Haunted Universe - by Steven Norquest

[waddicalwabbit]

Bought it, read it, complete waste of time for me. Lots of white space, large font (not that quantity is quality. In fact I appreciated not having to spend more than a half hour with it). Says things like enlightenment is dark and nasty and hard and is going to rip your heart out of your chest, chop it up and serve it back to you on fine china with a parsley garnish (I'm not quoting, just giving my sense of the overall message which goes on for many pages). Lovely. Like I knew that already, k? Been there, done that. Just my opinion.

[popee2]

Just bought the cd. Resonated with me as if written by someone who actually knows what he's talking about.

His original article as well.

www.spiritualteachers.org/norquist_article.htm


I've seen his work called the 'dark side' of enlightenment, but is there anything "darker" than annihilation? And what exactly is the True definition of "love"?

Humans tend to over-estimate their importance.

[mateeah]

I read and loved Norquist’s popular essay “What is enlightenment, no really, what is it?” a few months ago. His direct and straightforward explanation was refreshing and incredibly insightful.

I listened to his lecture at SIG in 2010. I listened to it before bed (bad idea) and it really challenges my beliefs. No other enlightened teacher I’ve come across as described the universe and “haunted” and “creepy”. Whether it is me or my ego talking, I wasn’t particularly fond of this. It had me questioning if I really wanted to be “enlightened”. He mentioned enlightenment may destroy your love for loved ones. Not one spiritual teacher I’ve heard has expressed this possible byproduct of enlightenment. If anything, they say compassion increases exponentially. Overall, it seemed a bit of a cult-ish with hints at nihilism, lacking heart.

Despite my reaction, a few months later I came back to check out his new revised edition of “The Haunted Universe”.

Loved what zendancer mentioned - 

“Norquist's articles and books are good reminder that all body/minds are unique, and that all spiritual writings should be taken with a grain of salt (including this one, obviously).”

I haven’t finished Haunted but am proceeding with caution; I advise others to do so as well. I don’t doubt the authenticity of Norquist’s enlightenment, but keep in mind he hasn’t been practicing for very long. He seems to be missing some pieces of the puzzle (or the puzzle my body/mind perceives anyway) but of course we are all unique manifestations of the Divine and react differently to the awakening process. Some of his teachings I can’t say I wholeheardly agree with, but this dude has tremendous insights and explains them thoroughly and straightforwardly. 

Props to Norquist for pointing out in the beginning of the book it is not for the feint of heart. If you introduced spirituality to a friend with this book you’d be put on their blacklist.

[loz]

Just read the above post, concerning parental love or whatever. What I think he refers to is the love you think is real disappears or what you think is love goes. The word compassion is probably the closest word that can discribe what may be felt. It is the same wether it is towards your parents your kids the neighbours their kids the dog, the cat or anyother think that may arise in consciousness. If there is a difference it is only the knowledge of a biological attachment to your kids or parents