Testimonials from Clients and Program Participants
From Yuko Yamaguchi
The night I found the announcement for the out-of-body experience workshop... unexpectedly, an out-of-body experience occurred naturally. Startled by finding myself floating near the ceiling of my bedroom, I instinctively shouted, "Gary!!" And from a gap in the dawn at the edge of the world, Gary flew in. "What's wrong?" he asked. "I'm in trouble in this state," I replied. Gary said, "You're not really in trouble, so it's okay. I'll teach you everything at the workshop." With that, he flew back to the edge of the world.
At that point, I felt reassured, and then I naturally understood how to do it... After that, I enjoyed the sensation of passing through the walls of my house and flying around outside.
A few months later, when the out-of-body experience workshop began, Gary grinned and asked, "Someone had an out-of-body experience and called me a while ago, who was it?" Gary is a trustworthy teacher, full of genuine guidance and humor, which is why I've been his student for 20 years.
From Hisashi Matsumukou
I participated in many workshops when Gary came to Japan, and I learned the essence of love, harmony, and awareness as a person and as a soul. And as a third-generation student of Gary's school, "Mystical Knowing School," I learned a great deal of wisdom from Gary. (My nickname at that time was "Kuma-san" (Mr. Bear).) I weave the essence I learned from Gary into my daily life, living each day with awareness. Thank you, Gary.
From Mitsuyo Nishimura
It's been about 15 years since I met Gary. Through the work I did at Gary's school, I accessed the Akashic Records, saw my past lives, and discovered the purpose of my birth. When I have realizations or judgments in my daily life, I let go and forgive, and I find myself becoming a more enlightened being. Gary is love itself.
From Noriko Katayama
I had my first private session with Mr. Gary Bonnell in the summer of 2022. Up until then, I had been working hard at life, but I couldn’t remember anything about my purpose in life, and I didn’t understand my situation. So, I was suffering, unsure which direction to aim for.
Gary used simple words that were easy to understand, and the session was deep and warm, with a touch of frankness and rigor. I was filled with a sense of relief, and since then, I have been able to take concrete action. That session was a significant turning point for me. I am truly grateful. After that session, I worked on each step one by one, and I was able to gain a lot of experience up to now. I have always wanted to express my gratitude to Gary someday. But I can’t find the words to express my gratitude enough. Today I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gary for his deep and warm guidance. May his future endeavors be even more prosperous. Thank you.
From Shoko Ueda
The first time we met was about 20 years ago, in a face-to-face Akashic Records session. In the limited time he had, he generously gave me a message that was necessary for my family and me. Since I entered the child-rearing period, I have been able to participate in the course about 5 years ago, when it was held online. By taking his course, I can rediscover myself, let go of what I don't need, and spend every day with a rich heart. I was able to do that. Thank you very much.
Thank you for taking care of me on the winter Santa Fe tour. I also wanted to join the Sedona tour in the spring of 2026, but unfortunately, I couldn't because it coincided with my son's school entrance ceremony. I'm looking forward to the Egypt tour in 2027, so please take care of it. The Egyptian Museum and the pyramids are far away, but, if possible, I would be happy to visit the entrance to the Temple of Isis!
While continuing the work you have taught me, I will hone my intuition so I can be in the right place at the right time. I look forward to working with you again this year.
From Sakuraba Masataka
Gary's work is wonderful, expanding awareness and consciousness from the notion that humans are not merely physical bodies and that death is not the end to the realization that we are a source of great universal joy.
From Shizuka Motonaga
I received guidance from Gary to walk the path of "wisdom" without being distracted by the outside world. I am grateful (^-^).
From Michiko Dana
I was a student of Gary’s KNOWING school in Japan. This one-year course begins with psychological works. The lectures on cosmic truths, Akashic reading, and healing follow. Practical mental care comes first; later, mystical works are safe. After finishing the course, we can keep mental balance with the invisible world. His knowledge is unparalleled. It was a truly excellent course. It may seem a long way, but I believe it is the shortest path to awakening. With many thanks, Michiko Oishi (FB: Michiko Dana) 8th Main course, 6th Akashic Basic course.
