Awakening into Oneness: Deeksha and the Evolution of Consciousness [Hardcover]

This is the first balalnced and level-headed account of the Oneness Movement I know of. Negative accounts that vilify the movement seem generated by armchair spiritual critics who haven't experienced the blessing, or fringe body workers/newagers calling the kettle black. Previous positive accounts read like a dangling-carrot of cosmic highs that make someone like me start to crave huge experiences - which is really kind of a disservice when a lot of waking up is about making peace with this world and yourself as you find them. Arjuna's account does neither, giving us a close look at claims and disclaimers, research and fringe "research", reports of spontaneous healings and situational resolutions, as well as the real intentions of the movement and people's experiences within it.

The strength and weakness of the book is two-fold: one is that it was written in a flurry, consisting of hundreds of interviews and commentaries thereof accross the world in a very short period of time. It is rushed, but is also a fresh and exciting report. Second, it is like a snapshot of a race that tells you how things are up to the printing, and lets you clearly know things could very well be different tomorrow. This to me reveals a kind of integrity and beauty of the movement. As is the fact that the movement is seen by the founders as a temporary one with a specific purpose that will look completely different or perhaps not even exist after another 5 years.

I think it is encouraging and important that instead of talking about non-definable terms like "enlightenment", the founders speak of brain functioning and how it is out of balance, which I've intuited is true in my own life, but is also pretty obvious if one considers how out of balance the entire race is with itself and the planet. They are dealing with the science of grace if you will - that a more natural way the brain could operate is available and can be activated through the blessing.

The most curious part of the book is the disclaimer everytime the word "deeksha" is used, that somehow the right word for the blessing is really really important. The best parts of the book for me happen towards the end when Arjuna addresses criticisms of the movement, and then takes us through the 21 day process with beautiful commentary from the guides, along with people's accounts. It shows that something simple and subtle, and maybe perhaps incredibly profound is going on - more so than accounts of spiritual fireworks. It actually conveys an experience for the reader.

I have experienced receiving the Oneness Blessing and have found most of the profound effects have been in my day to day life. I could never relate to the profound experiences of oneness with everything or the "enlightening" experiences that I had heard or read about others having with the Blessing. This is not to discount what those people experienced as I am sure it was beautiful, I just personally have not found that to be true in my experience. What I have experienced receiving the Oneness Blessing is much more important to me. My mind has become much less monkey like. The chatter is still there, but it is considerably less and much more faint. My relationships with others have improved and my health and energy have never been better. My relationship with the Divine is beautiful and tangible and I feel totally and completely immersed in Divine wisdom. Things just seem to happen now, my next step is revealed at the perfect time without any struggle or effort on my part. It is so beautiful! My life is much more balanced and my awareness has increased in so many beautiful ways! I have experienced more oneness, but more on a subtle everyday level. I can relate to many of the experiences in this book. I am not so much interested in so called enlightenment, but I am concerned with less struggle and suffering in my life and the lives of all humans. The Oneness Blessing for me seems to allow me to live more in peace and more in joy.

I love how Arjuna wrote this book. It was interesting and beautiful to hear from experts, everyday people and folks from the University where this originated from. I appreciated him addressing the criticisms of the movement in a fair and balanced way. I also loved how he describes in such a clear and practical way how this phenomenon is affecting people in their everyday lives in so many different ways all over the world. It is affecting people's relationships, businesses, creativity, health and overall happiness. It is all a bit mysterious, but beautiful at the same time. I also love the vision that the Oneness University holds for the planet. In a time where naysayer's and end of the world theories are running abound, it is refreshing to see a group of people that hold a much brighter vision for the planet. It was also crucial in my eyes that they have a plan that is somewhat simple and involves everyone on the planet from every race, culture, religion and belief system. It leaves no one behind and transcends all teaching and dogma. It does not encourage people to believe in a certain way, it asks for people to continue operating in their current belief system and continue their current spiritual practices. They say that experiencing the Oneness Blessing will just enhance whatever they currently believe and practice. To me that says it all! I fully believe that for anything to really change on this planet, that a shift in consciousness must occur and it must shift for all people everywhere. It seems pretty plausible to me that the only way this can really happen is if a shift in the way our brain works does occur. I choose to put my energy behind Arjuna and the folks involved in the Oneness Movement!

If you are interested in basic improvements in all areas of your life and you are sick of self help books and trying this or trying that, read this book and give the Oneness Blessing a shot. In a subtle but profound way I have really become more accepting of who I am rather than trying to fix something that really isn't broken. It has been explained to me that this is simply a way that the Divine can reach humanity. There is nothing much for us to do other than just receive the grace. I have definitely experienced the Divine and her grace in a very real, loving and practical way since starting to receive this Blessing and it makes things flow much smoother and adds a sweet beautiful joy to it all. It is hard to describe really!

Thank you Arjuna for giving us a fair, balanced and down to earth description of this beautiful phenomenon! Thank you for being clear and precise in your description of something that is not so easy to describe. You have a beautiful gift of explaining the unexplainable and this book is definitely proof of that!

Having recieved Deeksha several times I wanted to get a better understanding of Deeksha and what others have/are experienced from the unique and pwerful process.

Arjuna Ardagh gracefully reveals what Deeksha is and is brave enough to highlight both the aknowledgements and criticims of Deekhsha and lets you as the reader make up your own mind as to its merits and validity.

If you are looking for an honest account and description of Deeksha this is it.