This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Bernard McGinn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of Origen of Alexandria in the third century to the work of twentieth-century mystics such as Thomas Merton. Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; the second part focuses on the mystics’ actual encounters with God; and part three addresses the implications of the mystical life, showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public actions. In addition to his illuminating Introduction, Bernard McGinn provides accessible headnotes for each section, as well as numerous biographical sketches and a selected bibliography. Praise for The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism “No one is better equipped than Bernard McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature….This is an anthology which deserves to be read not only by those who study Christian history and theology, but by believers who long to deepen their own lives of prayer and service.” -- Anglican Theological Review “Bernard McGinn, a preeminent historian and interpreter of the Christian mystical tradition, has edited this fine collection of mystical writings, organizing them thematically....McGinn offers helpful introductions to each thematic section, author and entry, as well as a brief critical bibliography on mysticism. Published in the Modern Library Classic series, this is a great value.” – Christian Century "No-one is better equipped than Professor McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature. A first-class selection, by a first-class scholar." -- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury “This accessible anthology by the scholarly world’s leading historian of the Western Christian mystical tradition easily outstrips all others in its comprehensiveness, the aptness of its selection of texts, and in the intelligent manner of its organization.” -- Denys Turner, Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale Divinity School "An immensely rich anthology, assembled and introduced by our foremost student of mysticism. Both the scholar and the disciple will find God’s plenty here." -- Barbara Newman, Professor of English, Religion, and Classics, John Evans Professor of Latin, Northwestern University "An unusually clear and insightful exposition of major texts selected by one of the greatest scholars in the field of Christian mysticism, based on his vast erudition and uniquely sensitive interpretation. Like his other books, this one too is destined to become a classic.” -- Professor Moshe Idel, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

This volume discusses the origins of the new mysticism, St Francis, early Franciscan mysticism, and the synthesis created by Bonaventure. '

The McGinns draw from the Presence of God series to take a closer, personal look at the mystical vision of 12 great spiritual masters living before the Reformation. 12 illustrations.

THE PRACTICAL FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN MYSTICISM Yes, Mysticism is both Modern and Practical. Too often the Mystical is seen as ''airy fairy'' and disconnected from the "Real" World. "What is this so-called "Real" World? You think you know it as that which you can touch and feel, the world you plant your feet on and that feeds you. You think it''s really solid stuff. " The "Real" World You''re wrong! The "Real" World isn''t really solid stuff, and the Mystical is actually the very stuff of reality - the far bigger reality that is as modern as tomorrow, and as practical as money in the bank. The Mystical is about actually understanding how things really work and how you can benefit from personal exploration and experience in what some people refer to as "the Magical Universe" where truly real things happen and affect you in this world you thought was such a solid thing. This Magical Universe where real things happen is the same universe studied by modern scientists at the cutting edge of quantum physics and consciousness, and that has been studied for ages by mystics, philosophers, Kabbalists, shamans, hermeticists, yogis, alchemists - "all scientists exploring those dimensions lying behind, below, inside, and above what you once thought of as the only "real" world." Using Esoteric Technology It is be means of various ''esoteric'' technologies that you can actually reach in - behind the scenes so to speak - to touch, work with or even change the inner reality thatmanifests in the outer world. These technologies have been developed out of many differing perceptions of the inner reality that are as equally true and valid as are the many ways to describe the glory of a sunset, the beauty of a rose, or the glow of love. Scientists and Mystics have developed many models to understand, explore and relate to this hidden world, each as different and yet the same as the brilliant facets on a cut diamond. These have names and their validity is enhanced by their attraction to you and the beauty you find in them. Certain of them ''speak to you'' as others do not and it is your choice and your opportunities to work with those that strike the right cord within you. The Many Pathways to Enlightenment In this concise yet deep and insightful book many Pathways to Enlightenment are explored and their inner reality models described & illustrated with diagrams and charts - Alchemy, Ascension, Buddhism, Christianity, Druidism, Hermetic Ceremonial Magic, Hinduism, Judaism, Martial Arts, Paganism, Shamanism, Shinto, Sufism, Thelema, Theosophy, Witchcraft, Yoga and more - accompanied by many practical exercises, sacred texts and rituals for you to fully experience their power to move you between the worlds. An extensive glossary of mystical terms facilitates your understanding across these many systems to build your personal realization. What You Will Learn You will understand the Powers of Creation, the Elements behind all Manifestation, the Fundamental Forces and the Energy Centers within each person, the Structure of the Inner Worlds, the Spiritual Entities inhabiting other Dimensions, theNature of Sacred Spaces & Time, Techniques of Meditation, Intuition, Psychic Development, the Foundations of Magic and Methods of Energy Healing. You will learn both Eastern and Western Systems, understand Initiation, and choose the Path that is right for you. You will practice Meditation, Chakra Balancing, Aura Cleansing, Rising on the Planes, Speak with Spirit Guides, Dowsing, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, Psychic Travel, the Magic Circle Ritual, and Explore the Symbols used by Magicians to interact with the inner dimensions.

