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The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature Paperback – Illustrated, October 27, 2004

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 417 ratings

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Reveals the use of direct perception in understanding Nature, medicinal plants, and the healing of human disease

• Explores the techniques used by indigenous and Western peoples to learn directly from the plants themselves, including those of Henry David Thoreau, Goethe, and Masanobu Fukuoka, author of
The One Straw Revolution

• Contains leading-edge information on the heart as an organ of perception

All ancient and indigenous peoples insisted their knowledge of plant medicines came from the plants themselves and not through trial-and-error experimentation. Less well known is that many Western peoples made this same assertion. There are, in fact, two modes of cognition available to all human beings--the brain-based linear and the heart-based holistic. The heart-centered mode of perception can be exceptionally accurate and detailed in its information gathering capacities if, as indigenous and ancient peoples asserted, the heart’s ability as an organ of perception is developed.
Author Stephen Harrod Buhner explores this second mode of perception in great detail through the work of numerous remarkable people, from Luther Burbank, who cultivated the majority of food plants we now take for granted, to the great German poet and scientist Goethe and his studies of the metamorphosis of plants. Buhner explores the commonalities among these individuals in their approach to learning from the plant world and outlines the specific steps involved. Readers will gain the tools necessary to gather information directly from the heart of Nature, to directly learn the medicinal uses of plants, to engage in diagnosis of disease, and to understand the soul-making process that such deep connection with the world engenders.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Citing Goethe, Thoreau and other opponents of overweening rationalism, Buhner (Sacred Plant Medicine), a researcher for the Foundation for Gaian Studies, criticizes the Western "verbal/intellectual/analytical" "mode of cognition" that has suppressed the "holistic/intuitive/depth" cognition of "ancient and indigenous peoples." The antidote to our "linear" scientific mindset, he contends, is the cultivation of direct sensory perceptions through rapt observation of, and psychic communion with, plants until "the student and the plant interweave...[,] their two life fields entrained." Such emotional and spiritual connections to nature are feasible because, according to Buhner's discordantly scientistic theory of all-penetrating cardiac electromagnetic fields, the heart is our main organ of perception and communication. These methods also apply to the "depth diagnosis" of human ailments through direct perception of patients ("Her chest caught my attention, standing forth of its own accord. Beckoning," he writes of a woman with asthma), which he uses in his healing practice. Buhner's romantic-transcendentalist critique of intellect often lapses into anti-intellectualism ("Keep your botany out of this!... Do not use big, scientific words!") and is undermined by his own murky resort to big, scientific words like "molecular self-organization" and "stochastic resonance." He does produce some evocative passages about real plants, but these are often buried under the loam of a New Age mysticism that only the already convinced will appreciate.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Buhner’s writings are a powerful call for people to work together to restore the sacredness of Earth.” ― Brooke Medicine Eagle, author of Buffalo Woman Comes Singing

". . . Stephen Harrod Buhner reveals the use of direct perception in understanding nature, medicinal plants, and the healing of disease. . . . This book is a must read for any nature lover." ―
Share Guide, Mar-Apr, 2005

"Science and spirituality blend in an intriguing ecological assessment of what the plant world can teach us." ―
The Midwest Book Review, April, 2005

". . . how to achieve heart-based perception, and how to learn the medicinal uses of plants directly from the plants themselves." ―
The Burlington Free Press, Feb. 27, 2005

“I learned more from part one of this magnificent book than from any source in years. Buhner writes of complex discoveries in neuroscience and neurocardiology with clarity and coherence. Encompassing the highest spiritual insights of such giants as Blake, Goethe, and Whitman, part two is worthy poetry in itself, offering readers a unique way to move into transcendent realms. Of the truly great books appearing today,
The Secret Teachings of Plants is easily the most rewarding I have had the privilege of reading.” ― Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of The Biology of Transcendence

“In this wonderful book Stephen Buhner shows us that the heart is not a machine but the informed, intelligent core of our emotional, spiritual, and perceptual universe. Through the heart we can perceive the living spirit that diffuses through the green world that is our natural home. Required reading for all owners of a heart.” ―
Matthew Wood, herbalist and author of The Book of Herbal Wisdom

“Beautifully written,
The Secret Teachings of Plants is a work of art--as much a poetical journey into the essence of plants as it is a guidebook on how to use plant medicine in our healing practices. Stephen Buhner is among the plant geniuses of our time. Like Thoreau and Goethe and Luther Burbank, the master gardeners and “green men” he so liberally quotes throughout, Buhner will be long remembered for his deep and introspective connection with the green world and for his ability to connect us to the heart of the plants through his teachings.” ― Rosemary Gladstar, author of Rosemary Gladstar’s Family Herbal and founder of United Plant Sav

“A ‘must read’ for herbalists, healers, gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone who has ever been moved to tears by the everyday miracles of life.” ―
Susun S. Weed, author of Healing Wise

