Search for the Meaning of Life: Essays and Reflections on the Mystical Experience [Paperback]

Willigis Jager (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1995

This collection of gem-like reflections distills the most popular messages theauthor has delivered, along with responses from his hearers. He describes the basic routes by which people travel on their mystical quests, including controlled breathing, quiet sitting and reciting mantras--methods that lead to states of "non-thinking" that may produce lucid, even life-transforming insights.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 327 pages
• Publisher: Triumph Books; 1st edition (June 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089243774X
• ISBN-13: 978-0892437740
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,436,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and profound book; must reading for the sincere, October 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Search for the Meaning of Life: Essays and Reflections on the Mystical Experience (Paperback)

In 40 years of reading on mysticism I have never seen so fine a gem as Jager's book. He opens mysticism to all in a completely non-sectarian way. His book satisfies the hunger for meaning by means beyond the senses and reason. There are "how to" parts of this book too that are usable at once. Jager's book is the sum of his life work as a Catholic monk tutored early in Zen. The result is an open view of mystical thought and practice whatever the reader personally believes. I do not exaggerate when I say there is no other book like this and no other book of comparable meaning and value for life. I would give it 6 stars if I could.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clarity, Clarity, Clarity, April 3, 2000

By 

Robert Dolan (Colorado Springs, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Search for the Meaning of Life: Essays and Reflections on the Mystical Experience (Paperback)

This book IS the finest summary of mysticism I have read to date. The author describes the history and practice of the great Christian mystics e.g. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, but never fails to parallel with the Eastern non-Christian traditions such as Buddhism. This is very helpful for many who use both in their spiritual journey. The real treasure of this volume, however, is the author's clarity. I loved it.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A quiet, powerful book, August 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Search for the Meaning of Life: Essays and Reflections on the Mystical Experience (Paperback)

Words like clear, solid, sober, gentle, profound, whole, come to mind when trying to describe this book. It puts into simple words what you have previously grasped intuitively about your inner search and experience of the Divine. It is not a New Age work promising short-cuts to ecstasy. In fact, Jager stresses that emotional highs are not the goal but rather the goal is the awakening into a new life, which is our very same old life only transformed. Reading the book is like having a dialogue with a wise, calm and cautious spiritual director who carefully encourages us to pursue our promptings, which are nothing else than God calling us by name. While the book's orientation is Christian, Jager recognizes the unity of all contemplative paths. The only caveat, and it is by no means a reservation, is to be careful as you read Jager's description of depression as a process inherent in the path of transformation. It is not Jager's intent, but it would be unfortunate if his words would deter someone in the midst of suffering from seeking help. The reader should always remember that the goal is wholeness and health, even as he accepts and detects a purpose behind the pain she is going through.