Enlightment is Losing Your Mind

This book deals with (as its title says) the subject of enlightenment which the author, PAX (A.k.a. Jerry Stocking)delves into at great length,The book is written in simple English and does not use a heavy vocabulary. However, I found myself going over some of the same paragraphs several times, not because it was hard to understand, but because it was so information and thought rich.Central to understanding the book is knowing the distinctions between awareness and consciousness (they are not the same thing) and understanding the role the mind plays -- or, rather, does NOT play -- in enlightenment. The fact that I didn't always agree with the author doesn't matter. He gives a perspective that this materialistic and achievement obsessed culture needs to hear.I gave the book four stars instead of five for the following reasons:1. There is a glossary in back that defines the terms that Jerry Stocking uses. He has just about re-defined some terms (like "doing" and "nothing") into new meanings not generally used by most other people. It might be a good idea to read the glossary first to have a better picture of where the author is coming from.2. I saw a tendency to imply that if you don't believe X, then you assuredly believe in Y, which sounds to me like the logical fallacy of "False Dilemma," or "Either-Or," both of which make me nervous.However, don't let that stop you from reading it. (Heck, I don't bat 1000 in logic myself!) This book is definitely worth your time and it could even change your life.

This is a book that I read after listening to one of Jerry's tapes. I bought the book because something in his philosophy caught my attention. It is a heavy philosophy book. Don't let the heavy stop you. The sentences are simple and what is revealed is awesome. I have never been so spun around before in my life. This book spun me around 180 degrees and transported me to many places. The first day of I was in a state of bliss. "This is great stuff!" Then I plummeted to a state of ... angst I guess. I was sobbing but didn't quite want to kill myself. I DID ask myself that question. It wasn't despair, it was, "This is really different and scary. I am presented with something I never thought of before (or am remembering) that profoundly addresses my life (existence.") An identity was crumbling. And something else sprouted up. I was losing my mind and it was exhilarating!Since then I have played with Jerry in some (2) of the courses he offe! rs. My growth rate has increased and my awareness of what I do has increased. This has affected my life in a major positive, vertical, way. BUY THIS BOOK AND TAKE HIS COURSES!