Awake: It's Your Turn

by Angelo DiLullo

This book is a resource for anyone who is interested in waking up to their undivided nature. It delineates the process of awakening in great detail, and includes contemplations, practices, and strategies to investigate one's deepest truth. The reader is led through a series of experiential insights, that each in turn dispel the perceptual illusions that cause us to suffer. As the layers of perceptual distortion fall away, what is revealed is one's pristine, undivided nature. To live out of this natural and spontaneous unfolding of moment-to-moment presence is to see, feel, and experience reality as it is, rather than through the lens of thought. The result of this transformation is the ability to move through life in a deeply peaceful and authentic way.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Buddhism, Meditation

Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2021

Reviews

[Stephen C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Master Work

Angelo writes with passion and exceptional alacrity, from that placeless place. His pointing is priceless, in that he methodically prepares and then leads the reader through the process of noticing and transcending the many layers of habitual thoughts and emotions that keep us from experiencing the liberating and mysterious fullness of reality.

If you are serious about waking up, now, I can literally think of no better guide.

This book is truly a master work. I hope it gets the reception it deserves.

[Kenneth Bachmann · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awake
By Anglo DiLullo, MD

I just completed this book today. It has taken me about two months. I first learned of it in a YouTube video posted by Zubin Damania who goes by the name, ZDoggMD. In that video he interviewed DiLullo who is an anesthesiologist. The interview held my interest, because I have an interest in consciousness, and another anesthesiologist, Stuart Hameroff, is a known for his contributions to theories of consciousness. The topic of Awakening (and of course the book, Awake) comprised the focus of the interview. I have viewed a number of the ZDoggMD videos, and he seems to be a bright and articulate physician (he worked as a Hospitalist for about a decade), and I was particularly impressed with his prior interview on topics of consciousness and reality with Donald D. Hoffman.

Based on the foregoing I decided to purchase DiLullo’s book, Awake, which is nominally about experiencing awakening or enlightenment. It is NOT about consciousness. From the beginning DiLullo cautioned that he could not teach the reader how to awaken or become enlightened. Awakening is a process, and each person must endeavor to experience it. He could only “transmit” about it (whatever that means). And then I found that the first twelve or so chapters were filled with (what?) transmittals and cautions. You (the reader) may get it (great) or not get it (also great). You may understand (wonderful) or not understand (also wonderful) what DiLullo is “transmitting” (but not directing or teaching or instructing). And as I read, I learned that I would be confronted with all manner of contradictions. And I was. But if I found that disturbing or confusing (and I did), then not to worry…that was OK, too. I finally hit chapters 13-15, Thoughts, Beliefs, and Emotions, respectively. The big take-away message in chapter 13 (at least for me) was that one should not get caught up in thoughts. First of all, you can’t think your way to enlightenment. Additionally, thoughts (whatever they may be) are ephemeral. They cannot cause anything, therefore apparently one should not worry about them in the first place. Recognize that something is merely a thought, and then ignore it. At least until chapter 16, whereupon thoughts become central to the process of awakening…somehow. Chapters 14 and 15 were so meaningless that the best I could do was to skim them.

I tried hard to understand what the author was trying hard to convey (oops…transmit) to help put me on the road to awakening. After two months of trying I realized that my Awakening receiver must be malfunctioning. I will never receive what I need from DiLLulo’s transmissions in order to Awaken. If you have (lots of) time on your hands, and are smarter and more strong-willed than I am, then give the book a go. As for me, I plan to delve into books by James Patterson and Daniel Silva next, as an antidote to the mind-numbing reading I experienced over the past couple months.

[Natalie Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book when I was a teenager, but I am so grateful at 45 to have found it.

Angelo is an amazing and direct writer. His work is accessible and kind with relatable analogies.

I am so grateful for this work and will be recommending it those who I recognize are seeking as I am seeking.

Thank you Angelo. ♥️

[Melissafedak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed my life. This author, a regular guy, gives you the tools to get to the bottom of your true nature in a casual, non-dogmatic, simple way.

