In the Belly of the Beast: Holding Your Own in Mass Culture

I am the author of this book, and I think it's not bad. But don't take my word for it - I'm biased! Here is a published review:NEXUS MAGAZINE, June/July 2004Our modern -day mass culture is in the grip of The Beast, characterised by materialism, consumerism and celebrity worship. What it needs, says esoteric book publisher Sevak Gulbekian, is an injection of spirituality; the science of materialism needs to be replaced by the science of spirit.Acknowledging that we do live in a physical world, Gulbekian proposes a way that we can healthily and constructively engage modern culture from a spiritual perspective and maintain our sanity and balance in the process. The basic premise is that as human beings our task is to tread the spiritual path in a material world. In order to do this, we need to develop heightened capacities of perception so we can have clear insight into the machinations of the material world. This requires, as any true spiritual path does, self-discipline, study and meditation. It also involves learning to appreciate the fine line between truth and illusion and to understand thought as a spiritual force.Gulbekian's perspective is especially informed by Manichaeism, with its insights into evil and how to transform it, as well as the spiritual philosophies of Rudolf Steiner. It's also informed by his lifelong study of popular culture, and here he presents case studies that highlight how materialistic culture is ripping away at the deeper currents of human soul and spirituality. He looks at the influence of gangsta rap, where music corporations and the rappers themselves are motivated by money, not social conscience; the spiritual leadership of Prince Charles, which has been so trivialised by the mass media; and the latterday confusion of David Icke, whose interest in shapeshifting reptilian aliens is a descent into materialism on another scale. Gulbekian offers a middle path where we can evolve via our commitment to transforming society from within.Ruth Parnell

There are two dangers for the reader of this book: they may read it as an already confirmed opponent of anglo-american/international globalisation looking only for confirmation of their own views. Or they could read it, as one of the editorial critics does, with the opposite bias, unable to see the contemporary problem. However, the thoughtful reader will find that Gulbekian is that most satisfying of writers: someone who has pondered deep issues of our time enough to distill out some profound and disturbing insights. By any standard deriving from the last 50,000 years of human history, this is an apocalyptic time. The potential and dangers of our time are truly global; many of the threats - environmental, WMDs, poverty etc - are profound; yet much of the politicking about solutions operates at the level of facile soundbite and/or dismissive rhetoric, while an ad for a better cosmetic faces a magazine article on genocide or polluted water supply. The point is that contemporary culture is either dissociated (the optimistic view) or Janus faced. Gulbekian gives a succinct but powerful reading of these and other issues and suggests a way of individual action that rehabilitates the conscience and awareness of the individual. I commend it. Professor Angus Jenkinson

At last, a book that successfully combines modern culture and spirituality - and offers a way to survive without escaping the world of macdonalds and cocacola. This is a first, and is impressive. Not only does the author present the reality behind contemporary life, but he shows you how you can deal with it, and maintain your composure and consciousness of self at the same time.This book is bound to be copied by others, so get the real deal now.