The Speech of the Grail: A Journey Toward Speaking That Heals and Transforms (Studies in Imagination) [Paperback]

Linda Sussman (Author), Robert Sardello (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Imagination | Publication Date: January 1, 2000

In "Speech of the Grail," storyteller and ceremonialist Linda Sussman explores a new way to speak, one that heals and transforms. She takes for her guide Wolfram von Eschenbach's epic tale of the Grail, showing how it depicts a path of initiation toward healing speech-to "doing the truth" in word and action. "The Grail! The word stirs a deep response in the Western imagination. Joseph Campbell called the medieval stories where it is first mentioned 'the founding myth of Western civilization,' because 'according to this mythology, there is no fixed law, no established knowledge of god, set up by prophets or priests, that can stand against the revelation of a life lived with integrity in the spirit of its own brave truth.' Campbell and many other scholars, artists, and seekers have seen the Western wisdom path disclosed in the image of each knight entering the forest where no one else has made a path. The quest is to recover the elusive Grail, thereby returning its sustenance to the world. The presence of the Grail nurtures an invisible web of relationships that connect individual destiny to service of others and to the earth, thereby granting meaning." -Linda Sussman (from her introduction) Sussman begins with a beautiful retelling of the story, allowing readers to inwardly reproduce the potent inner images of the text. Then she shows that it is not so much a path toward perfection as a recovery of the proper relationship with our own imperfections. She shows, too, that it is a path in which male and female aspects work together to overcome evil.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An authentic gift that resonates and restores faith in living communication, spiritual longing, and community." -- Laura Simms, storyteller

"An excellent addition to the literature on the Grail." -- John Matthews, scholar and author of The Grail: Quest for the Eternal

"Fascinating meditation on the twelfth-century telling of the Grail story reveals the myth as an initiatic investigation." -- Jane Hirshfield, author of Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry

About the Author

LINDA SUSSMAN, after training as a psychotherapist, completed a doctorate in Spiritual Psychology and Oral Tradition at the Union Institute. She lives in Portland Oregon, where she teaches storytelling and mythology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Lindisfarne Books (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 094026269X
• ISBN-13: 978-0940262690
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #459,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Speech of Our Age, March 16, 2005

By 

Eric G. Muller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Speech of the Grail: A Journey Toward Speaking That Heals and Transforms (Studies in Imagination) (Paperback)

THE SPEECH OF THE GRAIL by Linda Sussman is one of the most insightful books dealing with the enigmatic secrets contained within Wolfram von Eschenbach's epic PARZIVAL. Each of the 16 chapters of this medieval masterpiece is treated with meticulous care, offering the reader a thorough outline of the plot, as well as an indepth study of the manifold themes. Linda Sussman is able to throw light on the universal truths of this grail romance with remarkable -- almost uncanny -- clarity. The book speaks to the various stages of development that human beings inevitably traverse once they set out on their individual spiritual journies. In that respect it can helps us strengthen our resolve to remain inwardly active, to recognize the lawfulness of our diversified lives, and to face the numerous challenges that life holds in store for us. The grand imaginations of PARZIVAL are a source of soul spiritual nourishment, and THE SPEECH OF THE GRAIL helps us to understand them. For this enlightening work I am truly thankful.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual guide filled with deep thoughts, February 5, 2005

By 

LesfromNJ "Les" (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Speech of the Grail: A Journey Toward Speaking That Heals and Transforms (Studies in Imagination) (Paperback)

Parzival by Eschenbach is story of the spiritual development of a young man who "is slowly wise." In this book, Linda Sussman weaves the details of Parzival's spiritual awakening with insights into the changes that Parzival must undergo. Well researched and written, this is a must read for anyone seeking spiritual truths. Highly recommended!

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable journey, December 3, 2000

By 

Phil Nichols (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Speech of the Grail: A Journey Toward Speaking That Heals and Transforms (Studies in Imagination) (Paperback)

The author has taken an old fable and found a remarkable new way of viewing it. I found it to be both interesting and very readable.