Handbook for the Spirit

by Marianne Williamson (Foreword), Richard Carlson (Editor), Benjamin Shield (Editor)

In Handbook for the Spirit, an extraordinary group of thinkers and teachers, including Andrew Harvey, Sue Bender, Rev. Michael Beckwith, Barbara De Angelis, and Marianne Williamson, celebrate their personal experiences of the divine. Previously published as For the Love of God , the book features the Dalai Lama on the central importance of kindness; Sue Bender on the small miracles of everyday life; Brooke Medicine Eagle on the Great Spirit; and Joseph Goldstein on the Dharma. Included are Rabbi Harold Kushner on how God appears in relationships, Brother David Steindl-Rast on perceiving the divine through the senses, and 19 other contributors. Each author shares what it is like to have a personal relationship with a higher spirit, how this relationship developed, and how it manifests in his or her life, relationships, and career. Most significantly, the authors offer insight into how readers can enhance their connections with a higher source. Handbook for the Spirit offers both hope and purpose in a world deeply in need of both.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

About the author

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed lecturer, activist, and author with six New York Times bestsellers. Her books include Tears to Triumph, A Return to Love, A Year of Miracles, The Law of Divine Compensation, The Gift of Change, The Age of Miracles, Everyday Grace, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, and A Course in Weight Loss. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah and Good Morning America.

Reviews

[Stephanie Barko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the July, 2025 selection for South Austin Spiritual Book Group.

With 14 of us discussing this anthology, we agreed that the essays had some real gems in their diverse approaches to faith in both beliefs and expression.

I especially noted these quotations.

"God is a verb."
- Buckminster Fuller

"Silence and solitude provide the best atmosphere for apocalyptic warfare with whatever evils dominate the world. It is important at the beginning of the day to think of ourselves as warriors and to engage in combat with the evils of the world, not merely to enjoy the day in a solipsistic way."
- Father William McNamara

"What we believe will take us to God very quickly if practiced daily. The fatal mistake is waiting for life's circumstances to be right before we begin."
- Hugh Prather

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! For whomever is willing to walk a spiritual path this book is a delight to read. Different authors share with us their ideas about God, the divine, spirituality and life, as well as their experiences while searching for truth. I really think the planet would be a better place if we humans make an effort in becoming more loving, more free, more humble, more compassionate, more caring, and less arrogant, less intolerant, less judgemental. This book contains some guidelines to achieve this, or at least try to do so.

It was very interesting to read such a variety of philosophies and approaches to spirituality. I’m looking forward to read some of the books of these people. And I’m sure I’ll reread some parts of this book often.

[Neelam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a book to rush through. Really thoughtful and inspiring interpretations of God and our relationship with the divine.

[Ginger Heskett]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14346148

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing compilation of great spiritual thinkers and writers- a real treasure

[Laura Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the variety of opinions from so many different religious/spiritual people. The chapter that resonated most for me was by Hugh Prather.

[Marshall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am willing to accept that this may be a good book for you, but I didn't like it too much; in fact, there are sections where I only read the left-hand pages-- and I don't feel I missed anything.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world that seems so terribly fixated on our differences, it is nice to be reminder of the truly important things that we share. Handbook for the Spirit brings together some of the most well known people in the world (The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Thick Nhat Hanh, Brooke Medicine Eagle, and Wayne Dyer just to name a few) to share their view and experiences about spirituality. It doesn't seem to matter if they refer to God, Jesus, Buddha, Allah, or the universe, nature, or the I Am. The foundation is the same, that something connects us all as one.

There's something deeply touching about Handbook for the Spirit. As I read, I was reminded about the really important aspects of my life. Suddenly, all my petty cares and anxieties didn't seem so all consuming. I felt empowered. In that moment, I knew that interconnection that the author's spoke about and was renewed in my life purpose.

[Maura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book consisted of short (5 to 15 or so pages) chapters of discourses on god and spirituality by famous religious teachers of many faiths. I could relate to the chapters by Thich Naht Hanh on the "god" present in the beauty of the present moment, and by Joseph Goldstein on how the best translation of god in Buddhism is "dharma". The pages by Mother Theresa on the importance of giving what we can was familiar and surprisingly easy to read.

However, sections by other authors on being "spiritual" without invoking a monotheistic god left me confused and a little bored. What did they mean by "spiritual"? I would have preferred these authors be a little less philosophical and more practical.

The chapter on how Judeo-Christian religions are too patriarchal to be of benefit, and how we need to recognize the maternal earth-goddess in our "God" was interesting. However, the author seemed to be clinging too hard to the idea of a "God" to begin with. I wasn't hooked by her arguments.

[cat montoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is decieving to its vast content. There are original writings by many interesting people, with many different angles of spiritulism. Some I knew of others I didnt...but enjoyed reading it a little at a time. Ive been reading it on and off for the last year. The Dalai Lama , Mother Teresa, Sue Bender, Jean Shinoda Bolen , Wayne Drer, Babara De Angelis, Matthew Fox, Shakti Gawain, Thich Nhat Hanh and others.

[Rachel Kopel]

too many good books at the library sale on Sunday. I am so sorry that Richard Carlson died so young, I am just discovering his work. This is a collection of writings by everyone from the Dalai Lama to Huston Smith on God, spirit, a creator. Essays are short, but nice to have these bits to consider.

Also keeping this by the couch for revisiting, but moving to the READ file.

[Collin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a way to access to think about a Faith outside of a God figure.

[Bill Littell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of essays is readable and engaging. Many thinkers have contributed, all attempting an answer to the question: What is God/What is our relationship to God?

[Joy-Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this anthology from some of the best spiritual leaders around the world. We used it in my monthly book club, a section a month. It was beautiful, warm, and chock full of wisdom.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, to be read multiple times. Each essay is thought-provoking.

[Dveith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the essays are inspiring and thought provoking. A keeper.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing reflects the diversity of views and some speak more to me than others but David Steindl-Rast's entry is worth the whole book. There is so much in this book--drink slowly and savor it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful anthology for spiritual seekers.