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

by Harvey Andrew

Andrew Harvey 'I feel I have been waiting all my life to write this book, that it will represent the culmination and consummation of twenty-five years of seeking and inner experience and practice in many of the mystical systems of the world, and that there could not be a more important book for the contemporary seeker. As the times become more and more difficult and challenging, and the bankruptcy of all the inherited religions and mystical transmission systems becomes more and more starkly apparent, nothing is more essential, I believe, than to give people everywhere assurance and confidence that a direct approach to the Divine is possible; that anyone with good will, an open heart, and a commitment to serious, humble practice can attain it; and that this direct contact can work in very powerful transformative ways to change completely, over time, the quality, direction and inner meaning of one's life.' The Direct Path is a major work by an author hugely respected, not only for the quality of his writing, but also for his ability to put across profound ideas in an astonishingly accessible way. Full of concrete practices, and rich in mystical feeling, this is a book which we are proud to be publishing on the Rider list, and one which will backlist for many years to come.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Mysticism, Religion

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

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.