Short Book Summaries

Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion | Sam Harris

The self is an illusion. Consciousness cannot be. We discover the transitory nature of our thoughts in consciousness through meditation. Practicing meditation helps us frees ourselves from continually identifying with thoughts. Because suffering, misery and conflict emanate from a delusion — that our thoughts are who we are — waking up from this dream can collectively help us lead happier lives. We need meditation practice — not religion or faith — to begin our spiritual journeys and learn not to deny thoughts but to immerse ourselves in them fully. In doing so, we discover they are meaningless energy. We can stop struggling to become and instead be happy and free. As Harris notes, “The reality of your life is always now.”

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