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Spiritual Partnership: The Journey to Authentic Power
In his first major book since the legendary bestseller The Seat of the Soul, Gary Zukav reveals a revolutionary new path for spiritual growth. What began with an introduction to a major paradigm shift in The Dancing Wu Li Masters turned into a discussion of aligning our personalities with our soul in The Seat of the Soul; finally, in Spiritual Partnership, Zukav guides the reader on this practical path to authentic power.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2010
298 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Gary Zukav
27 books847 followersGary Zukav is the author of The Dancing Wu Li Masters, winner of The American Book Award for Science; Soul Stories, a New York Times bestseller; and The Seat of the Soul, a New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, and Publishers Weekly #1 bestseller. His books have sold millions of copies and are published in sixteen languages. He is a graduate of Harvard and a former U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) officer in Vietnam.
Gary's gentle humor, sensitivity, and deep insights have endeared him to millions of readers and listeners. Through Genesis: The Foundation for the Universal Human, he participates in retreates, programs, and other events supporting the creation of authentic power and the experience of spiritual partnership.
Gary's gentle humor, sensitivity, and deep insights have endeared him to millions of readers and listeners. Through Genesis: The Foundation for the Universal Human, he participates in retreates, programs, and other events supporting the creation of authentic power and the experience of spiritual partnership.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 19, 2012
You have no idea how spiritually evolved the author Gary Zukav is and how authentically honest his account in this book. Not only has he written this wonderful piece of inspiration in the utmost truthful voice but also presented with the greatest love.
This is one of the best books I have ever read, and Gary Zukav amongst the few must-read authors.
This is one of the best books I have ever read, and Gary Zukav amongst the few must-read authors.
September 12, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book and found the "What" and "How" sections most useful. I came across this book out of a desire to learn how a spirit-focused relationship might look. I found Zukav's reasons for spiritual partnerships, a part of the evolution of humanity, thought provoking.
Zukav identifies the time we are currently in as a transitional stage. In this time of transition, more and more people are beginning to see that the old way of relating to one another, friendships, does not serve us anymore. He suggests that more and more people are beginning to use more than their five senses to engage the world and those around them. Thus the need for a change in how we relate to one another as a couple, individually, in families, and in the workplace. This multisensory human relies on intuition and insight beyond the physical.
Zukav includes guidelines for spiritual partnership as well as distinguishing between power seeking that is external-which he writes no longer serves humanity-and power that is authentic-which comes from learning how to respond differently to our negative emotions. The entire book is a lesson and outline for how to confront, challenge and heal ourselves rather then trying to control and change other people or external situations.
If you are looking for another way to relate to those around you that does not settle for fixing one another or covering up difficult emotions, this is a good book to read. Zukav does well explaining the importance of shifting to spiritual partnerships that might not have been obvious. He also keeps it simple and provides summaries throughout which help keep the important factors central in the reader's mind.
Zukav identifies the time we are currently in as a transitional stage. In this time of transition, more and more people are beginning to see that the old way of relating to one another, friendships, does not serve us anymore. He suggests that more and more people are beginning to use more than their five senses to engage the world and those around them. Thus the need for a change in how we relate to one another as a couple, individually, in families, and in the workplace. This multisensory human relies on intuition and insight beyond the physical.
Zukav includes guidelines for spiritual partnership as well as distinguishing between power seeking that is external-which he writes no longer serves humanity-and power that is authentic-which comes from learning how to respond differently to our negative emotions. The entire book is a lesson and outline for how to confront, challenge and heal ourselves rather then trying to control and change other people or external situations.
If you are looking for another way to relate to those around you that does not settle for fixing one another or covering up difficult emotions, this is a good book to read. Zukav does well explaining the importance of shifting to spiritual partnerships that might not have been obvious. He also keeps it simple and provides summaries throughout which help keep the important factors central in the reader's mind.
December 4, 2010
This is a great book. I was grateful to read about an approach to relationships that jibes with what I am looking for in a relationship. My favorite chapter was on the old-school friendship relationship. He discusses (and rejects) all of the things that there is social pressure to do (e.g., empathize, cheer people up, tell them they have a right to feel that way, etc.). I can't stomach doing that stuff and it's not what I want people I care about doing to me. I'm more interested in actually feeling feelings rather than avoiding them and exploring what's in you that's causing the feeling, not trying to blame someone else.
