Fragments

My Path to Enlightenment

By: Joe Giampaolo

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Why is this book titled Fragments? Enlightenment is a personal journey in search of fragments of wisdom that can be found everywhere: in holy books, philosophy, science, photographs, music, a flower or a bee, and especially in meditation. Ultimately, enlightenment is not a final goal; it is a lifelong unfolding process.

For me, enlightenment began when I realized that seeking peace and happiness through external achievements would not bring fulfillment. You may have thought, 'I will be happy when I pay off my debts, graduate, or close an important business deal.' How often do we search for contentment in outcomes? Yet, true happiness cannot be programmed, nor can it be found in any specific result. Instead, happiness and peace reside within us now. Begin by seeking happiness inside yourself; when you do, everything else may fall into place. As Eckhart Tolle (German-Canadian, 1948/--) observes, it is important to distinguish between pleasure and joy in life:

“Pleasure is always derived from something outside you, whereas joy arises from within.”

This is not a book of philosophy, and it is not, by any means, based on scientific testing or medical evidence. It is, in epistemological terms, based on an a posteriori model and, therefore, on personal experience. I use many quotes in this book because I find each one inspirational, and they reflect my perspective on reality. This has been my train of thought—my journal, if you will—of my path to overcome my depression and awaken to a new reality. This is not a how-to book either. These are simply my thoughts, my experiences, and my values. If you notice similarities with yours, you will know we are on the same path. The need to communicate and relate to people is the primary reason for a book like this. As Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), a German philosopher, once said, consciousness evolved only under the pressure of the need for communication.