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Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment
A personal account of searching for spiritual understanding initially outside Christian teaching, this book takes the position that there are as many ways to God as there are paths up a mountain. Interpreting his own spiritual breakthroughs, the author describes them as "windows of realization" and likens them to the sensation of being made whole. The book describes his journey from Eastern mantra-style meditation to the Orthodox "prayer of the heart" and details how a love of nature and a desire to do good played an important part in his spiritual unfoldment.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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About the author
John Butler
8 books77 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
At first sight, John Butler is not one to make much of an impression. Quiet, soft-spoken and usually alone, he became known – in the 1970’s – as one of the first organic farmers.
Having, throughout his life also practiced meditation, 4 years ago, at the age of 79, he was recommended to ConsciousTV, a Youtube channel, focusing on those with experience of higher consciousness. Unwilling at first to face publicity, he was later persuaded to be interviewed. This has since become the most popular item on the channel with 2.5m views.
Besides farming and meditation, John has lived an extraordinarily interesting life, including much spiritual insight, emotional ups and downs, long periods in Peru, Africa and the USA besides several years in Russia, all of which have been part of the far from easy journey to where he is now. To record his adventures, he’s written no less than 10 books, starting with publication of ‘Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment’ in September 2008.
At first sight, John Butler is not one to make much of an impression. Quiet, soft-spoken and usually alone, he became known – in the 1970’s – as one of the first organic farmers.
Having, throughout his life also practiced meditation, 4 years ago, at the age of 79, he was recommended to ConsciousTV, a Youtube channel, focusing on those with experience of higher consciousness. Unwilling at first to face publicity, he was later persuaded to be interviewed. This has since become the most popular item on the channel with 2.5m views.
Besides farming and meditation, John has lived an extraordinarily interesting life, including much spiritual insight, emotional ups and downs, long periods in Peru, Africa and the USA besides several years in Russia, all of which have been part of the far from easy journey to where he is now. To record his adventures, he’s written no less than 10 books, starting with publication of ‘Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment’ in September 2008.
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January 21, 2020This book cannot be rated, at least not on any 5-star scale. I first found John Butler when looking for an ASMR video to help me sleep. I found his first interview on Conscious TV and instead of sleeping I was enthralled by this delightful, little Englishman with “a Russian heart.” I would suggest watching those first two interviews and then read this book.
As an American, and a Catholic, and gay as it were, I find John Butler’s expansive view of the divine refreshing and inspiring. This is not a quick read. I hope you fall in love with this lovely man’s wisdom, his humor, his intensity and his light the same way I did.
As an American, and a Catholic, and gay as it were, I find John Butler’s expansive view of the divine refreshing and inspiring. This is not a quick read. I hope you fall in love with this lovely man’s wisdom, his humor, his intensity and his light the same way I did.
December 17, 2022
I feel lucky to have read this book.
June 2, 2021
Absolutely remarkable man. I have taken so much away from this book, and sense that I will return to it in the years to come. And learn even more.
March 15, 2026
"There are, it seems, countless ways to God--ways of knowledge, religion and good works, for example, as well as devotion. This book only recounts the experience of one man. Certain aspects may well connect with or complement what others have found, but the story as a whole could hardly be repeated." (pg 365)
An asmr channel was my introduction to John. I went to his videos for relaxing but often found I couldn't fall asleep because his words were too interesting.
I'm not of the same faith as John. Having listened to him for a year or two, I was well-aware of that. So going into this book, I knew there would be plenty that probably would not sync with my beliefs. This was true.
"First of all let me say that from Union, and the approaches to Union, all teachers, guidance, schools, prayers, churches and religions have long since disappeared and passed away. Do bees need telling how to find a flower? Infinitely closer, more perfect and complete it Union of a soul with God. Try it, prove it, know it for yourself. All the loves of all the worlds that ever were or are or will be, are but flickers of the One and All. Who needs telling how to love? Have confidence in love, my dears. This love will never hurt you, let you down, say "No." This love is not the love of man. It's love of God." (pg. 401)
Nevertheless, I didn't feel myself getting riled up or insulted or wanting to correct him. This book is him sharing his own beliefs and spiritual discoveries. It is not a fast-paced book, rather moseying here and there, repetitive at times. In no rush to reach any point. So it took me quite a while to read, but I loved it.
An asmr channel was my introduction to John. I went to his videos for relaxing but often found I couldn't fall asleep because his words were too interesting.
I'm not of the same faith as John. Having listened to him for a year or two, I was well-aware of that. So going into this book, I knew there would be plenty that probably would not sync with my beliefs. This was true.
"First of all let me say that from Union, and the approaches to Union, all teachers, guidance, schools, prayers, churches and religions have long since disappeared and passed away. Do bees need telling how to find a flower? Infinitely closer, more perfect and complete it Union of a soul with God. Try it, prove it, know it for yourself. All the loves of all the worlds that ever were or are or will be, are but flickers of the One and All. Who needs telling how to love? Have confidence in love, my dears. This love will never hurt you, let you down, say "No." This love is not the love of man. It's love of God." (pg. 401)
Nevertheless, I didn't feel myself getting riled up or insulted or wanting to correct him. This book is him sharing his own beliefs and spiritual discoveries. It is not a fast-paced book, rather moseying here and there, repetitive at times. In no rush to reach any point. So it took me quite a while to read, but I loved it.
July 3, 2025
A great manual on the spiritual life, written by one (in my opinion) greatest living Christian mystics. Highly recommended to any serious seekers out there, regardless of faith!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews