Overview

Tantric philosopher and Oxford scholar Christopher Wallis calls out the seemingly helpful spiritual teachings dominating our current culture and demonstrates how these near truths stand in the way of a more radically free and meaningful life—and ultimately, a deeper spiritual awakening.  Have you ever been told, “You create your own reality”? Have you been encouraged to “be your best self” or “follow your bliss”? Nowadays these slogans are everywhere, but what if they’re doing more harm than good? After over thirty years as a scholar-practitioner of meditation and Tantric philosophy, acclaimed author Christopher Wallis (also known as Hareesh) explores the most widespread distortions of spiritual teachings present in our world today. Rooted in the Asian wisdom traditions, Wallis’s book uncovers why these oft-heard platitudes are “near enemies” to the truth, often detour us off the spiritual path, and can even cause unnecessary suffering. In asking us to question what we’ve accepted as “truth,” Wallis reveals how teachings like “become the best version of yourself” may have helped us at one stage in our journey but can ultimately lead us away from self-acceptance and compassion and cause us to prioritize an imagined ideal over true intimacy with reality. Understanding the near enemies is vital for any spiritual seeker who is ready to create a deeper, more fulfilling practice and will help you: Distinguish between truth and belief Communicate more authentically with loved ones Set healthier boundaries Be in greater harmony with reality Practice radical self-acceptance Near Enemies of the Truth offers itself as a guide to the pitfalls of the spiritual life. However, it doesn’t focus on the negative. In each chapter, after pointing out how a spiritual teaching can be construed in a non-beneficial way, Wallis focuses on the deeper truth and ancient wisdom underlying that teaching, which is often obscured by its popular bumper-sticker version. Each chapter contains a supportive insight for your spiritual process and/or for your everyday life, including guided meditations and reflections.  Written in a gentle and encouraging tone, this book offers a wealth of insight and guidance for anyone who finds themselves struggling, reaching a spiritual plateau, or simply seeking a more meaningful way forward. This timely companion will help you think differently and see through the smokescreens to what is true. 

Full Product Details

Author:   Christopher D. Wallis
Publisher:   Greenleaf Book Group LLC
Imprint:   Wonderwell
ISBN:  

9781637560372

ISBN 10:   1637560370
Pages:   264
Publication Date:   30 November 2023
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   No Longer Our Product
Availability:   Not yet available  
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1: Listen to Your Heart Chapter 2: Become the Best Version of Yourself Chapter 3: Find Your Soul's Purpose Chapter 4: Follow Your Bliss Chapter 5: Speak Your Truth Chapter 6: You Create Your Own Reality Chapter 7: You Can Choose How to Respond Chapter 8: Love Yourself Chapter 9: Be in the Moment Chapter 10: Everything Happens for a Reason Chapter 11: Everything Happens for the Best Chapter 12: Avoid Negative Energy Chapter 13: You Can Heal Your Energy Healing Chapter 14: I Am My Own Guru Chapter 15: All Paths Lead to the Same Goal Chapter 16: Enlightenment Chapter 17: Reality Chapter 18: Nonduality Chapter 19: Ego Chapter 20: Kundalini Chapter 21: God Acknowledgements About the Author Index

Reviews

“Near Enemies of the Truth is like a Zen master’s sword—both uncompromising and kind—and, as such, an invaluable companion to anyone who wishes to be scrupulously honest in their quest to recognize their essential nature and its inherent peace.”  —Rupert Spira, spiritual teacher, philosopher, and author of You Are the Happiness You Seek  “A much-needed book for not just the world of spiritual seekers but for anyone interested in understanding their inner landscapes and arriving at peace and wisdom.”  —Kavitha Chinnaiyan, MD, award-winning author of Shakti Rising and Glorious Alchemy  “Near Enemies of the Truth is a deliciously disruptive inoculation against BS teachings in the world of alternative spirituality. I wish this could be required reading for all ‘spiritual teachers'.”  —Harshada David Wagner, meditation teacher and spiritual coach 

"""Near Enemies of the Truth is like a Zen master's sword-both uncompromising and kind-and, as such, an invaluable companion to anyone who wishes to be scrupulously honest in their quest to recognize their essential nature and its inherent peace."" -Rupert Spira, spiritual teacher, philosopher, and author of You Are the Happiness You Seek ""A much-needed book for not just the world of spiritual seekers but for anyone interested in understanding their inner landscapes and arriving at peace and wisdom."" -Kavitha Chinnaiyan, MD, award-winning author of Shakti Rising and Glorious Alchemy ""Near Enemies of the Truth is a deliciously disruptive inoculation against BS teachings in the world of alternative spirituality. I wish this could be required reading for all 'spiritual teachers'."" -Harshada David Wagner, meditation teacher and spiritual coach"

Author Information

Christopher D. Wallis, also known as Hareesh, is a scholar-practitioner with thirty years of experience, having been initiated into the practice of yogic meditation at sixteen. His degrees include a B.A. in Religion and Classics from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley, an M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religions from Oxford, and a Ph.D. in Sanskrit from U.C. Berkeley. His doctoral dissertation focused on the role of spiritual experience in the tradition of Tantric Shaivism. Additionally, he received traditional education at yoga ashrams in upstate New York and India, training in meditation, mantra-science, kirtan, karma-yoga, and pedagogy. He currently teaches meditation, yoga darsana (practical philosophy), Tantrik philosophy, Sanskrit, and mantra-science. Hareesh is the author of Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition and The Recognition Sutras: Illuminating a 1,000-Year-Old Spiritual Masterpiece.

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