The Aspiring Mystic: Practical Steps for Spiritual Seekers (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Are you an Aspiring Mystic?

From Thomas Merton to Paramahansa Yogananda, from Rumi to William Blake, from Hildegard of Bingen to Joan of Arc -- the most compelling and fascinating spiritual figures in every age and every culture are the mystics, those men and women who attain enlightenment, union with God, or an on-going sense of Divine presence in their lives. How can spiritual seekers in today's world learn from the great mystics -- and perhaps even cultivate our own share of mystical awareness?

Carl McColman never set out to be a mystic; but when he was sixteen years old, an unexpected experience at a church youth camp set him on a lifelong pursuit of mystical knowledge. His quest took him to the austerities of medieval Christianity, the mental discipline of Zen Buddhism, and the earthy spirituality of shamanism and tribal religions. Along the way, he began to identify the key universal themes and practices of mysticism. This book, as a non-sectarian handbook for serious mystical seekers, presents a simple but powerful introduction to practical spirituality.

Written in a conversational and at times humorous style, the book blends personal anecdotes with stories and insights from various mystical traditions. Woven throughout the text are "practical steps" -- easy to follow suggestions of specific actions anyone seeking a mystical spirituality can do. With tips on how to study meditation, finding a supportive community, letting go of attachments and addictions, and learning to value love over extraordinary experience, the sensible advice in this book can help anyone transform their life from the mundane to the mystical.

"Anyone who is an aspiring mystic should read this book. It is a wise yet practical guide for the sacred journey into the mysteries of the soul." -- Denise Linn, author of "Sacred Space" and "Altars"

From the Author

When I was sixteen years old, I had an amazing experience of Divine love. It was what the great saints of many religious traditions call "a mystical experience." Ever since then I have been a seeker, committed to cultivating my sense of connection with the Sacred through disciplines such as meditation and contemplative prayer.

As part of my journey, I have fallen in love with the wonderful tradition of mystical literature -- the writings of great visionaries like Julian of Norwich, Thomas Merton, and the anonymous author of "The Cloud of Unknowing." It has been my experience that reading the writings of great mystics has been an inspiration for my own spiritual development. That has been one reason why I wanted to become a writer -- knowing how much inspiration I have received from mystical books, I have hoped my words might be of some help to others.

I make no claim of being an accomplished mystic like Julian or Merton -- which is why I call this book "The Aspiring Mystic." Maybe you are like me -- you aspire to the transformational love and joy that the mystical life promises. If so, then I hope you might find my little book of use. It is partly a memoir of my own mystical and spiritual experiences, partly a meditation/reflection on the universal nature of mystical spirituality, and partly a list of practical steps that anyone who wishes to cultivate their own mystical spirituality can undertake. My hope is that readers will find it a beneficial tool to guide them on starting, or continuing, their own spiritual practice.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 241 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580624162
• ISBN-13: 978-1580624169
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #217,702 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book for the spriritual seeker, March 11, 2001

By	Anoop Ghanwani (Rocklin, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book contains lots of great, practical advice for the "aspiring mystic" -- someone on a journey of spiritual seeking and growth. This is one of the most easy-to-digest books on spirituality that I've read. Carl McColman talks about his experiences with spiritual growth and how one becomes an eternal seeker. He stresses on the process rather than achieving a goal, something that I fully agree with. He also stresses that one should choose a path that one feels comfortable with, although he does make several references to how one can tell if one is on the right path.

Many books on spirituality are hard to read because they are so abstract and it's hard for one to relate to the writings. This book is different because the author draws references to some of life's simple experiences that help one understand the point that he is trying to make. Plus this book is not about any specific religion...it draws on examples and teachings from many different religions.

I think the book makes an excellent read. For someone just beginning a journey of spiritual growth, this books offers a lot of sound, practical advice. Of course, Zen philosophy says that one is always a beginner!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Start, August 31, 2007

By	Marylin M. Butorac "aunti em" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A nice introduction to the mystic life in today's world for the beginner or a nice review for those more studied.