Messiah's Handbook: Reminders for the Advanced Soul Hardcover – October 20, 2012

From Richard Bach’s “Illusions”, this is the book Donald Shimoda, once called “The Mechanic Messiah”, flippantly referred to as the “Savior’s Manual”; the reference volume with no page numbers, that you simply open, and the insight you need is on that page. (It really works!). In a handy, pocket-sized hardcover.

I can't begin to tell how important this little book is in my everyday decision making. "Illusions" literally changed my life at a time when I had just lost my young daughter. When I first saw "Illusions" in the book store, I opened the book to a page that said, "Perhaps it is no coincidence that you're holding this book; perhaps there's something about these adventures that you came here to remember." I shut the book and said, "Oh, my God!", and I bought two copies. And yes, I did need to remember. And time and time again, I have returned to "Illusions" when I needed some guidance. So, when I saw the little "Messiah's Handbook", I knew I must have it. I carry it with me for those times of need. Most recently was when I was trying to figure out what to say to my 7th grade students on the last day of school. I held the book, closed my eyes, asked the question, and when I opened it, it said, "Your philosophy is a way of looking at the universe that guides you in daily life. You probably won't find it in textbooks." I knew this was the right way to say goodbye because the second vocabulary word they learned at the beginning of the school year was the Latin meaning of philosophy: Love of wisdom. So I reread the quote plugging in "Your love of wisdom . . ." and they were in awe of the meaning of this quote. So, I close my eyes and ask many questions of this little book, and I receive many great answers!

As was recorded in Illusions by Don Shimoda. "Think of something you want an answer to, open the hand book to any page. There's your answer." To those less advanced souls. This is not a book to scan or read every page. It is not a book to glean a bit of insight to repeat at every gathering. This is between you and the Is. What ever appears on the page is for you alone. Concentrate on what you want to know. Think hard and keep it your only thought. Open the book and whatever text stands out that is your answer. Don't dismiss it. Think about what it means. Do not twist is to fit what is comfortable. Sometimes the answer is not what you want to hear. And keep practicing, vaporizing clouds.

So...I got this book because I like Richard Bach's writings. But when the book arrived I started flipping through it and thought, "really, this is it?" That's because you're not meant to read through it. Just don't even bother, not once.I started using the book as instructed. I held a burning question in my head - something I'd be wrestling with for a while - and decided to open the book to a random page. Bang! The answer I needed. Yeah, yeah, we make meaning out of the data around us. I know.But then I did it a second time this morning for an even bigger issue and wham! I meant the kind of quote that made me question my entire perspective on the issue. The result? I instantly shifted my assumptions and created a more productive forward. Nine hours later, I still feel terrific about my new stance.Maybe it's just coincidence...twice. But I already know I'll be turning to this book when I need some help finding answers.

I love that Richard Bach decided to make a book of all the inspirational sayings he has shared all in one beautiful book; I recommend the hard cover, beneath the nice dust jacket, you discover a very classy red velvet book with gold lettering; it's small (4"1/2 x 5"1/2) so it fits in your satchel or pocketbook; contrary to what another reviewer wrote, these are not only the sayings from his book "Illusions", it includes sayings from All his books; it makes for a very interesting and inspiring compilation; I have the french version as well but it's large like a deluxe paperback book; you can use it as an oracle, have fun with it; I don't so much ask questions to get an answer, I find it more useful if you just pick it up to a random page, read the text and figure out what Life is trying to tell you; all in all, if you like Richard Bach' writings, this book will please you very much!

I waa a little disappointed; however, there are some good nuggets mixed in there!

If you’ve read and enjoyed Richard Bach’s book “Illusions”, you’ll enjoy “Messiah’s Handbook “, as the natural companion to Illusions. In it, Bach captures many of the maxims espoused by the reluctant messiah Donald Shimoda. Although it’s a fast and easy read, the maxims are wonderfully thought provoking and can be useful as we make our way through our complex lives. I bought the Kindle version but would recommend the print copy so it could be more easily used as Bach suggested, that is to open the book to a random page so the reader can get the full benefit of the particular maxim that opens to apply to whatever question or concern on the readers mind at the time. The Kindle version makes this more difficult.

DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNTIL YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS in the introduction. This is one of those volumes you will either hate or love. There is no middle ground. I still have my leatherbound Jonathon Livingstone Seagull from the early 70's. Somewhere in my wife's jewelry box is my old JLS medallion that says, "You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self here and now" boldly etched upon it. I was a JLS fan and found value in Illusions several years later. Then, I lost touch as I perceived Mr. Bach lost touch with subsequent efforts. I stumbled upon this handbook recently and my wife bought it for my birthday. At very first blush, I hated it! Then I read the directions.DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNTIL YOU READ THE DIRECTIONS in the introduction. This book is not intended to be read. It is intended to be referenced. It is a sophisticated Magic 8 Ball, and it has value. After reading the directions and using the manual as it is intended to be used, I love it. It sets on my desk at work and I do use it weekly.

Uno de los mejores libros que he comprado. Ampliamente recomendado

A very nice little book that was a fictional handbook written about in 'Illusions' by Richard Bach. Enjoyable to open the book at any page to see what message lies there for me.

It covers everything about life in a very subtle way which connects the dots and rings a bell .. lovely message ..

Das richtige Buch, um es immer bei sich zu tragen! Die richtigen Worte zu jeder Situation und Tagesverfassung um mit seinem höheren Selbst in Kontakt zu bleiben, wenn der Alltag wenig Luft lässt...

What an enlightening, challenging, beautiful book, all perfectly summed up by the less than 10 words on the last page.