The “Ancient Child” Fallacy – Taoism.net

The “Ancient Child” Fallacy – Taoism.net

The “Ancient Child” Fallacy
Posted on December 29, 2016 by Derek Lin


Misconception:

Quite a few people who study the Tao love the idea that the name Lao Tzu / Laozi has the dual meaning of “Old Master” and “Ancient Child.” They feel this is a higher level of wisdom that points to the childlike sense of wonder in the heart of a Tao sage. The idea is appealing because it matches what many think is cool about the Tao. There are authors who write about this, professors who teach this — and they all seem quite sure about it.

Truth:

Unfortunately, an idea that sounds cool isn’t necessarily right. Lao Tzu / Laozi does not mean Old Child, Ancient Child, Old Son, Ancient Son, Old Boy, Ancient Boy, or other similar permutations — not today nor at any time in history; not in Mandarin or any Chinese dialect.

In a different context, the character tzu or zi can mean “child” or “son,” and that’s the source of misconception. In the context of an honorary title, it can only mean “master” or “great teacher” and that’s it. There is no double meaning, veiled hint, skillful pun, or hidden humor. Whatever higher level of wisdom people imagine is just that — unfounded imagination.

Upon hearing this, some may shrug and say: “Whatever. I’ll just let the scholars fight it out.” This assumes the point is a matter of scholarly debate, but it’s not. It’s simply a matter of logic and actual (as opposed to imagined) linguistic meaning. To a native speaker of Chinese, there is no controversey.

When applied as an honorific, the tzu character is used for many other great teachers from Chinese history. Some of the better known ones in the West are Chuang Tzu, Sun Tzu, and Confucius (Kong Tzu). In the Pinyin system these would be written as Zhuangzi, Sunzi, and Kongzi respectively.

The tzu character is used in the exact same way for all of these sages (for our specific examples, we can also note that it is used in the exact same way for them during the same period in Chinese history). Therefore, if it really does have a dual meaning for Lao Tzu, it must also have the same dual meaning for all of them. This means Chuang Tzu becomes “Chuang Child,” Sun Tzu becomes “Sun Child,” Confucius becomes “Kong Child,” and so on for all the other sages with the same title.

Some of the people who think Lao Tzu means “Old Child” also believe that Taoism is diametrically opposite to Confucianism. To them, the idea that the strict, un-Tao-like Confucius can be the Kong Child would probably be contradictory. And how about the Art of War having been written by Sun Tzu, the Sun Child? Does that point to the hidden wisdom that warfare is, um… child’s play?

Clearly, this makes no sense. The idea that Lao Tzu can mean “Ancient Child” leads to strange conclusions — unless we come up with additional, equally contrived theories to explain why it’s true only for Lao Tzu, or perhaps only for Taoist sages, but not for anyone else.

How did the misconception come about in the first place? There are several primary sources: 1) superstitious stories invented by the Chinese about Lao Tzu being born old; 2) Western misunderstanding of the Chinese language, largely by academics who can’t speak Chinese but are nevertheless seen as authorities on the subject; 3) puns made by the Chinese, not intended to be taken seriously; 4) a few Chinese people who perpetuate the misconception because they don’t know their own language all that well, thereby unwittingly giving the notion an aura of authenticity. If a Chinese person says Lao Tzu means Old Son or some such, then you just know it has to be true, right?

Another Meaning

In the actual Chinese language, the two characters lao tzu can have another meaning when used in another context, but it’s like absolutely nothing imagined by Western academics.

In this other context, the tzu character looks the same but is pronounced in a different pitch. An English speaker probably won’t be able to tell the difference. When pronounced this way, the meaning is 1) father and 2) a rude and crude way to refer to oneself.

For instance, when a bully wants to pick a fight, he may say: “lao zi zo ni!” This can be translated as “I’ll beat you up!” And if we break it down linguistically, we’ll see that what it says has the compressed meaning of: “I, your daddy, will beat you up!”

The rude and crude part of it is the assertion of oneself over another, similar to the American expression, “who’s your daddy?” Only someone who has no class would be so insulting to someone else. Therefore, the phrase can only be suitable for people at the lowest level of Chinese society — illiterate and ignorant criminals, gangsters, thugs, and so on.

Note that in this situation the reality is almost the exact opposite of the misconception. The alternative meaning of lao tzu turns out to be more like father than son.

Note also that none of this implies that the original author of the Tao Te Ching has a name that can mean “Old Master,” “Father” and “Self” all at the same time. The different contexts don’t mix at all. Nor do they “bleed” into each other. Some Westerners may have trouble understanding this point, but there is no mystery to it. It’s common to most languages.

For instance, in English, the word “fast” means completely different things when we say “that car is fast” (meaning quick), “hold fast” (meaning unmoving), and “starting a fast” (meaning food restriction). We’re pretty comfortable with the different contexts, we know they have nothing to do with one another, and we can figure out the intended meaning based on the other words that are being said in conjunction. It’s exactly like that with Chinese.

How can the few Western writers who are still enamored with “Ancient Child” be so far off the mark? Friends who know me constantly hear me say that the study of the Tao in the West is filled with numerous misconceptions — but I think even they will be taken by surprise when they glimpse the full extent of the situation.



Derek Lin

Derek Lin is an award-winning, bestselling author in the Tao genre. He was born in Taiwan and grew up with native fluency in both Mandarin and English. His background lets him convey Eastern teachings to Western readers in a way that is clear, simple and authentic.
www.DerekLin.com
© 1998-2024 Derek Lin. All Rights Reserved.

Taechang Kim | 이명권 Laozi OldSon 권혁인

(2) Taechang Kim | Facebook

Taechang Kim

Srsneoptdom10m5ue99 357nl3att6704ig21 491:157m7gua J0l295uta  · 

All reactions:52崔明淑, Philo Kalia and 50 others


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Taechang Kim

対話哲学者イミョンクオン著
《イエス、釈迦に出会: 福音書と般若心経との対話》
(開かれた書院, ２刷発行 2017年2月25日). 20余年間 キリスト教 仏教 イスラム教 道教 ヒンズー教は勿論、東西哲学の開かれた対話という新たな道を開いて来たイミョンクオン博士の '対話' シリーズのイエスと釈迦の対話編. 出会えば知り、知れば愛し合うようになるという今日の我々の心晴れる対話哲学の白眉.




3 d
3 days ago


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Laozi OldSon

이명권. 알지도 못하면서 노자를 연구한다는 엉터리 작자로군요.ㅎ~




3 d
3 days ago


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Taechang Kim

Laozi OldSon 중국유학해서 공부는 했다고 하는데.




3 d
3 days ago


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Laozi OldSon

Taechang Kim 우리가 흔히 도덕경이라 부르는 문헌의 텍스트는 왕필본입니다. 그리고 이는 하상공본의 텍스트와 동일합니다. 원본은 죽간일 것이고 이를 필사한 것이 백서帛書인데 하상공본 왕필본은 둘다 이를 변조한 것입니다. 노자가 전국시대 초입 사람이라면 그때 쓰던 한어漢語는 오늘날과 크게 달랐을 것이고 따라서 번역도 상고한어의 문법을 따라야 할 것입니다. 이런 것들을 생각하지 않는 사람들이 김용옥, 이명권 같은 이들입니다. 한마디로 상고한어를 기록한 고문 문법을 모르고 字義를 엮어 말을 지어내는 사람들이죠. 아무리 중국에서, 또는 타이완에서 공부했다 하더라도 상고한어를 기록한 고문법을 모르고 노자를 연구한다면 이는 모두 헛된 것이라고 저는 생각합니다.



