Synopsis
Underlying the vision behind democracy is the recognition that every individual has dignity, adequacy and worth. This democratic understanding of the worth and standing of the individual lies at the core of what the West calls enlightenment. The Western idea of enlightenment, rooted in the great vision of the Biblical prophets, is generally understood to have entered mainstream consciousness through the political democratic movements of the mid 18th century. Western enlightenment is primarily concerned with the democratization of political power. Classical enlightenment, sometimes called Eastern enlightenment because it was greatly emphasized in the East, is about the individual merging into the greater one. The appearance of separate self is an illusion, which must be overcome as the individual realizes that one is really not separate at all but part of the one. The goal of Eastern enlightenment is moving beyond the grasping ego and desperately seeking separate self by attaining a state of consciousness in which the illusion of separateness was dissolved in the greater one. This path of classical enlightenment is seen as the path beyond suffering. Unique Self enlightenment brings the Eastern and Western understandings about enlightenment together, into a higher Integral World Spirituality embrace. Unique Self enlightenment is based on your commitment to transcend separate self into the one, even as you realize that that essence sees through your unique perspective. Unique Self opens the door to the potential democratization of enlightenment. To awaken to your Unique Self is to be lived as God, which, in truth, means to be lived as love.
From the Back Cover
"Your Unique Self is one of the most brilliant, provocative, and original books of the new century. Dr. Marc Gafni has fused together the deepest insights of the Eastern and Western mystery traditions to provide an evolutionary road map for the great birth that is arising in and through our contemporary world crisis. This is indispensible reading for all lovers of Integral Spirituality and universal mysticism. The vision of the Unique Self is absolutely essential for the next step of evolution, and I cannot recommend it highly enough."
-- Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism
"With exceptional brilliance and an awakened heart, Dr. Marc Gafni speaks to all of us who are interested in the evolution of consciousness. His teachings on the Unique Self enlightenment are essential for the next stage in our evolution. They have emerged from his direct experience, and I highly recommend them."
-- Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul's Potential
"Marc, a fellow drinker at the holy taverns has written a fine, fine book. Kabbalists say a Day of Tikkun (evolution, soul-repair) is coming. There are great stories here from the Hasidic masters and from Marc's own life, honoring the unique soulmaking that has brought you to this moment. This book will deepen that astonishing mystery and awaken you to the individual beauty of your path."
-- Coleman Barks, author of Rumi: The Big Red Book
"Dr. Marc Gafni has written an brilliant book, Your Unique Self, which I believe is essential reading. "Your Unique Self" articulates a bold evolutionary, spiritual, philosophy that calls every individual to realize their Unique Self and give their Unique Gifts in an evolutionary context. Gafni, together with his colleague Ken Wilber, is a bold visionary and a catalytic voice for the newly emergent World Spirituality movement, which combines the best of pre-modern, modern, and post-modern insight. I highly recommend this book."
-- John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods and Chair of Center for World Spirituality
"It is very rare that one comes across a teacher or a book that is 'changing the game.' My friend, Dr. Marc Gafni is such a teacher. He is a rare combination of brilliance, depth, and heart. Marc's teaching on the Unique Self in an evolutionary context is 'changing the game.'"
-- Michael Murphy, Founder, Esalen Insitute, author of Golf in the Kingdom
"Dr. Marc Gafni's teaching on the Unique Self radically evolves the way we understanding and realize enlightenment. He is a great teacher of both heart and mind . His depth, practicality, and heartfelt charisma will change your life."
-- John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
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