This book is a collection of 23 dialogues that occurred throughout the United States and Europe with Byron Katie. Some of the people who worked with Katie have painful illnesses, others are lovelorn or in messy divorces. Some are simply irritated with a co-worker or worried about money. What they all have in common is a willingness to question, with Katie's help, the painful thoughts that are the true cause of their suffering. In every case we see how Katie's acute mind and fierce kindness helps each person dismantle for themselves what is felt to be unshakable reality.
Although these dialogues make fascinating reading—some are both hilarious and deeply moving at once—they are intended primarily as teaching tools. Each took place in front of an audience, and Katie never lost connection with that audience, repeatedly reminding each person in the room to follow the dialogues inwardly, asking themselves the questions the participant must ask. The dialogue between Katie and these volunteers is an external enactment of precisely the kind of dialogue each person can have with their own thoughts. The results, even in the seemingly most dire situation, can be unimagined freedom and joy.
This book is a collection of 15 dialogues that people have had with Byron Katie. Some have painful illnesses, others are lovelorn or in messy divorces or are simply irritated with a co-worker or worried about money. What they all have in common is a willingness to question, with Katie's help, the painful thoughts that are the true cause of their suffering. In every case we see how Katie's acute mind and fierce kindness helps each person dismantle for themselves what is felt to be unshakable reality. Although these dialogues make fascinating reading - some are both hilarious and deeply moving at once - they are intended primarily as teaching tools. Each took place in front of an audience, and Katie never lost connection with that audience, repeatedly reminding each person in the room to follow the dialogues inwardly, asking themselves the questions the participant must ask. The dialogue between Katie and these volunteers is an external enactment of precisely the kind of dialogue each person can have with their own thoughts. The results, even in the seemingly most dire situation, can be unimagined freedom and joy.
Byron Katie has been travelling around the world for many years teaching 'The Work' directly to thousands of people. She is the author of Loving What Is and A Thousand Names for Joy.
Katie's laser-like tough love burns away all illusions. The Times Byron Katie's work is a great blessing for our planet. -- Eckhart Tolle A spiritual innovator for the new millennium. TIME
Katie's laser-like tough love burns away all illusions.
"Byron Katie's workshops are riveting to watch, and not just because people are baring their souls. Katie's laser-like tough love burns away all illusions." -- The Times (London)