Taechang Kim
Laozi OldSon 그렇군요.

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https://www.facebook.com/LaoziOldSon

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Laozi OldSon

dpotrenoSs17c8u 45lc5100te9tf594l 88:40 lucia71n6ict14cigJ16  · 

남고려가 하면 전쟁 연습, 북고려가 탄도미사일 쏘면 자위 훈련.
평화통일? 남북 어느 쪽이 하든 통일은 흡수통일일 수밖에 없고 결국은 하드랜딩이여.

그나마 전쟁을 피하려면, 또는 중국이 끼어드는 걸 막으려면 

남북고려가 서로 상대방 체제와 권력을 인정하는 길 밖엔 없다고. 

남고려 헌법 영토 조항도 바꾸고.








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Laozi OldSon
·
[노자는 그렇게 말하지 않았다. 01]

도덕경道德經. 춘추전국시대 사상가인 노자老子가 저술했다는 문서. 알아듣기 어려운 신비한 말로 가득 찼다는 문서. 그러다 보니 이 문건을 난해한 형이상학으로 보는 이들이 많다. 독해 자체가 안 되다 보니 널리 알려진 한자 뜻을 가지고 대충 엮어 말을 만든다. 난해한 글이 되는 건 당연하다. 한자 한 글자가 지닌 수많은 뜻은 전혀 고려하지 않거나 무시한다. 한자 한 글자가 정반대되는 뜻을 함께 지닌 것도 있으며 요즘엔 거의 쓰지 않는 고대의 자의를 적용해야 할 때도 있는데 말이다. 그 뿐인가. 문법은 아예 들여다 보지도 않는다.
이런 내 생각을 두고 중국 사람들이 어째 자신들의 언어와 문자를 이해하지 못하겠느냐고 한다. 중국, 또는 타이완의 유명 학자(!)들이 자신들의 글자로 적은 문헌을 이해하지 못한다는 것은 있을 수 없다는 것이다. 그리고 중국이나 타이완으로 유학까지 가서 연구한 이들의 성과를 너무 쉽게 무시하는 것 아니냐고 한다.
그렇다. 쥐뿔도 모르면서 이 문건을 해독한답시고 달려들어 말도 안 되는 소리를 지껄이고 있는 자들이 바로 학자라는 간판을 내걸고 뻐기고 있는 것이라고 생각한다. 그리고 오로지 왕필의 주석을 금과옥조로 삼아 자기가 공부한 서양 철학이나 종교 철학, 또는 그리스도교 신학, 때로는 불교 철학의 개념을 버무려 알아들을 수 없는 이야기를 하고 있을 뿐이라고 나는 생각한다. 더구나 고대의 문헌, 곧 고대 한어를 적은 문헌을 놓고 오늘날의 한어를 읽는 방식으로 하니 엉망진창, 옆차기 de 쥐라르가 되는 게 당연하지 않겠는가.
지나친 말이라고 하는 이도 있고 (김용옥 따위를) 질투해서 그러는 것 아니냐는 이도 보았다. 그럼 그렇게 말하는 분들은 답해 보라. 끝까지 읽기는 해 봤나. 끝까지 읽었다면 조금 길어도 좋으니 전체 요지를 정리할 수 있나. 전체 요지가 무위無爲라고? 노자가 도대체 어디에서 무위라는 말을 했는지, 그리고 노자가 어디에서 무위를 설명하고 정의했는지 알려다오. 무위는 有爲의 반대 개념이라고? 그 유위는 도덕경 어디에 나오는 개념인지 말해 다오. 아니 그보다도 爲가 지닌 여러 가지 자의와 용법은 다 젖혀 두고 ‘하다’라는 뜻으로만 읽어야 하는 까닭을 말해 다오.
확신하건대 그 무엇도 속시원히 대답할 사람은 아무도 없을 것이다. 여느 사람만 그런 것이 아니라 김용옥이니 최진석이니 오강남이니 노자를 연구한다는 그 누구도 대답하지 못할 것이다. 노자가 옳았다고? 뭔 소린지 제대로 읽어 내지도 못하면서 옳은지 그른지는 어찌 아누?
딴전 피우고 있네. 너 말이야 너! 빡빡이 도올 대가리!
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집필 시동을 걸어야 하는데 (지난한 일이 될 것이 뻔한) 사전 작업을 아직 마무리짓지 못했다. 어그러진 순서를 바로잡는 일이다. 나는 죽간 자체가 제대로 정리되지 못하고 마구 뒤섞인 상황에서 필사된 것이 백서이며, 그 백서가 변조와 왜곡을 거듭하다가 하상공본, 즉 한대에 이르러 정립되었다고 생각한다.
서두를 일은 아니지만 (자발적) 백수 된지 넉달 째, 슬슬 작업을 시작한다고 미리 알린다.
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노자의 뜨락

https://blog.naver.com/solongee

2023.05.09.
[노자는 그렇게 말하지 않았다. 01]
도덕경道德經. 춘추전국시대 사상가인 노자老子가 저술했다는 문서. 알아듣기 어려운 신비한 말로 가득 찼다는 문서. 그러다 보니 이 문건을 난해한 형이상학으로 보는 이들이 많다.... 그럼 그렇게 말하는 분들은 답해 보라. 끝까지 읽기는 해 봤나. 끝까지 읽었다면 조금

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Laozi OldSon
·



내가 본디 하려 했던 건 노자강의다. 그러나 라디오라는 한계도 있고 도덕경의 순차를 확정하는 일도 있어서 음악방송(재즈)을 먼저 시작한 것이다.
이제 더 미루면 안 될듯한데 먼저 시작할 것이 '나는 왜 이렇게 생각하는가' 하는 것이다. 내가 잘난 척하고 사람들 사이에서 튀어 보이려고 하는 사람인 건 맞지만 그런 까닭으로 남들과 전혀 다른 주장을 하는 것은 아니다. (하기야 한문학을 전공했다는 사람도 위爲를 '체할 위'로 보는 내 생각에 동의하지 못하고 위僞를 말하는 것이냐고 되묻고 있으니 말 다한 거지. 이건 자전에 나와 있는데 말이다.)
노자 공부 십년을 통해 노자에 대한 오해를 걷어낼 수 있었고 사기史記의 기록이 일부 맞다는 것도 확인했다. (진짜로 잘난 척을 하자면) 노자 이래 최초로 그 참뜻과 참 얘기를 알아냈다고 자부한다.
세상아 기다려라.





