Review from Stuart Sovatsky
“At the core of the “Journey into the Heart of Reality” lies author’s deep longing for the knowledge of Ultimate Truth. From the seed of this unquenchable longing for Truth sprouts a shoot of Shiva’s fascinating life story, which branches into the series of incredible adventures. The sap of inquiry into the True Nature of Reality nourished by the wisdom of Spiritual Teachings, rises up a tree trunk of his life-story, and following branches and leaves of his amazing adventures gradually blossoming into the most beautiful flowers of wisdom and further into a ripe delicious fruits of Divine Revelations. Following author in his captivating life-story, reader will be taken on a breathtaking ride through the psychedelic shamanic journeys, intricacies of Quantum mechanics, practical teachings of Gurdjief, eroticism of Tantra and wisdom of Kashmir Shaivism tradition. Love, deaths, sex, drugs, life within the spiritual cult, betrayals of trust, profound spiritual lessons learnt in French and American prisons, exploration of consciousness with the unique help of a “plant teachers”, life as a Sadhu (holy man) in a Himalayan cave, psychedelic ventures into the parallel realities: alien worlds, heavens, hells, realms of the living Word – Logos. Breaking through all restrictions of illusion into the Divine Ecstasy of Absolute Freedom .., all of these, and much much more you will find in Shiva’s amazing book. Although this book is build around author’s highly adventures life, it is not only an entertainment, which temporary excites, but leaves you with nothing at the end. No, this magnificent “well of wisdom” serves as a Spiritual guide to Divine Ecstasy of Self-realization – the Highest Prize of All. Although, pondering from the different (philosophical, scientific, scriptural) angles over the True Nature of Reality, the True Power of this amazing book comes from Shiva’s mind-blowing direct experiences of Highest Realm of Reality, triggered by his courageous self-experimentations often involving heroic doses of Magic Mushrooms, prolonged fasting, intense Pranayamas, and other forms of self-sacrifice known as Spiritual Sadhanas and Tapas. Gradually un-riddling the intellectual mazes, author leads reader towards the crescendo of his writing in the last chapters of his book – the explosion of Energy and Intelligence known in Shaiva Scriptures as “SAMAVESHA” – Divine Possession. Possessed by the Divine Intelligence-Energy of Highest Reality, Shiva experiences the incomparable Ecstasy of Absolute Freedom and Sufficiency. Shiva Somadev offers to reader the practical method for the ascertainment of Truth. He calls his method “Kumbhaka Prana Yoga”. Consisting of such spiritual practices as “Bhavana” (sertitude, conviction), “Bhairava Mudra” (expansion of extroverted awareness with the simultaneous introverted attention), “Atma-Vichara” (Self-inquiry), “Kumbhaka Pranayama” (Dynamic intuitive breathing), and “Shamanic Trance-dance” (encouragement of spontaneous movements), Kumbhaka Prana Yoga might be considered as the Quintessence of Spiritual technology, a Labour of LOVE and one of the most powerful vehicles towards Her Majesty Divine Truth. This book is destined to become a Spiritual classic. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Stuart Sovatsky, Ph.D. – Inner Traditions. Bestselling Author of “Advanced Spiritual Intimacy: The Yoga of Deep Tantric Sensuality” and “Words From The Soul”
Review from Tina Benson
“If you are a spiritual aspirant who longs to know Absolute Divine Truth then this book is for you! Shiva Somadev is truly a shamanic guide. Using his own vast spiritual journey as the guide map, he weaves together his extensive knowledge of and experience with such things as Gurdjieff’s The Fourth Way, Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry, sacred plant medicines, a variety of Indian and Hindu spiritual teachings, chanting, Bhakti/devotional love, tapas (spiritual disciplines) such as prolonged fasting and austerities, Bhavana, Bhairava Mudra, Atma-vichara and most importantly Pranayama, following the ways of the Sadhu, mysterious serendipities and synchronicities, miracles, Holosync technology, Shiva/Shakti union of sacred intimacy and lovemaking, and Holotropic Breathwork to articulate a tangible pathway to Divine Awakening, culminating in his uniquely defined Kumbhaka Prana Yoga. As he states, “In my Kumbhaka Prana Yoga I combined into one quintessential system the most powerful aspects of all kinds of spiritual practices; all of which add their unique contribution to the whole and make this system one of the most powerful and also the most efficient tools for Self-Realisation!”
