Follow the authors
Adi Da SamrajAdi Da Samraj
Follow
The Knee Of Listening: The Divine Ordeal of the Avataric Incarnation of Conscious Light: The Spiritual Autobiography of The Ruchira Avatar, Adi Da ... Companions of the True Dawn Horse
#4 ) Paperback – 25 June 2007
by Adi Da Samraj (Author), The Dawn Horse Press (Editor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (50)
First published in 1972, The Knee of Listening is the spiritual autobiography of the Ruchira Avatar, Adi Da Samraj. Containing simple narrative, ecstatic poetry, complex argument, and discourse, Adi Da’s autobiography reveals the miraculous story of his unique incarnation and revelation in the west for “the sake of liberating all beings.” The revised edition includes an expanded description of Adi Da’s early life leading up to his divine reawakening in 1970, as well as revelations about the spiritual work of the great realizers in his lineage.
"From time to time, there is a book that challenges, and eventually changes, the entire perspective of a civilization. In modern times, Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species was such a book–and, centuries before Darwin, On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres of Copernicus (the first publication of the theory that the earth orbits the sun). The Knee Of Listening is such an epoch-making book–in an entirely different way. Appearing at the beginning of the third millennium of the Common Era, it carries a Revelation that has the potential to transform all future time. This book is not about how life on earth physically evolved, nor the design of the solar system (of which this planet is a part). The Knee Of Listening is about Reality Itself, the Reality within which this earth and its cosmic locale arise—the Blissful, Effulgent, Conscious Force of Being which is always so, and which can be located and enjoyed under every possible condition, and in every dimension of space-time."
—from the Introduction by Carolyn Lee, PhD
Read less
Review
From the day I first encountered the writings of Adi Da (as Da Free John) in the mid-80s, I knew that I was reading a contemporary religious genius... in my opinion, the total corpus of his twenty-three Source-Texts, including The Knee Of Listening, constitutes the most doctrinally thorough, the most philosophically sophisticated, the most culturally challenging, and the most creatively original literature on radical nonduality currently available in the English language.
from the foreword by Jeffrey Kripal, PhD, director of Asian Studies Program, Rice University; author, Kali s Child: The Mystical and the Erotic in the Life and Teaching of Ramakrishna
It is obvious, from all sorts of subtle details, that he knows what IT's all about...a rare being.
Alan Watts, author, The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity
I regard Adi Da Samraj as one of the greatest teachers in the Western world today.
---Irina Tweedie, Sufi Teacher; author, Chasm of Fire
Adi Da Samraj is a man who has truly walked in Spirit and given true enlightenment to many."
---Sun Bear, founder, the Bear Tribe Medicine Society
The life and teaching of Avatar Adi Da Samraj are of profound and decisive spiritual significance at this critical moment in history.
Bryan Deschamp, Senior Advisor at the United Nations
A great teacher with the dynamic ability to awaken in his listeners something of the Divine Reality in which he is grounded, with which he is identified, and which, in fact, he is.
Israel Regardie, author, The Golden Dawn
Adi Da Samraj has spoken directly to the heart of our human situation--the shocking gravity of our brief and unbidden lives. Through his words I have experienced a glimmering of eternal life, and view my own existence as timeless and spaceless in a way that I never have before.
---Richard Grossinger, author, Planet Medicine; The Night Sky
My relationship with Adi Da Samraj over many years has only confirmed His Realization and the Truth of His impeccable Teaching. He is much more than simply an inspiration of my music, but is really a living demonstration that perfect transcendence is actually possible. This is both a great relief and a great challenge. If you thirst for truth, here is a rare opportunity to drink.
Ray Lynch, composer and musician, Deep Breakfast; The Sky of Mind
Adi Da Samraj and his unique body of teaching work offer a rare and extraordinary opportunity for those courageous students who are ready to move beyond ego and take the plunge into deepest communion with the Absolute. Importantly, the teaching is grounded in explicit discussion of necessary psycho-physical evolution and guides the student to self-responsibility and self-awareness.
---Elisabeth Targ, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
That God can, among other things, actually incarnate in human form once seemed unbelievable to me. But reading the books of Avatar Adi Da obliterated all doubt about the existence of God right now, here on Earth in human form.
Chairman Anderson, PH.D., psychologist; author, Bridging Heaven and Earth and The Heart of Success
Fly to the side of this God-Man. His Divine Transmission works miracles of change not possible by any other Spiritual means.
-----Lee Sannella, M.D., author, The Kundalini Experience
It is obvious, from all sorts of subtle details, that he knows what IT's all about...a rare being.
Alan Watts, author, The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity
Adi Da is the transcendent and transformational Being of our era. He is the Good News WHo has come in answer to our prayers.
---Dan Hamburg, former Member of U.S. Congress; Executive Director, Voice of the Environment.
