The End of Your World Paperback – June 1, 2010

Thank you Adyashanti, and Publisher Tami Simon from Sounds True. I've found many books of information on how to get there, but only one or two, on what to do once one arrives.During what turned out to be a lifelong search for my true Self, I began a formal study of shamanism in 2004 with Alberto Villoldo. I finished this study in 2006 and experienced a non-abiding awakening in May of 2007. I use the word awakening for want of a better word. By the end of that summer, the awakening and the deep joy I experienced began to slowly disappear until it had dried up like an old river bed. The experience was profound and I felt that there would be a time in the future, when I might be able to re-experience it. Re-experience what? That became the question, as I had no idea what had happened to me in the first place. During that time, I seemed to understand myself and the world around me with a new clarity that contained none of the misery or confusion I saw in those around me. A deep state of joy, peace, contentment and an almost strange silence permeated the experience.In December of 2013, I discovered Advaita Vedanta and began to study non-duality. The first book I purchased was I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. At some point, and along with more than 60 other books and videos, I purchased this book by Adyashanti. Shaman are taught to avoid any collusion with those we work with, so in an effort to avoid any collusion between my experience and experiences recounted in this book, I put it on the bookshelf without even opening it. I intended to use it as a guidebook, just in case I was able to re-experience the awakened state again. On April 13th, after spending three days of almost nonstop study of books, audios and videos, something shifted, and I was awake again.I immediately began to experience a deeply disconcerting feeling of disorientation. I remembered that I had this book, and opened it to the table of contents. There it was on page 15, an entire chapter on the disorientation associated with awakening, and how to best deal with it. A feeling of relief and comfort came over me as I fully read the table of contents. I held in my hands the one thing I didn't have the first time around. A guidebook to that which cannot be fully described.The information in this book isn't only for people who find themselves operation from, or close to some type of awakened state, but also for anyone who's making an effort to experience this state of self realization. The book deals extensively with how to remain in the awakened state. It appears that once you re-enter this original state of being, the seeking may be over, but there is still a lot to understand, and plenty of work to do in order to maintain the state. I believe most of the things one needs to tend to, are the exact things one needs to focus on to experience whatever this is in the first place. This book is a wonderful resource and provides many deep insights into having a normal life, while operating in this most natural of states, while avoiding the many pitfalls that might hamper your forward momentum into this new beginning. I say new beginning because I believe this to be the beginning of an expansion, not the end product.To the hardcore non-dualists who read this review. I get it, honestly I do. There is no here or there, up or down, us or them and nothing really exists in the first place. To those who don't get this book and have been hypercritical of it, I'm sure it reads very differently depending on how conscious you are, what your previous conditioning is and what kind of agenda you hold to. I don't believe majoring in the minor is a path that leads anywhere other than to a lifetime of disappointment, as the act itself is probably an indication of great resistance.To those who see the importance of this book, keep plugging away. Go to Buddha at the Gaspump and watch interviews. Read Ramana Maharshi, Robert Wolfe, Eckhart Tolle, Jean Klein, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Atmananda Krishna Menon and Francis Lucille and more Adyashanti. There are many great contemporary teachers of non-duality. Commit yourself to knowing the "truth" of who and what you are, and don't stop. Reading anything of this nature with a totally open mind will always pay off. The concept of "Awareness watching Awareness" was a huge key for me, along with watching James Swartz explain that "there is no joy in the object", Robert Wolfe talking about dismissing the practice and Natalie Gray on YouTube talking about "Nondual Awareness, Nothing Changes".Thank you to all the teachers.

