Rating: 
Summary: insipid waste of money
Review: It's not that the ideas espoused in the book are dangerous or bad. It's just that they are presented in the most banal, humorless, grating fashion under the guise of a poorly-developed adventure novel. I worry about the fact that millions of people have paid full price for a book that is written on an eighth grade level and contains only the most anemic attempts at philosophy. As if that weren't bad enough, people seem to be buying the sequel and the various handbooks with equal enthusiasm (and probably the astrology charts advertised at the end of the book). Even for people who, like me, have given up on Christianity, this book is not the answer.
Rating:
Summary: Can we say marketing?
Review: James Redfield has figured out yet another way to scam out money from would-be believers! If you're reading this, don't buy this book! I know that Amazon wants to generate sales and everything, so I'll suggest some alternatives. Why not browse some of the more classic works of philosophy instead of wasting your time on some obscure man's generlizations. Please do not contribute to his lost meaning.
Rating: 
Summary: A must for those on a path of energetic spiritual growth!
Review: James Redfield wrote a novel, a story, to entertain and enlighten those who are ready to see and hear. I had many unanswered questions concerning my spirituality and purpose, some have been answered by the Nine Insights. I think this is a must read book for any who are seeking to reunite with their higher selves and the energy of the planet, seeking something that religeon does not satisfy. Even though this is a fiction story, it offers real practical methods by which we can evolve to the next level. The story itself asks us to suspend disbelief for a while in order to get the point of the story, which is a singular truth about spiritual evolution. It just gains more acceptance by being protrayed as "Fantasy"....
Rating:
Summary: Awesomely odd
Review: Recommended to me by a good friend who could see I was suffering after personal crisis. It has helped me a great deal and for those of you who lack spiritual direction it may help guide you. Since reading the book, too many coincidences have happened to be just conincidences. I was not impressed by the quality of the storyline but the overall content was OK. A fascinating read with many implications. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Has to be read in a non intellectual way
Review: The author really went to Peru?
I am from peru an many things he mentiones does not relate to Peru
Rating: 
Summary: Carry the wonder of The Celestine Prophecy with you.
Review: The Celestine Prophecy continues to cause a worldwide sensation. Its nine insights into the spiritual awakening of the human race, our purpose on this planet, and life itself have taken the world by storm. With this beautifully designed pocket-sized guide, readers can reflect on James Redfield's philosophies whenever and wherever they like
Rating:
Summary: You Know A Good Book When It Sparks So Much Controversy!
Review: The Celestine Prophecy,on a personal level,was the beginning of a spiritual epiphany so desperately needed for me . It is "FICTION," therefore people should "NOT" call it blasphemous, & become so defensive, but pay attention to the authors note & description of his writings (where he clarifies this). Try to open your minds wide enough to explore other possibilities, there's nothing to fear, it's totally benign. James Redfield's books refer to spirituality/religion, but I think they're more about a void or a yearning for,an awakening,or a "shift" in consciousness in today's fast paced society. Admittedly & literally, they're fiction, but I've never read another author who can artfully put his subject matter on the cusp of fiction/non-fiction as well as James Redfield (I could envision this concept & story as being as much a reality as any other religous philosophy),so that's probably why people get upset & give negative reviews, but it's an art form, a writer's true gift to be able to master this technique. Redfield creatively articulates elements of adventure, mystery, fantasy, amazing accounts of history in an era when the church had the power that governments presently have,the horrors of our fellow man's potential for cruelty (just as Jesus Christ was persecuted because he was different in Biblical times) , pure poetry, the age old art of story telling , amazing travels, & the benefits of writing journels to document personal & important historical events. James Redfield has become one of my favorite authors, the type that once you pick up his book,it's hard to put it down as there's always some profound revelation going down or action in play.. I've read the following sequels. in succession as they are : 1st)-1993 The Celestine Prophecy An Adventure 2nd)-1996 The Tenth Insight Holding the Vision 3rd)-1997 The Celestine Vision Living the New Spiritual Awareness 4th)-1999 The Secret Of Shambhala In Search of the Eleventh InsightRedfield artfully & articulately spins an intriguing & captivating "yarn" that originates with the disappearance of an ancient Peruvian manuscript that very few Westerners know of it's existence, yet a fearful government wants to suppress it (which we typically hear stories of this type of happenings in today's times). This manuscript is comprised of nine "insights" that for me personally, turn out to bear an uncanny accuracy of what "I" believe is actually occurring in today's society where we watch religous denominations put one another down & witness hypocrisy at it's finest! We are now living in an era of true spiritual restlessness, an awakening (ironically, like being described in the fictional manuscripts which are based on the simplest of theories, coincidence,intuition, synchronicity. In my opinion,this fictional