I thought at first by the title that it might just be about intimate relationships, but it's about any type of relationship--the partnership part is about how you help each other grow spiritually. It can also be a singular encounter; it doesn't have to be a long-term commitment.
So one of my perennial questions is how to be in a spiritual partnership with a person who consistently behaves in an unconscious way or doesn't seem interested in questioning their own emotional reactions. My question was how much are you supposed to take? The answer is always this oh, if you change then the other person with either change or they will drop out of your life. It's hard to accept, however, if you feel like you're doing all the work.
This book helped me to come to terms with this more. Yes, it really is all about you all of the time and it's never about the other person needing to do something different. It helped me to see how I can get out of relationships what I want without trying to change other people. I'm now reading The way of the superior man : a spiritual guide to mastering the challenges of women, work, and sexual desire by David Deida, which is also excellent on this point.
I love all of Gary Zukov's work. All spiritual teachers are of course saying the same things in different ways, and I like the way of framing things that he offers.
I thought at first by the title that it might just be about intimate relationships, but it's about any type of relationship--the partnership part is about how you help each other grow spiritually. It can also be a singular encounter; it doesn't have to be a long-term commitment.
So one of my perennial questions is how to be in a spiritual partnership with a person who consistently behaves in an unconscious way or doesn't seem interested in questioning their own emotional reactions. My question was how much are you supposed to take? The answer is always this oh, if you change then the other person with either change or they will drop out of your life. It's hard to accept, however, if you feel like you're doing all the work.
This book helped me to come to terms with this more. Yes, it really is all about you all of the time and it's never about the other person needing to do something different. It helped me to see how I can get out of relationships what I want without trying to change other people. I'm now reading The way of the superior man : a spiritual guide to mastering the challenges of women, work, and sexual desire by David Deida, which is also excellent on this point.
I love all of Gary Zukov's work. All spiritual teachers are of course saying the same things in different ways, and I like the way of framing things that he offers.
November 12, 2011
Wow. I approached this book with caution, and was honestly expecting it to be a bit hokey. Instead, I found it to be a deeply meaningful and profound book. Although parts of the book are somewhat repetitive, the points are useful and valid in a way that anyone can understand. This is a book that I will surely read more than once!
March 6, 2016
This book is absolutely revolutionary (a new way to look at body/mind/spirit work), and I wish that everybody would be in a frame of mind/experience to get something out of it! I've been picking at it for over 3 months, and am almost finished as I'm writing this. It hasn't taken me so long because it's badly written. It's absolutely easy to read, and the ideas are so big that it's taken me this long to absorb them. I know now that this work has big potential to help move me forward, and I've got my Guidelines printed out (http://seatofthesoul.com/wp-content/u...). Now to implement in my life! This will not be easy work (healing the frightened parts of my personality), but I suspect that it's going to be a big piece of my work! I love that it was published shortly before I was laid off in 2010, as my life was changing in a big way!
December 23, 2010
I really wanted to like this book, as I appreciate the work Zukav has done in bringing scientific thought into the mainstream. But I found it to be very repetitive and joy-less. While I agree with his premise that we are here to help each other heal, I found his suggestions for how to do that to be very controlling and male-centric. The redeeming value in the book, and the one reason to read it, is that there are some excellent universal reminders for keeping ourselves on the spiritual path, regardless of whether or not we are in relationship.
February 21, 2011
Good book for anyone who's on a spiritual journey, but, some of the ways that the author went about how we should aspire to new heights were very much from just a male perspective....I get weird sometimes when reading male authors, but, try to keep an open mind....the books does ramble in parts, but, all and all an interesting read....
January 1, 2012
Would love everyone to read this book. Wasn't sure when I started but by page 50 I was into it and by page 63 I was highlighting. I hope to incorporate a lot of what is in the book, into my life. I hope you will join me!
January 19, 2013
This book has changed my life and the lives of those I love
November 3, 2020
Has given me quite a lot to think about. The most prominent thing would be the part where you aren't always a nice friend/partner by just agreeing with the other persons struggles. Being a spiritual partner, one should also try to be more coaching and supportive in a constructive manner in order for the other person to be able to rise above the current hardship.
May 2, 2020
Well, I wouldn't recommmend this book if you're not into some 'New Age Spirituality' kind of stuff (which is my case). Despite agreeing with the author's premise that we should all work on self-awareness and try to weaken the negative aspects of our personality while strenghtening the positive ones, some parts of this book really bothered me. I found it to be extremely repetitive, joy-less, male-centric and controlling.