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Laozi OldSon

  · 

빡빡이 돌대가리 뿐일까마는 이제껏 이해해 온 노자/도덕경의 모든 것은 잘못됐다고 하면 동의할 사람은 그리 많지 않을 것이다. 그러나 그렇다고 해서 어느 출판사 사장이 말했던 것처럼 '이제껏 해온 번역은 의심할 여지가 있으며 나는 이렇게 생각한다.'고 순화해서 말할 생각은 없다. 욕설에 가까울 정도로 심하게 몰아세워야 한다고 생각한다.

노자 공부 십 년. 처음엔 유명인들의 번역을 모사하기 시작했지만 알면 알수록 드는 의심, 특히 문법과 자의에 대한 의심이 나를 예까지 끌고 왔다. 서문 형식으로 쓰고 있지만 지금 쓰는 글은 이제껏 해온 노자/도덕경 연구가 전혀 엉뚱한 헛다리를 짚은 것이며 그렇게 할 것이 아니라 이렇게 해야 옳다는 것, 이렇게 하는 것이 옳을 수밖에 없다는 것을 밝히는 글이 될 것이다.

내가 하는 노자/도덕경 번역의 실마리는 바로 이것이다. 그러므로 노자는 (결코) 그렇게 말하지 않았다.

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Laozi OldSon
·



하상공본이든 왕필본이든 고본古本은 남아 있지 않으니 뭐가 제대로 된 것인지는 아무도 모른다. 더구나 둘다 백서를 개작한 것이 틀림 없으니 어느 것이 옳으냐는 질문이나 고민은 쓸 데 없는 짓이다. 노자/도덕경이란 문헌이 어떤 식으로 변천해 갔느냐는 따져 볼 가치가 있을 수도 있겠지만 문법도 맥락도 모두 흐트러져 버린 것을 기를 쓰고 들여다 볼 까닭은 없다고 본다. 그러니 지금 전해지는 수많은 이본들도 (왕본이나 하상공본을 토대로 한 것이니) 굳이 연구할 가치는 없을 것이다.
그러므로 (간본은 상당수 유실되었으므로) 백서 갑본을 텍스트로 놓고 을본, 간본, 하상공본, 왕본을 참고로 삼는 것이 마땅하리라 보는데 오늘날 학자들은 거꾸로 한다. 후대에 변조된 왕본을 금과옥조로 삼아 이전 시대의 백서나 간본을 해석하려 한다. 세상에 이런 어리석고 우스꽝스러운 일이 다 있는가.
그런데 그 누구도 의심하지 않는다. 참으로 알 수 없는 일이다.


Laozi OldSon
·



역사상 처음으로 노자/도덕경의 참 뜻을 밝혀 낸다는 자부심이 오히려 나를 위축되게 한다.
서장序章에 해당하는 강의일 터이니 이제껏 행한 관습에 따라 무성의하게 해온 노자 번역의 문제점을 꿰뚫어야 하는데 할 말이 많다 보니 지저분해지려고 한다. 자칫하다간 내가 경멸해 마지않는 김용옥 마냥 중구난방, 천방지축, 횡설수설이 되어 버리기 쉽다. 간단명료하면서도 핵심을 찌를 것.
말은 쉽지만 이게 어려운 거지.


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[한국불화 원류를 찾아서] 4. 귀자모 도상 - 현대불교 2020

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치명적인 역병이었던 천연두
역병의 신 ‘귀자모’로 신격화

불교 전래되며 神衆으로 흡수
〈잡보장경〉 귀자모 일화 전해
경전 바탕으로 ‘귀자모도’ 조성


지금 전 세계는 중국 후베이(湖北)성 우한(武漢)시에서 발병한 ‘우한 폐렴’이라고 불리는 신종 코로나 바이러스의 공포와 피해에 떨고 있다. 기록에 의하면 인류는 이미 삼가다 3천 년 전부터 바이러스에 감염되어 사망하거나 후유증에 시달렸다. 바이러스가 가진 눈에 보이지 않는 전파력과 높은 치사율은 두려움의 대상이 되었으며, 사람들은 전염병의 퇴치를 위해서 혹은 달래기 위해서 ‘역병의 신’을 만들었다.

우리에게 익숙한 천연두(天然痘)는 두창(痘瘡) 혹은 마마(땶땶, smallpox)라고 불리는 바이러스의 일종으로서 아동이 감염될 경우 80%의 사망률을 가졌다. 아마도 천연두는 세계보건기구(WHO)가 1979년 박멸을 선언할 때까지 아이들에게 가장 무서운 전염병이 아니었을까 싶다. 이러한 천연두에 대한 공포가 만든 역병의 신이 우리가 잘 알고 있는 ‘귀자모(鬼子母)’라고 한다면, 많은 이들이 놀라움을 금치 못할 것이다.

여러 종교에 존재하는 많은 신들은 각 종교의 발달과 함께 구체적인 도상과 신격, 관련 경전 등을 갖추며 발전하여 왔다. 그 중에서 특히 불교는 불법의 수호 및 전파 과정에 여러 계층의 요구에 부흥하기 위하여 다양한 신앙의 대상이 필요했고, 이에 외래 종교 혹은 지역의 토속신이 불교의 여러 신들로 흡수 되었다. 우리에게 널리 알려져 있는 귀자모는 원래 인도 중북부 및 네팔지역에서 어린아이들에게 천연두를 일으키는 무서운 야차이었다.

귀자모는 하리티(Hrit)의 의역으로서, 하리티의 뜻은 ‘생명을 가져가다’ 혹은 ‘생명을 빼앗다’는 뜻이다. 어린아이의 생명을 빼앗는 천연두 하리티가 불교에 차용된 후 어린아이를 보호하는 신으로 바뀌었고, 이후 한국과 중국, 일본에 전래되어 귀자모로 더 널리 알려졌다. 귀자모는 아리제모(訶梨帝母), 아리가(訶梨迦), 아리저(訶里底) 등으로도 표기되며, 이후 야차녀, 애자모(愛子母), 환희모(歡喜母), 구자모(九子母) 등으로 불리기도 한다.

귀자모는 현존하는 유물들을 통해서 볼 때, 늦어도 기원 1~2세기에는 불교의 호법신이 되어 인도 전역에 광범위하게 수용되었음을 알 수 있다. 또한 귀자모는 경전과 관련해서 보아도 초기의 빨리어 경전부터 대승경전 및 밀교경전에 이르기까지 약 20여종에 가까운 관련 경전을 가지고 있어, 불교에서 귀자모 신앙의 유행을 짐작할 수 있다.

불교에 차용되기 이전의 하리티는 오늘날 우리가 중국이나 일본에서 흔히 접하는 자애가 넘치는 어머니의 모습을 연상시키는 귀자모의 모습은 아니었던 것 같다. 기원전 3세기경 제작된 〈쿠베라와 하리티상〉의 하리티는 취하고 있는 자세나 얼굴의 묘사가 악귀의 모습에 가까워 불교에 차용되기 이전의 모습 혹은 아이들을 보호하는 신으로서 완전히 자리 잡지 못한 과도기적 모습일 것으로 여겨진다.

