18.11.09

Some blurbs for the Stripping the Gurus book

Posted in Uncategorized at 3:08 pm by nemo

I think it would be appropriate to get and discuss Falk’s book here, but I need to make clear that my position is not that of academic psychologists who want to put a straightjacket on anyone who thinks Buddhism had something to say to humanity. These blurbs by people such as John Horgan force me to dissociate myself from this perspective.
But this is nothing new. We have been saying this all along.

But you won’t Sufi black magicians like E.J. Gold by sucking your thumb with clinical psychology.

Meanwhile, Falk’s book looks interesting. (Didn’t we discuss it here already?)

Armed with wit, insight, and truly astonishing research, Geoffrey Falk utterly demolishes the notion of the enlightened guru who can lead devotees to nirvana. This entertaining and yet deadly serious book should be read by everyone pursuing or thinking of pursuing the path of guru devotion.
—John Horgan, author of Rational Mysticism

Stripping the Gurus is superb—one of the best books of its kind I have ever read. The research is meticulous, the writing engaging, and the overall thesis: devastatingly true. A stellar book.
—Dr. David C. Lane, California State University

This gripping and disturbing book should be read by anyone who finds themself revering a spiritual teacher.
—Susan Blackmore, author of The Meme Machine

Geoffrey Falk’s delightful but disturbing unmasking of religious prophets and preachers who command a vast following is a welcome contribution to the literature on the gurus and god-men of all religions.
—Dr. Narasingha P. Sil, Western Oregon University

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