Anonymous 14th-century mystical text guiding the contemplative toward direct experience of God through 'unknowing' — releasing conceptual thought.

Classic mystical treatise describing the soul's journey through spiritual desolation toward union with God.

Teresa of Avila's masterwork mapping seven stages of spiritual development as mansions within a crystal castle, a landmark of Christian mystical literature.

Penguin Classics selection of the radical German mystic's sermons and treatises on detachment, divine unity, and the birth of God in the soul.

Classic guide to the Jesus Prayer practice and hesychast tradition by the 19th-century Russian bishop and spiritual writer.

Collection of texts on contemplative prayer by Eastern Orthodox monks spanning the 4th to 15th centuries, central to the Hesychast tradition.

Annotated selections from the Philokalia, the foundational anthology of hesychast writings on the prayer of the heart and contemplative stillness.

The account of a Russian pilgrim's journey to learn unceasing prayer, a foundational text of the hesychast tradition of the Jesus Prayer.

Stanford Encyclopedia entry on mysticism with significant coverage of the Christian contemplative tradition.

In this classic of Christian mysticism, a Carmelite nun describes her struggles and ultimate union with God. St. Teresa recounts her childhood, spiritual crises, and embrace of the contemplative life.

Interior Castle is a guide for spiritual development through service and prayer. The work was inspired by Teresa's vision of the soul as a diamond in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions, which she interpreted as the journey of faith through seven stages, ending with union with God. The book was written as a practical blueprint for "seekers" who want to experience prayer as mystical union with God. Teresa's exposure of how she was blessed with contemplation illuminates the Catholic theologies of grace, the sacraments, humility and ultimately love. It contains the basis for what she felt should be the ideal journey of faith. The first English translation was published in 1675 and the second in 1852. This cloth-bound book includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket, and is limited to 100 copies.

Written by Saint Teresa of Ávila, The Interior Castle is a classic work of Christian mysticism that describes the soul's journey toward divine union with God. St. Teresa uses the metaphor of a castle with seven mansions, representing stages of spiritual growth and intimacy with the Divine. She outlines the challenges and graces encountered at each stage, offering guidance on prayer, humility, and surrender to God's will. The work is a profound exploration of the inner life, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the ultimate goal of spiritual communion.

Deeply spiritual and profoundly human, this 16th-century masterpiece is the work of a revered saint. Its insights into prayer and meditation as the keys to fulfillment have inspired generations of readers.

Written by Saint Teresa of Ávila, The Interior Castle is a classic work of Christian mysticism that describes the soul's journey toward divine union with God. St. Teresa uses the metaphor of a castle with seven mansions, representing stages of spiritual growth and intimacy with the Divine. She outlines the challenges and graces encountered at each stage, offering guidance on prayer, humility, and surrender to God's will. The work is a profound exploration of the inner life, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the ultimate goal of spiritual communion.

The Interior Castle is considered St. Teresa of Avila’s masterpiece. She wrote this last work in just a few months in 1577, five years before her death. At this point in her life she had been granted the highest mystical graces; this book is the fruit of her lived experience and a deep-felt praise of God for it. More than a book, The Interior Castle is a powerful image of the mystery of the human person. It is, in a very real sense, Teresa’s soul. Using the image of a castle, Teresa describes the soul’s progressive inner journey through seven dwelling places, until finally reaching the center where, now transformed, it is united with God. Reading the works of Teresa herself is indispensable. This second, revised study edition has been completely redesigned as a springboard to reading and understanding Teresa’s text. The book presents a chapter of The Interior Castle itself, followed by a review of the development of her thought and the principal ideas in each chapter. Interpretive notes after each chapter cover doctrine, history, and sociology. Expanded questions for reflection and/or discussion conclude each chapter. A glossary of terms offers definitions as well as their specific and sometimes unique meaning in Teresa’s writings. Comprehensive indexes of key themes and figures, castle imagery, and biblical references make this volume an indispensable reference resource.

Saint Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, baptized as Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada was a prominent Spanish mystic, Roman Catholic saint, Carmelite nun, and writer of the Counter Reformation, and theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered to be, along with John of the Cross, a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. In 1622, forty years after her death, she was canonized by Pope Gregory XV, and in 1970 named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her books, which include her autobiography, The Life of Teresa of Jesus, and her seminal work, El Castillo Interior (The Interior Castle), are an integral part of the Spanish Renaissance literature as well as Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices as she entails in her other important work Camino de Perfección (The Way of Perfection). This book provides a collection of letters written by St. Teresa of Avila. You can purchase other religious works directly from Wyatt North Publishing.

The works of Spanish nun SAINT TERESA OF AVILA (1515-1582) rank among the most extraordinary mystical writings of Roman Catholicism and among the classics of all religious traditions... and her own life story is considered one of the finest autobiographies in any language. From her carefree childhood through her life as an ascetic Carmelite nun, from her visions of Satan through her worship of God, this is her passionate yet earthy retelling of her struggles with temptation, her work founding and ruling convents, and her devotion to God. Hailed by those seeking spiritual succor as one of the most accessible guides to achieving a closer relationship to God through prayer, this extraordinary book remains a commanding entry to numinous Christianity.

In "The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus, of the Order of Our Lady of Carmel," Saint Teresa of Avila presents a deeply introspective and autobiographical account that intertwines her personal spiritual journey with the reformative principles of the Carmelite Order. Written with lyrical clarity and profound sincerity in the 16th century, this work employs a direct and engaging narrative style, allowing readers to delve into the intricacies of her mystical experiences and contemplative prayer. The book stands as a seminal text in Christian spirituality, reflecting the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on inner devotion and self-examination, while also engaging with the socio-political landscape of her time. Saint Teresa of Avila, a prominent figure in the Catholic Reformation, was not only a mystic but also a reformer who sought to revitalize the Carmelite Order. Born into a noble Spanish family in 1515, her early struggles with illness and existential questions fueled her quest for a deeper relationship with God. Her life experiences, including her time spent in convents and her visionary encounters, inform the compelling narratives that shape her spiritual teachings and leadership initiatives. This groundbreaking work is highly recommended for readers interested in understanding the intersection of mysticism and reform in the Catholic tradition. "The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus" invites contemporary audiences to engage with her transformative insights into prayer and the spiritual life, making it an invaluable addition to the library of anyone exploring the depths of Christian thought and practice. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

THE convent of St. Joseph at Avila having been inaugurated on August 24, 1562, and the storms occasioned by its foundation having somewhat subsided, St. Teresa received permission from the Provincial, Fray Angel de Salazar, to leave the monastery of the Incarnation and join her new community; she crossed the threshold of that ‘Paradise’, as our Lord vouchsafed to call it, about Mid-Lent, 1563, never to leave the enclosure again—as she fervently hoped. She did not know then that God had destined her to more arduous work which would compel her to sally forth and establish convent after convent in distant parts of Spain. Her sojourn at St. Joseph’s only lasted four and a half years, but, as she says, it was the happiest time of her life. The convent was small and poor, the observance as strict as human nature, strengthened by grace, can bear, but she enjoyed to the full the peace which, after the many struggles graphically described in the Life, had at length been granted her. Aeterna Press

St. Teresa of Avila was a prominent 16th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite nun. This is her great work on the practice of prayer, consisting of detailed directions on the achievement of spiritual perfection. It has long been considered a classic of the interior life and Christian mysticism, and modern readers will appreciate its warmth and accessibility.

Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening is a complete guidebook for all who wish to know the practice of Centering Prayer.

Chanting the psalms, or psalmody, is an ancient practice of vital importance in the Christian spiritual tradition. Today many think of it as a discipline that belongs only in monasteries—but psalmody is a spiritual treasure that is available to anyone who prays. You don’t need to be musical or a monk to do it, and it can be enjoyed in church liturgical worship, in groups, or even individually as part of a personal rule of prayer. Cynthia Bourgeault brings the practice into the twenty-first century, providing a history of Christian psalmody as well as an appreciation of its place in contemplative practice today. And she teaches you how to do it as you chant along with her on the accompanying audio program in which she demonstrates the basic techniques and easy melodies that anyone can learn. “Even if you can’t read music,” Cynthia says, “or if somewhere along the way you’ve absorbed the message that your voice is no good or you can’t sing on pitch, I’ll still hope to show you that chanting the psalms is accessible to nearly everyone.”

The modern-day mystic and beloved author of The Wisdom Jesus shares the evolution of her spiritual journey, offering a bold interpretation of Christian mysticism, energy, and our collective reality In Eye of the Heart, Cynthia Bourgeault investigates the imaginal realm—an energetic realm well known to the mystical traditions but often forgotten in our own times. It is invisible to the physical eye, but clearly perceptible through the eye of the heart. The imaginal realm has long been associated with the personal world of dreams, prophecy, and oracles, and it also points toward a higher vision of our human purpose that is both evolutionary and collective. Bourgeault explores both aspects of imaginal reality and shows readers how we can cooperate more fully with its guidance in our lives. Expertly blending her own lived experiences with research on the imaginal realm, Bourgeault explores how her personal relationships have helped to bring these teachings into sharper focus and the role this realm plays in Christian and other mystical traditions. She delves into the connections between our inner consciousness and what happens in the world, exploring the transformative energy and governing conventions that make the manifestation of this realm possible. Eye of the Heart presents Bourgeault’s spiritual journey with the imaginal realm and encourages readers to attune their hearts for the well-being of the world.

A guidebook for all who are called to the path of conscious love. This powerful book, written by an Episcopal priest, tells of her intense relationship with Brother Raphael Robin, a seventy-year-old Trappist monk and hermit. Deeply enriched by Bourgeault's knowledge of the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and of Christian mysticism, their vibrant, provocative, beautifully written story adds a profound new dimension to our understanding of human love and the possibility of survival beyond the grave.

"Fue una mujer el discipulo mas importante de Jesus? A partir de esta pregunta, fundamental para entender la evolucion de la exegesis cristiana en los ultimos anos, Cynthia Bourgeault elabora un analisis meditado y provocativo de las pruebas disponibles que remiten a la posibilidad de que Maria Magdalena fuese una de las discipulas de Jesus y que el maestro tuviese una vision de lo femenino muy distinta a la que sostiene la Iglesia. A pesar de ser uno de los simbolos mas influyentes y sugerentes de la historia del cristianismo, las referencias a ella que encontramos en la Biblia son bastante reducidas, por lo que Bourgeault explora tambien tradiciones religiosas, obras de arte, leyendas y textos apocrifos para configurar un complejo retrato de una de las santas del catolicismo que mas devocion despierta y una de las figuras de referencia del gnosticismo cristiano."--Amazon.com

In five interwoven meditations, Mystical Hope shows how to recognize hope in our own lives, where it comes from, how to deepen it through prayer, and how to carry it into the world as a source of strength and renewal.

Unsere Kultur thematisiert den Prozess des Älterwerdens zunehmend unter reinen Gesundheitsaspekten; entsprechend besorgt schauen die meisten Menschen dem Spätherbst ihres Lebens entgegen. Wer die Ziellinie möglichst besterhalten als Letzter überquert, hat gewonnen -- lautet das fragwürdige Versprechen des kollektiven Fitnesswahns. Dabei bietet ein bewusstes Altern die unschätzbare Chance einer tiefgreifenden inneren Wandlung und Erneuerung, wenn wir uns mit echtem Anfängergeist, mit hoffnungsvoller Neugier und der Bereitschaft, überkommene Selbstbilder abzulegen, darauf einlassen. In zwölf lehrreichen Lektionen zeigt die Theologin und Weisheitslehrerin Cynthia Bourgeault einfühlsam und anschaulich, wie wir auf Basis bewusster Entscheidung, vertrauensvollem Jasagen, aufrichtiger Selbstgewahrwerdung und Verantwortungsübernahme für unseren Geisteszustand die »aufsteigende Daseinskurve« unseres Lebens schwungvoll zu nehmen vermögen. In unterschiedlichen Begriffen (wie etwa »neuer Mensch«, »innerer oder zweiter Körper«, »Auferstehungsleib« oder auch »Hochzeitsgewand«) mahnen uns alle spirituellen Traditionen der Welt, uns bereits heute vorzubereiten für das ewige Leben nach unserem Erwachen. Wie wir das allerspätestens in unserer zweiten Lebenshälfte konkret anstellen und einüben können, sodass wir im bewussten Älterwerden unsere neuen Blüten aus der »Wurzel der Wurzel unserer selbst« entspringen lassen, davon handelt dieses ermutigende Buch voller Altersweisheit. »Altern ist tatsächlich eine Geisteshaltung. Mit einem Geist, der gelernt hat, in bedingungsloser Präsenz und völliger Unabhängigkeit von dem, was um uns herumwirbelt, seine »Gestalt« zu wahren, bleiben wir mit der Quelle verbunden, selbst wenn wir uns auf der »absteigenden Daseinskurve« befinden, auf der wir zu guter Letzt all jene anderen, belangloseren Merkmale unserer Handlungsfähigkeit verlieren werden. Das Licht dieser Verbindung wird durch uns hindurchscheinen, uns schon in diesem Leben den Mantel wahren »Ältestentums« verleihen und uns für alle Welten, die jenseits von dieser liegen mögen, mit einem bereits gut ausgebildeten Vermögen zum Unendlichen wappnen.«

In The Corner of Fourth and Nondual, a title inspired by Thomas Merton's moment of revelation 'at the corner of Fourth and Walnut' in his celebrated essay 'A Member of the Human Race', Cynthia Bourgeault--internationally renowned retreat leader, and a practitioner and teacher of centering prayer--describes the foundations of her theology: a cosmological seeing with the eye of the heart, and classic Benedictine daily rule informed and enlightened by wisdom from the Asian traditions. She explains the influence of the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Teilhard de Chardin, Boehme, Barnhart, Keating, and Gurdjieff, among others in a philosophy built on the cornerstones of the Incarnation and the Paschal Mystery, tied by the Trinity as a cosmogonic principle, the fundamental generative mechanism through which all things came into being. In the My Theology series, the world's leading Christian thinkers explain some of the principal tenets of their theological beliefs in concise, pocket-sized books. There are sixteen titles total.

The best-selling author of The Wisdom Jesus and The Meaning of Mary Magdalene demystifies the popular Christian meditation method rooted in contemplative prayer Centering Prayer is the path to a wonderful and radical new way of seeing the world. It is not, as is sometimes thought, simply an act of d

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this formula that Christians recite as though on autopilot lie the secrets for healing our world, rekindling our visionary imagination, and manifesting the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. It’s an astonishing claim, but one that is supported by Cynthia Bourgeault’s exploration of Trinitarian theology—and by her bold work in further articulating the deep truth it contains. She looks to the ancient concept in light of the ideas of G. I. Gurdjieff and Jacob Boehme to reveal the Trinity as the "hidden driveshaft" within Christianity: the compassionate expression of the Uncreated Reality in creation.

The author of The Wisdom Jesus takes readers on a journey to discover the real Mary Magdalene—and finds a powerful, ancient model for 21st-century spirituality Mary Magdalene is one of the most influential symbols in the history of Christianity—yet, if you look in the Bible, you’ll find only a handful of verses that speak of her. How did she become such a compelling saint in the face of such paltry evidence? In her effort to answer that question, Cynthia Bourgeault examines the Bible, church tradition, art, legend, and newly discovered texts to see what’s there. She then applies her own reasoning and intuition, informed by the wisdom of the ages-old Christian contemplative tradition. What emerges is a radical view of Mary Magdalene as Jesus’s most important disciple, the one he considered to understand his teaching best. That teaching was characterized by a nondualistic approach to the world and by a deep understanding of the value of the feminine. Cynthia shows how an understanding of Mary Magdalene can revitalize contemporary Christianity, how Christians and others can, through her, find their way to Jesus’s original teachings and apply them to their modern lives.