From Tomomi Ogi
Gary Bonnell’s teachings helped me view my life from the perspective of a neutral observer. By seeing relationships and life events more objectively, I became less caught up in emotional reactions. Understanding thoughts and emotions as processes that arise has brought greater clarity and ease to my life.
From Kiriko Kudo
Regarding the personal session, the number of words and questions exchanged at that time was few. However, during that shared time, I felt as if I was shown another possible life path for myself, and as a result, I chose to pursue that path. I'm glad I was able to make this choice. Thank you.
From Michiko Oishi
I really appreciate Gary’s books and school for over 15 years. His messages are always consistent and very supportive. My life is completely changed.
From Kyo Akiyoshi
After listening to Gary speak at an event in 2011, my interest in the universe was awakened, and the door to the Akashic Records opened for me.
It became the catalyst that helped me create a connection with the universe.
Thank you very much.
From Masami Inoue
Gary is like an Arctic star shining in the night sky, a landmark when I lose sight of my way.
I feel that his approach is the same, so that we don't stray from the path we should take, so that we don't lose sight of our place.
He never forces us, never judges us as bystanders. I think it's because he knows very well that judgment interferes with us in our own path. He always cuddles with us as friends. Like a star shining in the night sky.
From Yuko Sato
My first interaction with Gary was a private session. I was instantly relieved of the suffering I was experiencing at the time. That was the beginning of my major transformation. "Don't judge" is something I practice every day. I received basic training in meditation, breathing techniques, etc. I have changed since meeting Gary. Others tell me the same. Gary is a leading expert in Akashic Records. I am so grateful to have met him.
From Mayu Tashiro
Thank you, Gary, as always, for your continued support of our soul’s journey. I am deeply grateful for the work you do and for the space you create for transformation and awakening.
I encountered the work of Gary Bonnell during one of the most difficult periods of my life, when I was yearning to be free from inner suffering. Through his teachings, particularly the practice of releasing the need to be right, I began a journey back to my true self.
Although that journey continues, the burdens I once carried have grown remarkably lighter, allowing me to move forward with greater ease and clarity. I remain deeply grateful for this enduring opportunity
for transformation.
From Kayoko Watanabe
I don't think I would be where I am today if I hadn't met Gary. I'm so grateful. I realize now that I didn't understand anything when we first met about 20 years ago.
I am deeply grateful that he continues to teach in Japan.
From Yuko
I first encountered Gary when I was 40 years old, and I enrolled in the Knowing School he was offering at that time. It has now been 11 years since then, and today I am honored to share the Knowing teachings as an instructor myself.
Over these 11 years, Gary has remained unwavering. With remarkable consistency and integrity, he has continued to guide us in the understanding of enlightenment and illumination. His teachings are both profound and accessible, always delivered with warmth and a deep sense of humor.
He is the most consistent and trustworthy teacher I have ever known. Countless people in Japan have studied with Gary, experienced deep healing, and come to live more fully as their true selves. I am one of them.
From Ayumi Sasaki
When Gary told me, "You've lost interest in life," I felt relieved. I think I was relieved to be told the truth and to feel understood. Four years have passed since then. The work I've done on my own. The meditation I've continued with my Knowing community, and our regular sharing sessions. The connections continue, and they are bearing fruit.
I think it all began when I jumped into Knowing, unable to truly believe in the world that had seemed so faded for so long, yet unable to find a way out. Interest in life, awe of human existence, joy, happiness. I knew these things all along.
This precious path has allowed me to return to that starting point of knowing. The journey of the soul continues! I would like to express my gratitude to Gary, and everyone involved on the Knowing Way team.
From Maki Matsumoto
I first encountered Gary Bonnell’s work in 2007, through the Japanese cassette recordings on the Akashic Records, and since then, his teachings have been a steady lighthouse on my path. Over the years, especially through his recent birthday messages, I have received clarity, confidence, and quiet strength, and I’ve noticed a deep shift within myself, with less inner conflict and self-judgment. Today, I feel calm recognition that I am living the purpose I came here to fulfill, and I am deeply grateful for the integrity, continuity, and presence he has shared over so many years.
From Linn Smith-Dominguez
I met Gary Bonnell many years ago at a Whole Life Expo in Las Vegas. I’ve had a few Akashic Record readings from Gary, which helped shape my growth in a very positive way over the years. I follow Gary on Facebook now, and there have been numerous times his insight has helped me understand current life & world situations surrounding all of us and has helped me to see the positive rather than negative as well as answering many questions that I often have. From Gary’s influence, I’ve learned to let go of trying to control everything around me (even though I'm still working on myself there) and I'm continuously working on letting go of judgment (that’s a tough one!).
From Constance Angus
I first knew Gary through classes through a personal growth company named Personal Dynamics! He is a beautiful soul with whom I first learned about "out of body" experiences. His wisdom, knowledge, and general beingness always touched my heart! I thank him for all he has shared with so many souls!
From Patricia Ann Caetano - Founder, Director, CEO at International Institute for Integration Therapy and Training
I have known Gary for many years. His care for others, his authenticity, and his professionalism are a contribution to us all. He has garnered respect in Japan from many individuals, and that is exceptional.
From Bruce Fields
I was introduced to Gary’s book “The 12 Days of Light” and then became interested in Gary’s work.
I first recall receiving Gary’s Lessons work in 2003, which, to my understanding, eventually formed the basis of his “Knowing” manuscript. I actively participated and communicated regularly through his website platforms. Gary has always offered a means of sharing profound and provocative thoughts, ideas, and insights, and has offered teachings from very evolved spiritual wisdom passed to him, for which he has dedicated his life to share with those who showed interest. Gary has always welcomed all views and spiritual backgrounds and insights, and has always encouraged healthy debate on any global and universal issue.
I have fond memories of participating in Gary’s workshop seminars in Denver, Colorado, and in Durango, Colorado, in 2007, and recall the opportunity to learn about Societas res Divina, an organization of spiritual devotees, which, if asked, Gary can provide more detail. Thereafter, it seemed as if Gary changed his focus on continuing with SrD, as we did not have much follow-up in this regard.
Gary remains dedicated and continues to offer his knowledge and wisdom, and has great success with many in Japan. I am grateful for all I have learned from Gary and for Gary.
From John Walker, Director of Satellite Communications Engineering, retired.
Spiritual Hypnotherapist, Ph.D.
I’ve known Gary for close to 30 years. He is truly a modern mystic. I first read his book “Ascension” and then met him at an Expo in South Florida at a talk on the Akashic Records in the late 1990’s. I purchased his book, had a private reading, and began my own Akashic journey with his regular guidance. Since then, we’ve had many interactions through readings, classes, Q&A, dialogu,e and I’ve eagerly read and listened to all the material he has released over the years: Akashic Records, Astral Projection, Ascension, Healing, Manifesting, Enlightenment, What we are and our place in the Universe. Recently, I was looking back at his Ascension book I picked up in 1991, and realized he had included everything one needs to know and practice, even in that first book long ago. While prediction details change as life, the world, and circumstances unfold, his core messages and principles have been steadfast, consistent,t and pure. My life has expanded by knowing Gary, and I look forward to further adventures.
From Grace Altenau
Back in the 1980s, I began attending Gary Bonnell’s workshops in Dayton, Ohio. Though his teachings were spiritual, they were also very practical – I could apply what I learned to everyday life, which deepened my self-awareness and helped me see my place in the universe. Since the 1980s, Gary has given me personal Akashic Record readings. Each reading clarified my role within humanity and revealed the issues I’m working through in this lifetime. I still rely on his gift to access the Akasha to provide me further guidance on my life journey. I continue to follow Gary’s work with The Knowing Way Online, which provides wisdom in this complicated world.
From Rebecca Owens
“I’ve known Gary Bonnell for 20 years now. I was first introduced to him and his work by a friend who loaned me one of Gary’s books, I believe his seminal work, The Knowing. When my friend handed me the book, he said, “I consider this to be the truth.” Naturally, his comment piqued my interest, so I read it. This began my journey with teacher and mentor, Gary Bonnell. Over these 20 years, I have only benefited from the wisdom of Gary Bonnell. He and the information he shares have consistently guided me through many turns in my path…helping me navigate experiences with clarity and a conscious awareness of who I am. Make no mistake, he is committed to “truth,” his light is real, and his connection to students and friends runs deep.”
