Practical Mysticism [Paperback]

Evelyn Underhill (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2000

Noted authority explains in simple, direct language how the practice of mysticism can raise spiritual consciousness, resulting in a better grasp of reality, improvements in efficiency and problem-solving skills, as well as a better reconciliation of duties and ideals to the ordinary demands of daily existence.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"God gives without stint all that the creature needs, but it must do its part. He gives the wheat: we must reap and grind and bake it." ?Evelyn Underhill

In these two classics, British poet and mystic Evelyn Underhill shows herself to be one of the most authoritative modern voices on mysticism. Written on the eve of World War I, Practical Mysticism reviews the works of the greatest Western mystics, including Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, and Thomas à Kempis. Underhill?s goal is to guide her readers on a journey toward mystical consciousness, to teach them to see the ?eternal beauty beyond and beneath apparent ruthlessness.? Abba, first published in 1940, takes as its starting point the seven phrases of the Lord?s Prayer, using them as a means to propel the self toward union with God. In these important works, Underhill brings an often esoteric subject onto a practical footing, showing that the profound gifts of mysticism are not only for the few but are within reach of us all. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Evelyn Underhill was the 20th century's most authoritative voice on mysticism. Poet, author, and lecturer, she played an instrumental role in defining the western spiritual path. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 84 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover ed edition (June 29, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486409597
• ISBN-13: 978-0486409597
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,368,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jewel of Mystical Insight, May 19, 2000

By 

Cameron B. Clark (Bristow, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Practical Mysticism (Paperback)

Taking things for granted is a veil that must be rent and Ms. Underhill's little book contributes to that liberation of mind which lets "divine sensation have its way" through "a directness of apprehension" which sees the Eternal in the midst of Time. According to Ms. Underhill, "mysticism is the art of union with Reality" and "a mystic is a person who has attained that union in a greater or less degree; or who aims at and believes in such attainment." With this definition, she leads the "normal person" of common consciousness on to understanding the uncommon path of the mystic whose consciousness is more intense, more extended and, therefore, more open to the REAL since it embraces life AS IT IS in a sacred and liberated way. But such apprehension must come only through self-simplification, a purification of both the senses and the will. What begins in "active" self-discipline through the first and second stages of contemplation continues with the third stage of effortless "infusion" and passive suffering, called by St. John of the Cross "the dark night of the soul". This last stage is necessary to "complete the decentralization of one's character, test the purity of one's love, and perfect one's education in humility." The last fragments of narrow-minded selfhood are destroyed and the perfect peace of absolute surrender to Divine Reality, enveloped in a union of love, is manifest. "God's action takes the place of man's activity."

Ms. Underhill's book is saturated with an experiential understanding of the great mystics which are referenced and quoted throughout. Names such as Plotinus, St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross, Kabir, Bonaventura, Ruysbroeck (her favorite mystic), Richard of St. Victor, Julian of Norwich, (Pseudo-)Dionysius, Thomas a Kempis, and anonymous works such as The Cloud of Unknowing and The Theologia Germanica all find their place alongside poets such as Keats, Whitman, and Blake. Before tackling Ms. Underhill's much thicker masterpiece "Mysticism", this slender volume is a fine place to start. It was a memorable reading experience and will always be readily available for reference.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic gem on Western Mysticism, June 12, 2006

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People and Abba: Meditations Based on the Lord's Prayer (Vintage Spiritual Classics) (Paperback)

I first encountered this book when I was an undergraduate student taking a Mysticism course in a Jesuit University. At the time, the book was out of print and the instructor thought it was so valuable he photocopied it for everyone in the class at his own expense. More than 20 years later, I agree with him that this book is unique and valuable. I also think that its message is still relevant to modern people and would rank it as a spiritual classic.

What makes this book valuable is that it cuts to the essence of what mysticism is and how it is relevant to everyday people living in the world. It is written in a lyrical almost poetical style, which is to say that the author has the power to make difficult concepts come alive with great impact and beauty.

There are many books on Western Mysticism, but this one is very concise and delivers the essentials in an easy to digest manner. While some of the language is outdated and the world has changed in many ways, the underpinning of man and the world have changed very little. This is why I still think Evelyn Underhill's message still applies and speaks across the decades directly to the human heart.

At times, there can be a bit of a moralistic tone. However, when viewed from the mystic's side of feeling unworthy of the experience of union with God they are having, this makes sense. When looked at from the human side, it can be a bit disconcerting. However, I think its analogous to the situation where two people who are really in love with each other, don't feel worthy of each other. This is the way I try to view these sections because basically a mystic is much like a lover in relation to the divine.

This book is only $10.00 and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if you are the least bit interested in Western Mysticism or any kind of mysticism. If you just mine the book for powerful quotes and analogies it is worth many times the cover price. I believe I own at least three copies of it because I keep lending it to people and not getting it back!

With respect to my background and spiritual inclinations, I am primarily a student of Eastern Traditions. However, this is one book that I feel helps bridge the gap between these two great traditions and is accessible to anyone.

40 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring book that relates mysticism with action, February 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Practical Mysticism (Paperback)

Underhill addresses the reader as the "practical man", but if you are able to get beyond that exclusive language, you will be challenged and stirred by her words. Why don't I wake up now and seek this Reality that is so readily available to me? Why don't I discipline my mind to meditate on the natural world and leave myself open to the possibilites of the divine? It's questions such as these that linger about me after reading Underhill's book. Written with a poetry that may seduce someone into thinking this is just fanciful navel-gazing, Underhill's words pack a wallop in that it challenges the reader to re-orient their perceptions to the divine and discover this reorientation as useful, practical, even necessary. If you ever wondered what made St. Francis of Assissi tick, or St. Teresa of Avila, or Florence Nightingale, Underhill's book offers some powerful insights.