Achtsamkeit des Herzens

by David Steindl-Rast

When he declares that any sensuous experience is at heart a spiritual one: a divine revelation, Brother David brings us to our senses again. Our holy senses.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 1999

About the author

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer widely recognized for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and his emphasis on gratitude as a transformative spiritual practice. Born in Vienna in 1926, he survived the challenges of World War II before emigrating to the United States in 1952. He entered monastic life at Mount Saviour Monastery and went on to engage deeply with both Christian and Buddhist traditions, studying with notable Zen masters. His work bridges spirituality and science and has led him to collaborate with religious and cultural figures across traditions. He co-founded the Center for Spiritual Studies and A Network for Grateful Living, advocating for gratefulness as essential to human flourishing. His writings include Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer and Belonging to the Universe (with Fritjof Capra). Known for his mystical approach, he describes religion as a living flame that must be rediscovered beneath layers of doctrine, ritual, and dogma.

Reviews

[Paul Bard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful poetic statement of the real spirituality of the senses, environment, community, gratitude, silence, looking and listening.

The chapter on haikus is extraordinarily helpful in pointing out the irreducibility of spiritual experience.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this beautiful book of spiritual insights. As a Benedictine oblate, I was very much surprised and nourished by the Benedictine wisdom. I didn’t know the author was a Benedictine monk when I purchased the book. I’ve just recently started contemplative prayer, so the chapters on silence and listening spoke to me deeply. This book truly inspires me to notice and be grateful for all the gifts I’ve been given as I sit in my garden, surrounded by nature, noticing each little flower and hummingbird, and simply being with God.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like savoring every morsel of a homemade meal. I read it on and off for a long time, but also I’m glad I didn’t binge read it like so many books are written for these days. If you read this, savor it! I’ll miss having this book always by my side, but I feel like I could read it again and again and receive a new blessing or glean new insight from it, it’s so richly written. Let it sink in!

[Joerg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Überrascht, welchen Christenschmonzes Christian Felber hier empfohlen hat: http://www.datum.at/artikel/was-ich-l...

[Joe Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invitation to living a wholehearted life by re-opening ascetism and reclaiming sacred, sensual living.