The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions
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The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions
The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions
by Wayne Teasdale, Dalai Lama XIV (Foreword by)
4.16 · Rating details · 297 ratings · 27 reviews
Drawing on experience as an interreligious monk, Brother Wayne Teasdale reveals the power of spirituality and its practical elements. He combines a profound Christian faith with an intimate understanding of ancient religious traditions.
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Paperback, 308 pages
Published March 9th 2001 by New World Library (first published October 31st 1999)
Original TitleThe Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions
ISBN157731140X (ISBN13: 9781577311409)
Edition LanguageEnglish
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Ci
Feb 26, 2014Ci rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: how-to-books, re-read-books
This book is both a summary of various mystic traditions and practices, as well as a guidebook to a life in mystic spirituality. It is well-written, well-researched, with a style and tone equally balanced between scholarly neutrality and personal conviction. It is a book worthy of re-reading.
Compared with other developed countries, US is highly religious measured by statistics of surveys and church membership. Yet our psychological life is hoisted mostly by our concerns of personal wealth, consumerism, media and entertainment. Religion is a mixture of social obligation and a moment's respite from the fears and desires that afflict our daily lives. How much the religious life relates to the spirituality? And why does mystic matter to our modern life?
The first order is to define "religion", "spirituality", and "mysticism". On page 17, the author made this issue clear: being religious is to practice a religious tradition (i.e., belonging and attending a church); being spiritual is to commit a personal engagement to a process of inner development; mysticism is a particular form of spirituality where there is "direct, immediate experience of ultimate reality". Can spiritual life without being mystic? Yes, such as the liturgical spirituality (public pray, and rivals), but these rituals are not the goals in themselves. The goal is to go from a "mediated form" (liturgy, for example) to the direct relationship with divine.
Can we measure the stages of awareness in our spiritual growth? Page 68 starts the discussion of the stages of development for human consciousness.
Infancy and childhood: little self-consciousness, no actual reflection.
Adolescence: increasingly self-conscious, peer group relationship becomes dominant reference.
Young adult: self-conscious awareness. becoming philosophical, but at risk of solipsism -- mistaken one as the center of existence.
Adult: developing "other-centered" consciousness through relationships with others such as marriage and family.
*** this is where most people rest: knowledge, compassion and love are limited by egoic fixation --"my work, my family, my preference". This is the shell that most people are encapsulated in. ****
The next three stages of enlighten awareness are: partial, complete and total. One starts on the awareness of transcendental experience, persistent in spiritual practices, to experience the gradual integration of one's heart with the divine. "Not to know about, but to be", the definition by Evelyn Underhill for the true mystic initiate.
The book followed by various approaches in Christian, Hinduism, Buddha, Zen, Natural mystic traditions. From practices as old as Jewish Kabbalah to the modern experimental mysticism using psychoactive agents, the author gives a fairly good summary for each tradition. It is quite understandable that the author gives more attention to his own practice tradition of Christian Sannyasa, a hybrid of Christian and Hinduism; yet the author is admirable to offer much encouragement to practice in other tradition as well. This sentiment is echoed in the Preface of Dalai Lama indicating that people have different background and preferences, as long as the essence of mystic spirituality achieves the same goal to enrich our human life, there is little to quibble about any particular label.
In the end, the author told us, to be spiritually engaged, one must take on the journey individually. It is not something to "talk about" only, but a life to "be".
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Edward
Jan 15, 2022Edward rated it liked it
Teasdale’s notion of spirituality is one of quest, a never-ending journey which uses resources from all the available religious traditions. They are available to all of us; what we have to do, he writes, is to have an openness in realizing that they can be included in our own experience.
That experience is a mystical one of contemplation, of attempting to cultivate a “union with God, or the inner realization of ultimate awareness.” This process can be developed, as Teasdale begins to do in this book, through study and discussion. In this contemplative process he emphasizes aspects of Christian monasticism, Kabbalah in Judaism, the Sufi component of Islam, native American beliefs, and in the East, Buddhism and Hindu practices. He emphasizes that an individual can be firmly grounded in his own tradition and at the same time be open to spiritual nourishment from other religions. Too often, religions have turned inward and neglected this openness.