A new view of Jesus as a Buddha-like wisdom teacher who taught the transformation of consciousness—with traditional contemplative practices you can do yourself If you put aside what you think you know about Jesus and approach the Gospels as though for the first time, something remarkable happens: Jesus emerges as a teacher of the transformation of consciousness. The Wisdom Jesus provides a new perspective on Christ and an expansive interpretation of His message. Cynthia Bourgeault creates a masterful guide to Jesus's vision and the traditional contemplative practices you can use to experience the heart of his teachings for yourself.

"Drawing on resources as diverse as Sufism, Benedictine Monasticism, the Gurdjieff Work, and the string theory of modern physics, Cynthia Bourgeault has crafted her own unique vision of the Wisdom way in this very accessible book, nicely balanced between concept and practice." —Gerald May, senior fellow, Shalem Institute, and author, Addiction and Grace and Will and Spirit "The spiritual wisdom and practical suggestions in this lively and beautiful book will be helpful to many who find themselves setting out on the interior journey." —Bruno Barnhart, a Camaldolese monk and author, Second Simplicity: The Inner Shape of Christianity "Cynthia Bourgeault's book is a valuable contribution to the much-needed reawakening of spiritual practice within a Christian context. Her sincerity, good sense, metaphysical depth, and broad experience make her a source to be trusted." —Kabir Helminski, Sufi Shaikh, the Threshold Society

The first portrait of spiritual luminary Thomas Keating’s remarkable evolution, in the last decades of his life, into a fully realized modern-day Christian mystic. In the first four decades of his life as a Trappist monk, Thomas Keating created a comprehensive, unified psychospiritual pathway leading from healing to holiness and from contemporary psychological wellness to classic mystical sanctity and beatitude. As one of the key innovators of the meditative practice of Centering Prayer, he fashioned a powerful on-ramp to the Christian contemplative tradition. Yet, as beloved author and Keating disciple Cynthia Bourgeault shows, that was not the end of Keating’s story—his evolution as a spiritual thinker and mystic continued in ways few have explored in depth. In this unique blend of biography, personal experience, and close reading of his late works, Bourgeault illuminates Keating’s remarkable spiritual development from the late 1980s until his death in 2018. She explores: Keating’s increasing engagement with nondual spiritual practice His contributions to interspiritual dialogue The evolution of his early teaching on the movement from “false self” to “true self,” to that from “true self” to “no self” His final “dark night of the spirit” and passage through death New evidence that he never left Christianity but carried it with him to new places These profound final stages of Keating’s spiritual journey demonstrate how readers might find their own way as modern mystics, fundamentally at home and at peace in the universe.

A transcription of de Mello's final retreat, Awareness is a bracing call to wake up from the sleepwalking of everyday life. Blending Christian mysticism with Eastern insight, de Mello challenges readers to see through their illusions, attachments, and conditioned thinking with humor, directness, and radical honesty.

A practical guide to Christian contemplative exercises that draws freely on Eastern meditation techniques. De Mello offers forty-seven exercises in awareness, imagination, and devotion, making contemplative practice accessible to beginners while honoring both Ignatian spirituality and Eastern traditions.

Short meditations on the nature of love, freedom, and happiness, each rooted in a passage from the Gospels. De Mello strips away sentimentality to reveal love as a clear-eyed awareness rather than an emotion, challenging readers to let go of attachments and see reality as it is.

Meister Eckhart (c. 1260-1327) was a Dominican philosopher and spiritual master whose thought is among the most daring and difficult in the history of western mysticism. This volume contains his technical Latin writings and more popular German sermons.

Eckhart von Hochheim O.P. (c. 1260 - c. 1328), commonly known as Meister Eckhart, was a German theologian, philosopher and mystic, born near Gotha, in the Landgraviate of Thuringia in the Holy Roman Empire. Eckhart came into prominence during the Avignon Papacy, at a time of increased tensions between monastic orders, diocesan clergy, the Franciscan Order, and Eckhart's Dominican Order of Preachers. In later life, he was accused of heresy and brought up before the local Franciscan-led Inquisition, and tried as a heretic by Pope John XXII. He seems to have died before his verdict was received. He was well known for his work with pious lay groups such as the Friends of God and was succeeded by his more circumspect disciples John Tauler and Henry Suso. Since the 19th century, he has received renewed attention. He has acquired a status as a great mystic within contemporary popular spirituality, as well as considerable interest by scholars situating him within the medieval scholastic and philosophical tradition.

A faithful and authoritative translation of this fourteenth century Dominican theologian, who became the greatest of all German mystics.

"Bargains in books are rare today, but one would be hard put to find in American publishing anything superior to these in content and format." The Parish Visitor Meister Eckhart: Teacher and Preacher edited by Bernard McGinn with the collaboration of Frank Tobin and Elvira Borgstadt preface by Kenneth Northcott "When this temple is thus free of all obstacles, namely, possessiveness and ignorance, then it sparkles so beautifully and shines so purely and bright above everything that God created and through everything that God created that no one can be compared to it in brightness but the uncreated God alone...If the soul of a man still living in time were standing on the same level as the highest angel, this person could reach immeasurable higher in his free capability above the angel in ever 'now', new beyond number, that is, and beyond manner and above the manner of the angels and any created intellect." Meister Eckhart (c.1260-1327) Here are the texts that illustrate the diversity of one of the most enigmatic and influential mystics of the Western Christian tradition. Eckhart the teacher is represented by the Commentary on Exodus and by selections from six other commentaries, including the Commentary on Wisdom 7:14, the Commentary on Ecclesiasticus 24:29, and the Commentary on John 14:8. Eckhart's ministry as a preacher was an equally important part of the man, and thus his sermons, from both the Latin and the Middle High German manuscripts, are included. What emerges is a comprehensive picture of the works of this great speculative theologian. Together with Meister Eckhart: The Essential Sermons, Commentaries and Treatises, this work form the most extensive corpus of Eckhart's writings in English. +

Composed during a critical time in the evolution of European intellectual life, the works of Meister Eckhart (c. 1260-1327) are some of the most powerful medieval attempts to achieve a synthesis between ancient Greek thought and the Christian faith. Writing with great rhetorical brilliance, Eckhart combines the neoplatonic concept of oneness - the idea that the ultimate principle of the universe is single and undivided - with his Christian belief in the Trinity, and considers the struggle to describe a perfect God through the imperfect medium of language. Fusing philosophy and religion with vivid originality and metaphysical passion, these works have intrigued and inspired philosophers and theologians from Hegel to Heidegger and beyond.

"Meister Eckhart's complete mystical teachings together in one volume, for the first time! With a foreword by leading Eckhart scholar Bernard McGinn, and the elegant translation of Maurice O'C Walshe, this comprehensive and authoritative work is a treasure for every serious spiritual seeker, and the finest volume on Eckhart ever to appear in English."--Publisher's website.

In this remarkable work, Reiner Schürmann shows Meister Eckhart, the thirteenth-century Christian mystic, as the great teacher of the birth of God in the soul, which shatters the dualism between God and the world, the self and God. This is an exposition of Eckhar's mysticism--perhaps the best in English--and, because Eckhart is a profound philosopher for whom knowing precedes being, it is also an exemplary work of contemporary philosophy. Schürmann shows us that Eckhart is our contemporary. He describes the threefold movement of detachment, release, and "dehiscence" (splitting open), which leads to the experience of "living without a why," in which all things are in God and sheer joy. Going beyond that, he describes the transformational force of approaching the Godhead, the God beyond God: "A man who has experienced the same no longer has a place to establish himself. He has settled on the road, and for those who have learned how to listen, his existence becomes a call. This errant one dwells in joy. Through his wanderings the origin beckons."

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1856 Edition.

Enter a Monastery Without Walls Christian Meditation introduces an ancient practice to a contemporary audience. James Finley, a former monk and student of Thomas Merton, presents the fundamentals of both understanding and practicing Christian meditation. He provides simple, helpful instructions, as well as explaining the deeper connection with the divine that meditation can bring. Above all, he makes clear that the aim of meditation is to allow us to experience divine contemplation -- the presence of God.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1840. The Antigonos publishing house specialises in the publication of reprints of historical books. We make sure that these works are made available to the public in good condition in order to preserve their cultural heritage.

