4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Supreme Realization, written by Anthony Nayagan, is a book about spiritual mysticism, which the author tells readers is as old as Christianity itself. Nayagan uses several resources to explain that acquiring “self-knowledge” is the foundation of spiritual mysticism, and he explores how mystical faith involves realizing the likeness of God within us. The author cites numerous passages in the Bible to explore how names such as Adam, Moses, Elijah, Joseph, Christ, His disciples, and Mother Mary were mystics who executed “the Will of God.” He also posits that Jesus trained all of His apostles to be mystics. Moreover, he believes that “Mother Mary was the most incredible mystic who ever walked on this planet.”
Nayagan was born in Sri Lanka in the 1950s, and he recalls that his father was strict. The author left Sri Lanka in 1977, when he was twenty-four, and moved to the UK to continue his studies. In 1979, he went to the US, and he believes that “American culture allows for individuals to thrive.”
What I liked the most about the book was the author’s insightful reexamination of several biblical narratives. Above all, I enjoyed how Nayagan intertwines his challenges and ventures with a mystic perspective on religious texts, notably the Bible. As the book progresses, the author achieves a smooth and lovely blend of recollections, personal stories, biblical interpretations, and spiritual insights. I particularly enjoyed how the author examines the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel and how it delves deeply into the mystery of the seven layers of consciousness: physical, vital, mental, intellectual, beatitudes, self-awareness, and divine existence. The author posits that a non-dual state of consciousness (the seventh level or layer) is the essence of Christian mysticism.
Additionally, I found the book to be well-written and well-researched. Besides the Bible, the author cites several other religious sources, which I appreciated. For instance, he refers to the Upanishads, which explains that consciousness is the make-up of seven governing principles of the soul, and he also mentions how one can find a similar reference in the seven chakras. Similarly, we learn that the Quran stated that Allah created seven heavens in layers. I also liked how he uses scientific concepts, such as quantum physics, to substantiate his reflections.
With that said, I gladly give this book the highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars. There’s nothing I disliked about it, and it seemed professionally edited. I recommend it to open-minded readers who are interested in spiritual growth. If you have a markedly orthodox view of Christianity, though, some of the mystical concepts may not sit well with you.
******
Supreme Realization
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