One other distinction Teasdale makes is that “religion” and “spirituality” are not antagonistic to each other. Religion generally concentrates on outward social practices while spirituality is more of an inner experience. Practices, at their best, encourage an inner search. They are dysfunctional when the “letter of the law” shuts off the spirit instead of opening it up.
The author has a generous attitude toward all religions and points out that no philosophical explanation, east or west, can explain an entire religious tradition, and certainly no single religion has a monopoly on any kind of truth. To make this clearer, he discusses a term, panentheism, which “means that everything – the universe, nature, the earth – is within God, in the consciousness of the divine or the divine mind.” How these concerns are worked out are nearly always metaphorical , and metaphors are always open to new shadings of meaning and interpretation. If there’s anything they may have in common, it is a desire to transcend the limitations of the human condition, to find ultimate meaning in our existence.
It’s not only through language, though, that ultimate reality is hinted at. It can be experienced as well through visual art, music, nature, human relationships and service to others. In short, the “ultimate” can be experienced in anything; there is no activity that restricts the divine. It can be found wherever there is sensitivity and awareness.
Teasdale concludes that what human civilization desperately needs is both a cultivation of compassion, beginning in the human heart and overflowing into a love for the sake of others. (less)
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Kevin Fuller
Oct 07, 2013Kevin Fuller rated it it was amazing
Mr. Teasdale offers this book of Hope to anyone who has ever had a hint or glimmer of the transcendent impede in their lives. I owned this book for at least five years before finally picking it up to read, and am glad I finally gave the thing a chance. Most other books on Mysticism concentrate on various Traditions (good) yet offer only one way along the path, that being inward and subjective (not so good). As a refreshing alternative, the author covers the same various Traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and so forth, but shows one can develop a Mystic Heart in a myriad of ways. One, through this gem, can reflect on the tenets of each Tradition, along now with even quantum physics and mechanics, and whether turning inward or outward, find a Universal Transcendent impulse or force at work, if one has the eye to see, the ear to hear, or not see, or not hear, depending on how one chooses to progress. Highly recommended! (less)
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David Metting
Aug 11, 2013David Metting rated it really liked it
Shelves: spirituality
This book presents an incredible vision of what the author terms "Interspirituality." One of my professors said "God is one mountain and there are many paths to reach the top." In the depths of my spirit do I believe this to be true. Wayne Teasdale argues, convincingly, in my opinion, that mysticism is the strongest indicator of the different religions' essential unity. A great read, though at times an information overload. I heartily recommend it, though fundamentalists of any stripe will no doubt be enraged. It is up to the spiritually open to bring forth Teasdale's vision of a universal humanity based on religious, "Interspiritual" unity, itself evidenced by mysticism. A heavy read and a great one. (less)
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Leroy Seat
Jun 11, 2009Leroy Seat rated it liked it
Shelves: read-devotional
There is a lot of good information in this book, but also some misleading (and inaccurate) material. I also thought it was not very well organized.
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Nicole Alexandra
May 25, 2022Nicole Alexandra rated it it was amazing
"... I was focused on Rome as my spiritual anchor. Although this continues to be true..., I began to appreciate and value other traditions. I discovered that Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, the Kabbalah, and Hasidism did not take me away from my faith, but augmented my deep commitment to Christian contemplation. I became impassioned in my interest in these traditions, and how they related to the Christian faith."
As a practicing Catholic curious about other traditions, this was exactly the book I needed. Made me feel weirdly uncomfortable at parts, but I think that's what it's meant to do - to invite reflection. Bonus points for mentioning Aikido. (less)
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David Edgren
Jul 01, 2021David Edgren rated it it was amazing
This is a heart-opening book everyone searching for spiritual growth will be blessed by reading.