All the resources needed to fully integrate a 12-step approach aspart of your overall treatment program Millions of Americans have at some time in their lives participatedin a 12-step program for treatment of a chemical or non-chemicaladdiction. Clinicians recognize that these grass-roots efforts havea very high cure rate. However, little has been written on how tointegrate these programs into a traditional therapy setting. Integrating the 12 Steps into Addiction Therapy serves as anindispensable resource for clinicians treating addiction patientswho are simultaneously enrolled in 12-step programs. This valuabletext: * Contains eight lesson plans and twenty-seven assignments * Integrates in-depth discussion of 12-step programs with hands-onresources like homework assignments, treatment plan examples, andpatient handouts * Will also benefit 12-step program peer counselors * Includes companion CD-ROM with fully customizable homeworkassignments, lesson plans, and presentations Treating addictions-whether chemical or non-chemical-can be one ofthe most difficult challenges faced by mental health professionals.For many people, 12-step programs have played a critical role inhelping them to manage their addictive behaviors. Integrating the12 Steps into Addiction Therapy gives psychologists, therapists,counselors, social workers, and clinicians the tools and resourcesthey need to fully utilize these peer therapy program techniques intreating a wide variety of addictions.

For forty years, James Finley’s Merton's Palace of Nowhere has been the standard text for exploring, reflecting on, and understanding the rich vein of Thomas Merton's thought. Spiritual identity is the quest to know who we are, to find meaning, to overcome that sense of “Is this all there is?” Merton’s message cuts to the heart of this universal quest, and Finley illuminates that message as no one else can. As a young man of eighteen, Finley left home for an unlikely destination: the Abbey of Gethsemani, where Thomas Merton lived as a contemplative. Finley stayed at the monastery for six maturing years and later wrote this Merton’s Palace of Nowhere in order to share a taste of what he had learned on his spiritual journey under the guidance of one of the great religious figures of our time. At the heart of the quest for spiritual identity are Merton's illuminating insights—leading from an awareness of the false and illusory self to a realization of the true self. Dog-eared, tattered, underlined copies of this book are found on the bookshelves of retreat centers, parish libraries, and the homes of spiritual seekers everywhere. This anniversary edition brings a classic to a new generation and includes a new preface by Finley.

With profound, practical insights, Finley, the author of "Merton's Palace of Nowhere, " offers readers a guide for a contemplative life.

This is a contemplative reflection on the spirituality of healing, the fruit of the author's lifetime in conducting spiritual direction and psychotherapy, drawing on his lessons from Thomas Merton and study of the mystical path. It is largely written in the form of a memoir of his own recovery from the traumatic wounds of his early life (abusive father, abuse by his confessor in the monastery, a dysfunctional marriage, and his road to healing and wholeness. But it is not just about his story--it is an invitation to the reader to reflect and resonate with the lessons that apply to their own stories.

A helpful, contemporary, inspiring volume for preachers.

Wandering Wounds is an expression of feelings and / or experiences of life's turbulent journey. Pain, anger, and grief mixed with hope are forefront through childhood to adulthood. The poems' presentations differ in styles and formats and many use allegories and / or metaphor to deliver their message.Opening pieces, universal in nature, relate to effects on life, moving through depression, the battle against evil and life's frustrations. The focus then turns to specific causal areas of life's trials and sorrows, such as illness and recovery, physical and sexual abuse of children and adults, and drug and alcohol addiction. Poems will traverse the wondrous mountain peaks and the deepest and darkest gullies of love.Much of the writing contains a morphing quality, as life's circumstances change you will find poems revealing new meaning.James L. Finley's first book Wandering Wounds shines a light upon the hope that resides on the outskirts of "Happiness Falls".

Presents the basic beliefs of contemporary Catholicism as reflected in Vatican II statements and modern scriptural studies.

• Fox marries mysticism with social justice, leading the way toward a gentler and more ecological spirituality and an acceptance of our interdependence • A road map to fulfillment for the coming century In A Spirituality Named Compassion, Matthew Fox, the popular and controversial author, establishes a spirituality for the future that promises personal, social, and global healing. Using his own experiences with the pain and lifestyle changes that resulted from an accident, Fox has written an uplifting book on the issues of ecological justice, the suffering of Earth, and the rights of her nonhuman citizens. Fox defines compassion as creativity put to the service of justice and argues that we can achieve compassion for both humanity and the environment as we recognize the interconnectedness of all things. Working toward the creation of a gentler, ecological, and feminist Christianity, Fox marries mysticism and social justice, emphasizing that as we enter a new millennium society needs to realize that spirituality's purpose is to guide us on a path that leads to a genuine love of all our relations and a love for our shared interdependence.

This unique reflection was prompted by an invitation Matthew Fox received to speak on the centennial of Thomas Merton’s birth. Fox says that much of the trouble he’s gotten into — such as being excommunicated in 1993 from the Dominican Order by Cardinal Ratzinger (who later became Pope Benedict) — was because of Thomas Merton, who sent Fox to Paris to complete a doctoral program in philosophy. Fox found that Merton’s journals, poetry, and religious writings revealed a deeply ecumenical philosophy and a contemplative life experience similar to that of Meister Eckhart, the fourteenth-century mystic/theologian who inspired Fox’s own “creation spirituality.” It is little surprise to find Fox and Merton to be kindred spirits, but the intersections Fox finds with Eckhart are intellectually profound, spiritually enlightening, and delightfully engaging.

As Matthew Fox notes, when an aging Albert Einstein was asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “I wish I had read more of the mystics earlier in my life.” The 365 writings in Christian Mystics represent a wide-ranging sampling of these readings for modern-day seekers of all faiths — or no faith. F

A provocative study of Cicero's use of history, revealing that, rather than promoting his own values, Cicero uses historical representation to explore the difficulties of finding any ideological coherence in Rome's political or cultural traditions.

Matthew Fox's stirring autobiography, Confessions, reveals his personal, intellectual, and spiritual journey from altar boy, to Dominican priest, to his eventual break with the Vatican. Five new chapters in this revised and updated edition bring added perspective in light of the author's continued j

From Matthew Fox, the popular and controversial author of The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, a prophetic manifesto for the preservation of the planet. For those new to the works of Matthew Fox, and for those eager to learn his thoughts after his Vatican-ordered public silence, comes this introduction to creation spirituality--Fox's framework for a far-reaching spirituality of the Americas. Passionate and provocative, Fox uncovers the ancient tradition of a creation-centered spirituality that melds Christian mysticism with the contemporary struggle for social justice, feminism, and environmentalism. Basic to Fox's notion of creation spirituality is the gift of awe--a mystical response to creation and the first step toward transformation. Awe prompts indignation at the exploitation and destruction of the earth's people and resources. Awe leads to action. Showing how we can learn from each other, Fox's spirituality weds the healing and liberation found in both North and South America. Creation Spirituality challenges readers of every religious and political persuasion to unite in a new vision through which we learn to honor the earth and the people who inhabit it as the gift of a good and just creator.

Drawn from sermons and lectures that have electrified listeners, here is a concise, powerful meditation on the nature of creativity from Episcopal priest and radical theologian Matthew Fox. Creativityis Fox at his most dynamic: It is immensely practical and leaves the reader with a message to take into action in life. Fox tantalizingly suggests that the most prayerful, most spiritually powerful act a person can undertake is to create, at his or her own level, with a consciousness of where that gift arises from.

An introduction to the life and work of Hildegard. • Reveals the life and teachings of one of the greatest female artists and intellectuals of the Western Mystical Tradition. • Contains 24 full-color illustrations by Hildegard of Bingen. • Includes commentary by Matthew Fox, author of Original Blessing (250,000 sold). Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was an extraordinary woman living in the Rhineland valley during most of the twelfth century. Besides being the abbess of a large and influential Benedictine abbey, she was a prominent preacher, healer, scientist, and artist. She also was a composer and theologian, writing nine books on theology, medicine, science, and physiology, as well as 70 poems and an opera. At the age of 42, she began to have visions; these were captured as 36 illuminations--24 of which are recorded in this book along with her commentaries on them. She also wrote a text describing these visions entitled Scivias (Know the Ways), now published as Hildegard of Bingen's Mystical Visions. Author Matthew Fox has stated, "If Hildegard had been a man, she would be well known as one of the greatest artists and intellectuals the world has ever seen." It is a credit to the power of the women's movement and our times that this towering genius of Western thought is being rediscovered in her full grandeur and autonomy. Virtually unknown for more than 800 years in Western history, Hildegard was featured as one of the women in Judy Chicago's Dinner Party in the early 1980s and published for the first time in English by Bear & Company in 1982. In addition to her mystical teachings, Hildegard's music has been performed and recorded for a new and growing audience.