기원 후 간다라 지역에서 제작된 귀자모상은 아이들을 거느린 모자상과 남편인 판치카와 함께 아이들을 거느린 부부상의 두 가지 도상으로 구분할 수 있다. 먼저 모자상의 경우 입상 혹은 좌상의 귀자모가 젖먹이 어린 아이를 안고 있고 다른 대여섯 명의 아이들이 귀자모의 주변에서 놀고 있는 모습으로 표현된 사례가 다수를 차지한다. 그리고 부부상의 경우는 장신구와 보관을 착용한 귀자모가 그녀의 남편 판치카와 함께 의자에 나란히 앉아 있는 모습이다. 이른 시기의 귀자모는 종종 그리스 티케 여신의 상징인 풍요의 뿔 코르누코피아를 들고 있으며, 서너 명의 아이들이 함께 묘사되어 있어 그리스·로마미술의 영향을 확인할 수 있다.

이후 인도의 중북부 아잔타 석굴 2굴에 조영된 〈귀자모상〉은 남편 판치키와 함께 석굴사원 안의 독립적인 공간에 다른 신상들보다 크게 조성되어 있어, 5세기 경 인도 중북부지역에서 불교신상으로서의 귀자모 신앙이 어느 정도 중요한 자리를 차지하였는지 유추할 수 있다.

귀자모상과 신앙은 힌두쿠시 산맥을 넘어 서역 즉, 오늘날 중국 신장성 위구르자치구로 전파되었으며, 이 지역에서 현존하는 다수의 사례를 확인할 수 있다. 먼저 서역남로에 위치하는 호탄(和田)지역의 단단윌릭 사원지에서 나무판과 사원벽에 그려진 몇 개의 귀자모상을 확인할 수 있다. 이 그림들은 대략 5-6세기에 평지에 조성된 사원의 벽면을 장식하였던 것으로서 단단윌릭 사원지 DⅡ, D ⅩⅢ 북벽과 서벽, CD Ⅳ-Ⅴ, D Ⅹ-Ⅷ 등에서 힌두의 다양한 신들과 함께 묘사된 귀자모를 확인할 수 있다.

또한 서역북로의 쿠차(庫車)지역 키질석굴에도 여러 장면의 귀자모관련 그림을 확인할 수 있다. 키질석굴 80굴과 34굴에 그려진 귀자모는 인연고사화의 주인공으로 표현되어 석굴사원의 천장에 마름모형태의 공간에 도해되어 있다(그림 2). 화면은 무릎을 꿇고 두 손을 합장한 귀자모와 부처님의 바루에 들어있는 막내아들 그리고 부처님으로 구성되어 있는데, 이러한 장면은 귀자모가 불교에 교화된 결정적인 사건을 담고 있는 〈잡보장경(雜寶藏經)〉의 ‘귀자모실자연(鬼子母失子緣)’의 내용을 도해한 것으로 보이며 그 내용은 다음과 같다.


귀자(鬼子)의 어머니는 늙은 귀신의 왕 반사가(般?迦)의 아내로서 1만 명의 아들을 두었는데, 모두 큰 역사의 힘이 있었다. 제일 작은 아들은 이름이 빈가라(嬪伽羅)였다. 귀자의 어머니는 흉악하고 요사하며 사나워 사람의 아이들을 잡아먹었으므로 사람들은 걱정하여 부처님께 아뢰었다. 그 때 부처님께서는 그 아들 빈가라를 붙잡아 발우 밑에 숨겨 두었다.

〈중략〉귀자의 어머니는 아뢰었다. “만일 지금 제가 빈가라만 찾으면 다시는 세상 사람들의 아들을 해치지 않겠습니다.” 부처님께서는 곧 귀자의 어머니에게 발우 밑에 있는 빈가라를 보여 주셨다. 그는 신력을 다하였으나 들어 낼 수가 없어 도로 부처님께 청하였다. 부처님께서는 말씀하셨다. “만일 네가 지금 삼귀오계(三歸五戒)를 받고 목숨을 마칠 때까지 사람을 죽이지 않는다면 네 아들을 돌려주리라.”

귀자의 어머니는 부처님의 분부대로 삼귀오계를 받들어 가졌다. 부처님께서는 그 아들을 돌려주면서 말씀하셨다. “너는 지금부터 계율을 잘 받들어 가져라. 너는 가섭부처님 때 갈니왕(哲훮王)의 일곱째 딸로서 굳게 공덕을 지었지마는, 계율을 가지지 않았기 때문에 그런 귀신의 형상을 받은 것이다.”

독일 투르판 탐험대의 2차 조사 때 그륀베델이 교하고성(交河古城)에서 획득한 〈귀자모도〉는 아이를 안고 있는 귀자모를 중심으로 좌우 각 네 명씩 상하로 배치된 총 아홉 명의 아이들로 구성되어 있다. 이 그림에 등장하는 아홉 명의 아이들에 관한 내용은 관련 경전들의 어디에서도 찾을 수가 없는데, 귀자모와 아홉 명의 아이가 표현된 사례가 교하고성 출토 작품 이외에 성당시기 파중석굴(巴中石窟) 68감, 일부에서 성모마리아상이라고 칭하는 남송시기에 제작된 것으로 보이는 숭실대 한국기독교박물관 소장 〈구자모상〉 등 다수가 현존하고 있다.

귀자모와 9명의 아이들에 관해서는 〈한서(漢書)〉 권10 ‘성제기’ 제10에 “…갑관재태자궁갑지, 주용유생야. 화당화구자모…(…甲觀在太子宮甲地, 主用乳生也. 츐堂츐九子母…)”라는 기록이 있어 주목된다. 한나라 성제가 태자시절 세 살 나이에 어머니를 여위자 태자의 건강을 염려하며, ‘구자모’ 그림을 태자궁에 그려 건강을 빌었다는 내용인데, 이 기록을 통해서 중국에서는 이미 2세기경에 구자모라는 대상에게 어린아이들의 건강과 안녕을 빌었음을 알 수 있다.

귀자모의 기원에서부터 정리해 보면 천연두의 신 하리티가 간다라 지역에서 불교에 흡수되어 이전의 악귀의 모습을 버리고 아이를 보호하고 출산을 도와주는 귀자모가 되었고, 중앙아시아를 거쳐 불법을 수호하는 호법신중의 일부로 변화하였다. 그리고 중국 전통의 多子사상이 만들어낸 구자모와 결합하여 9세기 투르판 교하고성 출토의 〈귀자모도〉, 숭실대 한국기독교박물관 소장 12-13세기 경 제작의 〈귀자모상〉, 12세기 일본 다이도지(醍苕寺) 소장의 〈아리제모도(訶梨帝母圖)〉가 제작되었다고 본다.

햇볕이 좋은 해남에서 〈잡보장경〉의 내용을 그림으로 옭긴 〈귀자모도〉를 보면서, 신종 코로나 바이러스도 그리고 우리의 염려도 포용력 크고 넓으신 부처님께서 품어주시길 기도한다. 

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Jeff Foster - Wikipedia The Deepest Acceptance: Radical Awakening in Ordinary Life.

Jeff Foster (spiritual teacher) - Wikipedia

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For other uses, see Jeff Foster (disambiguation).