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Michael Chrobak
Aug 31, 2014Michael Chrobak rated it really liked it
Although this book was a tremendous resource in terms of defining the comparisons of various beliefs and cultures, I feel it was lacking in the ability to describe the path to mysticism. Perhaps it was my judgment of the nature of the book to consider it to be more practical and less theoretical, but I was drawn to it for the purpose of inspiration. At no time, other than very early on, did I find myself drawn into a stronger desire for a monastic or mystic lifestyle, nor did I find much definition in the understanding of the development towards this style of living. I do believe the book was well written and very much educational however and would provide it as a basis for anyone wanting a base understanding of interspirituality. I do agree wholeheartedly with the author that the path to a more balanced future for all humanity must come from our ability to understand and respect all paths to self-awareness, and therefore God-awareness. We must discontinue the habit of measuring ourselves and others based on our differences and begin to see the interconnectedness of all creation, and our primary and difficult role as caretakers and guides of the destiny of life on this planet. (less)
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Jessica Davidson
Oct 19, 2013Jessica Davidson rated it it was amazing
Shelves: mysticism
An inspiring guide to mysticism and spirituality, providing a necessary balance to religious fundamentalism and secular pluralism. Whatever your tradition, whether you see yourself as a mystic or not, this book is an excellent place to start developing a deeper understanding of the variety of faiths we share and find the common values on which we can build a future worth living for. Full review: http://jessicadavidson.co.uk/2014/05/... (less)
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Paul
Nov 05, 2007Paul rated it it was amazing
Shelves: about-mysticism
This is a wonderful book about mysticism as an element in all religion, and interfaith dialogue about it. It explores the story of interfaith dialogue since the late 19th century, as well as aspects of and topics about mysticism.
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Maureen
Oct 08, 2011Maureen rated it it was amazing
This is a well- written and informative book. This will appeal to both scholars and informed lay readers. The author combines a Christian faith with an understanding of the world's religions with a good explanation of universal spirituality... (less)
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Carl-ann
Jan 02, 2010Carl-ann rated it it was amazing
One of the best I have ever read. I still refer to it.
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Moira
Aug 27, 2007Moira rated it it was amazing
The Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating is especially rewarding if practiced consistantly.
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Tristy
Feb 07, 2010Tristy rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Powerful stories. Another important book for the Interfaith movement.
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Suzanne
Aug 09, 2009Suzanne rated it it was amazing
This book reiterated my views that spirituality is not exclusive and that people find it through their own personal mystical experiences.
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Diane
Dec 18, 2012Diane rated it it was amazing
Excellent!
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Caitlin H
Aug 22, 2017Caitlin H rated it liked it
Shelves: for-the-thing-maybe, woo-woo, library-book, religion-spirituality
I finished this book over a week ago, & have been trying to write up a review ever since. I liked this book, don't get me wrong. It is a calm, & calming, kind of book, due to its subject matter & the way Wayne Teasdale writes. It's a very hopeful book, which feels incredibly poignant when you see it was published in 1999. Even so, it's still powerful; it gives a vision of what all the spiritual paths could achieve by working in concert.
There were some "off" things that jumped out at me, though. One was that every mention of deity was formulated as "God"-- as in, male-gendered. I'm sure that in '99, Neo-Paganism & paths along those lines were not exactly mainstream in any way, but it's still noticeable. Even when discussing Hinduism, which has a large pantheon, there was no mention of deity in the female-gendered sense. It felt very traditional, in that sense, not as open as it could have been.
When it came to discussions of the various faiths, Judaism and Islam seemed to be very overlooked. When Teasdale was supposed to be discussing the three Judaeo-Christian faiths, the majority of the discussion was focused on Christianity, with only brief mentions of the Kabbalah & Sufism. This was disappointing from both a learning standpoint & an integrative standpoint. There was, for instance, only one quote from Rumi in that section, and no quotes from any mystics based in Kabbalah or Hasidism. The rest was completely centered around Christianity, with numerous references to John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
This carried throughout the rest of the book. I was left with only hints of most other religions and spiritualities, with the exception of some Buddhism and Hinduism (at least, on the very mystical level). It's understandable that Teasdale may primarily focus on Christianity, as that's his primary frame of reference. But in a book that's focused on moving towards a more interfaith, interspiritual paradigm? It seemed counter intuitive to what Teasdale wanted to achieve. How can we discuss interspiritual mysticism without directly referencing all the mystical paths brought up? I'm sure there's a wealth of knowledge from all paths that could have been quoted.