In my opinion, it gives too simplistic answers to 'why humans behave the way they do'. Besides that, separating humans and putting them into boxes of 'pentasensory' ones and 'multisensory' ones, while also stating that the last ones are somehow more spiritually evolved contradicts many of the concepts the author preaches on. In fact, I found this book to be extremely contradictory. While the author criticizes religion and its dogmas, for example, he ironically creates dogmas by stating that everyone needs to follow certain rules to create 'spiritual partnerships' and 'authentic power'.
In my opinion, it gives too simplistic answers to 'why humans behave the way they do'. Besides that, separating humans and putting them into boxes of 'pentasensory' ones and 'multisensory' ones, while also stating that the last ones are somehow more spiritually evolved contradicts many of the concepts the author preaches on. In fact, I found this book to be extremely contradictory. While the author criticizes religion and its dogmas, for example, he ironically creates dogmas by stating that everyone needs to follow certain rules to create 'spiritual partnerships' and 'authentic power'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2012
This book saved my life during a very difficult time.
February 20, 2013
good book for those who want to grow and evolve and work on things in their lives.
Not some quick fix book.
Not some quick fix book.
July 10, 2013
The ideas and philosophy is great. The writing style was a little drawn out, but I enjoyed it and learned a lot from reading it.
July 4, 2025
Heard of Gary Zukav on YouTube. DNF.
Spiritual Partnership aims to redefine relationships based on spiritual growth rather than traditional roles or romantic ideals. The main premise of Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav is that relationships are evolving from a basis of external power (control, status, roles) to "authentic power," which comes from inner spiritual awareness and emotional responsibility.
The key points of his premise are as follows:
1. Spiritual partnerships are relationships between equals, for the purpose of mutual spiritual growth.
2. The evolution of human consciousness now calls for deeper, soul-based connections—not just romantic or familial bonds.
3. Creating "authentic power" means aligning your personality with your soul, which involves emotional awareness, responsible choice, and intention.
4. Old relationship models—based on power struggles, fear, and control—are becoming obsolete in this new era of spiritual awakening.
In essence, Zukav suggests that true fulfilment in relationships comes not from fixing the other person, but from using the relationship as a mirror and tool for your own inner transformation.
While the premise has some merit, the book is repetitive, vague, and often drifts into abstract metaphysical language without clear application; the execution can feel a bit self-indulgent. It lacks practical guidance and feels more like a philosophical lecture than a usable roadmap. Disappointing for readers seeking clarity or actionable insights.
This review also appears in https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/....
Spiritual Partnership aims to redefine relationships based on spiritual growth rather than traditional roles or romantic ideals. The main premise of Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav is that relationships are evolving from a basis of external power (control, status, roles) to "authentic power," which comes from inner spiritual awareness and emotional responsibility.
The key points of his premise are as follows:
1. Spiritual partnerships are relationships between equals, for the purpose of mutual spiritual growth.
2. The evolution of human consciousness now calls for deeper, soul-based connections—not just romantic or familial bonds.
3. Creating "authentic power" means aligning your personality with your soul, which involves emotional awareness, responsible choice, and intention.
4. Old relationship models—based on power struggles, fear, and control—are becoming obsolete in this new era of spiritual awakening.
In essence, Zukav suggests that true fulfilment in relationships comes not from fixing the other person, but from using the relationship as a mirror and tool for your own inner transformation.
While the premise has some merit, the book is repetitive, vague, and often drifts into abstract metaphysical language without clear application; the execution can feel a bit self-indulgent. It lacks practical guidance and feels more like a philosophical lecture than a usable roadmap. Disappointing for readers seeking clarity or actionable insights.
This review also appears in https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/....
July 8, 2020
This is one of my favorite books (read three times just because I love it so). Gary Zukav is such a phenomenal writer. He beautifully describes the differences between a marriage and a spiritual partnership. He talks about the old paradigm of relationships and the awakening that's occurring as we move towards a new way of entering into and being in relationships. This involves exercising authentic power through spiritual partnerships.
Whereas most relationships focus on changing one's partner when conflicts arise, this book teaches the reader to face frightened parts of themselves. It teaches the reader to work through those frightened parts of their personality and to use their experiences as a means to grow, evolve and foster loving parts of themselves. Spiritual partnership is about each individual desiring to grow through their relationship with one another. It is about helping each other become better versions of themselves.