I read and review a lot of spiritual books, and I haven't found anything else out there quite like this. But it isn't for everyone. Here's how Adyashanti himself explains the audience for this book in the introduction:"In the beginning of my teaching work, most of the people who came to me were seeking...deeper realizations of spirituality. They were seeking to wake up from the limiting and isolated senses of self they had imagined themselves to be...But as time has passed, more and more people are coming to me who have already had glimpses of this greater reality. It is because of them that I am giving the teachings in this book."This isn't a spiritual 'how-to' book. You won't find 'techniques' for waking up. But you will find honest talk from an experienced teacher on the traps and pitfalls that can sometimes arise. And the transmission of the book is a very direct sword-like cut through those traps.I admit to being somewhat baffled by comments in and attached to some of the other reviews here that seem to have found this book smug or judgmental. I didn't think it came across that way at all. Mostly Adyashanti is sharing difficult experiences from his own path. Based on this book, he would be the first to say that the spiritual process unfolds differently for each person. The material here either resonates with you or it doesn't, and if it does, it will be tremendously helpful.I do think this book will be the most accessible and helpful to those studying on paths similar to those Adyshanti himself is usually associated with - Zen Buddhism/non-duality/Advaita/Vedanta (although he himself warns against viewing his teachings as part of any 'ism'.)Also, don't miss the interview at the end by publisher Tami Simon (who in fact instigated this book in the first place.) I thought it was one of the best parts of the book.

Accidentally finding this book at a friend’s when I was in the midst of the strangest spiritual experience of my life was life-changing and I don’t know where I’d be without it. I had no idea how to process the strange change in perception I was experiencing, let alone even try to explain to anybody else what was going on, so I began to isolate myself in search of more clarity. For the first time ever, I spent Christmas alone and house sat for a friend while she was away to get a change of scenery. It was not an accident that I found this book! Adyashanti, whom I’ve never heard of prior, was the only person who could make sense of the most magical, terrifying, and life altering time in my life. He made me feel less alone in my spiritual journey, and was able to explain why my “enlightenment” made me more depressed and cynical than anything... quite the opposite of what I’d always thought it would be like. Normally I’m a happy, social yogi/ athlete touting the benefits of meditation and a healthy lifestyle. My big spiritual “bang” left me confused, sad, antisocial, angry... this helped clarify those feelings and allowed me to process them without judgment or fear. I’m happy to report I came out the other end with a much healthier mindset and ability to live peacefully again unafraid to share my experience with those who could benefit, but mostly be ok with keeping it to myself and not push my beliefs and lessons on those who need to experience it for themself first 🙏🏻 Do not buy this book if you’re trying to reach a “state of enlightenment” - you won’t be able to fully understand or appreciate its contents. This is not for the ego driven, and not your typical spirituality book. It is REAL, and intended for those who have truly reached the pinnacle of their spiritual journey. I bought a copy of my own to always have close by for reference. Thank you Adyashanti!

The title describes this book. I learned so much. Simple language and straight forward information. I am so grateful for Adyashanti and all of his books.

I love this book. Adyashanti went through the whole process of awakening so he can well explain what is going on. When I am reading it, I can relate to it nicely which is helpful for not to start thinking something went wrong or something is as it should not be. :)

I just love how clear and with humor Adyashanti is talking about enlightenment. Very often, while reading, I had to put the book away and basically go on a journey where his words would point me to.

Este es un libro que resulta de ayuda para quienes están en un proceso espiritual intenso y necesitan explorar la idea védica del "quién soy", resignificar el mundo, entender las realidades y sentir consuelo en el tránsito que se vive tras el despertar. La forma en que se explica es sencilla, concreta y bella. Para quienes aún están en la búsqueda podría resultar críptico o poco claro.

A beautiful, honest, loving approach to the deepest existential questions. A truly enjoyable read from beginning to end, highlighting the subject of non duality, and the reintegration into life as an awakened being.Avoids both the trap of overt nihilism, and "bliss bunny" style seeking, and puts forward enlightened honesty in a style that captivates the reader. Thank-you Adya!

Un livre très pragmatique dans la Spiritualité, c'est pas forcément très courant. Pourtant ce livre d'Adyashanti l'est, lui, il casse les codes et nous apporte une vision beaucoup plus objective de la Spiritualité : on ne médite pas pour se sentir bien, la Spiritualité positive n'existe pas.... le chemin vers l'illumination est parsemé d'enbuches, de souffrance et de dismantelement de l'ego, qui lui, essaye tant bien que mal, de résister à cette nouvelle dimension dans laquelle notre essence profonde, notre être infinit (dans l'espace temps) se trouve. Il explique très bien que la bataille intérieure entre la conscience supérieure et le sens du moi, l'ego plein d'attachement et d'émotions, fait rage, et que se détacher de sa pensée est un véritable chemin de vie, au détriment d'être un conte de fées pour enfant...Je le conseille vivement....