Enlightenment: Behind the Scenes (Reality Explained Trilogy) Paperback – August 24, 2012

Leavitt's stunning and fascinating firsthand account of nondual awakening.

Prior to enlightenment, there is a gap between what Jed McKenna calls the First Step and becoming stabilized in the awakening, or what he refers to as "Done." For the vast majority of those wandering about in "seeker mode," the guidance is somewhat sketchy, at best. Adyashanti's work, The End of Your World, offers some excellent insights and suggestions. And now we have another significant entry in Enlightenment: Behind the Scenes , a first-person account from Marc Leavitt , who helps fill the gap with careful explanations from his journal on the phenomena he was experiencing, the insights he gained along the way, and the methods he used.Sometimes reminiscent of Douglas Harding's material, complete with multiple simple diagrams, Marc Leavitt takes us through his own discoveries, describing the experiential field and the void of consciousness from which it arises.He discusses a technique he calls, "Backing up." One can "back up" and get behind the perceptual and the conceptual where consciousness is all. As every thought and thing arises in consciousness, having discovered the objective array, one can simply move one's focus behind to the consciousness which is the source.I found Mr. Leavitt's style engaging. The descriptions of his experiences are fascinating. He goes beyond the phenomenal to postulate an explanation for the appearance of objects within the subjectivity of consciousness. There is a really interesting explanation of how the purely subjective nature of consciousness might, through becoming conscious of itself, form objects composed of itself through its very self-reflection. The metaphor of folding in on itself is used to show how this might occur. I confess to being confused every time someone starts talking about consciousness and reflections, but this explanation is pretty easy to follow, even if it is all metaphorical.I have only scratched the surface here, and I do not pretend that I have done justice to the many ideas he presents. I am already looking forward to reading his next volume which is to be published some time this year.

If one is sincerely looking for an honest, lucid, and authentic glimpse into the non-dual Awakening of an “individuated modulation of consciousness” — in this case, one that goes by the name of Marc — then this book is a wonderful place to start. As much of this was being documented as the Awakening was actually Unfolding (not at all an easy thing to do) it provides a rare perspective into what eventually, and inevitably, awaits all of us. Awakened Being-ness IS our Natural State. I am incredibly blessed to be able to affirm this from my own, abiding awareness-experience of our inherent, Absolute Oneness with All That Is.It takes a certain amount of courage to document and share these types of experiences and the transformations they foment, as they are, well, intimate in the extreme. If one is inspired to do so and, if one heeds the call, the result is often a valuable pointer to those who have a transcendental Shift in their own future. Alternatively (and as was the case with me) it provides further context into the Awakening process and allows one to “compare notes” as it were. In either scenario, leaving behind a record of one’s Awakening (as the late Bernadette Roberts did in her amazing books “What Is Self?” and, “The Experience Of No-Self”) is a true benefit to those who are open enough to hear the account. Resultantly, the original Blessing of the Awakening increases exponentially. Thank you for your courage and service to What Is Marc -- nicely written!

A compelling look into the dedication, mindset, and practices of someone achieving his goal of complete nondual awakening/liberation. Given that it was generally written as the author's insights were occurring, we get a look at how he structured and restructured his path at the time, never giving up. It rings true. He does a great job of explaining nonduality in terms that most folks will understand. The book is not overly long and ponderous, and the writing reflects clarity. It is an encouraging book with tips for anyone to follow to construct their own path to deconstruction of self. Wise words here, and a fascinating read that will keep the pages turning.

An interesting look at the symbols, visions and process of one's awakening to reality. Flows well. Unpretentious. Concise. Might have been more well rounded with a little more of the personal story, but really a perfectly condensed account of the mystic type experiences so many have witnessed pointing to the same difficult to comprehend truth. Recommended for those who've studied or have had awakening/enlightenment experiences directly. Looking forward to reading the next book in Marc's trilogy.

I'm one sentence in and already feel the authenticity of this particular author's experiences. Curiously, it's the reference to having mystical experiences while walking with his wife and daughter that got my attention.The man is a householder. Rooted, oriented, grounded. There are so many teachers and gurus who live so high fallutin up in the clouds that they reek of arrogance, pretentiousness, and frankly - a form of ignorance that is particularly unflattering.I'm thinking the likes of Rupert Spira and others who seem to think about and speak about nothing but enlightenment. Like they've never paid a bill, mowed the grass, had a stomach ache, or gotten turned on.A fellow who lives life with a wife, a child, and responsibility, holds a sort of power that these bozos who never set foot on earth do not, and for that, I give this 5 stars before flipping to the second page. The energy is that palpable.

One of the best books I have ever read about enlightenment! The author wrote this book out of his owm experiences and is obviously not like most the authors which write about their dream pipes which exist in their brain only and was never tested in real life.Of course you will not get closer to enlightenment with this book, but for sure you will understand the basics of enlightenment much better which brings you closer to understand the phenomenon of enlightenment. A highly recommended book for a more than a fair price!!

To truly understand what Marc is writing about , you have to have experienced the void.I have experienced the void and Marc is being , open , honest , brave and truly loving in revealing the game of life!I haven't been interested in reading books for some two years ( although an avid reader I was) but a Facebook friend recommended itAnd "something" told me to read it .What's the saying ? When the student is ready the teacher manifests!Namaste Marc (I loved the "cosmic masturbation" revelation sooooo funny!Awesome wish I'd have said that.....hold one minute .....I did ! well done me!Namaste (bows in deep respect)❤️🙏

A great work on what is meant by enlightenment.With good practical help.It answers very convincingly the eternal question of why there is something and not just nothing.

Bought this a couple of years ago.Gave me many moments of clarification and contemplation .Im from germany, but its easy to read and understand most of the time.

er bringt es super rüber, die ganze reise. eine unprätentiöse darstellung von jemandem, der keine kohle in dem ganzen enlightenment business machen will.