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Enlightenment Trilogy #2
Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment
Book Two of Jed McKenna's Enlightenment Trilogy Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment Isn't One Kind of Enlightenment -- It's the Only Kind THE MARK OF A TRUE MASTER is that he can express a subject of the utmost complexity with uncanny simplicity. Jed McKenna is such a master, and spiritual enlightenment is his subject. His first book, Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing , was an instant classic and established him as a spiritual teacher of startling depth and clarity. Now, his second book, Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment , takes us on a fascinating tour of the enlightened state -- what it is and what it's not, who's there and who's not, how to get there and how to get somewhere better. Delightful surprises abound, including the dramatic unveiling of perhaps the greatest spiritual masterpiece of all time -- long hidden in plain view and well known to all. Whitman, Melville, Thoreau, Mark Twain and U.G. Krishnamurti all appear, and a student from the first book returns to share her Spiritual Autolysis journals. Also surprising are the author's gentle efforts to guide the reader away from enlightenment toward a more desirable and accessible state. Failing to fetch me at first, keep encouraged, Missing me one place, search another, I stop somewhere, waiting for you. -Walt Whitman Jed McKenna's books aren't for everyone. They're for people who are tired of the spiritual merry-go-round and ready to confront the unadorned reality of the awakening process. If you like your teachers with all the spiritual trimmings and trappings, Jed may not be right for you, but when you're ready to jump off the merry-go-round and begin your journey, Jed McKenna is the guy you want to see standing there -- waiting for you.
305 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 25, 2012
I haven't read the first book. A year ago, before reading this book, got my hands on the Bonus Book for this trilogy. I may have a problem with chronology.
I should preface this by saying that overall I enjoyed this book, but could have lived without the melodramatic Julie emails scattered throughout.
Having not read the first of these books I'll be the first to admit that I may only have a glimpse of this whole picture. I think the author may be onto something, but he has a bit of a problem leaving his teenage shoes at the door and not jumping up and down shouting "Look at me! Look what I thought of! Nobody in 150 years of analyzing Moby Dick has unlocked it's secrets, but after my first reading it was so clear! Did I say that I was the first one to think of it!"
I can dig a good amount of his philosophy, when he's philosophizing and not trying to show off for his parent's guests, but I can't help feeling like I've heard these ideas before. I can't help but feel that this guy is just another character in a Chuck Palahniuk anti-hero novel.
The idea of hitting rock bottom in order to be saved is not a new idea, but definitely one I can agree with.
I should preface this by saying that overall I enjoyed this book, but could have lived without the melodramatic Julie emails scattered throughout.
Having not read the first of these books I'll be the first to admit that I may only have a glimpse of this whole picture. I think the author may be onto something, but he has a bit of a problem leaving his teenage shoes at the door and not jumping up and down shouting "Look at me! Look what I thought of! Nobody in 150 years of analyzing Moby Dick has unlocked it's secrets, but after my first reading it was so clear! Did I say that I was the first one to think of it!"
I can dig a good amount of his philosophy, when he's philosophizing and not trying to show off for his parent's guests, but I can't help feeling like I've heard these ideas before. I can't help but feel that this guy is just another character in a Chuck Palahniuk anti-hero novel.
The idea of hitting rock bottom in order to be saved is not a new idea, but definitely one I can agree with.
October 19, 2017
Not so long ago I’ve read Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing and as it can be seen here I liked it and I decided to read McKenna’s next book(s). Spiritually Incorrect Enlightenment is its sequel, but you do not get anything additional with ‘’enlightenment’’ part, only bit expanded. Big part of it is what happens after taking First Step told through the character of Julie, more precisely her letters. As in first the book, story is presented as it has really happened and as in the first book from the very beginning I got feeling that it did not. Such thing could usually bother me, but as in the first book seems it does not work that way with McKenna. He writes with style, he is precise, humorous, sharp and there is lot to catch between the lines (even he does repeatedly subtly helps with that). Now I recall on thing he said in the first book about movies which can easily be deal here.
I think that book is designed for a reader. Different characters are introduced so he could address variety of readers through his interaction with them which is witty, nicely ‘’arrogant’’, intelligent and humorous as in the first book.
Again you get excerpt from several sources at beginnings of chapters, or through whole chapters, but novelty is the integration on new level of one novel and that is Moby Dick. Well, I’m not sure is he finally the one who managed to crack the story behind Melville’s book, but his interpretation is undisputedly the best one I encountered. It has depth and also it makes sense, which together is seldom a case with Moby’s interpretations. I intend to read it once more through his glasses.
