The majority of the reviews shown below were copied from Amazon book reviews.

 

Uncovering Deeper Levels of Awareness: Story of a Western Yogi

​

Rakesh/Richard’s memoir of his early years of spiritual searching and meeting his Teacher is an engaging read. As Richard recounts his journey towards transformation, the wisdom and truth he uncovers is profound, but his use of simple, direct language combined with a tone of humility and wonder, makes it easily understood and relatable. —Christine A. Emery (5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable and thought-provoking read Reviewed in Canada on October 1, 2020 Verified Purchase)

​

Rakesh's book is so well-written. It is a page-turner. The focus of his life is his relationship with his teacher and the quest for self-realization. He takes you with him. —Satyam (5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring personal story that offers universal insight Reviewed in Canada on October 1, 2020 Verified Purchase)

​

A very inspiring book that keeps one's interest. I highly recommend this to everyone who wishes to connect to their own internal experiences. Great book! —P. Millerick (5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring! Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2020)

​

Uncovering Deeper Levels of Awareness: Story of a Western Yogi by Rakesh Richard Tunis is a candid description of a young man who grew up in a family of aware parents that led him to his guru.

​

This autobiographical account of his life was written with precise detail of his Canadian and American youthful experiences and his unfoldment of the highest awareness that he uncovered while in India in the presence of his Teacher. It takes you on his journey through the confusing years of teenage life to a course on which he rejects the human need for name, fame, and financial success. This leads him to the divine realization of the true happiness and peace that lie within.

​

 It was not always an easy path. It had its challenges with growth-producing, ego-dissolving moments that brought out the painful acknowledgment of his limitations and psychological shortcomings. His depiction of how this process matures is insightful and encouraging for those embarking on this journey.  It gives the reader a true message from a realized one he calls the Teacher. This message allows you understand the power of one who lives in the Vision of Oneness by which they know everyone as their own Self.  As Rakesh shows us, the presence and power of such a Being allows you to immediately know the truth of who you are. Then the work of the aspirant becomes only how to maintain that awareness and live the life in the Pure Knowingness and freedom that alone is.

I was amazed with the detail of Rakesh's memory of his youthful experiences and the early times with his blessed encounters for liberation that took place with his Guru. This book is profoundly illuminating. Thanks, Rakesh, for your candor, which allows this awareness to enlighten others. I hope that a sequel is on its way soon, as I look forward to it bringing us up to your continued and present experiences.
—Shree, Sherrie Wade, Director of Transformation Meditation and Author of the Transformation Meditation Home-study Teacher Training and Knowingness Meditation: Enlightenment is now. (5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!)

​

Have you ever felt that there`s more to life than marriage, children and career? Have you experienced depths that your mind could not explain? They say that when the disciple is ready, the master appears, and this is what happened to the author of this book. In a vivid and picturesque way Rakesh describes his childhood and teenage experiences which led him to follow the Teacher, as he refers to his guru. The delightful stories, told in a captivating way, are an inspiration for anyone who would like to venture into the true nature, or the source of their existence. It is never too late to add something to your life and this book will definitely increase your motivation. —Anna Schoentag (5.0 out of 5 stars)

​

The journey of a seeker of the highest whose life is absorbed by his guru. Coming from Canada to India with some wonderful stories, deep wisdom and laughs. A delightful, easy read. —Sarita (5.0 out of 5 stars delightful read Reviewed in India on 19 September 2020 Verified Purchase)

​

Excellent. A must read for anyone on the path. —Balram Bose (5.0 out of 5 stars Another beacon, lighting the way. Reviewed in India on October 2, 2020 Verified Purchase)

​

​

Review on: The Handbook of Meditation: Discovery of Internal Happiness

​

I found The Handbook of Meditation to be well-written, clear and enjoyable. As a guide to the practice and benefits of meditation, the book is second to none. —Glen Kezwer, Ph.D., Author of Meditation, Oneness and Physics

​

A real source of knowledge about the reality beyond our thoughts & consciousness. This book helped me lot to deal with my work as a psychologist in a de-addiction centre. It takes you to the girth of our thought process & its generation & helps u mastering ur wrong ones. Fabulous....much beyond rating. Great work Richard....waiting for ur next book. —Anup Kumar (5.0 out of 5 stars Great work Richard Reviewed in India on 9 February 2018)

​

As a teacher of yoga and meditation for over 40 years, I am very happy to find such a well written all-inclusive book on the subject of meditation! I have recommended Richard’s book to many aspiring meditators—it is a well-written, clear and succinct guideline to meditation and would inspire any reader to not only try meditation, but to continue meditating. The several different techniques he outlines are excellent lead-ins to meditation and help to keep the reader/practitioner focused and motivated to do the practice. Congratulations! —Joanne Littledale (5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring book! Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2018)

​

I received a review copy of the book The Handbook of Meditation: Discovery of Internal Happiness. It's an inspiring and informative read. It's clearly written and I can see that it would be very useful for people who want to learn about meditation and also for people who teach meditation. It's practical as well as philosophical, based on the author's extensive experience, and the layout is easy to read and follow. The diagrams and photographs were helpful, as well. It's a book I plan on rereading. One person found this helpful —Barbara C. Burgess, Author (5.0 out of 5 stars Discovery of Internal Happiness. It's an inspiring and informative read Reviewed in India on 15 February 2017)

​

Richard Tunis's book provides a surprisingly simple introduction to meditation. Reading it, you will understand the technique and more importantly, be inspired to practice and not stop practicing. I recommend reading it once cover to cover and then occasionally opening it at random--you will immediately be inspired by what you read.

​

Life is vastly different if one manages to root himself in the absolute rather than the everyday changing nature of the world. Tunis's book is a gateway and a roadmap to that and is a well worth addition to my library. —Gaji (5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend reading it once cover to cover and then occasionally.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2018)

​

I found Richard Tunis’s in-depth explanation of meditation to be refreshingly clear and to the point. He outlines the human states of consciousness and defines meditation as a natural, dormant state that awakens when one uses the correct technique(s). His description of this state is both enlightening and relatable. Richard precisely explains how to perform different traditional techniques and speaks of what to expect and not to expect. Stress-releasing stretching exercises included provides a perfect lead-in to the meditation techniques provided. His defining of meditation’s benefits, both psychological and physical, is well researched, as well as based on extensive personal experience and practice.

I would highly recommend The Handbook of Meditation: Discovery of Internal Happiness to anyone who would like to learn about meditation and even to those who are already meditating and would like affirmation of their practice. —Kumud (5.0 out of 5 stars Stress-releasing stretching exercises included provides a perfect lead-in to the meditation techniques provided Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2018)

​

A wonderfully clear and illuminating guide for anyone interested in Meditation. Too often cluttered with confusing instructions, the beautiful simplicity of meditation is laid out here for all to access. Read, meditate & radiate.

​

Rick Tunis's account of encountering yogic philosophy and meeting a meditation master in his youth is just as  relevant today as it was for him then. The philosophical references are keepers, worth reading more than once. —Amazon Customer (5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully clear and illuminating guide for anyone interested in Meditation Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2018)

​

It was interesting to read about the 1970's American racial issues seen through the eyes of a Canadian high school student practising the Yogic tradition, temporarily residing in the U.S.A.

His enlightened Indian teacher is known for his inclusive, non-traditional approach and humor, but he sets a high bar. He conveys to his students that he expects them to maintain their vision of oneness. He teaches fearlessness and practical excellence, and yet he makes light of even the most embarrassing mistakes, as Mr. Tunis discovers firsthand. —Sandra Hamelmann (5.0 out of 5 stars)