"Essential writings by Matthew Fox, theologian and leading proponent of "creation spirituality.""--

Though he lived in the thirteenth century, Meister Eckhart’s teachings were in many ways modern. His thinking was deeply ecumenical, encompassing Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism as well as shamanism and indigenous spirituality. He advocated for social, economic, and gender justice; taught about what we call ecology; and championed artistic creativity. All these elements have inspired Matthew Fox and influenced his Creation Spirituality. While Fox recognizes that Eckhart has influenced everyone from Teresa of Avila to Eckhart Tolle, Karl Marx to Carl Jung, and Annie Dillard to Anne Morrow Lindbergh, he also wants to introduce Eckhart to those activists addressing contemporary crises. Toward that end, and as he did in his Hildegard of Bingen, Fox creates metaphorical meetings between Eckhart and the Dalai Lama, Thomas Merton, Joanna Macy, Black Elk, Rumi, Adrienne Rich, and others. The result is wonderfully reader-friendly, profoundly substantive, and deeply inspiring.

British biologist Sheldrake and American priest Fox share an interest in going beyond the current limitations of institutional science and mechanistic religion. These dialogues emerged as the authors spoke together at meetings.

Here is a new edition of one of Matthew Fox's most powerful early books, another in a series of the classic works by the maverick priest and theologian being reissued by Tarcher/Putnam. Prayer was written by Fox when he was a radical young priest fresh from the experience of the sixties and Vatican II. Originally published in 1972, it is one of the first works to herald the revolution of liberal theology that was just beginning to sweep the nation. Originally published under the title On Becoming a Musical, Mystical Bear: Spirituality American Style, the book now has a more accessible title and appearance and is as vital today as when it first appeared.

Visionary theologian and award-winning author Matthew Fox challenges traditional perceptions of good and evil by offering a new theology that lays the groundwork for a more enlightened treatment of ourselves, one another, and all of nature. In this revised edition with a luminous foreword by Deepak Chopra and a new preface that brings the book up to date with the cataclysmic events of the new millennium, Fox illustrates how, contrary to mainstream church doctrine, flesh is the grounding of spirit. Fox argues that our culture has concentrated far too much on transgressions of the flesh while failing to take into account its sacredness. Artfully weaving together the wisdom of East and West, he considers Thomas Aquinas's definition of sin as "misdirected love" and applies parallels between the Eastern teachings of the seven chakras and the Western teachings of the seven capital sins. Fox explains how the chakras teach us to direct the love-energies we all possess and proposes seven positive precepts for living a full and spirited life. He invites us to change the way we think about sin and asserts that we can combat and transform evil through love, generosity, letting go, and creativity. Crafting a blueprint for social change, Sins of the Spirit, Blessings of the Flesh points the way toward a deeper and more compassionate way to live while eloquently revealing the means to confront evil both within and without. From the Trade Paperback edition.

A.W.E. is the acronym for the author's proposed style of learning, an approach to learning, eldering, and mentoring that is intelligent enough to honor the teachings of the Ancestors, to nurture Wisdom in addition to imparting knowledge, and to Educate through the author's 10 Cs, which include compassion, contemplation, and creativity.

In The Reinvention of Work, radical priest Matthew Fox draws on a rich legacy of great mystics and philosophers and proposes a spirituality of work. As Thomas Aquinas said, "To live well is to work well," and in this bold call for the revitalization of daily work, Fox shares his vision of a world wh

This practical book leads us into a spirituality of passion that leads to compassion--coming to our senses in every meaning of the phrase.

Thomas Keating was a Cistercian monk who founded the worldwide 'Contemplative Outreach', teaching people the art of meditation. This is a compilation of quotes from his books, to be perused in times of peace as well as crisis. His distinct voice offers solace and wise teaching on the method of Cente

An interview with Thomas Keating, taken from the Contemplative Outreach newsletter.

This collection of homilies for feast days and special occasions is rooted in the experience of the grace celebrated in the liturgy. Father Keating draws from his life's devotion as a Trappist monk and abbot to provide a sacramental perspective on such feasts as The Immaculate Conception, The Annunciation, Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Passion Sunday, Good Friday, The Paschal Vigil, Easter, Pentecost, The Feast of Saint Benedict, and Thanksgiving Day. Also included are homilies for special occasions in the monastic life.

This book, with its ecumenical group of contributors, celebrates Centering Prayer as a common ground for Christian unity. It marks the first time that people other than William Meninger, Basil Pennington, and Thomas Keating (the three Trappist monks who distilled Centering Prayer from the Christian

Thomas Keating has spent more than fifty years in sustained practice and devotion to the spiritual life. The results of this creative, humble activity are now summarized in this remarkable book, Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit. As Father Keating says, the spiritual journey is a gradual process of enlarging our emotional, mental, and physical relationship with the divine reality that is present in us, but one not ordinarily accessible to our emotions or concepts. The spiritual journey teaches us, first, to believe in the Divine Indwelling within us, fully present and energizing every level of our being; second, to recognize that this energy is benign, healing, and transforming; and third, to enjoy its gradual unfolding step-by-step both in prayer and action.

A book on prayer by the monk who founded the Centering Prayer movement.

A beautiful new gift edition of this classic work of spirituality, complete with ribbon marker.This book is designed to initiate the reader into a deep, living relationship with God. Written by an acknowledged spiritual master, the book moves beyond "discursive meditation and particular acts to the intuitive level of contemplation." Keating gives an overview of the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition, and step-by-step guidance in the method of centering prayer. Special attention is paid to the role of the Sacred Word, Christian growth and transformation, and active prayer. The book ends with an explicit treatment of the contemplative dimension of the gospel.

A distillation of over seventy years as a monastic and more than three decades of writing on centering prayer, Reflections on the Unknowable is Fr. Thomas Keating’s latest volume on how we might develop our intimacy with God and our experience of the Christian contemplative tradition. The first part of the book consists of a long interview with Fr. Thomas, in which he examines concepts of the divine‐including the astonishments, playfulness, and transformation available to the individual willing to open the door to God. The second section consists of thirty-one brief homilies, which range over topics as diverse as the Trinity and the message of Epiphany, spiritual evolution and cultivating interior silence, and the treasure of spiritual poverty and the beauty of chaos.

In Spirituality, Contemplation and Transformation, some of the leading practitioners of centering prayer--the contemporary expression of the Christian contemplative tradition as developed by the desert fathers and mothers and elaborated by mystics such as saints John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila--write about the many and varied benefits of this dynamic and intimate means of connecting with the Divine. Thomas Keating and David Frenette examine the sources of centering prayer - Justin Langille and Jennifer Michael explore different facets of the wisdom of silence - and Paul David Lawson, David G.R. Keller, and Tom Macfie explain the vital role centering prayer can play in fostering communities of faith. Cynthia Bourgeault explicates philosopher and spiritual practitioner Beatrice Bruteau's study of the meaning of contemplation - Brian Taylor uncovers the positive mental changes that centering prayer can bring about - and Thomas Ward reflects on spirituality in the twenty-first century, as well as the inspiring experience of attending a centering prayer retreat. Of interest to anyone involved with contemporary Christian life, these essays, originally published in the Sewanee Theological Review, contribute to the growing body of literature on centering prayer--its practice, theory, and applications--and offer valuable entry points for all those interested in deepening their spiritual practice and fostering a more profound relationship with the Divine. Contents: "A Traditional Blend: The Contemplative Sources of Centering Prayer" by Thomas Keating, OCSO "Three Contemplative Waves" by David Frenette "There is Nothing Between God and You: Awakening to the Wisdom of Contemplative Silence" by Justin Langille "Beatrice Bruteau's "Prayer and Identity: An Introduction with Text and Commentary" by Cynthia Bourgeault "Reading Living Water: The Integral Place of Contemplative Prayer in Christian Transformation" by David G. R. Keller "Binding Head and Heart: A Conversation Concerning Theological Education: The Contemplative Ministry Project" by David G. R. Keller "Centering Prayer and the Work of Clergy and Congregations: Prayer, Priests, and the Postmodern World" by Paul David Lawson "Seeking a Deeper Knowledge of God: Centering Prayer and the Life of a Parish" by Tom Macfie "Spirituality, Contemplation, and Transformation: An Opportunity for the Episcopal Church" by Thomas R. Ward, Jr. "Keep the Rest: Practicing Silence while Professing Poetry" by Jennifer Michael "Changing Your Mind: Contemplative Prayer and Personal Transformation" by Brian C. Taylor "Centering Prayer Retreats" by Thomas R. Ward, Jr.

