Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives

The truth is that in my experience as a hypnotherapist past lives are real. This book offers compelling evidence for the phenomenon but there are many other books that do so as well. I simply like Dr. Weiss's presentation.

Those who left negative reviews seem to not realize a simple principle regarding subjective experience. That principle is that all subjective experience is translated through the subconscious before it can be percieved or vocalized by the subject therefore there can be some confusing or disjointed perceptions. Subjective experience is just that, subjective experience. Sometimes it can be proven with evidence found in the objective world; such as historical observations that can be confirmed.

In other cases, these experiences cannot be verified because there are no references available. In these cases the reality of the experience will be its effect upon the subject. If the experience was transformative then it is fundamentally "real" for the person involved. These types of cases aren't able to be proven. That doesn't mean it didn't happen.

I have no doubt that those who gave negative reviews have beliefs that are less than 100% grounded in reason and proof such as God/Jesus/Buddha/Allah/Krishna or any Higher Power by whatever name or an afterlife. There is at least as much "proof" for the existance of past lives as there proof of God(s) or an afterlife. So before you scoff consider that we all hold beliefs (well 99% of us at least) that are gounded in a reality beyond that which we can perceive with the senses. I'm not talking about resurrections and parting red seas I am talking about that which we can experience, not in simple faith which can be likened to continuing to believe in Santa well into adulthood. You may believe but that belief is largely baseless.

Plus, the soul/mind/spirit has its own wisdom beyond the physical brain. It is that perception that allows us to perceive that which cannot be empirically proven. I love science, but my religion isn't materialism and sometimes we can become blinded by "reason" to truths beyond the scientific method.

Chris


Life changing   October 9, 2001
45 out of 55 found this review helpful

I cannot get 'into' a book very easily - and it can even take me months to finish one that interests me. I picked up this book, by suggestion of a friend, about 3 years ago. I sat down on a Sunday morning around 10AM and with the exception of making a quick sandwich and some 'natures call' breaks, I did not put this book down. Next thing I knew it was 5:00 in the afternoon and I had read the entire book. Right from the first few pages, it'll grab you. I've purchased this book for several friends and family members and I get the same response, "WOW!"

I'm generally a pretty intense, high-strung person. After reading this book, I really mellowed out and learned not to take things SO hard when they go wrong, to take things in stride. We're all here to "LEARN" - to be better people. Better spirits.

This book somehow taught me to live a healthier lifestyle, to be happier and really enjoy my life, my friends, my family. I'm now reading it for the 2nd time and I'm enjoying it just as much as the first time.

OBVIOUSLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


Absolutely Amazing!   May 10, 2005
Katie (PA , USA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is the first book I ever read on the subject of past-life regression (I actually read this book several years ago), and I found it to be absolutely fascinating. In fact, it sparked such an interest in me that I now devour all books on this topic - and am still amazed by what I read!

In this particular book, Dr. Weiss discusses his sessions with a particular patient whose symptoms were not being helped through traditional therapy. Since he had done age regressions in the past, he decided to try it with this patient - only instead of regressing to a younger age in this life, the patient was actually regressed to a prior life - where the cause of her symptoms had actually started.

Then, the patient started bringing forth info. that was specifically meant for Dr. Weiss - and when questioned about who this info. was coming from, she stated it was from the "Masters".

Dr. Weiss, being of a scientific nature, was naturally skeptical at the beginning, and part of this book deals with the Dr.'s process of accepting the possibility of past lives, as well as the idea that there were spiritul guides (or masters) that were really trying to communicate with him.

Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone even slightly interested in the possibility of past lives. Although I was a bit skeptical at the start of this book, by the end I became a definate believer in the idea that we live many, many lives - learning and growing with each one. I am thankful that I found this book - or maybe it found me???


We are together, to the end of time.   March 5, 2004
OAKSHAMAN (Algoma, WI United States)
12 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is the third time that I've read this book over the years, and no doubt it will not be the last.

Just because this is a book on reincarnation, and past life regression, many people dismiss it a simple-minded, new age, drivel. I know that I almost did. That would have been an arrogant mistake, and a stupid loss, on my part. Take a look at the author's credentials: a Phi Beta Kappa, Magna cum Laude graduate of Columbia; a M.D. from the Yale University School of Medicine; Chief of Psychiatry at a major hospital; over 37 papers and book chapters published in his field, a recognized expert on brain chemistry. In short, this man wasn't jeopardizing his career to make a quick buck. It pretty well shook his world to the foundations when he discovered that reincarnation and the evolution of the soul were reality. As he points out, until they personally experience the reality of the existence and survival of the soul then most people simply will not, cannot, accept it. Then, once they do accept it, then they find that there are literally libraries full of legitimate research that confirms it all.

The main text of the book reads more like a novel than a scientific or spiritual work. The main case that shattered the doctor's previous beliefs is unfolded in exactly the way that it happened to him. The past life hypnotic regression of the subject is recounted practically word for word - including the words of the Masters.

What struck me was the agreement of everything that came from the Masters (sages at the highest plane spiritual evolution) with the perennial wisdom teachings that stretch back through all human history and all traditional cultures. It is all there: the fact that we are here primarily to learn and grow; that we are to learn to see the that spark of God in both others and ourselves; that only God may take a life; the importance of harmony, balance, and simplicity; to do good for the sake of good alone- with no expectation of reward; and of course the survival of the soul and the cycle of rebirth and spiritual evolution. Indeed without the latter, human existence would hardly make sense.

It all sounds simple, but you only really gain such wisdom by slowly applying and living it- by turning the theoretical into the internalized. This is what you take with you, and what you bring back with you on your next cycle of birth and death- the eternal wisdom that you have welded eternally to your soul by actually living it.


A Must Read   May 2, 2006
Dottie Randazzo (Woodland Hills, CA USA)
7 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book is not some metaphysical hokey pokey stuff. This is based on a true story. I have read this book at least a dozen times and it is a fasinating read. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended. Truly a must read. Dare to make known the unknown.