Encyclopedia of Spirituality: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life [Hardcover]

Timothy Freke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2000

"To each person that way is the best way which appears easiest and appeals most."--Ramana Marharshi, Hindu sage. Many roads will lead you to a place of joy, and of oneness with the world. But which spiritual beliefs, rituals, and ideas will fire your imagination, and enable you to penetrate the profound mysteries of existence? The precious wisdom contained in this wide-ranging and lushly illustrated encyclopedia can transform ordinary life into an extraordinary journey of awakening. Beginning with an exploration of the great spiritual traditions, and how they really are "one river to the same sea," delve into the various branches of Shamanism, Hinduism, Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and even modern "cults" like Scientology. Expand awareness through practices--smudging, saying mantras, studying sacred texts, and dozens more--designed to foster new insights and promote self-knowledge. Learn from the most profound teachings of all time, the perennial lore and understanding of the mystics, saints, and sages. A rich source of spiritual advice, comfort, and perceptiveness. 256 pages (all in color), 8 1/4 x 10 7/8.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The histories and mysteries of spirituality are thoroughly explored in this bountifully illustrated book. Solidly organized into four sections--"Spiritual Traditions," "Spiritual Practices," "Spiritual Teachings," and "Information at a Glance"--Encyclopedia offers brief, expertly written essays explaining everything from Yoga's role in Hinduism to the spiritual use of psychedelic drugs. Stellar images and graphics enhance every page, giving this encyclopedia coffee-table elegance.

Author Timothy Freke has an outstanding track record for taking complicated topics and turning them into clear and intriguing reads--as shown in previous works such as The Illustrated Book of Sacred Scriptures and Zen Wisdom. The overall vision behind his The Encyclopedia of Spirituality shines through as Freke opens the many doorways to understanding God. The book also explains numerous spiritual practices such as magic, sacred plants, repentance, and vision quests. Although the book's subtitle promises life transformation, Encyclopedia could also be billed as a book that teaches readers the value of spiritual diversity on a global scale. When all is read and done, seekers will find themselves grateful that spirituality still thrives in so many unique arenas. --Gail Hudson

From Publishers Weekly

This dazzling coffee-table volume offers one-stop shopping for nearly all the world's major spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, Shamanism, the New Age movement, paganism and "natural spirituality." One chapter explores the role of psychedelic drugs in cultivating spirituality, while another narrows in on "The Way of the Artist" (this one is heavy on William Blake). Freke, a self-described mystic and philosopher, focuses far more on practice than belief, emphasizing the ways individuals can develop their spirituality through yoga, meditation, dance, Tai Chi, prayer, koans, pilgrimage and retreat, music, dreams and "sacred sensuality," among other paths. The book's breadth is indeed encyclopedic; Freke sometimes only skims the surface of complex ideas in order to achieve greater inclusivity. World religions, he says, are "different rivers running to one sea of Truth." The book's strength lies in its remarkable visuals; every page features full-color art, and the well-designed layout is simply a treat. Many photographs feature individual spiritual practitioners demonstrating the techniques discussed, such as keeping a dream diary, infusing everyday chores with spiritual meaning and kneeling down to pray. Readers seeking informative depth will not glean much from this guide's breathless aromatherapy-to-Zen approach, but it's certainly an attractive introduction, easy on the eyes. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806999055
• ISBN-13: 978-0806999050
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #507,722 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What! You mean my belief is not the only one., December 1, 2000

By 

Jonathan D (Wellington New Zealand) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Spirituality: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life (Hardcover)

Particularly helfuly as an introduction to spirituality on a broad scale. This book is writen in four parts. Part one Spirtual traditions, Part two Spiritual practices, Part three Spiritual teaching and part four has a glossary, and further reading list, etc. The first part deals broadly with Shamanism, hinduism, christianity, Psychedelic drugs, Zen, Islam etc. The second part introduces you to the actual practices from prayer to communing with nature to Devotion to Ritual and so on.

Part three as the book says is a study of the timeless teachings to be found at the heart of all spiritual traditions, and how we can use them to enrich our lives, explaining concepts such as suffering, forgiveness, grace and effort, fear, love and mystical union and so on. This book realy helped me see the falsehood in the claim that only one religion, practice or belief is correct and the rest simple misguided, this book lets you see what feels right for you personaly. Another important book is prometheus rising by Robert Anton Wilson, it can help you break out of your reality tunel and start seeing that the map of New York is not New York.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for opening the doors to other Spiritual tradition, October 25, 2002

By 

El Brujo "Brujo Hechisero" (Lowell, Ma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Spirituality: Essential Teachings to Transform Your Life (Hardcover)

A Wise person once told me. "Religion is another group of people's way to God; Spirituality is your way to God." Ever since then, though I respect many religious traditions, and being Initiated and Ordained as a Santeria Priest of Orisha Ochun.

This book is really beautiful, full of bright pictures, meditations and the belief systems from every corner of the globe. This book has it all, Christianity, Hinduism, Paganism, African Spirituality, Zen and Shamanism. Various forms of Spiritual beliefs which really enforce the ancient saying. "All Roads lead to God." A beautiful book to be kept in your coffee table as it will defiantly spawn many interesting conversations with guests. Also a good book for those who are just starting out on their road in Spirituality, this book has excellent Meditation exercises, as well as so much basic information, that it will open your yearning for wanting to learn more. The book ends with an awesome "further reading section." that has an excellent resource on other really good books.