theory has the potential to make as much sense as the Bible or any other religious philosophy. In any event, it makes for an awesome adventure & when the dust settles at the end of each book, it leaves the reader spiritually provoked by profound questions of thought! *Here's a synopsis of 9 of the "insights content," but as the titles reveal, they go on to discover 2 more (insights). #1.) Feeling restless? You're not alone: Everybody's starting to look for more meaning in life. Start paying closer attention to those seemingly "Chance Coincidences" - strange occurrences that feel like they were meant to happen. They are actually synchronistic events, and following them will start you on your path to spiritual truth. #2.) Observe our culture within its proper historical context. The first half of the past millennium was spent under the thumb of the church; in the second half we became preoccupied with material comfort. Now, at the end of the twentieth century, we've exhausted that preoccupation. We're ready to discover life's ultimate purpose. #3.) Start to get acquainted with the subtle energy that infuses all things. With practice, you can learn to see the aura around any living being and to project your own energy around it to give it strength. #4.) An unconscious competition for energy underlies all conflicts. By dominating or manipulating others, we get the extra energy we think we need. Sure, it feels good - but both parties are damaged in the conflict. #5.) The key to overcoming conflict in the world is the mystical experience, which is available to everyone. To nurture the mystical and build your energy, allow yourself to be filled with a sense of love. #6.) Childhood traumas block our ability to fully experience the mystical. All humans, because of their upbringing, tend toward one of four "control dramas": Intimidators steal energy from others by threat. Interrogators steal it by judging and questioning. Aloof people attract attention (and energy) to themselves by playing coy. And Poor me's make us feel guilty and responsible for them. Become aware of the family dynamics that created your control drama and you can focus on your essential question, which is how to make of your life a higher- level synthesis of your parents' lives. #7.) Once cleared of traumas, you can build energy through contemplation and meditation, focus on you basic life question, and start riding a steady stream of intuitions, dreams, and synchronistic coincidences, all guiding you in the direction of your own evolution and transformation. #8.) That evolution can't be done alone, so begin to practice the new "Interpersonal Ethic" by uplifting those who cross your path. Talk to people who make spontaneous eye contact with you. Avoid codependent relationships. Be there for people. Call attention to other people's control dramas. In groups, speak when the spirit (instead of the ego) moves you. #9.) Our purpose here is to evolve beyond this plane. Fewer people (a result of reproductive abstinence) and more old-growth forests will help us to sustain our energy and accelerate our evolution. Technology will do most of our work for us. As we begin to value spiritual insight more and more, we will pay those who ..
Rating:
Summary: You Know A Good Book When It Sparks So Much Controversy!
Review: The Celestine Prophecy,on a personal level,was the beginning of a spiritual epiphany so desperately needed for me . It is "FICTION," therefore people should "NOT" call it blasphemous, & become so defensive, but pay attention to the authors note & description of his writings (where he clarifies this). Try to open your minds wide enough to explore other possibilities, there's nothing to fear, it's totally benign. James Redfield's books refer to spirituality/religion, but I think they're more about a void or a yearning for,an awakening,or a "shift" in consciousness in today's fast paced society. Admittedly & literally, they're fiction, but I've never read another author who can artfully put his subject matter on the cusp of fiction/non-fiction as well as James Redfield (I could envision this concept & story as being as much a reality as any other religous philosophy),so that's probably why people get upset & give negative reviews, but it's an art form, a writer's true gift to be able to master this technique. Redfield creatively articulates elements of adventure, mystery, fantasy, amazing accounts of history in an era when the church had the power that governments presently have,the horrors of our fellow man's potential for cruelty (just as Jesus Christ was persecuted because he was different in Biblical times) , pure poetry, the age old art of story telling , amazing travels, & the benefits of writing journels to document personal & important historical events. James Redfield has become one of my favorite authors, the type that once you pick up his book,it's hard to put it down as there's always some profound revelation going down or action in play.. I've read the following sequels. in succession as they are : 1st)-1993 The Celestine Prophecy An Adventure 2nd)-1996 The Tenth Insight Holding the Vision 3rd)-1997 The Celestine Vision Living the New Spiritual Awareness 4th)-1999 The Secret Of Shambhala In Search of the Eleventh Insight Redfield artfully & articulately spins an intriguing & captivating "yarn" that originates with the disappearance of an ancient Peruvian manuscript that very few Westerners know of it's existence, yet a fearful government wants to suppress it (which we typically hear stories of this type of happenings in today's times). This manuscript is comprised of nine "insights" that for me personally, turn out to bear an uncanny accuracy of what "I" believe is actually occurring in today's society where we watch religous denominations put one another down & witness hypocrisy at it's finest! We are now living in an era