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The Universe Is a Dream: The Secrets of Existence Revealed
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Product Details
| Binding: | Kindle Edition |
|---|---|
| EAN: | |
| Label: | Inspired Arts Press |
| Feature: | |
| Publisher: | Inspired Arts Press |
| Studio: | Inspired Arts Press |
Editorial Reviews
Have you ever contemplated the cause of the universe beyond simply attributing it to God or The Big Bang? If so, in that causal contemplation, have you ever entertained the idea that the universe is but a dream? Which is to say, have you ever considered that the cause of the universe is that you dreamt it up? At first glance, the idea that you dreamt up the universe perhaps seems implausible. However, what if you really took that idea seriously and followed it to its logical conclusion? What would you discover? Well, this book answers that question. Using the unique form of a graphic novel (comic), artist and writer Alexander Marchand takes you on an artistic, humorous, irreverent, and extremely informative romp through the advanced, nondualistic metaphysics of the contemporary spiritual document known as A Course in Miracles. In the end, you’ll not only have a coherent picture of the true nature of the universe and existence, but you’ll also have essential, practical knowledge of what you’ll need to do to if you are ready to wake up.
For the Kindle edition, the book was reformatted so that each page contains a single comic frame. This keeps the print legible on even very small screens, like on the iphone. So, even though the book is a comic, it is fit for all devices.
For the Kindle edition, the book was reformatted so that each page contains a single comic frame. This keeps the print legible on even very small screens, like on the iphone. So, even though the book is a comic, it is fit for all devices.
Customer Reviews
Pen Name @ 2010-10-11 Finally, the Secrets of Existence Revealed...kudos Alex!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Alex, for writing/drawing/designing this book! I never realized that I could learn SO much from a comic book! You really DO reveal the secrets of existence and in a most humorous, educational and clear way.
I'm not the kind of person who wants to review a book by describing the contents in my personal feeble way... nor summarize it in that same manner. This is just that book that draws one in on its own. Alex has kindly supplied the potential reader with sample pages, above, and also on his most excellent webpage (which is his name with the dot com after it...clever!) Go ahead, make a new tab and check it out right now, then come back and finish reading my review...I'll wait.
I can state, unequivocally, that reading this book has boosted my understanding of all 'secret' matters of existence to an ultimate degree. Its coverage of metaphysics, quantum physics, non-duality and natural law in such readable terms are a true treasure. Then, going on to explain how to re-apply this wisdom to my life via Truth found in a complete cosmology has been stellar for me. The graphics and symbols used in the book are over the top fantastic. I am a visual learner and these comic book panels really helped to spell out what you are saying here. Probably the best part of the entire book, besides its universally applicable content....oh so great... is the humor that you used to tell the story. Some of it is very subtle, so, potential reader take note! I laughed so hard at some of your drawings...like the cover of that popular rock album reinterpreted, or the scenes where you take on roles of famous folks from throughout eternity... including the late, great, Mr. Rogers from our youth. Great use of culture. Many will be able to relate to this content. Especially the under 30 crowd, but not exclusively so! It reaches all ages, to be sure!
To those of you familiar with Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, you will be very surprisingly pleased with this fresh new take on some classic Truth. Sometimes it takes a young and talented author/artist like Alex to bring out the best.
I have already bought four copies to share with friends because I like this book so much. I have never bought multiple copies of a book before and I am not young!
So, decide for yourself. Or let your appointed friend decide for you. Read this book!
I'm not the kind of person who wants to review a book by describing the contents in my personal feeble way... nor summarize it in that same manner. This is just that book that draws one in on its own. Alex has kindly supplied the potential reader with sample pages, above, and also on his most excellent webpage (which is his name with the dot com after it...clever!) Go ahead, make a new tab and check it out right now, then come back and finish reading my review...I'll wait.
