Radiance of Being: Understanding the Grand Integral Vision; Living the Integral Life

by Allan Combs

Book Overview

"Allan Combs...adroitly presents the grand possibility that systems/complexity theory, cognitive neuro-science, and the great mystical traditions can work together to illuminate that most ordinary yet... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155778812X
• ISBN13: 9781557788122
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Paragon House Publishers
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Integral Inspirational Theory lives on . . .

I would have to agree with the previous reviewer. This book is, I daresay, soon to be a classic within the transpersonal/integral/consciousness field. It is a pure reflection of the author with a generous dose of inspiration and objectivity (as far as Wilber is concerned). Though I understand the caution with which recommendations are concerned I still feel that this book is recommended reading for all students of transpersonal, consciousness, and transformative disciplines. For those who are familiar with Wilber's work, this is especially true. For all other purposes, it is a hallmark of future evolutionary development. Do not pass it up. Yours truly, Ph.D. student at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology

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This is a must book for those interested in integral studies. While much of the work is similar to Ken Wilber's at least in structure, this book in many ways transcends Wilber's works with some real original thinking. Not surprisingly, the author is an authority on integral thought without trying to parrot Ken Wilber's view. Combs is a very clear and insightful writer, with no polemic axe to grind nor does he cling only to his view.

The best book on consciousness

Allan Combs' The Radiance of Being is the kind of book one looks for but seldom finds on this subject. Most books on consciousness are either too technical and dry, or too loose and insubstantial. As Combs' beatiful and beautifully apt title suggests, this is a rare combination of scientific substance made accessible for a change with an easy flowing eloquence of writing style. Ranging from coverage on the consciousness theories of Jean Gebser, Ken Wilbur, and Sri Aurobindo to the relevance of chaos and complexity theory to the search for a scientific understanding of consciousness processes, this is a wonderful guide to the subject and a wonderful read. It is a book that America's pioneering psychologist in this area, William James, would have cherished.

A book that goes beyond convention into insight.

Dr. Combs has written an extraordinary book on consciousness and its relation to all of creation. The book moves beyond convention, applying the right amount of intellectual wisdom, pushing us beyond our short sighted thoughts on the subject of consciousness. The book is filled with many insights and thought provoking arguments. I recommend this book to anyone serious enought to think through their role in the grand scheme of things.

A major new book on the nature of consciousness.

A major new book on the nature of consciousness. It was released in the U.K. the previous year and won the annual award of the Scientific and Medical Network of the U.K., as the best book of the year. It is highly unusual to have such a mixture of cutting-edge science, philosophical depth, and smooth, easy writing. The reader will find almost any preconceptions they have about the nature of consciousness challenged in reading this book, but will enjoy being challenged. I can't imagine anyone not profiting from the experience.