I regard Adi Da Samraj as one of the greatest teachers in the Western world today.
---Irina Tweedie, Sufi Teacher; author, Chasm of Fire
Adi Da Samraj is a man who has truly walked in Spirit and given true enlightenment to many."
---Sun Bear, founder, the Bear Tribe Medicine Society
The life and teaching of Avatar Adi Da Samraj are of profound and decisive spiritual significance at this critical moment in history.
Bryan Deschamp, Senior Advisor at the United Nations
A great teacher with the dynamic ability to awaken in his listeners something of the Divine Reality in which he is grounded, with which he is identified, and which, in fact, he is.
Israel Regardie, author, The Golden Dawn
Adi Da Samraj has spoken directly to the heart of our human situation--the shocking gravity of our brief and unbidden lives. Through his words I have experienced a glimmering of eternal life, and view my own existence as timeless and spaceless in a way that I never have before.
---Richard Grossinger, author, Planet Medicine; The Night Sky
My relationship with Adi Da Samraj over many years has only confirmed His Realization and the Truth of His impeccable Teaching. He is much more than simply an inspiration of my music, but is really a living demonstration that perfect transcendence is actually possible. This is both a great relief and a great challenge. If you thirst for truth, here is a rare opportunity to drink.
Ray Lynch, composer and musician, Deep Breakfast; The Sky of Mind
Adi Da Samraj and his unique body of teaching work offer a rare and extraordinary opportunity for those courageous students who are ready to move beyond ego and take the plunge into deepest communion with the Absolute. Importantly, the teaching is grounded in explicit discussion of necessary psycho-physical evolution and guides the student to self-responsibility and self-awareness.
---Elisabeth Targ, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
That God can, among other things, actually incarnate in human form once seemed unbelievable to me. But reading the books of Avatar Adi Da obliterated all doubt about the existence of God right now, here on Earth in human form.
Chairman Anderson, PH.D., psychologist; author, Bridging Heaven and Earth and The Heart of Success
Fly to the side of this God-Man. His Divine Transmission works miracles of change not possible by any other Spiritual means.
---Lee Sannella, M.D., author, The Kundalini Experience
I regard the work of Adi Da and his devotees as one of the most penetrating spiritual and social experiments happening on the planet in our era.
---Jeffrey Mishlove, PH.D., host, PBS television series, Thinking Aloud, author, The Roots of Consciousness
Adi Da's Teachings have tremendous significance for humanity....He represents a foundation and a structure for sanity.
---Robert K. Hall, M.D. psychiatrist; author, Out of Nowhere
Nothing like this has ever been Revealed before. We have waited for this moment in history for countless lifetimes. Adi Da Samraj is the True Heart of the world.
-----Roger Savoie, PH.D., author, L Vipere et le Lion: La Voie radicale de la Spiritualite
"The Knee of Listening" is without a doubt the most profound Spiritual autobiography of all time. --ROGER SAVOIE, Ph.D. Philosopher, writer, and translator; author, La Vipere et le Lion: La Voie radicale de la Spiritualite
About the Author
From his birth (on Long Island, New York, in 1939), Adi Da Samraj has always manifested unique signs of spiritual illumination and of artistic and literary inspiration. Today, he is seen by a number of people worldwide as an avatar–as the Divine Heart-Master, the Very Incarnation of Truth Itself.
After having earned a BA from Columbia University and an MA from Stanford University, Adi Da began a period of intensive practice under a succession of spiritual masters in the United States and India. Eventually, in 1970, after a final period of intense spiritual endeavor, Adi Da spontaneously became reestablished in the continuous state of illumination that was his unique condition at birth—and that re-awakening signaled the end of his thirty years of spiritual quest. In 1972, he began to teach in living dialogue, creating a vast repository of wisdom.
To date, his literary, philosophical, and practical writings consist of over sixty published books (The Knee of Listening, Easy Death, and My “Bright” Word among his most popular). Many of his discourses are also available on DVD and CD from The Dawn Horse Press.
Since 1998, he has created a massive body of artwork using the media of photography, videography, and digital technology. He states that his intention as an artist is to offer a visual communication of the truth of "Reality Itself.” His collateral exhibition at the 52nd Biennale di Venezia (2007), “Transcendental Realism,” marks the first time his work is being shown to the public at large.
