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The Journeys Trilogy #3
Ultimate Journey
The author of Far Journeys explores the world that transcends the boundaries of the physical world and explains how a journey to these transcendent realities reveals basic truths about the meaning and purpose of life and what lies beyond.
303 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
286 people are currently reading
2573 people want to read
About the author
Robert A. Monroe
31 books353 followersRobert Allan Monroe has had wide career experience in communications, having written for newspapers and magazines, and worked in television and electronics.
Since the 1950s, Monroe researched the effects of various sound patterns on human consciousness, including the feasibility of learning during sleep. He often used himself as a test subject for this research and in 1958 he began experiencing a state of consciousness separate and apart from the physical body. He described the state as an “out of body experience”. This led to much more research into human consciousness. He chronicled his early explorations in the book, Journeys Out of the Body (1971).
Monroe's research led to the development of an audio-guidance technology called hemispheric synchronization or Hemi-Sync®.
In 1974, his research expanded to become The Monroe Institute which continued exploring expanded states of human consciousness and how to enhance human potential.
In 1985 he wrote a second book, "Far Journeys", which expanded upon his personal investigations of nonphysical reality.
In 1994 his third book, "Ultimate Journey" was released, exploring basic truths about the meaning and purpose of life and what lies beyond the limits of our physical world.
The Monroes lived on a farm near the Blue Ridge in Virginia, America. This is also the site of a Mind Research Institute opened by Monroe in 1971.
Since the 1950s, Monroe researched the effects of various sound patterns on human consciousness, including the feasibility of learning during sleep. He often used himself as a test subject for this research and in 1958 he began experiencing a state of consciousness separate and apart from the physical body. He described the state as an “out of body experience”. This led to much more research into human consciousness. He chronicled his early explorations in the book, Journeys Out of the Body (1971).
Monroe's research led to the development of an audio-guidance technology called hemispheric synchronization or Hemi-Sync®.
In 1974, his research expanded to become The Monroe Institute which continued exploring expanded states of human consciousness and how to enhance human potential.
In 1985 he wrote a second book, "Far Journeys", which expanded upon his personal investigations of nonphysical reality.
In 1994 his third book, "Ultimate Journey" was released, exploring basic truths about the meaning and purpose of life and what lies beyond the limits of our physical world.
The Monroes lived on a farm near the Blue Ridge in Virginia, America. This is also the site of a Mind Research Institute opened by Monroe in 1971.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 13, 2022
Como dirían en Star Wars, "el existencialismo es grande in this one" (o algo así, jaja), súper buen libro y sin duda más fácil de leer que el anterior pero... el sentimiento de inmensidad y a la vez de finitud que me da es una cosa realmente angustiante. O sea que admito que hasta me desvelé repetidamente en el apuro por terminarlo porque... uf, me recordó a cuando tomé un ramo de astronomía en la universidad y cómo cuando llegamos a la parte de la inmensidad de las inmensidades, siendo nosotros un punto tan acotado en comparación con todo, algunos compañeros hasta faltaban a algunas clases por lo wild que se ponía la cosa, jejeje (inclúyome). Es que es algo que se puede ir aceptando, pero solo de a dosis y si es que, al menos en este plano.
En este libro es un poco distinto porque resulta que la infinitud está compuesta también de millares de porciones de uno mismo pero... igual un poco scary según mi parecer y es que quizá no estoy tan evolucionada todavía. Además, me da la duda, si tantos "entes" son otras versiones de uno mismo, ¿qué tal si nada no lo es? ¿Qué tal si, siguiendo todas las filosofías orientales, es TODO otra versión de uno mismo y estamos solos en el universo? Es súper pero súper angustiante pensarlo así, al menos para mí, no puedo llevar en mis hombritos todo el peso de tal universo y, en especial... no quiero estar sola y que todas mis relaciones humanas y animales sean en realidad con sólo espejos engañosos de mi propia persona :o
Pero, bueno, de todos modos súper interesante, y especialmente dulce en el final cuando se le muere la señora esposa y va a buscarla y LA ENCUENTRA, como también había encontrado ya a su papá y a un amigo. Mucho dato técnico también de cómo acceder a ciertos estados de conciencia y de cómo ayudar también a los recién fallecidos (que quizá son parte de uno mismo, como también los amigos y las parejas). Y más cosas. Realmente el señor no se limita e intenta con tutti pasar su sabiduría.
Pero, pese al entusiasmo y el jolgorio con el que fue escrito, admito que estoy feliz de haberlo ya terminado. Por ahora solo puedo lidiar con ciertos niveles de incertezas. Soy como esas guaguas casi recién nacidas que son más felices cuando están amarraditas porque la noción del infinito es demasiado para ellos. O sea, quiero explorar un poco PERO NO TANTO.
Y, bueno, no digo que sea cierto todo lo que dice el señor, pero... definitivamente es posible. Concide con prácticamente todo lo que dicen las religiones antiguas y también la ciencia: que somos una ilusión y un holograma. Que el Big Bang y el Big Crunch no son más que la respiración del Ser mismo. Que nada nunca se acaba porque nada nunca empieza. Y todos esos conceptos que uioehobhwo hbtq4n46n... vértigo.
