The Science and Practice of Humility: The Path to Ultimate Freedom

Asserting that sages, both ancient and modern, share the quality of humility, Gregory says this virtue is the key to ultimate liberation. The teacher, speaker, and documentary filmmaker draws from Asian philosophies, Hermeticism, and a variety of other spiritual sources to “show a clear understanding of what spiritual evolution and illumined consciousness really mean.” Distinguishing between warriors who arrogantly try to impose their views on others and humble sages who pursue inner transformation, Gregory emphasizes that the latter is the effective way to change the world. Buddhism-derived teachings on the suffering caused by the ego’s illusions are mixed with a wide range of metaphysical concepts such as the growth of consciousness, galactic harmonics, mental transmutation, involution, and triune vibration. Gregory’s source materials reveal broad knowledge, but his vague, abstract writing and sweeping generalizations, including dismissive comments about the “masses,” don’t help him build a persuasive case. He never convincingly explains why humility in itself is the key to inner freedom, or whether humility is the cause or effect of enlightenment. Despite the book’s title, the author de-emphasizes practice in the commonly understood sense. His audience may be limited to those already attracted to esoteric spiritualities. (Nov.)