This book introduced me to Non-Duality which gave me the search term I needed to discover more content as well as the context to understand. Yes, the book is long and can take a while to get to the point. But holy wow. I return periodically to sections of his book and the insight hits me differently each time. (He also posts short videos on YouTube that are a helpful companion and reminder of the concepts introduced.)

Why this worked for me: over my life, I could never find an explanation for existence that resonated. No religion made sense to me nor could answer my questions satisfactorily. Now that I've read this, I understand why. Aside from being yet another new age philosophy, this idea has been around for ages and (judging by the myriad quotes from scripture, literature, contemporary philosophers, and modern action movies) continues to be hidden in plain sight. I suspect the idea doesn't make sense until you're ready to hear it, or just really, really want to. Because this is what reality is. Reality is a *knowing* that is beyond thought or concept. Which honestly, is the only thing that actually makes sense. Most religions suffer from the "but I could do a better version of this" problem since they are all just stories, and usually the stories are designed to control people through fear or offer a source of comfort for the big existential life-and-death questions. But all the prophets and teachers who INSPIRED these religions... they were on to something!

And evidence shows they were onto THIS.

Though I've now read several other books on Awakening and have widened my perspective, this one remains my source of truth

[Omar Misdaq · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the best practical guide to first awakening (or ‘kenshō’ in zen terminology) that I’ve come across, but it’s no zen book.

Angelo is mainstreaming awakening, outside of traditional contexts.

One its most excellent qualities is how it’s simultaneously so comprehensive and so readable. I mean it’s actually fun to read. I just finished it today after months of occasionally picking it up, and I’m starting to read it all the way through again, also today.

It has given my ‘journey’ rocket fuel. I watch his youtube videos all the time too. Such a good teacher.

The other reviews say it all - it’s a modern classic for those seeking that first awakening.

18-month update: removed one star because I didn’t gain realization

2 year update: non-duality is such a weird area. Having had some distance in time now from my non-duality phase, I look at this whole style of spirituality as supremely odd. Fascinating but quite dry, and just very… odd.

[Drobg62 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average at best

I’m not certain how this book has so many 5 star reviews. I think the book has value and I can certainly see how some could benefit from the book but it’s quite mediocre. There isn’t much unique about the non dual information presented and the author is overly verbose. The information presented here could have presented effectively in one half or one third the words.

[Devin Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely changed my mind on a topic that I thought was limited to mystical beliefs of the eastern philosophers.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this is something that interests you, this is a non-religious book aimed at guiding you through the awakening process. I took my time reading it because I want to mull over and absorb the information.

*update in July 2022 and May 2023* I deleted the more favourable parts of my review above because I am no longer convinced that ‘awakening’ is important, or worth working toward … and while Angelo may claim in his book that that is my ego distracting me, I don’t think it’s necessary to ‘wake up’, or that my life experience will be any better or more profound.

**Please keep in mind that Angelo DiLullo has NO experience or credentials in mental health or in guiding individuals through an 'awakening' experience, or any sort of experience other than an anesthetic one, as he is an anesthesiologist.** He gained popularity through Zubin Damania (Z Dogg MD) who is well meaning, but may have been so enthralled in the idea of 'waking up' that he may not have considered that Angelo DiLullo is not qualified to dabble in peoples' experiences of consciousness IN ANY WAY.

I have listened to interviews with Willoughby Britton PhD discussing how meditation can cause serious harm to people, and that pushing through so-called ‘dark nights’ could possibly cause serious mental breakdowns. I am grateful to have heard her speak, as it helped explain some horrible experiences at a 10 day Vipassana meditation retreat. Go to the cheetahhouse.org website for more info on adverse reactions to meditation.

[John Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone who find themselves ready to end their suffering. Clear and unpretentious writing, filled with time-tested ways to explore the truth of your being. Lots of fun and a very worthwhile exploration!

