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Introduction xi
If this is true, what a unique opportunity to see into the very center of our innermost reality—a chance afforded humanity perhaps two or three times in all of recorded history, and never before to this extent. Never before has such striking evidence of Universal Consciousness in the form of astounding miracles accompanying profound acts of compassion and selfless love been witnessed in such vast numbers and variety and by so many people.
And yet the extent of our resistance to such material—our self- defeating avoidance of inquiry into the possibility of our immortality—is immense. When we grasp the meaning and significance of our real identity actually being Universal Consciousness, the impact on our lives will be literally transforming. But in the meantime, this resistance is enormous. There is nothing like religion or politics to inflame the emotions and create conflict. It’s been my continuing observation in the course of my professional work with clients, as well as observing myself and many seekers along the spiritual path, that our hesitancy and avoidance have to do with powerful underlying fears. And there is a reason for this.
Part of our skepticism and reluctance may be the result of having been fooled many times before and learning not to be so naive and idealistic. Our age has idealized so many, only to find feet of clay upon closer inspection, treading paths, which eventually turn out to lead nowhere new. In addition, many of us have put our faith in psychology, hoping to find new insights into the meaning of life. And psychology by and large has been skeptical of spirituality, perhaps generalizing and overreacting because of the psychological damage occasionally observed as a result of overly punitive spiritual approaches.
Then, too, many of us have our own strong religious beliefs which, when clung to rigidly, block openness and receptivity to worthwhile but unfamiliar information. Because these personal beliefs purport to answer the most basic questions about our existence, protect us from the unknown, and give us a sense of belonging and safety in a world, which might otherwise seem too mysterious and unfathomable, it’s understandable that we would cherish and protect them. But when this is done in too narrow and rigid a manner, at the expense of our openness, sensitivity and respect for others, it may entail blocking out a large segment of reality.