Product details
Publisher : North Atlantic Books
Publication date : 25 June 2007
Edition : Revised and Updated
Language : English
Print length : 820 pages
===
==
From other countries
Parker Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly astounding, inspirational, honest and enlighteningReviewed in the United States on 24 September 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
It is probably safe to assert you have never encountered a more profound, surprising, and ultimately liberating and triumphal autobiography of any kind. Dive in and hang on for the ride, it just may change your life too. This story deserves wide recognition and deepest respect. It also has the greatest import for our lives, and for all those to come, who hunger for meaning and freedom.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Ms. Chantal Mc Cormick
5.0 out of 5 stars life changing bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I bought this book as a physical book a good few years ago and it took me on such an incredible journey which eventually led to meeting the writer himself, which made sense if you think about the nature of the book, which is the writers journey from non-duality to the ordinary state we all presume to be experiencing, which is that there is an 'I' inside a body looking out at other people/places/things and eventually back to non-duality. I was delighted to see it in kindle form and bought it again as it is not just a great real life story, (which I love) but the nature of what had to be understood by the writer in order to re-establish himself in that perfect state of non-duality is so filled with revelations and truths that it is a rich source of revelation for any life that can be dipped into and great things can be received from it as well as being one hell of a great read as a whole.
2 people found this helpfulReport
M. LATORRA
5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual autobiography of epic scale and importanceReviewed in the United States on 9 February 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Have you ever wished that Jesus, Buddha, or any of the other founders of major world religions had written their own autobiographies? All we have in the historical record is what other people wrote about these epic figures. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to hear from these founders themselves, so we could see how they viewed their own lives and work? This book, THE KNEE OF LISTENING by Avatar Adi Da Samraj, is something of that sort. While the religion he founded, Adidam, is still relatively new and not very large, it may well prove itself in the long run to be as important as any of the other world religions known to us today. Be that as it may, this book stands on its own as a fascinating record of one man’s spiritual journey that culminated in a level of spiritual and transcendental Realization of the highest degree.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Atharva
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing spiritual autobiography.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The autobiography of Adi Da Samraj, spiritual master born in New York. An amazing history of an Avatar born enlightened who lived surrounded by what He called "the Bright" and who eventually came to found The Way of the Heart (Adidam). Not to be missed: a thoroughly inspiring book, extremely well written and a true lesson in what it takes to live In the Truth of What IS and Who we Are.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Mr. B. Orrell
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for the earnest seeker.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
An interesting book that many would recommend if it were not for the irrelevant padding. Nevertheless, for the person who is really interested in spiritual matters I still regard it as essential reading
Report
Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars An important book to begin your shift in your relationship with death...yours and others.Reviewed in the United States on 7 July 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Reading this book has changed the course of my life. 'Easy Death' calls for a shift in how one's life can be presently lived, based on a new understanding of the death process. Previously, I had been conditioned to view and regard life and and death in the conventional Western tradition.
This book altered how I live my life in this body, but also, when a loved one of mine had died, my entire grieving process and experience of death was transformed. The grief was there. Yet, what was revealed was a call to turn to and embrace, a wisdom that transcends the usual suffering.
Stick with 'Easy Death' with an open heart and mind. I highly recommend it to you.
I have read it often, alone and with groups, and every time I recognized a different level of profound
awareness.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Colin
5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart Born Ultimacy of Radical TruthReviewed in the United States on 10 July 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is a rare indeed, for in it Adi Da reveals the true nature of existence when the cloud of doubt is dissolved. We are at the core born of the 'Bright' a condition Adi Da came to reveal to humanity, a state that is his very truth and condition of free being. This revelation is perfectly encapsulated through the texts in this amazing account of his life and work.
It's an eye opener that takes the reader through the ultimate spiritual journey based in the truth of a true heart born Divine Realizer.
One person found this helpfulReport
Anagram
5.0 out of 5 stars A profound and fascinating spiritual autobiographyReviewed in the United States on 27 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When I first began to try to understand something about life, I read, among many other things, The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Autobiography of a Yogi, Daughter of Fire, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, and the collected works of Carl Jung. Each of these books and authors--each in their own unique way—spoke to my intuition of what is real and great. When, some years later, I came upon the works of Adi Da, I encountered a far more remarkable comprehension of reality--and a revelation of freedom and joy that you simply won't find anywhere else. Adi Da is not "easy", because he is critical of so much that we think we know--what we think life is all about--but I heartily recommend any of his books to you, and The Knee of Listening is perhaps the best one to start with. It contains not only his early-life story, but some amazing essays about Ramakrishna and Vivekananda and Ramana Maharshi, the different “degrees” of realization, the fundamental inconclusiveness of both mystical experience and non-dual absorption in the "self"--and much more.
10 people found this helpfulReport
Mr. A. Hunter
3.0 out of 5 stars Inspired work, ruined by turgid re-editsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I have heard the original book was the best, before it was heavily re-edited by Adi Da himself. There are many deep passages and very clear ilustrations of the ‘enlightened state’ but it is plagued by sub-clauses and escape-clauses, (highlited in Randomly capitalised parentheses, like this). I imagine the original is much more lucid than this.
Report
DEllis
5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest spiritual autobiography of all timeReviewed in the United States on 25 May 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The Knee of Listening is the most thorough, revealing,elucidating description of both the personal and the avataric spiritual process ever written. What is ultimate spirituality? What is spiritual realization beyond opinion, perspective, experience, and limitation of any sort? What is the process by which ultimate reality is seen to be True, Absolute, that which is the calling to all apparently separate beings? It's all laid out in this story. To some, the confession or acknowledgement or realization of ultimate Truth may be offensive; to me, however, it was a relief, the confirmation of an intuition alive in me (and I do suspect in many --or most?-- people) since childhood. Obviously a "must read" for everyone seriously interested in spiritual realization, the spiritual process, and or the spiritual master.
8 people found this helpfulReport
==
Kyn
1.0 out of 5 stars From one that knows... this work is highly delusional.Reviewed in the United States on 5 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As one who has seen beyond this universe... has had all that is speak through me... heard shabd and been enthralled with the terrifying marvel of truth and diversity of life that inhabits this world... our star... and everything beyond... i can speak some truth around this man's expressions.
1st. This writing is immensely flawed and ego based... there in NO "true" avatar and there never will be... this is a human myth... and those that profess to be such cannot separate ultimate reality/consciousness from their own ego... their truths become demonic to some extent.
no signal organic container can channel "all that is" it would annihilate the vehicle... one professing such things are deluded... and their "truths" should be held in extreme doubt.
Yes... I would say this man has had cosmic conscious experiences... direct gnosis... perhaps in meditation the "bright" as he call it can be summoned to some degree... but his childhood need for attention due to being pushed aside is so embedded in his true nature as to poison and personalize all that may have flowed from him.
His legacy was disgraceful... not honorable... his deceit was measured... yet balanced with pockets of revelation... this is more a study of what can go wrong when the awakening begins in man... which will happen more frequently in the distant future....
think... if gnosis arose in the general population at large... how many would claim to be god himself? the "one true avatar"? I a world of 8 billion souls... If all were guaranteed a glimpse.... how many of those would write such books as this?
millions.
read with the warning... this man had some breakthroughs... and there are some important truths here.... caution is required separating these truths from the rest of his bull$***.
29 people found this helpfulReport
Bill Gottlieb
5.0 out of 5 stars I wrote the foreword to this bookReviewed in the United States on 1 July 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I wrote the foreword to this older edition of "The Knee of Listening"--the autobiography of my spiritual teacher Adi Da--and recently sent a copy to a friend with a deep interest in Christian mysticism, since in one section Adi Da reports his own process of becoming a Christian mystic, as his patterns of Jesus-attachment (along with all his other mental patterning and conditional attachments and preferences) surfaced from the depths of mind, and were purified during his "sadhana," or spiritual practice. There is, however, a newer edition of the book: I strongly recommend both! ;-)
5 people found this helpfulReport
Leo
5.0 out of 5 stars Speaks from the heartReviewed in the United States on 2 May 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
As someone without any prior spiritual knowledge or experience, except having been brought up as a Catholic; I appreciated the first hand account of the author’s spiritual journey. It reads as if it was written from the heart.
4 people found this helpfulReport
WPark
5.0 out of 5 stars A profound work by a spiritual master we are fortunate beyond words to have access to.Reviewed in the United States on 1 July 2019
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book by Adi Da never gets old. I love that the writing style changes from section to section. An enlightening book by a great Enlightener. A book for a lifetime of serious study.
One person found this helpfulReport
otto
3.0 out of 5 stars ... I think the original 200 page book would be fine - interesting for reference because I find cults and ...Reviewed in the United States on 7 June 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
It's excessively wordy - I think the original 200 page book would be fine - interesting for reference because I find cults and new age/NRM interesting, not much more than that.
3 people found this helpfulReport
peter guzman
5.0 out of 5 stars The Knee of ListeningReviewed in the United States on 26 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The Knee of Listening is the foundation book .That sets the stage for
all of Master Da's great writings.Beloved has told the truth to all who would honour God.Read this book an be born again to the Truth.Master DA Love Ananda is the Heart.
Report
F. Marrero
5.0 out of 5 stars What Clarity!Reviewed in the United States on 14 May 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book liberates and enlightens all who listen, all who attend to Adi Da's Call for radical responsibility. What a jewel! What clarity! What pure Consciousness! What Good Company!
4 people found this helpfulReport
Annapurna
5.0 out of 5 stars Stay in Reality prior to seekingReviewed in the United States on 21 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book gives one the understanding that makes it possible to constantly return to Consciousness or Reality rather then endure the torment of helplessly losing It.
One person found this helpfulReport
Sophia Hoadley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Profound wisdom, a True Realiser.....this book will never date and reaches straight to heart.
One person found this helpfulReport
Gruber
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 22 February 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A book of TRUTH. Remarkable.
One person found this helpfulReport
==
Joseph Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 3 January 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The greatest spiritual biography of all time
2 people found this helpfulReport
Peter Guzman
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 16 November 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
the best
Report
Robert H. Cooksey
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect.Reviewed in the United States on 28 September 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Fast, perfect.