Agradecida igual con mucha info que sí es bonita de ver y también porque es posible que con todos los consejos dados en la saga... este año al fin intente o me permita desdoblarme (porque mi cuerpo ha querido antes y no lo he dejado) y entonces vea por mí misma parte de las cosas que el señor dice. Y eso tiene el lado positivo que significa dejar de temerle a la muerte porque uno siempre sigue existiendo en otra parte.
Es solo que no quiero ser la única existiendo. :o
En este libro es un poco distinto porque resulta que la infinitud está compuesta también de millares de porciones de uno mismo pero... igual un poco scary según mi parecer y es que quizá no estoy tan evolucionada todavía. Además, me da la duda, si tantos "entes" son otras versiones de uno mismo, ¿qué tal si nada no lo es? ¿Qué tal si, siguiendo todas las filosofías orientales, es TODO otra versión de uno mismo y estamos solos en el universo? Es súper pero súper angustiante pensarlo así, al menos para mí, no puedo llevar en mis hombritos todo el peso de tal universo y, en especial... no quiero estar sola y que todas mis relaciones humanas y animales sean en realidad con sólo espejos engañosos de mi propia persona :o
Pero, bueno, de todos modos súper interesante, y especialmente dulce en el final cuando se le muere la señora esposa y va a buscarla y LA ENCUENTRA, como también había encontrado ya a su papá y a un amigo. Mucho dato técnico también de cómo acceder a ciertos estados de conciencia y de cómo ayudar también a los recién fallecidos (que quizá son parte de uno mismo, como también los amigos y las parejas). Y más cosas. Realmente el señor no se limita e intenta con tutti pasar su sabiduría.
Pero, pese al entusiasmo y el jolgorio con el que fue escrito, admito que estoy feliz de haberlo ya terminado. Por ahora solo puedo lidiar con ciertos niveles de incertezas. Soy como esas guaguas casi recién nacidas que son más felices cuando están amarraditas porque la noción del infinito es demasiado para ellos. O sea, quiero explorar un poco PERO NO TANTO.
Y, bueno, no digo que sea cierto todo lo que dice el señor, pero... definitivamente es posible. Concide con prácticamente todo lo que dicen las religiones antiguas y también la ciencia: que somos una ilusión y un holograma. Que el Big Bang y el Big Crunch no son más que la respiración del Ser mismo. Que nada nunca se acaba porque nada nunca empieza. Y todos esos conceptos que uioehobhwo hbtq4n46n... vértigo.
Agradecida igual con mucha info que sí es bonita de ver y también porque es posible que con todos los consejos dados en la saga... este año al fin intente o me permita desdoblarme (porque mi cuerpo ha querido antes y no lo he dejado) y entonces vea por mí misma parte de las cosas que el señor dice. Y eso tiene el lado positivo que significa dejar de temerle a la muerte porque uno siempre sigue existiendo en otra parte.
Es solo que no quiero ser la única existiendo. :o
June 10, 2013
This is the final book in Monroe's trilogy. It provides a new direction and overview for Monroe and for those who have read Journeys out of Body and Far Journeys. A must read for those interested in practical spirituality and alternative states of consciousness.
November 13, 2008
In this book, Robert Monroe describes some of his out-of-body adventures (many of which are downright fascinating) but also how those adventures helped shape his views on 3-dimensional reality and beyond. He confronts some basic questions like "who am I, why am I, what am I...", and how he found answers to those questions through his spiritual practice. Insightful and inspiring, this book will really shake up your views, offering both questions and answers. It feels even a bit more personal and transparent than his last book (Far Journeys) which I also loved. I feel it was helpful, but not absolutely necessary, to read Far Journeys first.
May 24, 2008
Absolutely fascinating! This one inspired me to take a class at the Monroe Institute. Besides going out of body, Monroe goes all over the astral planes. In this final volume, he has more high-stake adventures, a mission. Right at the end of his book writing, he lost his wife, and we get to see the intensity of meeting a beloved without the buffer of human bodies. Not long after, he crossed over himself.
September 23, 2020
I AM GIVING THIS ONE 1.5 STARS.
STARTED WELL ENOUGH BUT THEN IT JUST BECAME MORE AND MORE TEDIOUS AND CONFUSING.
STARTED WELL ENOUGH BUT THEN IT JUST BECAME MORE AND MORE TEDIOUS AND CONFUSING.
April 12, 2011
This is one amazing book. If you want to learn about the system of life, why we are here and what's to be expected when we pass on then check out the three books in this series. This is the third.
July 23, 2021
If your new to lucid dreaming, this can help you get an idea or map of what you can do as novice.
July 24, 2013
Having experienced astral projection myself, I felt a lot of familiarity with what the author described. His journeys are far more expansive than anything I experienced and it was exciting to contemplate the many things he learned and the possibilities of what he shared. I would love to someday participate in one of his workshops.
