Big Mind - Big Heart: Finding Your Way
by Dennis Genpo Merzel
Book Summary Information
Author: Dennis Genpo MerzelEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-09-30
ISBN: 0977142337
Number of pages: 189
Publisher: Big Mind Publishing
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780977142330
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Book Reviews of Big Mind - Big Heart: Finding Your Way
Book Review: A thoughtful, critical and I hope balanced review.
Summary: 3 Stars
I noticed there is a long list of glowing reviews for this book and Ken Wilber wrote probably wrote the most glowing endorsement I've seen from him for any book. I wish I could say I share his enthusiasm, but after reading the book more than once, practicing the techniques and comparing it to other material I have to say this isn't anything particularly new, innovative or magical.
My guess is that this work made an excellent live workshop that didn't translate well to a written text. I also think that Hal and Sidra Stone did a MUCH better job of articulating the underlying principles of the psychological framework for this method of meditation. I found Merzel's treatment to be repetitive, verbose and not much of a value add. In other words, this book could have been much shorter and at the same time harder hitting.
Something I like about the book is that it comes with a CD. While this is a value-add, it is misleading to call the included meditation guided. Approximately, five percent of the content of this meditation is guided. It includes a few simple and largely unnecessary questions. However, the background music and sound is quite pleasant and relaxing. The short demonstration section of talking someone through an experience of Big Mind didn't impress me either. It seemed staged and didn't add anything of value that one couldn't get from the text.
With all of this said, the book does offer some basic meditation advice, I believe the author is sincere and it is a good value for the dollar given the inclusion of the CD. However, I think it is not comparable to Turning the Mind Into an Ally, Breath by Breath: The Liberating Practice of Insight Meditation or other materials available by Pema Chodron, Jack Kornfield and others.
If you want a deeper coverage of the same ground with more direction, I would consider purchasing Embracing Your Inner Critic: Turning Self-Criticism into a Creative Asset along with one of the meditation books I mentioned above. For a more specifically Zen perspective, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library) and any of the very fine books by Cheri Huber would give you much more.
If you are specifically interested in a Ken Wilber Integral Psychology perspective, I would also consider No Boundary: Eastern and Western Approaches to Personal Growth and A Brief History of Everything. This would provide an even broader perspective on the application of these types of techniques to a modern context.
With respect to background, I have an M.A. in Integral Psychology, have been meditating for 30 years and have given workshops in the S.F. Bay Area. I also do personal growth coaching and read just about everything I can get my hands on in this genre. While I have mixed feelings about writing a more critical review than most other people, I feel it was necessary to present a balanced and accurate picture. My suspicion is that the workshop is great and the halo effect extended to the book. I am also an admirer of Ken Wilber, but I came away scratching my head after reading his introduction and experiencing the book for myself.
I would be interested in hearing others comments on my review after reading the book. I think this would also be helpful to other prospective readers. If you look on my listmania lists and profile, you can also find many other helpful resources in this genre.
Summary of Big Mind - Big Heart: Finding Your Way
This book presents a highly original and accessible pathway to self-discovery and personal liberation. Since 1999 the Big Mind process has been experienced by many thousands of people in seminars across America. Big Mind employs a Jungian voice dialogue technique that enables people to step out of limited self-concepts into awareness of their many different sub-selves (emotions/mental states). In addition to exploration of the more familiar sub-voices like anger and fear, author Zen Master Dennis Genpo Merzel uses this technique to help people access the ever-present Big Mind/Big Heart awareness - the clear, "just being" awareness and the unconditional compassion that we all can experience. The Big Mind process is now available in book form to bring readers of all backgrounds many benefits including: access to our innate wisdom, compassion and equanimity; openness of mind and ability to shift perspectives; greater presence and empowerment; and appreciation for the wisdom within all of our many sub-selves even ones we tend to dislike or disown, like fear and anger.General Books
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