Steven Harrison takes a unique approach to spirituality and social change by rejecting contemporary spirituality and maintaining that the answers are not in self-help books or gurus. He empowers the reader by putting control back in their hands. Grappling with the questions we have about life, Harrison deconstructs the prevailing spiritual, therapeutic, and self-help methods we use to try to change ourselves. By taking this journey of exploration with him, we come face-to-face with the potential for radical transformation.

The Question to Life's Answers: Spirituality Beyond Belief

Religion & Spirituality

Harrison, Steven

New Age & Spirituality

Sentient Publications

An underground spiritual classic distributed widely for the first time in the U.S., this is the story of one of the most unusual figures in contemporary spirituality, U.G. Krishnamurti, in his own words. The Mystique of Enlightenment is a scathing critique of contemporary spirituality. In a world in which spiritual techniques, teachers, concepts, and organizations are legion, U. G. stands nearly alone in his rejection of it all: "I am only interested in describing this state, in clearing away the occultation and mystification in which those people in the 'holy business' have shrouded the whole thing. Maybe I can convince you not to waste a lot of time and energy looking for a state that does not exist except in your imagination... The natural state is acausal: it just happens." The author does not equate the natural state with enlightenment, which he describes as an illusion created by our culture. He states emphatically that one can do nothing to attain the natural state. In fact, any movement towards it separates one from it. U. G. Krishnamurti is an original voice in which much of contemporary spirituality is understood in a new way. For those interested in the full spectrum of modern spiritual thought, this is a "must read." In the well-known history of J. Krishnamurti, few names have been so strongly associated with his message as U. G. Krishnamurti, who shared a close but contentious relationship with him over many years. U.G. was raised to take on the mantle of guru, much like J. Krishnamurti. When the two men eventually met, each had rejected the guru role, and for years they conversed regularly, struggling to uncover the nature of truth, before a falling out led each in a different direction. It is fairly common in reading modern spiritual books to find references to U. G. Krishnamurti's influence on both teachers and their students. His books have been translated into nearly every European language, as well as Chinese and Japanese. Widely regarded in India and Europe, The Mystique of Enlightenment is considered by U.G.'s closest associates to be the best summary of his ideas. The book consists of transcripts of informal talks with those who come to ask him questions. In one of these talks, he relates his life story, including the events leading up to and comprising what he calls his "calamity," or his entry into the natural state. Since his own experience of coming into the natural state at age 49, he has spent his time traveling throughout the world, staying with friends or in rented apartments for a few months at a time. He gives no public talks, but meets with people who come to see him. What he offers is not hope or encouragement, but stark reality: "Of one thing I am certain. I cannot help you solve your basic dilemma or save you from self-deception, and if I can't help you, no one can." His message is simple: he has no message. Nevertheless, his words can inspire you to face your own assumptions and motivations and discover for yourself what is true.

The Mystique of Enlightenment: The Radical Ideas of U.G. Krishnamurti

Politics & Social Sciences

Krishnamurti, U. G.

Philosophy

This book is a dramatic true account of close encounters with the wild animals of our planet and the surprising events that unfold when one man talks to the animals and stops to listen to their response.

The Man Who Talks to Whales: the Art of Interspecies Communication

Reference

Nollman, Jim

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

This unusual and inspiring collection of 70+ stories, essays, poems, and interviews revolves around the central theme of how wilderness affects us spiritually. Through their experience of nature in its most basic form, the notable contributors (Robert Bly, Maxine Kumin, Terry Tempest Williams, and more) confront their relationship to themselves; to planet Earth, and all its inhabitants; and to the divine. 
It is within the sanctuary of the wilderness, far from their computer screens and local espresso vendors, that these highly acclaimed writers find their strongest voice. As a result, these vivid stories of encounters with animals, wretched weather, fear, humility, and ultimately, spirit are gritty and as down to earth as it gets. New material from David Whyte, Gary Snyder, Wendell Berry, Nancy Wood, Deena Metzger, Laura Carithers, and Howard Nelson add an additional ten pages to this second edition.

