First Awakening - A Spiritual Memoir

In this true story, a teen overturns his car on Sunset Boulevard in front of a statue of Jesus. Three months later, his life is forever changed.

One young man's mystical journey in the autumn of 1974 turned his world upside down. In this riveting narrative, John Roger Barrie recounts a ninety-day transformational spiritual experience. His fascinating quest, filled with inner discoveries, insights, and revelations, unfolds as he searches for his soul.

Fifty years ago, Barrie underwent a profound Jesus-oriented spiritual experience that transformed his life. First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir is a greatly expanded nonfiction account of this experience, which first appeared in his novel Dialogues With the Lord of Time. Barrie writes that the pivotal point in his spiritual life "is fondly recalled in this memoir, which details a three-month spiritual unfolding that occurred in autumn 1974-my First Awakening."

Colorful descriptions are given of Barrie's sometimes unconventional approaches to discover God, as well as his struggles and the conflicts he faced, and the inner states he experienced. While maintaining his Christian roots, he also became an authorized lay instructor in the respected, interfaith-oriented Ramakrishna-Vedanta tradition later in his life. However, First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir focuses on his life-changing encounter with Jesus at age 17, which infused his soul with God and brought about profound inner transformations. Many time-tested spiritual practices are described, such as heartfelt prayer, undivided faith, routine meditation, complete surrender, and one-pointed dedication, as well as the need for divine grace.

First Awakening: A Spiritual Memoir is an unforgettable excursion into the very heart of God.