Jim Pym
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Listening To The Light Paperback – 22 April 1999
by Jim Pym (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
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£2.58
Quakers have long been respected for their simplicity, integrity, truthfulness, non violence and undestanding of the need for silence. This inspirational little book explores Quaker values and shows how - even if we are not members of the Society of Friends - we can bring Quaker practices and ideals into our everyday lives and relationships with others. Including a fascinating chapter on how to use the tools of Quakerism in a business context, there is also much helpful advice on how to slow down, still the mind and 'let the heart create for us'.
Print length
192 pages
Product description
About the Author
Jim Pym was born and brought up a Roman Catholic and has had a lifelong interest in religion and spirituality. He became a Buddhist and has been coordinator for the Pure Land Buddhist Fellowship, a member of the Council of the Buddhist Society, London, the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and a Buddhist-Christian dialogue group. He teaches meditation and is active in leading retreats and workshops.
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Product details
Publisher : Rider; 1st Edition (22 April 1999)
Language : English
Paperback : 192 pages
ISBN-10 : 0712670203
ISBN-13 : 978-0712670203
Dimensions : 13.46 x 1.52 x 21.84 cmBest Sellers Rank: 405,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)55 in Quaker
2,310 in Spiritual Inspiration
4,877 in New Age Thought & PracticeCustomer reviews:
4.5 out of 5 stars 43 ratings
Jim Pym
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Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from United Kingdom
Kerry O'Regan, Clerk South Australia Regional meeting
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read for both Quakers and non-QuakersReviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2012
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The sub-title suggests the purpose of the book: ‘How to bring Quaker simplicity and integrity into our lives’. Jim Pym came to Quakers from Catholicism, via Buddhism, and still describes himself as ‘a Buddhist and a Quaker’ (his form of Quakerism being of the liberal, non-programmed variety). He has been a professional musician, and a publisher and seller, as well as a writer, of Quaker books. Most introductions to Quakers that I’ve read are worthy volumes but, I must say, a little dry for my taste. They tend to be very matter of fact and ‘out there’. Jim Pym ‘s personality and life experience are very much present in this introduction to Quakers and Quaker ways, and a delightfully warm and engaging presence it is.
He identifies three strands in the book - the first ‘personal and even autobiographical’, the second ‘about Quakerism and about Quakers’, the third being something of a ‘how to...’ in that ‘it suggests ways in which you may incorporate ideas into your own life’.
The ‘about Quakers’ strand deals with principles and approaches rather than the nitty gritty of practicalities, but still manages to cover a lot of ground. He talks of meeting for worship as ‘the source from which everything else springs’, and strives to give some insight into ‘what Quakers have learned and experienced over the years’, touching on the idea of ‘that of God’, the implications of ‘the abolition of the laity’, and the importance of the testimonies, as well as processes such as meeting for worship for business, worship sharing,meetings for clearness, and weddings and funerals.
The ‘how to’ strand considers how anyone, even someone who ‘might never go near a Quaker meeting’, could draw on practices of silence and careful listening, and principles such as integrity and simplicity, and integrate them into everyday life.
The book is woven through with quotes from Advices and Queries (which he identifies as ‘a potted guide guidebook to the Quaker life’) as well as from a range of important Quaker writers, and includes the whole Advices and Queries as an appendix. It also has quite an extensive bibliography (which immediately set me chasing off after a couple of volumes). It was written primarily for those new to Quakers, but this old Quaker found it a great read and will certainly be dipping into it again.
Jim Pym says that ‘viewed from the outside, Quakers give the impression of being stolid, serious, and slightly dull’. I doubt that anyone reading this book would come away with that impression. They will have gained some insight into what Quakers are on about, something of their history and current practice, as well as some practical suggestions for engaging with some Quaker principles in daily life.
20 people found this helpful
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R. L. Fionda
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly simpleReviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2020
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A stunningly simple account of Quaker life, one which I will return to. This has really opened my eyes. Thank you!
One person found this helpful
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Technoquest
5.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to the Quaker movementReviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2015
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This is a comprehensive primer for anyone interested in exploring Quaker practices, written by a knowledgable and experienced practitioner. It is clear and easy to follow, answering the questions people are most likely to have.
The Quakers' website is also very helpful and the guide 'Advices and Queries' which is included as an appendix is now available online.
4 people found this helpful
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BERNIE
4.0 out of 5 stars interestingReviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 January 2018
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Great Book, very interesting would suit someone wanting to know about Quakerism.
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E. Holmans
5.0 out of 5 stars It's easy--not.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2014
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Simplicity as a way of life is often complicated--the shirt's from China, your daughter will die without it, whaddya do? This is a good, up-lifting book, but I just haven't found the book that speaks to my condition as a Quaker. Well, I never said I was a *good* Quaker.
4 people found this helpful
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CatsAndBooks
5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on Quakerism for newcomers and outsidersReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 December 2016
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I think this is the best book for newcomers and outsiders who want to understand the Quaker faith and principles. Clear and simple, easy to understand without being patronising, insightful and practical, written in a fluid style
7 people found this helpful
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Ruthie
5.0 out of 5 stars great book for people interested in quaker approachesReviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2012
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this book is very good at creating a clear picture of what the quaker faith and living the quaker way is all about.
for anyone interested in this way of life this is a really good overview/introduction to what it is all about. it is also easy to read and understand. recommended!
3 people found this helpful
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M. Steinmann
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 March 2017
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helped me to go back to meditating ... very inspiring---I am recommending this book to friends
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Lanette
5.0 out of 5 stars It offers a clear insight into Quaker values and practices.Reviewed in the United States on 22 March 2013
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The book speaks clearly on Quaker worship and the practice of sitting quietly and listening for the still, small voice within. Also, it explained the Friends practice of listening, and finding the Light in others. The book is very accessible, clear and gives an excellent overview of Quaker practice.
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R. West
5.0 out of 5 stars Really fine writingReviewed in the United States on 3 July 2013
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This is certainly the best written and most completely explained writing on modern Quakers that I have read. It brings a new depth of understanding to the subject.
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Ionfacs
4.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely worth reading.Reviewed in the United States on 21 September 2014
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This book provides a solid introduction to Quaker thought. It will be helpful to anyone who wishes to know more about modern Quakers.
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Keith Little
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 30 December 2014
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Wonderful!
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Oscar R Truitt
2.0 out of 5 stars Too simplistic and "feel-good". Not really a story about ...Reviewed in the United States on 8 February 2016
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Too simplistic and "feel-good". Not really a story about Light, more a tale of optimism; something to be encouraged but not something that can be obtained by reading about someone else's world view.
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