World renowned leader at the core of the Maharishi Foundations, a Harvard graduate neuroscientist, renowned Vedic scholar and world reference in Transcendental Meditation, Dr.Tony Nader formulates in this book a series of fundamental existential questions (what is our purpose in life, do we have true control over our destinies?) and, through the study of Consciousness, brings us answers with practical benefits that aim to give us enlightenment, peace and fulfillment.
«In this landmark book, Dr. Tony Nader presents ideas that can change the world.
He proposes profound solutions to questions that have long fascinated and intrigued philosophers and scientists. What is Consciousness, do we have freedom? How to get the best out of life, fulfill wishes and create peace and harmony among peoples and nations?
He offers these solutions, based on a simple underlying paradigm, that unifies mind, body, and environment into an ocean of pure Being, Pure Consciousness.
A must read for any seeker of answers to the mysteries of life, the absolute and ultimate truth». David Lynch
«I want everyone to know what Consciousness is and how to develop it to enjoy the full potential of individual and social life». Dr. Tony Nader
Is there some hidden purpose in life, a secret design, a meaningful logic, a goal to be achieved? Where do we come from and where do we go after we leave? Why should we be fighting? Can we choose? Are we free or slaves of destiny, of the laws of nature or of God?
As sentient beings who wish to take control of their lives, these questions are fundamental, and everyone ends up making assumptions or strongly subscribing to beliefs about many of them. Those convictions become our underlying "cosmovision" that influences everything we do.
I turned to the study of medicine, psychiatry, and neurology to understand why, although we are so similar, we can be so different in our opinions, mentality, and points of view. But the answers to my fundamental questions were too complex and abstract for scientific investigation. It was Transcendental Meditation TM that allowed me to explore them through direct experience, rather than analysis and deduction.
This book is dedicated to all seekers of knowledge, scientists, philosophers, teachers, wise leaders, and guides who investigate the secrets of how nature works and the effort to improve life on Earth.
I bought this book on the recommendation of David Lynch, who I very much admire. I had previously formed an opinion of Transcendental Meditation based on books and documentaries on the subject and was highly skeptical of the movement and its claims. This book solidified my negative assessment of TM and diminished my respect for Lynch.
The author, Tony Nader, has a PhD from MIT and was appointed the leader of the Transcendental Meditation movement after the death of the Maharishi in 2008. He is knowledgeable on various scientific topics as well as the ancient Indian Vedas religious texts on which the Maharishi based his philosophy.
The first half of the book is a preamble that describes the current state of scientific knowledge on topics ranging from quantum mechanics to human anatomy. The purpose is two fold: to explain some of the limits in scientific knowledge and to lend credence and respectability to what will be the main thesis of the book, that the foundation of all reality is a field of “Pure Consciousness”.
The second half of the book consists of a multitude of different ways of asserting the existence of this Pure Consciousness without proving it in any coherent way. There are descriptions of how it manifests reality, a diagram of hierarchies of consciousness and many truisms about objects and observers, but no data or experiments to prove its existence. There is also no explanation as to why it is necessary or even what “Pure Consciousness” is. It’s supposedly equivalent to the unified field in Unified Field Theory in physics but there is no explanation as to how.
This book follows the precedent of similar religious texts that attempt to fill in the gaps of scientific knowledge while borrowing credibility using scientific jargon in an imprecise and misleading way. It is not surprising that the author was a colleague of Deepak Chopra who is guilty of the same kind of dishonest chicanery.
It was an arduous task ploughing through the mountains of nonsense in this book but it was worth it if this review dissuades even one person from wasting their time and money in support of the false promises of the TM movement. .
In One Unbounded Ocean of Consciousness, Dr. Tony Nader (M.D, Ph.D), a Harvard trained neuroscientist, and leader of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program, outlines his revolutionary theory into the nature of Consciousness. Written as a scientific/spiritual treatise, Nader merges scientific evidence with ancient Vedic tradition, to explain how Western science is now reaching the same conclusions that adherents of TM have experienced for centuries. Also, the stages of consciousness, from lowest to highest, as well as the many benefits of practicing TM are explained.
The main idea presented in this book is that everything is part of an infinite, unbounded field of Consciousness. Scientific research into the deepest subatomic levels of the physical universe have arrived at a similar conclusion, discovering fields of pure energy. This purportedly answers the question that scientists have been asking for decades: How does the human brain and the physical nervous system produce non-physical, subjective conscious experiences? Nader's answer is that consciousness comes first, and everything else is a secondary phenomenon.
Protons, electrons, atoms, molecules, cells, humans, planets, and galaxies, are all different levels of consciousness, but are nonetheless derived from the same unified field. Everything in the phenomenal world exists momentarily as a virtual concept, and only becomes manifest when the observer, process of observation, and object of observation, come together. Like images stored on a computer hard drive, with infinite copies of itself, so our lives contain an infinite number of potential outcomes. It is the limitations imposed on us by our sensory organs and the laws of nature, that blind us from experiencing this truth.