The Soul Unearthed: Celebrating Wildness and Spiritual Renewal Through Nature

Between the years 1958 and 1974 a series of books appeared that were attributed to the mysterious Wei Wu Wei. Perhaps the most important of these works, Ask The Awakened, is now available in a new edition. This work draws on a variety of sources, including Taoism--specifically the texts attributed to Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu; Buddhism--especially the Heart, Diamond and Lankavatara sutras; and Chan Buddhism as taught by Hui Neng, Huang Po, Hui Hai, etc.; as well as the teachings of Padmasambhava and Sri Ramana Maharshi, among others. Wei Wu Wei joins Paul Reps, Alan Watts, and Philip Kapleau as one of the earliest and most profound interpreters of Zen Buddhism and Taoist philosophies. The depth of understanding evidenced in Ask the Awakened places it in the top tier of modern spiritual classics. This classic gem of Eastern spirituality is especially timely in the current climate of interest in Buddhism. Wei Wu Wei's unique and fresh interpretation of the ancient teachings opens the reader's eyes: "Why are you unhappy? Because 99.9 per cent of everything you think, and of everything you do, is for yourself--and there isn't one." This powerful book rewards by exposing illusions, and takes the reader beyond logic to the inexpressible truth of existence.

Ask the Awakened: The Negative Way

Wei, Wei Wu

Being One: Finding Our Self in Relationship

Being One sheds light on the meaning of our quest for love and relationship in all aspects of human life: marriage, family, and work. The book distinguishes itself from the myriad of writings on how to find a partner, how to improve your relationship, how to stay married, etc., by helping us to see that we are already profoundly connected to the people in our lives. Harrison digs deeply into our assumptions and beliefs about our culture and ourselves and delivers insight. In this beautiful and profound book, Harrison shows us that it is only in accepting our aloneness that we can truly be in relationship with others.

Health, Fitness & Dieting

On a journey of discovery, Warren and Gerda Rovetch, both "creaky" themselves, explore the hidden places of Great Britain's last wilderness, the rugged and startling coast of Scotland's North West Highlands. They bring fresh perspectives to the environmental, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of their experience as their journey moves at an easy pace from village pubs and croft houses to places of untouched natural beauty and solitude. Celtic history and tradition comes alive as our hosts meander their way along. Part travelogue, part guidebook, but all charm and wit, this book transports us to another culture where we have much to learn.

Creaky Traveler in the North West Highlands of Scotland

History

Rovetch, Warren

Europe

The story of Krishnamurti, one of the twentieth century's most influential and controversial spiritual figures, takes place in the crucible of sexual scandal, mysticism, and an extraordinary personal history.

Star in the East: Krishnamurti--the invention of a Messiah

Biographies & Memoirs

Vernon, Roland

Leaders & Notable People

Jerry Wennstrom tells the extraordinary story of his daring exploration into the source of his creativity. He tells of a life lived by the singular requirement of Grace—to remain fearlessly attuned to the heart. The Inspired Heart includes 16 color pages of Wennstrom’s beautiful and intriguing art, and has a foreword by Care of the Soul author, Thomas Moore.

The Inspired Heart: An Artist's Journey of Transformation

Wennstrom, Jerry

In this thought-provoking book, best-selling author Steven Harrison ventures far outside the box of traditional thinking about education. His radical proposal? Children naturally want to learn, he asserts, so let them direct their own education in democratic learning communities where they can interact seamlessly with their neighborhoods, their towns, and the world at large. Most learning systems apply external motivation through grades, rankings, teacher direction, and approval. The Happy Child suggests that a self-motivated child who is interdependent within a community can develop the full human potential to live a creative and fulfilling life. Harrison focuses on the integration of the whole child, the learning environment, and the non-coercive spirit of curiosity-driven education.

The Happy Child: Changing the Heart of Education

Parenting & Relationships

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