There was something else that was bothering me about the book, but at this time, i've forgotten what it was. That seems positive; to me, at least.
Despite all this sounding very critical, i did appreciate the book. On the whole, it is a very thoughtful book with an idealistic premise. Teasdale's writing never feels forceful or hurried, nor does it feel stilted. His is a vision that all spiritual paths could lead us all, hand in hand, to a better future, where everyone prospers in peace, and it does come across in his book. (less)
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Anita
Jan 27, 2021Anita rated it it was amazing
Shelves: non-fiction
Excellent coverage of the World's religions with special emphasis on the mystical. The book is about interspirituality/intermysticism and the need we have. The author has special knowledge of Christian and Hindu mysticism and gives personal experience in those areas. I enjoyed this as well as his discussion on Tibetan Buddhism. He emphasizes the whole person in such things as art, music, movement and not just sitting or reading. I loved his discussion of Nature spirituality. This book is packed and very interesting and well written. (less)
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Matt
Oct 01, 2019Matt rated it it was amazing
Need more stars - this book was life-changing for me, and is a must-read for anyone who's ever hungered for a more meaningful life, especially if you've ever been dissatisfied with religion. (less)
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Brett Folkman
Feb 17, 2020Brett Folkman rated it it was ok
It was likely great 20 years ago, but it is very out-dated.
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Lucas
Dec 29, 2010Lucas marked it as to-read
Shelves: theology
this books seems try to cover all the mystic tradition - could be a shallow (albeit wide) discussion - we will see
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Stevie Booth
Jun 17, 2015Stevie Booth rated it liked it
From what I remember this was a great book.
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Maria
Oct 23, 2008Maria is currently reading it
wow... I am enjoying the author's vision. Its easy to get lost in the forest if you only see the trees. This is a beautiful study of religions, spirituality and mysticism. (less)
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Valentina
Sep 14, 2012Valentina rated it liked it
Es acerca de espieitualidad, no religión, me gusta mucho.
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Donna
Jan 30, 2008Donna rated it really liked it
A difficult read but worth it. Describes the mysticism common to all religions and offers a vision of the future spiritual journey as more about finding our true nature as mystics.
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India
Oct 01, 2015India rated it it was amazing
Love this book. It's beautiful. (less)
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Drawing on experience as an interreligious monk, Brother Wayne Teasdale reveals the power of spirituality and its practical elements. He combines a profound Christian faith with an intimate understanding of ancient religious traditions.
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ASIN : 157731140X
Publisher : New World Library (March 2, 2001)
Language : English
Paperback : 308 pages
ISBN-10 : 9781577311409
ISBN-13 : 978-1577311409
Item Weight : 12 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #587,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#156 in Dalai Lama
#437 in Mysticism Christian Theology
#1,041 in Mysticism (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.7 out of 5 stars 114 ratings
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David Stump
5.0 out of 5 stars Exploring religious pluralism from a Christian perspective
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2010
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This book was the result of many years of study and interfaith dialogue as well as a dedicated regular practice of various forms of prayer such as the Rosary, Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer, and the Eucharist. There is an enthusiasm and exuberance in Br. Teasdale's ongoing communion with God that he is eager to share with the world -- not as a boast but as a gift. To show that such faith, hope and love is accessible to all. He takes the affirmation of Vatican II, that all major faiths contain their own take on the greater truths of life and death, very seriously. His exploration of other religions is done from the perspective of someone who is rooted in his own tradition, and while he presents his own synthesis of how he interprets other faiths, he doesn't force this on those from other religions. Everyone, religious and irreligious, interprets other religions and beliefs through the lens of their own views, and Teasdale does so generously, accurately and honestly. His vision isn't one of a sloppy, indistinct mush made up of pieces of various religions that is so generic and bland as to be useless. In fact Teasdale writes so lovingly of the structures and liturgical gems each tradition has inherited that one suspects he would find such an indiscriminate merger of religions to be a tragedy. His view for an inter-spiritual age is based on the idea that each tradition is a complete system which can interact with and learn from others without losing its distinctiveness. I purchased this book many years ago and have re-read it several times, and each time I find something I didn't notice or fully appreciate before. It is a wonderful companion to have on your spritual journey.
