Breaking the Death Habit : The Science of Everlasting Life

by Leonard D. Orr

Breaking the Death Habit is a statement of the incredible, the miraculous—the crack in the cosmic riddle; yet it is presented here as a set of simple and obvious life instructions.

Genres: Spirituality, Health

168 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 1998

Reviews

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book, i wasn't quite sure what to think. i had heard of leonard orr from bob frissle's Nothing in this book is true, and decided to give his writing a chance.
Not only was i incredibly impressed by leonard's ideas and philosophy's about Immortality, but i was shocked on how wonderful and fluid his writing style is. a lot of the new age'ers have some decent thoughts and can't write very well at all, but leonard can.
after reading the contents of this book, and really understanding the concept of Physical Immortality, i have resolved to pick up the practices of this book for the new year. he really is that convincing.
if you want a complete idea of leonards ideas of physical immortality, this is the book for you.
it certainly has been one of the best books i have read in a LONG time.

[Abdulaziz Al-Mannai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard here talks about dangerous -in a good way- ideas, like the unconscious death urge, deathist mentality, and immortality. he also talked about his meetings with some immortal yogis like Babaji, and others.
even if you're not interested in immortality, you can still benefit from the practical tips about purification on psychological, physical-physiological level, and how to adopt a life-oriented philosophy.

[Ari Yam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a precaution on my review: I think the book has some good info. It has some mistaken paths as well. However, my review is tainted having known Leonard. Knowing the outcome of these ideas changes the way you understand them.

[Popkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agreed with a couple of ideas, but didn‘t agree with ozhers. This was an interesting read, but a one-and-done for me.

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether or not you agree with Leonard Orr's theory that we can live forever, his joyous prodding to stop worshiping at the altar of death is sagely advice for living a much happier, healthier, and fulfilling existence.

Think of it like the old religious philosophical argument for why you should believe in God which says that if you take the bet that God doesn't exist and you are wrong the afterlife is going to suck and if you are right, well all you gain is one lifetime. If you believe and you are wrong, what does that cost you and if you are right you gain paradise. Essentially, Orr is making the same wager on immortality, and rather than having to put up with the doom and gloom that goes along with most pious lifestyles, instead you get to believe you will live forever and be happy. If you wagered incorrectly, you had a fulfilling life and if you were right, well you get to keep on keeping on and laugh at all the amazing things you will experience.

In addition to the opportunity to enjoy Orr's writing (Tom Robbin's claimed the main character in Jitterbug Perfume was 20% Orr - enough said), you also get to read about some really amazing people that have lived a long time, and get guidebook like instructions for a healthier existence that sits you in front of fires with your friends, has you soaking in a tub of hot water, and just kicking back and breathing, among other things - what more could you hope for really?

Recommended for those that like fun-storytelling with a message, gentle guidebooks on living, Indian spirituality, and a good belly laugh.

Now that you thought about it... do you want to take that bet?

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Checked out from Washington Co. Cooperative Library Services, early 2014. Archives File #2062 is photocopies of front matter, Table of Contents, Preface (p. xviii-xxix), parts of Introduction (p. 4-5), part of Ch. 1 (p. 8-13), part of Ch. 2 (p. 16-19), part of Ch. 3 (p. 22-25), and part of Ch. 3 (p. 27-37).

[Carolina Batres-Quinonez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leonard's writing style makes the unconscious accessible, the inevitable an adventure, but my skepticism remains strong throughout the words.
With that said, this book is a wonderful tool for those seeking to understand (but perhaps not demystify) rebirthing.