Meditation Symbols in Eastern & Western Mysticism: Mysteries of the Mandala

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0893145432 ISBN 13: 9780893145439

Publisher: Philosophical Research Society, 1996

The fruition of a lifetime of study and interpretation of Eastern and Western mystical symbolism, this classic text explores meditation symbols throughout history in thirteen profusely illustrated chapters.

From the Publisher:

The Philosophical Research Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1934 for the purpose of assisting thoughtful persons to live more graciously and constructively in a confused and troubled world. The Society is entirely free from educational, political, or ecclesiastical control. Dedicated to an idealistic approach to the solution of human problems, the Society's program stresses the need for the integration of religion, philosophy, and the science of psychology into one system of instruction. The goal of this instruction is to enable the individual to develop a mature philosophy of life, to recognize his proper responsibilities and opportunities, and to understand and appreciate his place in the unfolding universal pattern.

From the Back Cover:

"The discipline of meditation involves the expansion of awareness. There are many questions about life that cannot be easily answered, but they can be experienced by the mystic in moments of quiet contemplation. Ultimate truths are available to those who become aware of the meditative disciplines. Reality is present in everything, but is obscured by the doubts and confusions that afflict the human mind. The finite is merely a shadow of the infinite. The heart and mind can come to perfect peace by the contemplation of the wonders of the natural world. The creating power is unfolded to our inner vision through creation itself." (Manly P. Hall).

The fruition of a lifetime dedication to the study and interpretation of both Eastern and Western mystical symbolism, this book consummates insight into these themes first presented by Mr. Hall in The Secret Teachings of All Ages. Elucidating the use and meaning of mandalas or cosmic diagrams within the context of mystical experience, the role of disciplines is accentuated through which the mind can be attuned toward the realization of the aspects of Deity in all forms that exist. A rich variety of mystical symbolism is amassed together with illuminating keys to its inner significance.