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (August 2023) The topic of this article may not meet Wikipedia's general notability guideline. (August 2023)

Jeff Foster (born 30 July 1980) is an English writer and public speaker.

Biography[edit]

Foster was born in 1980 in London, England.^[1] He studied Astrophysics at Cambridge University.^[1] At the time he was overwhelmed by feelings of despair and loneliness,^{[citation needed]} which eventually led to physical illness and a personal breakdown soon after graduation. He was convinced he was going to die.^[1] Foster returned to live with his parents, reading and studying for a year on spirituality, searching for relief from his depression.^[1] This ended in 2006 with the dissolution of the sense of separation, which he understood to be a spiritual awakening.

He wrote a book, Life Without a Centre (Non-Duality Press), and was invited to hold small gatherings.^[1] Eventually, after having written several more books, the gatherings were supplemented with retreats and one-to-one sessions.^[1]

In 2011, Foster wrote an article explaining why he no longer considered himself to be an "Advaita teacher" or "nonduality teacher," pointing out problems with the one-sidedness of contemporary "radical Advaita" teachings.^[2] Instead of a strict impersonal philosophy, he started to embrace and emphasise the relative, human, personal existence in his writings and gatherings, a relativity which he felt was not in conflict with the impersonal Absolute.^[2]

Works[edit]

• Life Without a Centre. Non-Duality Press. 2006. ISBN 978-0955399909.
• Beyond Awakening: The End of the Spiritual Search. Non-Duality Press. 2007. ISBN 978-0955399978.
• The Revelation of Oneness. Non-Duality Press. 2008. ISBN 978-0955829048.
• An Extraordinary Absence: Liberation in the Midst of a Very Ordinary Life. Non-Duality Press. 2009. ISBN 978-0956309105.
• The Wonder of Being: Awakening to an Intimacy Beyond Words. Non-Duality Books. 2010. ISBN 978-0956309181.
• The Deepest Acceptance: Radical Awakening in Ordinary Life. Sounds True. 2012. ISBN 978-1604078558.
• Falling In Love With Where You Are: A Year of Prose And Poetry on Radically Opening Up To the Pain and Joy of Life. New Harbinger Press. 2013. ISBN 978-1626257344.
• The Way of Rest: Finding The Courage to Hold Everything in Love. Sounds True. 2016. ISBN 978-1622037919.
• The Joy of True Meditation: Words of Encouragement for Tired Minds and Wild Hearts. New Sarum Press. 2019. ISBN 978-1999353537.
• You Were Never Broken: Poems to Save Your Life. Sounds True. 2020. ISBN 978-1683645597.

References[edit]

1. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f} Van den Boogaard, Han. "Alles is al volledig ontwaakt. Interview met Jeff Foster". Hanvandenboogaard.nl (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 2015-01-29. Retrieved 2015-05-10.
2. ^ Jump up to:^a b Foster, Jeff (2019). "The birth and death of fundamentalism in nonduality and Advaita teachings". Life Without a Centre. Retrieved 2024-01-04.

External links[edit]

• Official website

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The Way of Rest: Finding The Courage to Hold Everything in Love Paperback – October 1, 2016
by Jeff Foster (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 270 ratings
The Way of Rest gathers nearly 200 of Jeff Foster’s most inspiring essays, poems, and reflections on restoring and reviving ourselves when we feel exhausted or defeated. Drawing from his personal journey―including his own struggles with illness and depression―Jeff invites us to contemplate "the Way of Rest" and its potential to transform our experience of:

• Imperfection―how we are "gloriously flawed" yet complete exactly as we are

• Not knowing―how we come to trust in the greater intelligence of life

• Melancholy and loneliness―how we learn to release the healing energies of "exquisite sensitivity"

• Ordinary moments―recognizing and receiving "the closest thing of all"

• Discomfort and discontent―how our frustrations become an opening to deep peace

• Love―rediscovering who we are beyond our carefully constructed facades

• Silence―discovering the vibrancy of living by letting go of thoughts and concepts

"I hope the words in this book inspire, challenge, and encourage you. But most of all, I hope they help you remember that you are life, inseparable from the power that grows the flowers and gives birth to galaxies," writes Jeff Foster. The Way of Rest brings you his companionship and support whenever you need it most.


Review


“Foster describes himself as someone who once wanted to die, but who later fell in love with his imperfect life and set out to offer hope to others...Though not every entry will fit the tastes of all readers, there is plenty of insight here, and Foster succeeds in showing his audience his many ways for pushing through life’s greatest challenges.” ―Publishers Weekly

“He (Jeff Foster) teaches readers to cultivate, rather than fear, their vulnerability, and to find peace with it.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The Way of Rest reads like a long poem to waking up in life as it is. For free spirits and those interested in ‘the pathless path,’ this book will be a great companion and friendly guide.” ―Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness

“Beautifully written and deeply insightful, The Way of Rest is a series of songs from the deep Heart, inviting us to be intimate with our experience―no matter how difficult.” ―John J. Prendergast, PhD, author of In Touch




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Aeolit
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful for small bitesReviewed in the United States on January 15, 2023
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I got this book during a difficult time and didn’t have much energy for reading. This was perfect as I could randomly open to any page and just read a little at a time, every single time discovering something valuable or helpful. It’s already got tons of underlining and marked pages. Contains beautiful wisdom.

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Ms. Jyoti Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Soul soothing readingReviewed in the United States on January 25, 2018
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This is one of the most beautiful books I've read...its like a soothing balm to the soul. Jeffs writing washes over me like cool water on a hot day. His writing is so relatable to everyday life, how to really embrace all of our feelings in a loving way and ease the war within. His words have a hint of a modern day Rumi and are authentic and rich with his own beautiful style. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone.

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Ed cantor
5.0 out of 5 stars Coming to one's sacred terms.Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
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Set aside what you think you know and open your heart for a splendid perception of the struggle we endure as a living entity.

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Greta
5.0 out of 5 stars This is an amazing book. It taught me to allow life to ...Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2017
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This is an amazing book.
It taught me to allow life to happen more and what life really is!
His writing is so wonderful! He's a poet at heart and the words just flow!
SO grateful for this book and the author for writing it.
If you are searching for who you really are and you honestly want truth this is a huge step in the right direction!! ☺️

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Michael in Alameda
4.0 out of 5 stars Soft and tender comfortsReviewed in the United States on June 29, 2018
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Gentle reminders of how to live deeply - open to Love, Acceptance, and Curiosity. The kind of read that finds you wherever you happen To Be.

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Kate
5.0 out of 5 stars Especially good for tough timesReviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
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I would recommend this for everyone who is trying to make their way through challenges, esp. people who struggle with depression and "self-worth" issues. It addresses a lot of these feelings. It's inspiring but not trite. I find this very supportive of my spiritual practice (primarily Bon Buddhism) in a Western kind of way. It's the kind of book where you can get a lot by reading just a few pages at a time and skipping around to what resonates at that point in time. I find I don't like reading too much at a time or it kind of all runs together. I found out about this book from hearing the Sounds True interview and was intrigued enough to give it a try, even though I have more than enough "spiritual books."