Report
by Adi Da Samraj (Author), The Dawn Horse Press (Editor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (50)
First published in 1972, The Knee of Listening is the spiritual autobiography of the Ruchira Avatar, Adi Da Samraj. Containing simple narrative, ecstatic poetry, complex argument, and discourse, Adi Da’s autobiography reveals the miraculous story of his unique incarnation and revelation in the west for “the sake of liberating all beings.” The revised edition includes an expanded description of Adi Da’s early life leading up to his divine reawakening in 1970, as well as revelations about the spiritual work of the great realizers in his lineage.
"From time to time, there is a book that challenges, and eventually changes, the entire perspective of a civilization. In modern times, Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species was such a book–and, centuries before Darwin, On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres of Copernicus (the first publication of the theory that the earth orbits the sun). The Knee Of Listening is such an epoch-making book–in an entirely different way. Appearing at the beginning of the third millennium of the Common Era, it carries a Revelation that has the potential to transform all future time. This book is not about how life on earth physically evolved, nor the design of the solar system (of which this planet is a part). The Knee Of Listening is about Reality Itself, the Reality within which this earth and its cosmic locale arise—the Blissful, Effulgent, Conscious Force of Being which is always so, and which can be located and enjoyed under every possible condition, and in every dimension of space-time."
—from the Introduction by Carolyn Lee, PhD
Read less
Review
From the day I first encountered the writings of Adi Da (as Da Free John) in the mid-80s, I knew that I was reading a contemporary religious genius... in my opinion, the total corpus of his twenty-three Source-Texts, including The Knee Of Listening, constitutes the most doctrinally thorough, the most philosophically sophisticated, the most culturally challenging, and the most creatively original literature on radical nonduality currently available in the English language.
from the foreword by Jeffrey Kripal, PhD, director of Asian Studies Program, Rice University; author, Kali s Child: The Mystical and the Erotic in the Life and Teaching of Ramakrishna
It is obvious, from all sorts of subtle details, that he knows what IT's all about...a rare being.
Alan Watts, author, The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity
I regard Adi Da Samraj as one of the greatest teachers in the Western world today.
---Irina Tweedie, Sufi Teacher; author, Chasm of Fire
Adi Da Samraj is a man who has truly walked in Spirit and given true enlightenment to many."
---Sun Bear, founder, the Bear Tribe Medicine Society
The life and teaching of Avatar Adi Da Samraj are of profound and decisive spiritual significance at this critical moment in history.
Bryan Deschamp, Senior Advisor at the United Nations
A great teacher with the dynamic ability to awaken in his listeners something of the Divine Reality in which he is grounded, with which he is identified, and which, in fact, he is.
Israel Regardie, author, The Golden Dawn
Adi Da Samraj has spoken directly to the heart of our human situation--the shocking gravity of our brief and unbidden lives. Through his words I have experienced a glimmering of eternal life, and view my own existence as timeless and spaceless in a way that I never have before.
---Richard Grossinger, author, Planet Medicine; The Night Sky
My relationship with Adi Da Samraj over many years has only confirmed His Realization and the Truth of His impeccable Teaching. He is much more than simply an inspiration of my music, but is really a living demonstration that perfect transcendence is actually possible. This is both a great relief and a great challenge. If you thirst for truth, here is a rare opportunity to drink.
Ray Lynch, composer and musician, Deep Breakfast; The Sky of Mind
Adi Da Samraj and his unique body of teaching work offer a rare and extraordinary opportunity for those courageous students who are ready to move beyond ego and take the plunge into deepest communion with the Absolute. Importantly, the teaching is grounded in explicit discussion of necessary psycho-physical evolution and guides the student to self-responsibility and self-awareness.
---Elisabeth Targ, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
That God can, among other things, actually incarnate in human form once seemed unbelievable to me. But reading the books of Avatar Adi Da obliterated all doubt about the existence of God right now, here on Earth in human form.
Chairman Anderson, PH.D., psychologist; author, Bridging Heaven and Earth and The Heart of Success
Fly to the side of this God-Man. His Divine Transmission works miracles of change not possible by any other Spiritual means.
-----Lee Sannella, M.D., author, The Kundalini Experience
It is obvious, from all sorts of subtle details, that he knows what IT's all about...a rare being.
Alan Watts, author, The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity
Adi Da is the transcendent and transformational Being of our era. He is the Good News WHo has come in answer to our prayers.
---Dan Hamburg, former Member of U.S. Congress; Executive Director, Voice of the Environment.
I regard Adi Da Samraj as one of the greatest teachers in the Western world today.
---Irina Tweedie, Sufi Teacher; author, Chasm of Fire
Adi Da Samraj is a man who has truly walked in Spirit and given true enlightenment to many."