But this book, like the spiritual path of the devoted aspirant itself, is not for the faint of heart! Shiva Somadev pulls no punches in describing the oftentimes horrific and terrifying passageways one must enter, and survive, on the way to awakening. He is relentless in reminding the reader that, “The fear of insanity and hope for enlightenment unfold simultaneously,” and there are a million ego deaths one must endure on the road to awakening. As he states, “Strong identification with the body-mind cannot be broken without deliberate effort for what we are taking ourselves to be, wants to exist, to live…This final sacrifice of ‘ego’ is very difficult, for it (ego) gets strength from the numerous Vasanas (mental habits and tendencies) accumulated during countless reincarnations, and it is frightened by ‘death’ of the so familiar world and itself with the loss of all its ‘objective knowledge’ to which every jiva (soul) clings for safety and protection from the terrifying ‘Unknown’.” And it is precisely here, at these junctures in the journey where Somadev’s brilliance as a shamanic guide shines through, “It is here in the very depths of the bewildering psychedelic experience, in the proximity of death, that I was the most helpful. Not helpful to save egos, but to blow away the clouds of fear and doubts, slay inner demons, shatter the illusory appearance of frightening nature and with the help of my Beloved Prana Shakti arrive at the holy feet of the ever-radiant Shiva.”
In Shiva Somadev’s beautiful book, “Journey Into The Heart of Reality: A Guide To Divine Ecstacy of Self-Revelation,” he reminds us that, “the aim of all spiritual practices is the realisation of Oneness,” and that, “The resolve to offer oneself (ego – I) as a sacrifice on the altar of Truth must be unshakable.” And still, when all is said and done, Somadev finally reminds the reader that it is never the words, or the theories, or the teachings of the guru that will ultimately bring the spiritual aspirant to divine awakening; it is, “direct experience that is the teacher of teachers! No words are needed to explain how reality works to those who experience its mysteries and revelations first-hand…Kumbhaka Prana Yoga is a perfect vehicle to carry one towards the Heart of the Beloved for those courageous souls whose longing for Truth is so strong that no matter what, they are ready to sacrifice themselves for it, ready to die for Truth.” Let Shiva Somadev’s lived journey be the guiding light that ignites this sublime direct experience and knowing in your heart!”
Tina Benson, M.A., Bestselling Author of “A Woman Unto Herself: A Different Kind of Love Story” and “Soulwhisperings: Erotic and Devotional Love Poems for an Outer and Inner Beloved”
Review from Richard Dietrich Maddox
“Shiva Somadev’s “Journey Into the Heart of Reality” is unlike any book you have ever read. It is certainly the memoir of the author’s quite fascinating life, but it is far more than just a life story. The book takes the reader on a trip through the philosophical theories of Gurdjieff, the intricacies of quantum mechanical physics, the erotic bliss of tantra yoga, and the symbology of Kashmirir Shaivism.
Somadev’s experiences are erotic and penal, hallucinogenic and rapturous. The reader can always look forward to some new delightful landscape of adventure in the next chapter of the book.
But the primary thrust of “Journey Into the Heart of Reality” is an inducement to seek the grand and glorious heights of spiritual attainment. Its reader will find him- or herself well advised to focus on the author’s final suggestions on how to speed up the evolution of their consciousness.”
Richard Dietrich Maddox Bestselling Author of “Remembering Eternity”, “The Whisper of a Saint”, “Enlightened Relations: The Life in a Day”, “The Enlightenment of Joshua Inly” and “Lucinda”
Review from Matias Flury
“When you begin to read this book, you will immediately collide with the clear sky of sincerity. Unlike many other spiritual teachers, the author of “Journey Into the Heart of Reality” will take you on a “roller-coaster” of life. A roller-coaster we all know very well, with the ups and downs, moments of joy and ecstasy and also moments of despair and defeat. Shiva Somadev easily introduces the reader into his spiritual world. A world filled with humanity and imperfections, but also a unique mystical world that can only be experienced through arduous practice and discipline. Although Shiva is human and humble, he also accomplished amazing feats with the help of his intense spiritual efforts accompanied by the heroic doses of sacred plants teachers. Must-read for all seekers of the Ultimate Truth. Enjoy the ride.”
New reviews:
Criss puleston 5.0 out of 5 stars
Riveting spiritual autobiography
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 June 2020
I have been studying and practicing yoga, Hinduism, Tantra, Eastern philosophy and altered states of consciousness for over 40 years. In that time I have read hundreds of books on all these and associated subjects. Shiva’s book is worth all of them rolled together and much more. Although he has obviously studied these subjects in great depth intellectually for a lifetime too it is the synthesis of this with his direct experience of absolute truth which leaps off every page.
Shiva delivers his experiences in such palpitating poetry that you are riveted as he takes you on a journey to the heart of our reality.
For me Shiva’s words come from direct revelation, which makes his book nothing less than revealed scripture and I will go on reading and re-reading it gaining spiritual sustenance for the rest of this life. Thank you Shiva for bringing it all together for me. You are a miracle!
Kailasam Berke 5.0 out of 5 stars
An exciting journey into the heart of hearts taken with a true shaman!
Reviewed in the United States on 13 May 2020 Verified Purchase
Shiva is a true psychonaut, giving us a cautionary tale of the dangers lurking within the spiritual landscapes while providing deeply inspiring glimpses into the unseen dimensions within the universe. This courageous and personal telling of Shiva’s life story captivates and delights.
