The Eye of the Heart: A New Translation with Selected Letters (The Library of Perennial Philosophy)

This new edition of The Eye of the Heart, one of perennialist author Frithjof Schuon's earliest works, features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as over 50 pages of new material, including previously unpublished selections from the author's letters and other private writings. Also featured is a foreword by renowned religion scholar Huston Smith, an editor's preface, extensive editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and biographical notes.

Schuon's perspective is that of the sophia perennis or “perennial wisdom”, which is capable of discerning the spiritual intentions behind religious doctrines, forms, and practices. The essays collected here cover a wide range of subjects, including the fundamental principles of spiritual symbolism, the enigmatic nature of evil, questions on the afterlife, and many invaluable insights concerning the integration of everyday activities into the spiritual life. Schuon also evokes the sacredness of creation and the message of beauty, which when seen with the “eye of the heart”, leads back to God.

Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998) is best known as the foremost spokesman of the Perennial Philosophy. A gifted artist and poet as well as the author of over twenty books on religion, metaphysics, sacred art, and the spiritual path, Schuon's books have been translated into over a dozen languages and are respected by academic and religious authorities alike.

Harry Oldmeadow was Coordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo, Australia, until his recent retirement. He is a well-respected authority on the Perennialist school of comparative religion and the author of Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy. He lives in Bendigo, Australia.

Huston Smith (1919-2016) was Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion and Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, at Syracuse University. One of the world's leading scholars on comparative religion, he was author of the bestselling The World's Religions.