From Nancy Lee Dymond
A featured teacher for years at the annual Life Spectrums Conference in Pennsylvania, Gary Bonnell was an instrument of divine inspiration. His greatest talent was his ability to make us laugh at our human condition. He awakened in me a gentler attitude toward myself and others. Dropping the 'need to be right' is a key component of his teaching, one that helped me learn how to listen. During a brief personal conversation on the campus where you were presenting a lecture, I complained to you in a rather casual way that I couldn’t raise one arm above shoulder height because of the pain. You asked permission to look at it. You nodded and said, "Rotator cuff." Then you touched my shoulder at several places with the barest sense of contact. "Try it now," you said. There was no pain as I tentatively raised my arm above my head. Was I surprised? You bet! And so thankful. I then lowered my arm and raised it behind my back. "I couldn’t do this at all before!" He furrowed his brow and said, "Yeah, you need to stop doing that." Gary Bonnell, spiritual adept, was answering questions after his lecture at Life Spectrums. My question: What is the strongest force in the universe? "That’s easy," he said. "Love. It’s love." Here's an anecdote that humorously illustrates the importance and meaning of dropping "the need to be right," as Gary Bonnell, brilliant way shower, counsels in every lecture. Higher consciousness might provide some delightful surprises to an open mind.
From Akiko Perut
I first came to know Gary over twenty years ago through his book Knowing Wisdom of Atlantis (2004).
At that time, I was not awakened at all, and I found the book very difficult to understand. However, I could clearly sense that what was written there was profound knowledge, that could never be learned within society.
Since that time, Gary has remained the best teacher to me in understanding the unseen world. More than anyone else I know, he explains the structure of the universe and the spiritual realms with extraordinary accuracy and detail. What is truly remarkable is that, despite this depth of knowledge, he himself is extremely humble and gentle.
Especially about his teachings on the Akashic Records, I feel that if he had not shared this knowledge with such clarity, and if he had not maintained a clear attitude of not positioning himself as a guru, there might have been many misunderstood or misleading spiritual leaders emerging in Japan during this time of ascension.
For this reason, I am deeply grateful not only for his teachings, but also for the way he has shown us how to stand as a spiritual leader. His integrity, humility, and respect for individual sovereignty have been just as important as the knowledge he shares.
I am very much looking forward to learning in this year’s course.
From Rika Yamashita
I have been studying under my teacher, Mr. Gary Bonnell, for many years. He translates the abstract concepts of metaphysics into logical, grounded wisdom, and he judges no one, accepting everyone exactly as they are. He is an extraordinary teacher who imparts wisdom not only through his words but through his very presence. I am deeply grateful to have met him and to be able to walk the path of the Knowing Way with absolute conviction.
From Keito Kinbara
Reading Gary Bonnell’s 2004 book "Knowing Wisdom of Atlantis" allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the systems and connections between the universe, the Earth, and humanity, and it opened up new perspectives. It is wonderful remembering what I truly am as a universal being.
From Yuko Yaginuma
Although I once felt distant from the word “enlightenment,” I came to realize that it deeply aligns with the way I truly want to live my life. The clarity and ease with which I am able to walk my path now comes from the fact that, over many years, Gary has consistently shared a message that is remarkably simple and steady. He is a teacher who gently illuminates the path ahead.
From Junko Inagawa
We intend to go beyond Japanese, beyond words, and reach many people around the world. Gary has given us great wisdom. Even more wonderful than that is the precious way he guides us to go beyond his shoulders and rise higher.
I feel deep gratitude that I was able to meet Gary on this timeline, and I understand the meaning of the words, “Everything is Mind.”
From Masako Ueno
At this great turning point of the Earth, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for Gary Bonnell’s presence and for the way he lives such an important path. Through each of his words, he continues to show us a way forward, and I am deeply thankful for that.
From Yuta Kaneko
Gary's presence and the teachings of Knowing that he shared have allowed me to experience life more freely and richly. These words cannot fully express the gratitude and joy I feel. With heartfelt gratitude.
