Customer Reviews

Complete Guide to World Mysticism Hb

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I enjoyed this book very much. What began as leisurely self-study did not culminate and actualize accordingly. An aspiring academic and truth-seeker, I found myself both compelled and sated by the authors' diligently unbiased presentation of the world's major religions.

As it is said, "less is more," and this cliche in particular rings quite true throughout the pages of this book. The authors did not have to cram down our throats the obvious truth that there are to be found numerous commonalities in most major religions...thereby making it apparent to even the most casual observer that there are absolute Truths to be found, in one form or another, in all worthy sects. (Though what truly makes a sect worthy? Not the point, and I digress.)

That we derived as a species in our various race-forms with consistent, unchanging and uncontested beliefs is compelling and convicting. This book will appeal to all those eager to study religion, as well as to those who wish to explore mysticism and the truths thereof on a higher, more academic (and experential) level.

What an outstanding, simplified look at the mystical traditions! The authors present a clear-eyed look at the major religions, identifying the common thread of mysticism that runs through all of them.

What I enjoyed about this book was how Mr. Freke & Mr. Gandy tied the world religions together. How spiritual ideas traveled across the world (there is a chronology of mysticism at the end of the book) and was blended into different cultures. Every culture gave their own distinct character to the basic idea of Oneness. That God is a inteligent force (my words) and how we must lose ourselves to find our true Self.

There is plenty of information on all the major religions plus at the end of the book mysticism outside religion. I feel that's important for people who are turned off by all religion. Read this book and find your own path or make your own.

It's written in an easy flowing style with tidbits of information that I was unfamiliar with. Anyone who desires to know God without dead dogmatic thoughts and lifeless creeds and allows them to be free to explore their inner life I recommend this book to read and own. Fascinating!

The authors themselves point out in the introduction that there can be no final and definitive statement about anything. This book is no exception. However, it is an extremely perceptive survey of the subject of mysticism. It clearly demonstrates the universal motivation of the mystic in all cultures- direct experience of the Divine over obedience to authority and dogma. Just the fact that they begin with an examination of shamanism and then show how great traditions such as Hinduism, Taoism and the western mystery schools owe their origins to it sets this book above most other surveys. Moreover, in insisting that mysticism is a living thing experienced by many seekers today both within and without the great religious traditions the book rises above dry as dust scholarly studies.

Chapter 1) Mysticism and Religion

Chapter 2) Shamanic Mysticism

Chapter 3) Hindu Mysticism

Chapter 4) Buddhist Mysticism

Chapter 5) Taoist Mysticism

Chapter 6) The Mystery Schools

Chapter 7) Jewish Mysticism

Chapter 8) Christian Mysticism

Chapter 9) Islamic Mysticism

Chapter 10) Mysticism Outside Religion

Chapter 11) The Essence of Mysticism

Chapter 12) Living Mysticism

The book is well illustrated with relevant line drawings and beautiful color full page plates. There is a detailed historical timeline, bibliography, and full index.

There are no "secrets" here, but then there are no secrets. Realization cannot be forced or demanded, as the authors tell us, but arises natural and spontaneously by Grace- providing we can at least temporarily manage to get our little ego out of the way.

"Each one of us is God playing a cosmic game of hide and seek with himself."--Timothy Freke

This book celebrates the riches of the many different mystical traditions-both religious and secular-from around the globe. It uncovers the very heart of mysticism and explores the colourful and spiritual practices at the core of all great religions and ancient cultures. Discover the mystical customs of the world's great religion. Learn about the ancient cultures at the root of mysticism. Follow the paths of the saints, sages and heretics. Discover mysticism in the modern world. Find your personal path to the mystical experience.

The title and reviews make this book very tantalizing and intriguing - and if its anything near the quality of the other book by the same authors (Freke & Gandy), "The Hermetica: Lost Wisdom of the Pharoahs" (by the same authors)....I want it, need it, got to have it!!