Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness - Softcover

Underhill, Evelyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486422380 ISBN 13: 9780486422381

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2002

Synopsis

Mysticism is usually thought of as an intense state involving personal unification with the Divine or Ultimate Reality. By its very nature, it is an ineffable experience, impossible to put into words. It is not impossible, however, to study the phenomenon, with an eye toward understanding not only its nature and manifestations, but its relationship to spirituality in general. This book is such a study. Widely considered the best book on mysticism for the general reader, this classic volume assembles a broad range of information scattered among monographs and textbooks in many languages.
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.
Richly documented with material drawn from such great mystics as St. Teresa, Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross, and William Blake, this remarkable study will be of immense interest to students, psychologists, theologians — anyone interested in this extremely personal and powerful form of spiritual life.

About this title

From the Back Cover

LONG REGARDED AS A CLASSIC TEXT, AND written by the foremost authority on the subject, Mysticism remains the pre-eminent study of humanity's spiritual consciousness.

Drawing on the voices of such great mystics as Meister Eckhart, St John of the Cross, St Teresa of Avila, Rumi and 'Attar, Underhill offers a unique account of the multi-dimensional world of the mystic, from psychology and symbolism to visions and contemplation. She both introduces mysticism and examines the stages of mystical awakening that lead the human soul from a life of sense to a spiritual life in harmony with the Absolute -- however it is understood.

Perhaps most importantly, Underhill shows how the mystical experience is within reach of us all, and presents an inspiring vision of what this world offers to those who choose to enter it.

About the Author

Evelyn Underhill, a novelist and poet, published her first book in 1902 but her growing interest in mysticism led in 1911 to her greatest work, Mysticism. This classic text immediately established Underhill as the leading writer in the field, and she continued her work by writing many more significant and acclaimed books and essays. In 1921 she became Upton Lecturer in the Philosophy of Religion at Manchester College, and was the firt woman to give a series of lectures on theology at Oxford.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0486422380
• ISBN 13: 9780486422381
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 544