Reedsy Review by Laura B Hattersley
E. J. Albert’s The Absolute Path is a heartfelt and practical attempt to guide people through a structured process of spiritual awakening. The book excels in its organizational structure that builds logically, step-by-step. Albert’s background story—moving from personal pain and a low-wage job to "complete realization"—lends an authentic tone that I believe many readers will find deeply relatable.
Albert’s motivation is to share what "had proven itself" during a period of intense personal suffering. He was an equipment operator, stuck in a "five-by-five box," enduring "despair, resentment, and self-hatred." I feel this context is crucial; this book is a survival guide born of necessity, offering a path for those of us who also feel trapped and enslaved by a mediocre wage. This honesty is one of the book's greatest strengths, making the pursuit of "the Absolute" feel attainable for the average person struggling with real-world pain.
Another of the book's strengths lies in its practical application. The inclusion of specific meditations after each of the four steps (e.g., "Watching the Thinker" or "The 'I Am' Practice") provides actionable tools for deepening awareness, which also proved to be very helpful. The blend of Eastern philosophy and Western psychology offers a robust, holistic approach to cultivating presence and self-knowledge. The book is well-written and easy to follow, making complex ideas about the ego and mental patterns accessible to a broad audience, which I appreciated.
The book slightly loses footing in its originality and depth. Much of the philosophy regarding the ego, the "mental time paradox," and the observation of thoughts covers ground extensively trodden by authors like Eckhart Tolle or Jon Kabat-Zinn. For those new to the subject, this is an excellent, comprehensive introduction. However, advanced readers might find the concepts a bit simplistic or the language (using terms like "the Absolute" without a deeper philosophical grounding) a touch generic and repetitive.
Overall, I found The Absolute Path to be a valuable resource for beginners seeking a clear, compassionate, step-by-step guide to inner peace and presence. It delivers on its promise of a practical path, even if the destination feels familiar. In spite of its weaknesses, it's a solid, helpful read, which I would highly recommend for those just starting their spiritual journey, and its practical systematic organization makes it an excellent choice for a teaching or discussion guide, especially for those new to these ideas.