---Sun Bear, founder, the Bear Tribe Medicine Society
The life and teaching of Avatar Adi Da Samraj are of profound and decisive spiritual significance at this critical moment in history.
Bryan Deschamp, Senior Advisor at the United Nations
A great teacher with the dynamic ability to awaken in his listeners something of the Divine Reality in which he is grounded, with which he is identified, and which, in fact, he is.
Israel Regardie, author, The Golden Dawn
Adi Da Samraj has spoken directly to the heart of our human situation--the shocking gravity of our brief and unbidden lives. Through his words I have experienced a glimmering of eternal life, and view my own existence as timeless and spaceless in a way that I never have before.
---Richard Grossinger, author, Planet Medicine; The Night Sky
My relationship with Adi Da Samraj over many years has only confirmed His Realization and the Truth of His impeccable Teaching. He is much more than simply an inspiration of my music, but is really a living demonstration that perfect transcendence is actually possible. This is both a great relief and a great challenge. If you thirst for truth, here is a rare opportunity to drink.
Ray Lynch, composer and musician, Deep Breakfast; The Sky of Mind
Adi Da Samraj and his unique body of teaching work offer a rare and extraordinary opportunity for those courageous students who are ready to move beyond ego and take the plunge into deepest communion with the Absolute. Importantly, the teaching is grounded in explicit discussion of necessary psycho-physical evolution and guides the student to self-responsibility and self-awareness.
---Elisabeth Targ, M.D., University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
That God can, among other things, actually incarnate in human form once seemed unbelievable to me. But reading the books of Avatar Adi Da obliterated all doubt about the existence of God right now, here on Earth in human form.
Chairman Anderson, PH.D., psychologist; author, Bridging Heaven and Earth and The Heart of Success
Fly to the side of this God-Man. His Divine Transmission works miracles of change not possible by any other Spiritual means.
---Lee Sannella, M.D., author, The Kundalini Experience
I regard the work of Adi Da and his devotees as one of the most penetrating spiritual and social experiments happening on the planet in our era.
---Jeffrey Mishlove, PH.D., host, PBS television series, Thinking Aloud, author, The Roots of Consciousness
Adi Da's Teachings have tremendous significance for humanity....He represents a foundation and a structure for sanity.
---Robert K. Hall, M.D. psychiatrist; author, Out of Nowhere
Nothing like this has ever been Revealed before. We have waited for this moment in history for countless lifetimes. Adi Da Samraj is the True Heart of the world.
-----Roger Savoie, PH.D., author, L Vipere et le Lion: La Voie radicale de la Spiritualite
"The Knee of Listening" is without a doubt the most profound Spiritual autobiography of all time. --ROGER SAVOIE, Ph.D. Philosopher, writer, and translator; author, La Vipere et le Lion: La Voie radicale de la Spiritualite
About the Author
From his birth (on Long Island, New York, in 1939), Adi Da Samraj has always manifested unique signs of spiritual illumination and of artistic and literary inspiration. Today, he is seen by a number of people worldwide as an avatar–as the Divine Heart-Master, the Very Incarnation of Truth Itself.
After having earned a BA from Columbia University and an MA from Stanford University, Adi Da began a period of intensive practice under a succession of spiritual masters in the United States and India. Eventually, in 1970, after a final period of intense spiritual endeavor, Adi Da spontaneously became reestablished in the continuous state of illumination that was his unique condition at birth—and that re-awakening signaled the end of his thirty years of spiritual quest. In 1972, he began to teach in living dialogue, creating a vast repository of wisdom.
To date, his literary, philosophical, and practical writings consist of over sixty published books (The Knee of Listening, Easy Death, and My “Bright” Word among his most popular). Many of his discourses are also available on DVD and CD from The Dawn Horse Press.
Since 1998, he has created a massive body of artwork using the media of photography, videography, and digital technology. He states that his intention as an artist is to offer a visual communication of the truth of "Reality Itself.” His collateral exhibition at the 52nd Biennale di Venezia (2007), “Transcendental Realism,” marks the first time his work is being shown to the public at large.
Product details
Publisher : North Atlantic Books
Publication date : 25 June 2007
Edition : Revised and Updated
Language : English
Print length : 820 pages
===
==
From other countries
Parker Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly astounding, inspirational, honest and enlighteningReviewed in the United States on 24 September 2023
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
It is probably safe to assert you have never encountered a more profound, surprising, and ultimately liberating and triumphal autobiography of any kind. Dive in and hang on for the ride, it just may change your life too. This story deserves wide recognition and deepest respect. It also has the greatest import for our lives, and for all those to come, who hunger for meaning and freedom.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Ms. Chantal Mc Cormick
5.0 out of 5 stars life changing bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 February 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I bought this book as a physical book a good few years ago and it took me on such an incredible journey which eventually led to meeting the writer himself, which made sense if you think about the nature of the book, which is the writers journey from non-duality to the ordinary state we all presume to be experiencing, which is that there is an 'I' inside a body looking out at other people/places/things and eventually back to non-duality. I was delighted to see it in kindle form and bought it again as it is not just a great real life story, (which I love) but the nature of what had to be understood by the writer in order to re-establish himself in that perfect state of non-duality is so filled with revelations and truths that it is a rich source of revelation for any life that can be dipped into and great things can be received from it as well as being one hell of a great read as a whole.