Gary Zukav shares many of examples regarding his own marriage/partnership with his wife, and how he and his wife uses authentic power to work through their conflicts or differences. This is a book for those who wish to transcend the normal five-sensory relationships and to take it to a more deeper and profound level. Excellent read for individuals seeking inner growth as well as couples.
Whereas most relationships focus on changing one's partner when conflicts arise, this book teaches the reader to face frightened parts of themselves. It teaches the reader to work through those frightened parts of their personality and to use their experiences as a means to grow, evolve and foster loving parts of themselves. Spiritual partnership is about each individual desiring to grow through their relationship with one another. It is about helping each other become better versions of themselves.
Gary Zukav shares many of examples regarding his own marriage/partnership with his wife, and how he and his wife uses authentic power to work through their conflicts or differences. This is a book for those who wish to transcend the normal five-sensory relationships and to take it to a more deeper and profound level. Excellent read for individuals seeking inner growth as well as couples.
May 22, 2025
Be aware of your feelings that are fear based
Don’t let them play
They become less active players
Allow the love based parts of your personality to lead
Notice how - now, your jealousy is surfaced. You want to do something for attention. You feel abandoned and powerless.
Pause. Take a step back. Nurture your inner child. Tell her she’s safe. She’s safe. Gods got her. Hold her. You’ve got her.
Love. Inquire to him with love
Spiritual growth is awareness
Nobody else can do it for you: no meditation can do it. It’s ultimately you, choosing, time and time again to take your souls journey it came here to conquer
The butterfly 🦋 effect - the tiny flap of a butterflies wings sets into motion an effect that impacts the other side of the earth. What you do, think, say - matters.
Wow wow wow. A book AGAIN that found me the moment I needed to hear these teachings on my spiritual awakening, authentic power journey. Beautiful.
The hero’s journey to go into the dragons layer, face, and slay his individual dragons. It’s his journey alone. Nobody can do it for you. Only you can make it. It’s all in you!
How: learn to distinguish fear from love and choose to act in love in any given moment.
A new light appears on the horizon
The sun is rising 🌅
Awakening to deeper truths
Choose to act in love instead of fear, in every moment.
Don’t let them play
They become less active players
Allow the love based parts of your personality to lead
Notice how - now, your jealousy is surfaced. You want to do something for attention. You feel abandoned and powerless.
Pause. Take a step back. Nurture your inner child. Tell her she’s safe. She’s safe. Gods got her. Hold her. You’ve got her.
Love. Inquire to him with love
Spiritual growth is awareness
Nobody else can do it for you: no meditation can do it. It’s ultimately you, choosing, time and time again to take your souls journey it came here to conquer
The butterfly 🦋 effect - the tiny flap of a butterflies wings sets into motion an effect that impacts the other side of the earth. What you do, think, say - matters.
Wow wow wow. A book AGAIN that found me the moment I needed to hear these teachings on my spiritual awakening, authentic power journey. Beautiful.
The hero’s journey to go into the dragons layer, face, and slay his individual dragons. It’s his journey alone. Nobody can do it for you. Only you can make it. It’s all in you!
How: learn to distinguish fear from love and choose to act in love in any given moment.
A new light appears on the horizon
The sun is rising 🌅
Awakening to deeper truths
Choose to act in love instead of fear, in every moment.
August 4, 2020
Always a good read when you can find a different angle and approach to how you have brutally and carelessly handled internal conflict in your life and how you can transfer blame to others so easily.
Feeing the love of a multi sensory experience also gives such light on what a five sensory experience is. It’s so easy to see that in friendships and in love. And it also so difficult and beautiful to see where the potential for Spiritual partnerships lay and the courage it takes to go there. I would love to have read more on those transitions.
I really loved this book. I also appreciated the personal journey Gary had to go on to get here. I felt there was a lot of sexy shadow or frightened parts he had to confront and circle around to find that freedom.
Feeing the love of a multi sensory experience also gives such light on what a five sensory experience is. It’s so easy to see that in friendships and in love. And it also so difficult and beautiful to see where the potential for Spiritual partnerships lay and the courage it takes to go there. I would love to have read more on those transitions.
