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Return to the Sacred: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening Paperback – 18 March 2010
by Jonathan Ellerby (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
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Are you looking for inner peace? Do you seek a deeper understanding of yourself and the spiritual world? Have you followed the popular prescriptions for enlightenment and still found yourself unsatisfied? Return to The Sacred is a fascinating guide that will help you understand the importance of spiritual practice and the great diversity of paths that are available to you. This is a book that does more than provide philosophy and inspiration; it gives you the freedom to find a path that works for you and the knowledge to experience the answers for yourself. You'll learn about the time-tested tools of spiritual growth that will help you discover extraordinary depths of wisdom, power, and peace. Return to The Sacred will introduce you to the 12 Master Paths and Practices that have transformed the lives of countless saints, mystics, masters, and sages since the beginning of history. In this book, you'll find what you need to discover your spiritual personality and choose the path that will lead you toward the realization of boundless joy and a lifelong journey of meaning. Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D., weaves threads of personal growth and comparative religion into captivating true tales of spiritual adventures with teachers and healers around the world. Through colorful stories and clear reflections, he presents a perspective that reveals the rewards of spiritual practice, and a realistic understanding of the deep commitments and challenging steps along the way. Return to The Sacred is an inspiring journey around the globe and into the furthest reaches of Spirit.
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Print length
312 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Hay House
Publication date
18 March 2010
Dimensions
15.24 x 1.98 x 22.86 cm
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Product description
Review
"Return to The Sacred reads like an invitation directly from the spirit to come explore the many expressions of the Divine. Ellerby is a masterful storyteller in addition to being a fine scholar, and the result is a must-read book."
-- Caroline Myss, the best-selling author of Anatomy of the Spirit and Defy Gravity
"Very rarely does a book appear with the power to stir the soul; to remind you of what you know in your bones; to inspire you to connect with Spirit in its many forms. Return to The Sacred is such a book. An authentic spiritual adventure, it is lyrically beautiful, stunningly real, and at the same time, resolutely practical. This is a book to read and to cherish. I'm going to buy a carton for my family and friends."
-- Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., the best-selling author of Your Soul's Compass and It's Not the End of the World
"People everywhere are experiencing a spiritual hunger as never before. Return to The Sacred is a magnificent way of answering this need. This is an elegant, enchanting book. Jonathan Ellerby's spiritual path has taken him inside many of the world's great spiritual traditions, which he now shares. If you are ready for growth and trans-formation in your spiritual life, this book is for you."
-- Larry Dossey, M.D., the best-selling author of Healing Words and The Power of Premonitions
"Jonathan is one of those extraordinary people who makes an impact everywhere he goes. Not only is he an accomplished, well-credentialed, and knowledgeable expert on seemingly all things spiritual, but he has proven himself to be a master healer and someone who lives what he teaches. We at Canyon Ranch have been blessed to have chosen Jonathan Ellerby as our Spiritual Program Director.
"Return to The Sacred is a reflection of Jonathan's rare gifts: it is warm-hearted, engaging, and sure to challenge and enhance the way you see yourself and the world. If you are seeking wellness and peace, it's got what you are look-ing for. This book offers an invaluable perspective that will enrich your life."
-- Mel Zuckerman, founder of Canyon Ranch Health Resorts
"Return to The Sacred is a beautiful book that will certainly take you to the next level of your spiritual growth. Transform your life now and discover your true spiritual identity with Dr. Ellerby's book. You'll love it."
-- Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., the best-selling author of The End of Karma and Meditation as Medicine
"If you are one of the 90 million Americans who considers themselves 'spiritual but not religious, ' this book is a must-read. With his accessible and original voice, Jonathan Ellerby eloquently describes his own mystical experiences while shining a bright light onto the path to follow if you wish to have your own."
-- Arielle Ford, the best-selling author of The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction and co-founder of the Spiritual Cinema Circle
"Sometimes an individual will come along who senses that the quiet voice within is the one that speaks. In that quiet voice, you will be revealed unto yourself. Jonathan is such a person. If anyone should take the time to meet with his teachings, they would be the wiser, and will benefit. He is a traveler, a kind man, and in service to all. He is a steward of Mother Earth, and I know where he walks there is honor. I am proud to call him brother and friend."
-- Don Lorenzo Archuleta, Yaqui healer, founder of Windspirit Teachings
"Return to The Sacred is an extraordinary book that will bring you to a deep understanding of your spiritual nature, while connecting you with the richness of the world's cultures and traditions. Dr. Ellerby has the rare ability to take you inside the experience of the mystic and the shaman, while helping you understand how to get there yourself--if you are willing to commit to the journey of a lifetime!"
-- Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., the best-selling author of Yoga, Power, and Spirit and Courageous Dreaming
"Dr. Ellerby's Return to The Sacred: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening is a book we have been waiting for. It surveys the spiritual-practice landscape in a way that is entertaining, inviting, and truly informative. All of the spiritual paths highlighted in this book are done so with clarity and feeling and are marked by the authenticity of Dr. Ellerby's personal stories of his encounters with spiritual teachers and practices. What a blessed journey! Dr. Ellerby demystifies ancient cultural systems and inspires us to journey down the path that is calling to us. We give thanks for the fact that Dr. Ellerby has been true to his own internal muse and, in so doing, has delivered to us a gift that will nourish generations to come."
-- Kamau Kokayi, M.D., integrative physician and the host of Pacifica Radio's Global Medicine Review
About the Author
Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D., has spent more than 20 years dedicated to the personal, professional, and academic exploration of spirituality, healing, and consciousness. Throughout his journey, he has traveled the world meeting and studying with spiritual teachers from more than 40 cultural traditions. Jonathan has a doctoral degree in comparative religion and an ordination as an interfaith minister. He has worked as a healer, teacher, and consultant with individuals and groups in settings as diverse as hospitals, major corporations, prisons, community groups, conferences, and some of the world's leading holistic health resorts. His work and training have taken him deeply into the worlds of Indigenous healing, corporate culture, and integrative medicine. Currently, Jonathan is the Spiritual Program Director for the acclaimed Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson, Arizona.
Product details
Publisher : Hay House; 1st edition (18 March 2010)
Language : English
Paperback : 312 pages
ISBN-10 : 1401921566
ISBN-13 : 978-1401921569
Dimensions : 15.24 x 1.98 x 22.86 cmCustomer Reviews:
4.6 out of 5 stars 32 ratings
About the author
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Jonathan H. Ellerby
Featured as an expert in films, print, television, and radio, Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D., is the author of the new release Inspiration Deficit Disorder: The No Pill Prescription To End Bad Habits, Low Energy and High Stress. He is also the author of "Return to the Sacred," "Your Spiritual Personality" (audio) and is the Spiritual Program Director for the internationally acclaimed Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Jonathan has over 20 years of experience in the fields of holistic healing, spiritual counseling, integrative medicine, and corporate consulting. Drawing from a PhD in comparative religion and travels to meet and study with healers and teachers in more than forty cultures around the world Jonathan makes spirituality simple and every day inspired.
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ali
5.0 out of 5 stars GreatReviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 3 October 2022
Verified Purchase
Wonderful read. Full of wisdom,personal experiences,and love for the divine.
It's always good to read a book written out of direct encounter with the sacred.
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Keri
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 9 May 2016
Verified Purchase
Good Read.
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Denise Escamilla Ortiz
4.0 out of 5 stars Good suggestions and pointers as to how and where to start your own spiritual path.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 28 November 2014
Verified Purchase
This book is about the author’s pathways to his own spiritual awakening. However, he gives the reader a lot of options, suggestions and pointers as to how and where to start his or her own spiritual path. Now, if you want to follow his footsteps you will need a very considerable amount of money to travel around the globe and work with masters and gurus around the world and learn all kinds of spiritual practices.
But, if you really want to start walking the path of your own spiritual awakening and don’t have many resources at the time being, you can start reading books on the subject, there are many wonderful authors out there regarding this subject. You can join a local group that shares your interests, learn to meditate, get involved in some of your community activities. Sooner than later you’ll find yourself working on your spiritual life without much effort. Although it does take discipline and patience to walk that path, because your ego will fight back when you try to silence it.
They say that when you are ready the teacher shows up, and I know this for a fact. There is no right or wrong path, it’s only important that it’s your own path and that it feels right walking it. Just choose your spiritual adviser wisely. Like the author says, no matter how many degrees or credentials a person has, if you have a “bad feeling” you should walk away. Not all paths are for everyone, you have to find your own. Not all guides are fit for us all, we each have to find our own mentor and guru. But I personally think that it’s important if not imperative that we work in our spirituality to heal humanity and the planet as a whole.
