Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions

by Richard Smoley

While terms from Eastern spiritual practices such as zen, mantra, and karma have become part of our daily lexicon, the traditions of Western spirituality have been largely unexplored by people searching for non-mainstream routes to spiritual experience. But for those who identify with Western culture, Western religious traditions have their own wisdom teachings that are more suitable to their needs and expectations. Many of those searching for alternative religions are not even aware that Western civilization has always had its own traditions, which are often hidden. In this fascinating introduction to non-mainstream Western spirituality, the coeditors of Gnosis magazine -- today's leading journal of mystical spirituality -- guide you through the teachings of Jung and Gurdjieff, the Kabbalah, neo-paganism, shamanism, alchemy, Sufism, and more. Explaining the history and practice of each tradition and describing its important figures, the authors present the ideas, strengths, and weaknesses of each tradition and offer a wealth of resources for those interested in pursuing these paths further.

Genres: Spirituality, Philosophy, Religion, Esoterica, Nonfiction, Occult, Metaphysics

390 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Gregory Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Manly P. Hall’s Secret Teachings had a companion book, I think that Richard Smoley and Jay Kinney’s Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions would be it.

Every bit as dense as Hall’s Secret Teachings but much more down to earth and embedded in the “real” rather than the idealized reality – which is saying a lot. For most who take the journey of exploring the esoteric side of life, its can very fast become a confused mess of who’s who and what group is doing what.

Read more at http://www.freemasoninformation.com/2...

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smoley and Kinney – both of which were editors for Gnosis magazine – offer a concise and informative introduction to many of the Western Esoteric traditions. Though this book offers only an introduction on each topic, it includes a suggested annotated bibliography at the end of the chapter for further reading on the tradition, as well as advice on how to get more involved in the study and practice of each subject. I would say for the spiritual seeker not satisfied with Western exoteric religion, and not willing to attempt an unjust commitment to a foreign Eastern tradition, this is a fantastic start in a new spirituality; one that is within one’s own tradition, but not tied to religious dogma.

[Josh Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction of most western esoteric schools generally. Smoley is easy to read, without dumbing things down. This book starts with what a completely uninitiated reader might be familiar with, Carl Jung, spends a chapter on it, then proceeds gradually to more esoteric subjects. Anyone wanting to know more about Blavatsky, Gurdjieff, Rosicrucianism or Kabbalah has here a well-researched text with cleanly divided chapters, with a thread that runs throughout, giving the reader a clear and concise context of how each of these topics relate to one another. Many of these wisdom teachings run rampant on the internet with misinformation, and this book by no means attempts to give a comprehensive initiation but rather provides a grounded, simple reading on everything from the Freemasons to A Course in Miracles.

This book is highly recommended for anyone wanting an introduction to esoteric wisdom, but also for those who have spent some time learning, but not a wide range of different schools of wisdom.

Richard Smoley and Jay Kinney are the editors of the now defunct Gnosis magazine, and Smoley now is the editor-in-chief of Quest Magazine, a publication of The Theosophical Society of America.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually finished this around June 17th or so . I really enjoyed this if you're asking , One thing readers of this will find useful are the annotated reading lists linked to each individual chapter . Smoley is well known as one of the main editers from Gnosis. So this is not a how to about how to for example to become a modern alchemist or Kabbalist. But if you are interested in these topics you can find information on the topics background in the text and the reading list will help you explore further .

[Justin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come not as a practitioner, but as an academic skeptic. This book is pretty good, except for the extraordinarily odd introductory chapter on Jung, who is substantially less interesting and, I daresay, less in touch with reality, than the practitioners of the other chapters. Made me want to read more on shamanism and witchcraft, in particular. It is, as others have pointed out, dry as sand.

[Buck Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough, scholarly dissections of the various wackadoo spiritual movements permeating Western culture. I figured it was going to be a lot of woo, but it treated its subject matter academically, only delving cringeward when it had to play respectful with Wiccan karma or crystal magic.

[Jason Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to different esoteric traditions. This is not a practical guide, but an overview of what the traditions are, where they came from, and how and if they have persisted to the current age.

[Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous. A perfect non biased primer and guide to many of the mystical traditions in the western world. The authors explain things in an accesible manner and provide a list of references for further studies. A permanent addition to the shelf.

[Darren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dry... struggled to make it though. Boring read and came across like a text book

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Christopher Pufall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great material that digs much deeper than just a broad survey, and conveys a tone that is both objective and respectful.

[Giorgio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book, kind of introductory, but it can give you directions to dive into specific traditions.

[Jackie Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit patronizing at times but still a really good introduction.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent and sober tour of the Hidden Tradition. Superb.

[Roger Buck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful in certain respects, but too superficial. If you want the very opposite of superficial and are open to having your life turned inside-out, I would recommend Meditations on the Tarot by anonymous. My review of that anonymous masterpiece of the Western hermetic tradition here:

http://corjesusacratissimum.org/2009/...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid overview of the Western esoteric traditions. The authors clearly present the topics, warts and all, and provide suggested readings for each topic for those who want more information. This is a very good jumping off point for those just beginning to explore this often bewildering area of study.

[Ant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin - an interesting overview of Western mysticism. I'm not particularly well placed to speak on the subject of the author's competence, but the book seems knowledgeably written. It goes into enough detail to satisfy someone with an interest in knowing about each area and then offers further reading for those wishing to delve further.

[Nosy Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of Western esoteric and mystical traditions from an agnostic, pragmatic perspective. Concise summaries of the main currents and central ideas in the tradition, with a brief and tantalizing annotated bibliography for further reading at the end of each chapter.

[Jeremy Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name says it all! You WILL attain great wisdom from this book!

[Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book. An easy read with great payback. Very interesting material.