Now, the reason why I fancy his book, while I think other spiritual books are mostly bullshit, is that it is not actually spiritual and also, I’m quite familiar with his way of looking at, well, everything. It has been going since I was kid and it grew stronger in last five or so years, while also being irreversible. And then I read his book, which gave some kind of verbal form to all that has been disorderly untangling all along. But, there are two things where I part my way with him. First one is, that he is stressing out the agony of the very process. There was no agony with me, mostly it could be summarized by anxiety when something got unfolded followed by relief of new clarity in seeing my past self, world, reality and blabla. It is surprising to see someone else going through hell, anger, desperation as he broadly depicts it. And the other thing we differ is when he flirts with patterns and ways of universe, like there are no accidents in world. I strongly disagree, everything is subject to chance, governed only by laws of physics which is the human’s so far best try, no matter how petty, to understand cosmos.
Soooo, what was I saying, the book is not two-dimensional, there is a lot to read between the lines and he even leaves clues all around like he is trying to get to the reader with subtle approach of poking him in the eye instead of posting big plain billboard HERE IT IS, THIS IS IT. Even though second book is only sequel with nothing additional I liked it more than first, something that at moment I can’t verbally explain, maybe in couple of days or weeks when thoughts settle up. If you liked the first book, you’ll like the second. If you did not, if I could, I’d feel sorry for you.
I think that book is designed for a reader. Different characters are introduced so he could address variety of readers through his interaction with them which is witty, nicely ‘’arrogant’’, intelligent and humorous as in the first book.
Again you get excerpt from several sources at beginnings of chapters, or through whole chapters, but novelty is the integration on new level of one novel and that is Moby Dick. Well, I’m not sure is he finally the one who managed to crack the story behind Melville’s book, but his interpretation is undisputedly the best one I encountered. It has depth and also it makes sense, which together is seldom a case with Moby’s interpretations. I intend to read it once more through his glasses.
Now, the reason why I fancy his book, while I think other spiritual books are mostly bullshit, is that it is not actually spiritual and also, I’m quite familiar with his way of looking at, well, everything. It has been going since I was kid and it grew stronger in last five or so years, while also being irreversible. And then I read his book, which gave some kind of verbal form to all that has been disorderly untangling all along. But, there are two things where I part my way with him. First one is, that he is stressing out the agony of the very process. There was no agony with me, mostly it could be summarized by anxiety when something got unfolded followed by relief of new clarity in seeing my past self, world, reality and blabla. It is surprising to see someone else going through hell, anger, desperation as he broadly depicts it. And the other thing we differ is when he flirts with patterns and ways of universe, like there are no accidents in world. I strongly disagree, everything is subject to chance, governed only by laws of physics which is the human’s so far best try, no matter how petty, to understand cosmos.
Soooo, what was I saying, the book is not two-dimensional, there is a lot to read between the lines and he even leaves clues all around like he is trying to get to the reader with subtle approach of poking him in the eye instead of posting big plain billboard HERE IT IS, THIS IS IT. Even though second book is only sequel with nothing additional I liked it more than first, something that at moment I can’t verbally explain, maybe in couple of days or weeks when thoughts settle up. If you liked the first book, you’ll like the second. If you did not, if I could, I’d feel sorry for you.
January 22, 2013
Agh! Did I really just read this after promising myself that I would steer clear of Jed McKenna’s “enlightenment” forever? What, do you think I’m going to dislike a first book in the trilogy so much that I’m going to punish myself and continue reading? I didn’t do that. I did that.
Alright, I read the first one in the trilogy and said no more. I’m done, as the author would say. I will go no “further”. Ha! But a friend of mind read them and recommended them, and then met someone else who read them and was enamored by them, so I thought I have to read another one and see what’s there that I’m missing. Nothing. I’m not missing anything.
I will say that this book is better than the first. Not necessarily the concept, but more engaging and readable as pure entertainment, not something life changing. I still couldn’t wait until I was finished.
I have to go back to the first book temporarily before addressing this book. In the first, the author drivels on about his enlightenment. In the second, he seems to backtrack a bit.
Jed states “Truth is, untruth isn’t. The false is purely an apparition, it exists only in the eye of the beholder.” And to that I say that Truth is an apparition, it exists only in the eye of the beholder.
The problem with claiming you’ve reached the end of the line or enlightenment is flawed in that Jed is basing his enlightenment on his world, experience and knowledge, but what if there is more? “Further” if you will, to quote the author.
