Mysticism A Study In Nature And Development Of Spiritual Consciousness

The work of a noted British authority on mysticism, it is divided into two parts: the first provides an introduction to the general subject of mysticism and its relation to metaphysics, psychology, theology, magic, and symbolism. The second and longer part contains a detailed study of the nature and development of spiritual or mystical consciousness, including such topics as the awakening of the self, the purification of the self, voices and visions, introversion, ecstasy and rapture, the dark night of the soul, and the unitive life. An interesting appendix provides a historical sketch of European mysticism from the beginning of the Christian era to the death of Blake.

Remaining a classic in its field, this book explains first how mysticism relates to such things as vitalism, theology psychology, symbolism and magic. This treatment may seem unusual for Christian mysticism, but it relates widely to the world as we know it and the different practices therein. Part Two explores the awakening, purification and illumination of yourself and gives solid groundwork for such things as voices, visions dreams and other mystical experience.

First published in 1911, Mysticism remains the classic in its field and was lauded by The Princeton Theological Review as "brilliantly written [and] illuminated with numerous well-chosen extracts ... used with exquisite skill." Mysticism makes an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of its subject. Part One examines "The Mystic Fact," explaining the relation of mysticism to vitalism, to psychology, to theology, to symbolism, and to magic. Part Two, "The Mystic Way," explores the awakening, purification, and illumination of the self; discusses voices and visions; and delves into manifestatioins from ecstasty and rapture to the dark night of the soul. Rounding out the book are a useful Appendix, an exhaustive Bibliography, and an Index. Mysticism is thoroughly documented with material drawn from such great mystics as St. Teresa of Avila, Meister Eckhart, and St. John of the Cross, and this new Image Classic features a Foreword by Ira Progoff, translator of Cloud Unknowing and director of Dialogue House in New York City.

A study in the nature and development of man's spiritual consciousness. This book falls naturally into two parts; each of which is really complete in itself, though they are in a sense complementary to one another. The first is intended to provide an introduction to the general subject of mysticism; while the second part contains a somewhat detailed study of the nature and development of man's spiritual or mystical consciousness.

"Mysticism" is one of most celebrated books on the subject. The spirit of the book is romantic, engaged, and theoretical rather than historical or scientific. Underhill has little use for theoretical explanations and the traditional religious experience, formal classifications or analysis. She dismisses William James' pioneering study, The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902), and his "four marks of the mystic state" (ineffability, noetic quality, transcience, and passivity). Excerpt: "All men, at one time or another, have fallen in love with the veiled Isis whom they call Truth. With most, this has been a passing passion: they have early seen its hopelessness and turned to more practical things. But others remain all their lives the devout lovers of reality: though the manner of their love, the vision which they make to themselves of the beloved object varies enormously. Some see Truth as Dante saw Beatrice: an adorable yet intangible figure, found in this world yet revealing the next."

Spiritual Consciousness: Mysticism - The Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness is a seminal book about Christian mysticism written by one of the most widely read authors on the subject, the ever popular Evelyn Underhill continues her trend of truly life-altering writings. Underhill has divided Mysticism into two parts. The first section of the book, "The Mystic Fact," serves as an introduction to Christian mysticism, tracing the history and nature of mysticism from theological and philosophical perspectives. A chapter is also included on mysticism and magic, a relationship that perhaps forms the most controversial aspect of mysticism. The second part of Underhill's book (dubbed "The Mystic Way") is the author's study of the process of mystical growth. This portion of the book can almost be read as a "how-to." For those seeking spiritual growth through Christian mysticism, it is this portion of the book that will be most valuable and potentially life altering. Mysticism remains one of the most heralded texts examining Christian mysticism. The reason for this is simple: Underhill's prose and clarity of voice are remarkable. The text is simple yet both illuminating and inspiring. Both the novice and the experienced follower will find tremendous value in this book. Spiritual Consciousness: Mysticism - The Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness is perhaps the most well known book on the subject matter, and with good reason. It is a true accomplishment, and one that deserves to be read by anybody with a passing interest in mysticism. Underhill's book is highly recommended. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.