February 22, 2015
Words can't describe how profound this book is, my favorite of the trilogy. I wish he had written more books, he's a gift to humanity.
October 8, 2014
All three of Monroe’s books are unique and amazing. To my knowledge, he was the first to explore OBEs at length and to report about them.
This is Monroe’s third book. The only problem I have with it is his prevalent use of acronyms without always letting us know what they stand for, or not at first.
He tells us about his INSPEC (Intelligent Species) friend, whom he generally met with past the H Band noise. This is “the peak of uncontrolled thought that emanates from all living forms on Earth, particularly humans”. It is M’s opinion that this Noise contains not only “current time thought patterns, but all that ever existed”. Passing through it quickly is advisable.
M wonders who his INSPEC friend really is. He has a strong light around him. Is he an ET? He reads M’s thoughts, and replies that he is not an ET as M means it. M describes him as a “brightly glowing figure that some … would interpret as a god, an angel”. He is told that he doesn’t have the experience to understand who he is. M just needs to ask and help will come. He is not from another planet and is not God.
M then receives from the being a “surge of enormous energy, an immensely powerful vibration of very high frequency”. He terms this a ROTE, short for Related Organized Thought Energy, a sort of “ball of condensed thought and ideas”.
The INSPEC tells Monroe that though his (M’s) goal now is service to humanity, when he is no longer human, his desire will focus in another direction. M finds a new goal – to go and be in what he construes as Home.
After meeting with the INSPEC again, he is allowed to return Home; there he experiences “many-hued cloud towers” – music – a thousand instruments, thousands of voices. He finds patterns in a repeating loop, everything exactly the same – nothing new, nothing different. He sees curls of energy playing games, joins in, but tires of it. He doesn’t want to be “around in the same clouds forever, with the same music over and over”. He realizes there’s nothing there for him now. That’s why he left and now he doesn’t want to come back. He returns depressed.
INSPEC then takes him to an era on Earth where human organization is different. There are about 2 million people there. He is told that it is a place of the past, about a million years ago. The people do not wear clothes, but it is not a primitive society. They communicate by telepathy and control the weather. There is no conflict, and the people don’t die.
He asks the INSPEC if he could be shown one non-physical non-human intelligence which he can easily talk to. INSPEC then guides him to one – he flies out past the moon and sees an extremely large flying saucer. Out of this steps a short, chubby man who absolutely resembles W.C. Fields! This “hologram” invites M aboard the vessel. He apparently is not Fields nor a human. He explains that he is an “exporter”, who gathers jokes, which his civilization apparently needs. (This all seems very strange to me, but that is what the being explained.)
Then M asks to visit “the most mature and evolved human in physical earth, living in his time reference”. Suddenly he is in a room with a being whose sex he cannot determine and whom he thus refers to as a “Heshe”. The being’s radiation of light is astounding – it is like “standing in bright spring sunlight that was filled with every human emotion that ever existed”. Heshe has only lived the one lifetime – one continuous lifetime for 1800 years. M feels he has met the being previously. He gave up eating and sleeping years ago. Heshe calls M “Ashaneen”.
This will give you an impression of the sort of information contained in this amazing book.
The book gets more and more interesting, better and better.
I highly recommend that you read this exciting, instructive, well-written book. It states on the cover that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross found it to be the best of M’s books. This may well be so, but I found them all thrilling.
This is Monroe’s third book. The only problem I have with it is his prevalent use of acronyms without always letting us know what they stand for, or not at first.
He tells us about his INSPEC (Intelligent Species) friend, whom he generally met with past the H Band noise. This is “the peak of uncontrolled thought that emanates from all living forms on Earth, particularly humans”. It is M’s opinion that this Noise contains not only “current time thought patterns, but all that ever existed”. Passing through it quickly is advisable.
M wonders who his INSPEC friend really is. He has a strong light around him. Is he an ET? He reads M’s thoughts, and replies that he is not an ET as M means it. M describes him as a “brightly glowing figure that some … would interpret as a god, an angel”. He is told that he doesn’t have the experience to understand who he is. M just needs to ask and help will come. He is not from another planet and is not God.
M then receives from the being a “surge of enormous energy, an immensely powerful vibration of very high frequency”. He terms this a ROTE, short for Related Organized Thought Energy, a sort of “ball of condensed thought and ideas”.
The INSPEC tells Monroe that though his (M’s) goal now is service to humanity, when he is no longer human, his desire will focus in another direction. M finds a new goal – to go and be in what he construes as Home.
After meeting with the INSPEC again, he is allowed to return Home; there he experiences “many-hued cloud towers” – music – a thousand instruments, thousands of voices. He finds patterns in a repeating loop, everything exactly the same – nothing new, nothing different. He sees curls of energy playing games, joins in, but tires of it. He doesn’t want to be “around in the same clouds forever, with the same music over and over”. He realizes there’s nothing there for him now. That’s why he left and now he doesn’t want to come back. He returns depressed.