It would be like an ant living in an ant farm that was sitting on a nightstand, stating they are enlightened, basing their enlightenment on their experiences within the man-made ant farm, with the entire universe and beyond that still remains unknown, but thinking they know they are enlightened. It’s arrogant and typically of mankind. I would respect the author’s opinion and concepts if he stated with a caveat that “I’m basing my enlightenment on what I know. For all I know, I may actually know nothing and not be enlightened at all”. Now THAT is enlightenment. But that isn’t what he did - until midway through the second book.
He did have some good points though: “How telling is it that we are a society of people who don’t even know how to breathe? Hello? At what more basic level could we possibly fail?”And his observation of dogs and explanation of them being fully self-realized is the best thing in the entire book.
What this book and the first did was cement my beliefs even further. "I'm done."
2-stars for entertainment and overall reading enjoyment.
Alright, I read the first one in the trilogy and said no more. I’m done, as the author would say. I will go no “further”. Ha! But a friend of mind read them and recommended them, and then met someone else who read them and was enamored by them, so I thought I have to read another one and see what’s there that I’m missing. Nothing. I’m not missing anything.
I will say that this book is better than the first. Not necessarily the concept, but more engaging and readable as pure entertainment, not something life changing. I still couldn’t wait until I was finished.
I have to go back to the first book temporarily before addressing this book. In the first, the author drivels on about his enlightenment. In the second, he seems to backtrack a bit.
Jed states “Truth is, untruth isn’t. The false is purely an apparition, it exists only in the eye of the beholder.” And to that I say that Truth is an apparition, it exists only in the eye of the beholder.
The problem with claiming you’ve reached the end of the line or enlightenment is flawed in that Jed is basing his enlightenment on his world, experience and knowledge, but what if there is more? “Further” if you will, to quote the author.
It would be like an ant living in an ant farm that was sitting on a nightstand, stating they are enlightened, basing their enlightenment on their experiences within the man-made ant farm, with the entire universe and beyond that still remains unknown, but thinking they know they are enlightened. It’s arrogant and typically of mankind. I would respect the author’s opinion and concepts if he stated with a caveat that “I’m basing my enlightenment on what I know. For all I know, I may actually know nothing and not be enlightened at all”. Now THAT is enlightenment. But that isn’t what he did - until midway through the second book.
He did have some good points though: “How telling is it that we are a society of people who don’t even know how to breathe? Hello? At what more basic level could we possibly fail?”And his observation of dogs and explanation of them being fully self-realized is the best thing in the entire book.
What this book and the first did was cement my beliefs even further. "I'm done."
2-stars for entertainment and overall reading enjoyment.
October 13, 2008
Woohoo, could it get any better than this??? Truly an American original, and the most fascinating part is the central theme of the book, being that Moby Dick is an account of Herman Melville's own spiritual journey, which is completely to the point. I read it almost with a sigh of relief. It chimes in closely with my own sense that there was more to Moby Dick than meets the eye. I've read that book probably twice as a young man, and I always thought I should re-read when I grew up... Well, that time may have come - thanks Mr. McKenna, and thanks also for saving me from reading a few books with drairy literary theory about Moby Dick, which undoubtedly all misses the point.
There is no doubt in my mind that McKenna is right-on, seeing Ahab as the ego, and Ishmael as the observer, which lives to tell the tale. Quite astounding really.
There is no doubt in my mind that McKenna is right-on, seeing Ahab as the ego, and Ishmael as the observer, which lives to tell the tale. Quite astounding really.
June 3, 2014
Full points for uniqueness of concept, and a different take than the first book. Although I did enjoy this for entertainment value, and because it has some real gems from teachers like UG Krishnamurti, I did find some parts to be dragging a little. I'm not much of a fan of fiction, and a large portion centred on the work Moby Dick. I also have doubts about some of the claims laid on that work. That said, it was a great interpretation and use of that work within the book's context. Jane's letters were a little grating on occasion (esp on the audio book), and visions of slapping her with a wet fish did come to mind when listening. Overall, a good take on the journey of self deconstruction, ego dissolution and the "dark night" (although that concept was never mentioned). Full points for describing and giving life to the "terror of the situation", even though not everyone on the spiritual journey to no-self would necessarily undergo such dramatic catharsis. Flows on well from Book One. If you enjoyed Book One, undoubtedly you'll enjoy this one.
March 26, 2012
This book is hardcore. Jed, real or not, pulls no punches. This book is a finger pointing at the moon. In the absence of a live master, you could do worse things than read this.