I can state, unequivocally, that reading this book has boosted my understanding of all 'secret' matters of existence to an ultimate degree. Its coverage of metaphysics, quantum physics, non-duality and natural law in such readable terms are a true treasure. Then, going on to explain how to re-apply this wisdom to my life via Truth found in a complete cosmology has been stellar for me. The graphics and symbols used in the book are over the top fantastic. I am a visual learner and these comic book panels really helped to spell out what you are saying here. Probably the best part of the entire book, besides its universally applicable content....oh so great... is the humor that you used to tell the story. Some of it is very subtle, so, potential reader take note! I laughed so hard at some of your drawings...like the cover of that popular rock album reinterpreted, or the scenes where you take on roles of famous folks from throughout eternity... including the late, great, Mr. Rogers from our youth. Great use of culture. Many will be able to relate to this content. Especially the under 30 crowd, but not exclusively so! It reaches all ages, to be sure!
To those of you familiar with Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, you will be very surprisingly pleased with this fresh new take on some classic Truth. Sometimes it takes a young and talented author/artist like Alex to bring out the best.
I have already bought four copies to share with friends because I like this book so much. I have never bought multiple copies of a book before and I am not young!
So, decide for yourself. Or let your appointed friend decide for you. Read this book!
Giddy Up Mikey "Mike @ 2011-05-04 Wicked Cool!
I consider The Universe is a Dream to be a very good introductory book to The Disappearance of the Universe and A Course in Miracles; a great way for somebody to be introduced to the radical thought system discussed in the two aforementioned books. Also, if you're already down with the correct interpretation (pure non-dualism) of the Course, and have a great sense of humor, then this book is for you too. No compromising on the Course, and plenty of laughs as well, as the book contains some humorous content and amusing drawings. Great job Alex! Giddy up!
~ Mike Lemieux aka Giddy Up Mikey author of Dude, Where's My Jesus Fish?: A Compilation Highlighting the Blunt and Uncompromising Teachings of Arten and Pursah on A Course in Miracles
~ Mike Lemieux aka Giddy Up Mikey author of Dude, Where's My Jesus Fish?: A Compilation Highlighting the Blunt and Uncompromising Teachings of Arten and Pursah on A Course in Miracles
P. West "TV Squid" @ 2010-11-08 Eye opening, funny and so full of truth
This book has to be a first - probably the first book presented in cartoon form that is both visually appealing and yet conveys profound metaphysical truth at the same time - so often distorted by many a `serious` publication.
The cartoons are all very neatly drawn and are laugh-out-loud funny, with great cultural references and such clear perspective. I love how Alex has chosen to use various symbols to represent aspects of what he's saying, like the symbol for the ego, the symbol for the holy spirit, the symbol for forgiveness, etc. It makes subsequent learning a breeze based on ground he's already covered.
A feast for the eyes and a treasure for the soul. Any A Course in Miracles practitioner/student would find significant benefit in reading and studying this book. It's clarification of the principles of A Course in Miracles is practically unsurpassed. It can benefit ACIM newbies and veterans alike. And I thought I already knew it all - Alex easily and on several occasions led me to a new and deeper understanding of the total picture, inspiring thoughts and `aha` moments which I never had before.
I highly recommend this book to any and all A Course in Miracles students and teachers alike. You won't be disappointed.
The cartoons are all very neatly drawn and are laugh-out-loud funny, with great cultural references and such clear perspective. I love how Alex has chosen to use various symbols to represent aspects of what he's saying, like the symbol for the ego, the symbol for the holy spirit, the symbol for forgiveness, etc. It makes subsequent learning a breeze based on ground he's already covered.
A feast for the eyes and a treasure for the soul. Any A Course in Miracles practitioner/student would find significant benefit in reading and studying this book. It's clarification of the principles of A Course in Miracles is practically unsurpassed. It can benefit ACIM newbies and veterans alike. And I thought I already knew it all - Alex easily and on several occasions led me to a new and deeper understanding of the total picture, inspiring thoughts and `aha` moments which I never had before.
I highly recommend this book to any and all A Course in Miracles students and teachers alike. You won't be disappointed.
