One - by Jerry Katz (Paperback)

About the Book

This book compiles the most lively expressions of nonduality, which is the understanding that existence is one undivided whole and that the daily distinctions we make within this unity are useful, but not ultimately true. The book conveys what nonduality itself is, in a nonacademic style that draws heavily on modern, popular writing on the subject. Also included are spirited passages from major traditions--Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Book Synopsis

This is the first book on nonduality intended for a mainstream audience. Nonduality means not two or One without a second. That One has many names-God, consciousness, truth, the Self-and the writings in this collection turn the reader toward this nondual reality. This is done through the practice of inquiry, in which questions about the source of one's action or thought lead one to see the fact of non-separation, and through expressions of nonduality in art, music, scriptures, and diverse areas of ordinary life. In gaining an understanding of the nondual nature of life, one can live with greater integrity and joy, because the truth of existence is seen and lived.

This is the first book on nonduality intended for a mainstream audience. Nonduality means not two or One without a second. That One has many names-God, consciousness, truth, the Self-and the writings in this collection turn the reader toward this nondual reality. This is done through the practice of inquiry, in which questions about the source of one's action or thought lead one to see the fact of non-separation, and through expressions of nonduality in art, music, scriptures, and diverse areas of ordinary life. In gaining an understanding of the nondual nature of life, one can live with greater integrity and joy, because the truth of existence is seen and lived.

Often called Advaita in the East, nonduality describes the singular wholeness of existence that suggests that the personal self is an illusion. Nonduality is the basis of much of ancient Eastern thought, and there is a growing interest in it among Western spiritual seekers. The book covers religious and cultural expressions of nonduality, nondual spiritual practices, and the philosophical underpinnings of the nondual perspective. This very lively and diverse collection includes readings from Ramana Maharshi, Ibn 'Arabi, the Tao Te Ching, Ohiyesa, the Diamond Sutra, the Avadhuta Gita, Bernadette Roberts, Kabbalah, nondual psychotherapy (John Prendergast), education (Steven Harrison), art (Jerry Wennstrom), and the movie The Matrix (Pradheep Chhalliyil). It's a sourcebook for understanding this profound perspective and how it relates to our lives.

One conveys what nonduality itself is, in a nonacademic style that draws heavily on modern, popular writing on the subject. Included are lively passages from major traditions-Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This new take on an ancient philosophy makes it relevant for modern lives.

Review Quotes

A translation of the first verse of the Avadhuta Gita, a Hindu scripture, reads: "Through the Grace of God alone, the desire for nonduality arises in wise people to save them from great fear." Katz attributes the appearance of this desire to know our true nature as an outgrowth of the desire for spiritual development, which ultimately shows itself to be another wish for something to possess. Mystical experiences, inner peace, and even wisdom eventually leave us unsatisfied. Something lies beyond these: the realization, rather than the acquisition, of our ultimate identity beyond our dualistic world. In One, Katz presents various perspectives--including writings from Sufism, Judaism, Christianity, Taoism, Buddhism, and Native American tradition as well as the essential teachings of Ramana Maharshi and a discussion of The Matrix Trilogy--to guide us toward recognition of the essential oneness of reality, the truth of our Self.

--Shift: At the Frontiers of Consciousness

By carefully combining a wide range of nondual texts, both ancient and modern, Jerry Katz has made a significant contribution to the growing library of nondualist writings. The author creates a very readable overview of the subject and shows that what it's pointing to is relevant today. Above all, he reminds the reader that the cross-cultural perennial philosophy that lies at the core of all of the great religions has been this same realization of the absolute unity of all things. True freedom arises through the discovery that separation is an illusion and that everything is, quintessentially, only One. This book can be an opening. Very well done and highly recommended.
--Chuck Hillig, author, Enlightenment for Beginners

Edited by nonduality instructor Jerry Katz, One: Essential Writings on Nonduality is a sourcebook anthology of writings crucial to the spiritual perspective of universal reality, and the mystical integration of the self within the universal. Exploring nonduality as understood within Sufism, Judaism, Taoism, Christianity, Buddhism, Native American traditions, and the Advaita Vedanta, One, as well as nonduality as experienced in psychotherapy, education, art, and even the pop culture movie "The Matrix", One is an integral primer to a powerfully transcendent concept. "The practical expression of the spiritual realization that life is interconnected is expressed in the forms we create, the work in progress of that understanding. Even a learning center that embodies freedom and responsibility is not complete until it seamlessly interfaces with the community of families, businesses, and institutions that surround it, as well as the world at large. Learning may finally be deinstitutionalized and returned to its natural state: curiosity-driven, lifelong, and incorporating every dimension of the human being." Highly recommended for religious and spiritual philosophy shelves.

--Midwest Book Review

My kind of book. I know I will enjoy having it for years to come. Leave it to Jerry Katz to show the pluralism of the unitive experience. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for the best reference guide to nonduality on the market today. A must have for serious seekers for its breadth of perspectives.
--Paul Cohen, Publisher/Editor, Monkfish Book Publishing Company

One is a clear and concise guide to the most universal truth of all: that the world between our ears that we call "me, myself, and my story" does not actually exist. When we see this, when we actually realize our true, nondual nature, conflict and suffering leave us, and peace and joy prevail.
--Jim Dreaver, author, The Way of Harmony

Thanks for adding this stellar effort to the great body of nondualist literature which is now blossoming in our time. The few pages of excerpts you included from Advadhut Gita are well worth the price of your book all by themselves and yet they are only one small part of an amazing smorgasbord. This is the kind of book I expect to refer back to over the years regularly. It is also the kind of book I'll need extra copies of to give to folks I encounter who show even some small sign of being worthy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
--Orva Schrock, author, Grandpa's Notebooks: The Evolution of an Amish Soul

About the Author

Jerry KatzJ received an M.S. in biology from the University of New Mexico. He has been interested in human consciousness since childhood, and has investigating many spiritual teachings. In 1997, he introduced the website that would become Nonduality.com, which brings the teaching of nonduality to an audience beyond ashrams and academic institutions. In 1998, he founded Nonduality Salon.