February 8, 2024
I'll mention some of JM's blind spots:
* he is a career spiritual teacher who doesn't consider himself one. He is literally meeting with people all the time to teach the stuff he learned from his experience and tons of books. But since, unlike a mechanic or an ice-cream vendor, the tools of his trade are all in his head, he can fool himself into thinking that he doesn't have a job and is actually just following the flow of the universe, without realizing he is just a natural in selling his shit, just like many people in other careers. Also, not having a family to support allows him to believe he'd be ok with living on the streets as a beggar if it came to it - which by the way is also not that bleak of a prospect when you know you're so above average in your trade that it'd be a matter of time before you found people to listen to you and "the universe" removed you from that state.
* he thinks that dropping everything and living in non-dual reality is the hardest thing there is. I would beg to differ: relationships - family, romantic, work and otherwise - are the hardest thing there is. Smelling your own farts all day alone and with people who think you're the Messiah sounds quite appealing to someone having to navigate the true complexies of taking the human condition seriously.
* The hard part of the whole non-dual shenanigans is not because it is an exalted state reserved for the few - it is because you're fucking up with your brain in a way you're not supposed to until it gives up on you. The same happens to starved-out vegan bodies and many other attempts at living an unnatural state.
People are masters of deceiving themselves, and as the book shows, they'll go to great lenghts for it.
I'd love to hear the story told from the perspective of Jed's family, friends and exes. You know, the people who had to deal with the real deal, not with his grandiose made-up self.
* he is a career spiritual teacher who doesn't consider himself one. He is literally meeting with people all the time to teach the stuff he learned from his experience and tons of books. But since, unlike a mechanic or an ice-cream vendor, the tools of his trade are all in his head, he can fool himself into thinking that he doesn't have a job and is actually just following the flow of the universe, without realizing he is just a natural in selling his shit, just like many people in other careers. Also, not having a family to support allows him to believe he'd be ok with living on the streets as a beggar if it came to it - which by the way is also not that bleak of a prospect when you know you're so above average in your trade that it'd be a matter of time before you found people to listen to you and "the universe" removed you from that state.
* he thinks that dropping everything and living in non-dual reality is the hardest thing there is. I would beg to differ: relationships - family, romantic, work and otherwise - are the hardest thing there is. Smelling your own farts all day alone and with people who think you're the Messiah sounds quite appealing to someone having to navigate the true complexies of taking the human condition seriously.
* The hard part of the whole non-dual shenanigans is not because it is an exalted state reserved for the few - it is because you're fucking up with your brain in a way you're not supposed to until it gives up on you. The same happens to starved-out vegan bodies and many other attempts at living an unnatural state.
People are masters of deceiving themselves, and as the book shows, they'll go to great lenghts for it.
I'd love to hear the story told from the perspective of Jed's family, friends and exes. You know, the people who had to deal with the real deal, not with his grandiose made-up self.
March 2, 2018
Jed, nothing else like him. I enjoyed the living fuck out of this book. It also helped me quite a bit. After reading his first book I felt like I had been punched, but I didn't understand the fist so well. Now I feel that I understand the fist a bit better.
Unraveling beliefs, it's all made up. Find the truth.
Man, what a path. Jed's right, who the hell would want this? Why would you trade a great life in dreamland for enlightenment?
I read this about 6 months after Damndest, and if I could make a recommendation, it would be to read this directly after Damndest. Pretend they're one book. I think this helps to clarify many things.
The 1st step, do you even have a choice in taking it?
Unraveling beliefs, it's all made up. Find the truth.
Man, what a path. Jed's right, who the hell would want this? Why would you trade a great life in dreamland for enlightenment?
I read this about 6 months after Damndest, and if I could make a recommendation, it would be to read this directly after Damndest. Pretend they're one book. I think this helps to clarify many things.
The 1st step, do you even have a choice in taking it?
April 8, 2020
This book smashed my brain into smithereens.
I finished it a couple of days ago and still feel weird (a blatant understatement).
I finished it a couple of days ago and still feel weird (a blatant understatement).
April 1, 2021
Holy moly guacamole
May 14, 2010
More inquiry, one question. Do I want to wake up?
I don't know.
Call me Ishmael.
I don't know.
Call me Ishmael.
August 5, 2013
more of the same
December 12, 2018
Yes, there is a book two.
McKenna picks up where he leaves off in Damnedest, and takes the reader further into what is enlightenment, and basically, it comes down to seeing one self (and exploring the self) for what it is, and what it isn’t.