of true spiritual restlessness, an awakening (ironically, like being described in the fictional manuscripts which are based on the simplest of theories, coincidence,intuition, synchronicity. In my opinion,this fictional theory has the potential to make as much sense as the Bible or any other religious philosophy. In any event, it makes for an awesome adventure & when the dust settles at the end of each book, it leaves the reader spiritually provoked by profound questions of thought! *Here's a synopsis of 9 of the "insights content," but as the titles reveal, they go on to discover 2 more (insights). #1.) Feeling restless? You're not alone: Everybody's starting to look for more meaning in life. Start paying closer attention to those seemingly "Chance Coincidences" - strange occurrences that feel like they were meant to happen. They are actually synchronistic events, and following them will start you on your path to spiritual truth. #2.) Observe our culture within its proper historical context. The first half of the past millennium was spent under the thumb of the church; in the second half we became preoccupied with material comfort. Now, at the end of the twentieth century, we've exhausted that preoccupation. We're ready to discover life's ultimate purpose. #3.) Start to get acquainted with the subtle energy that infuses all things. With practice, you can learn to see the aura around any living being and to project your own energy around it to give it strength. #4.) An unconscious competition for energy underlies all conflicts. By dominating or manipulating others, we get the extra energy we think we need. Sure, it feels good - but both parties are damaged in the conflict. #5.) The key to overcoming conflict in the world is the mystical experience, which is available to everyone. To nurture the mystical and build your energy, allow yourself to be filled with a sense of love. #6.) Childhood traumas block our ability to fully experience the mystical. All humans, because of their upbringing, tend toward one of four "control dramas": Intimidators steal energy from others by threat. Interrogators steal it by judging and questioning. Aloof people attract attention (and energy) to themselves by playing coy. And Poor me's make us feel guilty and responsible for them. Become aware of the family dynamics that created your control drama and you can focus on your essential question, which is how to make of your life a higher- level synthesis of your parents' lives. #7.) Once cleared of traumas, you can build energy through contemplation and meditation, focus on you basic life question, and start riding a steady stream of intuitions, dreams, and synchronistic coincidences, all guiding you in the direction of your own evolution and transformation. #8.) That evolution can't be done alone, so begin to practice the new "Interpersonal Ethic" by uplifting those who cross your path. Talk to people who make spontaneous eye contact with you. Avoid codependent relationships. Be there for people. Call attention to other people's control dramas. In groups, speak when the spirit (instead of the ego) moves you. #9.) Our purpose here is to evolve beyond this plane. Fewer people (a result of reproductive abstinence) and more old-growth forests will help us to sustain our energy and accelerate our evolution. Technology will do most of our work for us. As we begin to value spiritual insight more and more, we will pay those who ..
Rating:
Summary: Worse than bad
Review: The Celestine Prophesy, James Redfield. A manuscript (Redfield uses a capital 'm') written in Aramaic 900 years ago and newly-discovered at a Peruvian archaeological dig, is suppressed by the Catholic Church via its control of the government. The tablet's nine "insights" are slowly revealed to the reader. This fiction was and is promoted with the subtle implication that the psycho-mystical occurrences in the story can be fact in our lives. Its words claim a godliness of purpose. Yet its inference is clearly focused on the self and is very denigrating of Christianity in general, and the Catholic Church in particular. It presents to those who have abandoned the major religions, that a "New Way" has come to put meaning & insight back into life: Visualization of nice material things gets them for you, meditation on human one-ness with the universe brings peace, and acceptance of any non-violent practice of life nurtures both the soul (a physical energy field) and a slowly self-perfecting society. On the last page, Mr. Redfield offers to interpret one's sun & moon sign for thirty bucks and solicits subscription to a New Age newsletter for another thirty. Most other reviews of this novel are quite negative. The reader loses the adventure fantasy because the author intrudes into the story with forced, instructive dialog and pedantic narration. This book is a historically-significant example of New Age literature and everyone should identify it first-hand for what it is. Mr. Redfield, realizing that P.T. Barnum was correct, hopes you'll buy his "enlightening" sequel, entitled The Tenth Insight (hardcover or paperback available). All CP believers who feel I've mean-spiritedly characterized them as gullible & misguided should recall the ancient insight: If the shoe fits... And yet, in compassion, it must be recognized that the search for insight is like the search for water in a vast green forest: You know water is there somewhere but could die of thirst searching on the wrong paths. Almost two thousand years ago a man, Who stands now always at your side, offered a path to water which quenches eternally. Drink and live
Rating:
Summary: The truth and nothing but
Review: This book has changed my life and many others as well. I truly believe that anyone who reads this book and lives the insights will live a happy life.
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