Waking Up - Sam Harris

Waking Up

By Sam Harris

  • Release Date: 2014-09-09
  • Genre: Spirituality
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 318 Ratings

Description

For the millions of Americans who want spirituality without religion, Sam Harris’s latest New York Times bestseller is a guide to meditation as a rational practice informed by neuroscience and psychology.

From Sam Harris, neuroscientist and author of numerous New York Times bestselling books, Waking Up is for the twenty percent of Americans who follow no religion but who suspect that important truths can be found in the experiences of such figures as Jesus, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and the other saints and sages of history. Throughout this book, Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow, and that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives.

Waking Up is part memoir and part exploration of the scientific underpinnings of spirituality. No other book marries contemplative wisdom and modern science in this way, and no author other than Sam Harris—a scientist, philosopher, and famous skeptic—could write it.

Reviews

  • Great

    5
    By purringkitten😻
    Started reading Krishnamurti and Alan Watts over 20 years ago after an experience on psychedelics showed me something thats difficult to explain. It unlocked something I couldn’t pinpoint but I was absolutely positive that I was missing something crucial about basically everything. I always seemed to feel like I was just on the verge of recognizing a Truth during and immediately after reading and meditating that I’m not verbally gifted or poetic enough to describe in words. Unfortunately, trying to balance living in the U.S while at the same time trying to prolong and stabilize the peace I found through these teachings proved very difficult. These books became somewhat of a crutch I needed to ‘get back’ to that ‘place’. Years back, I bought Waking Up and downloaded the meditation app. It introduced me to exactly what I seemed to be missing. I started reading I Am That by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Writings of Ramana Maharishi and Poonja, And began studying forms of Advaita Vedanta and other non dual teachings, Nisarga Yoga, Dzogchen, Vipassana Meditation. Suddenly the realization that the very effort of searching for something that is inherently already present was the very thing that was inhibiting me from recognizing it was clear as can be. The rope is no longer a snake. The pictures on the screen are just that and nothing more. Re reading Krishnamurti and others now, from this place and perspective, is infinitely rewarding. The observer truly is the observed and not just as an intellectual exercise, but a profound experience and recognition. True Freedom is the only endeavor worth pursuing in this life. Best of wishes to everyone who truly seek peace and self realization.. When you find it, all that’s left to do is laugh and smile
  • Life Changing

    5
    By ssmmooaakk
    This book is amazing and is a must-read for anyone (religious or otherwise) undertaking the seemingly lonely journey of self-improvement.
  • Potentially life changing

    5
    By Cj bellows
    Sam articulates in a purely ration manner the ways in which one can alter and improve one's subjective experience through contemplative exercise. Highly recommended
  • Sam's is a voice worth listening to

    5
    By Bangkoker
    Happiness is available to all, right here, right now.
  • Confusing

    3
    By Snapchataddict4ever1807
    There's no point in writing something that most of us can not understand. Too wordy.
  • Waking Up Podcast Review

    5
    By Pmaster 2
    This is an excellent podcast to help you process and formulate your value system. Your ideas will be challenged and if you are open you can learn much. Highly recommend. I have listened to every episode sometimes twice.
  • loved it!

    5
    By SamFan101
    Sam is one of the few authors who I can't get enough of.
  • Challenges your thinking

    5
    By Vikinfan1971
    Could not recommend more! Sam will make you second guess many presumptions you have. I am sure if you are a person who can be persuaded by reason you will enjoy this podcast!
  • Must read

    5
    By Nonozera01
    Sam Harris is a fascinating person with the ability to write in easy fashion complicate subjects.
  • Conversation with Sam

    5
    By Mickelek
    Just listened to ask me anything #3. I love these because he answers questions from friend or foe. Most questions are extremely interesting and go into more detail of his thoughts. I'm a big fan of his discussions and conversation because he expresses himself so well and you can hear where the honesty lives and dies. He's willing to navigate endlessly till he gets to the truth. His feelings on Hilary Clinton are exactly how I feel though he expresses it so much better than my own thoughts could organize. Thanks. Looking forward to the meditation app.