Open Secret

If you're reading the reviews then you're one of the very few who would entertain such a book. But are you ready for the depth of the material Wei Wu Wei covers in "Open Secret?" For those that have gotten to this stage of seeking and are still reading books (as I am), this book is exceptionally valuable and if you are considering a WWW book to dive into, this would be a good one.You may read that some others find WWW inaccessible written in a seemingly archaic form and with a challenging vocabulary. If you take the time to get into the book, you will discover that WWW is addressing concepts (specifically subject-object interdependency and non-volitional living) that few Western writers address even today. WWW was one of the pioneers in bringing these concepts to the English-speaking world. Most of Wei Wu Wei's writing in this field came in the 1960s right when Alan Watts and scant few others were bringing Eastern philosophy together with esoteric Western religion. Ramesh Baleskar cites WWW as one of his influences, and WWW's writing forged the path for contemporary teachers such as Wayne Liquorman, Tony Parsons, Bob Adamason, Nathan Gill, Leo Hartong, and Jan Kersschot, to name a few.But don't let talk of the challenging reading deter you. Many of the heavyweight books in this field are dense. Dense is not bad. Dense means that you will be actively processing the material as you chew your way through. If you're trying to burn through these books, the WWW wouldn't be for you. But if you're trying to unravel your misunderstandings about "reality" and our true nature, dense is great.You will be working on your vocabulary during the read, but you will be adding words that will help you navigate this kind of material by other teachers. Words such as noumenally, comport, and intemporal.I will admit that starting to read the book was rather challenging. I began reading the book while on a trip to China, so I was going to read it one way or another or have nothing to read at all. I recall that after reading 20 or so pages that I was saying to myself "What the hell is this? It's a tough read and I'm not sure where he's coming from." But somewhere around page 29 I started to understand what he was getting at. I stuck with figuring out what "noumenally" means (which is an essential part of his writing and is used throughout the book). Suddenly things started clicking and then he shifted into discussing the dependency between a subject and it's object. This critical and well explained concept certainly led to understanding and realization. After that, I couldn't find enough time to spend with the book and I subsequently ordered several more of his books.This book isn't for everyone, but if you're interested in these kinds of books, it has proven to be an essential addition to my considerable library. If you get it and it's too deep for you, I suggest putting it on your shelf so that you can come back to it when the time is right. Again, it's not for everyone, but for those it is for, it is outstanding.

If you intellectually understand non-dualism, but still don't "see it", that just means that the conditioning of the mind is still strong enough and so, it hasn't given up yet. Only recourse at that time is to keep exposing yourself to the truth and pondering about it. This book has truths expressed in all sizes, two lines to two pages and everything in between. Some of them are heavy reading and the "hope" is that pondering over these words would help breaking down the mental barriers at least a bit. All in all, an awesome book and I am eternally grateful.

This book was purchased and given to someone as a gift. I have my own copy. If you have read anything by Ramesh Balsekar, you will understand the content of this book. The basic meaning is: "Without Me, You Can Do Nothing" and it implies that we are solely conduits of the ONE. There is only ONE consciousness. We think we are the doer but we are not because everything originates from the SOURCE. This book needs to be read slowly so the concepts can be better understood. I plan to read this book a second time to get a better grasp of the material.

This books explains the subject matter with precision and skill. I'm always wary of authors that self infer their elevated stance on spiritual matters and am repelled by new age mumbo-jumbo. I am not disappointed in the least by this book and am finding it to be one of the most important & cherished books I own.

WOW! This slim volume is very heavy(!), did I say heavy? This work is phenomenal(!) but(whoa unto you)VERY abstract...trust me when I say this. It must be read very, very slowly and each paragraph must be contemplated upon for quite sometime. Wei is not for the faint-hearted and not a starting point for the beginner of non-dualistic thought. Please read elsewhere gentle reader, and when you are ready - really ready for truth spoken at the most inclusive and abstruse level then - and only then - prepare yourself for a feast which will de-cloak all that you have held near and dear about what you erroneously have concluded about "reality".

Wonderful book, would suggest some background in Advaita or Direct Path Teachings before reading this, or it might seem too complex. Read Greg Goode 2nd book or Transparency of Things by Rupert Spira or One by Jerry Katz.

There's no inner margin, so you have to hold the book open forcefully at the spine's expense to read the inner part of each page. Disappointing, because this is such a fantastic and lucidly-written work.

See Why Lazarus Laughed review, but same for this text. Cites All the great non-dual Masters -- Padmasambava, Jesus, Buddha, Huang-Po, Meister Eckhart, Nisargardatta, Rumi...

This is probably one of the most important spiritual books available to us today. It is difficult reading but most certainly worth the effort.

Stannus Gray writing under the pseudonym of Wei Wu Wei is probably the best writer on Zen and enlightenment.A most scholarly and wellread writer.This is one of his eight books,still available.Non of these are beginners books or an introduction to the subject.They forma highly technical analysis and are a very demanding read.But the contents will blow the mind of any discerning reader.I have collectedmany books on non-duality.Of modern writers these are absolutely the best. His inscription. ' A single word is sufficient to reveal the truth' - Shen HuiIn case such a word be lurking herein.....

Puts into words what's impossible to put into words- well, likely as good as it gets at least. It may take a little while to get used to the language and terminology (I reached for the dictionary a number of times) - but well worth it if you persist IME - seems to get easier as you go along. Amongst other notable advocates of non-duality, Ramesh Belsekar was a fan of Wei Wu Wei - I can see why.

I bought and read this book about five years ago and I described it as muddy and heavy reading. I re-purchased it and re-read it and its far clearer. I will say to any would-be-seekers out there that this book should come with a health warning because it won't leave you with anything ,no life buoys ..sorry about that.

Valuable book. Well written. Read it twice so far. Or so it appears as part of a dream I appear to be indulging.