|
News OTHER SITES |
A REVIEWThe Way In A Book of Self Discovery By
Nikki Francis This compilation of short pieces, written during the 1980's by well-known spiritual teacher Barry Long, functions as an overview of his teachings and, according to the publicity, as a 'practical manual for spiritual life in the contemporary world'. Having heard his teachings from time to time over the past few years I am delighted that there is now such a comprehensive overview of them; Barry Long's writings, for instance on time, meditation, making love, channelling, psychic 'pathways', and prayer, are quite extraordinary and often challenging. Although I've only read this book once, I will say that I found it very practical in the sense of clear and simple description and instruction. For me though, it offers something else: a welcome contact with a real teacher, with Guru. Simplicity seems to be one of Barry Long's skills. His whole approach to spirituality appears profoundly simple in fact - which may of course put many people off - there is no belief system involved, no faith required, no learning of mantras and the like, no church to build and then attend and no high priest or priestess to mediate between you and the Divine. Simply the clear instructions for genuine self discovery. Aaahh... One important aspect of the teachings is to do with the apparently never-ending condition of human unhappiness which, we are told, is the result of 'losing touch with the truth of yourself, or, put another way, living from the mental body. Stillness appears to be the route back into that truth, but before any instruction in meditation is given, we are taken on a journey which delves into the difference between life and living, between power and force, what Guru really means, and the myth of life on planet earth. Barry Long's instructions in meditation are clear and simple (are you surprised?) and he also discusses why we need to meditate and what 'right meditation' is. In this same section there are also penetrating commentaries on tension, habit, thinking about the past worry, and emotional relationships. Another quite large section of the book is devoted to the subject of 'spiritual pathways' and teachings. Barry Long's words here are, of course, as direct as in any other section - he doesn't offer 'maybe' or 'probably' to camouflage reality as he sees it. His words may be unpalatable to some! The Way In is one of the real books. In my opinion it is of immense value and will genuinely help people in the way it has been designed to do. I'm glad it landed on my desk! Barry Long A review of The Way In © The Barry Long Trust |