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David W. Beach
5.0 out of 5 stars A TRSUTED GUIDE FOR LIFE'S GREATEST ADVENTURE
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2008
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The Mystic Heart by Wayne Teasdale is a trusted resource for those persons beginning on an intentional spiritual journey as well as those well along the way and asking the many questions that inevitably arise.
Wayne Teasdale draws on a profound knowledge of the world's spiritual traditions and orientations to help us better understand the shape and nature of our past travels as well as possibilities for the future. The volume is a store of wisdom into which one may delve again and again without fear of exhausting the richness of its contents.
It has been my privilege to use this teaching tool with students in prison as well as seekers in upper-middle-class congregations. All were enthused and aided by such a splendid volume of spiritual wisdom.
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Susan Winters Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Book You'll Ever Need on A Spiritual Journey
Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2013
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This book is the epitome of books for all who are seeking to understand mysticism and the connection of all world religions, and also what is happening in terms of spiritual growth within their own minds and souls. I happened to order it on a friend's recommendation just before I landed in the hospital and nearly died. I had amazing experiences and when the book arrived while I was in the hospital, it validated everything I was going through. Truly Amazing.
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Evelyn Uyemura
VINE VOICE
3.0 out of 5 stars Tedious and didactic
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2002
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When Teasdale speaks of his own mystic encounters, he is interesting. But that is a small percentage of the book. His overview of how mysticim figures in the world's religions is also of interest, particularly if you are not very familiar with Hinduism. But apart from Hindu and Christian, he seems to be looking at everything else from quite a distance, so that we never get much of a feel for what Jewish or Islamic mysticism look or feel like.
His description of the natural mysticism of American Indians works well only because he never goes into any depth or details. He can talk lightly on one page about harm no sentient life, and then on the next page extol American Indians as paragons of virtue, with no comment on the fact that they were hunters and warriors for the most part.
My main complaint is that he seems overly-impressed with the ability of the group that he's a part of (Parliament of World Religions) to change the world. A United Nations-type committee to bring about world mystical harmony is more or less absurd to my mind.
Teasdale gives us too many generalities and too many lists of virtues and guidelines. There is a sermonizing quality to much of what he says, a desire to be moralize.
Also, his bottom line seemed to be that Christian mysticism leads to union with Love itself, while some other forms of mysticism lead to a state that is compassionate and blissful but may also be experienced as Void. To me this indicates that Christianity is a step beyond earlier mystic insights (although it has not done as well in leading people to follow Christ to this end-point). But Teasdale seems far more critical of Christianity than he does of Hinduism and other traditions. He says, for example, "Christian mysticism has always rejected the body, as evidenced by the extreme asceticism of Francis of Assisi. He spent a good deal of time fasting, sometimes praying all night on his knees. His poor body was a victim of his piety!....The East has its equivalent ascetical hardships on the body, but has also managed to understand that the body can be beneficial to the spiritual journey."
Well, Francis of Assisi may have been hard on his body, but praying all night on your knees is nothing compared to the extreme ascetical practices still followed in Hinduism, where men spend years with one arm held over their heads or standing on their feet day and night for years. And it is simply untrue that Christian mysticism as a whole flatly rejects the body. The Mystical Marriage, with its erotic overtones, is the primary Christian mystical metaphor.
F. C. Happold's book entitled Mysticism is superior to Teasdale's in allowing the mystic traditions to speak for themselves and also in providing a framework for understanding what they have to say. Another book called Mystics, Masters, Saints and Sages also is more valuable in actually allowing mystics of various traditions and no traditions at all to speak of their vision.
