Rating: 
Summary: Choose how your life will be!
Review: In my first review, I focused more on Gary Zukav's interviews on Oprah and how his words caused me to react. Now I would like to dive into his book and explain what he believes and give a summary so you can decide if this is a book you want to read for yourself. There are places in this book where you will completely understand the value of truth and will comprehend Gary Zukav's words. There are other times when you feel you mind spiraling out to a place you have never been, because these are the areas you may be unfamiliar with or they may go against your own religious beliefs. There are two view points. We are either created by God and he gives us a soul and then allows us to make our own decisions, or as Gary seems to believe, we came from an evolutionary process somewhere in the universe. Whatever your belief system, you will agree that we have five senses: touch, smell, taste, hearing and sight. He explains how these senses make us a "five-sensory" individual. Those who have learned there is more to life than physical sensations have become a "multisensory" human. These Multisensory individuals are those who have realized that our souls are on an eternal journey and speak to our own souls by awakening within us a recognition of the truth. He believes it is time for us to answer the question: "Is there a God or a Divine Intelligence?" His book is about "authentic empowerment" and he explains this as a person who is strong enough not to even want to use force against another person. Could this be another way of saying "peace in the world?" He discusses Karma, evolution, reincarnation, evil, joy, intuition, thought, choice, addiction, relationships, psychology, illusion, power and trust. I agree that an angry person will respond to his life with anger and cause more problems than a reverent person who deals with his problems by showing love and understanding. To learn lessons in life and move from one stage of existence to the other seems to me to be his message. This is a deep, thought-provoking book, and like a scientific formula, it is hard to understand at first. My basic disagreements would be that I don't believe we evolved, but were created...I don't believe we come back to life as souls to live again in human form and I don't believe that we can at all times fight evil with only our minds because there are others who will not or cannot control their own evil impulses. He uses the word evolving throughout the book. This to me is "learning." I do believe we create our own situations to a point. His deep concepts are explained with enjoyable stories one can relate to. To me this is a book that shows us where we are as a human race and gives a sense of hope by saying: "We can all make the world a better place by making a conscious choice to make it that way, so let's try." If we could all learn to love and as he says: "choose the most positive behavior for each moment," we may just be able to gain the authentic power he talks about. To me, we can obtain this power through God because God is love.
Rating: 
Summary: ...a pleasure to have made its acquaintance...
Review: Zukav is a great writer who has the knack for making complex ideas simple. I, like many reviewers, first read his science writing. In fact, "The Dancing Wu-Li Masters" was my first intro to quantum theory, which shook my Newtonian worldview. Then, armed with the ideas, I met the math in college physics, and trembled! The "Seat of the Soul" is a lot like its predecessor. It takes complex ideas, and presents them in a way we can all understand. The crux of Zukav's spiritual message is if you want to change your life, change your mind. Tune into channel WGOD, so to speak. "Seat" is a simple wisdom book. It is general, and can be applied to whatever particular spiritual tradition you use, be it Zen, Christianity or Wicca. It does not go into classifications of Divas and Angels and rituals Etc., like so many New Age books do. Its value is its simple, straightforward presentation of the ideas. This directness is a hallmark of good writing. I think that many of the critics here are confused by the style. Since it is so direct, it comes across as didactic to some. It seems that Zukav rewrote the piece to death, since clear communication was his goal. My evidence: so many direct verbs, and barely a passive verb in sight. In fact, the text is as terse and to the point as a business communication is supposed to be. I suggest some of the critics who were put off by the author's "absolutism" reread the book with this in mind, since I find the ideas open-ended. Having examined my life through Zukav's prism, and applied his ideas to better myself, I find his philosophy quite sound. You do get what you expect. Amazing. I do have problems, however, with the lack of sources. Some of the ideas clearly came from the Vedic scripture, some from Taoist teachings, others from Judeo-Christian-Islamic sources, and some from Jung. It would do most readers a world of good to see that Zukav, indeed the entire New Age movement, is merely translating ancient religions' mystical understandings into an easily accessible form. I am also not 100% sold on reincarnation, but am willing to keep an open mind. These failings aside, this is a wonderful book, loaded with insight. It has been a pleasure to have made its acquaintance.
Rating: 
Summary: A big disappointment after Wu Li
Review: I recommend Zukav's first book, the Wu Li Dancing Masters on my website. I was eagerly looking forward to a continuation. I expected it to be about what we have learned about the soul and consciousness. Instead, he concocted an ecumenical soup of new age beliefs from astrology to reincarnation and wove it into an elaborate metaphysic, fluffed up with abstract words like "negativity", "learning" and "frequency". It is a merangue -- no substance, no backing, no examples, no reasons for why anything he conjectures is true, and no way to apply it practically. It reads like a channeled hynotic trance induction. It sounds good but says little. He explains that you should not think it unfair to see someone homeless and that humans are superior to dolphins even in a soul sense. This is a self-indulgent book, where Mr. Zukav treats his every intuition as divine revelation.