[Kyle Meintjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful and profound beyond words. It is by far the most important and transformative book I have ever read. Angelo describes the process of awakening to one's true nature in exquisite clarity and gives direct advice on how to navigate all aspects of the process. His understanding of the human mind, human emotions and suffering is simply incredible. HIGHLY RECOMMEND to anyone who wants to end their own suffering

[Marija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly the best book I’ve read about awakening. What I found most valuable is actually explaining certain practices in a relatable way. I’m feeling less “crazy” and more accepting about everything I’ve thought, felt or experienced while doing certain exercises.

Also, I really appreciate how meditation wasn’t taught as THE technique for breaking the illusion, as I’ve seen many teachers do. As a consistent meditator, I thought I was failing.

Thanks!

[Jiří Charvát · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Awakening can be pointed to and prompt by written text I can’t imagine how to do it better than this book does.

[Michel Custeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete and thorough introduction to non-duality and meditation. While the book may seem long, it covers almost every ground necessary to equip readers with the essential tools for their journey. It also anticipates nearly every way you could mess up.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps the most approachable beginner guide to the topic of non-duality. The explanations are direct and clear. There's plenty of useful takeaways even for people not interested in non-duality itself. The chapters Ego and Emotion are both outstanding.

For my personal taste there is a bit too much warning and projection on what I am probably feeling as a reader that didn't resonate. I also was hoping for a better explanation of the stages, the analogy Angelo uses doesn't resonate with me.

All in all solid book, that helped me a lot. I appreciate the down to earth nature, when so many books in this space that are hard to relate by either being overly complex or have an ethereal quality that's not tangible enough to grasp.

[Wolf F · Rating 1 out of 5]

Angelo's book seems like a direct method book. The issue is is that Angelo Dilullo is rarely direct. Angelo talks about how the awakening trip will be -- but not about the trip itself.

His narrative reminds me of the old joke about the IBM sales manager and his new wife. The wife complains the husband manager never consumates but only sits on the side of the bed and talks about how good it will be!

This is Angelo. It's like the penultimate chapter, chapter 15, before he covers Awakening. And then there's the typical pages of Angelo: congratulating you on getting to chapter 15, it wasn't an easy trip, now you're here, blah blah blah. Most of the book talks all around Awakening rather than Awakening itself.

I can't judge someone's awakening or enlightenment but I have experience in Zen. Angelo has done several YouTube videos on Zen's Mu. His introduction to them he mentions reading "Three Pillars of Zen" before realizing Mu and having Kensho. But Dilullo's Mu is not Zen Mu. Angelo seems to think Mu is a mantra, that you recite Mu, Mu, Mu and stop all thoughts for single pointed concentration. This isn't Mu, nor Zen. When I tried pointing this out to him, he shadow banned me. I suspect his ego wanted to be *the* authority -- even in a subject he only has read one book on and appears to have a rather superficial knowledge of. Angelo's knowledge of Zen is exactly like he said -- he read ONE book on it. That's fine. I enjoy hearing newbies talk of their initial impressions. You don't have to be a Tour De France rider to talk about bicycling. But it's arrogant to take a position of expert or teacher of Mu here. Dude, you read ONE book. Although in conversation with me, Angelo claimed to have done MU with a Zen master, he never answered any questions, like the journalists "who, what, when, where" and doing live Koan practice with a real Zen master is a unique experience. Why didn't Angelo mention this intimate experience in his videos or book? Why doesn't he know MORE about Mu? Maybe he did. If so, he should get his money back. I doubt he did, because his understanding of Mu sounds exactly on the same level as someone who read one book, meditated on it, and then think he's good to go to put out authoritative YouTube videos on it. Not quite. Instead of taking my criticism of his lack of understanding of MU to heart -- we can learn from anyone and even from YouTube comments -- Angelo questioned my understanding of MU and asked whether it was merely intellectual. Dude, I'm not the one putting out YouTube videos on Mu after reading one book. My comments either stand or fall according to your own understanding. Evidently you did not comprehend or grok them, well-meaning as they were.