Laurie J. Limbach @ 2010-10-27 highly recommended
I have read and re-read Alex Marchand's book THE UNIVERSE IS A DREAM and frankly am blown away by the potent adeptness with which Alex is able to explain and illustrate the abstract concepts which comprise the A COURSE IN MIRACLES material. Being a visually-oriented person myself,I particularly enjoyed the symbols and comic asides Alex employs to illustrate these concepts, thus making them more accessible for the reader to understand. I heartily recommend this book to anyone familiar with the ACIM or G. Renard's book THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE UNIVERSE in that it enhances understanding of that information. However, the novice will still enjoy reading Alex's book as it presents a thoughtful, entertaining journey, able to stand on it's own merit, or as a link to further study.
Pauline Edward @ 2011-02-14 Simply brilliant!
For those who have scoured the spiritual buffet line for some time and are ready to clear away the crumbs of confusion, this book may very well be your answer. If you are a beginner student of A Course in Miracles and need a quick, concise overview of its core message, this book is for you. If you are an advanced student of A Course in Miracles and are ready to have your learning revived and shaken up a little, this book may just dot enough i's and cross enough t's to push you to your next level of experience. Sometimes, a fresh new approach is all that is needed to remove the cobwebs of unknowing. Deliciously irreverent, delightfully provocative, decidedly radical, definitely non-dualistic, devilishly divine and perhaps divinely devilish! I dare you to read this book, cover to cover.
Pauline Edward, author of Leaving the Desert: Embracing the Simplicity of A Course in Miracles and Making Peace with God: The Journey of a Course in Miracles Student
Pauline Edward, author of Leaving the Desert: Embracing the Simplicity of A Course in Miracles and Making Peace with God: The Journey of a Course in Miracles Student
Susan Dugan @ 2011-02-01 A playful, bittersweet take on A Course in Miracles
In Alexander Marchand's delightful graphic novel The Universe Is a Dream--based on the fundamental principles and unique, dynamic forgiveness espoused in the profound spiritual psychology of A Course in Miracles--a cartoon version of the author walks readers through the Course's journey from mindlessness to mindfulness. He reviews the metaphysical foundation of the Course's non-dualistic reality of truth versus the ego thought system's illusory universe of competing forms born of the one Son of God's belief in the thought of separation from its source realized.
The author covers the origins and nature of the dream we think we're living as fugitives from perfect Love while revealing the truths and ultimate limitations of scientific theories from the Big Bang to evolution to quantum physics that, unlike A Course in Miracles, never answer the essential question of why we're here. The book covers major Course themes including the split mind, the nature of guilt, the dynamics of the ego, our reliance on magic, and the consequences of confusing levels. It explains the "Laws of Chaos" that preserve separate interests and the ego's hallucinated individuality, the special relationships we use as receptacles for our unconscious guilt, and the "Obstacles to Peace" designed to preserve our bodily identification. It also describes the correction for our mistaken belief--learning to rediscover our shared wholeness and innocence by calling on the Holy Spirit, the part of our mind that remembers the separation never happened and always shares its enlightened vision that we remain awake in God, dreaming of exile; whenever we remember to ask.
Marchand's whimsical, bittersweet rendition of the countless absurd ways in which we attempt to make the dream real keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. He vividly portrays the Course's forgiveness process which undoes the hidden guilt in the mind, gently awakens us from our guilty dream, and trains us to see our lives as a classroom wherein we learn again and again the gentle lesson that no one or thing seemingly "out there" can in any way jeopardize or enhance our peace of mind.
A gifted artist, Marchand was raised Catholic and came to A Course in Miracles through reading the best-seller The Disappearance of the Universe by renowned Course author and speaker Gary Renard, and went on to embrace the work of the Course's original editor and premier scholar Kenneth Wapnick, PhD as well as other Course teachers. Although he wrote the book while still in his twenties, he not only completely gets the Course's radical take on the human condition but is dedicated to harnessing its mind-healing power in his relationships. Newbies and experienced Course students of all ages will find this book a charming, helpful companion on their journey home. As the author notes: "If you are interested in ACIM, then you are ready for it--regardless of how young or old you are."