2 people found this helpfulReport
M. LATORRA
5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual autobiography of epic scale and importanceReviewed in the United States on 9 February 2024
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Have you ever wished that Jesus, Buddha, or any of the other founders of major world religions had written their own autobiographies? All we have in the historical record is what other people wrote about these epic figures. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to hear from these founders themselves, so we could see how they viewed their own lives and work? This book, THE KNEE OF LISTENING by Avatar Adi Da Samraj, is something of that sort. While the religion he founded, Adidam, is still relatively new and not very large, it may well prove itself in the long run to be as important as any of the other world religions known to us today. Be that as it may, this book stands on its own as a fascinating record of one man’s spiritual journey that culminated in a level of spiritual and transcendental Realization of the highest degree.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Atharva
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing spiritual autobiography.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2013
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The autobiography of Adi Da Samraj, spiritual master born in New York. An amazing history of an Avatar born enlightened who lived surrounded by what He called "the Bright" and who eventually came to found The Way of the Heart (Adidam). Not to be missed: a thoroughly inspiring book, extremely well written and a true lesson in what it takes to live In the Truth of What IS and Who we Are.
2 people found this helpfulReport
Mr. B. Orrell
5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for the earnest seeker.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
An interesting book that many would recommend if it were not for the irrelevant padding. Nevertheless, for the person who is really interested in spiritual matters I still regard it as essential reading
Report
Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars An important book to begin your shift in your relationship with death...yours and others.Reviewed in the United States on 7 July 2023
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Reading this book has changed the course of my life. 'Easy Death' calls for a shift in how one's life can be presently lived, based on a new understanding of the death process. Previously, I had been conditioned to view and regard life and and death in the conventional Western tradition.
This book altered how I live my life in this body, but also, when a loved one of mine had died, my entire grieving process and experience of death was transformed. The grief was there. Yet, what was revealed was a call to turn to and embrace, a wisdom that transcends the usual suffering.
Stick with 'Easy Death' with an open heart and mind. I highly recommend it to you.
I have read it often, alone and with groups, and every time I recognized a different level of profound
awareness.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Colin
5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart Born Ultimacy of Radical TruthReviewed in the United States on 10 July 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book is a rare indeed, for in it Adi Da reveals the true nature of existence when the cloud of doubt is dissolved. We are at the core born of the 'Bright' a condition Adi Da came to reveal to humanity, a state that is his very truth and condition of free being. This revelation is perfectly encapsulated through the texts in this amazing account of his life and work.
It's an eye opener that takes the reader through the ultimate spiritual journey based in the truth of a true heart born Divine Realizer.
One person found this helpfulReport
Anagram
5.0 out of 5 stars A profound and fascinating spiritual autobiographyReviewed in the United States on 27 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
When I first began to try to understand something about life, I read, among many other things, The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Autobiography of a Yogi, Daughter of Fire, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, and the collected works of Carl Jung. Each of these books and authors--each in their own unique way—spoke to my intuition of what is real and great. When, some years later, I came upon the works of Adi Da, I encountered a far more remarkable comprehension of reality--and a revelation of freedom and joy that you simply won't find anywhere else. Adi Da is not "easy", because he is critical of so much that we think we know--what we think life is all about--but I heartily recommend any of his books to you, and The Knee of Listening is perhaps the best one to start with. It contains not only his early-life story, but some amazing essays about Ramakrishna and Vivekananda and Ramana Maharshi, the different “degrees” of realization, the fundamental inconclusiveness of both mystical experience and non-dual absorption in the "self"--and much more.
10 people found this helpfulReport
Mr. A. Hunter
3.0 out of 5 stars Inspired work, ruined by turgid re-editsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2018
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
I have heard the original book was the best, before it was heavily re-edited by Adi Da himself. There are many deep passages and very clear ilustrations of the ‘enlightened state’ but it is plagued by sub-clauses and escape-clauses, (highlited in Randomly capitalised parentheses, like this). I imagine the original is much more lucid than this.
Report
DEllis
5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest spiritual autobiography of all timeReviewed in the United States on 25 May 2014
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
The Knee of Listening is the most thorough, revealing,elucidating description of both the personal and the avataric spiritual process ever written. What is ultimate spirituality? What is spiritual realization beyond opinion, perspective, experience, and limitation of any sort? What is the process by which ultimate reality is seen to be True, Absolute, that which is the calling to all apparently separate beings? It's all laid out in this story. To some, the confession or acknowledgement or realization of ultimate Truth may be offensive; to me, however, it was a relief, the confirmation of an intuition alive in me (and I do suspect in many --or most?-- people) since childhood. Obviously a "must read" for everyone seriously interested in spiritual realization, the spiritual process, and or the spiritual master.
