One: Essential Writings on Nonduality
by Jerry Katz

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally! A Book I Can Give to Friends that ask, “What…?” A++, June 19, 2008

I am grateful to Jerry Katz for offering us this superb introduction and explication on the meaning, function, and essence of Nonduality.

In the past, when friends or acquaintances asked me to recommend a book on this marvelous, but sometimes difficult subject, I was forced to hand them a half-dozen books and point out the pertinent sections–No more! Mr. Katz’s lovely book brings all the essential writings together–and much more!

Part One of “One: Essential Writings on Nonduality”, begins with a straightforward and lucid introduction to the essential concepts of Nonduality, then suddenly and unexpectedly, Katz expertly guides us beyond the “concepts” of Nonduality and evokes the experience itself! With the compassionate wisdom of a Zen master, Katz pulls this off by directing our awareness to the evidence of our own inherent wisdom. By page 4 we may realize that we are “not in Kansas anymore”, and by page 7 we may be startled to find that while “there is no place like home”, there is “no place BUT home.”

In Part Two, Jerry Katz begins to present the marvelous implications of Nonduality by guiding us gradually, and logically into the meaning and function of Nonduality in our lives here and now. As he does throughout the book, Katz leads the reader at a steady pace into subtler depths of this profound characteristic of reality by gradually building upon the knowledge we have attained in the earlier sections.

With a wonderful selection of teachings by Sri Ramana Maharshi, Katz takes us for an exciting exploration of the essential teachings regarding spiritual liberation, freedom from fear and greed, and the actualization of a full and authentic life.

Outlining the two fundamental “attitudes”, or “approaches” to practice and enlightenment, Mr. Katz furnishes us with all the tools and knowledge we need to begin our journey along the ancient Way, which is actually beneath our own two feet at this very moment.

Part Three is a veritable treasure trove of the sacred wisdom from all the great religions and spiritual traditions of the world. By utilizing a number of insightful selections from Buddhism, Taoism, Advaita, Sufism, Judaism, Christianity, and the Native American Tradition, Katz not only reveals the wonders of Nonduality–he gives us a direct presentation of it!

As the late great mythologist, Joseph Campbell revealed in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” there may be many “faces” but there is only One “hero”, Jerry Katz reveals the “One” reality as it speaks through all the great traditions. This section of the book provides such a wealth of information, knowledge, inspiration, and traditional wisdom that we may want to have at least two copies; for we are sure to wear this book out as we will be returning to this section again and again for decades to come.

Part Four of “One: Essential Writings on Nonduality”, provides the reader with some of the ways that the reality of Nonduality manifests in society, culture, and the world. This whole section is like icing on the cake. Jerry Katz takes us behind the scenes, giving us an inside tour of the modern world through an exploration of the nature of Nonduality in:

o Psychotherapy

o Education

o Art

o Even in the movie, The Matrix

In Part Five (Yes, there is more!) Jerry Katz brings it all together (or actually reveals that it has ALWAYS BEEN altogether) by highlighting some extraordinary implications of Nonduality, as well as providing us with some grist for the mill on our own journey.

Throughout “One: Essential Writings on Nonduality“, Jerry Katz provides us with the kind of lucid and insightful commentary that opens our hearts to the marvels of this vast unnamable fathomless void that we call home.

Highly Recommended!!

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