Near Enemies of the Truth

Tantric philosopher and Oxford scholar Christopher Wallis calls out the seemingly helpful spiritual teachings dominating our current culture and demonstrates how these near truths stand in the way of a more radically free and meaningful lifeâ?¿and ultimately, a deeper spiritual awakening. Have you ever been told, â?oYou create your own realityâ??? Have you been encouraged to â?obe your best selfâ?? or â?ofollow your blissâ??? Nowadays these slogans are everywhere, but what if theyâ?¿re doing more harm than good? After over thirty years as a scholar-practitioner of meditation and Tantric philosophy, acclaimed author Christopher Wallis (also known as Hareesh) explores the most widespread distortions of spiritual teachings present in our world today. Rooted in the Asian wisdom traditions, Wallisâ?¿s book uncovers why these oft-heard platitudes are â?onear enemiesâ?? to the truth, often detour us off the spiritual path, and can even cause unnecessary suffering. In asking us to question what weâ?¿ve accepted as â?otruth,â?? Wallis reveals how teachings like â?obecome the best version of yourselfâ?? may have helped us at one stage in our journey but can ultimately lead us away from self-acceptance and compassion and cause us to prioritize an imagined ideal over true intimacy with reality. Understanding the near enemies is vital for any spiritual seeker who is ready to create a deeper, more fulfilling practice and will help you:Distinguish between truth and beliefCommunicate more authentically with loved onesSet healthier boundariesBe in greater harmony with realityPractice radical self-acceptanceNear Enemies of the Truth offers itself as a guide to the pitfalls of the spiritual life. However, it doesnâ?¿t focus on the negative. In each chapter, after pointing out how a spiritual teaching can be construed in a non-beneficial way, Wallis focuses on the deeper truth and ancient wisdom underlying that teaching, which is often obscured by its popular bumper-sticker version. Each chapter contains a supportive insight for your spiritual process and/or for your everyday life, including guided meditations and reflections. Written in a gentle and encouraging tone, this book offers a wealth of insight and guidance for anyone who finds themselves struggling, reaching a spiritual plateau, or simply seeking a more meaningful way forward. This timely companion will help you think differently and see through the smokescreens to what is true.Â