"Namaste. It means the God in me honors the God in you. As many religions and philosophies teach us, God is the creator of everything, and is everywhere. God is the creator and the essence of everything that exists. Everything that exists in and outside of reality is made of the essence of God. Because we exist, we are a part of God and God is a part of us. God is, and within, everything and everyone that has ever existed, exists today, and will exist, forever. Namaste, this single word is the cornerstone of a new philosophical spirituality introduced in "ION - The Isness of Now" by Anthony Iannucci.
In this book we follow the spiritual awakening of Grey, a young man standing on the edge of his existence, quite literally, with emotions and questions swirling through his head. Like many young men and women his age, his feelings of isolation and loneliness are overpowering him as he yearns for meaning and understanding of himself and the world around him. The hopelessness of his situation leads him to introspection as he ponders the fate that lies before him. As his thoughts sink deeper and deeper within himself he can hear a quiet voice delivering hope, reassuring him that in the end, everything will be ok. Many of us who have heard that voice before would hold onto it with content, but not Grey. His desire leads him to search deeper and find where the voice comes from. He needs the truth, and here his spiritual journey begins.
His consciousness drifts within itself until a lone point of light is revealed to him and beckons him closer. It whispers his name softly as the sound reverberates through his brain. "Namaste." The voice calls out to him. It begins to give him the meaning of the word and the meaning all else that IS. The answers to the most frequently asked questions of our existence are answered. Why and how are we here? The greatest mystery of the universe unravels before him.
"Since first man descended into the physical experiment from the heights of the spiritual dimensions, the human collective has thus forgotten and pondered the nature, and source, of its own being. I tell you truly that the real YOU is so much more than this instrument you call body. You exist beyond mere thoughts and emotions. You are the light of God. Pure consciousness. Never born. Never to die."
The light acts as his guide explaining the levels of self and its connection to the universe. Reality is broken down to a molecular level. Every atom that makes up a molecule is made of the same energy. It is the combination of molecules that make up the matter of all that exists. Matter and energy, therefore, are interchangeable. All matter and every atom that exists within it are nothing more than the all-pervasive energy of the Isness. The Isness, like God, is infinite. Isness has no beginning and therefore no end. Everything is connected back to its original source, God. His will is defined and the illusion of reality is revealed.
Unlike many books of this genre, the author boldly takes on the most difficult of questions and the answers are definitive. Not every writer has the faith and conviction to plainly state their views and beliefs so succinctly. While a lot of ideas are left up to the interpretation of the reader, the views expressed are clear and unyielding. The writer has committed to a spiritual philosophy and systematically defines every aspect of it. As the orb of light guides Grey to the truth of the universe, its guides us as well. The philosophy is well thought and follows a clear string of logic. It is rare that you find a book or story about spirituality or philosophy that is both rational and idealistic.
Not all of the concepts within the book are new, but it is the first times such concepts and ideas have been woven into one coherent and encompassing spiritual philosophy, The Isness of Now. It is a work of spiritually philosophical art. ION cannot be confused with religious texts such as the Torah, Koran and the Holy Bible. It makes no organizational religious claim and invokes no divine inspiration. It borrows heavily from many different cultures and religions. Indeed, one of the ideas expressed is from the mind of Einstein who discovered energy cannot cease to exist; it can only take another form. This is why Einstein believed in an after life. There are elements of Judaism and Christianity's assertion of one God being the creator and essence of the universe. The entire story structure is very similar to the story of Buddha. In "ION", there are many similarities with the ideas expressed within the religious texts of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Scientologists. This philosophical work can appear at the end of any religious text, almost as an appendix, and fit quite nicely. It is neither religious text nor New Age mysticism. It simply IS. And while ION may borrow its concepts and ideas from various other sources, the sum is much greater than its parts.
The gorgeous illustrations make this, not only an enjoyable read, but an easy one as well. The art and design of the book give it an ethereal feel and compliment the story perfectly. Computerized effects are used sparingly and appropriately giving the book a more personal and earthy appeal. The orb of light that guides young Grey in his spiritual journey is saturated with blues and pinks and seems to glow on the page. It is ever present, and yet, never overtly obvious or overpowering on the page. Words flow through the story and become part of the design and style of the book. The text is enhanced with glow and sometimes shadow effects, making the words "pop" off the page.
Just as the philosophy borrows heavily from eastern and western cultures, so does the artistic style. It is a perfect amalgam of Japanese anime, Walt Disney cell animation, and the works of surrealist Salvador Dali. This illustrative style lends itself very well to storytelling and is used with tremendous success within the design of this work. It is a natural style that many have tried to duplicate because of its mass market appeal. The artist also shows a subtle influence of the abstract and colorful nature of tattoo design. The unmistakably delicate ink work and intricate patterns emerge throughout the book.
ION is a book worth reading and may easily develop a dedicated following by the youth of today and every generation. It speaks sincerely to those that enjoy the journey of self discovery and a deep yearning for spirituality. It can strengthen ones faith in their own religion, whatever it may be. ION introduces and inclusive spiritual philosophy that can be interpreted, discussed, and enjoyed for years to come. "
Review by Angel mendez for Flaunt Magazine (#50)
For a more comprehensive look at THE ISNESS OF NOW, visit the website www.TheIsnessofNow.com.