Winner Indie Excellence Awards, Finalist US National Best Book Awards & Next Generation Indie Book Award.
The way is so simple
People find it hard to accept.It is easier to believe
That life is complex
Difficult and confusing.Lao Tzu
The book is a logical step by step approach to understanding both human nature and the world in which we live. The author suggests that understanding, deep understanding, can bring spontaneous and appropriate changes in human behavior.
To demonstrate the effect of understanding Colin uses the following example: When the European mariners understood that the world was not flat, their behavior changed simply as a result of their understanding. Despite their fear they sailed beyond the horizon and not one of them fell over the edge.
Understanding, real understanding, brings the gift of living in the moment. As anyone can attest from personal experience, the mental states of past and future lack the immediacy and vibrancy of the present moment. When the human being is present to what is happening and not caught in the chatter of the mind, life can be enjoyed regardless of what is happening. The result is a greater sense of peace and harmony and the ability to act spontaneously and appropriately.
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Reviews
[“Understanding,” is] a rewarding read for anyone interested in a deep yet succinct approach to that elusive subject, “enlightenment.”
The effectiveness of Mallard’s presentation comes from…the plain language, that explains each philosophic concept in layman’s terms. Evident also is a knack for conveying truths by means of vivid, concrete metaphors and engaging narratives (think parables.)
Nowick Gray,
Victoria BC. Canada
“Mallard’s book is a clear, concise and uncomplicated presentation of the core ideas of Advaita Vedanta. Over the years I have read many self-help books, and books that explain various ideologies. Colin’s is the first book that didn’t ramble on and on, repeating the same thing…with a car salesman’s fervor filling up space by promising content but only making something simple into something…difficult.
“Understanding” is a book that makes something complex into something simple. The ideas are universal, personal, and intimate. They connect the physical being and the spiritual world in a way that makes perfect sense.
There is no unnecessary convincing, merely simple explanations that not only make sense, but…are well reflected in the theories and concepts of psychology and physiology. I recognized the similarities and think that this philosophy provides a great framework for dealing with life and being able to recognize what is happening to us, so that we can work towards inner peace and acceptance of what is.
A highly readable book. Each chapter begins with a serene illustration that is symbolic of the content overlain with a quote from the wisdom of Lao Tzu and others. Reading it was a balm. I never felt in a hurry to “get to the point” as each chapter was a point, an “ah ha” that sat quietly and comfortably where it belonged and provided a recognition of innate knowledge put into words.
Jennifer Molavi,
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.