"
The Secret Teachings of Plants offers ways to bypass the linear intelligence of the brain and tap into the nonlinear intelligence of the heart. . . . enables people to gather information directly from nature for diagnosing and treating illnesses, as well as for developing connections with the natural world." ― Richard D. Wright, Tranquil Things, New Age Retailer, Holiday 2005

"If you work directly with plants, as a gardener or in herbal and alchemical practices, and want to cultivate a more intimate view of them or simply want to better enjoy your time spent outside and among growing and green things,
The Secret Teachings of Plants will help you do both. ― Mark Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, April 2006

"This book is part poetry, part sicence . . . There is an energy that overcomes and refreshes." ―
Loretta, Widewest blog, Feb 2010

“Humanity’s ultimate liberation lies in the realization of the radiant transcendental consciousness in which nature inheres—that ultimate reality to which Buhner’s excellent books always seem to be pointing us.” ―
DharmaCafe, November 2011

"For homeopaths seeking to enhance their sensitivity to nature’s energies, and to complement their understanding of existing proving information, “Secret Teachings” is an enlightening guide." ―
Hpathy.com, May 2010

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1591430356
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bear & Company (October 27, 2004)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781591430353
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1591430353
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 417 ratings

About the author

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Stephen Harrod Buhner
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Stephen Harrod Buhner is the author of Herbal Antivirals, Herbal Antibiotics (now in its second edition), and 17 other works including Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver, Sacred Plant Medicine, The Lost Language of Plants, The Secret Teachings of Plants, and Ensouling Language. He speaks internationally on herbal medicine, emerging diseases, complex interrelationships in ecosystems, Gaian dynamics, and musical/sound patterns in plant and ecosystem functioning. He is a tireless advocate for the citizen scientist, the amateur naturalist, and community herbalists everywhere. He lives in New Mexico.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
417 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and worth reading. They appreciate the author's insights and profound knowledge about mankind and the world. Readers praise the poetic writing style and mention that the book explores communication between humans and plants.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

35 customers mention "Readability"32 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and worth reading. They say it's a great read for herbalists or plant lovers. The author provides useful information in an entertaining way that changes their perspective on plants.

"...He invites you to skip around the book and read whatever interests you, and if you love all things in Nature like I do, you will surely end up..." Read more

"...Inspiring beyond words, I felt it in my heart. This is a must read for any herbalist or lover of plants and nature... truly a great read!" Read more

"...Yet Buhner is tracking the footsteps of some very admirable, independent thinkers and he quotes them at length...." Read more

"...in Harmony With Earth Mother, Book 1 (Bk.1)]] These are very good basic books, to getting out of the box of Western culture, into the much more..." Read more

32 customers mention "Insight"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book profound and insightful, offering valuable information about nature and mankind. They describe it as a joyous read that gets to the heart of plants. The author is passionate about nature and is able to relate this in a poetic way.

"...with his views but it did progress my knowledge and understanding of how everything is connected and communicates...." Read more

"...Inspiring beyond words, I felt it in my heart. This is a must read for any herbalist or lover of plants and nature... truly a great read!" Read more

"...Buhner brings in some amazing examples, including Luther Burbank. As far as I'm concerned Burbank was a wizard plant breeder...." Read more

"...Recent research indicates that the heart is an organ of perception that is superior to the brain in terms of the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness..." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing style captivating and poetic. They describe the author as a profound earth poet with a way with words.

"Stephen Buhner's writing style is captivating, humble and poetic, and mirrors the non-linear beauty of Nature...." Read more

"...Stephen Buhner has such a way with words and really gives the reader a chance to view things from a new perspective...." Read more

"What a very well-written, and poetic piece of modern-day spiritual literature...." Read more

"First off, Buhner is one of my favorite authors/people! I was pleasantly surprised when this book arrived sooner than anticipated...." Read more

5 customers mention "Communication"5 positive0 negative

Customers like the idea that everything is connected and communicates. They mention plants do communicate, and we can listen and know.

"...my knowledge and understanding of how everything is connected and communicates...." Read more

"...what I am experiencing: as the heart opens and listens, plants do communicate, and we can listen and know...." Read more

"An inspiration look into the world of fractals, direct perception plant communication and value of developing the hearts capacity for creating an..." Read more

"It's a nice idea that humans can connect with plants, but this writer is very biased in his approach, and his work is based on almost nothing that..." Read more

Of The Truly Great Books..., A 'Must Read'
5 out of 5 stars
Of The Truly Great Books..., A 'Must Read'
"Stephen Harrod Buhner is an Earth Poet and senior researcher for the Foundation for Gaian Studies.He lectures throughout the United States on herbal medicine, the sacredness of plants, and the intelligence of Nature.He is the author of nine works of nonfiction and one book of poetry, including the award-winning The Lost Language of Plants and Sacred Plant Medicine.He lives in Braintree, Vermont.""OF THE TRULY GREAT BOOKS appearing today The Secret Teachings of Plants is easily the most rewarding I have had the privilege of reading."- Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of The Biology of Transcendence"A 'MUST READ' for herbalists, healers, gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone who has ever been moved to tears by the everyday miracles of life."- Susun S. Weed, author of Healing Wise[from the back cover of the book]
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2004
    Stephen Buhner's writing style is captivating, humble and poetic, and mirrors the non-linear beauty of Nature. He invites you to skip around the book and read whatever interests you, and if you love all things in Nature like I do, you will surely end up reading everything twice, just like I did. This is honestly, one of the most incredible books I have read in quite some time. I am a currently enrolled in a Master's program in the Health Arts and I think this book should be required reading.