INSPEC then takes him to an era on Earth where human organization is different. There are about 2 million people there. He is told that it is a place of the past, about a million years ago. The people do not wear clothes, but it is not a primitive society. They communicate by telepathy and control the weather. There is no conflict, and the people don’t die.
He asks the INSPEC if he could be shown one non-physical non-human intelligence which he can easily talk to. INSPEC then guides him to one – he flies out past the moon and sees an extremely large flying saucer. Out of this steps a short, chubby man who absolutely resembles W.C. Fields! This “hologram” invites M aboard the vessel. He apparently is not Fields nor a human. He explains that he is an “exporter”, who gathers jokes, which his civilization apparently needs. (This all seems very strange to me, but that is what the being explained.)
Then M asks to visit “the most mature and evolved human in physical earth, living in his time reference”. Suddenly he is in a room with a being whose sex he cannot determine and whom he thus refers to as a “Heshe”. The being’s radiation of light is astounding – it is like “standing in bright spring sunlight that was filled with every human emotion that ever existed”. Heshe has only lived the one lifetime – one continuous lifetime for 1800 years. M feels he has met the being previously. He gave up eating and sleeping years ago. Heshe calls M “Ashaneen”.
This will give you an impression of the sort of information contained in this amazing book.
The book gets more and more interesting, better and better.
I highly recommend that you read this exciting, instructive, well-written book. It states on the cover that Elisabeth Kübler-Ross found it to be the best of M’s books. This may well be so, but I found them all thrilling.
April 25, 2015
"Ultimate Journey" is one of my favorite audiobooks. Robert Monroe was a man ahead of his time and a pioneer in the studies of consciousness, out of body experience or OBE, and even near death experience or NDE. He did some amazing work and made believers out of non-believers. I have another of his audiobooks "Journeys Out of the Body" which I also love.
I've spent a big part of my life interested in this subject as well as studying it. I find it fascinating and a true journey indeed. I'm absolutely certain that this is a book I'll listen to again and again as I know there are deeper meanings to his work. I believe he may have had a spirit guide or tapped into something that helped him explore the limits of consciousness in which there are no limits. He said that he is much more than his physical body. I wholeheartedly believe this and many other things he said were exactly true.
One must approach this subject with an open mind and prepare for limitless possibilities. Robert Monroe would be someone I'd like to have met. I think his work was similar to Jane Roberts with her Seth books. All I can say is wow. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook. Loved it!
Kevin Pierce did such an amazing job with this audiobook. He's truly one of my favorite narrators. I enjoy his work and felt that he reflected the gentle nature of Robert Monroe. He shows professionalism in his work and made this a quality listen. Again, Wow!
Audiobook gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
I've spent a big part of my life interested in this subject as well as studying it. I find it fascinating and a true journey indeed. I'm absolutely certain that this is a book I'll listen to again and again as I know there are deeper meanings to his work. I believe he may have had a spirit guide or tapped into something that helped him explore the limits of consciousness in which there are no limits. He said that he is much more than his physical body. I wholeheartedly believe this and many other things he said were exactly true.
One must approach this subject with an open mind and prepare for limitless possibilities. Robert Monroe would be someone I'd like to have met. I think his work was similar to Jane Roberts with her Seth books. All I can say is wow. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook. Loved it!
Kevin Pierce did such an amazing job with this audiobook. He's truly one of my favorite narrators. I enjoy his work and felt that he reflected the gentle nature of Robert Monroe. He shows professionalism in his work and made this a quality listen. Again, Wow!
Audiobook gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 30, 2016
I read this one faster than the first book, and ranked it slightly higher, but in my opinion wasn't as astounding / synchronicitous for me as the second book was.
There is more here for those Matrix Theory readers, and even some for fans of Carl Jung's Red Book, but less for Gnostics / Hermetics / Qabbalists.
I enjoyed the adventures and the revelations of where Bob & his I-There will be going in the future, and it definitely has me interested in learning more about his Hemi-Sync process, but overall, this book had me skimming the technical parts -- largely because it was covering ground I had already covered before in other 'seeking' adventures and gnosis of my own.
So if you are new to gnosis or Seeking Truth / the Narrow Path, you will get a lot out of this third book, if you are *not* new, you will still get some great story paired with some synchronicities, but you may end up skimming some sections as I did. Either way, I still solidly recommend it -- after all, I read it in a day!
There is more here for those Matrix Theory readers, and even some for fans of Carl Jung's Red Book, but less for Gnostics / Hermetics / Qabbalists.
I enjoyed the adventures and the revelations of where Bob & his I-There will be going in the future, and it definitely has me interested in learning more about his Hemi-Sync process, but overall, this book had me skimming the technical parts -- largely because it was covering ground I had already covered before in other 'seeking' adventures and gnosis of my own.
So if you are new to gnosis or Seeking Truth / the Narrow Path, you will get a lot out of this third book, if you are *not* new, you will still get some great story paired with some synchronicities, but you may end up skimming some sections as I did. Either way, I still solidly recommend it -- after all, I read it in a day!
