Author: Norman D Livergood

ISBN: 189330292X

Norman D Livergood is a highly intellectual person who has devoted his entire life to exploring and expanding his own mind. Author, publisher and teacher with a couple of PhDs, and a few Master degrees, he has employed his vast knowledge in philosophy and psychology to write Portals to Higher Consciousness: Exploring the Spiritual Domain.

Due to the abstract nature of the subject matter, Portals to Higher Consciousness demands of its readers a great deal of concentration. The book is very theoretical and it can easily pass as a philosophy course textbook. Moreover, the author substantiates his theories with extensive research pertaining to the works of the well-known philosophers as Plato and Socrates, which are often quoted in the book.

This book explores the domain of higher consciousness and the author lists the means on how to achieve it, such as expanding your awareness to the surrounding world, becoming more spiritual, exploring your artistic mind, etc. The book is more like an analysis of the mind and human behaviors and at times reads like a guide on how to achieve a better life and improve our surroundings. The author often even criticizes Bush government and how it affects the entire world.

Livergood discusses Higher Mysteries — the sacred scripts passed down by the old cultures, such as India, Greece and Egypt. These scripts provide insight into spirituality and origins of the world. He also often mentions the Perennial Tradition — human rebirth through initiation.

Although sometimes I don’t agree with his theories, I have to admit that after reading this book, I learned a great deal about the higher consciousness. However, I was surprised that the author didn’t devote more ink to Hinduism and Buddhism, as these two religions delve considerably in the exploration of the mind. According to Hinduism and Buddhism, to reach a higher consciousness, one has to sit quietly and meditate and anybody can attain a higher consciousness without the need of intellectual knowledge. But according to Livergood’s theory, one would need knowledge to attain such insight into the mind.

This book presents detailed ideas and it is an interesting read, but it is rather difficult. As a general reader, I would’ve appreciated a much simpler writing.

The above review was contributed by: Manuela Pop, writer and author. To read Manuela's reviews CLICK HERE