-Susan Dugan,Extraordinary Ordinary Forgiveness
The author covers the origins and nature of the dream we think we're living as fugitives from perfect Love while revealing the truths and ultimate limitations of scientific theories from the Big Bang to evolution to quantum physics that, unlike A Course in Miracles, never answer the essential question of why we're here. The book covers major Course themes including the split mind, the nature of guilt, the dynamics of the ego, our reliance on magic, and the consequences of confusing levels. It explains the "Laws of Chaos" that preserve separate interests and the ego's hallucinated individuality, the special relationships we use as receptacles for our unconscious guilt, and the "Obstacles to Peace" designed to preserve our bodily identification. It also describes the correction for our mistaken belief--learning to rediscover our shared wholeness and innocence by calling on the Holy Spirit, the part of our mind that remembers the separation never happened and always shares its enlightened vision that we remain awake in God, dreaming of exile; whenever we remember to ask.
Marchand's whimsical, bittersweet rendition of the countless absurd ways in which we attempt to make the dream real keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. He vividly portrays the Course's forgiveness process which undoes the hidden guilt in the mind, gently awakens us from our guilty dream, and trains us to see our lives as a classroom wherein we learn again and again the gentle lesson that no one or thing seemingly "out there" can in any way jeopardize or enhance our peace of mind.
A gifted artist, Marchand was raised Catholic and came to A Course in Miracles through reading the best-seller The Disappearance of the Universe by renowned Course author and speaker Gary Renard, and went on to embrace the work of the Course's original editor and premier scholar Kenneth Wapnick, PhD as well as other Course teachers. Although he wrote the book while still in his twenties, he not only completely gets the Course's radical take on the human condition but is dedicated to harnessing its mind-healing power in his relationships. Newbies and experienced Course students of all ages will find this book a charming, helpful companion on their journey home. As the author notes: "If you are interested in ACIM, then you are ready for it--regardless of how young or old you are."
-Susan Dugan,Extraordinary Ordinary Forgiveness
Lisa Fair @ 2010-12-05 Fun Fresh and Brilliantly done
Just read this book on a cozy Sunday afternoon. I have been studying the course for years. It is so great to have a book that is so entertaining and enlightening at the same time. I felt the author was very clear on the metaphysics of the course in a very fresh new way. I loved all the little fun posts along the way. I would highly recommend this book for the beginner to the scholar of the course. Thank you so much. I actually will be putting this on the library shelf of our community here at LMM. Lots of Love and Bounds of Miracles to you!
Lorri Coburn @ 2011-01-25 The Universe is a Dream
Absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Alexander! Your clarity in describing the thought system of A Course in Miracles will be helpful to both beginning and advanced students. Your use of cartoons to illustrate ACIM and physics principles makes the difficult concepts easy to understand. You are able to take the reader step-by-step along a complex path, with each section building upon the previous one. I have long recommended The Disappearance of the Universe to my ACIM study group members, and will be recommending The Universe is a Dream as well. Thank you for being a shining channel for Truth.
Bradley Burningham " @ 2010-11-21 GREAT resource for ACIM
I can't really add anything new to what's already been said about The Universe is a Dream. If you are a visually oriented person and would like a reference to deepen your understanding of the Course, then by all means buy this book! You'll be glad you did. No really, you will. :-)
In ACIM since 1990 " @ 2011-06-13 Brilliant rendering
Alexander Marchand is an amazing young man. He has taken the essence of "A Course in Miracles" and made the Course understandable to almost anyone with his brilliant rendering in comic book format. I am looking forward to Alexander Marchand's future writings.
