Book Review: Waking from the Dream

Waking From the Dream: “A Wealth of Practical Information Relating to the Buddhist Path to Enlightenment.”
by Detong ChoYin

waking from the dream

“Waking from the Dream presents a very precise view of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. It offers profound insights into the complex concepts that are not easily definable, such as suffering, self, mind, reality, and truth. Writing with the highest level of realization, the author attempts to anticipate and answer the many questions that will arise as one begins practicing Buddhism and starts down the path to enlightenment.”

A must read for all seekers on the path!

This is the first time I have written a review for a book that I have not yet finished. I feel times are urgent and that every seeker be aware this information exists, so I decided to write it now.

Even though the author’s path to enlightenment was the Buddhist Path, this is NOT a religious book. The information contained within is generic, coming from an enlightened mind and the wisdom within will give each spiritual seeker that is open to receive a new level of understanding about themselves, reality and the world we live in, no matter at what step one is on in one’s awakening journey. It is simply the most concise information about enlightenment and getting out of the delusion of our own dreaming that I have ever come across, written with simple language and infallible logic. As I read this book, it is like receiving a transmission of wisdom and I feel lucky to have come across it.

I was impressed with the author’s ability to discuss the key precepts of the Buddhist path which actually are precepts common to all major religions, such as do not kill, do not commit sexual misconduct, do not harm others, do not steal, do not lie, etc. She offers a profound understanding of why these *rules* are so important to abide by, beyond our physical world understanding of them. For example, she allows us to see how we are actually harming others by being in an ignorant state (turning around in our own dream), because we can only see the world in a self-centered way while in that state. This book is all about OPENING OUR EYES! The book has creative and descriptive stories of the topic being discussed, which drives home the point being made. It has much practical information such as reminders one can give oneself and ways to methodically query one’s reactions which if applied in daily life will help gain insight and wisdom for removing self-delusions and enlightening the self. Much of the practice is finding out about how things truly exist, or another way to say it is: what you are not.

I haven’t finished reading this book, but one thing really stands out as unusual in a spiritual book and that is there is no mention of a higher-self, God, greater self, absolute nature, Buddha nature, creator or any term like that. It is masterfully written to clearly point out to us, all of that which is not our self and the conclusion or enlightenment would be to find out what is left when all the delusions have been dropped, that which cannot be described using words.

This is a time-less book to cherish and keep on one’s bookshelf and return to read anytime one feels stuck on the path or feels their suffering level increase and seeks relief from that suffering. If you have an essential question that makes you ‘open to receive’, for sure you will get something from this book. I especially recommend this book to all those that are currently noticing it is hard to detach from the self-talk or mind-chatter. I wish I could write a better review of this book, to express how important this information is!

Betsy
October 1, 2015

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5 comments on “Book Review: Waking from the Dream
  1. Susan says:

    Thank you for this! I have been struggling in the last few days, having uncovered another layer of “self-talk” and beliefs.
    It’s like you knew I needed this. 🙂

  2. Marty says:

    Hi Betsy,

    Thanks for the review, I am going to try to get a copy…shipping prices are crazy to Australia. I wish it were available as an E book.

    I’m interested in your comment, “times are urgent”, are you talking about your personal path or the path of humanity in a general sense?

    Love and Blessings to you
    Marty

    • betsy rabyor says:

      Hi Marty, yes, I would like to see e-book version too, will ask about it next. In regards to urgency, one only needs to look around at the reality … Love & blessings, Betsy

  3. Brittany says:

    I have been reading this book since finding your review and it has helped a lot! It is spoken of the necessity to live in a monastic system in order to fully be liberated from the suffering state as one cannot maintain footing in worldly activities as well as generate the path to enlightenment and states “it is simply impossible” to be involved with Wordly concerns and activities (pg 129) and achieve the goal. What are your thoughts on this?

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