During the year 2000, the relics of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1874–1897) toured throughout the United States—at once confirming and stimulating an extraordinary resurgence of interest in the life and work of a Carmelite nun known as the "Little Flower." In Thérèse of Lisieux: Transformation in Christ, Abbot Thomas Keating reflects on what St Thérèse understood the teaching of Jesus Christ to be. Thérèse had an extraordinary penetration into the heart of Jesus’ teaching, something she developed into a program for daily life. Although she was only twenty-four years old when she died, Thérèse had an extraordinary spiritual maturity. Father Keating writes about the teachings of Jesus in the parables and then shows what extraordinary insight Thérèse had into those enigmatic sayings. According to Father Keating, St. Thérèse tried to live the Gospel precept, "To love one another as I have loved you!" on a daily basis. She believed it was the best program to propose to people because anybody could do it and because the Kingdom of God was, and is, in everyday life and in what we, as individuals, do with it. As Father Keating shows, St. Thérèse’s teaching continues to reveal to us that if we only build up instead of tear down others and fully and lovingly trust that Christ is with us until the end of time we will be transformed.

Father Keating's enlightening commentary on the contemplative meaning of the gospel, particularly the story of the siblings from Bethany, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, fits into the great monastic tradition of Christian teaching. The talks on which this book was based were given at the John Main Seminar in 1998, the annual international event of the World Community for Christian Meditation. Previous presenters have included the Dalai Lama, Jean Vanier, Bede Griffiths, and William Johnston. A monk reflects on Scripture in the light of experience. He or she utters a word that startles his listeners into realizing that tradition is not a matter of second-hand experience but the living and human self-transmission of Christ to his disciples.

This work brings together three prayer practices for each day of the year to enhance contemplative living.

These essays discuss several features of centering prayer and the contemplative outreach movement: - Thomas Keating: "The Divine Indwelling,” - Thomas R. Ward: "Spirituality and Community: Centering Prayer and the Ecclesial Dimension,” - Sarah A. Butler: "Lectio Divina as a Tool for Discernment,” - George F. Cairns: "A Dialogue Between Centering Prayer and Transpersonal Psychology,” - Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler: "The Spiritual Network of Contemplative Outreach Limited,” - Paul David Lawson: "Leadership and Changes Through Contemplation: A Parish Perspective,” and - Thomas Keating: "The Practice of Intention/Attention.”

These reflections on contemplative life were delivered at Harvard University in 1997 in a lecture series endowed by Harold M. Wit. (Inside front cover).

For a quarter of a century, Trappist monk Fr. Thomas Keating has been contributing articles on Centering Prayer--the contemporary manifestation of the ancient Christian contemplative tradition--to the newsletter of Contemplative Outreach, the organization that he helped establish to promote this tra

The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is America's most significant and authentic contribution to the history of spirituality, says Richard Rohr. He makes a case that the Twelve Steps relate well to Christian teaching and can rescue people who are drowning in addiction and may not even realize it. To survive the tidal wave of compulsive behavior and addiction, Christians must learn to breathe under water and discover God's love and compassion. In this exploration of Twelve Step spirituality, Rohr identifies the Christian principles in the Twelve Steps, connecting The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous with the gospel. He draws on talks he has given for over twenty years to people in recovery and those who counsel and live with people with addictive behavior. Rohr offers encouragement for becoming interiorly alive and inspiration for making one's life manageable for dealing with the codependence and dysfunction (sin) rampant in our society.

The loving, inclusive life and preaching of Francis of Assisi make him a recognizable and beloved saint across many faith traditions. In the ten-year-anniversary edition of Eager to Love, globally recognized spiritual teacher Richard Rohr, OFM, provides for spiritual seekers a pathway to the inclusivity, freedom, and beauty found in the Christian mystical tradition. As an integrative thinker, Rohr expertly weaves psychological insights and literary and artistic references with Franciscan theology, showing that the rich theological contributions of St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Bonaventure, and John Duns Scotus are guiding lights for sincere spiritual seekers.

In this companion to The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr and Patrick Boland offer forty reflections and practices exploring what it means to live “in Christ.” In his landmark book The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr articulated a transformative view of what it means to recognize Jesus as “Christ”—as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. Now, in partnership with Patrick Boland, a psychotherapist and member of Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation community, he invites readers to engage with the themes of the book through spiritual practice. Each reflection in this book draws on a key passage of The Universal Christ, paired with prayers, journal prompts, and embodied exercises that invite readers into a more personal encounter with the truth that the presence and compassion of the Christ are in every thing. Whether read daily for the season of Lent or explored over the course of a year, Every Thing Is Sacred is a hope-filled journey into the love at the heart of all things.

A fresh way of thinking about spirituality that grows throughout life In Falling Upward, Fr. Richard Rohr seeks to help readers understand the tasks of the two halves of life and to show them that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Most of us tend to think of the second half of life as largely about getting old, dealing with health issues, and letting go of life, but the whole thesis of this book is exactly the opposite. What looks like falling down can largely be experienced as "falling upward." In fact, it is not a loss but somehow actually a gain, as we have all seen with elders who have come to their fullness. Explains why the second half of life can and should be full of spiritual richness Offers a new view of how spiritual growth happens?loss is gain Richard. Rohr is a regular contributing writer for Sojourners and Tikkun magazines This important book explores the counterintuitive message that we grow spiritually much more by doing wrong than by doing right.

“Richard Rohr’s work has been life-changing in my own experience. Over the last twenty years, no other teacher has had a more formative impact on my mind and heart than this unpretentious Franciscan brother. Being set free from the need to perform—to get it right—has been a particularly important gift for me.”—Belden C. Lane, from the foreword A newly revised edition of Richard Rohr's perennial bestseller, this book reflects and incorporates his years of experience with men's work as well as changes in society. With Richard Rohr as mentor and guide, men—and women who care about men—will want to study and discuss the ideas presented here. A new foreword from Belden C. Lane emphasizes the need for this work to continue.

The New Testament is sometimes called the New Covenant, signifying a new relationship between humanity and God. From the viewpoint of salvation history, the New Testament is the completion and the culmination of the Old Testament. In terms of length, it is only a small portion of the entire Bible, and yet it is that portion which brings it all together. Richard Rohr and Joseph Martos look at the many ways salvation themes are proclaimed by the various authors and literary styles of the New Testament.

Explores the deepest questions of identity, spirituality and meaning. In Falling Upward (and many of his other teachings), Richard Rohr talks at length about the False Self and how it gets in the way of spiritual maturity, especially if its preoccupations continue into the second half of life. Here he focuses on the True Self, which he likens to a diamond, buried deep within us, formed under the intense pressure of our lives, needing to be searched for, uncovered and separated from all the debris of ego that surrounds it. In a sense True Self must, like Jesus, be resurrected, and that process is not resuscitation but transformation. 'For a growing number of us, reading Richard Rohr is like sitting around the tribal fire, listening to the village elder give words to that which we've always known to be true, we just didn't know how.' Rob Bell, pastor and author of Love Wins

When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, he was talking about an utterly different way of relating to human society as we know it. Discover a transformative understanding of faith in Jesus’ Alternative Plan: The Sermon on the Mount by acclaimed spiritual leader and Franciscan priest Richard Rohr.

