Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers [Paperback]

Gruen Anselm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

The Christian hermits, ascetics, and monks of early history had deep insight into the nature and aspirations of humankind. Drawing on their experiences in the cloisters of the desert they became sought after mentors, teachers, and spiritual guides. This book is filled with poignant wisdom stories relating their message to modern daily life.

Editorial Reviews

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"In the final analysis, behind the insistence on asceticism lies a positive image of humanity. The monks believe that we can work on ourselves. We aren't completely at the mercy of our predispositions or our past upbringing. The monks don't try to find excuses for themselves in an education gone wrong; they don't put the blame for their lives on other people. They don't feel helplessly abandoned to their desires. Instead, they trust the power that God has given us, a power by which we can liberate ourselves from the obstacles that might hold us back from life."

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824518187
• ISBN-13: 978-0824518189
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #748,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heaven Begins Within You, July 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers (Paperback)

An Outstanding book, that we can incorporate into our daily lives, even though we are not monks. The practical knowledge is extremely useful in dealing with the human condition. It offers a fascinating perspective that wholeness with God can be obtained by exploring the depths of the human soul, instead of trying to reach the hights of God by our own works. The advice can certainly give us a new alternative to our debilitating habbits of unforgiveness and judgement. When something is over, it's over. These are words to live by. Also who am I to judge another when we are all so uniquely different. A tollerance and a compassion can be achieved with our fellow human beings with this new compelling philosophy. I highly reccomend this book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essencial book, January 18, 2002

By 

Adriana Gomes (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers (Paperback)

I have just loved reading this book because the author has provided us with essencial knowledge which means being closer to one's self,and finding God in happiness and sadness. The moving way he writes make us closer to ourself's , stimulates us to meditate about our shadows and lights and slowly incorporate everything that comes to us, transforming it all into a higher dimension.Finally, I would say that I have come to feel and experience God closer after reading this book.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars original spirituality, February 16, 2008

By 

Caiti - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers (Paperback)

Based on the writing of Evagrius this book presents the basic, down to earth approach to spirituality, using Christianity as a frame. Not the moral Christian theology loaded with the heavy burden of sin and condemnation but the fresh life affirming approach to your soul and to God. Like me, you do not need to be a "sworn Christian" to appreciate this book.
It is contemporary, eventhough it presents the ancient wisdom of the Desert Fathers. It's highly practical and inspiring, and it offers a really coherent guidance that connects psychology and religion. In our modern world this book tells you in which direction to look. It also helps you to walk your talk if you are really serious about your spiritual development. Buy it!