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Informed Consumer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet medicine for the soulReviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
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If I can only carry a couple books when I travel... this will be one of them. It's never too far out of reach! This book is simply extraordinary, I've recommended it dozens of friends. Thank you, Jeff Foster, for the profound influence you've had on my life!

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Stacey Andon
5.0 out of 5 stars Jeff Foster Doesn't DisappointReviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019
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Are you tired of living life on the superhighway of stress and exhaustion? Then this book may just offer you exactly what you need to snuggle up to your life and rest in the power of being a human and spiritual creature on this planet. I love all that Jeff Foster presents in his work--- it speaks to my soul and offers the most tender, vulnerable way to be who we really are-- his authenticity, his bravery-- his words are balm to a tired heart. I highly recommend!!

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Befriending YourselfReviewed in Canada on May 22, 2023
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I love Jeff Foster and Matt Licata, the two of them together had a program called Befriending Yourself. I have been getting into more of their stuff and they are both so wise and lovely. This is a bit like Osho - read it at your own pace. Choose the page at random and it can be a divination. Recommend.
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Sauerkraut1
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional bookReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2024
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This book by Jeff Foster is the best spiritual book I’ve ever read, and I have read many. I don’t feel that I have to buy another by any other author. This book is my bible and I read a piece first thing in the morning and at night again. Soothing words and pointers which guide me in my life. Each piece on a certain topic is beautifully written and affirms our humanity but also our sacredness. This is the only book I have bought quite a few times for others and hope they nurture them the way it does me.
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lolette
5.0 out of 5 stars Ouvrage parfait pour les vacances mais pas ...ma bible pour passer une année sereine ;-)Reviewed in France on July 28, 2019
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Ouvrage parfait pour les vacances mais pas ...ma bible pour passer une année sereine ;-)

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Rut Wagner
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein Meister der Worte!Reviewed in Germany on August 3, 2018
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Ich schätze Jeff und sein geschriebenes Wort sehr. Er ist der geborene Autor und was immer er zu Papier bringt, schlägt voll ein. Ich schätze und empfehle alle seine bisher erschienenen Werke.

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Liz Hearingwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime Poetic Writer of non dual experience.Reviewed in Australia on June 26, 2021
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Sublime book , I buy it as gifts . Jeff Foster is one of the most magical on point non dual awareness writers around … picks you up and dusts you off with every reading
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The Deepest Acceptance: Radical Awakening in Ordinary Life Kindle Edition
by Jeff Foster (Author) Format: Kindle Edition


4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 413 ratings

So much of our lives are spent running—from pain, from vulnerability, and from everyday struggle. Jeff Foster understands that sense of pursuit. After years of depression and illness, he came to realize that what he had been seeking had been available to him all along—he needed only to shed his resistance and step into the limitless ocean of the present moment. In Jeff’s words, “The armor we wear to protect ourselves from the full experience of life does not really protect us—it just keeps us comfortably numb.”
In The Deepest Acceptance, Jeff provides readers with a series of insights intended to help strip away that armor and embrace life now, as it is and as you are. This warm, humorous, and candid offering invites us to stop trying to “do” acceptance and start falling in love with “what has already been allowed.”



Review



"Wise, spacious, and loving. Teachings that can free the heart."
-Jack Kornfield, author of A Lamp in the Darkness and A Path With Heart


"Written with warmth, humility and a gentle but penetrating honesty, Jeff invites the reader to explore those places in themselves that they would most want to avoid and to find there, at their heart, the very thing they were seeking. However, long after the words have faded from memory, the intelligence and love with which they are written remain behind and that is the true gift of this beautiful book.
-Rupert Spira


"Jeff has achieved something wonderful with this honest and insightful book - something that benefits all of us and sheds much-needed light on the mystery we call life."
-Stephen Gawtry, Managing Editor, Watkins Mind Body Spirit magazine


"This book is a constant invitation to not leave spiritual awakening where it is often left, as a search for experiences, a way to avoid the messiness of life or some sort of head trip. It invites you into every nook and cranny of life's experience, leaving no stone unturned."
-Scott Kiloby


"Throughout The Deepest Acceptance, Jeff Foster offers sentence after sentence that penetrate the mind and heart in a fresh, thrilling,life-changing way."
-Raphael Cushnir, author of The One Thing Holding You Back and Surfing Your Inner Sea


"Jeff Foster is an honest seeker who has unraveled the many trappings of seeking through his faithfulness to the humble ground of being here, now."
-Mark Nepo, author of Staying Awake and Seven Thousand Ways to Listen


"The Deepest Acceptance is the story of a merciful awareness, which offers us the heart's inborn destination we were born to discover. Love is the highest form of acceptance. Judgment is the mechanics of non-acceptance."
-Stephen Levine, author of A Year to Live





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Creig
5.0 out of 5 stars Nonduality Really Is Just This Simple to GetReviewed in the United States on June 30, 2013
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How many books about nonduality, advaita vedanta, or "neo-advaita" are on the market right now? Remember to add in all those books about how to "be in the now," "release," and all the other things we could be "doing" to awaken spiritually. If it's fun for you to read about the metaphysical or philosophical underpinnings of nonduality, by all means get these books and read them. (Some are quite good.) They almost invariably include the promise, or at least suggestion, that this is the book that will part the clouds, still the overactive mind, and bring true peace and clarity. And that almost never happens. (Unless you were poised and ready for that to happen in any event.)

Finally, a book on nonduality that transmits the simple truth of it with a stunningly simple and direct declaration: It is ALL already "accepted" - there is nothing for *you* to "accept" since the REAL you already has, and whether your mind realizes it or not makes no difference - it HAS been accepted. It would never have appeared in your experience if it weren't already accepted.. Yes, there is discussion about the "real you" to provide the foundation for this utterly simple truth. Yes, there is discussion about how our "individualized" selves don't generally see it that way, and judge or resist the present experience, and suffer. (Many "ocean and its waves" analogies.) And yes, you've heard and read all this before. Many times. But did you know (REALLY know) that the sense of individual separateness, the judgments and resistance and the suffering, are ALSO "already accepted"? You may have even encountered this idea before (although the books that take it to this level are much fewer and farther between), but if you did, it probably just served to add another level of intellectual complexity to the discussion.

Not so here. Jeff Foster uses this simple concept (and really, what could be simpler?) to move the reader toward a lighter, more stark understanding that "this is it," WHATEVER "this" is. It is already accepted. And Foster pulls off an amazing little hat trick here: this is not more of the "there's no doer and nothing to do" that's so initially interesting and ultimately confusing or complicating, as the mind tries to work over that like some deep zen koan. This is more like, "If you still feel there's something to do, fine, that's part of it too, that too has already been accepted." (And by the way, it's fine, go ahead and do something!)

I know I am not conveying it correctly here, but Foster does, and the result is a genuine "lightening up" rather than the usual complexities and riddles. If you want one book that will actually give you the "feel" for nonduality, and that it really is just that simple, this is the book you have been looking or waiting for.

