title: Self-Unfoldment
author/editor: Swami Chinmayananda
reviewed by: Lynn
SELF-UNFOLDMENT
Recently I stumbled upon a book that not only taught me something of Hinduism, but also opened my eyes to so much more!
Self-Unfoldment is the book's title. It is by Swami Chinmayananda and is classi- fied as 'philosophy' but it is more of a workbook of personal discovery and self-development. Each chapter of the book introduces us first to a new way of looking at reality, (and ourselves), and then invites us to challenge what we think and believe. The author then follows up with basic and advanced levels. Each chapter ends with suggestions for further reading.
The language of Self-Unfoldment is elegant in its simplicity and renders the material eminently accessible to all. Using a combination of modern anecdotes and wisdom culled from the sacred texts of ancient India, the author explains many 'Eastern' concepts such as 'Karma' and offers insights into Vedanta. Vedanta is one of the six systems of Hindu philosophy evolved from the Upanishads. (The Upanishads are to Hinduism, as the Psalms are to Christianity's holy texts.) His pragmatic approach to personal enlightenment is refreshing and results in many practicable exercises, such as simple meditation, readers can use on their spiritual journeys.
Self-Unfoldment is one of the most radical books I've ever read. It challenges everything from interpersonal relationships to the relationship between man and God/dess - it questions the very essence of reality and then answers itself with daring simplicity. In fact, Swami Chinmayananda admits his book could be considered heretical!
For example, he states that each of us is, in essence, God … That 'reality' as we know it in day to day life is illusion … That each of us has the innate ability to be successful and to live in a state of happiness which he calls bliss. All we need do is to peel away or unfold the layers of illusion we've built for ourselves. Then we can realize this true self.
This book also helped me to understand a few concepts that I'd been struggling with for a long time. One is the concept of 'one-ness' as opposed to duality. We 'see' ourselves as separate from one another, from objects, and from God. This is called a 'dualistic' view.
The truth, however, is that all of reality is made from the same thing (from God) and therefore there is no difference between you and me, or between myself and God, or even between me and a tree or a star!
Understanding this is perhaps the most liberating, empowering and humbling experience one could ever have. If you ever get the chance to read this book, please do! I'm sure you'd enjoy it as much as I did.
Lynn adds, "A while ago I tried writing down my thoughts on spirit (or soul) and was surprised by what came out in the process. I found my beliefs were radical even to me! Reading this book though, I see I'm not alone. "