Practical Mysticism Annotated


Book Description

Practical Mysticism is a book written by Evelyn Underhill and first published in 1915. In this book Underhill sets out her belief that spiritual life is part of human nature and as such is available to every human being. Underhill's practical mysticism is secular rather than religious, since "it is a natural human activity




Practical Mysticism


Book Description

Practical Mysticism is a book written by Evelyn Underhill and first published in 1915. In this book Underhill sets out her belief that spiritual life is part of human nature and as such is available to every human being. Underhill's practical mysticism is secular rather than religious, since "it is a natural human activity." In the following paragraph, Underhill defines the meaning of the phrase "Practical Mysticism" Therefore it is to a practical mysticism that the practical man is here invited: to a training of his latent faculties, a bracing and brightening of his languid consciousness, an emancipation from the fetters of appearance, a turning of his attention to new levels of the world. Thus he may become aware of the universe that the spiritual artist is always trying to disclose to the race. This amount of mystical perception-this 'ordinary contemplation', as the specialist call it, -is possible to all men: without it, they are not wholly alive. Source Wikipedia




Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity


Book Description

Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity offers a comparative study of the works of the Sufi-poet Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273) and the practical teachings of the German Dominican, Meister Eckhart (c1260-1327/8). Rumi has remained an influential figure in Islamic mystical discourse since the thirteenth century, while also extending his impact to the Western spiritual arena. However, his ideas have frequently been interpreted within the framework of other mystical, philosophical, or religious systems. Through its novel approach, this book aims to reformulate Rumi’s practical mysticism by employing four methodological principles: a) mysticism is a coherent structure with mutual interconnection between its parts; b) the imposition of alien structures to interpret any particular mysticism damages its inward coherency; c) practical mysticism consists of two main parts, namely practices and stages; and d) the proper use of comparative methodology enables a deeper understanding of each juxtaposed system. Eckhart’s speculative mysticism, which differs from and enjoys similarities with the love-based mysticism of Rumi, provides a "mirror" that highlights the special features of Rumi’s practical mysticism. Such comparison also allows a deeper comprehension of Eckhart’s practical thought. Offering a critical examination of practical mysticism, this book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of Islamic studies, comparative mysticism, and the intellectual history of Islam.




Practical Mysticism


Book Description

Evelyn Underhill (1875 -1941) was a prolific and very popular writer on mysticism and spirituality in the first half of the 20th century, and I am increasingly convinced that she speaks to us today. While she began her writing life as a novelist and poet, she found her vocation in making the profound and at times mysterious inner life of saints, contemplatives and mystics interesting, and even accessible to her many readers. Practical Mysticism, a Little Book for Normal People, is an excellent place to meet Underhill for the first time, or to refresh your knowledge of her work. It is a more condensed read than Mysticism, but equally rich in references to mystics such as Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, and while Underhill draws examples from the Christian tradition, her approach is pragmatic rather than doctrinally insistent, and she is interested in the spiritual growth of individuals far more than the activities of group worship. This is a public domain text edited and with an introduction by Dr Sarah Law, whose PhD (1997) included a study of Underhill.




Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity


Book Description

Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity offers a comparative study of the works of the Sufi-poet Jalal al-Din Rumi (1207-1273) and the practical teachings of the German Dominican, Meister Eckhart (c1260-1327/8). Rumi has remained an influential figure in Islamic mystical discourse since the thirteenth century, while also extending his impact to the Western spiritual arena. However, his ideas have frequently been interpreted within the framework of other mystical, philosophical, or religious systems. Through its novel approach, this book aims to reformulate Rumi’s practical mysticism by employing four methodological principles: a) mysticism is a coherent structure with mutual interconnection between its parts; b) the imposition of alien structures to interpret any particular mysticism damages its inward coherency; c) practical mysticism consists of two main parts, namely practices and stages; and d) the proper use of comparative methodology enables a deeper understanding of each juxtaposed system. Eckhart’s speculative mysticism, which differs from and enjoys similarities with the love-based mysticism of Rumi, provides a "mirror" that highlights the special features of Rumi’s practical mysticism. Such comparison also allows a deeper comprehension of Eckhart’s practical thought. Offering a critical examination of practical mysticism, this book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of Islamic studies, comparative mysticism, and the intellectual history of Islam.




