Book of Enlightened Masters: Western Teachers in Eastern Traditions [Paperback]

Andrew Rawlinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1998

This is the definitive and complete book about a phenomenon which did not exist a hundred years ago, but is now growing rapidly and dramatically changing Western culture -- the rise of Western (mostly American) teachers, who fill the role of guru or master.

A few books have appeared on some narrow aspects of this astounding phenomenon; this is the first book to survey the entire field. Encyclopedic in its scope, The Book of Enlightened Masters includes biographical essays on 140 spiritual teachers, giving their life stories and an account of their teachings. Yet it is also a user-friendly introduction, with a survey of the teachers and their teachings, a historical narrative of how and when the movement developed, and an evaluation of the issues raised by it.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Professor and religious historian Andrew Rawlinson has done a monumental service. With an effulgent wit and a critical eye he tells the stories of virtually all the teachers, East and West, who have had an impact on establishing Eastern religious traditions in the West. Three branches of Buddhism, two lineages of Sufism, and innumerable Hindu and independent teachers are all fully represented--from Swami Vivekananda to Alan Watts, Madame Blavatsky to Idries Shah, Ruth Fuller Sasaki to Pema Chodron. A 200-year time line, charts of lineages, and tables of significant groupings supplement Rawlinson's biographies to great effect. He details historical links and tangential relationships while deftly narrating controversies without taking sides. Find your own master in this guide to spiritual leaders.

From Library Journal

Not limited to Buddhism, this volume attempts to document all those, past and present, who could be said to teach in the West from the perspective of an Eastern tradition. This includes teachers of Sufism as well as self-styled teachers such as Gurdjieff and Alan Watts. Rawlinson (retired, Buddhism, Univ. of Lancaster, England) presents a useful source for patrons who are curious about a particular teacher or lineage. This fascinating, opinionated, and ambitious book is suitable for any library but will be most at home in larger public and academic collections. (LJ 7/97)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 650 pages
• Publisher: Open Court (December 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812693108
• ISBN-13: 978-0812693102
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,237,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will be more 'Enlightened' after reading this book, February 14, 2001

By 

Murasaki53 "Murasaki53" (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book of Enlightened Masters: Western Teachers in Eastern Traditions (Paperback)

Writing as one of Dr Rawlinson's former students at Lancaster University who remembers him as a charismatic, inspirational and controversial figure, I was delighted to find this book displaying these very qualities for which he was renowned. Although scrupulously fair to even the most dubious of the allegedly 'Enlightened' Masters, this does not turn the book into a turgid, non-judgemental exercise in academia. Instead the style is refreshingly readable and full of perceptive observations.Dr Rawlinson used to set us examination questions like, 'Vishnu is to Shiva as snooker is to all-in-wrestling.Discuss', and, 'God loves naughty boys (and naughty girls).How fair is this a summary of Tukaram's theology'. The same playful irreverence is also at work in this book but be sure about one thing:behind both of these seemingly flippant questions lay real academic issues, and Dr Rawlinson illuminates for you the relevant issues in the world of gurus,mystics and spiritual teachers in this comprehensive and wonderful guide. I would recommend it not simply as an outstanding book in its field but also as one of the best Religious Studies textbooks ever written, the perfect antidote to all those dry but efficient articles and books you have to wade through as a student.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good and necessary sourcebook, April 16, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Book of Enlightened Masters: Western Teachers in Eastern Traditions (Paperback)

As close to being complete as could possibly be expected, well and honestly written, and at times even entertaining, this book should simply be accepted for what it is: a biographical encyclopedia, not a fine-capture examination of the lives and teachings of hundreds of so-called "teachers" or "gurus". It will surely lead even the most seasoned reader of the western mystical literature down some interesting new rabbit trails.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kalaedoscope of beliefs - wonderful, April 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Book of Enlightened Masters: Western Teachers in Eastern Traditions (Paperback)

This is the book I've been searching for but couldn't find - until now. Rawlinson's background in Eastern Mysticism is well chronicled and he speaks with assured authority. He clearly lays out the lineage of many beliefs stretching from Blavatsky to contemporary pundits. I yearned for more detail... Excellent book.