Excellent introduction to Wilber's early thought and a synthesis of Eastern and Western approaches to growthJanuary 1, 2007 23 out of 23 found this review helpful
I have read many of Ken Wilber's books and this is one of the better ones. The spotlight reviews do a very good job of pointing out the shortcoming and strengths as well as summarizing Ken's general ideas. I won't repeat what they have said here, but will add my own thoughts.
This book has a different tone and structure than many of Mr. Wilber's other books. There is less repitition and somehow he seems to be more accessible and lyrical in his descriptions and metaphors. If you read later Wilber, you will find it lacks some of the feeling tone of this earlier work.
In this book, Ken talks about boundaries and how they are often mental constructs. For example, the boundary that defines me could be taken arbitrarily as my skin. However, I might say I have a body, rather than that I am a body. This implies perhaps that I am a mind that is associated with a body and that I'm moving the line between self and other to the head. In a similar fashion, it is possible that a may have a transpersonal experience in which case my boundary moves out beyond my skin. The idea is much like the arbitrary division between a tree's roots, limbs and branches. These divisions don't necessarily exist as distinct boundaries on the tree, but arise from the analytical nature of thought.
In general, the book looks at a synthesis of Western and Eastern psychological and spiritual approaches to growth. It challenges tacit assumptions on both sides and tries to get the reader to take a broader perspective on reality while honoring what is good in each particular tradition. It is an extremely thought-provoking work and includes a lot of good scholarship. I find it to be highly complimentary to Wilber's later work and often more eloquent.
If you are looking for the best, most comprehensive and readable introduction to Wilber's work, I recommend A BRIEF HISTORY OF EVERYTHING. If you are interested in a good developmental psychology book from Wilber's point of view, then the ATMAN PROJECT will not disappoint. It covers development from birth to enlightenment and it quite fascinating. If you own these three books you will have a good overview of Wilber's most important ideas without a lot of overlap. If you are interested primarily in his latest thinking, then INTEGRAL SPIRITUALITY may also be a good choice.
Must ReadJuly 31, 2006 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
No Boundary is a must read for anyone on a spiritual and psychological journey. Not too technical with great references for more indepth study.
No BoundryAugust 16, 2005 1 out of 12 found this review helpful
This ONE Ken really"F lowed from Within".. I so enjoyed his Clear & Defined "recipe" for Non-Dualism.. He "shines with the "Light"
My favorite Wilber bookAugust 28, 2003 12 out of 13 found this review helpful
Ken Wilber has written many books but I think this is my favorite. It is certainly one of the best books to help us understand the dual nature of consciousness. It also does a fine job in organizing various theoretical viewpoints into one general framework. The other book that integrates these things using a more practical approach is Toru Sato's "The Ever-transcending Spirit". It is an excellent book as well! It applies these ideas about consciousness to interpersonal experiences and concrete aspects of development. Both books are really fantastic!
Great BookDecember 26, 2002 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book is really amazing! It gives readers an excellent introduction to the study of consciousness and transcendence. If you have already read this book and liked it, I also recommend Toru Sato's "The Ever-Transcending Spirit". It's an outstanding book that explains consciousness even better by putting it into the context of interpersonal relationships and human development.