I have seen many Course stutents/teachers become bogged down with the seeming repitition of what seems to be the same information in ACIM apparently presented over and over in varying ways. This seeming repetition (while valuable) seems to have prevented many potential students from completing their study and and led them to give up in frustration. Alexander's book will undoubtedly be the end of the confusion and frustration era for every course student who might feel they are not making the progress they expect of themselves.
I am presently coaching students/teachers in ACIM around California and use Alexander's book "The Universe is a Dream", and "The Dissapearance of the Universe", by Gary Renard as a primers for anyone interested in seriously learing, living, and practicing ACIM. I highly recommend both of these books to any ACIM student/teacher regardless of their current experience in the Course. Either, or both, will bring a quantum leap to anyone's understanding of ACIM.
The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness
I have seen many Course stutents/teachers become bogged down with the seeming repitition of what seems to be the same information in ACIM apparently presented over and over in varying ways. This seeming repetition (while valuable) seems to have prevented many potential students from completing their study and and led them to give up in frustration. Alexander's book will undoubtedly be the end of the confusion and frustration era for every course student who might feel they are not making the progress they expect of themselves.
I am presently coaching students/teachers in ACIM around California and use Alexander's book "The Universe is a Dream", and "The Dissapearance of the Universe", by Gary Renard as a primers for anyone interested in seriously learing, living, and practicing ACIM. I highly recommend both of these books to any ACIM student/teacher regardless of their current experience in the Course. Either, or both, will bring a quantum leap to anyone's understanding of ACIM.
The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk about Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics, and the Miracles of Forgiveness
Ryan @ 2011-05-19 Brilliant
This book is truly an eye-opener to, well, the Truth! Reading this, one feels enlightened and down-to-Earth at the same time. A paradox, I know, but that's duality for you! Read this book, forgive your way through life, and wake up from it all. What do you have to lose? Nothing. What do you have to gain? Everything.
Leni @ 2011-05-05 Don't be fooled
I was skeptical of the cartoon format of this book when I bought it. Never seen one except when I was young. I reserved my judgment, bought the book based on the comments posted on the DU board and boy, was I very pleasantly surprised and embarrassed by my initial reaction. This book is a real gem. Alex, for his age, displayed such wisdom that belongs to someone who has lived and learned over several lifetimes. Wouldn't be surprised if he is a reincarnation of a great teacher. His sense of humor captivates, his wisdom shines, his art delights.
Here's an example of his humor. "We'll discuss that process in the next chapter. But first, you'll have to excuse me so I can take a leak. I know most characters in books don't ever take leaks but when you've got to go you've got to go. What can I say? Life as a body is a bitch" The next few panels shows him getting out of the bathroom with his zipper unzipped and a toilet paper stuck to his shoes.
Here's an example of his humor. "We'll discuss that process in the next chapter. But first, you'll have to excuse me so I can take a leak. I know most characters in books don't ever take leaks but when you've got to go you've got to go. What can I say? Life as a body is a bitch" The next few panels shows him getting out of the bathroom with his zipper unzipped and a toilet paper stuck to his shoes.
E. Williamson @ 2011-04-19 Good Intro to ACIM.....
This is a good refresher for those who have read ACIM...or a decent introduction for those who have not yet read A Course In Miracles.
N. Kubas @ 2011-03-31 Perfect Explanation of Existence
This book explains the truths revealed in the book A COURSE IN MIRACLES in a funny, informative graphic novel. I highly recommend it for anyone who is curious about why we believe we are living on this planet and how to break out of this illusion.
Elizabeth @ 2011-03-08 Great for those who forget to laugh
Alexander - Bravo, bravissimo on your funny, yet poignant and very clear take on the "Secrets of Existence". Will be reading The Universe is a Dream many, many more times and recommending to others naturally. Also, finding this book an excellent antidote to those "forgiveness opportunities"; sometimes randomly opening the book and reading a page is all it takes to remove the scowl and replace with a smile. Gratefully, Liz
Mark Steven "Mark" @ 2011-11-24 What an amazing gift!
