Traditionalism: Religion in the Light of the Perennial Philosophy [Hardcover]

Harry Oldmeadow (Author), Kenneth Oldmeadow (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 9559028049 | ISBN-13: 978-9559028048 | Publication Date: April 2000

In this, the first wide-ranging study of the 'traditionalist' or 'perennialist' school of twentieth-century thinkers, the author discusses the vital significance of their writings for the contemporary world, particularly in relation to the convergence of religious traditions and the destructive impact of modernity. This book opens with a presentation of the three pre-eminent figures in this movement-René Guénon, Ananda Coomaraswamy, and Frithjof Schuon-now widely regarded as the foremost exponents in the modern era of The Perennial Philosophy, that timeless wisdom which lies at the heart of all religious traditions. Their writings, as well as those of Titus Burckhardt, Marco Pallis, Martin Lings, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, and others, are dedicated to the elucidation of the metaphysical and cosmological principles that inform the perennial wisdom, and to the explication of the manifold ways in which these principles found concrete expression in traditional societies. While affirming the essential unity of all religions, traditionalism is concerned with preserving the particular forms that give each religious heritage its raison d'être while at the same time ensuring its spiritual efficacy. This book explains why no one engaged in religious and cultural studies can afford to disregard the urgent message of the traditionalists, who have reminded a forgetful world-in a manner that can be ignored but not refuted-of those principles which everywhere and always remain true. It also demostrates why any reassessment of contemporary values-now increasingly called into question-must take into account the profound traditionalist critique of the modern Western worldview.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 225 pages
• Publisher: Sri Lanka Inst of Traditional (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9559028049
• ISBN-13: 978-9559028048
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,955,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harry Oldmeadow was born in 1947 and as child spent nine years in India where his parents were missionaries. He studied at the Australian National University, Sydney University and St Johns College Oxford. He is currently the Coordinator of Religion and Spirituality Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo, in central Victoria, Australia. His principal interests include the perennialist movement (as exemplified by René Guénon, Frithjof Schuon, Titus Burckhardt and others), mysticism, the spiritual encounter of East and West, primal traditions such as those of the American Plains Indians and the Australian Aborigines, and the environmental debate. His recreational interests include hiking, photography, reading and following the Collingwood Football Club. He lives with his wife and three dogs on a small property in Mandurang, outside Bendigo.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great work of scholarship, September 20, 2002

By 

L. J. McKinnon "Christian Platonist" (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Traditionalism: Religion in the Light of the Perennial Philosophy (Hardcover)

Kenneth Oldmeadow's book is a very readable and well researched survey of the Traditionalist school. The positions of its three main luminaries, Guénon, Coomarswamy and Schuon, are explored in the chapters devoted to each one of these thinkers, and some interesting biographical information is also provided. There is also a survey of some of the other traditionalists, as well as assessments, in the light of traditionalist thought, of some of the various characters and religious movements which have impacted on the modern sense of the sacred. Oldmeadow also pays close attention to the traditionalist critique of modern science. This book is an important intellectual history of a movement that has been unduly neglected by the academic world.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterly publication, August 23, 2004

By 

Sewjournal - See all my reviews

This review is from: Traditionalism: Religion in the Light of the Perennial Philosophy (Hardcover)

This is a must for anyone interested in Traditionalism. The author presents the major exponents and explains their positions clearly. It is well researched and beautifully written.