December 3, 2014
When I open this book, even if I was planning to simply take a glimpse or read a paragraph and go on my way, I find myself swallowed into a new world that holds me there reading, leaning against the wall or settling down on my couch to relax.
How is it that this book remains so little known?
I find the essays fascinating and illuminating about imagination, evolution, emotions and creation. Darrell Calkins lived in one of the old Zen monasteries in Japan and offers us a window into some high-end yet very accessible insights about Zen and the art of living.
This book is one of those rare gems of literature buried amongst the masses of books, eBooks and entertainment out there.
Give yourself a gift and read the book.
I have also had the pleasure to attend seminars with Darrell Calkins (CobaltSaffron).
How is it that this book remains so little known?
I find the essays fascinating and illuminating about imagination, evolution, emotions and creation. Darrell Calkins lived in one of the old Zen monasteries in Japan and offers us a window into some high-end yet very accessible insights about Zen and the art of living.
This book is one of those rare gems of literature buried amongst the masses of books, eBooks and entertainment out there.
Give yourself a gift and read the book.
I have also had the pleasure to attend seminars with Darrell Calkins (CobaltSaffron).
May 16, 2015
I am an avid reader of literature, philosophy and have been for nearly 50 years. This rare masterpiece of literature never fails to stimulate my intellect. Darrell Calkins delves into a wide variety of existential subjects in a simple, accessible language and takes each one to the next level. Re: is a groundbreaking work of art and the best universities would be wise to have this book as part of their curriculum.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews