Franklin Merrell-Wolff's Experience and Philosophy: A Personal Record of Transformation and a Discussion of Transcendental Consciousness: Containing ... an Object and His Pathways Through to Space

by Franklin Merrell-Wolff

Here is an account of the enlightenment experience and its consequences written by a trained philosopher and mathematician who is also a master of English prose. Merrell-Wolff experienced enlightenment, became established in the state, and wrote clearly about the value and nature of the knowledge he attained. This is a record of transformation in consciousness written during the actual process itself, supplying an unusually intimate view.

The author faces the epistemological problem directly-the problem of demonstrating the reality and value of knowledge springing from mystical roots. He gives serious attention to the philosophical and psychological criticism, writing with an eye to the pitfalls indicated by such criticism. He did not write only for those who believe easily.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality

458 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Franklin Merrell-Wolff was an American mystic and esoteric philosopher. After formal education in philosophy and mathematics at Stanford and Harvard, Wolff devoted himself to the goal of transcending the normal limits of human consciousness. After exploring various mystical teachings and paths, he dedicated himself to the path of jnana yoga and the writings of Shankara, the expounder of the Advaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy.

Reviews

[Tiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for any of Merrel-Wolff's work this is it. The cover art correctly indicates that this is both "Pathways Through to Space" and "Philosophy of Consciousness Without and Object". I think both books should be together as they allow a much more holistic grasp of what's being discussed. As such the book is excellent. Before I got the book I heard the description of this book being the outcome of possibility from Jñāna Yoga and I came to like that description and echo that comment here.

While I have my own handles to what's used here as consciousness-without-an-object, SPACE, and the like I can see how it can help transition someone to get their handle. While there are certain points I disagree with I disagree in a way that wishes a discussion with the author. Often times I'd raise some concern which is also raised by the author latter in the text. As such it's hard to say what is thought to what is written in relation to the context of where its written.

I would like to mention a problem I had with the text that didn't take away any of my enjoyment. When taking words that point to That, Other, etc. I don't believe they should be referenced in restrictive wording. When the author uses words like Nirvana he uses it based on certain authors/minds understanding of the word. He mentions these in the book. He also mentions the problem about authors not using it the same way in multiple locations. This happens all the time. One author's account of a mystical experience of Unity and its attainment might not be that of another. It can get difficult to understand the thing being pointed at by these words. Many people find some words that seem to echo the experience and then possessing it. I think that you can reach up and reach across, but you shouldn't reach down when explaining such things. By reaching up you are allowing yourself not to think you have the full definition and allow that definition to be more full. You are allowing it to open itself to being more than you understand it to be currently. When you are reaching across you can get closer to by some kind of relation allowing it to still express itself. However, there are wordings that reach down and deflate the thing. "x is nothing but y", "x is just y", "x is simply y", and etc. deflate and reduce the word/symbol/handle to the thing on the opposite side of the equation.

[Eesseboe Kwami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful. Intellectually stimulating and spiritual awakening.

[Michael Russo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gibberish, pure gibberish.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rational and poetic account of a quarter-century of mystical experience by a modern Westerner who happened to be a trained philosopher. Equal parts diary, philosophical treatise, and dialogue with the transcendental. I don't remember how I learned of this book, but it is pure light.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful recounting of an enlightenment experience written from the perspective of a Western-oriented philosopher. Found it to be very helpful in interpreting some of the assertions made in Eastern mystical texts that don't translate easily.