Gilbert William Schultz’s Self Aware is a profound and transformative book that invites readers to explore the depths of their own consciousness and discover the true nature of self. Schultz, known for his work in non-duality and spiritual awakening, presents a series of insights and practices designed to help readers move beyond the illusion of the ego and experience a direct, unmediated awareness of their true being. This comprehensive summary and review will walk you through each chapter, detail the key themes, and reveal the powerful message Schultz wants to convey.
Introduction: The Journey to Self-Awareness
Gilbert William Schultz begins by emphasizing that self-awareness is not just a psychological concept but a spiritual journey. He argues that most people live in a state of unconsciousness, identified with their thoughts, emotions, and ego, and that true self-awareness involves recognizing the space-like, ever-present awareness that underlies all experience. Schultz’s approach is practical and experiential, encouraging readers to engage in direct seeing rather than intellectual study.
Chapter 1: The Nature of Presence
In this chapter, Schultz explores the nature of presence and awareness. He describes awareness as a space-like, all-encompassing presence that contains all objects and subjects. He emphasizes that awareness is not something to be attained but is already here, prior to all thoughts and mental processes. Schultz guides readers through exercises to help them recognize this immediate presence of awareness in their own experience.
Chapter 2: The Illusion of the Ego
Schultz delves into the illusion of the ego, explaining how most people identify with a sense of self that is constructed by the mind. He argues that this ego is not real but a collection of thoughts, beliefs, and identifications. By seeing through this illusion, readers can begin to experience a sense of freedom and ease that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Chapter 3: Direct Seeing
This chapter focuses on the practice of direct seeing, which Schultz presents as the most effective way to realize one’s true nature. He encourages readers to let go of concepts and intellectual understanding and to simply see directly what is present in their awareness. Through this practice, readers can experience a spontaneous livingness and freedom that is not bound by the mind’s habitual patterns.
Chapter 4: The Habit of Identification
Schultz examines the habit of identification with thoughts, emotions, and the body. He explains how this habit creates suffering and limits one’s experience of freedom. By recognizing and letting go of these identifications, readers can begin to experience a deeper sense of presence and clarity.
Chapter 5: The Unmediated Presence
In this chapter, Schultz introduces the concept of unmediated presence, which he describes as a state of awareness that is not filtered through thoughts or concepts. He guides readers through exercises to help them recognize this presence in their own experience, emphasizing that it is always here, right now, and does not require any special effort to achieve.
Chapter 6: The Nature of Mind
Schultz explores the nature of mind, explaining that the true nature of mind is clear and empty. He argues that all systems of knowledge and concepts fail to capture the directness of awareness, and that true understanding comes from direct seeing rather than intellectual study. He encourages readers to let go of concepts and to simply be present with what is.
Chapter 7: The Habit of Grasping
This chapter examines the habit of grasping, which Schultz describes as the mind’s tendency to create new realms of delusion by grasping at experiences and concepts. He explains how this habit creates suffering and limits one’s experience of freedom. By recognizing and letting go of this habit, readers can begin to experience a deeper sense of presence and clarity.
Chapter 8: The True Nature of Self
Schultz presents the true nature of self as the natural, spontaneous presence that is ever present and prior to all mental processes. He argues that this presence cannot be reduced or confined to any habitual process in the mind, and that no concept can truly represent it. He encourages readers to establish this presence of mind in the immediate fact that simple knowing is the actuality of presence awareness.
Chapter 9: The First Instant of Cognition
In this chapter, Schultz explores the first instant of cognition, which he describes as pure seeing. He explains that knowing is happening right now, and that this is the actuality of presence awareness. He encourages readers to taste this unmediated presence directly, not as a conceptual possibility but as the ever-present actuality of awareness itself.
Chapter 10: The Nature of Awareness
Schultz concludes by emphasizing that the nature of awareness is clear and empty. He argues that all systems of knowledge fail to capture the directness of awareness, and that true understanding comes from direct seeing rather than intellectual study. He encourages readers to let go of concepts and to simply be present with what is.
The Author’s Message: What Gilbert William Schultz Wants to Convey
At the heart of Self Aware is the message that true self-awareness is not about achieving a new state of being but about recognizing the ever-present awareness that is already here. Schultz wants readers to understand that the self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic, spontaneous presence that is prior to all mental processes. He emphasizes that freedom and clarity are not something to be attained but are already present in the immediate fact of awareness.
Schultz’s vision is inclusive and empowering, transcending cultural, social, and religious boundaries. He argues that true self-awareness is not about perfection but about authenticity, presence, and direct seeing. By practicing these principles, readers can transform their lives and inspire others to do the same.
Honest Review: Is “Self Aware” Worth Reading?
Based on reviews and reader feedback, Self Aware is praised for its clarity, practicality, and spiritual wisdom. Readers appreciate Schultz’s ability to make complex spiritual teachings accessible and relevant to modern life. The book is particularly helpful for anyone seeking to cultivate self-awareness, improve self-esteem, and find greater meaning in their daily actions.
If you are ready to embrace your true nature and live more authentically, Self Aware is a powerful and inspiring place to start.
FAQs
Q1. Is “Self Aware” suitable for beginners?
Yes, the language is simple, and ideas are easy to understand.
Q2. Does the book talk about meditation?
Yes, but it focuses more on everyday awareness than formal meditation.
Q3. Will the book help with overthinking?
Absolutely. The author explains how awareness reduces mental noise.
Q4. Is this book spiritual or psychological?
It blends both beautifully, making it helpful for all readers.
Q5. Is this book similar to Eckhart Tolle’s teachings?
Yes, it aligns with similar themes but has its own unique perspective.