Angelo Dilullo appears to be popular and he seems to issue YouTube videos almost every day, with gaudy AI-generated thumbnails. He sells his book, T-shirts and $2500 7-day retreats. His popularity has made him unavailable for most paid 1-1 Zoom sessions, but the good news is that you can book his wife, Violet Synergy (who is also awakened). You can hear her story and others on their self-produced documentary on YouTube, "AWAKE: It's YOUR Turn (A Documentary About Ordinary People and Extraordinary Transformation". I liked their students account of awakening more because it was in their own words and seemed less rehearsed.

According to Angelo, Awakening is easy and extraordinary (though vague -- and expensive if you do his retreat, Zoom, or buy a T-shirt ($25))

I don't know Angelo's background, he doesn't mention any teachers or lineage in his book nor website. In the Nonduality, Direct Path, New Age community -- anyone can say anything they want. There's no vetting, thus Angelo Dilullo and his word salading. I don't doubt Angelo had some experience, but experiences come and go. Most valid practitioners take time to stabilize and integrate and practice! --instead Angelo joins a crowd of nondualists who after their "awakening" put out a teaching shingle, put out a YouTube channel (that's professionally done to be fair), a website with a store, and expensive retreats. Awakening was so easy he enlightened his wife too and she was moved to take a wacky name.

If there's an option to download the book sample, feel free and see if you get anything ANYTHING concrete that speaks to you. Not likely though, but see for yourself. I'm surprised at the generally high reviews here and on Amazon. But upon closer look, most of the reviews seem vague, a lot of single word adjectives, calling it a "terrific", "powerful", or "amazing" book - it's a rare review that mentions anything specific. Maybe because that would be hard.

On the cover of this book, he signs it, "Angelo Dilullo. MD"! -- as if a medical doctor degree has any relevance here. Do they study Nonduality in Med School? It seems yet another MD with a puffed up ego which is funny because anyone who teaches Nonduality and writes a book should be aware of their True Self, not finding identity in a label, and have a handle on their ego. It's an obvious red flag but also kinda hilarious. It's tacky to try and influence a reader by an appeal to (non-relevant) credentials instead of the book's content and it's a thousand times worse when it's a book on Nonduality. It'd be like a how-to book on Veganism when the author puts on the cover they're a champion hotdog eater. Okayy.

Daniel Ingram did the same thing on the first edition of his book, Mastering the Core Practices of the Buddha, putting his MD title on the cover. If Ingram and Dilullo were writing a book that had some link or relevance to being a medical doctor – sure you could put the MD title on there; "The Giant Book of Farts during Meditation", by Daniel Ingram MD and Angelo Dilullo, MD. As meditators – and as doctors – they can put in their professional opinion whether holding in a fart during a group sit is healthy or not* (*Google says it's not harmful occasionally but also not recommended). We'd be in their debt, Thank you, Drs Ingram and Dilullo.

Most doctors writing outside of the medical field omit the title: Michael Crichton, Kaled Hosseini, Oliver Sacks, Alexander McCall Smith, etc. I see Angelo Dilullo uses it even on YouTube interviews (see Guru Viking’s interview with Dr. Angelo Dilullo). It’s shifty to try and influence the listener or reader by an appeal to an person's credentials instead of the content – but for someone who is a nonduality teacher – it’s much worse because it shows clearly that Angelo Dilullo still has an ego issue (and frankly is an idiot for not realizing how absurd it looks).

A book should be judged on its content, not on its authority or its author’s educational status. A loose guide is that a Phd or MD after an author’s name on a book increases the odds of dodginess by 1300%. Check. I don't dislike Angelo Dilullo (or Daniel Ingram). They seem like nice enough guys. I see Angelo does free satsangs in his hometown and Ingram doesn't charge for his email advice. But they're both deluded upon their level of attainment, their work is flawed, and teaching others it can be like the blind leading the blind.

If you're looking for a legit and clear authors, I recommend Rupert Spira or Adyashanti.

[Spencer]

U can wake up from the dream of separation into one of interconnectedness. Its liberation. Its enlightenment. There is not a hairs breadth of seperation anywhere. This means a life of unbroken peace, being absorbed into the flow of life. (There is no you in the flow of phenomena)

We love in a false reality.