11 people found this helpful
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B. Mathern
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book.Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2016
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This one of the best spiritually oriented books I have read (and I've read a number of them). Jeff breaks it down to the deep vulnerability of being in the moment and allow everything to be as it is. When we allow everything to be accepted and not repressed, denied or pushed away we remove our suffering. We may still have pain, issues, triggers, and many other things coming up but they can all be what they are in the space of intimate presence. I highly recommend this book.

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars highly recommendedReviewed in the United States on March 1, 2013
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Even though I've given this book 5 stars, I'd like to start with the book's drawbacks. First, if you've already read plenty of books on oneness, non-duality, dharma, or whatever you want to call this genre, be prepared to cover a lot of familiar ground. This is to be expected, of course, as all such writings ultimately point to the same truths. Besides re-hashing some well-worn themes, this book also contains a LOT of repetition of its central metaphor - the inseparability of waves from the ocean. This metaphor is a helpful one, but at numerous points in the book I found myself thinking "I get it already with the ocean thing, please get to your point." With some good editing this book could have been about half as long, in which case it would have packed a wallop, word-for-word.
This brings me to why I give the book 5 stars. Foster's discussion of the "seeking mechanism" is both new and powerful. Many readers will recognize themselves in the many forms of seeking Foster describes, and they may experience a flash if insight (as I did) into how seeking itself is an obstacle to the realizing the very truth one is seeking. Foster's discussions of relationships and honest communication are nothing short of fantastic. His descriptions of how we carry our search for completeness into our relationships, and how that search corrupts those relationships, should be required reading for every couple in a committed relationship. His treatment of addiction is also extremely good. In my view, these plusses more then make up for the drawbacks discussed above and make this a 5 star book. Highly recommended.

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LJE
4.0 out of 5 stars An essential step to freedom, explained.Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2016
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Jeff Foster has one message, and it's a biggie: Accept everything. This message is an essential step to awakening, and it's worth every moment spent until the thing is seen. This book spells truth clearly and will bring you closer to freedom.

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Anne Laurens
5.0 out of 5 stars Warmth and ClarityReviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017
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Jeff Foster always points out that there is no one who can reach, let go or do anything. This is pure insight combined with warmth and poetry, and I love his style. And if you need something in addition, in a different form and with simple and helpful exercises, I highly recommend "Awaken to Life" by Dirk Hessel. Very well structured he begins with problems in our childhood, goes on to adulthood and finally ends up in our timeless true self. If you like Jeff Foster, you should also read Hessel. This German spiritual teacher is still unknown here, maybe because he shows an honesty and clarity that is not popular in the spiritual »scene«. But obviously he doesn't care. I discovered him by chance and he seems to be the »new German Nisargadatta«. As a matter of fact his intention is to radically end and dissolve the spiritual search instead of prolonging it (and it worked for "me"!). Once again it's a matter of taste, by whom or what we are attracted for a while. The main thing is that clear and awakened consciousness speaks and that it constantly points to our true nature. Because it's a very good combination it is probably best to read Foster and Hessel. If you dare.

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Arun Jain
5.0 out of 5 stars Great bookReviewed in India on June 1, 2022
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Awsome.. Eye opening

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P C
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in Canada on November 23, 2017
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Must read!
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Colin Hammerton
5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant exposé of the origins of human sufferingReviewed in Germany on March 17, 2018
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In this book Jeff Foster explains in understandable language the false images we uphold about ourselves, and how the discrepancy between this picture and what we really are causes us so much self-doubt and insecurity, sadness and pain. He shows a doable way to approach one's self-images, which, if you embrace the concept, can release one from the pain of suffering we subject ourselves to.
Recommended to anyone looking to help themself to come to terms with life's apparent challenges.

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Maria Dolhai
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything is made of ConsciousnessReviewed in Australia on September 11, 2017
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Jeff Foster skilfully unwrap the miracle of experience, which is "everything is made of what you are".
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J. Zobda
5.0 out of 5 stars Acceptance better than a practice, a realizationReviewed in France on October 14, 2014
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Now here is a very good book on non-duality and the way to live it in everyday Life. The insights about the seeking mechanism and the seeker is eye opening, and sooo true that all that is left is laughing. Non seeking has become such an evidence that all seeking thoughts are enjoyed and not anymore driving anyone. Surprise, is there still someone?

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An Extraordinary Absence: Liberation in the Midst of a Very Ordinary Life  Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Jeff Foster (Author), & 2 more
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings





Jeff Foster invites you to forget everything you know, everything you've been taught, and everything you've ever heard about spiritual awakening, oneness, enlightenment, non-duality, and Advaita, and to consider a new possibility: the possibility of absolute freedom, right now, right here, in the midst of this very ordinary life.

Using everyday language and drawing on both personal experience and age-old wisdom, Foster shares the possibility that all the seeking and longing of the mind can come to an absolute end with the falling away of the sense of being a separate individual, and a plunge into unconditional love. And in that plunge - which is totally beyond anything you have ever imagined - this so-called ordinary life reveals its great Secret. Written with stunning clarity and aliveness, this book is a love letter to the exhausted spiritual seeker who is simply longing to come home.


Listening Length

4 hours and 18 minutes
Author

Jeff Foster
Listening Length 4 hours and 18 minutes
Author Jeff Foster
Narrator Stephen Paul Aulridge Jr.
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 15, 2016


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No Seeker
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Words!Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2011
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If you are a spiritual seeker, especially a frustrated one, I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

I received, "An Extraordinary Absence" yesterday and finished it today. I had been a seeker (mostly as a Zen Buddhist) since about 1988. I have read many books on Buddhism and spirituality and while they all had some value, none of them came so close to putting Truth into words. The other books were also like band-aids; temporary things to make you feel better, but nothing that so drastically changed your core beliefs and permanently affected how you live life.

It's been only a month since I first heard Jeff talk on the internet and I just finished his book today, but he has already changed me in a fundamental and wonderful way. I cannot imagine how many more years of useless seeking he has saved me.

*** These are the words I needed to hear since I began my search ***

and they are words that no one else has said. If this had been my first book on spirituality, maybe I could have saved two decades of futility. Then again, maybe I needed to really understand how futile my search was in order to be ready to hear these new words.

Jeff does not give any practices, things to believe, or recipes for success. This isn't a self-help or feel-good book. His message is clear and his simple words hit you like a sledgehammer; they are powerful and my life has already changed for the better because of them.

One message is that this moment never seems to be enough. This causes us to suffer. Often we create a new identity as a "spiritual seeker" who will one day attain enlightenment - THEN that will be enough. In truth, life, as it is, is more than enough already. We just cannot see it because we're too busy looking for something else, something special, anything but this!

We've been believing our *ideas* about what life should be. When these beliefs are dropped and we fully accept that the present moment IS all there is, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

I believe this book is ideal for those who are fed up with seeking! If you are new to spirituality, there may be some ideas that seem too far-fetched or give you the idea that "he doesn't mean this literally." But if you are courageous enough to be open-minded and consider that some of your most basic assumptions about who you are are false, this book could save you years of frustration and falling into traps!

For me, the last 23 years of meditation and studying under Zen Masters have gotten me nowhere, except thrown into an abyss of despair. Luckily, it's not too late to begin anew, to throw out my own silly ideas of enlightenment and spirituality, and live right here in gratitude!