I found out about you from your guest visit on ACIM Explained with Kenneth Bok on 12Radio.com! I was blown away by your understanding of ACIM and so happy that you were moved to draw these concepts out so that they can reach so many more people. Your book is a treasure and I will be adding it to my gift list for years to come. It's not easy to follow your passions when they lead you to challenge other beliefs but your fearlessness produced something to be celebrated by anyone who thinks that there must be another way. Thank you, Alex!
BrianOC @ 2011-10-23 The Greatest Story Ever Drawn
A work of visual genius. Even if you don't believe in the metaphysics involved or have no interest in A Course in Miracles, you may be blown away by the inventiveness of the imagery, the brilliant coherence of the system of visual metaphors, and the delightful, light-hearted way the material is presented. And if you are interested in the principles of forgiveness, Alexander Marchand is a charming guide.
Judith R. Jones @ 2011-10-13 I LOVE this book!!!
I love this book and have bought multiple copies as gifts. I keep 2 for myself..one in my purse for reading in waiting rooms or in a long line and one by my bedside.
When I got my first copy I read it through twice. Now I open to random pages and always find something profound, amazing, true, amusing and comforting.
When I got my first copy I read it through twice. Now I open to random pages and always find something profound, amazing, true, amusing and comforting.
Andrew Allansmith "S @ 2011-10-01 Quality and Fun ACIM teaching!!
Bravo! Alex! I've been studying and teaching A Course in Miracles for more than 18 years and I have found very few books I would recommend to others on ACIM -- this is one!!
I stumbled impatiently with the first few pages...but then flipped into the icons index in the back as you suggested and "Oh, I see, yes, that's good, that makes sense, I like that icon for the holy spirit and that one for the mind..." and I was hooked. Another part of my mind became engaged in learning and assimilating A Course In Miracles. I respect your understanding and thank you for this work. If you are reading this review and somehow ACIM in on your path, get this book with confidence.
I stumbled impatiently with the first few pages...but then flipped into the icons index in the back as you suggested and "Oh, I see, yes, that's good, that makes sense, I like that icon for the holy spirit and that one for the mind..." and I was hooked. Another part of my mind became engaged in learning and assimilating A Course In Miracles. I respect your understanding and thank you for this work. If you are reading this review and somehow ACIM in on your path, get this book with confidence.
P. Subirats "Pedro" @ 2011-09-25 simply brilliant
Alexander Marchand, whoever "he is" has the sanity and wisdom of not taking "himself" seriously, since "he" has understood there is no "himself" to worry or brag about in interpreting a most difficult and extremely simple path of awakening, ACIM. It's a miracle to write and draw ACIM in such a way as to bring the simplicity and joy of learning the text and practicing the lessons. Perhaps "we" cannot comprehend and practice the teachings of Jesus of forgiveness without humor and laughter. This guy Alexander got it right on target. Please, take you time to read and enjoy an extraordinary work of love and deep understanding. I've been a most rebel and impatient student of ACIM for fifteen years, with all kinds of interpretations to consult. So far, Ken Wapnick (of course), Gary Renard and Alexander Marchan have been my closest friends in ACIM. Thanks, Alexander
Pedro Subirats
Carrie Triffet @ 2011-09-04 a Course in Miracles comic book? Seriously?
When a friend INSISTENTLY insisted I read Alex Marchand's graphic novel about ACIM, I reluctantlyly agreed...but...well, let's say my expectations weren't high. A Course in Miracles cartoon? How could that possibly be good? Happily I was proven completely wrong! This book is inventive, carefully researched and well-illustrated throughout. It's a good explanation of non-dual thought for beginners and serious students alike. Highly recommended.
Carrie Triffet, author of The Enlightenment Project and Long Time No See: Diaries of an Unlikely Messenger
Carrie Triffet, author of The Enlightenment Project and Long Time No See: Diaries of an Unlikely Messenger
M. Hyder @ 2011-03-18 Wake up manual
Buy this and read it. Reread this required manual until you wake up or the pages fall apart.Then think about the concepts and relax, you will wake up.Everyone will waken.
