A breath of fresh air from an insightful author.August 30, 2008 This book is reminiscent of Eckhart Tolle's style of writing. Very direct without lots of dross. He hits the same message home in a variety of ways. I cant say that I am finished with it yet. The book needs to be read slowly, and contemplated over. Just like any spiritual book should be. All in all its a great addition to anyones library. Don't expect to pick this up, read a few pages and throw it in a dark corner to forget about. It will be on your mind for a good while =D
The Silence in SpaceJuly 16, 2008 What a satisfying read this book is. The title does say it all, Robert writes from the heart and his patience and kindness pervades this book. There is no confusion here, no understanding needed. The message just weaves itself in if you accept the invitation. A joy !
Not New Age Neo-AdvaitaJanuary 31, 2008 19 out of 19 found this review helpful
I have been studying Advaita Vedanta for over forty years including all the traditional sources. I have not been impressed by the current crop of New Age Advaita teachers, whose teachings might be characterized as "the cult of non-practice". Such teachings may be attractive and consoling to those who wish to be congratulated for being "already realized" but not so useful to those who are truly moved to realize the true nature of self and world for real. They do have the value of introducing newbies to the fundamental conclusions of non-dualism, but the seemingly logical advice to engage in no spiritual practice has a serious flaw. This flaw is the failure to recognize or acknowledge that nearly everyone is already doing a very intense practice -- the practice of identification with a presumed separate self. All of the devastating consequences including fear, sorrow, anger and all the rest -- called "suffering" in Buddhism -- follow from this already ongoing practice. This practice is not undone by simply reading the great Advaitic conclusions and somehow "noticing" that they are true. Such noticing doesn't cut very deep into the already firmly-held conviction of separation and mortality. Those teachers who merely offer "pointers" to one's true nature delude their followers into thinking that nothing beyond noticing what is being pointed to is necessary. For awhile, at first, this may seem to "work", but soon the deeply entrenched practice of egoity and presumption of separation reasserts itself with a vengeance.
I am sorry to see Robert Adams wonderful book, "Silence of the Heart", sometimes lumped into the category of such New Age Neo-Advaita. It is actually something quite different. It is far more reflective of the strong non-dualistic teachings of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj. Such traditional teachers fully understood the power of maya and did not underestimate its force. While they articulated the highest non-dualistic conclusions, they also offered potent practices to undermine the deeply encrusted egoic presumptions of aspirants. Robert Adams teaches in this same spirit. This book contains the highest wisdom that can be expressed in words along with a healthy respect for the obstacles faced by sincere aspirants. Adams offers the kind of realistic assessment and authentic practices to move beyond the limitations which have plagued us for eons, into the clear light of authentic wisdom and transcendental realization. Robert Adams was the real deal and is worthy of serious attention. Highly recommended for those who wish to move beyond the sometimes inspiring, but ultimately limited offerings of the New Age Neos.
Silence of the HeartSeptember 21, 2007 This will resonate with the sincere reader who recognizes the truth within herself/himself. The question posed, "Who am I?" is the key.
Review from a different perspectiveSeptember 4, 2007 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Most often, a reviewer presents a "cold analytical autopsy" of a book, gives a content-oriented analysis, or gives an enthusiatic "Hurrah, great/entertaining reading!". While these devices help in preparing oneself to judge whether the contents may be of interest academically or indicate the overall emotional impact upon a reader, I would like to make a more generalized and personal statement regarding this volume. I have been reading/"researching" spirituality for decades and have a fairly broad understanding and appreciation of the various viewpoints/messages/practices/ etc. which are "out there". But, I must say that until I read Robert Adams' work, I had never been able to find a framework which so comprehensively and convincingly explained the personal experiences I was having -if only I had come across this work so much earlier (please, no "cracks" about "when the student is ready...), how infinitely it would have eased my mind and guided me away from "mistakes" due to mis-understanding how my experiences were in fact a coherent part of "the process". I write these words for any who may be searching for something to "make coherent sense" out of a process which they may be going through which doesn't seem to be adequately encompassed by any other third party structures. For me and for "where I am at", this is the most valuable book I have "stumbled across"(?)in a long time. It has helped not merely to understand an "intellectual idea" but to understand my personal experience - I am sure there are others at a similar point who would benefit greatly from reading his words and sharing his understanding.
