Wholeness Lost and Wholeness Regained (Sri Satguru)

Book Title: The Practice of Wholeness
Author: Herbert V. Guenther
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Language: English
Edition: 1995
ISBN: 9788170304333
Pages: 188
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 23 cm x 14 cm
Weight: 340 gm

About the Book

The Practice of Wholeness by Herbert V. Guenther delves into the profound theme of recovering lost wholeness, exploring humanity’s perennial quest for meaning and understanding one’s place in the world. Through a narrative approach, the book discusses the necessity of cultivating openness to both what is other and what lies within ourselves in order to achieve a sense of wholeness. Drawing from the rDzogs-chen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, Guenther presents a unique perspective on spiritual growth and individuation—highlighting the importance of interdependence and connection to the whole of existence.

Guenther’s insight into the cultivation of wholeness challenges traditional, reductionist views, offering instead a model where true wholeness emerges from openness, interdependence, and integration into the greater whole. The book articulates how, instead of closing ourselves off to the world and its diversities, wholeness is achieved by embracing these differences, expanding our understanding and compassion. The practice of individuation is portrayed not as a linear journey toward a fixed essence, but as a dynamic and ever-expanding process of self-realization.

This work also highlights the significance of symbolic and allegorical storytelling in the rDzogs-chen tradition, bringing forth two “forgotten” tales from Tibetan Buddhist texts that illustrate the process of individuation. These allegories, which carry profound spiritual lessons, offer insights into the deeper dynamics of human growth and the pursuit of wholeness. Through the translation of these ancient Tibetan texts, Guenther offers an invaluable resource for both those new to Buddhist thought and those deeply engaged in its practice.

The Practice of Wholeness is not just an exploration of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy but also a guide to understanding the spiritual journey of self-discovery, where wholeness is not an endpoint but an ongoing process of integrating our individual identities into the greater tapestry of existence. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the deeper aspects of spiritual growth and the quest for meaning in life.