Kristian Kaizen @ 2011-12-16 Both humorous and enlightening!
In one sentence:
My worldview reflected back to me in the format of a very entertaining comic book.
I first thought the format would be to simple to cover the same ground as a book, and I thought it would be just entertainment...
But it didn't take long before I became amazed by the volumes of information packed into this comic book.
It follows the message of ACIM perfectly, and Alex teaches just as uncompromisingly as Gary R. Renard and Kenneth Wapnick.
It also reads easily on an Android-phone.
Looking forward to whatever you come up with next, Alex!
Lisa Smith @ 2011-12-07 A masterpiece!
Alex has used the graphic novel form to create a unique masterpiece of book design.
A book to bring A COURSE IN MIRACLES dramatically to life for all ages.
A book to bring A COURSE IN MIRACLES dramatically to life for all ages.
Patrick Curren "The @ 2011-12-03 ACIM Illustrated
What an excellent and creative idea! Create a book in comic book format of A Course in Miracles (ACIM)! This book works as an excellent tool to communicate the overall intent of the thought system of ACIM. The artist/author uses a lot of material from Gary Renard's "The Disappearance of the Universe". While I did not agree with all of Gary Renard's ideas about ACIM in his books, I found nothing I did not like or disagree with Alex's simple interpretation of ACIM. In fact I found it very helpful. The mixture of illustrated humor and American culture added the spice needed to communicate a way to awaken to reality.
Mr. K. Wrebel "Derby @ 2011-12-01 A TRUE classic.
The other well written and congratulatory reviews of this masterpiece say exactly what deserves to be said here; so I won't repeat things. But I must add that I believe Alex has originated, at least in the field of self help, spirituality, enlightenment, metaphysics and truth awareness books, because of the exciting and fun format of his work, a profound, exceptional, triumphant and pioneering teaching phenomena.
I would never have believed that the seemingly complex principles of such a spiritual masterwork as A Course in Miracles could be so clearly explained. And 'The Universe is a Dream' as a book at the top of its class in the aforementioned categories stands proud as an individual teaching resource for the attainment of enlightenment.
Alexander Marchand,from the heart of my spirit, for your work and your contribution to the awakening of our world, thank you!
Kurt. (kurtwrebel@hotmail.com)
I would never have believed that the seemingly complex principles of such a spiritual masterwork as A Course in Miracles could be so clearly explained. And 'The Universe is a Dream' as a book at the top of its class in the aforementioned categories stands proud as an individual teaching resource for the attainment of enlightenment.
Alexander Marchand,from the heart of my spirit, for your work and your contribution to the awakening of our world, thank you!
Kurt. (kurtwrebel@hotmail.com)
J. Keil @ 2011-11-06 A lighthearted but very accurate metaphysical description of ACIM
I hope this book gets published in every language on the globe. It would particularly appeal to the younger generation as an introduction to A Course in Miracles. I just happened to watch the two DVD
series called "The Unconscious Mind" by Dr. Ken Wapnick right before I read "The Universe Is a Dream" and found the material amazingly similar which is a great compliment to Alex Marchand. This book deserves a high 5(stars)!
series called "The Unconscious Mind" by Dr. Ken Wapnick right before I read "The Universe Is a Dream" and found the material amazingly similar which is a great compliment to Alex Marchand. This book deserves a high 5(stars)!
Vliscony "Rogier" @ 2011-10-29 Hole in Oee
When Gary Renard's Disappearance of the Universe appeared, it seemed to accomplish the impossible: explaining the Course in the vernacular. But that was 400 pages. This little book delivers the even more impossible, of summarizing the Course in 200 pages in cartoon format, complete with an adequate painting of the whole context of Western traditions in which it stands. I could not praise it enough, so I won't try. This book can be a helpful first introduction, but likewise it can be extremely valuable to help one's understanding of the Course, even for advanced students.
