Lao-tzu on Desires
In this episode Enlightenment Today we will explore the desires of the eye and the desires of the belly that Lao-tzu mentions in the Tao Te Ching. The desires of the eye are the artificial needs created by society, which keep up chasing and hunting a life that is not ours and this in turn maddens our hearts, to use Lao-tzu’s words. These desires are insatiable and practically infinite. The desires of the belly are our basic needs, which are very simple. These desires of the belly are what nature gave you and they are quite modest needs. If our natural needs are quite modest than our starting off point to be a sane and healthy individual is oriented in the wrong direction. But if we reorient our lives towards the desires of the belly we will realize that human beings have a simple nature and are easily satisfied. We only mess with this simple nature when society creates artificial desires and as a result we want more than we naturally need. Recommended Reading Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy http://amzn.to/2EgVpTN Tao Te Ching (Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English translation) http://amzn.to/2z6w7V3 Tao Te Ching (Philip J. Ivanhoe translation) http://amzn.to/2iCs0tU Tao Te Ching (Stephen Mitchell translation) http://amzn.to/2hPV6IX I Ching http://amzn.to/2zWMSW7 Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2z6l0eU Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2zZGn2N
My Top 5 Books of 2017
My Top 5 Books of 2017 2017 was a rich year for books on spirituality, philosophy, psychology, and optimal performance. Too many to get through. But if you use your time wisely then there is more than enough time to at least consume and digest five books a year. I use to set lofty goals of always reading ten books a year, but as a writer that is not possible with my commitment to my work. But its still a target I aspire to reach every year because, even if you hit the 5-10 mark each year, it means you haven’t been wasting your time on things that don’t matter. Many of us these days waste most of our time on entertainment. We scour digital devices night and day for the next soundbite to entertain us. Reading, on the other hand, puts the power back in your hands and it demonstrates a loud and clear NO to becoming a distraction junkie. Reading the right books will build the foundational pillars in your life (or in your mind) to cultivate intelligence, harness creativity, and experience prolonged equanimity. Below are the best books I read in 2017 (not all are published in 2017). Genuine Pretending: On the Philosophy of Zhuangziby Hans-Georg Moeller and Paul D’Ambrosio Chinese philosophy (alongside Indian philosophy) is always my central focus because of my dedication to to delivering ancient Eastern thought for modern minds. And when it comes to the ancient Daoist (Taoist) sage Zhuangzi (Chuang-tzu) I’ll read anything about his philosophy. When people speak about Daoism they often look to Laozi (Lao-tzu) for its gems. But if you have not encountered the genius of Zhuangzi then it is hard to get a complete picture of the depth of Daoism. As soon as I laid my eyes on Genuine Pretending it was immediately on my hit list. And I can tell you that Hans-Georg Moeller and Paul D’Ambrosio did not disappoint. They explain how the classic Zhuangzi text is not a one dimensional text. A lot of people believe the text is either a book on metaphysics, spirituality, strategy, or politics. But the authors believe it is all of the above and much more, especially when we take seriously (or not seriously) the humor component of the text. Genuine Pretending goes into the science behind humor and what that has to do with the spiritual depth of the Zhuangzi text. They have a thorough study of sincerity and authenticity, and how that relates to Confucian thought and Zhuangzi. This book explains that even though Zhuangzi is criticizing Confucian thought somewhat, he is really poking fun at it because of the sincere people we are supposed to become through high moral values and ideals that Confucius believes we should live up to. Zhuangzi skillfully knows these high rationalistic goals are not possible. Zhuangzi explains that in trying to create sincere people we actually create the opposite. Most importantly they introduce the Genuine Pretender, the joker in the pack, which in their opinion is a state of being Zhuangzi recommends for us to be in if we want to be a healthy and sane individual and live in a healthy and sane world. “A genuine pretender develops a capacity to playfully and skillfully enact social personae by looking at things, including oneself, from a ‘zero perspective.’” The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practiceby Georg Feuerstein I’ve read a truckload of books on Yoga. Some have been done well and others struggle from a lack of understanding the philosophy of the great tradition. But there is no doubt that The Yoga Tradition is the best book on Yoga period. Georg Feuerstein is still one of the most underrated scholars on Yoga and Eastern thought out there. His understanding of classical Yoga is phenomenal. This book has often been referred to as the “Yoga phone book” for its size. But I will tell you this, you don’t want the book to end once you dive in deep. Feuerstein explores everything about the Yoga tradition to its nth degree. Actually, he covers a lot more than that. He also does a fantastic job in covering Vedanta and Samkhya philosophy. He takes you through the whole history of Hindu thought, not just Yoga. Be careful though, this book is the real deal. It is not about the Western version of Yoga that is a poor rip off of Hatha Yoga. This book explains what Yoga truly is and why it is important to follow the tradition and not its cheap imitations. As a writer, I find it inspiring to see the length Feuerstein went to produce a piece of work that will