May 14, 2016
This was my least favourite book of the trilogy, 90% of everything he says sounds like the rantings of a mad man. He argues at one point that when he was at the funeral of a friend who had died in an airplane crash, an airplane that was identical to the plane of his friend's, with the same markings flew close to the people in the funeral, and that when they checked with local airports, no such plane had been spotted, in other words, he claims a phantom plane flew over the funeral visible to the people in the funeral (COME ON WTF!)
January 20, 2022
It's unfortunate that Robert wrote only 3 books about his journeys.
His experiences are extremely fascinating and we'll documented. Would love to read more.
Robert Monroe's Hemispheric Synchronization technology is really interesting way to expand our consciousness.
I think it's a good thing that it's available to all to experiment with.
I recommend to read the trilogy, should begin with book 1.
His experiences are extremely fascinating and we'll documented. Would love to read more.
Robert Monroe's Hemispheric Synchronization technology is really interesting way to expand our consciousness.
I think it's a good thing that it's available to all to experiment with.
I recommend to read the trilogy, should begin with book 1.
May 8, 2017
This could be the last book that you read on what is life about and what happens after you die.
Your belief system may or may not reject it. That is OK. That is all part of the journey. We all get to the finish line in the end. It's not a race.
Make sure to read the previous two in the series before this to understand the context.
Your belief system may or may not reject it. That is OK. That is all part of the journey. We all get to the finish line in the end. It's not a race.
Make sure to read the previous two in the series before this to understand the context.
October 5, 2022
Mind Blowing
This book will blow your mind! I absolutely believe every word he wrote. If you have any curiosity at all about what it's like after you die, then this book would appeal to you. He takes up where Michael Newton left off. Our soul is so much more than any human can comprehend. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
This book will blow your mind! I absolutely believe every word he wrote. If you have any curiosity at all about what it's like after you die, then this book would appeal to you. He takes up where Michael Newton left off. Our soul is so much more than any human can comprehend. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
November 3, 2012
Mind opening read, highly recommended. I wish I had preceded it with his earlier works to help with terminology. Otherwise not difficult to follow the OBE pathways, I wish I could remain conscious in my trances to that level!
Read
May 5, 2013Must be known at schools
December 17, 2021
Great book
Gave me some new goals and perspectives in life
My favorite is him learning to communicate with his inner self
Top five book in my opinion
Gave me some new goals and perspectives in life
My favorite is him learning to communicate with his inner self
Top five book in my opinion
February 11, 2022
What a ride! Amazing read! Robert Monroe is a little bit left-brain-focused for my taste but still an incredible resource for everyone interested in the non-physical and out of body travels.
August 7, 2024
"The Ultimate Journey," the third and final book in Robert Monroe's trilogy on out-of-body experiences (OBEs), takes readers on a profound exploration of consciousness, the afterlife, and the ultimate purpose of human existence. Published in 1994, this book is a culmination of Monroe's decades of personal experiences, research, and philosophical inquiry, offering a deeply introspective and expansive perspective on the nature of reality.
The book is structured into three main sections, each focusing on different aspects of Monroe's journeys and the insights he gained. Monroe's writing remains engaging and accessible, blending detailed descriptions of his OBEs with broader reflections on their significance.
In the first part, Monroe recounts his continued travels through non-physical realms, providing vivid and compelling accounts of his encounters with various entities and environments. These experiences are rich in detail and imagination, painting a picture of a vast and complex multiverse that exists beyond the physical world. Monroe's descriptions are both fascinating and thought-provoking, inviting readers to question their own perceptions of reality.
The second part of the book delves into Monroe's exploration of the "Interstate," a concept he introduces to describe a transitional state of consciousness between the physical and non-physical realms. Monroe's experiences in the Interstate reveal new dimensions of existence and consciousness, offering insights into the nature of identity, the continuity of consciousness after death, and the interconnectedness of all life. These chapters are some of the most intriguing and profound in the book, providing a deeper understanding of Monroe's overall philosophy.
The final section of "The Ultimate Journey" focuses on Monroe's reflections on the ultimate purpose of human life and the nature of existence. Drawing on his extensive experiences and research, Monroe offers a holistic and deeply philosophical perspective on the human journey. He discusses the concept of the "I-There," a higher aspect of consciousness that transcends individual identity and connects all beings. Monroe's reflections are both inspiring and comforting, providing a broader and more hopeful perspective on the human experience.
One of the strengths of "The Ultimate Journey" is Monroe's ability to balance personal narrative with broader philosophical and metaphysical insights. His writing is clear, honest, and often infused with a sense of wonder and humility. Monroe does not claim to have all the answers, but rather invites readers to explore and discover for themselves.
Critics may argue that the book lacks empirical evidence to support Monroe's claims and experiences. However, Monroe's honesty about the subjective nature of his experiences and his openness to differing interpretations add a layer of authenticity and credibility to his narrative. "The Ultimate Journey" is not intended to be a scientific treatise, but rather a personal account of exploration and discovery.
