Waking Up by Sam Harris

Waking Up is a guide to spirituality without religion, written by philosopher and author Sam Harris. The book explores the nature of consciousness, meditation, and the role of spirituality in our lives. Harris rejects the idea that spirituality and rationality are mutually exclusive, and instead offers a rational approach to spirituality that does not involve religion.

The book is divided into five chapters, covering topics such as spirituality, consciousness, the self, meditation, and other puzzles. Harris argues that our conventional sense of self is an illusion, and that positive emotions like compassion and patience can be taught as skills. He also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and meditation in achieving spiritual growth.

Some of the main themes of the book include the relationship between spirituality and science, the nature of consciousness, and the importance of mindfulness and meditation. Harris also discusses the role of psychedelics, gurus, and death in spiritual experiences.

Useful takeaways from the book include the importance of finding a teacher or spiritual community to guide you on your journey, the need to overcome your conventional self to grow spiritually, and the value of acknowledging pain and negative events while actively seeking solutions. Additionally, Harris emphasizes the importance of training your mind and paying attention to the present moment to improve the quality of your life.

Overall, Waking Up is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of spirituality and consciousness, offering a unique perspective on these topics from a rational and secular point of view.

What I Liked

The book was alright.

What I Did Not Like

It’s a bit repetitive.

Waking Up by Sam Harris

$10.89

Waking Up by Sam Harris is all about exploring spirituality without the trappings of religion. Harris dives into consciousness, meditation, and how spirituality can coexist with rational thought. I appreciated his take on the self as an illusion and how positive emotions can be learned. The book covers a range of themes, including mindfulness and the role of psychedelics in spiritual journeys. However, I found it a bit repetitive at times. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on spirituality, even if it didn’t completely blow me away.

Pros:

• Offers a rational approach to spirituality without religion
• Explores the nature of consciousness and meditation
• Provides useful takeaways for spiritual growth

Cons:

• It's a bit repetitive.

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01/21/2025 09:47 pm GMT