Rating:
Summary: Nice but not provocative or revolutionary
Review: When I first read this book a year ago I found it entertaining more than enlightening- though it does offer many enlightening ideas. That bothered me- particularly when the public's reaction seemed to be otherwise. The cause is simple: It deeply troubles me at how ignorant our modern Western/American culture still remains to its own spiritual traditions, let alone to those of the East in Buddhism and Hinduism. These are the actual source of the overwhelming majority of both his direct insights and his indirect interpretation of them via psychological and quantum physics analogies. In the preface of his book he mentions how great thinkers like Einstein searched for meaning in the universe beyond what the path of their professional methodologies would provide, and found it when seeking beyond them. He hesitates however, and in the end really neglects, to discuss where those searches brought them. Seeing Oprah fall all over him like he was a cross between Jesus and Ricky Martin when he first was hailed by her, was equally distressing to me for the same reasons, only writ large. Realistically speaking, it takes a stereotypically American born, superpower arrogance to accept his ideas as either revolutionary, or transcending the doctrines of any psychological/spiritual paradigm in existence before them. Gore Vidal's nickname for our country is the USA- "United States of Amnesia", and Zukav's writing style, along with a lot of the public acclaim, seems to confirm that culturally identifying illness as still being true. The reality is, with our booming internet economy and Pentagon, we don't need a familiarity with ancient philosophies or even a relationship with our own foundational cultural traditions to maintain hegemony over the rest of the world. That is, for better AND worse (even with that pesky China), a fact proven every day. Therefore, history in general and what it can teach us- religious/philosophical history or otherwise- is still rendered trivia, unless it is in the form of near tabloid biography, making it marketable. Even then it is quickly forgotten before it is even digested. The sublime truth in the truism, "everything old is new again" when regarding New Age ideas vs. ancient metaphysical/gnostic religious text, ruthlessly chips away at our modern illusions and pretensions regarding "the NEW", and our status as First, Best and Number One- the foundation of so much of our material and psychological lives. That sublime truth, as opposed to Gary's book, demands a humility that we as Americans no longer understand, in order for us to embrace our true selves as universal, spiritual beings. I say "that, as opposed to Gary's book," because one would swear he woke up one morning and thought up all of this in a vaccuum after reading it. If you find yourself caught up in the paradigm of hubris leading to ignorance leading to ego worship leading to confusion and fear, effectively shutting you off from a healthy relationship with yourself, others, and any other window to truth in this world- as we all do at some point (hell, I bought the book and read it myself for a reason), then make no mistake, regardless of what I said above you will get a great deal out of this book. (Momentarily.) What he has to say is wonderful, and, his interpretation of ancient philosophical and religious text is also illuminating, as if it were directly translated into today's everyday language in it's best passages. But, as he simply refuses to make clear or even casually refer to where much of it comes from, as if the knowledge gave birth to itself and has no parents, it ironically feeds on the very problem it is supposed to help you conquer in the first place. I am sure many have read this and come to the conclusion that, since he has "figured it out", they are even less dependent on their Judeo-Christian heritage and even more superior to their Hindu or Budhhist brother who continues to pray or meditate in the old fashioned way, and has yet to make the New York Times bestseller list. Thus the arrogance, and the corresponding myopia of the ego obstructing the true vision of the Soul-Self remains firmly intact, long before Oprah cuts to a commercial. That, I believe, is what actually lies at the center of so many people in spiritual pain; the very paradigm of thought and living that his marketable way of sharing the truth empowers. Zukav "discovers" the seat of the soul in much the same way Columbus "discovered" America (or Elvis "invented" rock and roll). Whether you're an already there "Indian" who has been living in this world of spiritual humility, or a skeptic who still thinks the inner world is flat (or a publishing version of Queen Isabella who has much to gain materially from these kinds of voyages) the literary and psychological medium Gary Zukav chose to convey his ideas- one of true, well meaning benevolence, but undistinguished cultural arrogance, I believe- is really the message of the book. And just like Chinese take-out, though you'll feel good and happy and full when you finish it, it won't keep you satisfied or help you know God days, months and years afterward as well as you might expect. Gary Zukav reinvents the wheel very nicely in this book. It's just a pity that so many people seem not to realize that that is what he's done. This book will be of great service to people if it succeeds in whetting the appetite for all who read it, and compels them to reread the Old and New Testaments, the Gnostic gospels /Nag Hammadi Library, the Egyptian and Tibetan Books of the Dead, the Gita and so on, with new eyes and open hearts and minds. SEAT OF THE SOUL is another example of that one fish that can feed a man's soul for a day, where the world's ancient religious texts will help teach you how to fish, and feed yourself for a lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: Simple and Concise Statement of Spiritual Fact
Review: Gary Zukav covers a lot of ground with these simple, straightforward, divinely inspired chapters. The book builds on itself, exploring concentric rings of spiritual concepts and truisms which ring with authenticity. Those who don't understand what Zukav is talking about aren't ready to understand. Those of us who do understand, have probably read at least 50 other books on spiritual growth and basic spiritual/energetic principals. Reincarnation, karma, our relationships with our higher selves, how we choose our lives and the lessons we learn, it's all there. Yes, this book is to be categorized under the large umbrella of "New Age", but it is also in a category of its own. It is a plain-worded, simple, channeled, intuitive statement of bare spiritual fact. This is an excellent book for anyone who seeks clarity about the basics of why we bring ourselves to this planet to learn about emotion, cooperative living, and to explore our love of drama. Everything about our existence makes sense in light of these basic principles. Zukav does an excellent job of laying them out so that anyone can understand them.