In conclusion, "The Ultimate Journey" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique and expansive perspective on the nature of consciousness and the ultimate purpose of human existence. Robert Monroe's detailed accounts, combined with his philosophical reflections and scientific approach, make this a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the mind and the possibilities beyond the physical world. "The Ultimate Journey" is a fitting conclusion to Monroe's trilogy, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe around them.
The book is structured into three main sections, each focusing on different aspects of Monroe's journeys and the insights he gained. Monroe's writing remains engaging and accessible, blending detailed descriptions of his OBEs with broader reflections on their significance.
In the first part, Monroe recounts his continued travels through non-physical realms, providing vivid and compelling accounts of his encounters with various entities and environments. These experiences are rich in detail and imagination, painting a picture of a vast and complex multiverse that exists beyond the physical world. Monroe's descriptions are both fascinating and thought-provoking, inviting readers to question their own perceptions of reality.
The second part of the book delves into Monroe's exploration of the "Interstate," a concept he introduces to describe a transitional state of consciousness between the physical and non-physical realms. Monroe's experiences in the Interstate reveal new dimensions of existence and consciousness, offering insights into the nature of identity, the continuity of consciousness after death, and the interconnectedness of all life. These chapters are some of the most intriguing and profound in the book, providing a deeper understanding of Monroe's overall philosophy.
The final section of "The Ultimate Journey" focuses on Monroe's reflections on the ultimate purpose of human life and the nature of existence. Drawing on his extensive experiences and research, Monroe offers a holistic and deeply philosophical perspective on the human journey. He discusses the concept of the "I-There," a higher aspect of consciousness that transcends individual identity and connects all beings. Monroe's reflections are both inspiring and comforting, providing a broader and more hopeful perspective on the human experience.
One of the strengths of "The Ultimate Journey" is Monroe's ability to balance personal narrative with broader philosophical and metaphysical insights. His writing is clear, honest, and often infused with a sense of wonder and humility. Monroe does not claim to have all the answers, but rather invites readers to explore and discover for themselves.
Critics may argue that the book lacks empirical evidence to support Monroe's claims and experiences. However, Monroe's honesty about the subjective nature of his experiences and his openness to differing interpretations add a layer of authenticity and credibility to his narrative. "The Ultimate Journey" is not intended to be a scientific treatise, but rather a personal account of exploration and discovery.
In conclusion, "The Ultimate Journey" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique and expansive perspective on the nature of consciousness and the ultimate purpose of human existence. Robert Monroe's detailed accounts, combined with his philosophical reflections and scientific approach, make this a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the mind and the possibilities beyond the physical world. "The Ultimate Journey" is a fitting conclusion to Monroe's trilogy, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe around them.
February 5, 2023
Good reading, recommended for who are looking for more details on author's biography and his experience with OOB, focus states, consciousness, The Gateway Experience Program, and more.
Quotes:
Quotes:
"4. The basic pattern of the system is change. Stasis is entropy. Entropy is death. Thus imbalance is constant, which creates a steady adaptive response at all levels. Polarization or differential is an integral force at work throughout the system.
For our Different Overview, the Earth Life System is seen as a food chain predator system, although it is rarely accepted as such. It may appear chaotic and complex, but it is organized and operates under a few simple rules:
- Grow and exist as long as you can.
- Get what you need to exist.
- Maintain your species by reproducing."
Throughout history, whenever humans organized into groups of any significant size, the concept of a god-being emerged to become a prominent factor. One simple explanation as to why this occurred in that when the Human Mind moves into adulthood it no longer has parental figures to lean upon, blame, provide help, or set the rules. So it conjures up suitable replacements. The need for a god or gods, therefore, may have simple, rational origins. As children, we grow up under the authority of a local father and mother, the immediate representation of the power and the glory that created us. When we ourselves become adults and parents, we look for or fantasize a bigger Father or Mother to assume this role. The god-being concept is a convenient way to explain the unknown and to relieve the human being from various unwanted responsibilities. The price, however, it to give up large areas of authority. Some developing human egos that maintain that no one or nothing is greater than I am find this difficult to accept.
> To clear up and put Unknowns into the Known category, the Human Mind also moved in another direction. It took direct, repeatable experiences and, using the rule of cause and effect, turned them into Knowns which it passed down from father to son, mother to daughter, then from the spoke to the written word, and eventually into what became known as schools. Only relatively recently were crude and simplistic Known-seeking process established and given a label: science.
> With the passing of time, the new dominant human species developed the predator-driven process far beyond the simple kill-for-food fundamental. It set up its own rules and laws, which were often in conflict with the Earth Life System. Fear was still the major tool of the trade, with greed, ego, sexuality, and other such being important components. Yet despite the distortion and discoloration, the alien thinking seeped through.