Life is no longer frustrating. I am no longer seeking, just getting better at SEEING what already is. The rest will take care of itself. :)

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D. Duarte
5.0 out of 5 stars An Extraordinary AbsenceReviewed in the United States on January 12, 2011
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I found this book exceptional. It gives a clear visceral feeling of what it must be like to perceive this world from an "enlightened" perspective. Jeff is very clear and eloquent about what it means to perceive Reality and shoots right through the myths of just what so-called liberation, self realization really is. I had no idea, after studying "spirituality" for nearly 35 years ! Highly recommended for true "seekers" who really would like to know the TRUTH .

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She Sparkled
5.0 out of 5 stars Must buyReviewed in the United States on July 11, 2020
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Another amazing book by Jeff foster. I own all of them! But this one is exceptional! It will bring you peace.

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San Francisco guy
4.0 out of 5 stars Tough review to writeReviewed in the United States on February 19, 2012
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"The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao." So it goes with non-dualistic writings. The question then becomes, "how well does it point?" It's been my limited experience (Parsons, Wheeler, Foster) that non-dualistic writers pretty much say the same stuff over and over. I'm not sure there's any other way to approach the subject. An Extraordinary Absence goes from "ho-hum" to "very, very good." The questions and answers at least provide slightly different perspectives. Parsons' approach can be more humorous, but he can also get very annoying. (However, the first section in As It Is is outstanding.) Wheeler is too rah-rah for my taste. So over all I'd put Foster on top of these three, anyway.

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Book Lover
5.0 out of 5 stars Cuts right to the coreReviewed in the United States on October 18, 2009
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I got it around a week ago and it is one of my favorites of the growing list of advaita books. Cuts right to the core, simple, readable, and enjoyable! the end of seeking, just be

He uses examples from his own life and tells of his "awakening" and how he saw things differently, like seeing his father for the first time not as "his" but as just another character in the play.

Enjoy!!

14 people found this helpful
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f hampton bumgarner
5.0 out of 5 stars YOU ALREADYReviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016
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JEFF FOSTER is on to something that is here already: YOU, a perfect and, perfectly loving being ensconced in something real and better, and down to earth all along. Thanks for this, and the thread it is connected to: Mr. Foster's work, heartfelt foolery and humor, astute awareness, a genuine humility, a full range of emotions, and writings which merit your attention and remembrance. .......And a cup of tea on occasion. Thanks, Jeff; it was good. very, Very, VERY GOOD..

5 people found this helpful
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mmorrill29
3.0 out of 5 stars mehReviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019
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just average

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Forrest
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing and clear story of awakeningReviewed in the United States on September 5, 2010
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Awakening is not even an accurate phrase. I read the book like a novel, scarcely wanting to lay it down. It is the clearest and most moving story of the disappearance of the illusory "me" and the opening to the full presence of life I have ever read. I highly recommend to anyone on the spiritual search who is ready to lay the burden down.

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Seeker
4.0 out of 5 stars NiceReviewed in Spain on September 6, 2023
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My favorite book, together with Rupert Spira's The Nature of Consciousness and Alessandro Sanna's The Direct Experience.
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Manish G.
5.0 out of 5 stars Eternal presenceReviewed in India on June 6, 2021
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Wonderful book. Must read. Really awakening.
Gives an insight of the true self. Eternal presence in the absence. Read it to experience
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Scott T. Swinimer
5.0 out of 5 stars MASTER OF THE CRAFT GREAT BOOK!Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2014
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CANT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT JEFF'S WRITING AND IMAGERY !MASTER OF THE CRAFT GREAT BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ImSein
5.0 out of 5 stars I love it!Reviewed in Germany on August 14, 2010
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I have read all books from Jeff and I like them all. But I must say, that I like this book the most.
The easiness of life, which you can't feel as a person, shines from nearly every page. I know Jeff personally and so I'm really amazed how much wisdom comes from (or better comes through) such young and playful person.
The book contains several chapters with questions and answers from his meetings alternated with short stories and sometimes only some short sentences full of wisdom. I found me reading several pages again and again.

Jeff destroys every concept you have. For me this was a big relief!

But the real beauty of this book is the depth and the wisdom.

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Stephen Luff
5.0 out of 5 stars A journey and journal of an awakened being.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2010
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This is a specialised subject.

This is book that lets you be an observer sitting inside the mind of one who has had an awakening.

What I was hoping to get from this book was the journaling of the journey afterwards. Awakening can happen to anyone. Its what happens next that determines the full experience and embracing of the moment.

The book refers to non-duality, ie not separate beings. Non duality goes further to suggest that there isn't actually a someone inside us. We live in a dreamworld that hints strongly that this life is totally real, but through observation and to a degree logic, non-duality refers to the absence of someone.

Jeff Foster explains that non-duality teachings are just pointers. One should not get hung up on the exact code of the language. Once awakening has been achieved, perhaps use the teaching to find the correct mind-setting and then let it go.

Jeff's mind-setting is that he expresses that there really is no real Jeff. Jeff is part of the dream, the play. Jeff responds to calls, to conversations, pain, joy but is certainly not separate from the connection of everything.

He walks us through his life. He reveals his torture as a human being and the extreme unhappiness he experienced. He then gets the 'spiritual search for the meaning of life' flame. He devours many books, shuts himself off completely, physically and mentally. Eventually he arrives at a point of complete void. He feels nothing.

He then passes through this phase and 'matures' into connecting with everything as an observer. He feels everything. Nothing is excluded from the love that passes through him.

I guess I found a resonance with Jeff's observations. I could see the logic to let go and stop pushing out. Trying to fire up thoughts that perhaps aren't ripe yet. To let life run through you. Its an old cliche but really it can be like this. I think one evolves into this state. Awakening is the first step. Ego could very well be the next step and then you'll be bringing the veil back over your eyes once again. So having a bit of background information like Zen, Non-duality you can perhaps try a few different settings. What helps greatly is no huge attachment to who you think you are and your own importance in the world.

But its up to each awakener to have their own experience. There's no right or wrong. Each personality plays a different tune. Personality doesn't mean that there is someone, its just the personality of the instrument.

This is the first book on this subject I've managed to finish. Perhaps I was 'ripe'. Or perhaps its not trying too hard to give all these steps to becoming awakened. It lacks this big ego in it. I think thats what I realise. Some of the others I sense the ego and it feels a bit evangelical, in that we are all fools until we really get 'this'.

Jeff is not hiding in solitude to protect his ego from those who will condemn his book. He lays it out. He had a surge of energy that wished to write the book, it felt right to do so.

I'm glad he did. I really think I will be able to move closer now to having some guidelines of letting go. Just dissolving.

The book is written in a style that breaks up the communication with the reader. He walks us zen-diary style through a day. He has a section on an interview. He takes us into the past. He expresses what he sees now and how he relates to that. He tackles the paradox of non-duality language. He invites the reader not to think too hard.

I guess if the reader surrenders to the writing it will connect directly to the silent experiencer within.
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