Falling into Grace: Insights on the End of Suffering

This is a book to read and re-read. As each reading is a new remembering. It's a book I keep on my nightstand as the last thing I read before turning out the light. Each time I read, it's a tender invitation to relax, open and trust what's here now.

This book really helped me. So often we read books to feel better. This book made me more sane.

Do you know what it's like listening to a teenager when they think they have it all figured out? They have thought it through, and it sounds smart to them, but your experience tells you they are supremely naive and have a lot of learning to do.That's this book in a nutshell. It tries to be smart and clever, but it doesn't really get anywhere. It's fast food spirituality. Most of the stories feel contrived and manufactured. I didn't really get anything out of it, and I came in with a very open mind hoping that it would change my life. It didn't make a dent.

Easy to read and enjoyu.

I have now read all or most of Adya's books, listened to a number of videos on YouTube, and read materials from his website. I have been on a spiritual path for many years, and I have found his work to be the most clear, direct, and enlightening (pun intended) of all the many spiritual writers I have found. But this is the book I keep coming back to. At first I thouht it was too wordy, too repetitive, but each time I come back I find something I hadn't noticed before. I think this because my understanding continues to deepen as I exeperience more of his teachings, and each new reading reveals things that were hidden until I had realized something else and was ready to hear what he had to say. Probably the most important book I have ever read.

These were the right teachings for me at the right time! To be untangled from ego-based expectations, opinions (of course mine were always right!), and desired outcomes has freed me to to face my chronic pain and exhaustion illness and my inherited anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders with less suffering and more acceptance. With practice, I am learning to let go of my being a very distinct self based on the illusions of my thoughts that I have clung to ("I am sick, cannot ever feel better again, and have lost the life and career that I have worked so hard to have - I can't do anything that is worthwhile ever again!") and be much more open to what actually is at the moment and to let all thoughts come and leave my mind without unnecessary attachment. Wish all people of our planet would practice mindfulness and not be attached to their fear-based ego thoughts (I have to be the winner, the best, make more money, have more things to be someone; cannot lose, cannot be second to anyone, cannot lose any of my money or things so that I am not someone - fearful to not get enough and fearful of losing what we have). I find that I am much more calm in all situations, view my health as something that just is (which has opened my mind to doing the things I can do to lessen my symptoms and enjoy my life as it is), and continually live my life in each moment without attachment to my thoughts of the past or future. One of the best guides and explanations of mindfulness I have yet to come across.

This was written to be a 'beginners' book on Spirituality. I am by no means a beginning reader on the subject, so I hesitated (chagrined mistake) before buying, thinking that there would be 'nothing new' in there for me - though I LOVE Adyashanti's other books and I am always amazed at how each of his books are exactly what I need to hear at that exact moment in time, as pure material usually is. I even remember being excited when I heard that Adyashanti was releasing another book, and then feeling, "AWWW - bummer, a Beginner's Book". (Please picture a very humbled-looking emoticon here....) This book is sublime, and has stopped me in my tracks several times - and I'm not even half-way through. I can feel the deeply silent transformation and opening/shifting that has so little to do with the words. (thank you Adyashanti, beyond words.) I have tried to really take it in and not hurry through -to stop and feel the full impact, but then I let myself read-on at full speed as I knew after about 20 pages that I'd be reading the whole thing over again anyway - it is that good. -And after that same 20 pages I was chuckling at myself for EVER even having entertained the illusion of moving on - even for a moment - from Beginner's Mind. There truly IS nothing else. As with all of his teachings, Adyashanti cuts to the absolute core and allows the simplicity to Be, but with this book he has somehow reached an even deeper, simpler, more profound place. This is the first time I've ever written a review, but I wanted others to know how amazing this book is, and not to hesitate for even a moment on reading this book if you feel called.

Just to qualify myself, I've been in recovery (AA) many years and am spiritual but am not a member of any particular church or faith. I enjoy reading and learning about spirituality. Hopefully that intro is useful and provides context for my review.I loved Falling into Grace. He clearly is similar in that he doesn't restrict himself to one 'book' or faith or teachings. He is interested in truth.While somewhat deep for me, it was never a difficult read. It is thoughtful and useful while keeping the reader feeling light.For today anyway, I can not help but be aware of my dualistic thinking and how to get beyond it daily after reading Adyashanti.It probably won't happen anytime soon but I would love to attend one of his talks or classes as Adyashanti's style of writing reveals a wonderful personality and teacher if you look and feel between the lines.Adyashanti is one of my new favorites.I don't know if my spiritual journey is similar to anyone else's but if you heard anything in common in my intro, I'll bet you'll enjoy this book and hopefully, find it as useful as I have.

I have had this book for a number of years now and have read it half a dozen times at the very least. Unlike most books i find i can pick it up, turn to a random chapter and simply start reading as each section is largely independant of the others meaning that i often used it as a guide when i have been struggling with some life circumstances. Adyashanti seems to effortlessly make difficult concepts accessible to everybody whether you are into spirituality or not. I have already gifted this book to others and would definitely recommend it to anybody that is interested.

This is a very clear book that really helps to consolidate one's understanding of the Buddhist ideas on emptinessAnd of learning to accept where ever you are right now. Dualistic ideas explored with great clarity.Highly recommend to all spiritual seekers wishing to just 'Get It' a bit more.

Really bad, over complicated and longwindedI came across this author on OWN and he seemed great. But purchased this audio CD and book which didn’t come in time for my holiday read and was very disappointed with the audio version boring over and over going nowhere. Not clear and to the point

I have not read such a simple and clear book in years. To be able to simplify this subject to such a level shows the mastery of a master. A delightful book and highly recomended.

Good