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A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
By Wayne Teasdale
3.5/5 (3 ratings)
286 pages
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Description
The Mystic Heart chronicled Brother Wayne Teasdale's journey into a multifaceted spirituality blending his traditional Catholic training and the Eastern way of sannyasa (Indian monkhood). A Monk in the World tells what the journey has meant for him — living as a monk outside the monastery, integrating teachings from the world's religions with his own Catholic training, combining his vigorous spiritual practice with the necessities of making a living, and pursuing a course of social justice in a major American city. In telling his story, Teasdale shows how others can find their own internal monastery and bring spiritual practice into their busy lives.
New Age & Spirituality
All categories
PUBLISHER:
New World Library
RELEASED:
Sep 24, 2010
ISBN:
9781577317043
FORMAT:
Book
About the author
Wayne Teasdale was a lay monk and best-selling author of The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions, Bede Griffiths: An Introduction to His Interspiritual Thought, and A Monk in the World. As a member of the Bede Griffiths International Trust, Teasdale was an adjunct professor at DePaul University, Columbia College, and the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Wayne Teasdale was editor of Awakening the Spirit, Inspiring the Soul: 30 Stories of Interspiritual Discovery.
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A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
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A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
by Wayne Teasdale, Ken Wilber (Foreword)
3.90 · Rating details · 154 ratings · 16 reviews
The Mystic Heart chronicled Brother Wayne Teasdale's journey into a multifaceted spirituality blending his traditional Catholic training and the Eastern way of sannyasa (Indian monkhood). A Monk in the World tells what that journey has meant for him -- living as a monk outside the monastery, integrating teachings from the world's religions with his own Catholic training, combining his vigorous spiritual practice with the necessities of making a living, and pursuing a course of social justice in a major American city. In telling his story, Teasdale shows how others can find their own "internal monastery" and bring spiritual practice into their busy lives.
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Paperback, 237 pages
Published September 18th 2003 by New World Library (first published May 2002)
Original TitleA Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
ISBN1577314379 (ISBN13: 9781577314370)
Edition LanguageEnglish
Other Editions (8)
A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
A Monk in the World: Finding the Sacred in Daily Life
A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life
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Average rating3.90 · Rating details · 154 ratings · 16 reviews
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Mary Overton
Apr 01, 2011Mary Overton added it · review of another edition
"I distinguish between two forms of awareness - horizontal and vertical. Vertical awareness always relates to the transcendent Mystery, while the horizontal relates to our relationships to others, whether they be people, other sentient beings, the natural world, or even the entire cosmos. Most important, horizontal and vertical awareness become integrated in the contemplative process as it matures, when we encounter the Divine in everyone and everything. And both directions display themselves in four dimensions of knowing, each implicating and reflecting the others like a hologram.
"These are the four elements present in awareness: metaphysical, epistemological, mystical, and moral dimensions - four ways of revealing, or 'translating,' the mystery of the Divine and applying it to our human condition. First, the metaphysical, as grounded in the transcendent One, is limitless vertical truth. The epistemological, or what we can know, is moment by moment a horizontal reality pointing to its vertical Source. The mystical, from the horizontal into the boundless, is the spacious verticality of the Divine. Finally, the moral combines transcendent vertical awareness with the horizontal - appropriate attitudes and actions in everyday life. In its spiritual expression, developing from its moral character, awareness is love in action, and the attributes of limitless sensitivity, kindness, compassion and mercy - actual acts of living." pp.198-9 (less)
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Katy
Jun 02, 2015Katy rated it really liked it
In the Book a Monk in the World, Wayne Teasdale is the main narrator. He became a lay monk and mainly combined the traditions of Christianity and Hinduism, and took Sannyasa. Most of his drive and determination came from the fact that he was encouraged to explore the spiritual dimensions of any religion. In this book, he connects with us by explaining the monk within us and how we can practice this spirituality wherever we are. He lived outside of the Monastery for the majority of this book.
