Sudden Awakening into direct realization author: Eli Jaxon-Bear H J Kramer/New World Library 2004 ISBN #1-932073-11-6 Eli Jaxon-Bear teaches self-realization through the Leela Foundation (www.leela.org), an organization that he founded in northern California. His previous works are The Enneagram of Liberation and Wake Up And Roar: Satsang with H. W. L. Poonja. The message in Sudden Awakening is quite straightforward: that self-realization, true freedom, is available to all who seek it. Jaxon-Bear followed a twisting, turning path to get where he is now. From this path, he took what worked for him and moved on to the next part of his journey. He has formal training in Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the self-realization lineage of Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Poonjaji. Many readers will recognize themselves in his story: the search for the right teacher, the right path to follow. Having a particular system work for a time, and then not work. From my personal point of view, these are very much universal experiences. From the foreword (by Veit Lindau): "Eli's clear and simple message, the gift that he offers in this book, addresses everyone. "We live in exceptional times. No matter how difficult it may have been in the past to realize the original Self, now is the time. No matter where you come from, whether you lead a holy life or not, it is possible for you, right now, to wake up. Be willing to let go of everything you think you know, just for one moment. For one moment, be still. In this moment, space and time open. This opening is your chance to find the answer to the question "Who am I?" Sudden Awakening is divided into four sections: (1) The Way To Freedom, (2) The Nature of Reality, (3) Soul and Ego, and (4) Awakening. Each section is said to read like a meditation. Not in the sense that it is written in any specific format, but in the sense that an idea is presented, and you are asked to take it to heart. In a very literal sense, reading the book slowly, and meditating on the thoughts in each chapter, are not a bad idea at all. This is a book to be experienced, not simply a book to be read and then put down. "The Way To Freedom" uses the metaphor of slavery. Slavery as in past times, in plantation times. If we allow it to, the world around us can very much act as a plantation. The question posed in this question is "What do you really want?" Do you want freedom, and are you willing to sacrifice for it? Here we begin to see how our egos enslave us, and how this is our chance to answer the question "Who am I?" (I have heard this question many times in my dreams, the faceless voice that asks "Who are you?" Is this scary? Yes, indeed it is!) "The Nature of Reality" deals with the environment around us, and what we perceive as reality. Jaxon-Bear presents an easily understandable metaphor here - that of movies. Our life is our "story", and this story is played through the projector of our mind. We play our parts in our own individual worlds - and this is what we see as reality. We are also introduced to the concept of "Maya", Sanskrit for the trance of the mind. Here is where we deal with the many veils of illusion that we place in our lives. These illusions obscure the light and cast shadows. This is not a bad thing. In pure light, there is no illusion. In pure darkness, there is no form. It is in the shadows that the forms of the world appear to us. "Soul and Ego" discusses the immortal consciousness that is our soul. It also discusses the development of the ego, and the various stages of consciousness. The emphases here is on the fact that we are all part of everything, and not separate from anything. Jaxon-Bear lists the three essential qualities of the soul as: (1) awareness, (2) silent consciousness and (3) the bliss of love. Fear and doubt, and the facing of death are discussed as "gatekeepers" that lead us to true awakening. "Awakening" discusses living in the silence of the mind, and living in grace. It talks about being who you are, and what to realistically expect after a true enlightenment (life does go on, you know!). Finding a true teacher, and surrendering your will to that teacher is explained in a realistic fashion. Also discussed are the "charlatan" teachers that enter so many people's paths. Jaxon-Bear quotes his teacher, Papaji, as responding to the question "Why are there so many false teachers?" with the answer "Because there are so many false seekers, and everyone needs a teacher." Something to think about here! Suddenly Awakening is written in clear language, with many examples and "small stories" sprinkled through it. It is a book that can be worked with, one that makes sense, and one who's practical aspects can be placed easily in anyone's life. For those who are looking for their own awakening to spirit, I highly recommend this book. © December 2004 Bonnie Cehovet Personal Lifestyle Reading - I offer a Personal Lifestyle Reading using Tarot that looks at past, present and future influences in your life, at the energies that are currently available to help you along your path, and at those energies that are appearing as challanges. My goal is to offer you insight into your decision making process, as well as tools that you can use to both better understand your path and make conscious, choice centered decisions. Home Personal Empowerment links Personal Empowerment articles View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook Graphics by Art for the web