When politicians today talk about a "new world order", they are actually referring to the "old world order"--the heart of the New Testament. Rohr and Feister explore the Gospel According to Matthew and delve into the Sermon on the Mount, considered the blueprint of the Christian lifestyle. They emerge with a clearer understanding of the Gospel writers, especially Matthew, who passed the sermon on to us.

In this collection of 365 meditations, Fr. Richard Rohr helps men navigate their way to greater wholeness and holiness.

"Advent is not about a sentimental waiting for the Baby Jesus," Richard Rohr asserts. Advent is a time to focus our expectations and anticipation on "the adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ," who challenges us to empty ourselves, to lose ourselves, to surrender. Drawing on selections from his best-selling inspirational lecture on CD, Preparing for Christmas With Richard Rohr, this booklet provides daily reflections and prayers for the Advent season, along with each day's Scripture readings and questions for reflection. A wonderful resource for personal prayer, this attractive, 80-page, pocket-sized booklet is a perfect companion for your Advent preparation.

“At the heart of this offering is an invitation to be still. Such stillness, however, is not a barren field, devoid of substance. It is a silence replete with beauty. It is what Buddhism refers to as sunyata, the boundlessness that characterizes the truth of existence.” —Mirabai Starr, from the foreword In Silent Compassion: Finding God in Contemplation, Richard Rohr focuses on finding God in the depths of silence. Divine silence is more than the absence of noise; it has a life of its own. We are invited into its living presence to find the wholeness of being and peace it brings. This book will inspire you and show that the peace of contemplation is not something just for monks, mystics, and those divorced from the worries of the world, but rather for all people who can quiet their own mind to listen in the silence. What’s more, this silence can absorb paradoxes, contradictions, and the challenges of life, ultimately connecting us with the great chain of being. While different faiths use different languages and different words, silence can become a common place for all to experience God. In May 2013, the Festival of Faiths conference in Louisville, Kentucky, featured His Holiness the Dalai Lama in an event called “Sacred Silence: Pathway to Compassion.” Richard Rohr was selected as the Christian presence among a small group of “world renowned experts on contemplative practice and compassion.” Others represented Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Silent Compassion curates the Franciscan friar’s talks from that event as well as interviews that place his thoughts in the context of his larger work as founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation. This is an updated and expanded edition of Rohr’s original presentation on the subject.

What if changing our perception of God has the potential to change everything? God is not what you think. Visions of an angry, distant, moral scorekeeper or a supernatural Santa Claus handing out cosmic lottery tickets to those who attend the right church or say the right prayer dominate our culture

In this companion to The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr and Patrick Boland offer forty reflections and practices exploring what it means to live “in Christ.” In his landmark book The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr articulated a transformative view of what it means to recognize Jesus as “Christ”—as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. Now, in partnership with Patrick Boland, a psychotherapist and member of Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation community, he invites readers to engage with the themes of the book through spiritual practice. Each reflection in this book draws on a key passage of The Universal Christ, paired with prayers, journal prompts, and embodied exercises that invite readers into a more personal encounter with the truth that the presence and compassion of the Christ are in every thing. Whether read daily for the season of Lent or explored over the course of a year, Every Thing Is Sacred is a hope-filled journey into the love at the heart of all things.

“Order, by itself, normally wants to eliminate any disorder and diversity creating a narrow and cognitive rigidity in both people and systems. Disorder, by itself, closes us off from any primal union, meaning, and eventually even sanity in people and systems. Reorder, or transformation of people and

Sacred Scripture and Christian spirituality belong together. In this exploration of the central themes of Scripture, Richard Rohr transforms the written word, discovering in these ancient texts a new and vital meaning, relevant and essential to all believers. He uncovers what the Bible says about morality, power, wisdom and the generosity of God in a manner that inspires in us a life-changing response. Rohr's Christian vision of abundance, grace and joy - counteracting the scarcity, judgement and fear we know in our world - has the power to revolutionize how we relate to ourselves and all around us. 'Things Hidden is an invitation of gospel proportion to move on into the life God intends, a life of joy and obedience.' Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary

On the day her first book came out—a new translation of Dark Night of the Soul by Saint John of the Cross—Mirabai Starr's daughter, Jenny, was killed in a car accident. "My spiritual life began the day my daughter died," writes Mirabai. Even with decades of spiritual practice and a deep immersion in the greatest mystical texts, she found herself utterly unprepared for "my most powerful catalyst for transformation, my fiercest and most compassionate teacher." With Caravan of No Despair, Mirabai shares an irreverent, uplifting, and intimate memoir of her extraordinary life journey. Through the many twists and turns of her life—including a tangled relationship with a charlatan-guru, her unexpected connection with the great Christian mystics, and the loss of her daughter—Mirabai finds the courage to remain open and defenseless before the mystery of the divine. "Tragedy and trauma are not guarantees for a transformational spiritual experience," writes Mirabai Starr, "but they are opportunities. They are invitations to sit in the fire and allow it to transfigure us."

Shares an overview of teachings, stories of saints and spiritual masters, and prophetic calls for peace and justice in the three religions, guiding readers to recognize the similarities that unify rather then divide them.

Some call Hildegard of Bingen the original "rebel nun"—a woman of stunning visionary gifts who rose above the restrictions of her time to shape the destiny of Christianity. In Hildegard of Bingen, you are invited to encounter this remarkable woman, who dared to speak out with such strength and purpose that even the twelfth-century Church had to respect her divinely inspired wisdom. Hildegard's life gives us a blueprint for taking charge of our own spiritual lives. From her brilliant and iconoclastic writings on the spiritual journey, women's health, and herbal medicine to her courage in urging world rulers to choose peace over war, this enduring heroine shines across the centuries as an example of how to live fearlessly our own limitless radiance. Through her writings, musical and lyrical compositions, and compassionate bravery, Hildegard invites you today to a place of stillness where you can clearly hear the inner wisdom that is your birthright.

This is a fresh and contemporary rendering of one of the most loved and influential spiritual texts of all time. It brings alive the message and spirituality of this great 14th-century mystic to 21st century readers. At the age of 30, Julian of Norwich, a contemporary of Chaucer, was suffering a severe illness and believed she was on her deathbed. She had a series of intense visions of Jesus and recovered. Julian wrote down the narration of the visions shortly after they occurred and expanded on them 20 to 30 years later in what became the first book written in English by a woman. Her message remains strikingly relevant today: that failure is an opportunity to learn and grow that God's love has nothing to do with retribution and everything to do with compassionin spite of appearances, all is well.

“This gorgeous, transformative, welcoming book is for anyone who longs to feel more present, more alive, more joyful and aware of the holiness of daily life.”—Anne Lamott, author of Dusk, Night, Dawn and Help, Thanks, Wow Welcome to the temple of your regular life. So begins beloved spiritual guide Mirabai Starr’s stunning exploration of finding the extraordinary in the everyday. In Ordinary Mysticism, she helps readers discover their own inner mystic and let go of the limiting belief that spiritual life exists only in traditional places of worship. Mysticism, she explains, is a direct experience of the sacred—no church or clergy required. Our everyday life can be an encounter with the sacred if we pay attention. Starr explores the magic of mundane life, from weeding in our humble gardens to a slow evening walk with a friend to a full kitchen table surrounded by family. Embracing mysticism in our everyday is a way of being more alive in the world, an awakening to the interconnectedness between all things. You can visit an ashram in the Himalayas or kneel in a church pew to connect to the spirit or examine life’s big questions—but these aren’t the only opportunities to discover the sacred. Life, Starr reminds us, is holy ground. Lyrical and tender, filled with profound wisdom and mind-opening insights, Ordinary Mysticism is about finding wonder in regular life, grounded in lessons from spiritual teachers across the centuries—from Julian of Norwich to Ram Dass. Starr combines their ancient wisdom with the story of her own personal and spiritual journey—from surviving the heartbreak of her fourteen-year-old daughter’s death to growing up amid the 1960s counterculture that introduced her to mysticism to her self-made spiritual practice of today. Alongside storytelling and age-old teachings, Starr offers practices and writing prompts for help our souls seek holy ground. When you decide to walk the path of the mystic, the mundane shows up as miraculous, the boring becomes fascinating, and your own shortcomings turn out to be your greatest gifts. May we all find meaning and wonder in our most ordinary moments.