8 people found this helpfulReport
==
Kyn
1.0 out of 5 stars From one that knows... this work is highly delusional.Reviewed in the United States on 5 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As one who has seen beyond this universe... has had all that is speak through me... heard shabd and been enthralled with the terrifying marvel of truth and diversity of life that inhabits this world... our star... and everything beyond... i can speak some truth around this man's expressions.
1st. This writing is immensely flawed and ego based... there in NO "true" avatar and there never will be... this is a human myth... and those that profess to be such cannot separate ultimate reality/consciousness from their own ego... their truths become demonic to some extent.
no signal organic container can channel "all that is" it would annihilate the vehicle... one professing such things are deluded... and their "truths" should be held in extreme doubt.
Yes... I would say this man has had cosmic conscious experiences... direct gnosis... perhaps in meditation the "bright" as he call it can be summoned to some degree... but his childhood need for attention due to being pushed aside is so embedded in his true nature as to poison and personalize all that may have flowed from him.
His legacy was disgraceful... not honorable... his deceit was measured... yet balanced with pockets of revelation... this is more a study of what can go wrong when the awakening begins in man... which will happen more frequently in the distant future....
think... if gnosis arose in the general population at large... how many would claim to be god himself? the "one true avatar"? I a world of 8 billion souls... If all were guaranteed a glimpse.... how many of those would write such books as this?
millions.
read with the warning... this man had some breakthroughs... and there are some important truths here.... caution is required separating these truths from the rest of his bull$***.
29 people found this helpfulReport
Bill Gottlieb
5.0 out of 5 stars I wrote the foreword to this bookReviewed in the United States on 1 July 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I wrote the foreword to this older edition of "The Knee of Listening"--the autobiography of my spiritual teacher Adi Da--and recently sent a copy to a friend with a deep interest in Christian mysticism, since in one section Adi Da reports his own process of becoming a Christian mystic, as his patterns of Jesus-attachment (along with all his other mental patterning and conditional attachments and preferences) surfaced from the depths of mind, and were purified during his "sadhana," or spiritual practice. There is, however, a newer edition of the book: I strongly recommend both! ;-)
5 people found this helpfulReport
Leo
5.0 out of 5 stars Speaks from the heartReviewed in the United States on 2 May 2020
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
As someone without any prior spiritual knowledge or experience, except having been brought up as a Catholic; I appreciated the first hand account of the author’s spiritual journey. It reads as if it was written from the heart.
4 people found this helpfulReport
WPark
5.0 out of 5 stars A profound work by a spiritual master we are fortunate beyond words to have access to.Reviewed in the United States on 1 July 2019
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book by Adi Da never gets old. I love that the writing style changes from section to section. An enlightening book by a great Enlightener. A book for a lifetime of serious study.
One person found this helpfulReport
otto
3.0 out of 5 stars ... I think the original 200 page book would be fine - interesting for reference because I find cults and ...Reviewed in the United States on 7 June 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
It's excessively wordy - I think the original 200 page book would be fine - interesting for reference because I find cults and new age/NRM interesting, not much more than that.
3 people found this helpfulReport
peter guzman
5.0 out of 5 stars The Knee of ListeningReviewed in the United States on 26 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The Knee of Listening is the foundation book .That sets the stage for
all of Master Da's great writings.Beloved has told the truth to all who would honour God.Read this book an be born again to the Truth.Master DA Love Ananda is the Heart.
Report
F. Marrero
5.0 out of 5 stars What Clarity!Reviewed in the United States on 14 May 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This book liberates and enlightens all who listen, all who attend to Adi Da's Call for radical responsibility. What a jewel! What clarity! What pure Consciousness! What Good Company!
4 people found this helpfulReport
Annapurna
5.0 out of 5 stars Stay in Reality prior to seekingReviewed in the United States on 21 May 2016
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This book gives one the understanding that makes it possible to constantly return to Consciousness or Reality rather then endure the torment of helplessly losing It.
One person found this helpfulReport
Sophia Hoadley
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2015
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Profound wisdom, a True Realiser.....this book will never date and reaches straight to heart.
One person found this helpfulReport
Gruber
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 22 February 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A book of TRUTH. Remarkable.
One person found this helpfulReport
==
Joseph Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 3 January 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The greatest spiritual biography of all time
2 people found this helpfulReport
Peter Guzman
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 16 November 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
the best
Report
Robert H. Cooksey
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect.Reviewed in the United States on 28 September 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Fast, perfect.
Report