From Mariko Laksmi
I thought I was going to end my life. Meeting Gary Bonnell gave me many important realizations. First, let's live a little longer. About twenty years have passed since then
I'm so grateful to my wonderful teacher, Gary Bonnell.
From Atsuko Inoh
I learned the Knowing Way from Gary, and my life has changed dramatically. The journey of Knowing begins with exploring "what I am." Reflecting on my life wasn't easy, and the days I spent working through the unconscious training I received from my parents and those around me were very unsettling and lonely. But Gary was always walking ahead of me on that path.
Based on his book, The Buick Driver, knowing that Gary had walked such a dark early-childhood path gave me courage, and I was able to move forward.
Gary is different from typical teachers. He shows us the way while also walking it himself, teaching us the Knowing Way through his very existence. He's more like a father or an older brother, a mentor in life, rather than just a teacher. He looks at us with love and without judgment, and for me, he is a truly precious presence.
If I hadn't met Gary, I might have continued living in a state of confusion, trapped in the self I mistakenly believed I was. But thanks to meeting Gary, I have decided to live Knowing and am walking through life with a clear intention. With heartfelt gratitude to Gary.
From Michiko Awano
Fifteen years ago, I was working at full capacity, trying to be perfect in all my ever-increasing roles. A good daughter, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, business owner... and I still had things I wanted to do, but it was becoming difficult to take on any more...When I expressed this in class, Gary said, "You can always be yourself."
At that moment, I wholeheartedly understood, and my friends around me told me that a light shone from my head. Since then, I have been able to be the same person in front of everyone.
Under Gary's guidance, I deeply learned what it means to be human and began to selectively accept or reject the thoughts of others that I had unconsciously absorbed.
By practicing non-judgment, my life became significantly easier, and for about seven years now, I have been living in a world where almost everything goes according to my wishes.
This has been accelerating, and in the last few months of 2025, I was able to accomplish a schedule that would seem reckless if I thought about it rationally.
It's truly just a matter of making a decision, and that's why I now realize how important it is what I decide. When I occasionally express my gratitude to Gary, he smiles and says, "You did it all yourself."
He never becomes a guru. He shows us through his actions that not becoming a guru who gains followers and admirers is the true path to wisdom. I was truly happy when he called me a "long-time friend." I think I am drawn to his sincerity. According to Gary, the evolution of humanity still has a long way to go. I have decided to dedicate the rest of my life to contributing to the evolution of humanity.
From Rieko Samos
Around 2019, I asked Mr. Bonnell if I could publish a book of our interviews in Japanese.
I thought this book would be useful to many Japanese people, but I didn't have much funding to publish it.
Mr. Bonnell kindly agreed to my request, without taking any profits. In the interviews, he spoke about the human soul, mind, body, and the future of the Earth. A few years later, the book was published in Japan as an e-book.
Note: When I got a session from Mr. Bonnell, he told me at that time that your relationship is going to go well if you could “compromise” a little more. Actually, I’ve got divorced now. I did not offer a little more compromise as he suggested. I’m happy to get divorced.
From Miho Otobe
I have been a student of Mr. Bonnell for ten years. I had long sought peace of mind and spiritual truth before that, and it was through him that I received practical teachings that are neither religious nor purely academic. He guides students toward truth with great warmth and humor, and at times with strictness, drawing on his broad, deep experience, knowledge, and intuition. The classes he creates with his interpreter, Yuriko, have a very welcoming atmosphere where earnest students deepen their learning through tears and laughter. I find his teachings--through his classes, readings, and writings--to be profoundly artistic and beautiful.
From Mayumi Sanechika
Thanks to everything Gary taught me, I'm truly enjoying every day and experiencing a life full of synchronicity.
Among the many things Gary has taught me, the realization that "human existence" is a trinity of "soul, spirit, and body" has allowed me to understand that I myself am a profound and precious being, and I can now live more easily.
The fact that I no longer have regrets about the past or anxiety about the future is a huge thing. I'm also looking forward to what will unfold in the future, such as how humans will transform and our relationship with extraterrestrial life.
The information from the Akashic Records also makes sense to me, and I can understand my own reincarnation. The meditation and pranayama techniques Gary taught me are also very effective in bringing about changes in myself. It's impossible to express all of this in just a few words.
