Near Enemies of the Truth
Avoid the Pitfalls of the Spiritual Life and Become Radically Free
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Near Enemies of the Truth
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Narrated by:
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Christopher Wallis
About this listen
In his third book, Tantric philosopher and Oxford scholar Dr. Christopher Wallis calls out the seemingly helpful spiritual platitudes dominating our current culture and demonstrates how these "near-truths" can stand in the way of a more radically free and meaningful life—and ultimately, a deeper spiritual awakening.
Rooted in the Asian wisdom traditions, Wallis’s book uncovers why these oft-heard clichés are “near enemies of the truth" that can distract us from real spirituality, and can even cause unnecessary suffering. In asking us to question what we’ve accepted as truth, Wallis reveals how teachings like "you create your own reality" or “become the best version of yourself” may have helped us at one stage in our journey but can ultimately lead us away from self-acceptance and compassion and cause us to prioritize an imagined ideal over true intimacy with reality.
Near Enemies of the Truth offers itself as a guide to the pitfalls of the spiritual life. However, it doesn’t focus on the negative. In each chapter, after pointing out how a spiritual teaching can be construed in a non-beneficial way, Wallis focuses on the ancient wisdom underlying that teaching, which is often obscured by its popular bumper-sticker version. Each chapter contains a supportive insight for your spiritual process and/or for your everyday life, including guided meditations and reflections.
Written in a gentle and encouraging tone, this book offers a wealth of insight and guidance for anyone who finds themselves struggling, reaching a spiritual plateau, or simply seeking a more meaningful way forward. This timely companion will help you think differently and see through the smokescreens to what is true.
©2023 Christopher D. Wallis (P)2023 Christopher D. WallisListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Near Enemies of the Truth
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-09-24
A must read BEFORE buying any spiritual book.
As I said in the headline, read this before continuing in your spiritual path.You'll thank me (and the author) later. Trust me!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- MaryT kavanagh.
- 27-11-24
clarity.
I loved this book. listening again. I am really looking forward to holding the hard copy whenever I can locate it.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Andy W
- 02-02-25
Disappointing
While Christopher Wallis demonstrated brilliant scholarship in "Tantra Illuminated" (one of my favorite books this decade), this book falls short of expectations. The author's analysis of "near enemies" comes across as pedantic and dismissive of valid personal experiences that may differ from his interpretations. Though his narration is pleasant and the practical exercises at the end offer valuable wisdom, the book becomes wearisome as it fixates on the 'correct' use of language while making broad assumptions about potential misinterpretations.
The critique of common spiritual teachings, while grounded in legitimate concerns about oversimplification, often undermines personally transformative experiences. For instance, readers who have successfully integrated concepts from the Seth Material (I believe the books that truly popularised the concept that you create your own reality) may find their valid experiences dismissed, through problematic arguments about privilege or delusion. The book's tendency to invalidate practices, and the subjective experience of reality, assuming the worst case interpretation by people, only to later acknowledge their underlying truth, and unsubtly declare that his interpretation is the correct one, in each chapter creates a particularly frustrating reading experience that was not enjoyable for me.
(Imagine 17 chapters of someone saying "you're doing it wrong" - When you weren't doing anything wrong at all.)
The practical sections excel when sharing wisdom rather than critiquing approaches. However, the theoretical discussions could potentially discourage newcomers from exploring valuable spiritual practices that might personally resonate with them. While the author's expertise is evident, the delivery method often works against the message's effectiveness.
Recommended for the exercises, but approach the theoretical discussions with discretion. Most importantly, trust your journey - if certain practices or interpretations work for you, they're valid regardless of how they might be critiqued.
Ironically, given the tagline of the book - I felt "radically free" when I turned this off, and decided the author's brand of dogma definitely is not for me.
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