Transcendental Meditation allows individuals to directly experience this reality for themselves. According to Maharishi, the founder of TM, the mind is like an ocean, with thoughts like waves on its surface, becoming quieter the deeper you dive toward the bottom. TM involves closing your eyes while mentally repeating a mantra, allowing the individual to dive within the mind, transcending all thoughts and objects of perception. While in this deep state of relaxation, the individual merges into the ultimate Self, and experiences the unified field from which everything originates. Scientific studies have shown that TM improves cognitive functioning, stress reduction, and decreases physical illness.
Nader believes that through consistent practice of TM, individuals can reach higher stages of conscious, culminating in Cosmic Consciousness, where they experience everything in the world as part of one divine source. This vastly improves the quality of our lives, as we expand our freedom to make better choices, and are no longer bound to limiting patterns of thinking and behaviour.
I found the subject matter of this book to be fascinating, and the fact that it's written by a medical doctor, neuroscientist, and meditation guru, makes it even more credible. Nader does an excellent job of describing the experience of TM to the complete novice, and makes a compelling case for why everyone should be trying TM for themselves. I appreciated how Nader kept his book mostly secular, absent of any theological dogma, and at no point in the book did I feel like Nader was preaching a particular agenda to the reader. Also, much of the scientific evidence in this book was convincingly written.
The main problem I had with this book is that many parts of it were bogged down in technical jargon, and contained far too many concepts to remember. At certain parts it felt like I was reading a textbook, instead of something written for the general audience, and that Nader was writing more for people with a scientific background. Also, he tended to repeat his main thesis over and over again, and much of the information could have been edited down to about half its length. There was also a lack of any practical application, as Nader provided no instructions for how one can practice meditation on their own.
Overall, I think this was a good book about a fascinating subject, but not a life changing book. Reading other reviews, however, it seems this book had a much more profound impact on some other people, so perhaps I'm missing something? I think I was expecting a more passionate, heartfelt, and less academic style of writing, considering how much of a gifted speaker Nader is... Based on that criteria, I think it's fair to give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
"One Unbounded Ocean of Consciousness..." is a comprehensive study of the relationship between matter, consciousness and spirituality. Tony Nader, the author, is a graduate neuroscientist, Vedic scholar, successor to Maharishi and leader of the Transcendental Meditation Movement. These credentials make him a unique spokesman to the discussion TM. The central theme of this book is that all material and non-material phenomena are the product of consciousness, which is absolute, unchanging and with no beginning nor end. Consciousness is primary rather than a product of the human brain and is the very foundation of our being. The author states that our individual consciousness can be expanded to higher states beyond sleep, dream and waking and we are able to discover the silent Being within us. TM effectively opens our awareness to our innermost core of our Being. There is a great deal of discussion of quantum mechanics, field theory and related areas of physics that can be quite challenging to the layman. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I would highly recommend this book
Dr. Tony Nader’s book explains his thesis, that consciousness is all there is, drawing on many fields of human knowledge. His earlier chapters could have benefited from an editor; however, in his later chapters he elegantly synthesizes his teaching and observations. As the head of the TM organization, he is deeply committed to expanding its practice as a way of heightening the consciousness of individuals and societies.
I have practiced both TM and Centering Prayer (a Christian practice with ancient roots). While their methods are somewhat different, they take me to the same place or state, that of restful awareness and peace, and lead to other benefits. I join Dr. Nader’s hope that transformed people will lead to peace and understanding in families, communities, and the world.
Sweeping in its coverage, this book offers an integral framework for understanding and integrating all branches of knowledge, and offering solution to some of the key paradoxes that Science is facing now. This book reminds me of Life Divine, written by Sri Aurobindo, but this one is clearer backed by the research and findings of last 100 years. For those who do not have any experience of deep meditation, some of the chapters might sould too abstract. I myself am a TM practitioner for many years, and could have asked for a better book. This book is a companion for life and can totally change one's worldview and how one experiences reality.
Lo que me encantó: desde la portada te promete dar respuesta a los misterios más antiguos de la humanidad, los explica de una forma sencilla y con una sola respuesta, esto de acuerdo a concepciones filosóficas de Asia.
Lo que no me gustó: al igual que muchos libros del género, te da un abrebocas para que luego compres los cursos de meditación del autor.
Es una excelente lectura introductoria a una filosofía de vida diferente a la occidental.
An excellent treatment of consciousness and associated philosophical and ethical questions, illuminated by principles of modern physics and insightful, ancient wisdom of the Veda brought to light by Maharishi. This book is thorough, brilliant and inspirational and has brought about great enlightenment and comfort for me and many others. Thank you to Dr Nader for this wonderful tome.
More important than the Bible, a must read for anyone truly serious about saving our planet and ourselves Adam has messed up the garden, which began when he made Eve a second-class citizen of Eden. TM will lead you into practicing carteblox, the worldly expression of it's principles. www.carteblox.com.
This is an amazing book! Dr Nader presents profound knowledge and practical solutions for lifting human life from suffering to happiness. I hope readers will grasp the urgency of his message and take the necessary steps to implement programs he recommends.