The state of nonsufffering is here. Not in the future. (There is no future)

“What we are looking for is what is looking” - St. Francis

We are separated from ourselves, from our discomfort. That is what perpetuates a sense of separation from others.

Awakening is indescribable to the non-awakened. But we can empathize with someone else’s experience of awakening and therefor induce the process in us. We can have it pointed out to us. And we can intuit it.

You have a naturally awake frequency. It’s before you seek.

Awakening / kensho is a shift in identity. From thoughts to the source of thoughts. But its temporary. Liberation is living continuously without the illusion of separation. In reality as it is. It is the “peace that passeth understanding”. It can happen suddenly or gradually. It is the dissolution of stories and the limits to your identity

What are you apart from looking to the past or future?

Peace is the full acceptance of difficult feelings. Its freedom from wanting some other state.

The me/you separation is tied to language inferences

You can never be enlightened. (Enlightenment is the disappearance of the you)

Let go of what you think you want

There is no path to get to enlightenment. It is life as it is, in the moment.

Awakening isnt an event. Its the cessation of an event’s

When you dont avoid difficult feelings. You can enjoy all feelings.

Suffering ends when you stop trying to end it.

What is here? - data from the your senses, your thoughts, your feelings

You have everything you need to wake up

Forces come to your aid when you investigate your true nature

Everyone and everything is offering you the most profound teaching if you are open to it - its life, as it is.

Realization is seeing things without preference.

How to meditate- Be still, dont try to do anything. Wherever your attention goes is perfect.

To come to a knowledge you have not, you must go by a way which you know not.

Pray to that which you have the most reverence for.

Smile at everyone, if u r shy, smile with your body and heart - it will be felt

Offer 3 compliments per day to 3 people

Give your body permission to move. Just put attention to whatever part seems to be alive and let it move, or let it stop moving. It could be random, repetitive, slow.

Reality just is. But there are degrees of illusion. Your awakening is an illusion

Awakening is beyond intellect, conceptuality. The conceptual world is the barrier

A willingness to loose your identity brings about awakening

You have been searching inside consciousness but forgot that you are consciousness

Turn your gaze away from the surface of the pond

There is no experience/experiencer split.

There is no inside or outside or time

You cant arrive anywhere because you cant leave anywhere

Your ego will distract you from the path to enlightenment. Maybe cause you to loose interest. It is scared of its own death (so it will convince you that you are enlightened, nothing else to do). Also, there is no ego.

The ego speaks as if it is you, but it is not. It does the thinking for you. You are the watcher of those thoughts.

The past and future dont exist. So memories and speculations have no reference to reality. They are thoughts and they are not you.

Emotions run their course if you dont struggle with them. As do the somatic expression of them.

If you go to war w your ego, it is your ego going to war with its imaginary self.

The presence of thoughts is harmless. Its our entanglement with them that keeps them in prison.

Move toward and observe the thought. Welcome painful thoughts. Habituated thoughts/feelings have life force. Acknowledge them and give them permission to be. “Make yourself at home. Stay as long as you want”.

You have beliefs that you are unaware of. They are hidden because they are fundamental to our understanding of reality. Ex. - I am separate from you.

We dont choose our beliefs

Our sentinal or meta belief - it is worthwhile to examine my beliefs…or not

Awakening requires no new beliefs.

Emotions are present, therefore they have a right to be

Persona is currency

Which emotion is represented by this thought or belief?


We turn the emotions i to dramatic narratives in order to avoid feeling the emotions

We self soothe by titrating the emotion as a plea for sympathy (with self or others)

What would this feel like if i wasnt resisting it

Kids absorb and metabolize others emotional pain. Its an inborn empathic mechanism to bond with others for survival

So the feelings you feel aren’t always your own.

How is my emotion experienced when i drop any narrative around it?

To work at your healing is to reinforce the identity of “one who needs to be healed” OR you can occupy the wholeness that already exists.