He ...more
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Amy
Dec 01, 2016Amy rated it it was ok
I wish I could rate this book higher but the book didn't live up to its name "A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life". Very few chapters dealt with the practicalities of living a contemplative life in a secular world. Most of the book consisted of the author's options on what should be done concerning the Catholic Church, social justice, interfaith sharing, friendship, and helping the homeless. All very important topics, but the author lost me on chapter 3, where he states that the Catholic Church should be more open in practicing and exploring other faiths (among other options on what the Church should do). I disagree, I think definitely there should be dialogue and support between all religions however the Church should not adopt practices from other religions, the Catholic Church should focus on becoming solidly Christian, following the Gospel. Christianity has such a rich history of Saints that we don't need to look elsewhere, all we need is to follow Christ. I enjoyed a few of his chapters: his intro was interesting and chapter 2 where he writes about spiritual practice and experiences was fun to read, and I enjoyed chapter 8 about the contemplative understanding of suffering. My opinion is that if you follow Christ, I don't think you need to read this book. If you are still searching, it might be an interesting read. (less)
flag1 like · Like · 1 comment · see review
Alison
Jan 03, 2013Alison rated it liked it
I liked the fact that this book sheds light on the modern endeavor to live as a "lay monk" or nun in the midst of society/the world, though I found that he veered off into discussions of interspirituality that were redundant or elementary for me based on my life experience. Rather than a discussion of inclusion and extraction and the universality of religion, I would have liked more to read of the every day challenges of incorporating spiritual practice and perspectives, particularly a chapter that I was eager to read and seemed to have missed somehow, on "dealing with challenging people". (less)
flag1 like · Like · 5 comments · see review
Kate Bednarski
Jan 30, 2011Kate Bednarski rated it really liked it
Shelves: on-hold
Great read from an important interfaith voice with a direct message to me about my destiny
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Kathy
Jun 02, 2019Kathy rated it liked it
Shelves: inspirational
The author has four main interests in this book - contemplation and meditation, inter-religion dialog, homelessness and Tibet. He definitely connects the first two to the second two world problems. I think the author's message is important, but the book did not really resonate with me. He seemed very dry to me. (less)
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David Edgren
Jul 09, 2021David Edgren rated it it was amazing
This book inspired me. What a wonderful way to walk the path of this life - as a monk in the world. Filled with great stories and interspirituality that challenges all forms of personal, tribal, denominational and faith-based elitism. I'm very glad I read this book! (less)
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Christian Deysson
Jan 24, 2021Christian Deysson rated it liked it
Das Buch hält leider nicht wirklich, was der Titel verspricht: Die ersten Kapitel lesen sich zwar sehr gut und mit spirituellem Gewinn, doch dann driftet der Autor vom Thema ab und schreibt m.E. zu viel über Hinduismus und Glaubensbezüge zwischen Katholizismus und östlichen Religionen.
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Edward
Apr 11, 2016Edward rated it liked it
A monk in the world? Isn't residing in an isolated monastery the habitat of a monk? Not necessarily according to Teasdale, himself a monk, who argues that we do too much categorizing and that the monastery and the world can complement one other. The world, specifically the city, is where most people conduct their everyday lives, but at the same time can engage in the life of a monk - interludes of silence, meditation, and a compassionate reaching out to others. (less)
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David
Apr 01, 2016David rated it it was ok
Shelves: read-in-2016-nonfiction
"Monk in the World: Finding the Sacred in Daily Life" by Wayne Teasdale was dull. It wasn't that I disagreed with Teasdale: much if not most I did agree with. I really wish Teasdale made much more use of examples and stories. He didn't. And I found it tough going with writing that was too often vague. (less)
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Leanne Hunt
Mar 23, 2012Leanne Hunt rated it it was amazing
Shelves: religion-and-spirituality
I consider this book to be essential reading for anyone who is struggling to live out his faith in a meaningful way in the world. It is informative, inspirational and challenging,calling the reader to an ever higher level of awareness and action. A definite candidate for rereading.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Emillam
Jan 22, 2008Emillam rated it it was amazing
Recommends it for: anyone interested in pursuing their spiritual journey
A great guide for better understanding Interspirituality and the practices for being a contemplative within society....Superb!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Noel
Jan 07, 2011Noel rated it it was ok
Shelves: non-fiction, traded-through-paperbackswap
have tried to read this and couldn't get into it. Will try again this winter.
Did finally read and thought it was just OK. (less)
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Kris
Jan 06, 2008Kris rated it really liked it
This is a wonderful book that is written by a Catholic Monk living in Chicago, but that transcends spiritual traditions.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Cathy
Jan 04, 2009Cathy rated it liked it
What does true spirituality look like? It is not running from reality. It is becoming in reality. This book gives me clues as to what this may look like.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
==
A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life Paperback – September 18, 2003
by Wayne Teasdale (Author), Ken Wilber (Foreword)
4.1 out of 5 stars 35 ratings
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In A Monk in the World, Teasdale explores what Griffiths’ charge has meant for him — to live as a monk outside the monastery, to integrate teachings from the world’s religions with his own Catholic training, to combine his vigorous spiritual practice with the necessities of making a living and pursuing a course of social justice in a big American city—as well as how readers can find their own spiritual path amidst the rigors of everyday life. Along the way, Teasdale explores the real world topics of friendship; time, work, and money; the problem and opportunity of the homeless; a contemplative understanding of suffering; the struggle to promote personal and social change; as well as the as the role of the church and nature in building spiritual understanding.