be around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. His scholarship is unmatched when it comes to Yoga. But it is his heart and wisdom that keep the fire of this rich tradition burning into the future. Thinking, Fast and Slowby Daniel Kahneman The relationship of psychology to spirituality, specifically Eastern thought, has been growing exponentially for decades. But I believe it is with the recent developments in cognitive science that a lot of explanations we are looking for in regards to spirituality and the nature of mind can be finally answered. My own work has also began to make the obvious connections between the Eastern philosophical traditions and cognitive science. You see this in two of my books, Fasting the Mind and Effortless Living, and also in a future unpublished book. And if you’re interested in understanding cognitive science thoroughly, then Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow is the perfect start, if not a complete picture thus far. Most importantly Kahneman thoroughly explains dual process theory, the two systems of cognition in our brain. These two systems are the key ingredient in understanding the workings of our mind and it is perfectly adapted to Eastern philosophy, which both make a complete science of mind. The Art of
Effortless Living Pre-order Free Giveaway
To celebrate the publication of my new book Effortless Living: Wu-Wei and the Spontaneous State of Natural Harmony this year Amazon and I will be holding outrageous deals on pre-ordering which will expire on the publication date of March 13, 2018. Amazon’s pre-order price guarantee will guarantee that you receive the lowest price from now until the book is published if you pre-order today. Also I will have four pre-order offers for you to choose from which all include a bunch of awesome stuff that you can share with others. These packages might be the perfect solution to a lot of headaches people have when trying to decide on gifts for others. Below you’ll see these four offers and bonuses for anyone who pre-orders the book now. If you believe there are people in your life that might benefit from or enjoy my new book then take advantage of this once off offer. MY OFFER TO YOU #1 – If you pre-order 5 copies of Effortless Living before March 13, you’ll receive: *A personally signed copy of my book Fasting the Mind delivered to your door. Click here to pre-order 5 copies, then email your receipt to jasongregory@hotmail.com.au with “Pre-order #1” in the subject. When you receive the books send a photo of you with the books to the above email or post it on my Facebook or Twitter and I will send your gift straight away (The photo is done just to make sure people actually receive the pre-orders and do not cancel their pre-order and receive my gift under false pretences). #2 – If you pre-order 10 copies of Effortless Living before March 13, you’ll receive: * A personally signed copy of my book Fasting the Mind delivered to your door. * A personally signed copy of my book Enlightenment Now delivered to your door. Click here to pre-order 10 copies, then email your receipt to jasongregory@hotmail.com.au with “Pre-order #2” in the subject. When you receive the books send a photo of you with the books to the above email or post it on my Facebook or Twitter and I will send your gift straight away (The photo is done just to make sure people actually receive the pre-orders and do not cancel their pre-order and receive my gift under false pretences). #3 – If you pre-order 20 copies of Effortless Living before March 13, you’ll receive: * A personally signed copy of my book Effortless Living delivered to your door. * A personally signed copy of my book Fasting the Mind delivered to your door. * A personally signed copy of my book Enlightenment Now delivered to your door. * A personally signed copy of my book The Science and Practice of Humility delivered to your door. *A 30 minute skype call with me to discuss my work and strategies that will help design a healthy lifestyle for you which will promote well-being, focus, mindfulness, and creativity that all contribute to authentic independency. This conversation is not set in stone and can be flexible based on your needs. Click here to pre-order 20 copies, then email your receipt to jasongregory@hotmail.com.au with “Pre-order #3” in the subject. When you receive the books send a photo of you with the books to the above email or post it on my Facebook or Twitter and I will send your gift straight away (The photo is done just to make sure people actually receive the pre-orders and do not cancel their pre-order and receive my gift under false pretences). #4- If you pre-order 50 copies of Effortless Living before March 13, you’ll receive: * 2 personally signed copies of my book Effortless Living delivered to your door * 2 personally signed copies of my book Fasting the Mind delivered to your door. * 2 personally signed copies of my book Enlightenment Now delivered to your door. * 2 personally signed copies of my book The Science and Practice of Humility delivered to your door. *A 1 hour skype call with me to discuss my work and strategies that will help design a healthy lifestyle for you which will promote well-being, focus, mindfulness, and creativity that all contribute to authentic independency. This conversation is not set in stone and can be flexible based on your needs. Click here to pre-order 50 copies, then email your receipt to jasongregory@hotmail.com.au with “Pre-order #4” in the subject. When you receive the books send a photo of you with the books to the above email or post it on my Facebook or Twitter and I will send your gift straight away (The photo is done just to make sure people actually receive the pre-orders and do not cancel their pre-order and receive my gift under false pretences). *This offer applies to digital or physical pre-orders. Thank you all for the support.