    Though there are so many people in society today that take credit for something that has, in fact, been around for years, this is not the case with Stephen Buhner. His intentions are genuine as he writes for and about Nature. He never claims ownership of any of the ideas presented in his book, rather, he takes the words of the wise people who came long before him, and weaves them eloquently through-out his own, demonstrating how the idea of the heart as an organ of perception is not new. That we all have the capability, it has simply been unintentionally taught out us out.

    I am also the Director of a medical research foundation, and often times I am appalled by how close minded so many in the realm of medicine/science can be. Though their intentions may once have been sincere, the unfortunate truth is, somewhere along the way, their motivations changed and they lost the ability to see the big picture.

    I highly recommend this book. Society is ready for this book. The environment needs for society to read this book. I found the following quote by G. Leonard, in Mu Soeng's commentary on the Heart Sutra, and I think it is appropriate to insert it here:

    At the heart of each of us, whatever our imperfections, there exists a silent pulse of perfect rhythm, a complex of waveforms and resonances, which is absolutely individual and unique, and yet which connects us to everything in the universe. The act of getting in touch with this pulse can transform our personal experience and in some way alter the world around us.

    By reading this book, perhaps we can learn to come out of our heads, and back into our hearts. By doing so, I am hopeful we, like Stephen Buhner, will be able to feel once again, hear what Nature has to teach us...and listen.
    90 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    This book opened my eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world. I do not agree with his views but it did progress my knowledge and understanding of how everything is connected and communicates. In my opinion…Do not skip to the back or you may not want to read the book. The author acknowledges The Creator but he doesn’t like to acknowledge The Savior. To each their own, that’s only a heads up. The information is a paradigm shift. 👍👍
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012
    I really appreciated the authors perspective ... this book is so amazing it brought tears to my eyes on more than one instance. Stephen Buhner has such a way with words and really gives the reader a chance to view things from a new perspective. I appreciated his honesty and also the stories he told, most of all i loved the way he talks about the plants and the medicine. Inspiring beyond words, I felt it in my heart. This is a must read for any herbalist or lover of plants and nature... truly a great read!
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2017
    This book fundamentally changed my world perspective. I manage a university farm and am well versed in biophysical science. While the ideas in this book may be hard to verify through the traditional scientific method, it provides insight into the mystical realm science cannot measure (yet).
    Buhner brings in some amazing examples, including Luther Burbank. As far as I'm concerned Burbank was a wizard plant breeder. The man developed more varieties of plants than anyone ever and he claimed to talk and communicate with his plants. His notes were indecipherable and he never had scientific "controls" but his results speak for themselves. We can communicate in ways many people have forgotten or become numb to. Regardless of the driving mechanism, simple tips like being observant, open minded, and setting clear intentions have benefits that transcend beyond plant breeding.
    I've read a lot of books on a range of subjects but this is the one I've gifted the most. If you've come this far, you should read the book.
    67 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Tayyab Jamal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mindblowing, realigning reminder
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2021
    It's good to breathe again. To stretch again. To remember home.

    From one plant to another: "Good morning!"
  • Ximena
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 15, 2020
    An exquisite, interesting book.
  • Elre
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interessant, aber ständige Wiederholung
    Reviewed in Germany on November 26, 2018
    Inhaltlich interessant, ein paar schöne Anstöße. Leider unfassbar viele Wiederholungen. Nach der Hälfte konnte ich nicht mehr weiterlesen, es war echt unerträglich. Außerdem ist der Autor mir teilweise zu pessimistisch und zu überzeugt von seinen Thesen.
  • LJ Bumpstead
    5.0 out of 5 stars Prompt service
    Reviewed in Australia on April 29, 2020
    Item as described prompt delivery awesome thank you!
  • A LamBing Art
    5.0 out of 5 stars Create some beautiful flowers in your soul
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 11, 2015
    This has to honestly be one of the most exciting and stimulating books I have ever read. I love plants and have a very basic knowledge of our relationship with them but Stephen's book has opened so many doors in my mind. What a facinating book and author who obviously writes with a deep empathy and understanding of not only the nature of plants but also our conscious relationship to the universe. The author has a way of unlocking the heart and mind to new ideas and ways of thinking and feeling, bypassing old ingrained belief systems. This is a wonderful book, a real gem, the sort of book that has so much depth, its going to be a joy to reread as it's bursting like a ripe pod with so many seeds of fresh insight that a whole new beautiful garden starts to germinate and flower in your soul.