Has anyone read a book called Illusions by Richard Bach? What did u think?

Question

Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah. "There was a Master come unto the earth, born in the holy land of Indiana, raised in the mystical hills east of Fort Wayne..."

Some years ago I lost the plot and eventually ended up in a Yoga retreat. I read it after having an out of the body (near death experience) induced by quiet meditation

I then went on to read a book called "The prophet" by Calil Gibran

Then "Siddhartha": By Hermann Hesse ... "But this man, Siddhartha, was not a follower of any but his own soul..."

If u have read any of these books tell me what u thought and did any of them influence ur life and in what way

If u dont want to post ur answer on the page then contact me by email

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Dear VinceGill:

I began reading Richard Bach 20 years ago. For myself, his best ones were" Bridge Across Forever and "One."

I know you asked about Illusions. But, for me it was not as exciting as the two above. In "One" fasten your seat belt! He teaches about breaking our patterns. You have to be willing to Trust to the degree you will let the Holy Spirit take you to the bottom of your patterns - and out the other side of them - into a whole new pattern He would bring you to. This is represented as being in an airplane and being willing to go straight down to actual impact with earth - and upon impact - seeing what occurs!

Wild. Years ago, people were carrying "ONE" around with them in their purses! No kidding.

Keep reading.

Answer 2

All of Richard's books are worth reading (Jonathon Livingstone Seagull being the most famous).

He speaks of a connectedness that escapes the notice of most people. He was certainly influential in my thinking on spiritual matters.

It's been 20 years or so since I last read his books. Time to dust them off and re-read them.

Thanks for bringing this up. I've always found his words reassuring, and I need that now more than ever.

Answer 3

Nice general inspirational sayings in the 'Messiah's Handbook' in Illusions by R. Bach.

If you are courageous, with an enquiring mind, and willing to risk change by putting the comfort of what's familiar to you on the line, you may be able to challenge your own established values, thoughts and ideas. It's very tough, like having to negate your own identity, outwit your own subconscious. But if you've tried doing everything you know in the way you're familiar with and your dreams haven't worked out how you wanted them to - then what's there to loose by conducting this experiment with your psyche? More of the same? Might as well try something different.

Believing strongly in positive outcomes can be self-inspirational, I believe, and give you strength to pursue your goals through tough periods, over time. It's easier to have confidence in yourself if at least one person you respect and admire believes strongly in you too - but not absolutely necessary! You can do it on your own!

Aside from that, remember Bach is very much a human being and definitely not a Messiah himself.. and at that, one who appears not so keen on living his own reality. See his final comment in Illusions .. "Everything in this book may be wrong." Why would he write this if he was able to buy into what he wrote himself .. Not sure if he's leaning towards a disclaimer for his own philosophy.

If in doubt on this point, just google his biography. What does he know about relating responsibly in his own life - it appears he is a self-made expert in living in his own illusions (delusions). By distancing himself from his own reality, from intimate relationships with human beings (2 ex-wives, 6 children), and by spending a lot of time in or above the clouds? Go figure!

Conclusion: some good stuff, but as always, don't believe everything you read!

Answer 4

Hi! I can't figure out your age, but I hope you'll have enough time ahead to read and meditate and learn. You're on a wonderful trip I must say. These are even better than any legal or illegal stuff.
No, let's be serious.... I've read them all, and have practiced meditation too. RBach, is a very good start and if you are serious about learning, let's say in a group of people who can discuss and add to your information and formation... then you'll have the best experiences, I bet.

Answer 5

here is a test to see if your mission on Earth is finished:If you're alive,it isn,t. Richard Bach was not of this world.Every time i see a feather,I think of "Illusions",and what it would be like to go flying with Richard and Donald Shimoda in the Travel Air.Alright,now everyone,we have many missions to accomplish.Let's get to it!

Answer 6

It's my favorite book!

I especially love the line..

If your happiness depends on someone else, you have a problem.

I haven't really liked all his books, but also enjoyed RUNNING FROM SAFETY.

Oh, and I also love the saying....

Trust the current knows where it's taking you.

Answer 7

It's his best book. I've read it a couple of times. It's the nuts and bolts of old school metaphysics.

Answer 8

Great book, read it 15 years ago. One of my Favs.

Answer 9

Read it about 30 yrs ago. He seemed to work real hard on polishing his aphorisms, hoping to be quoted for generations...seemed to be writing for someone looking over his shoulder. Ho-hum.

Answer 10

yea, i've read it a few times, i've read other stuff of his too, like bridge across forever
and; no such place as far away, jonathan livingston seagull
I was really into his stuff at one time