The Eastern Science of Mind
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the scientific model of mind in the East. This model is the psychological system of the East, especially in India, and it is likely the first scientific model of mind. In ancient India this model was used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is an advanced model of mind to this day in the East. Understanding this model is the key to comprehending the nature of suffering and, as a result, is a surefire way to heal ourselves. This is why it is connected to the concept of samsara, the wheel of suffering. Recommended Reading The Art of Living: Vipassana Meditation http://amzn.to/2CSx8D5 The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR
Affluence Kills Spirituality
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I explore why affluence destroys spirituality and the sense of unity with life and God. Many people wonder why the world is becoming increasingly secular. There are people leaving religion by the droves and more people are comfortable with being an atheist. As the world becomes more affluent, the less it appears that people need religion or any type of spiritual belief system. The more affluent people are the less they think of God, death, and other mystical matters. Why is this happening? And we need to ask whether it is a real problem or just the nature of cultural evolution? Recommended Reading Why Religion is Natural and Science is Not http://amzn.to/2E5X2mV The Secret of Our Success http://amzn.to/2Cka8fW
Guru
In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will explore the role of a guru, a spiritual teacher. You will discover who a guru is, why they are important, and also why in the modern world we have a nervous reaction when we hear the word. Recommended Reading Be as You Are http://amzn.to/2z1YML6 Autobiography of a Yogi http://amzn.to/2AEDhVk I Am That http://amzn.to/2ysAR6c White Fire http://amzn.to/2AFwdYv Total Freedom http://amzn.to/2C6p001 Inner Engineering http://amzn.to/2ChbEyK Shankara’s Crest Jewel of Discrimination http://amzn.to/2AFPoBH
Yugas: The Cycles of Time
In this episode of Enlightenment Today you will learn about Hindu time system called the Yugas. The Yugas are a complex world-age doctrine of four ages. The Yugas map the cycles of change within the universe and consciousness. The Yugas build a solid framework for understanding how we experience time and eternity, and how they related to one another. You will find out in this episode what makes the Eastern view of time different to the Western view. Recommended Reading The Yugas http://amzn.to/2jziwze The Holy Science http://amzn.to/2ByoTux
Flow and Wu-wei
In this episode of Enlightenment Today you will learn about what a state of flow truly is and its original ancestor known in Chinese as wu-wei from ancient China, which is a concept at the heart of Taoism and martial arts. Flow is a term we use for an athlete, musician, writer, craftsman, or any artist when they appear to be in the zone. But our understanding of flow and how to induce it is at a novice level. You can tell this by how the word is loosely thrown around in popular culture. Most of us incorrectly think that this dimension of effortless skill and peak performance is a state of mind isolated to world-class performers. You need to eliminate this way of thinking and really absorb the information I am about to give you. This episode will give you the inside dope. Recommended Reading Flow http://amzn.to/2zhhYVm The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu http://amzn.to/2hFc1Kt Trying Not to Try http://amzn.to/2B8ouPx Tao: The Watercourse Way http://amzn.to/2hNGB8x
Siddhis: Magical Powers
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore siddhis, the attainment of magical powers through rigorous spiritual practice. Siddhis are mentioned in a host of texts in the East, some with a positive attitude to these attainments and others with a negative stance against them. In this episode I will give siddhis an honest and open hearing based on this unique phenomenon recorded by spiritual adepts which is found in the the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Taoism. In the end it is a matter of whether you are skeptical or a believer of this ancient spiritual phenomenon. Recommended Reading The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali http://amzn.to/2B5WSKR The Yoga Tradition http://amzn.to/2B7YinW The Upanishads http://amzn.to/2hR008t The Bhagavad Gita (S. Radhakrishnan translation) http://amzn.to/2iC0Pzd The Bhagavad Gita (Eknath Easwaran translation) http://amzn.to/2zU7wpI Brahma Sutras http://amzn.to/2BIkfuk Yoga Bija http://amzn.to/2knEObj Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy http://amzn.to/2BI0QK2 Bhagavata Purana http://amzn.to/2jJsWfp
God is No King
In this episode of Enlightenment Today we will explore the monarchical view of the universe. In the West there is a deep-seated belief that God is a ruler, lord, and king. This view influences our view of life in general and ultimately separates the individual from the essence of the universe. It doesn’t matter whether you are atheist, religious, or spiritual, this view effects us in ways we don’t realize. I explain in this episode how the idea of God as a ruler is built on a political analogy of the universe originating from ancient rulers who tried to lord it over their people, which ultimately influenced the view of Western religions. The Eastern view of divinity is diametrically opposed to the monarchical view. The Eastern view is more related to nature and is a holistic view of the individual as one with the universe. This episode explores both views and ultimately dispels the illusion of the monarchical view of the universe.