Valkyrie "Valkyrie" @ 2011-10-28 Descartes Relation to Narcissism, Disembodiment, and Separation
Descartes philosophy is the foundation of our narcissistic culture, and I do not see at all how it correlates with the truth and love of Jesus and The Course of Miracles. Yes, we are not just physical beings, yet we must not disregard the Living Earth and our union with all life. Life is a miracle, a blessing. Our physical bodies and the physical Earth are all part of this miracle, this gift. Disembodiment brings separation/disconnection.
Of the many errors that scientists, philosophers and men of god have made, Derrick Jensen singles out René Descartes' famous sentence "I think, therefore I am". Though at first the quote seems self-evident, it is so established as just a part of human development. But Jensen picks apart the quote as more of a watershed where thinking became detached from feeling. "I think therefore I am" is not the same as "I eat, therefore I am" or "I breathe, therefore I am". It is much more sinister because it tries to ignore the world that surrounds us. It also negates the body and its senses and tries to monopolise consciousness and conscience in the brain alone.
"I think, therefore I am" encapsulates everything that Jensen believes is so wrong-headed about the 'progress' of civilisation. Only when a man becomes so isolated from the land, from the elements, from his own body could come he up with something so narcissistic. Derrick Jensen imagines being able to go back in time to the moment when Descartes came up with this idea. He would take Descartes in a warm embrace and kiss him passionately. And Jensen would the ask Descartes (in response to his famous statement), "But René, my friend, don't you feel anything?"
Because life is uncertain, and because we die, the only way Descartes could gain the certainty he sought was in the world of abstraction. By substituting the illusion of disembodied thought for experience (disembodied thought, of course, not possible for anyone with a body), by substituting mathematical equations for living relations, and most importantly by substituting control, or the attempt to control, for the full participation in the wild and unpredictable process of living, Descartes became the prototypical modern man. He also established the single most important rule of Western philosophy: if it doesn't fit the model, it doesn't exist...Welcome to industrial civilization. Jensen p10. A Language Older than Words
"I no longer see Descartes' statement as arbitrary. It is representative of our culture's narcissism. This narcissism leads to a disturbing disrespect for direct experience and a negation of the body."
' Derrick Jensen
Of the many errors that scientists, philosophers and men of god have made, Derrick Jensen singles out René Descartes' famous sentence "I think, therefore I am". Though at first the quote seems self-evident, it is so established as just a part of human development. But Jensen picks apart the quote as more of a watershed where thinking became detached from feeling. "I think therefore I am" is not the same as "I eat, therefore I am" or "I breathe, therefore I am". It is much more sinister because it tries to ignore the world that surrounds us. It also negates the body and its senses and tries to monopolise consciousness and conscience in the brain alone.
"I think, therefore I am" encapsulates everything that Jensen believes is so wrong-headed about the 'progress' of civilisation. Only when a man becomes so isolated from the land, from the elements, from his own body could come he up with something so narcissistic. Derrick Jensen imagines being able to go back in time to the moment when Descartes came up with this idea. He would take Descartes in a warm embrace and kiss him passionately. And Jensen would the ask Descartes (in response to his famous statement), "But René, my friend, don't you feel anything?"
Because life is uncertain, and because we die, the only way Descartes could gain the certainty he sought was in the world of abstraction. By substituting the illusion of disembodied thought for experience (disembodied thought, of course, not possible for anyone with a body), by substituting mathematical equations for living relations, and most importantly by substituting control, or the attempt to control, for the full participation in the wild and unpredictable process of living, Descartes became the prototypical modern man. He also established the single most important rule of Western philosophy: if it doesn't fit the model, it doesn't exist...Welcome to industrial civilization. Jensen p10. A Language Older than Words
"I no longer see Descartes' statement as arbitrary. It is representative of our culture's narcissism. This narcissism leads to a disturbing disrespect for direct experience and a negation of the body."
' Derrick Jensen
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