> Again and again, the alien Human Mind began to express and demonstrate elements completely incompatible with the Earth Life System. These were: first, concern and empathy as to other member of the species; second, concern and empathy as to members of other species; third, a growing curiosity and uncomfortable suspicion as to the limitation apparently imposed on all participants in the system. History and philosophy are full of curiosity seekers and suspicious Human Minds. There has always been, as there is today, a very thin layer of Human Minds who have the time and the energy to sit back and think. They have moved past the immediate need for survival effort.
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February 22, 2025The Ultimate Journey by Robert Monroe
Reviewed by Chance Davis
Bob Monroe’s The Ultimate Journey isn’t just a book—it’s a map to the infinite, a guide through the veil that separates the seen from the unseen. As someone who has spent a lifetime navigating the razor-thin boundary between survival and self-discovery, this book struck a chord deep within me.
Monroe’s firsthand accounts of out-of-body experiences, encounters with guides, and the raw power of love forced me to confront the reality that I am more than my physical body. This wasn’t just intellectual knowledge—it was a visceral recognition of the unseen forces that have always been present, subtly guiding me through the chaos and uncertainty of my past.
The most profound takeaway? Love is the ultimate force. Not just an emotion, but a tangible energy capable of dissolving fear, breaking through barriers, and guiding lost souls home. Monroe’s techniques on assisting those trapped in confusion resonated with me—not just spiritually, but in the work I do daily, helping others break free from their own prisons of doubt, regret, and stagnation.
For the first time, I felt the presence of my own guides not as an abstract concept, but as an undeniable force in my life. I fought back tears reading about Monroe’s own encounters, realizing how often I had ignored or dismissed my own signs. My “knowns” have expanded, and with them, a renewed commitment to my journey—not just as a DEC member, but as a human being evolving beyond limitation.
This book is not for the casual seeker. It demands a willingness to unlearn, to surrender, and to embrace the unknown with both courage and trust. For those ready to step beyond the illusion, The Ultimate Journey is more than a book—it’s a direct initiation into a higher state of awareness.
Final Verdict: 10/10 – A must-read for those ready to break free.
Reviewed by Chance Davis
Bob Monroe’s The Ultimate Journey isn’t just a book—it’s a map to the infinite, a guide through the veil that separates the seen from the unseen. As someone who has spent a lifetime navigating the razor-thin boundary between survival and self-discovery, this book struck a chord deep within me.
Monroe’s firsthand accounts of out-of-body experiences, encounters with guides, and the raw power of love forced me to confront the reality that I am more than my physical body. This wasn’t just intellectual knowledge—it was a visceral recognition of the unseen forces that have always been present, subtly guiding me through the chaos and uncertainty of my past.
The most profound takeaway? Love is the ultimate force. Not just an emotion, but a tangible energy capable of dissolving fear, breaking through barriers, and guiding lost souls home. Monroe’s techniques on assisting those trapped in confusion resonated with me—not just spiritually, but in the work I do daily, helping others break free from their own prisons of doubt, regret, and stagnation.
For the first time, I felt the presence of my own guides not as an abstract concept, but as an undeniable force in my life. I fought back tears reading about Monroe’s own encounters, realizing how often I had ignored or dismissed my own signs. My “knowns” have expanded, and with them, a renewed commitment to my journey—not just as a DEC member, but as a human being evolving beyond limitation.
This book is not for the casual seeker. It demands a willingness to unlearn, to surrender, and to embrace the unknown with both courage and trust. For those ready to step beyond the illusion, The Ultimate Journey is more than a book—it’s a direct initiation into a higher state of awareness.
Final Verdict: 10/10 – A must-read for those ready to break free.
June 1, 2017
Robert A Monroe's book The Ultimate Journey is the third book in his series called Journeys. The Ultimate Journey unlike the other two books is primarily based on how astral projection can effects ones life in a very positive way. It goes into detail about how astral projection is so much more life changing than any other earthly journey one may encounter in their life time. It goes into detail about how important astral projection is for everyone's higher selves and views and perspectives on this world and this life. He talks about how once one achieves and masters astral projection they will have a better and calmer understanding of the world around them. The book goes into to detail to discus how astral projection may just be fun for some and an entire spiritual journey for others. He talks about how even though might just see astral projection as a fun thing to do it is still a very important thing for all people to try and try to expand their mind and view on the world even if it is just having fun with an outer body expirance. And that while a serious thing astral projection should not be taken that seriously. And he also talks about how some people may never achieve astral projection but that is perfectly fine and there are many other ways that one can farther their spirituality other than astral projection or an out of body expiration.
February 12, 2023
Not the first R. Monroe I read but like the others found it fascinating. I like that Monroe took a scientific approach to his OBEs (he had an engineering qualification). He established the Monroe Institute to research the effects of sound on consciousness. A pioneer in the field.