It also reminds me of my cleft with the Bhagavad Gita, but also introduces McKenna’s spiritual interpretation of Moby Dick. To me, the book (Moby Dick) made me realize that there is more to the poetry and symbolism of the book. It does bear re-reading with new eyes. However, the book also provides the insight that a good book can open one’s eyes to things, but one has to be in the driver’s seat, to (be able to) take in what is being conveyed. The same is true when we interact with others: we understand what we are (really) dealing with, but do we pursue that end honestly and with eyes wide open? Or do we slink back into a comfortable, but false social slumber, and sometimes, depending upon the intensity of the (social) interaction, wonder/wish, “I could have done this”, or “I could have done better.” How many times do we put on the (societal norm) brakes instead of taking what is a glancing insight and taking it further, in order to know oneself; to know what the interaction is really all about. That is what is conveyed in McKenna’s book via Moby Dick … the introduction of the Breakout Archetype, who sees through the social mask and what is it to maintain it, but at one’s self-exploration and self-realization expense!
However, having realized what the mask is, is just the tip of the iceberg: the real question and irreparably gaping challenge is whether or not one wants to purse the unpeeling and destruction of the self and societal layers of the mask to learn who one is … and in doing so, what one has known HAS to go! There is no turning back nor going back to sleep; the bite of the apple has been taken, and one then, cannot feign innocence nor ignorance anymore! However, still, and then, is the task/quest as to if one is ready and/or mature enough to accept the responsibility of what one now knows?
I enjoyed McKenna’s shattering of the middle class guests’ comfort zone at the beginning of the book, as it shows just how tenuous society as it stands, really is. All it takes is one cataclysmic event, and all societal bets are off … or do they have to be? The key here is where are we mentally when(ever) presented with a crisis, and why are we (really) there? It bears self examination as it is very telling as to where we respectively are and what needs to be examined … that is, if one wants to be(come) an adult.
I also found the introductory letter in the front of the book perplexing: enlightenment does not mean one becomes a stone and stops living in this world. It does mean (and require) one to look honestly (first within oneself and then in one’s interactions) at the world with new eyes, keyed on truth, and the assumption of personal responsibility upon realizing the truth (of who one is). The classic philosophers had it right in terms of truth pursued through logic; they (and the new-agers) just keep getting caught up in the ego, in terms of who’s discipline is better than who’s, rather than what is true and what is not. One discipline, practice, religion, regimen may not work for everyone. So while Moby Dick clicks for McKenna; other literature or a situation may/can be the Event that tosses the person irreparably from dreamstate toward enlightenment: see the diagram on page 224 and read that entire chapter for the mind-blowing, yet so obvious and clearly explained concept! The question and invitation is whether or not one wants to go further despite the pain the journey produces.
Finally, the enlightenment journey is not a linear one, one with a final destination or plateau. Nor is the enlightenment journey free from confusing nor weak moments, as even McKenna experiences due to fatigue his first meeting with the spiritual group in Queens, New York. That comes down to his (and subsequently, our) not thinking clearly in a situation. The lesson is there is to know that we will have our weak moments and honestly engage those moments for what they are and do what is necessary in honesty and within our power to fix and therefore, rise above those moments.
Looking forward to book number three … and I have my share of work to do!
McKenna picks up where he leaves off in Damnedest, and takes the reader further into what is enlightenment, and basically, it comes down to seeing one self (and exploring the self) for what it is, and what it isn’t.
It also reminds me of my cleft with the Bhagavad Gita, but also introduces McKenna’s spiritual interpretation of Moby Dick. To me, the book (Moby Dick) made me realize that there is more to the poetry and symbolism of the book. It does bear re-reading with new eyes. However, the book also provides the insight that a good book can open one’s eyes to things, but one has to be in the driver’s seat, to (be able to) take in what is being conveyed. The same is true when we interact with others: we understand what we are (really) dealing with, but do we pursue that end honestly and with eyes wide open? Or do we slink back into a comfortable, but false social slumber, and sometimes, depending upon the intensity of the (social) interaction, wonder/wish, “I could have done this”, or “I could have done better.” How many times do we put on the (societal norm) brakes instead of taking what is a glancing insight and taking it further, in order to know oneself; to know what the interaction is really all about. That is what is conveyed in McKenna’s book via Moby Dick … the introduction of the Breakout Archetype, who sees through the social mask and what is it to maintain it, but at one’s self-exploration and self-realization expense!