Writings of Evelyn Underhill (Annotated)


Book Description

With: Historical commentary Biographical info Appendix with further readings For nearly 2,000 years, Christian mystics, martyrs, and sages have documented their search for the divine. Their writings have bestowed boundless wisdom upon subsequent generations. But they have also burdened many spiritual seekers. The sheer volume of available material creates a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Enter the Upper Room Spiritual Classics series, a collection of authoritative texts on Christian spirituality curated for the everyday reader. Designed to introduce 15 spiritual giants and the range of their works, these volumes are a first-rate resource for beginner and expert alike. Evelyn Underhill, a 20th-century British spiritual writer and retreat leader, is widely known for her compelling exploration of the spiritual life. Underhill offers profoundly simply advice on opening ourselves to God. This volume includes a cross-section of her letters and her published retreat and radio talks.




Into the Region of Awe


Book Description

David C. Downing explores mysticism as a part of C. S. Lewis's faith and writing. He addresses both the influence on Lewis by mystical writers of his own day and the threads of mysticism evident in Lewis's works.




Practical Mystic


Book Description

Science and religion have long been thought incompatible. But nowhere has this apparent contradiction been more fully resolved than in the figure of A. S. Eddington (1882-1944), a pioneer in astrophysics, relativity, and the popularization of science, and a devout Quaker. Practical Mystic uses the figure of Eddington to shows how religious and scientific values can interact and overlap without compromising the integrity of either. Eddington was a world-class scientist who not only maintained his religious belief throughout his scientific career but also defended the interrelation of science and religion while drawing inspiration from both for his practices. For instance, at a time when a strict adherence to deductive principles of physics had proved fruitless for understanding the nature of stars, insights from Quaker mysticism led Eddington to argue that an outlook less concerned with certainty and more concerned with further exploration was necessary to overcome the obstacles of incomplete and uncertain knowledge. By examining this intersection between liberal religion and astrophysics, Practical Mystic questions many common assumptions about the relationship between science and spirituality. Matthew Stanley's analysis of Eddington's personal convictions also reveals much about the practice, production, and dissemination of scientific knowledge at the beginning of the twentieth century.




Illuminating the Way


Book Description

Popular author of eight books and abbess of the online retreat center Abbey of the Arts, Christine Valters Paintner explores how the lives and spirituality of twelve monks and mystics offer distinct patterns of thought that will lead you to a deeper understanding of your strengths and areas of growth and will guide you on the path to your true spiritual identity. In Illuminating the Way, Christine Valters Paintner takes you on a journey through your inner life accompanied by twelve great monks and mystics from the Christian tradition. Each figure invites you to discover the energy and potential of a particular archetype--the inner sage in Benedict; the inner visionary in Hildegard of Bingen; and the inner orphan in Dorothy Day. From the prophet Miriam of the Hebrew scriptures to twentieth century monk Thomas Merton, Paintner offers an array of challenging and enlivening models to explore. Paintner is beloved by readers for her creative practices, guided meditations, and beautiful prayers and poems, and she has included all of these elements in her new book to further explore the image associated with each mystic. Her insightful reflections on key selections of each mystic's writings will help you gain greater self-knowledge and experience a deeper encounter with God. Each chapter also includes a full-color painting of each monk or mystic by Marcy Hall with commentary by Paintner and scripture passages and mediations by Paintner's husband, John. Supplemental materials, including a CD with music, a DVD with movement prayers, and a book that includes images, poems, and music notations are available on Paintner's website AbbeyoftheArts.com.




The book of hermetic secrets: Illustrated and annotated edition


Book Description

Dive into the fascinating world of Hermetic mysteries. This special edition invites you to explore the depths of spiritual and alchemical wisdom that has captivated truth seekers for centuries. In this unique volume, you'll find an exceptional combination of ancient knowledge and practical tools to apply these teachings in your daily life. Each page is carefully illustrated to transport you to a world of symbolism and hidden wisdom. Accompanying the essential teachings of The Emerald Tablet and The Kybalion, you will find annotations that provide a deeper understanding of the original texts. These annotations guide you through the key concepts, helping you to uncover hidden layers of meaning in every word. But this work goes beyond mere theory. Within its pages, you'll discover meditations and practical applications designed to integrate these teachings into your everyday life. You'll learn how to use Hermetic principles to elevate your consciousness, transform your thoughts, and manifest the reality you desire. Explore the principles of correspondence, vibration, polarity, and cause and effect. Discover how to apply the law of mentalism and the law of attraction in your own experience. As you delve deeper into these teachings, you will journey into the mysteries of the universe and the very essence of your own being. 'The Book of Hermetic Secrets' is an invitation to explore the hidden treasures of ancient wisdom. Immerse yourself in this illustrated and annotated edition, and let these teachings transform your life in a profound and meaningful way. Prepare for a fascinating journey into inner knowledge and spiritual expansion. Hermetic wisdom awaits, and now it is within your reach.