Alistair Conwell
The Audible Life Stream: Ancient Secret of Dying While Living
Soul Comfort: Uplifting Insights Into the Nature of Grief, Death, Consciousness and Love for Transformation
Alistair Conwell
The Audible Life Stream: Ancient Secret of Dying While Living
Soul Comfort: Uplifting Insights Into the Nature of Grief, Death, Consciousness and Love for Transformation
July 27, 2024
Robert Monroe gets more system-oriented in his thinking here, and it generally feels more instructional. It's a breeze to read and maintains the hopeful mission of the first two books in the series. Monroe still favors the dialogic form of "Far Journeys," but there are less efforts at narrative. In fact, though we are introduced to a few different scenes, there are less vivid OBE episodes overall. Somehow, the lack of descriptive prose fits the very big picture, more abstracted journeys of the self and beyond that we have here. I had guessed before reading this book that things were going in the direction that they do here. I don't want to say more, as I think part of the joy of the book, and the whole series, is feeling like you're on the verge of some keen insights right along with Monroe's voyage of discovery. In that respect, rather than a regular self help style of book, "Ultimate Journey" really enacts its own premise of experiment, discovery, and insight. I think Robert Monroe is an excellent guide to the beyond, and I hope he's right about the big picture.
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August 18, 2021Ich kann dieses Buch nicht bewerten, da es Passagen hat, denen ich 5 Sterne geben könnte und wiederum andere, die nicht über 1 Stern hinauskommen. Insgesamt hat mich das Buch aber berührt, vor allem dann, wenn Monroe das menschliche Leben mit seinen Facetten im Hier beschreibt. Seine ausserkörperlichen Erfahrungen haben mich eher gelangweilt, weil ich für mich nicht die Möglichkeit habe, das Erlebte einzuordnen und ich kann es glauben oder nicht. Dass der Mensch aber viel mehr ist, als wir im alltäglichen Bewusstsein wahrnehmen können, daran glaube ich sehr wohl. So wie auch schon Friedemann Schulz von Thun von einem „Inneren Team“ schreibt und davon ausgeht, dass es viele verschiedene Ichs gibt, so beschreibt auch Monroe Ähnliches. Diese Sehnsucht, mehr über sich selber zu erfahren teile ich und so war dieses Buch insgesamt eine gute Inspiration, mich mit meinen Innenwelten vertieft auseinanderzusetzen.
November 30, 2025
One surprising point that Bob made in this book is the importance of the left brain.
Through all his adventures through consciousness, the left brain is what "takes any idea, information, or inspiration emanating from or via the right brain and puts it into action." It's what makes the valuable right brain stuff we discover in dreams, visions etc and makes it real. It's also what we are left with, as we try to make sense of this stuff, and make the best choices we can.
It's a bit counterintuitive, coming from a book titled "The Ultimate Journey" which deals with afterlife, OBE, Aliens and the most far out, 'right brain' stuff you could imagine. But maybe that's what makes Bob's view valuable - the mix between his very "left brain" view and the very "right brain" experiences, adventures and 'journey's' he experienced in his life.
Through all his adventures through consciousness, the left brain is what "takes any idea, information, or inspiration emanating from or via the right brain and puts it into action." It's what makes the valuable right brain stuff we discover in dreams, visions etc and makes it real. It's also what we are left with, as we try to make sense of this stuff, and make the best choices we can.
It's a bit counterintuitive, coming from a book titled "The Ultimate Journey" which deals with afterlife, OBE, Aliens and the most far out, 'right brain' stuff you could imagine. But maybe that's what makes Bob's view valuable - the mix between his very "left brain" view and the very "right brain" experiences, adventures and 'journey's' he experienced in his life.
February 20, 2022
This is straight-up cult stuff. Monroe's first book was "hey, here's some weird stuff that happened to me, and here's what I did to figure out what was going on." His second book was "here's a weird and important thing that happened to me, and everything I learned about the nature of reality from it". Ultimate Journey follows the same trend, and is mostly "here's my philosophy of life, based on what I learned from some incredibly weird experiences."
This is the Back to the Future 3 of paranormal trilogies, the Godfather 3 of self-help, and the Ghostbusters 3 of metaphysics. If you read his first 2 books and you're a believer in the whole Gateway thing, then I guess this book is for you. Otherwise, you absolutely can and should skip it.
This is the Back to the Future 3 of paranormal trilogies, the Godfather 3 of self-help, and the Ghostbusters 3 of metaphysics. If you read his first 2 books and you're a believer in the whole Gateway thing, then I guess this book is for you. Otherwise, you absolutely can and should skip it.
March 29, 2023
I suppose I liked it well enough. But the difference between his first book and this one is akin to Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead. In fact, the more I think about it I feel the more unusual parts of Ultimate Journey could have been written by Mr. Card... in style at least.
I can't imagine why someone such as Robert A. Monroe would write such a book if it were fiction. He wasn't in financial need to do so. I can only surmise that everything in this book is real, or at least part of his reality.
Which leads me to this: I want to experience these things too.
I can't imagine why someone such as Robert A. Monroe would write such a book if it were fiction. He wasn't in financial need to do so. I can only surmise that everything in this book is real, or at least part of his reality.
Which leads me to this: I want to experience these things too.
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