Realization will unfold with the intelligence of the Cosmos

The entry point to your deepest truth is exactly where you are.

You can always start by accepting your resistance

Aconowledge your fears of humiliation, intimacy, abandonment, helplessness.

Accept your non transcendence

You accept, by being willing to feel

If you seek enlightenment, you wont find it. Its the egoic you that is seeking

But it is your birthright to embody it

Meditate on your core question-
What is real? Surrender to the inquiry process. Dont get in the way of it. You are looking for an experience, not a conceptual answer

Looking isnt something you do, its something you are

You cant think your way into awakening. Look between the thoughts. What is aware of the thoughts

You have to be willing to throw away the map. You have to let go of your life

Dont try to gain anything, or lose anything

The process:
1. Observe thought
2. Be neutral abt it
3. Step close to it
4. Notice that the thoughts feels like its abt “me”
5. Look for the “me”

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek” - Campbell

Let the focal point of your energy and your longing for awakening be the beginning and end of your life.

Awakening happens now or never

Stare into the abyss. Its been looking back at you.

[Jill Sompel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed every chapter of this book, esp the last one on emotions. I cannot even really articulate what I have processed over these last couple weeks but I am seeing things through a different lens, I am FEELING more and running less. My mind feels less cluttered and scattered. I am more present and engaged in each moment. Because all we have is THIS. Right here right now. Not the thoughts and beliefs you’ve been told or tell yourself. Not those stories everyone makes up about life. Just THIS. I feel life is more of an adventure, and I’m trusting that everything is as it should be. The synchronicities have truly been incredible and I constantly get reminders that the universe is on my side. Keep trusting. Let it flow. I feel I will need to read again maybe in a year or so to help remind me of the importance of the topics covered. Learned about Dilullo from ZDogg whom I am deeply inspired by.

[Mr Neil Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clearest understanding and method I've ever read

I'd recommend this book not just to anyone on the spiritual path, but to those who'd like to understand themselves and their behaviours, emotions better - not just for knowledge sake, but to relieve any form of suffering they are experiencing.
I've been stuck in what Angelo describes as a 'spiritual no man's land' for 20 years now and the relief in discovering that someone not only understands but is also offering and lifeline... grateful just isn't the word.
I look forward to reading the next book, but more importantly I look forward to putting this chapter of my own search to rest. Thank you, Angelo.

[Dieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an exhilirating piece of literature, but deserves 5 stars for utility on a very obscure subject. A very useful, illuminating, practical, straightforward reference for those interested in awakening. For me, it cleared up a lot about how inquiry is supposed to be done, how to tackle beliefs (more clearly explained in 1 chapter than Jed McKenna does in 9 books), and how meditation can fit into all of this.

[Edward Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on awakening topic

Angelo is a master with using words to transmit some pretty powerful shifts through to the reader. And his tone and explanation makes you feel confident that awakening will definitely happen for you. Love that. My favorite book on this topic so far.

[Fais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing and all you need to pass the exam.

It is a direct handbook for awakening. If you follow everything mentioned here to the tee then awakening can not allude you anymore. This book is the only one of its kind.

[Scott Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing

This book has been very helpful to me. I really enjoy the author's writing style. He comes across as very compassionate. A gentle and trustworthy guide through a difficult process. I'm very grateful. Thank you, Angelo.

[Cahit Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone interested in awakening.

[Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

[Antonio H · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some useful info, but also lots of nonsense content, quotes that take you out of focus and ends up being a long read. Some of the methods can be useful, but it will not "awake" you

[Patricia Marck · Rating 2 out of 5]

very confusing

For me this was so confusing. Would I recommend??? Probably not. This author just didn’t resonate with me. Best of luck to those on that journey of awaking.

[Matthieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book can absolutely change your life when picked up at the right time.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to awaken from our mortal state

It lead me to more inquiry within myself and to realize what I've been going through is normal to the awakening process.

[Gerald Jerome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll let you know.

[John Klessinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book on non duality!

Thorough! All you need to know. No stone left unturned for the seeker. A book you reread and go back to often.