Building on the success and insights of his first book, The Mystic Heart, Teasdale gives a compelling glimpse of the unique spiritual path he has followed, and how everyone can find their own internal monastery and bring spiritual practice into their busy lives.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This wonderful book helps us learn how to integrate the fundamental principles of contemplative spirituality into our modern lives."
Product details
ASIN : 1577314379
Publisher : New World Library; 53078th edition (September 18, 2003)
Language : English
Paperback : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 9781577314370
ISBN-13 : 978-1577314370
Item Weight : 12 ounces
Dimensions : 5.52 x 0.73 x 8.42 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,190,455 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#11,532 in Catholicism (Books)
#47,832 in New Age & Spirituality
#74,986 in Christian Living (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars 35 ratings
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Emil Toth
5.0 out of 5 stars Walking in Christ's footsteps
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2009
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Br. Wayne Teasdale inspires and encourages us to lead the mystic life, while living a life outside the walls of an abbey or convent. He is a loving revolutionist who entices us to be more than we thought we could be. His exemplary life is expressed beautifully within the confins of the book's covers. Br. Teasdale has chosen to walk in Christ's footsteps. I've walked next to him and was awed by the sincerity and kindness he shared with those in his 'neighborhood'. This world needs more men and women who want to incorporate his ideals into their lives. Teasdale has left us with his love and understanding of what we can aspire to. The book is a wonderful read.
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Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020
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Great book. Neatly explores mysticism for those living in the world/outside of a monastery. And a parallel exploration of interspirituality. His familiarity with other interspirituality leaders is an important aspect of this book. He writes as a Catholic. However, since he is about as open minded a Catholic as might be found, his Catholicity will likely not trouble readers with an interspirituality bent.
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Alexandra Hepburn
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and supportive
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2021
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Well worth the read, by a well-respected advocate of interspirituality and dedication to the spiritual life. His own experience, and inspiration for others seeking to live a spiritual life in the modern world.
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Sheldon
5.0 out of 5 stars Interspirituality
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2013
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I like the simple way in which Teasedale moves to
express the beauty of diversity we experience in
the presence of the divine. I felt the best chapter
was the one on "Interspirituality." It is so good
that he did the work to show us how to go about
being faithful in our relationships with friends of
other religions.
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STACYB
5.0 out of 5 stars Being a Monk in the modern day world
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2013
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This was an excellent recounting of his personal experiences of trying the live the dedicated Christian life in the real world. He believes passionately that monks should be in the real world contributing (as Christ did) to the welfare of their fellow men. He does not see the need to hide in a monastary away from real life. He compared it to living in a hot house, which is an apt metaphor for the traditional monk's life.
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Jennifer C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product!!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2019
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Excellent product!!!
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robert hart
1.0 out of 5 stars Chock full of Anti-Communist Propaganda while at the same time ignoring Western Imperialism
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
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I assume he was just misinformed or brainwashed.
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Michael T. McMahon
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2018
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Excellent. Thank you.
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Amy VG
2.0 out of 5 stars didn't live up to it's title
Reviewed in Canada on December 6, 2016
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I wish I could rate this book higher but the book didn't live up to its name "A Monk in the World: Cultivating a Spiritual Life". Very few chapters dealt with the practicalities of living a contemplative life in a secular world. Most of the book consisted of the author's options on what should be done concerning the Catholic Church, social justice, interfaith sharing, friendship, and helping the homeless. All very important topics, but the author lost me on chapter 3, where he states that the Catholic Church should be more open in practicing and exploring other faiths (among other options about what the Church should do). I disagree, I think definitely there should be dialogue and support between all religions however the Church should not adopt practices from other religions, the Catholic Church should focus on becoming solidly Christian, following the Gospel. Christianity has such a rich history of Saints that we don't need to look elsewhere, all we need is to follow Christ. I enjoyed a few of his chapters: his intro was interesting and chapter 2 where he writes about spiritual practice and experiences was fun to read, and I enjoyed chapter 8 about the contemplative understanding of suffering. My opinion is that if you follow Christ, I don't think you need to read this book. If you are still searching, it might be an interesting read.
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