John,

Your words have given me absolutely nothing — and absolutely everything.

I followed your words, and after a couple of weeks (and almost giving up) I 'found myself.'

It happened completely unexpectedly.

I found everything — and nothing.

That 'nothingness' seems to be a silent, sweet anticipation, the expectant capacity for my next thought or physical experience.

I found everything I ever wanted — in my permanent sense of 'being.'

I cannot thank you enough, I just cant believe it — but I know it's true.

I don't know what makes me more happy — that a man 'like me' found it, or that a man 'like you' found it.

Based on what I read about your life story, I'm so glad that you found it, I'm just so happy that John Sherman found it, I'm so incredibly happy that you found it!!

I'm so happy for you — it may have taken years, but if ever a man 'deserved' to 'get it' — you are that man.

Of course, we all already 'have it', but the way you explain it when you talk is just brilliant — absolutely, utterly brilliant.

Never in my life have I heard another person's voice explain something so inexpressible so well.

Man, if you hadn't gone to jail, you could surely have been some sort of 'slick' corporate trainer, and your voice alone (my girlfriend thinks you have the most incredible voice ever) would have guaranteed you a plush lifestyle for life — but for what, exactly?

All these ludicrous thoughts about 'enlightenment' — and yet every one-day-old kid on the planet 'gets it', without thought, without knowledge, without 'education.'

John, thank you so much.

I love you beyond words, although I'm painfully aware that this isn't typically a phrase which an ex-con really wants to hear from another man, particularly when he 'found himself' in the shower.

But of course, you aren't really an 'ex-con' — that’s just part of the story.

It just seems so ironic, so ridiculous to say to someone "By the way, thanks — you made me realise that I am infinite consciousness, infinite love."

But you did make me aware of this, and what can I say?

Thank you.

I wish I could send some money to you, but I'm a struggling, 'failed' writer, although I have 'sent' everyone I know to your website in the last week, and will continue to do so.

From an 'Englishman' to an 'American', from a '40-year-old' to a '63-year-old', from one part of 'consciousness' to another, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Incidentally, your cat looks magical — what incredible eyes.

Thanks again, John — your life was obviously leading you towards 'Ramana’s words,' and my life was obviously leading me towards 'yours.'

I really mean it.

Thanks, mate.

***

England   April 19, 2007

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