Presents a translation and commentary to the oldest known extant Taoist text, Inward Training (Nei-yeh), which is composed of short poetic verses devoted to the practice of breath meditation and its resultant insights about human nature and the cosmos. Roth argues that Inward Training is the basis of early Taoism, and suggests that there may be more continuity between early philosophical Taoism and later Taoist religion than scholars have thought.

Acclaimed worldwide this authoritative series is the best and most comprehensive history of Western Christian Mysticism available to date. Upon request from libraries, collections and scholars Herder&Herder offers this special hardcover edition. This volume is a tour-de-force study of classic German mystical thought from Thomas Aquinas and his master, Albert the Great to Cardinal Nicholas of Cusa. This volume's importance rests not only in its comprehensive study of the fertile period which produced Meister Eckhart, John Tauler, and Henri Suso, but in its lucid discussion of the problem of mysticism as it comes to the fore in this era.

A complete explanation of the esoteric principles of Mantra that also clarifies the differences between Hindu and Tibetan yoga. Translated into many languages, this is an important text for any student of Buddhism. With bibliography, index, and illustrations.

In 1913, Russian imperial marines stormed an Orthodox monastery at Mt. Athos, Greece, to haul off monks engaged in a dangerously heretical practice known as Name Worshipping. Exiled to remote Russian outposts, the monks and their mystical movement went underground. Ultimately, they came across Russian intellectuals who embraced Name Worshipping—and who would achieve one of the biggest mathematical breakthroughs of the twentieth century, going beyond recent French achievements. Loren Graham and Jean-Michel Kantor take us on an exciting mathematical mystery tour as they unravel a bizarre tale of political struggles, psychological crises, sexual complexities, and ethical dilemmas. At the core of this book is the contest between French and Russian mathematicians who sought new answers to one of the oldest puzzles in math: the nature of infinity. The French school chased rationalist solutions. The Russian mathematicians, notably Dmitri Egorov and Nikolai Luzin—who founded the famous Moscow School of Mathematics—were inspired by mystical insights attained during Name Worshipping. Their religious practice appears to have opened to them visions into the infinite—and led to the founding of descriptive set theory. The men and women of the leading French and Russian mathematical schools are central characters in this absorbing tale that could not be told until now. Naming Infinity is a poignant human interest story that raises provocative questions about science and religion, intuition and creativity.

In popular usage, "mysticism" typically refers to New Age or Eastern forms of spirituality. However, the mystical tradition is also an important component of the Christian tradition. At its heart--and much like its expression in other faith traditions--Christian mysticism is an ancient practice that incorporates meditation, contemplation, worship, philosophy, the quest for personal enlightenment, and the experience of Divine presence. This volume is a comprehensive introduction and guide to Christian mysticism. It is a big book about a big possibility: the hope of achieving real, blissful, experiential unison with God. Among the topics covered here are a general introduction to mysticism, the Bible and mysticism, the history and types of Christian mysticism, biographical sketches of leading Christian mystics, and practical instructions about practicing mysticism today. This is a breathtaking work that explores a form of spirituality that has changed lives over the course of 2,000 years. Learning about Christian mysticism and how it has been articulated through the centuries will prove inspirational for today's seekers, regardless of the faith tradition. "The mystic is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of mytic." --William McNamara

"The Mystic Christ is an ancient tale of mystic union, salvation, and enlightenment. It is the careful uncovering of a lost treasure of immeasurable value, long buried in the suffocating darkness of conventional orthodoxy on one side, and blind fundamentalist extremism on the other. From the viewpoint of the world's mystical religious traditions, the brilliant light of the Master's way is revealed as a penetrating radical non-duality unifying all people and all of life. His path to this all-embracing unity is the spiritual practice of pure selfless love. Love God intensely, love our neighbor as our own Self, bless those that curse us, and pray for those that mistreat us. Love has been lost, becoming nothing more than a word in the dictionary and, yet, it remains the foundation of Jesus' message."