Near Enemies of the Truth: Avoid the Pitfalls of the Spiritual Life and Become Radically Free

This book is a real eye-opener for long term practitioners as well as for newbies. It lovingly force you to contemplate everything you thought you know, everything you were so sure about... As a yoga practinioner & teacher, reiki student (long time back) and simply a human being - I would say is a must read for everyone who wish to get rid of illusions and become aligned with reality as it is in order to discover real self and truth. It might be challenging for the ego though - and more it is, more you need these teachings ;-) I also highly recommend other books of same author (tantra illuminated & recognition sutras), who happened to be also one of the most amazing teachers I've met in my nearly 20 years spiritual journey. Christopher not only knows how to teach / talk in the most simple and fruitful way, but is also very well educated and experienced in field of spirituality: tantra, yoga (and sanskrit). (I got only sample from Amazon, as I found this ebook 300 rs cheaper on Kobo and got it there only). I am also excitedly waiting for audiobook of Near Enemies of the Truth on audible india, as it's available as audiobook in few other countries by now. So please audible.in - add it to your collection ASAP! ❤

Such an enlightening read. It has helped me clarify many woowoo and incomplete spiritual concepts. The author is brilliant in how he shares profound spiritual teachings as he addresses the near enemies of the truth, offering deep insights in a way that feels both accessible and transformative. What I appreciate most is how the book encourages self-discovery, guiding you toward a deeper understanding of your own inner truth. It’s a thought-provoking and beautifully written work that I highly recommend to anyone seeking clarity on their spiritual path.

Near enemies of the truth is a toolbox of guidance and information .Each chapter builds on the next with contemplative exercises at the end of each chapter, and a good index at the end for referencing. Concise ideas are presented on several topics such as dissolving mental constructs, becoming better communicator, removing self-blame, understanding the power you have to protect your life force energy, how to listen to your heart and be in the moment, what to do with negative energy and thoughts, choosing how to respond, and so much more. This book, after being read, will no doubt help to empower you with wisdom that in time, when the time is right for you, to be fully what you are. It is thoughtful thought provoking and addresses a need to fill a gap in the pitfalls of "new age spirituality flaws". I highly recommend this book.

This book really has one purpose, which is to invite you to see through the concepts and half-teachings that can lead to tremendous mind-creating suffering at worst, or hinder you from realizing even deeper joy at best. It is direct, succinct, and full of the grace available to every person who walks the spiritual path. In the first part of the book, there are 17 chapters on common phrases or teachings that sometimes are close to truth/reality but ultimately miss the mark for various reasons. Some are nearer enemies than others, but ultimately all of them can lead to misunderstandings and pitfalls that often trip up spiritual communities and seekers. Though some may rub people the wrong way, they are ultimately all asking you (and me) to open up to a deeper possibility by pointing out ways that they reinforce delusion or misunderstanding. They aren't always easy accept or open up to, but all are extremely well-written and easy to read. These chapters are full of pointers and invitations to stop fighting with reality and open your being to a world that is beyond nice-sounding bumper sticker phrases, one-liners in yoga class, concepts with no referent, and even dangerous or dogmatic ways of thinking. Part 2 is an additional 5 chapters discussing common terms and what they point to, as of course this book would be incomplete without honing in on what they mean in a useful context (e.g., awakening or ego). These chapters were particularly potent for me, inviting a deep questioning of what I thought I knew about any of these spiritual terms. My honest impression of the book is that it is simply a must-read for anyone who feels even the slightest bit like "I've heard so much about spirituality but still feel like I'm missing something." Some parts felt validating (I always felt like I knew some of the near-enemies were almost there but not quite), and some parts hit harder where I am still getting "caught" at times. The clarity of writing and the gentle directness of the concepts presented make this a quick read, but ultimately it is a book that should be picked up several times, and contemplated more deeply - especially if you feel like you know it already. It's a self-inquiry book precisely for those who consider themselves spiritual but find many teachings or teachers coming off as superficial or feeling like there just has to be more. There is, and this book, when approached with a open mind, will help cut through the fog of confusion that pours from the spiritual marketplace of the modern world.

Well considered and laid out.

“Near Enemies of the Truth” – Eine inspirierende Hilfe für den tantrischen Alltag Christopher Wallis hat mit Near Enemies of the Truth ein Werk geschaffen, das mich als Tantrika tief berührt und an vielen Stellen abholt. Das Buch zeigt mit leicht lesbarer Klarheit, wie wir uns in subtilen fehlannahmen – den “nahen Feinden” – verlaufen. Diese Einsichten haben mir geholfen, meine Praxis und mich auf neuen Ebenen zu reflektieren und alltägliche Herausforderungen mit mehr Bewusstsein anzugehen. Was ich besonders schätze, ist Wallis’ Fähigkeit, komplexe philosophische Konzepte so zu erklären, dass sie nicht nur verständlich, sondern auch praktisch umsetzbar sind. Man sollte Christopher auch auf anderen Kanälen zuhören, da er wahrlich eine inspirierende Person ist. Dieses Buch lädt dazu ein, sich ehrlich mit den eigenen Mustern auseinanderzusetzen, ohne dabei dogmatisch oder schwer zugänglich zu wirken. Es hat mir geholfen, meinen Fokus neu auszurichten und die tantrische Philosophie authentischer in meinem Leben zu integrieren. Ich kann es jedem empfehlen, der die Wahrheit nicht nur sucht, sondern auch in seinem Alltag leben möchte.