One other complaint: Teasdale's question about psycho-active drugs/plants is worth raising, but his answer misses the point. If a state of mind similar to a mystical state can be induced by peyote, for example, the question is: doesn't this suggest that mystical states are physiologically caused? He never confronts this question.
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William F. Magrogan
5.0 out of 5 stars Inter-Spiritual with Action Plans!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2007
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I enjoyed reading how well-versed this earthly monk is concerning major religions. He offers a unique perspective on the role of love and kindness in widely different religious practices.
I suppose his greatest contribution to the individual reader is that he guides you in what it takes in character development to become more mystical in one's own heart. Not a book to be taken lightly - if you would reconcile your spiritual practice to those of the masters of love and kindness!
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MiMi
2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2017
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Not my favorite book, but I like how they speak on the difference between spirituality and religion.
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Marsha Eger
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2013
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This is one of those important books to pay attention to for anyone interested in spirituality and how we can come together in the world towards peace.
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M. J. Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Blessed interspiritual thought
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2010
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Wayne Teasdale scans across many faith traditions extracting the mystical core of them all. Refreshing,well- researched and a tremendously powerful call to unity in a fragmented world.
There is no attempt to show any faith as the best to the exclusion of all others which I am afraid I often encounter. This book reflects on the opportunity for us to engage in 'interspirituality' i.e. a way of extending our arms and heart to embrace and understand other traditions. This doesn't mean we lose or lessen the strength and depth of our own. In fact by understanding the techniques and philosophy of other traditions we can only deepen and refresh our own. And if you think about it if God is in everything then the idea that any one tradition has it all is absurd. All mystical traditions whether Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi,the Kabbalah etc offer an openness and oneness to an all encompassing vision of the world.
The author, being a Catholic monk, of course makes many references to the Catholic faith and draws on the writings of that tradition quite extensively (St John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, Thomas Keating to name a few) but he also writes knowledgeably about other traditions and shows how ultimately all spiritual practice is universally about inner development that reaches 'fruition in selfless love, compassion, mercy, and kindness'. True spiritual practice then is known by its fruits no matter what tradition it comes from.
The fruits of the spiritual journery include OPENNESS, PRESENCE, LISTENING, BEING, SEEING, SPONTANEITY, JOY AND PROFOUND PEACE.
In chapter 10 Teasdale suggests that we should open our hearts and consider the all encompassing idea of a universal mysticism where we commune and practice a spirituality as ONE. In so doing we will begin to heal our divisions through being contemplative, interspiritual, intermystical, socially engaged, environmentally responsible, holistic and integrating. Meditation and contemplation appear to be key to working on changing our inner world so that we can commune with others in action with more compassion and love.
This openess is the kind of attitude we need in our fragmented world. Excellent. A very hopeful vision of the future. Lots more I could say but don't want to spoil an enlightening and thought-provoking read that leaves one feeling quite buoyant.
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John3v16
2.0 out of 5 stars ... no stars or one star as this is 'I hate it' and certainly that is not what I would ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 28, 2014
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I can't give the book no stars or one star as this is 'I hate it' and certainly that is not what I would wish to express. It is indeed informative and the author intelligent and very able in expressing his ideas. .. of a supposed universal spirituality, within which he recognises the conflict between theistic and non theistic 'spirituality' but believes that man will advance to a higher state to find the universal truth inherent in all spiritualities and hence interspirituality.The author and many from a contemplative/inner conscientiousness /inner light background (including Thich Nhat Hanh) fail to understand the God of biblical Christians and his offer of a much simpler way to find absolute truth ( a theme of the author)..... by His grace and entering into a personal relationship with us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A simple reading of the gospel of John would easily demonstrate the belief that Jesus had that He was the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one comes to God except through Him. This is the essence of Christian belief as recorded in the bible rather than the philosophical ‘christian?’ murmurings and humanistic pseudo spirituality of those such as the author who regard the orthodox good news of life in Christ as exclusive and fundamentalist.
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