Mysticism: The Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness

The strength of this remarkable book lies in its definition of what it is to be human and religious. The most important experience, Underhill claims, is to be 'in love with the Absolute', because it is this mystical experience that releases our greatest potential as human beings. Above all, it is a book that shows how the world of the mystic is within everyone's reach, and shares an inspiring vision of what this world offers those who choose to enter it. Mysticism, first published in 1911, was at once hailed as a classic and swiftly established its author as the foremost authority on the subject in the English-speaking world. Here she offers an excellent introduction to mysticism, discussing the works of such great mystics as Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, Rumi and 'Attar. Mysticism draws on hundreds of sources from all over the world and remains the pre-eminent study of human spiritual consciousness. Part One defines mysticism from different perspectives, sets out its characteristics and explains its relationship to psychology, theology and symbolism. Part Two explores the 'mystic way', the stages of mystic consciousness from the self to union with the Absolute. Also included are a useful summary of European mysticism, and an impressive bibliography.