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Waking Up

A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

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Waking Up

By: Sam Harris
Narrated by: Sam Harris
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For the millions of Americans who want spirituality without religion, Sam Harris’s latest New York Times bestseller is a guide to meditation as a rational practice informed by neuroscience and psychology.

From Sam Harris, neuroscientist and author of numerous New York Times bestselling books, Waking Up is for the twenty percent of Americans who follow no religion but who suspect that important truths can be found in the experiences of such figures as Jesus, the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Rumi, and the other saints and sages of history. Throughout this book, Harris argues that there is more to understanding reality than science and secular culture generally allow, and that how we pay attention to the present moment largely determines the quality of our lives.

Waking Up is part memoir and part exploration of the scientific underpinnings of spirituality. No other book marries contemplative wisdom and modern science in this way, and no author other than Sam Harris—a scientist, philosopher, and famous skeptic—could write it. Alternative & Complementary Medicine Meditation Spirituality Philosophy Science History & Philosophy Religious Studies Sociology
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Editor's Pick

Heathens need mindfulness, too
"Sam Harris’s non-religious approach to spirituality is brilliant, exhaustingly researched, erudite, and controversial—and in my opinion, necessary. This is a listen for those of us who are deeply critical of organized religion but also long for respite from the daily, existential anxieties that keep our days stress-filled and our nights fitful. Sam takes tried-and-true mindfulness practices, strips them of everything but their essential, non-hooey components, and painstakingly combines them to create the only approach to meditation that’s ever worked for me."
—Sean T., Audible Editor

Scientific Spirituality • Rational Mindfulness • Calming Voice • Practical Meditation Guidance • Transformative Insights

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Would you consider the audio edition of Waking Up to be better than the print version?

For those pressed for time, or looking for a guided listening experience, this is an excellent option.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Waking Up?

Comparisons of religious dogma, and how each is highly similar.

Which scene was your favorite?

Chapter three.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Indeed, although not possible most of the time, in the event I am on a five hour road trip or flight, this will be on play.

Any additional comments?

Sam Harris is an exception author and speaker, who unlike some of his counterparts does not attack the individual believer. Harris makes the point to enlighten the reader or listener to facts that are largely unknown to those who follow religion without question.

Harris strikes again!

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I especially enjoy audio books that are narrated by the author if I'm already familiar with their voice. Waking Up is read by Mr. Harris whom I've heard speaking in public conversations, debates & his podcast many times. Although I've not met him, morally & ethically speaking, I believe he’s among the best of our fellow citizens. He writes & speaks about his view while always being respectful to others & in public talks he often apologizes in advance to any/all listeners who may be overtly sentitive to the subject matter in order to (hopefully) prevent any unnecessary drama & emotional outbursts his words may cause.
I was brought up "Catholic" but only practice those rituals as necessary to remain respectful to my family but agree with the author's view that religon inevitably poisons our communities. The daughter of an Ivy League Econ professor, I grew up to see all people equally but I've made a habit of not talking politics and/or religion with anyone because I've met too many fanatics in my time.
One thing I can speak to with genuine enthusiasm is the benefit of meditation. I've been a practitioner for some years, coming to it as part of recovery from spinal cord injury & before mindfulness & meditation became household words. Today I feel it's treated too much like pop culture but I've found it to be a serious endeavour & believe everyone can benefit from at least a little introspection.
  That said, I thank Mr. Harris for not being at all shy about speaking the truth when he talks about the state of affairs in the U. S. today. We all learn in grade school that the founding fathers intention was "separation of church & state" but I think we've bearly gotten close to that dream & being no more than any "average" American I've found I agree with the author one hundred percent.

Top Shelf Book!

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Eloquently written. I found myself awestruck on several occasions. Sam Harris never fails to deliver mind expanding content that is easily accessible.

Profound

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It is very rare to encounter someone who is a contemplative and a mystic that doesn't espouse a theology.
I found it refreshing.

A non religious mystic?

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For those of us who're unable to believe the religious teachings we were brought up on. I have been considering mindfulness and meditation as a tool to better understand myself and help remove anxiety which clearly stems from experience long ago. My rational mind recognizes the damage it causes, but it doesn't have the ability to make it go away. After listening to this book I am confident that I can become my best self through hard work and perseverance. Thanks Mr Harris.

Eye opening

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