Shiva’s groundbreaking discoveries, integrating his psychedelic revelations within his expansive system of Kumbahka prana yoga are bound to act as a lighthouse for those who’ve set sail upon their own uncharted waters, giving us glimpses of a tapestry both ancient and modern. This book is a must read for all truth seekers!
Tina Marie 5.0 out of 5 stars
A REAL-DEAL SPIRITUAL GUIDEBOOK!
Reviewed in the United States on 9 April 2020 Verified Purchase
If you are a spiritual aspirant who longs to know Absolute Divine Truth then this book is for you! Shiva Somadev is truly a shamanic guide. Using his own vast spiritual journey as the guide map, he weaves together his extensive knowledge of and experience with such things as Gurdjieff’s The Fourth Way, Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry, sacred plant medicines, a variety of Indian and Hindu spiritual teachings, chanting, Bhakti/devotional love, tapas (spiritual disciplines) such as prolonged fasting and austerities, Holosync technology, Shiva/Shakti union of sacred intimacy and lovemaking, and Holotropic Breathwork to name just a few, to articulate a tangible pathway to Divine Awakening, culminating in his uniquely defined Kumbhaka Prana Yoga. As he states, “In my Kumbhaka Prana Yoga I combined into one quintessential system the most powerful aspects of all kinds of spiritual practices; all of which add their unique contribution to the whole and make this system one of the most powerful and also the most efficient tools for Self-Realisation!”
The one thing I find MOST affecting about this incredible book is the journey this seeker himself has been willing to take. Shiva Somadev tells it like it is…he splays out both the agony and ecstasy of the spiritual path; forewarning the reader that to reach the peak of the mountaintop one must encounter harrowing trials and tribulations along the way. Throughout, however, he shows that the “dark nights of the soul” one must encounter along the spiritual way are more than worth it…they, in fact, lead the seeker to all that one most desires…the “Divine Ecstasy of Self-Realization.”
I loved taking this journey with Shiva Somadev…I know you will too!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 May 2020
This is the story of an amazing spiritual adventure, from which each one of us can learn. It’s a book that will make you ask questions about your own life – and the nature of life itself – and it’s a book that will make you want to explore. Shiva’s story is one I won’t forget, and I recommend everyone take the journey!
Leigh Hofmann 5.0 out of 5 stars
A vivid tour de force of self discovery…
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 May 2020 Verified Purchase
Journey into the heart of reality is a vivid tour de force of self discovery, a brutally honest and raw account of the author’s life-long journey into the heart of spiritual self realisation. At times full of joy and spiritual ecstasy but also deeply humbling and filled with deep emotional strife, sadness and hard times. You will be hard pushed to find a more satisfying biographical read into the fascinating life of a true seeker of divinity, ultimate truth, compassion and love! And for all those seeking to further their knowledge, and practice, of Khumbhaka Prana Yoga and the study of current and past philosophical systems, this is a truly Magical Journey into the Land of Shiva! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone out there searching, or quite frankly, just looking for a jolly good read! Immensely enjoyable.
F Bahchevanska 5.0 out of 5 stars
Hopefully it will reach as many hearts as possible and take us all to a journey for Love-Truth.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 May 2020
Nowadays they are overwhelming amount of books on spirituality and enlightenment. Journey into the Heart of reality it is a different and mind blowing revelation. Shiva takes us by surprise by telling his story with Love, passion, truth, sometimes painfully real and deep knowledge. I catch myself thinking ‘I would love to re-read that again’. At first the book seemed too big to start reading but once you start it’s hard to put down, and you don’t want to end! Hopefully it will reach as many hearts as possible and take us all to a journey for Love-Truth.
Carolmacartneyyoga 5.0 out of 5 stars
A raw yet gentle and inspiring read of commitment to the highest Truth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2020 Verified Purchase
A beautiful insight into one man’s story. Shivas commitment to Truth and to plant medicine reveals itself through the pages of his first book, in a brutally honest and heart wrenching account of his life thus far. The details of his personal life left me feeling both saddened and joyful and is a stark reminder of the classic quote “no mud no lotus” after enduring many harrowing experiences in his early life he, through his own one pointed focus, has shown the reader, that it is possible to rise from the ashes and to reach the highest Grace.
I have to admit that some of the content was above my scholarly capacity but amazingly detailed and again a sign of total commitment to his path. I was also reminded that often times behind every great man there is an amazing woman and have to give credit to his wife in her obvious silent total support in her husbands exploration of his ” journey into the heart of reality.”
Researching, writing and putting into print ones truth cannot be easy and to open oneself up to others by peeling back the layers of one’s own personal history, takes a jaw dropping amount of courage. Through Grace Shiva has found a truth which we are all blessed to be able to touch through this work of courage, truth and Love.