The Christ Consciousness

Rating:
Summary: holistic consciousness
Review: If you are familiar with the holistic concept of health, then you know that it recognizes that all of the systems of the body must be in balance in order for the whole to work properly, that each part of the whole is connected in some way with every other part. A holistic approach to life leads us to the unavoidable conclusion that there is a oneness between the cells of our bodies, between the people who inhabit a city, between the planets and stars that inhabit the universe. What if this oneness could actually be experienced? What if it could actually be seen and felt? Imagine how differently people would treat each other if they realized that we are all part of one being? That what we do to another we are actually doing to ourselves?
I found Christ Consciousness, by Norman Paulsen, to be a wonderful book that shows us that within each one of us exists the ability to establish communication with and to experience the brilliance of an inner light, and our oneness, through this light, with all of creation.
Norman reveals the subtle nature of consciousness, as he unfolds his own journey and the evolution of Christ Consciousness that has taken place within him. Norman's search for God led him to Paramhansa Yogananda. As related in this book, his autobiography, his continued efforts produced a face to face meeting with that Being of Light called I Am That I Am, Christ. Norman was ordained by Yogananda to teach others how to experience this most wonderful meeting, and how to begin to be able to have direct communication with this Being of Light, our Creator.
If there is actually a way to establish communication (communion) with God, and realize our inherent oneness with all of the wonderful images of light and sound that dance around us, everyone and everything, who would not wish to accomplish it? Norman Paulsen's writings offer us the opportunity to become aware of the sacred forces that enable us to live from one moment to the next, and to see how to balance these forces within ourselves and within others. Paulsen shows us a glimpse of how different life could be: illness being treated by working with the underlying cosmic forces of life, buildings being built in accordance with sacred geometry, people being conscious of the connection between themselves and the earth, plants, minerals, and animals. When people realize the essential oneness of all created images, everyone will approach life in a holistic manner.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for guidance in the search for God and the understanding of the creation that surrounds us. This book is such an inspiration because it gives us all hope ... the hope that we can accomplish what Norman did ... the hope that we can find out for ourselves, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that there really is a God ... and that He is very much alive and wanting to be involved in our lives.

Rating:
Summary: story of my life
Review: this book is about fearlesness, which is the number one rule, i chose to be here at this time, fighting everyday wearing my armour of wisdom. i have yet to find one true warrior in the ranks of this earth. a great warrior in deed was yogananda a great warrior, he was fearless, it seems some of the diciples of today are still frightened and scared, trying to convince themselves of his teachings, norman, aspra per aspra. bring it on!

Rating:
Summary: What A Blessing!
Review: This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. This book is a “must read” for anyone having chosen a conscious spiritual path and who has ever had experiences they could not explain or thought just too far out to be real. As one who taught meditation and other spiritual practices for sometime, I can tell you with confidence that aside from Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”, nowhere else do I know of a personal account of spiritual awakening so revealing, rich, and honest. Incredibly affirming, so many of Mr. Paulsen’s experiences mirror my own -- but especially attunement to the distinctive, tranquil, inner voice -- his guiding light since birth.

In this biography, Mr. Paulsen relates his innermost spiritual experiences and adventures in a most candid and sometimes child-like way (most refreshing!) that is quite engaging and easy to read. Many spiritual biographies I have read were a bit hard to follow; either too cerebral, ungrounded, or offered in poetic and even nebulous terms leaving the reader to fill in the gaps. However, Mr. Paulsen’s account is presented in straightforward language and lends credence to the experiences each one of us may yet be destined to have or have had along the spiritual path. Most importantly, his account leaves the reader with a greater sense of oneness; offering many examples to any longer wonder at the reality of your soulful encounters. This book also contains an abundance of wonderful photographs and excellent sketches that richly illustrate his encounters that bring to life his journey in a most incredible way.

Spiritual seekers have long questioned the validity and value of their epiphanies, the purpose of their dark nights, and the meaning of their illuminations; as well as doubted the sanity of their thoughts about these on an interior level. Look no further: Mr. Paulsen covers all the bases, and then some! Once began, you won’t want this book to end. I can only hope Mr. Paulsen will choose to write a sequel since I understand he is still teaching, alive, and well.

Read this book with the open heart of a child and I dare say you shall be transformed. A true blessing for all of us!