However, having realized what the mask is, is just the tip of the iceberg: the real question and irreparably gaping challenge is whether or not one wants to purse the unpeeling and destruction of the self and societal layers of the mask to learn who one is … and in doing so, what one has known HAS to go! There is no turning back nor going back to sleep; the bite of the apple has been taken, and one then, cannot feign innocence nor ignorance anymore! However, still, and then, is the task/quest as to if one is ready and/or mature enough to accept the responsibility of what one now knows?
I enjoyed McKenna’s shattering of the middle class guests’ comfort zone at the beginning of the book, as it shows just how tenuous society as it stands, really is. All it takes is one cataclysmic event, and all societal bets are off … or do they have to be? The key here is where are we mentally when(ever) presented with a crisis, and why are we (really) there? It bears self examination as it is very telling as to where we respectively are and what needs to be examined … that is, if one wants to be(come) an adult.
I also found the introductory letter in the front of the book perplexing: enlightenment does not mean one becomes a stone and stops living in this world. It does mean (and require) one to look honestly (first within oneself and then in one’s interactions) at the world with new eyes, keyed on truth, and the assumption of personal responsibility upon realizing the truth (of who one is). The classic philosophers had it right in terms of truth pursued through logic; they (and the new-agers) just keep getting caught up in the ego, in terms of who’s discipline is better than who’s, rather than what is true and what is not. One discipline, practice, religion, regimen may not work for everyone. So while Moby Dick clicks for McKenna; other literature or a situation may/can be the Event that tosses the person irreparably from dreamstate toward enlightenment: see the diagram on page 224 and read that entire chapter for the mind-blowing, yet so obvious and clearly explained concept! The question and invitation is whether or not one wants to go further despite the pain the journey produces.
Finally, the enlightenment journey is not a linear one, one with a final destination or plateau. Nor is the enlightenment journey free from confusing nor weak moments, as even McKenna experiences due to fatigue his first meeting with the spiritual group in Queens, New York. That comes down to his (and subsequently, our) not thinking clearly in a situation. The lesson is there is to know that we will have our weak moments and honestly engage those moments for what they are and do what is necessary in honesty and within our power to fix and therefore, rise above those moments.
Looking forward to book number three … and I have my share of work to do!
December 8, 2017
This book is for those who want honesty. The first step in honesty might sound like "I choose to hold on to the idea I can minimize pain and maximize gain if I play my cards right. I want to stay asleep, pretend to work a spiritual path, and die clueless and I'm comfortable with that."
I read "Spiritual Warfare" first, so I'm reading the series backward. I warmed a bit to "Jed" in this book. He stands behind one process to wake up--challenge all of your beliefs, all beliefs fall away under scrutiny, and there is no "me" to believe in anything. He expresses disdain bordering on angry contempt for all spiritual teachers and communities who actually provide ways to keep people mollified within their hypnotized state. He calls this army of false prophets "the last container."
There are other roadmaps and paths that correspond to what "Jed" is saying. He's not a lone voice in a wilderness. But he is correct that in order to wake up one has to go through a horrifically painful process of coming apart in order to fall together. A Course in Miracles calls this "a period of undoing" that corrects upside-down perception. Jed is also correct that most of the teachers and books littering the spiritual marketplace are written by those who have not themselves awakened and they offer variations on ways to play senseless games within the dream. Or they simply con people, although perhaps ignorantly.
I liked the author's distinction between Human Adulthood and waking up. I also liked his breakthrough in deciphering Moby Dick. Ahab, through Jed's lens of enlightenment, is the Breakthrough Archetype hiding in plain sight, and the book itself is a journal Melville's own waking up process.
I actually found myself comforted by this book. I look back on my own life and all of the significant breakthroughs I've had were the result of extreme disruption that forced me to let go and question everything. My own process validates what he says.
I read "Spiritual Warfare" first, so I'm reading the series backward. I warmed a bit to "Jed" in this book. He stands behind one process to wake up--challenge all of your beliefs, all beliefs fall away under scrutiny, and there is no "me" to believe in anything. He expresses disdain bordering on angry contempt for all spiritual teachers and communities who actually provide ways to keep people mollified within their hypnotized state. He calls this army of false prophets "the last container."
There are other roadmaps and paths that correspond to what "Jed" is saying. He's not a lone voice in a wilderness. But he is correct that in order to wake up one has to go through a horrifically painful process of coming apart in order to fall together. A Course in Miracles calls this "a period of undoing" that corrects upside-down perception. Jed is also correct that most of the teachers and books littering the spiritual marketplace are written by those who have not themselves awakened and they offer variations on ways to play senseless games within the dream. Or they simply con people, although perhaps ignorantly.