Our Lady of Guadalupe takes you to a time when a modest Aztec peasant had a vision of a radiant woman "clothed in the sun." This divine presence began to emerge as a union between Mary of Christianity and the Mother Goddess of the native people. As her legend swept across the crumbling Aztec empire, she inspired millions of followers to peacefully embrace a changing world. Today, the beloved Lady of Guadalupe still acts as a benevolent, merciful force to help us rise above strife and violence. For those times when we are called to engage in compassionate yet decisive action, it is the force of the divine feminine embodied by Our Lady of Guadalupe that can guide our path. With poetry, prayers, and art gathered together by editor Mirabai Starr, Our Lady of Guadalupe gives you a powerful link to this blessed mother, and to the loving and righteous grace of her sacred energy.

When a small village was plagued by a wild wolf, it is told that a humble friar named Francis came and met the predator with nothing but his gentle words—and turned the wolf from a menace to a welcome citizen. This graceful man, who spoke to each part of Creation as a sister or brother, has become o

Who is the Archangel Michael? Never unkind, but not always gentle, he embodies the essence of the ''spiritual warrior'' - courageous and strong in the face of injustice or illusion, a ceaseless devotee of truth. Saint Michael offers you the hand of this protective force through a collection of prayers, scripture, contemplations, and stories that span the ages and traditions in which this legendary figure has appeared. The name Michael means ''who is like God.'' By invoking Michael's power, we invite into our own lives the divine energy to lift us past obstacles. Saint Michael gives you a devotional treasure for calling on this archangel for protection in times of danger, for strength in taking action for the greater good, for compassion in defense of the innocent, and for grace as we embark on the journey that awaits at the end of our lives. THE ARCHANGEL appears in spiritual traditions across the globe, from Judaism to Christianity to Islam. His roles include the guardian angel of the children of Israel, the patron saint of warriors, and the transporter of souls.

Who is the Archangel Michael? Never unkind, but not always gentle, he embodies the essence of the "spiritual warrior"—courageous and strong in the face of injustice or illusion, a ceaseless devotee of truth. Saint Michael offers you the hand of this protective force through a collection of prayers, scripture, contemplations, and stories that span the ages and traditions in which this legendary figure has appeared. The name Michael means "who is like God." By invoking Michael's power, we invite into our own lives the divine energy to lift us past obstacles. Saint Michael gives you a devotional treasure for calling on this archangel for protection in times of danger, for strength in taking action for the greater good, for compassion in defense of the innocent, and for grace as we embark on the journey that awaits at the end of our lives.

"The important thing is not to think much, but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens us to love." —St. Teresa of Avila Journey to the 16th century to discover the fiery passion of Saint Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most inspiring saints. A tireless reformer and the mentor of Saint John of the Cross, Teresa's greatest legacy is her revelation of ecstatic love for God—a love so powerful that it pierces the heart like a burning sword. Through illness, hardship, and persecution by the Inquisition, this courageous mystic lit the way with her unquenchable spirit to an "interior castle," a place of unimaginable beauty and light where no darkness can touch us. Saint Teresa of Avila gives you a direct link to the living presence of this brave and gentle woman, to draw upon her strength in your own times of need.

A fresh and contemporary translation of one of the best loved and influential mystical texts of all time, The Showings of Julian of Norwich brings the message and spirituality of this 14th century mystic to 21st century readers. Julian of Norwich, a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer, was an English anchoress in East Anglia. At the age of 30, suffering from a severe illness and believing she was on her deathbed, Julian had a series of intense visions of Jesus, which she recorded and then expanded on later in her life. Her message for today's readers is simply this: She reveals the feminine face of the Divine and reminds us to see God there. All our failings are an opportunity to learn and grow; that they should be honored, but not dwelled upon. God's love has nothing to do with love and retribution and everything to do with love and compassion. In spite of all appearances, all is well.

A “pure genius” translation of the beloved autobiographical writings of the great 16th-century Spanish mystic, Saint Teresa of Ávila (Caroline Myss, New York Times–bestselling author) Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) is one of the most beloved of the Catholic saints. In 1562, during the era of the Spanis

Wild Mercy is essential reading for anyone ready to awaken the feminine mystic within and birth her loving, creative, and untamed power into the world. “Mystical brilliance at its best.” —Caroline Myss “No one can take us into the fiery and tender depths of the sacred feminine with more skill, humor, clarity, and vibrant naked honesty than Mirabai Starr.” —Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope and The Return of the Mother We live in a world that has suffered the abuses of an unbalanced masculine rule for thousands of years—but the feminine is rising. “Seeds of feminine wisdom that have been quietly germinating underground are now breaking through the surface,” writes Mirabai Starr. “Women everywhere are rising to the collective call to step up and repair our broken Earth. And we are activating a paradigm shift such as the world has never seen.” With Wild Mercy, Mirabai shares the subversive wisdom and fierce compassion of the feminine mystic across cultural boundaries and throughout history. From saints and sages, to goddesses and archetypal energies, to contemporary teachers and seekers—you’ll meet women who blazed a path that will illuminate your own. Each chapter explores a different facet of feminine mysticism through a tapestry of teachings, reflections, and stories, along with a practice for integrating the chapter’s themes into your own life. As you journey through these pages, you’ll explore: Taking refuge in contemplative practice with St. Teresa of Avila and the ShekinahLonging, embodiment, and union as the heart of feminine spiritual practice with the Hindu poet Mirabai and Mary MagdaleneYour relationship with the Earth, motherhood in all its forms, and a loving call to action alongside Gaia and Ix ChelCommunity and the web of life with Indra, the Beguines, and female prophets throughout historyWild, playful, and compassionate mercy with Tara and Kuan YinFinding joy in creativity and the arts with Saraswati and Chiyo-niMore inspiration from archetypal goddesses and amazing women past and present—Julian of Norwich, the Sufi saint Rabia, Pachamama, Sophia, Old Spider Woman, Hildegard of Bingen, Demeter, Kali, and more Wild Mercy provides a much-needed alternative to the models of religion and spirituality that have dominated history. Here, Mirabai invites you to welcome the wisdom of women back into the collective field where it may transform the human family, heal the ravaged Earth, and awaken the divine love in our hearts.

“Brother David,” one of the most significant spiritual teachers and international speakers, tells here his incomparably rich story spanning the nine decades of his life.

Music of Silence shows how to incorporate the sacred meaning of monastic living into everyday life by following the natural rhythm of the hours of the day. The book tells how mindfulness and prayer can reconnect us with the sources of joy. “An invitation to join in quiet ecstasy, to rediscover sacre

Brother David Steindl-Rast takes us on a journey to discover the wisdom preserved in common sense sayings that have been passed down through generations. These timeless words reflect the shared values cherished by people all over the world. "When you drink from a stream,” says one Chinese proverb, “remember the spring." From these simple words we are reminded to be grateful for even the smallest graces that we receive. Another homespun phrase tells us that "a contented heart is a continual feast," reminding us to look within, rather than without, for the source of our happiness. Words of Common Sense reveals the thread of human experience expressed in the world’s proverbs and sayings. It helps us connect with cultures other than our own and recognize our shared humanity. These words resonate around the world because they are timeless reflections on how to cultivate a life of love, gratitude, and meaning.

Audio teachings and readings from Thomas Keating, curated by Samaneri Jayasāra on the Wisdom of the Masters channel.

Audio teachings and readings from Meister Eckhart, curated by Samaneri Jayasāra on the Wisdom of the Masters channel.

Audio teachings and readings from St. Teresa of Avila, curated by Samaneri Jayasāra on the Wisdom of the Masters channel.

Free digital library of classic Christian texts including works by Meister Eckhart, John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and the Desert Fathers.