I am so happy to have met Gary. I am filled with gratitude for him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
From Keiko Sakata
Visiting Gary in Santa Fe remains my most profound experience. His transformative presence triggered a difficult but necessary awakening, helping me release the harsh self-judgments I had carried as a woman. Gary conveys deep wisdom, yet the core of his message is simple enough for anyone to practice in daily life. I feel immense gratitude for his guidance in helping me let go of the past and return to who I truly am.
From Kyoko Ishikawa
I took the Akashic readings course and the Enlightenment course Gary offered. I have always gained more clarity and inspiration from Gary's words. Above all, the Enlightenment course truly broadened my mind and vision and changed how I perceive the world and people around me, and how I interact with them. I now feel more authentically myself and I see the world with more clarity than before. I gained a lot from the homework given by Gary during the course, which included journaling and coloring a coloring book with both hands with crayons. Through that homework, I released a lot of conflict and integrated layers of myself. Gary is a humorous, warm-hearted person who has intuitive clarity. Doing the work in Gary's courses felt safe and I could always be myself. It felt like we were enveloped by Gary's enormous love. Thank you, Gary, for showing us the way. You are my role model.
From Yumiko Ito
Through Gary’s teachings and music, I have experienced a gentle yet profound expansion of awareness. Listening to his music compositions while creating pastel art has helped me feel how sound, frequency, and consciousness can move beyond the mind and resonate directly within the body and heart. His work has supported me in releasing inner conflict, softening fear, and returning again and again to the present moment. I feel his guidance is steady, grounded, and deeply respectful of the human journey, and I am grateful to be walking this path alongside Gary. I thank him for all that he shares, and for being part of my unfolding journey.
By the way - I am currently studying psychology at university, and I often find that what I learn academically resonates deeply with what Gary teaches in his courses and writings.
From both a psychological and experiential perspective, I see how we humans are emotional beings, easily influenced by external stimuli, and how our minds and bodies can become overwhelmed by emotional fluctuations.
Through Gary’s teachings, however, I am experiencing a calm and grounded sense of “being here now,” even in this complex and diverse world we live in.
I truly feel that this inner stability has become possible because I was able to meet Gary and learn from him. The teachings he has shared, as well as practices such as pranayama breathing, align closely with what neuroscience describes, regulating heart rate, calming the nervous system, and bringing balance to both mind and body. While we are often affected by external pressures and emotional waves, I have come to experience that when we are anchored in our inner self, we can remain steady regardless of circumstances.
I grew up in a difficult environment and experienced abuse in my childhood.
Yet through listening to his talks and reading his books, I have learned how to reframe my experiences, to heal myself from within, and to move forward with compassion rather than fear. Looking back now, I truly feel that had I not met Gary, my life would have unfolded very differently. As Carl Rogers taught, when inner processes are supported and external interference is reduced, human beings naturally have the capacity to make the choices that are best for them. I feel his teachings embody this truth and have become profoundly meaningful and supportive in my life. Thank you from my heart for all that you share.
From Matiss
Thank you for sharing your profound wisdom with us in Japan. Gary revealed that there are two types of Akashic Records, which he deciphered from the Akashic Records themselves.
This was a shocking revelation for me. The fact that there are two types – the Book of Life Earth journey as a spirit, and the Akashic Records of the eternal soul, a cosmic creation was the most impactful discovery. These concepts, while seemingly simple, require a very deep understanding, and I am currently verifying this insight through my own senses and experiences.
The way of being a person who brings light to those around them simply through their presence is also the most satisfying conclusion for me.
In this modern age overflowing with miscellaneous channeling information, Gary's lectures, which provide a detailed and systematic understanding of the whole picture, are truly invaluable. I anticipate that future inhabitants of Earth will experience great surprise, joy, and hope as they learn about and experience these worlds.
I will continue on my path of exploration so that I can contribute to life in some way.
I only attended Gary's two-day course for basic Akashic reading, but the worldview that Gary presented has finally begun to resonate with my own senses. And since this worldview contains many aspects that no one else has yet defined, I believe its importance will be recognized as more and more people come into contact with it.