Publisher's Synopsis
Understanding 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 Mallard 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. Colin draws from Taoism, Zen, Advaita Vedanta (Jnanna yoga) and Sufism, all of which played an important part in his life. 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.
