Wake Up Now

I love this book. Stephen Bodian writes from the field of direct experience, sharing stories of his own awakening journey, as well as those of friends whose widely varied awakening experiences he is familiar with. There is an absence of speculative theory here, and a wealth of practical, down to earth reminders to serve us in remembering the magnificence and utter simplicity of who and what we truly are right here and now. There is plenty of authentic encouragement to persevere along the way while coming to terms with the fact that all we ever wanted is really truly nowhere outside of ourselves. Wonderfully precise exercises enable the reader to taste directly the essence of their own awareness, and to gradually loosen the grip of believing there is something we need to do or earn or learn to reach enlightenment. Rather, we are encouraged to just relax and allow everything to be just as it is. There is a sense of light and freedom that dances between the lines of this sweet, immensely useful and clearly written guide for those who have tasted enlightenment and wonder, "What now?", as well as for those who wonder what it's going to look like when they finally reach "there". I will certainly give this book to friends on the spiritual path, as well as those who may not yet recognize the terrain as such.

At the time I purchased this book I was fairly new to the "non duality" club, I had read several books and my interest in the subject was piqued. I read this book over a couple of weeks while walking on the Treadmill at the gym.I really enjoyed it and related to so much of what he said especially on the subject of fear. I experienced a great deal of fear after learning and seeing that my whole life was nothing but a story, that I did not in fact exist. Now what? Stephen guides the reader gently through the fear and confusion to the silence of being, to the end of the story. I was sad to come to the end of the book, it felt like a good friend. A few weeks ago, after almost a year, I reread it and I found it even more powerful. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in ending the search, if you were to read just one book, this would be it.Richard L.

I've read most of the nondual writers and found this voice especially refreshing. Bodian is a practicing psychotherapist, an ordained Buddhist monk, and fine writer. An important piece that he adds (as does John Welwood) is a section on "spiritual bypassing" (initial powerful abstract experience of awakened awareness not followed by deepening embodiment in "the real world" of personal psychological 'hang-ups' and relationships in the dualistic world of egos and society.)Can a spiritual book be a "page-turner?" I think this one qualifies. He is wonderfully candid, and has a pleasant website, too.

Stephan is a lucid writer who can explain difficult and seemingly complex subjects easily. He is also an excellent teacher and guide who brings you to the gate of nonduality through his writing. There are also thoughtful and helpful exercises included.

This book is written from deep experience in a very clear and supportive way. Stephan outlines the path of awakening and embodiment with all its traps and missunderstandings, its diversity, its beauty and wonder, its paradox and takes us by the hand and lovingly guides us through it all. What a blessing this book is.

Like many people, I have often felt "stuck" in ego, with its painful patterns of reactivity. I still feel this way, but now with a significant difference. The following excerpt had a strange effect on me, as if without knowing it I'd always had a pair of eyes inside me that remained closed. When I read these words, the eyes opened. "The ego is not your enemy, it's a dedicated general in what it perceives to be the battle called life...You could say that the ego is the screenwriter, director, producer, and star in the movie called Life, but none of it has anything to do with you. When you step out of the film into the clear light of reality...the love that you are ultimately embraces the ego as a devoted servant that has mistakenly assumed the role of master. In reality, it's just a function or mechanism without any substantial or abiding reality." While I've read many books, this is the first amazon review I've written, as I feel this book stands out in the sometimes confusing spiritual marketplace of today. To me, it's worth its weight in gold.

A wonderful guide with a lot of practical exercises for inquiry. The content is rich and true. The book is beautifully written and it is easy to absorb. I keep it out by my meditation cushion and sometimes just open it and read a few pages or an exercise prior to my meditation practice.

This is an excellent book in that it includes a clear discussion of what awakening (enlightenment) is and the approaches that can be tried for awakening. Much of this is about Advaita Vedanta. Bodian also discusses what can happen after awakening and the characteristics of an awakened person. I'm not "awakened," but it is helpful to know what might happen if I were. The list of recommended books at the end of this book is good. I am puzzled that Bodian didn't include some of this material in his book Meditation for Dummies. He says that using the Advaita approach is what allowed his awakening after he gave up on other forms of meditation. He also says that the meditation that results from the Advaita approach is the only true mediation.

this is the best book on awakening I have read (Ive read dozens). Stephan answers all the questions you will have if you are seeking.

Some good ideas but I do not agree. There is more than one way to wake up, more than one awakened perspective and....oh don't get me startedThe key is not to hook everything on one person's perspective.

The only book you'll ever need and hopefully the last spiritual book you'll ever read as a seeker. Combine this approach with the progressive approach for loads of fun! :D

Written with great clarity and profound understanding, this exceptional book made me realize that 'waking uo now' is really what matters most.

Good book.