The Book of Undoing: Direct Pointing to Nondual Awareness

I'll admit it, I bought this book as an "add-on" to my purchase of two other nonduality books in order to get the free shipping. And when it arrived today with my other books it was the first one I opened because of its short length. I thought, well, why not start with this one and be done with it since it's so short, and so I did. Not only did I start it but I finished it as well (not that that was so hard because it's only 107 pages, but oh my, what a power-packed 107 pages), and I have yet to open either of the other two books, and really don't feel I have any need to.So, what did I find within the pages of this little gem? Simple writing and, more importantly, effective pointing to that which we are. One cannot help but discover the real nature of what we are through this imagined dialogue between Fred and "Brook" as he guides her gently and unmistakably to Being-ness itself. I think this is a rare thing in these days of growing interest in awakening as evidenced by the many books emerging for those who thirst for something more. So many of these books leave the reader lost in the words, but this one actually takes you beyond the words and shows you how to "find it", what the experience of "it" is, and what happens to "it" when imagination starts to dance again.These are the same goals of many similar books, but this one actually succeeds in taking the reader there. It goes further than that as Fred elucidates how this already awakened and ever present awareness cannot be separate from anything else, that in fact, you are not only that awareness but "that which is". Why struggle with "what is" when you ARE that, and there is nothing other than that? Every manifestation is the mirror that reflects the reality of what you are. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE! This isn't just an idea that one takes on board, but a realization that is born of a direct visceral experience in the here and now. That's the value of this book, it is a practical handbook on waking up and nonduality.When reading this book, read it as though you ARE Brook, and go through the process with her that Fred guides her through, because in a very real sense Brook IS you in your unexamined or confused state. And in the end you will discover that not only isn't Brook who she imagined herself to be neither are you. You will discover, as Brook did, that that which is pointed to can be easily seen/realized, and that "this" isn't some kind of confusing idea for the mind to latch onto in order to be awake, but is the very ordinary experience of every day awareness that is always here. The realization of this simple awareness/Being-ness brings with it implications that are far from ordinary.Will I read those other two books? Of course; I love this stuff too much not to. There are some things out there to be savored because of how they are written and they become true friends, and those other books may prove themselves to be just that (and who doesn't enjoy the company of friends?). But this book is one that I have already developed a sort of reverence for because of its simplicity and effectiveness. Well done, Fred, and thank you for bringing this gift to us!

I have bought both "Beyond Recovery" and "The Book of Undoing" from Amazon As an AA myself, I was very interested in how one could combine non-duality and the 12 Steps. I found Fred's explanation of how it works for him interesting. I also found it compelling that his commitment to recovery included an "amends" (9th Step) that got him in trouble with the law. From his description, I figured it has been some business dealing gone wrong, or maybe he'd even cheated a client or partner out of some money. And that it had been serious enough that he'd been prosecuted for it. I admired his willingness to do the time, or in his case, probation. I must say that I was shocked and dismayed to find out that the offense was much more serious. It was a Tier III (the most serious) conviction for child molestation! And although it happened (he says) when he was 17, it involved (according to court documents) a 12 year ofd! Whether or not the obfuscation regarding the crime was intentional, I do not know. I CAN say I felt that it was dishonest, and a bit betrayed. I purchased "The Book of Unknowing" because he also offered a free group "Clarity Session" for people buying during a certain time span. I enjoyed the session. And despite this quirks, I liked Fred and thought his process might induce an “awakening”. I was VERY impressed when he admitted to being bipolar, and that he uses prescribed medications for the condition. He said "If you're diabetic before awakening, you'll be diabetic after awakening." I admired and was inspired by his honesty. So I was terribly shocked about the revelations, which I then researched on the South Carolina data base myself. It calls into question the whole Western teacher paradigm. My connection with Eastern wisdom had said explicitly that spirituality was not for sale, and that teachers who took money were false teachers. But I had come across "The Presence Process", Eckhart Tolle, and Scott Kiloby, and was willing to suspend disbelief. I had pursued it so far as to train to be a facilitator in Scott's Inquiries. (I passed the Unfindable Inquiry facilitation test, but did not ultimately finish the training.) So this is not something that I have just a passing interest or involvement in. I have skin in the game. Also, the fact that Fred had also been a student of Scott's validated his work for me. In my opinion, selling spirituality, or in Fred's case "Awakening" cheapens it. And even if it's acceptable to sell enlightenment, in no case should a convicted child molester be teaching. Even given my propensity to forgive fellow AAs. If someone still feels so damaged 25+ years after the offense to attempt to have the perpetrator imprisoned, then this was really really bad. In addition, this has made me wonder about what "forgiveness" is. Like "service", forgiveness should carry as little self-interest as possible. And in the case of many in the non-dual community that are willing to "forgive" Fred, it appears that it serves their self interest to do so. Several people have interviewed him, others given glowing reports on his books, others still have a vested interest in the spiritual marketplace. I find this all really upsetting.

This book is the end of 'the search'. No more seeking, satsang, meditation or awakening.The prodigal son comes home at last...

Although it is a relatively short book, it is both practical and precise. Following a dialogue between Fred and an apparent seeker, the reader is encouraged to look for themselves at what is being pointed to. This includes various exercises used as a tool to help you on your way.

One of best ever books I've read. Wonderful how Fred takes you personally on an inner journey to reveal the truth of your Being. I've read this book three times now and loved it just as much as the first time.

Excellent product, excellent service!

A bit poorly written, but I found it helpful.