I liked the author's distinction between Human Adulthood and waking up. I also liked his breakthrough in deciphering Moby Dick. Ahab, through Jed's lens of enlightenment, is the Breakthrough Archetype hiding in plain sight, and the book itself is a journal Melville's own waking up process.
I actually found myself comforted by this book. I look back on my own life and all of the significant breakthroughs I've had were the result of extreme disruption that forced me to let go and question everything. My own process validates what he says.
May 14, 2017
I gotta give Jed this: He's convinced me to read Thoreau (which--obscure trivia alert--is accented on the first syllable) and Melville.
There's a lot to like about this book, but also a lot to find annoying. Like life, I guess. I don't mind a little annoyance now and then. Others may find different things to like and be annoyed by but in my review you get to hear mine.
Books are just books and will only give you what they're capable of. They're one size fits all and I'm an odd size. I want him to say things differently but he has to say them his way. He doesn't seem to know there are other ways. Or doesn't care to know. Or knows and doesn't care to say. He likes to confront where I'm more likely to try and reach out. I'm more confronting than most, actually, and maybe that's my takeaway lesson--that I need to become less so, and seeing how he comes off shows me its limitations.
I always want to go for the subtlety. I want to negate him as he negates others, and I think he's OK with that. He already knows that Julie will be negating him (though Julie hasn't gotten there yet.)
So I'll just say this: He is quick to explode the comfort of the nicey-nice, but though he quotes DeSade in one of his books, he seems to miss the comfort of humiliation, or self-hate, or confrontation. He will have followers among those who always wanted to kill the Buddha, not to transcend the associated limitations, but for the comfort of the sadism. Or the thrill of the rebellion.
Also, wheelchair man's depressed friend whom he hangs out to dry may not have the right kind of depression. And maybe it doesn't matter in the scheme of things, and maybe wheelchair man gets to hear what HE needed to hear, but I feel bad for her.
That's OK. Feeling bad is just feeling bad, but a review of a book is just a review of a book.
There's a lot to like about this book, but also a lot to find annoying. Like life, I guess. I don't mind a little annoyance now and then. Others may find different things to like and be annoyed by but in my review you get to hear mine.
Books are just books and will only give you what they're capable of. They're one size fits all and I'm an odd size. I want him to say things differently but he has to say them his way. He doesn't seem to know there are other ways. Or doesn't care to know. Or knows and doesn't care to say. He likes to confront where I'm more likely to try and reach out. I'm more confronting than most, actually, and maybe that's my takeaway lesson--that I need to become less so, and seeing how he comes off shows me its limitations.
I always want to go for the subtlety. I want to negate him as he negates others, and I think he's OK with that. He already knows that Julie will be negating him (though Julie hasn't gotten there yet.)
So I'll just say this: He is quick to explode the comfort of the nicey-nice, but though he quotes DeSade in one of his books, he seems to miss the comfort of humiliation, or self-hate, or confrontation. He will have followers among those who always wanted to kill the Buddha, not to transcend the associated limitations, but for the comfort of the sadism. Or the thrill of the rebellion.
Also, wheelchair man's depressed friend whom he hangs out to dry may not have the right kind of depression. And maybe it doesn't matter in the scheme of things, and maybe wheelchair man gets to hear what HE needed to hear, but I feel bad for her.
That's OK. Feeling bad is just feeling bad, but a review of a book is just a review of a book.
December 16, 2023
Not as powerful as the first of the series and it looks, based on my perusal of the reviews that I am not alone in this, that the first and third are the favorites. This one had more of a plodding sense to it and there were times where I was not super engaged. Putting those negatives to the side, the book was still powerful in its claims that I still found compelling. I have already started the third book.
McKenna is a renegade to most modern/eastern spirituality in the following ways
1. He points away from himself, while many bring others to them.
2. He bluntly states that one has to do this alone, while communities tend to foster beliefs.
3. He actually states that enlightenment ("truth-realization") should not be sought, but only pursued if individual has to. Most teachers speak of enlightenment as something everyone should want.
A good portion of the book relates Moby Dick to spiritual enlightenment, which I found fascinating. It was interesting to see the analogies and interpretation. Sure sounds like McKenna could be on to something the Melville was trying to communicate.
McKenna is a renegade to most modern/eastern spirituality in the following ways
1. He points away from himself, while many bring others to them.
2. He bluntly states that one has to do this alone, while communities tend to foster beliefs.
3. He actually states that enlightenment ("truth-realization") should not be sought, but only pursued if individual has to. Most teachers speak of enlightenment as something everyone should want.