A simple and easy answer for Everything, especially the complexity of modern living
Read this book with an open mind and heart, if certain aspects raise contention, rest, reflect, come back to it when your are ready, which you surely will. I have just finished reading it for a third time, each time I have found new and enlightening perspectives for which I am truly grateful. 😊🙏
The book is by a scientist who digs into transcendental meditation and finds that all there is is consciousness. At the core of physics on the subatomic level all that’s there is consciousness, no matter no energy. They are the same and it’s all consciousness
I really want to restart my meditative practice. Why do I feel I don’t have time?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
One Unbounded Ocean provides profound insight into the nature of reality and the path to realization of our individual and collective potential. Essential reading for all those involved in policy, politics and governance.
I have read and I have gain lot of insights. Dr. Tony Nader have managed to explain such a complex topic of consciousness in a clear and concise manners.
Me gustó que es muy teórico y toca muchos temas científicos super interesantes , pero, creo que no me atrapó del todo el tema que trata de la conciencia. Igual sigue siendo un buen libro, solo no fue mi tema fav...
If there was a hard copy of this book, I think I may have liked it better because I would be able to process the information more cognitively than just listening to the audio.
I will spare you a very tedious read and summarise the gist of this author’s message in 3 points
1) Is there a supreme universal truth that reconciles all the disciplines that try to explain the origin and functioning of our universe? Yes and it’s called Pure Consciousness
At the basis of everything is a grand field of Pure Consciousness that is non material non physical , beyond time space, beginning or end. It’s pure existence. It is who we truly are and it is everything that there is. All very abstract but here’s half the book covered.
The next 2 are the authors’s plug into the business that he represents (yes TM is a multibillion dollar enterprise - source Wikipedia)
2) One can only truly understand pure consciousness by using Transcendental Meditation, reaching various stages of enlightenment which culminate in Unity Consciousness: the realisation that everything is one , everything is linked. (personal note: almost all other meditative / spiritual practices have the same conclusion )
3) In order to really understand and solve our civilisation’s key issues and ensure our survival we need more people to practice TM
Personal note: I recognise that the benefits of TM (and other meditative practices) on mental and physical health have been studied and verified extensively. What bothers me are the extensively documented sales tactics and business side of TM and the unfounded claims (eg TM is a superior form of meditation, it will lead you to understanding the meaning of everything and solving our world problems etc...) that people like this author make.
डॉ. नादेर का मौलिक कार्य परिवर्तनकारी विचार प्रस्तुत करता है जो दुनिया को बदलने की क्षमता रखता है।
वह जीवन के उद्देश्य, अच्छे और बुरे की प्रकृति, चेतना, स्वतंत्र इच्छा, ब्रह्मांड में व्यवस्था बनाम अराजकता, नास्तिकों और विश्वासियों के बीच अंतराल को पाटना, और विकल्प के साथ नियतिवाद को समेटना, गहन पूछताछ को संबोधित करते हुए विषयों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला की खोज करता है। पूरे इतिहास में दार्शनिकों और वैज्ञानिकों दोनों को मोहित किया है।
डॉ. नादेर एक एकीकृत प्रतिमान के माध्यम से व्यावहारिक उत्तर प्रदान करते हैं जो मन, शरीर और पर्यावरण को शुद्ध अस्तित्व और चेतना की एक ही दुनिया में विलीन कर देता है। यह अवश्य पढ़ें जीवन की पहेलियों का समाधान ढूंढने वाले लोगों के लिए ज्ञान का खजाना है, जो पूर्ण और अंतिम सत्य की अंतर्दृष्टि प्रदान करता है।
This book reintroduced ideas and concepts to me in a new way. These ideas and concepts I have read about in the past had always seem so abstract. The author made them understandable, relatable, and concrete. Ideas and concepts such as the nature of what enlightenment really is, karma and how it relates to entanglement, and what each state of higher consciousness is about and how a person views the world in that state. This book will have to be reread soon because it was just that good!
Tarde mucho en leerlo, casi dos meses; se me hizo pesado porque es mucha información junta, pero me gustó. Si están metidos ya en el mundo de la meditación y han leído varias cosas antes, es un buen libro para leer y repensar muchas cosas. Si no, no creo que sea un buen libro para iniciarse en el conocimiento de la meditación, abarca muchos temas y preguntas de física que yo ni llegué a comprender del todo. Me costó mucho avanzar en su lectura porque muchas cosas no las comprendía bien pero igual seguí y lo terminé.
If you want the scales to fall from your eyes, read this book. The revelatory power of Dr. Nader’s words are as courageous as Galileo’s, as deeply meaningful as Marcus Aurelius’s, and as sweet as William Blake’s.
Esta lo superficial que es a lo que estamos acostumbrados a ver constantemente, este libro es una invitación a escarbar sobre esa superficie para superarla y trascender hacia una Conciencia Pura, una conciencia que nos conecta con un todo que nos da orden y perspectiva.
Clear, illuminating, and scientific explanation of the new paradigm that we are not matter-based, but consciousness-based. The implications are enormous.