The Direct Path: Creating a Personal Journey to the Divine Using the World's Spiritual Traditions

by Andrew Harvey

Today more Americans than ever consider themselves to be "spiritual" people, and yet attendance at religious institutions is down, perhaps because many of us are searching for a way to encounter the divine on our own terms. In this groundbreaking, eloquently written work, renowned religious scholar Andrew Harvey builds on his twenty-five-year study of the world’s various mystical traditions, from Buddhism to the Kabbalah, to create an illuminating spiritual map that anyone can use to develop a direct path to the divine without relying on churches, gurus, or other intermediaries. Perfect for anyone who yearns for fresh teachings and wisdom that will bring them closer to their life’s purpose and meaning, The Direct Path is an intelligent, beautifully crafted masterpiece from one of today's most celebrated and respected spiritual luminaries.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Mysticism, Religion

291 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Andrew Harvey is an author, religious scholar and teacher of mystic traditions, known primarily for his popular nonfiction books on spiritual or mystical themes, beginning with his 1983 A Journey in Ladakh.

From Wikipeadia

Reviews

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of this I REALLY liked and resonated with, while some of it felt too far from the Christian path for me to feel comfortable with. He actually speaks of this in the book—that some will feel more comfortable remaining within their own spiritual tradition’s unique “brand” of mysticism. That’s where I am presently, and I appreciate this book for helping clarify that for me. I do LOVE recognizing how universal “the direct path” is to all faith traditions, and I don’t see the Christian path as the “right” or “only” way—I just see it as the one that speaks most directly to me.

[Ludmila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am so disappointed with this book. I really wanted to like it. During the Introduction part, I felt like Harvey could provide me with a lot of new, fresh, inspiring thoughts. I felt strong compassion and connection to him, when he explained that during his childhood he got to know various religions, he realized all of them lead in the same direction, and that you do not need any intermediary to reach the goal.

I was served something completely different from what I had imagined. In explaining his idea about a direct path, Harvey basically came up with a whole new religion. It is his own religion, his own idea, his own dogmatic system. Instead of encouraging people to find their own way without the help of a religion, he is telling them to follow HIS way.

Harvey might think he is above the religion, but he is doing the same. Every religion started as a new way which thought itself to be better than any other religion. And Harvey is just gathering pieces of other teachings and putting them into his own little "tutorial." His lack of self-awareness makes it worse. If you really want to pursue connection with God and if you feel that religion cannot lead you in that way, please, do not waste your time on this new-agey chatter.

[Ellen Keener · Rating 5 out of 5]

An early book but worth reading again

[Louise Silk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a good book with many practices to bring one along the path.

I particularly noted the part on Rites of Passage that isn't covered so much in other practice books: adaption of Phowa Transference of Consciousness practice moving yourself to a new free body of light and essentialized Tonglen when you take on your suffering to free all others of their suffering- moving your pain and suffering beyond the personal.

[teri Ciacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous, accessible, very helpful work.