A good portion of the book relates Moby Dick to spiritual enlightenment, which I found fascinating. It was interesting to see the analogies and interpretation. Sure sounds like McKenna could be on to something the Melville was trying to communicate.
Shelved as 'act47-org'
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August 14, 2020
In an email from Julie (one of the characters in the book) "I am beyond opinion, I'm not interested in my own opinions or anyone else's."
That alone is worth the price of admission to me.
There's lots of great stuff in here. How you read it and your intent in this realm will determine whether this is bs, some interesting spiritual stuff or whether this challenges practically everything you think you think.
This is the third book of Jed McKenna that I've read in a few weeks. I didn't even know who he was until a few weeks ago. According to some, he may not exist though I'm not sure how that impacts this (and the others) book. This book definitely qualifies as further. How much further that's the question.
That alone is worth the price of admission to me.
There's lots of great stuff in here. How you read it and your intent in this realm will determine whether this is bs, some interesting spiritual stuff or whether this challenges practically everything you think you think.
This is the third book of Jed McKenna that I've read in a few weeks. I didn't even know who he was until a few weeks ago. According to some, he may not exist though I'm not sure how that impacts this (and the others) book. This book definitely qualifies as further. How much further that's the question.
June 17, 2017
I have read all of his book but I think this is not his best one. It is still a really good book. The enlightenment series is but great the rest of his work is not so good in my opinion. It almost feel like it is a different person writing those. I could be wrong but that's my take on it. The series alone is not enough and can be a dangerous books for unenlightened people. I can't stress is enough. DO NOT READ THIS BOOKS IF YOU ARE'NT READY TO CHANGE YOUR WHOLE WORLDWIEV. Read this books if you are ready to change it. If you really want to find H\A (human adulthood) and go to T\R (Truth realization) and further I suggest you sign up on his forum. The invisible guru.
May 2, 2020
If you have already started peeling away the layers of your ego, this guy will accelerate your destruction. His no b**shit, straight to the point approach to spirituality is refreshing and captivating at the same time.
In this second book, he spends many chapters on unraveling the mystery of Moby Dick. Also, he includes the letters of a woman called Julie which is slowly drawing in the vortex of no return. There are some other chapters where Jed talks to people, and in his style he tries to wake up those who have been asleep for long.
I will be reading the third one also.
In this second book, he spends many chapters on unraveling the mystery of Moby Dick. Also, he includes the letters of a woman called Julie which is slowly drawing in the vortex of no return. There are some other chapters where Jed talks to people, and in his style he tries to wake up those who have been asleep for long.
I will be reading the third one also.
December 30, 2019
The most essential author I've ever read. There are those who have read Jed and those who have not.
My sense is that it's crucial to counterbalance Jed with the likes of David Hawkins, Eckhart Tolle, or Mooji. Jed's world is not the end-all-be-all, but it's a test, a crucible, a paradigm-shifting gauntlet. And once you pass through it, you will never be the same.
My sense is that it's crucial to counterbalance Jed with the likes of David Hawkins, Eckhart Tolle, or Mooji. Jed's world is not the end-all-be-all, but it's a test, a crucible, a paradigm-shifting gauntlet. And once you pass through it, you will never be the same.
September 15, 2020
Quite some good material, but not as good as the first one. The book contains many excerpts of Moby-Dick and it's mostly a parallel comparison between it and how one of his 'students' is going through the process of deconstruction.
Enjoyable read overall, but would recommend the first one of the trilogy only.
Enjoyable read overall, but would recommend the first one of the trilogy only.
August 2, 2017
More on the spiritual enlightenment topic. This time the author compares the spiritual journey to the one Captain Achab and Melville himself undergo in "Moby Dick". Not really full of insights like the first book of the trilogy, but still a good read.
October 26, 2018
Worthwhile follow-up
June 3, 2019
good book..
November 22, 2019
Truth
Try to capture, it escapses you
Letting go of it deflates you
One must die to live again
Maya cannot comprehend
Try to capture, it escapses you
Letting go of it deflates you
One must die to live again
Maya cannot comprehend
June 22, 2020
Just like the first book, it is simply mind bending. Jed's writing is so smooth and easy that I feel strange sense of peace after reading it.
December 25, 2020
Discusses about breathing, monomania, morality, and many more.
February 7, 2021
Think about this book and its author what you will. But first and foremost, think for yourself.
July 30, 2021
Interesting perspective. It's good read.
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