The Lens of Perception

by Hal Zina Bennett

The lens of perception--the part of human consciousness that experiences reality--is a core concept in virtually every spiritual and psychological tradition, from ancient Buddhism to Native American shamanism to Jungian psychology. Hal Zina Bennett proposes that if we can comprehend and harness this consciousness, we can shape our experiences and fulfill our greatest potential. By deconstructing the inner workings of the human mind, this skillfully written book unravels the Gordian knot of reality itself. A guided tour of human consciousness that takes the reader from individual self-awareness to becoming the co-creator of reality. An underground cult favorite that was way ahead of its time, reissued as a New Thought classic in a freshly revised third edition. Thanks to the success of the film What the Bleep Do We Know!? , which has grossed over $12 million and inspired hundreds of online discussion groups, "alternative consciousness" is hot again.

168 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 1987

About the author

Born in Detroit, I lived in Birmingham, a suburb of Detroit, until the age of 12, when we moved north to a small village on Deer Lake. I became interested in writing during high school but didn't take it seriously until I was in my twenties when a publisher became interested in my writing on alternative education. My first book was published jointly by Random House and Bookworks, a small California publisher. Title: "No More Public School." It was moderately successful, giving parents throughout the U.S. tips on homeschooling or setting up small parent-co-op private schools. This lead to a series of collaborations with Mike Samuels, MD, on wellness and health, notably "The Well Body Book," which was an international bestseller. My own books have included books on personal and spiritual growth, such as "Follow Your Bliss," on right livelihood, "Spirit Animals and The Wheel of Life," "Zuni Fetishes," and a series of three books on creativity and writing, including the bestselling "Write From the Heart." Published fiction includes "Spirit Circle" and "Backland Graces: Four Novellas." I have ghost written or collaborated on at least a dozen other books, including "The Holotropic Mind," with Stan Grof, MD and "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life," for Marilee Adams, Ph.D. I continue to coach and teach other writers and consult on publishing choices.

Reviews

[Bruce Flyinghorse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful work here. Great teachings But I felt, throughout the book, that one vital question was left unanswered, who is looking through the lens of perception. Who is that one? I understand the lens, but who is the seer?

[Ann Kewley]

I love New Age books so this was great for me. He gives anecdotes and personal stories throughout to illustrate his concepts. I could not stop reading this -very delightful.