This is the original "Life's Little Instruction Book." A beautiful and powerful summary of how to see the divine inspiration of Creation in every dayThis is the original "Life's Little Instruction Book." A beautiful and powerful summary of how to see the divine inspiration of Creation in every day life which I regret not having read when I was younger.
What today would be seen as a collection of blog articles on life, are tied together by the scene of a town asking a soon-to-be-parting sage their questions. The answers might as well have come from a prophet as they reveal the most insightful answers to the struggles of everyday life I have every read.
This is a short book that will change your life. No exaggeration....more
This book is truly close to my heart. It bridges the gap between the best wisdom of mysticism regarding the personal spirit to apply these concepts toThis book is truly close to my heart. It bridges the gap between the best wisdom of mysticism regarding the personal spirit to apply these concepts to our collective spirit. So often mysticism in an introverted discipline, focusing on the interior life. The Divine Milieu is a beautiful vision of what Christian Mysticism could look like on the level of a church, a community, and a civilization.
I wish more pastors and church leaders read this book!...more
As a Christian mystic, I see the Word of God (Christ), the Logos, and the Tao as one in the same. In that light, the Tao Te Ching helped break me outAs a Christian mystic, I see the Word of God (Christ), the Logos, and the Tao as one in the same. In that light, the Tao Te Ching helped break me out of many stagnant western habits of "stinking thinking." In fact, I can say that without it, I never would have been able to untie the knots in my mind that kept me from writing.
This is essential reading for anyone who wants to grow as a human being, regardless of religion. It is a fundamental understanding the nature of reality, and how to interface with it. ...more
This book is still the best look, to date, at what a practical Heaven and Hell would look like should it coincide with our own habits, sins, and spiriThis book is still the best look, to date, at what a practical Heaven and Hell would look like should it coincide with our own habits, sins, and spirituality in this life. The Great Divorce is a radical and challenging look at how we create our own hell, and have to work so hard to understand heaven. The allegory in this book is deep and insightful. It is a great way to mature past pearly gates, baby angels, and devils with pitch-forks....more
Evelyn Underhill was the first person to try to combine modern methods of instruction with the ancient traditions of mysticism. In many ways it is theEvelyn Underhill was the first person to try to combine modern methods of instruction with the ancient traditions of mysticism. In many ways it is the original "Mysticism 101" introduction. Evelyn strives to put the deep reaching intuition and mysteries of mysticism into simple terms of modern language.
Come criticize the book for failing in this attempt to bridge the gap between mysticism and modernism, but others understand that it more of a first step between the two. In that respect, it succeeds brilliantly. In the book is a basic history of mysticism, review of past mystics and their writings, and a break down of central concepts and habit. I recommend it wholeheartedly as a first step for those completely unfamiliar with mysticism....more
This book is true soul food. Thomas Merton was an expert in humanity and the divine spirit. This collection of essays can breath new life into hardeneThis book is true soul food. Thomas Merton was an expert in humanity and the divine spirit. This collection of essays can breath new life into hardened cynics and downtrodden idealists alike. ...more
This book feels like a sequel to the Tao Te Ching. With quick-to-read small parables and koans of wisdom, often as a conversation between two people,This book feels like a sequel to the Tao Te Ching. With quick-to-read small parables and koans of wisdom, often as a conversation between two people, The Way of Chuang Tzu can bring a dose of enlightenment to any extended restroom trip. Also like the Tao Te Ching, this book helps the mind unravel the knots of the mind and open up to the world around it. What does butchering a cow have to do finding joy? You'll have to read to find out....more
The Interior Castle is one of the only books I know of which charts the course of the spiritual maturity. In that light, the book can be very hard toThe Interior Castle is one of the only books I know of which charts the course of the spiritual maturity. In that light, the book can be very hard to read as those steps which one has yet to take are hard to relate to in Teresa's book. For those who take the time to "chew" on this work, it is very rewarding.
The interior "mansions" by which Teresa moves the writer through are very similar to the concept of Hindu Chakras. Each one flows to the next as the soul is "compelled" to move deeper. I recommended revisiting this book every year, reading the last "mansion" that clicked for you, and look ahead to one you have yet to grasp. ...more
A collection of short powerful essays on examining the heart and refining the soul. It many ways it is a predecessor to Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost foA collection of short powerful essays on examining the heart and refining the soul. It many ways it is a predecessor to Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest." In that light, both books are designed around self-examination and should be used as such. I give this warning because they are powerful tools for holding oneself accountable to Christ, and terrible perversions when used to tear down and discourage others.
That being said, few works are more effective than The Imitation of Christ than helping us overcome our own self-delusions, deceptions, and false ego. Thomas a Kempis challenges us to look into the mirror of the Spirit bravely, honestly, and knowing the grace of Christ. If we can accurately asses how short we fall in imitating Christ, then we open up for ourselves the freedom and room to grow....more
This book a legend of mysticism in general, Christian or not. The core concepts of being vs. knowing, experiencing vs. defining, and connecting vs. unThis book a legend of mysticism in general, Christian or not. The core concepts of being vs. knowing, experiencing vs. defining, and connecting vs. understanding are all here in a profoundly old and timeless book. However, this book is on the opposite side of accessibility. Multiple revisits to this work throughout one's life will yield new breakthroughs every time. Nevertheless, it is truly at the heart, and a pillar, of mysticism in our global consciousness....more
The Dark Night of the Soul is a spiritual lifeline. There is a deep dark valley which all who seek spiritual maturity must cross. It is the valley betThe Dark Night of the Soul is a spiritual lifeline. There is a deep dark valley which all who seek spiritual maturity must cross. It is the valley between our initial cultural or religious assumptions and the true unbridled nature of a relationship with a living God. St. John of the Cross gives the reader hope that if they can steel themselves to continue past all the safety nets of the reality we are born into, we will emerge on the other side with a connection to God we never thought possible.
The challenge of Dark Night of the Soul is that the spirit is childish and spoiled at the start. What we think is a righteous hunger for God is often an entitlement for God to conform to our wishes. Self-pity is the often the greatest threat to maturity, and St. John of the Cross gives a graceful road-map to get through....more
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