I really loved this book. I also appreciated the personal journey Gary had to go on to get here. I felt there was a lot of sexy shadow or frightened parts he had to confront and circle around to find that freedom.
Read
January 15, 2022Authentic power comes from deeply looking into yourself and your motivations – and from making a conscious decision to act out of love, not fear. When you begin to trust the world of universal connection and become a multisensory person, you can engage in spiritual partnerships with others. Not only will you grow; you’ll also help others find their power.
And here’s one last bit of actionable advice:
Ditch the judgment scale.
Most people have an invisible scale – they place themselves on one side and their counterpart on the other. This helps them determine who is “inferior” and who is “superior.” But what if you let go of judgment and got rid of the scale completely? By truly viewing everyone as an equal, you might just find yourself feeling freer, more relaxed, and more joyful.
And here’s one last bit of actionable advice:
Ditch the judgment scale.
Most people have an invisible scale – they place themselves on one side and their counterpart on the other. This helps them determine who is “inferior” and who is “superior.” But what if you let go of judgment and got rid of the scale completely? By truly viewing everyone as an equal, you might just find yourself feeling freer, more relaxed, and more joyful.
Read
January 14, 2022Very good book!
Loved his personal examples where he shows his fearful sides. Loved his explanation of authentic power and the guidelines. His example of how to help another create authentic power was also interesting, but i would have loved to get some kind of decision tree (what if the answer to question two is no etc 😅).
The main takeaways (ask yourself what gets triggered in you and why + challenge your fearful parts by doing the opposite of what you want to do + personal growth only comes from yourself) are extremely valuable to me. I would definitely place this book in my top ten to read for personal development! Thanks for this great book!!
Loved his personal examples where he shows his fearful sides. Loved his explanation of authentic power and the guidelines. His example of how to help another create authentic power was also interesting, but i would have loved to get some kind of decision tree (what if the answer to question two is no etc 😅).
The main takeaways (ask yourself what gets triggered in you and why + challenge your fearful parts by doing the opposite of what you want to do + personal growth only comes from yourself) are extremely valuable to me. I would definitely place this book in my top ten to read for personal development! Thanks for this great book!!
February 7, 2018
The world is changing and this book gives you life-saving wisdom on how to adapt to those changes.
We are moving from a society that operates in Machiavelli's style (oppress the weak, assert force over others) to a society that operates in authentic power ( compassion, integrity, consciousness).
There is scientific evidence of these changes in the book The Power Paradox by the UC Berkeley researcher Dacher Keltner.
We are moving from a society that operates in Machiavelli's style (oppress the weak, assert force over others) to a society that operates in authentic power ( compassion, integrity, consciousness).
There is scientific evidence of these changes in the book The Power Paradox by the UC Berkeley researcher Dacher Keltner.
May 26, 2023
This book has truly changed my perspective on love and fear. I adore Gary Zukav and his philosophy on life and spiritual growth. Chapter 37 is my favorite!!!!
I appreciate the philosophy on the New Male vs. the Old Make philosophy.
I appreciate the philosophy on the New Male vs. the Old Make philosophy.
September 10, 2023
Dreadfully boring and dry narration. I should not have been so optimistic in telling myself "It's not so bad..." when I began listening to this.
Thankfully the content was alright and offered a bit of insight.
But this has got to be the last audiobook I listen to from the chap 🤗
Thankfully the content was alright and offered a bit of insight.
But this has got to be the last audiobook I listen to from the chap 🤗
January 12, 2026
I loved this book. I think every human should read it. This book felt like a transcript of my soul. Helping me to define and understand myself, friendships, family and most importantly, my spiritual partner.
July 30, 2019
Not impressed. On page 213, regarding the executive being unable to find a job. if this is the suggestion given by a spiritual partner, then I don't want one.
August 14, 2019
good one.. loved the way it defines authentic power.. must read to find out..
September 1, 2019
Challenging and Inspiring
The book got me thinking about my own reactions and responses to situations. I questioned myself about a lot of my truths.
The book got me thinking about my own reactions and responses to situations. I questioned myself about a lot of my truths.
February 25, 2020
Book is really eye openning for relationships. For people like me who have some struggles in relationships i believe it has a great value.. recommended !
November 1, 2020
A bit dense, but wonderful and helpful. The paradigm of love versus fear alone is well-worth the time to read the book.
February 13, 2021
Learned so much about myself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews