Product Description

Throughout the world and throughout all of history, men and women of every creed and culture have known mystical experiences. The mystic path does not belong to any one religion, and is not necessarily religious at all, yet all religions have their mystical traditions and famous mystics. This guide begins with a general introduction to the traditions and history of mysticism. It then moves on to deal with mysticism within the context of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, and other less orthodox traditions such as Shamanism and the Mystery Schools. The book finishes with an exploration of the essence of mysticism and the mystical experience in everyday life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3135593 in Books
• Published on: 1997-04-24
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Customer Reviews

More than just a reference book...truly enriching!
I enjoyed this book very much. What began as leisurely self-study did not culminate and actualize accordingly. An aspiring academic and truth-seeker, I found myself both compelled and sated by the authors' diligently unbiased presentation of the world's major religions.

As it is said, "less is more," and this cliche in particular rings quite true throughout the pages of this book. The authors did not have to cram down our throats the obvious truth that there are to be found numerous commonalities in most major religions...thereby making it apparent to even the most casual observer that there are absolute Truths to be found, in one form or another, in all worthy sects. (Though what truly makes a sect worthy? Not the point, and I digress.)

That we derived as a species in our various race-forms with consistent, unchanging and uncontested beliefs is compelling and convicting. This book will appeal to all those eager to study religion, as well as to those who wish to explore mysticism and the truths thereof on a higher, more academic (and experential) level.

Beautiful. Highly readable, informative and inspiring.
What an outstanding, simplified look at the mystical traditions! The authors present a clear-eyed look at the major religions, identifying the common thread of mysticism that runs through all of them.

Mr. Freke and Mr. Gandy Together are amazing!
What I enjoyed about this book was how Mr. Freke & Mr. Gandy tied the world religions together. How spiritual ideas traveled across the world (there is a chronology of mysticism at the end of the book) and was blended into different cultures. Every culture gave their own distinct character to the basic idea of Oneness. That God is a inteligent force (my words) and how we must lose ourselves to find our true Self.

There is plenty of information on all the major religions plus at the end of the book mysticism outside religion. I feel that's important for people who are turned off by all religion. Read this book and find your own path or make your own.

It's written in an easy flowing style with tidbits of information that I was unfamiliar with. Anyone who desires to know God without dead dogmatic thoughts and lifeless creeds and allows them to be free to explore their inner life I recommend this book to read and own. Fascinating!