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13 people found this helpfulReport
Ronald L. Bedry
5.0 out of 5 stars Seeking GodReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 9 November 2009
Verified Purchase
This book was recommended by a friend who is Hindu in her religious orientation. I am a Christian with Buddhist sensibilities, if you will, finding new insights in the Gnostic gospels that open the door to a better understanding of the core message of Jesus Christ. This book shows us what we all have in common while warning us of the pitfalls of taking pride in our spiritual pursuits. I like what Denis Johnson wrote in "Tree of Smoke": "There is only one God, but He has many administrations." "Return to the Sacred" shows us how true this is. If there ever is going to be a harmonious human civilization on this planet, we must return to the basic spiritual teachings of our ancestors while rejecting the claims of organized religions which is precisely what fuels many of the world's conflicts. If we truly understand the Scriptures, we can then transcend the economic and political trappings (which cloak themselves often in religious garb) that reduce humankind to the level of tribal beasts. Love your neighbor, love God...it's that simple! Peace be with you all.
18 people found this helpfulReport
Nellie
4.0 out of 5 stars Return to the SacredReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 21 April 2012
Verified Purchase
This book explains it all. I too, have researched and practised many spiritual pathways and could relate to the content exceptionally well. From time to time I have changed paths but basically kept coming back to what I find best suits my needs. This is what I tell people who ask me what is the best meditation. I always say...the one that suits you best and you will feel comforatble in using on a daily basis.There are so many subtle changes in my attitude over the years, that sometimes it takes others to point them out to me. This author spelt out to me that all I am doing is OK and to continue to take resposibility for my own actions and show kindness to my self and others. I enjoyed it immensely.
3 people found this helpfulReport
===
Denise
224 reviews12 followers
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July 3, 2013
This book is about the author’s pathways to his own spiritual awakening. However, he gives the reader a lot of options, suggestions and pointers as to how and where to start his or her own spiritual path. Now, if you want to follow his footsteps you will need a very considerable amount of money to travel around the globe and work with masters and gurus around the world and learn all kinds of spiritual practices.
But, if you really want to start walking the path of your own spiritual awakening and don’t have many resources at the time being, you can start reading books on the subject, there are many wonderful authors out there regarding this subject. You can join a local group that shares your interests, learn to meditate, get involved in some of your community activities. Sooner than later you’ll find yourself working on your spiritual life without much effort. Although it does take discipline and patience to walk that path, because your ego will fight back when you try to silence it.
They say that when you are ready the teacher shows up, and I know this for a fact.
There is no right or wrong path, it’s only important that it’s your own path and that it feels right walking it. Just choose your spiritual adviser wisely. Like the author says, no matter how many degrees or credentials a person has, if you have a “bad feeling” you should walk away. Not all paths are for everyone, you have to find your own. Not all guides are fit for us all, we each have to find our own mentor and guru. But I personally think that it’s important if not imperative that we work in our spirituality to heal humanity and the planet as a whole.
spirituality
3 likes
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Colin
9 reviews1 follower
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October 21, 2014
The author's many experiences shows that there is no "one way" to awaken the spirit, and it does not always come from the things that we think will awaken it. Awakening the spirit is just the start of the journey though, not the end so every experience builds on those that came before giving new understandings and insights. Again, having the insights is not enough - you have to then take action and make them part of who you are. Some insights are small and some can change who we are in an instant.
I found this book a good reminder to keep up a spiritual practice of some sort - sometimes it can be something big, sometimes just as small as a daily prayer to (insert chosen recipient here), to act as a constant reminder of our true nature.
2 likes
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Jenn Raley
129 reviews
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March 18, 2021
I did not know that "spiritual adventure book" is a genre, but that's what Jonathan has brought us here. His stories depicting various spiritual practices are truly engaging.
The overall structure of the book is truly helpful, outlining various types of spiritual practice, the details of which can be nonsectarian or specific to one's faith tradition. This book is suitable for a range of individuals, from a spiritual practitioner who feels stuck and is looking for something new to a seeker who doesn't know where to begin.
I found the last chapters to be most encouraging personally. Even when specific spiritual practices seem difficult to fit into the daily "time budget", living in one's own integrity, with compassion and intention, is truly its own spiritual practice.
faith-spiritual
1 like
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Courtney
243 reviews6 followers
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October 7, 2022
I finished this a while back but forgot to tell GoodReads. Haha. I absolutely loved it with my entire sacred soul. This is a book that I could read over and over again. It resonates on such a deep level. Heck, I think I might even try to get in touch with the author who is from Manitoba and got a degree in my hometown of Regina just to thank him for this beautiful book. He feels like a beautiful, wise, kindred spirit.
1 like
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Jen Bosen
66 reviews
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April 9, 2018
Interesting premise, annoying execution. The author writes from a place of EXTREME privilege, loves name dropping, and his tone is often a little condescending. That said, the 12 spiritual paths he discusses are fascinating, and I appreciate how he introduces them, shares different options along each, and doesn’t seem to favor one over the other. I rolled my eyes a lot, but I learned enough to make the eye rolling worth it.
faith
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Annette Summerfield
550 reviews12 followers
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September 17, 2012
Obviously not a person who grew up with poverty and lives in poverty or understands it.
I've never had the money for a passport, let-alone the money to be joining yoga classes and such.
I got tired of reading about his trips all over the place. As someone who is ill and has been, over all, a lot house bound over my life I can't relate at all to this. He needed to encourage those who are unable to go out and join classes. If you can't afford to join a yoga class, and/or due to an illness, anxieties, social phobias, Agoraphobia and so on, do what you can at home. Single moms with children and someone with a family to look after, so many different situations, not everyone can be out visiting spiritual healers, herbalists, yoga classes and traveling all over, or have the means to.
I started skipping over his stories of "I went here" and "I traveled there"...really, never known anyone who could just spend life doing all this. I went through all these and found the parts I thought were of use and enjoyed those parts.
It's sad though to tell people they can't learn on their own. It discourages those who are unable to get help. I have to block that negativity out now and realize, that though I can't go out and join this and that and be social, I will continue to do the best I can home here.
self-help
Like
Comment
Corrina
79 reviews20 followers
Follow
May 29, 2016
Jonathan has an amazing ability to take the spiritual and bring it into everyday life and language - to take it out of the "sacrosphere" and make it comprehensible and doable. He gives you so many tools and stories and ways to think about and look at things that are just delightful ways to remind yourself to be present again and again and again. I enjoy his writings and talks so much for this. Sometimes we think that remembering the sacred in us is such a struggle in every day life, and it can be, but then there is Jonathan, sharing a technique or a small ritual that we can do, reminding us not to make it too hard, to come back to presence, to face what is and go from there.
Like
Comment
H. Roberts
Author 4 books11 followers
Follow
March 17, 2015
This was an interesting read. I was looking for some ways to better incorporate my spiritual practice into my daily life and the master paths detailed in this book gave me a lot of inspiration. A bit heavy on the personal anecdotes but otherwise very informative.
Like
Comment
Lindy
172 reviews13 followers
Follow
August 30, 2011
This book is to give spiritual direction and add to the journey you are currently on and offers many connections to offer the spirit to nourish and guide you along this adventure.
spiritual-direction writing-from-life
Like
Comment
Narelle Clauscen
31 reviews
Follow
June 6, 2016
An enjoyable read and reminder of the steps to take to live a life of inner peace. A great introduction to the beginner in self-development and discovery.
Like
Comment
Denise
224 reviews12 followers
Follow
July 3, 2013
This book is about the author’s pathways to his own spiritual awakening. However, he gives the reader a lot of options, suggestions and pointers as to how and where to start his or her own spiritual path. Now, if you want to follow his footsteps you will need a very considerable amount of money to travel around the globe and work with masters and gurus around the world and learn all kinds of spiritual practices.
But, if you really want to start walking the path of your own spiritual awakening and don’t have many resources at the time being, you can start reading books on the subject, there are many wonderful authors out there regarding this subject. You can join a local group that shares your interests, learn to meditate, get involved in some of your community activities. Sooner than later you’ll find yourself working on your spiritual life without much effort. Although it does take discipline and patience to walk that path, because your ego will fight back when you try to silence it.
They say that when you are ready the teacher shows up, and I know this for a fact.
There is no right or wrong path, it’s only important that it’s your own path and that it feels right walking it. Just choose your spiritual adviser wisely. Like the author says, no matter how many degrees or credentials a person has, if you have a “bad feeling” you should walk away. Not all paths are for everyone, you have to find your own. Not all guides are fit for us all, we each have to find our own mentor and guru. But I personally think that it’s important if not imperative that we work in our spirituality to heal humanity and the planet as a whole.
spirituality
3 likes
Like
Comment
Colin
9 reviews1 follower
Follow
October 21, 2014
The author's many experiences shows that there is no "one way" to awaken the spirit, and it does not always come from the things that we think will awaken it. Awakening the spirit is just the start of the journey though, not the end so every experience builds on those that came before giving new understandings and insights. Again, having the insights is not enough - you have to then take action and make them part of who you are. Some insights are small and some can change who we are in an instant.
I found this book a good reminder to keep up a spiritual practice of some sort - sometimes it can be something big, sometimes just as small as a daily prayer to (insert chosen recipient here), to act as a constant reminder of our true nature.
2 likes
Like
Comment
Jenn Raley
129 reviews
Follow
March 18, 2021
I did not know that "spiritual adventure book" is a genre, but that's what Jonathan has brought us here. His stories depicting various spiritual practices are truly engaging.
The overall structure of the book is truly helpful, outlining various types of spiritual practice, the details of which can be nonsectarian or specific to one's faith tradition. This book is suitable for a range of individuals, from a spiritual practitioner who feels stuck and is looking for something new to a seeker who doesn't know where to begin.
I found the last chapters to be most encouraging personally. Even when specific spiritual practices seem difficult to fit into the daily "time budget", living in one's own integrity, with compassion and intention, is truly its own spiritual practice.
faith-spiritual
1 like
Like
Comment
Courtney
243 reviews6 followers
Follow
October 7, 2022
I finished this a while back but forgot to tell GoodReads. Haha. I absolutely loved it with my entire sacred soul. This is a book that I could read over and over again. It resonates on such a deep level. Heck, I think I might even try to get in touch with the author who is from Manitoba and got a degree in my hometown of Regina just to thank him for this beautiful book. He feels like a beautiful, wise, kindred spirit.
1 like
Like
Comment
Jen Bosen
66 reviews
Follow
April 9, 2018
Interesting premise, annoying execution. The author writes from a place of EXTREME privilege, loves name dropping, and his tone is often a little condescending. That said, the 12 spiritual paths he discusses are fascinating, and I appreciate how he introduces them, shares different options along each, and doesn’t seem to favor one over the other. I rolled my eyes a lot, but I learned enough to make the eye rolling worth it.
faith
Like
Comment
Annette Summerfield
550 reviews12 followers
Follow
September 17, 2012
Obviously not a person who grew up with poverty and lives in poverty or understands it.
I've never had the money for a passport, let-alone the money to be joining yoga classes and such.
I got tired of reading about his trips all over the place. As someone who is ill and has been, over all, a lot house bound over my life I can't relate at all to this. He needed to encourage those who are unable to go out and join classes. If you can't afford to join a yoga class, and/or due to an illness, anxieties, social phobias, Agoraphobia and so on, do what you can at home. Single moms with children and someone with a family to look after, so many different situations, not everyone can be out visiting spiritual healers, herbalists, yoga classes and traveling all over, or have the means to.
I started skipping over his stories of "I went here" and "I traveled there"...really, never known anyone who could just spend life doing all this. I went through all these and found the parts I thought were of use and enjoyed those parts.
It's sad though to tell people they can't learn on their own. It discourages those who are unable to get help. I have to block that negativity out now and realize, that though I can't go out and join this and that and be social, I will continue to do the best I can home here.
self-help
Like
Comment
Corrina
79 reviews20 followers
Follow
May 29, 2016
Jonathan has an amazing ability to take the spiritual and bring it into everyday life and language - to take it out of the "sacrosphere" and make it comprehensible and doable. He gives you so many tools and stories and ways to think about and look at things that are just delightful ways to remind yourself to be present again and again and again. I enjoy his writings and talks so much for this. Sometimes we think that remembering the sacred in us is such a struggle in every day life, and it can be, but then there is Jonathan, sharing a technique or a small ritual that we can do, reminding us not to make it too hard, to come back to presence, to face what is and go from there.
Like
Comment
H. Roberts
Author 4 books11 followers
Follow
March 17, 2015
This was an interesting read. I was looking for some ways to better incorporate my spiritual practice into my daily life and the master paths detailed in this book gave me a lot of inspiration. A bit heavy on the personal anecdotes but otherwise very informative.
Like
Comment
Lindy
172 reviews13 followers
Follow
August 30, 2011
This book is to give spiritual direction and add to the journey you are currently on and offers many connections to offer the spirit to nourish and guide you along this adventure.
spiritual-direction writing-from-life
Like
Comment
Narelle Clauscen
31 reviews
Follow
June 6, 2016
An enjoyable read and reminder of the steps to take to live a life of inner peace. A great introduction to the beginner in self-development and discovery.
Like
Comment