Rating:
Summary: Good stuff
Review: This is a good book. Zukav is either psychic or he's read lots of books. I suspect it's the latter. 'Seat of the Soul' shows how humanity is evolving (growing) toward increasing states of enlightenment. We are presently at the threshold of moving from "five-sensory humans" (Zukav's words), to "spiritually enlightened dudes" (my words). It's exciting to come spiritually of age.
Rating:
Summary: Change Your Life by Opening Up to ALL of Your Senses
Review: Gary Zukav brings us all a gift in first acknowledging, and then honoring our six senses, and our souls indestructible wisdom that we have in order to grow into our highest selves possible.
For some who just believe only in what is in front of their eyes, this book will help you learn that there is more to you than just what meets the eye. Zukav clearly explains "multisensory" abilities, and that is simply using all six of your senses, as opposed to limiting yourself to just five. You have gut instincts: That IS your sixth sense. When you open up to your heart, and what is the deepest truth in your soul, you will find that you are clearer with respect to the concerns on your mind. You will be more open to your intuition, and the profoundly accurate wisdom you are connected to. Zukav is trying to help humanity understand that we are an evolving species. We are spiritual beings living a physical life. Your souls wisdom is FAR greater than simply intellectual data. It contains every experience you have ever had, from every life you have ever lived, whether you believe in reincarnation or not does not matter. What does matter is that you more are open to what your heart and soul came into this life to express, and that can only come from moving into your heart, where all truth resides, and bringing that wisdom forth in your life by BEING your highest self. This requires tremendous courage, and the rewards for all are profound. We are a spiritually evolving species. This wonderful book will help you understand more about HOW we are evolving, and why it is so important to grow and contribute from your heart. Highly recommended for all who truly want to soar in life! Barbara Rose, author of, 'Individual Power' and 'If God Was Like Man'
Rating:
Summary: True Soul Enlightenment & Inspiration
Review: When I first received this book as a gift, I wasn't sure what to think. After reading it, I realized that getting it was the greatest gift I've ever gotten. The book is amazing. It inspires me to reach for something higher, to live better, and to get the most out of the journey of life. I go back to this book often and have read it many times. It truly brought me to a better understanding of my soul and my life. Even if you are skeptical or don't believe in all the book discusses, there will be something that will change the way you look at life.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Reverent ,Book
Review: I totally disagree with the reviewer who claims Zukav's book is symptomatic of Western arrogance. It is obvious to me where Zukav is coming from. He nowhere is being pretentious, or reinventing the wheel. He is simply bringing to bear his insights from his studies in science on the more ancient esoteric spiritul teachings. The fact that he uses terms such as Karma bear witness to his indebtedness to past wisdom. He frequently mentions our precursors in wisdom, such as, Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Ghandi etc. His presentation is to be applauded because it simplifies and jettisons cultural and, mythological baggage and distills this wisdom into clear, straight talk that is deceptively simple. If you read this book with an open mind and heart it cannot help but touch you and aid you on your path, whatever that path may be. Who cares about how Oprah received Zucav? -the point is how do you receive his kind efforts, which are genuine and altruistic. This other reviewer's complaints are entirely judgemental and symptomatic of the very limitations of normal five-sensory consciousness that Zuckav is addressing . I have a feeling this judgemental orientation is what this reviewer needs to look at, and is itself the barrier that occludes his/her own ability to gently consider this very helpful tome. These complaints seem to me a huge missing of the mark. Read this book and benefit! It provides much nourishment and clarity with regards to a subject that is often hoplessly too muddled. Clarity leads to power!!
Rating: 
Summary: It's now in a trash can in New Orleans airport.
Review: Fortunately, I had purchased the book second-hand for less than a dollar. Handwritten notes in the margins, highlighted passages, filled every page of the first chapter and a half. And then they ceased abruptly. Either the previous owner dropped dead, or woke up to the fact that this book is like McBeth's view of life -- "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing". I brought the book to the airport to occupy the time (and hopefully, gain some insight) while waiting for friends. As said above, I finally could take no more of Mr. Zukav's lofty drivel, and tossed it.
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