The Universe as Symbols and Signs: An Essay on Mysticism in the Eastern Church

by Nikolaj Velimirović

Everything in the visible universe is actually a sign or symbol of a heavenly and eternal reality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Christianity, Mysticism

84 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Sveti vladika Nikolaj Ohridski i Žički (svetovno Nikola Velimirović; selo Lelić kod Valjeva, Kneževina Srbija, 23. decembar 1880/4. januar 1881 — Libertivil, SAD, 18. mart 1956) bio je episkop ohridski i žički, istaknuti teolog i govornik, otuda je nazivan Novi Zlatousti. Nikolaj Velimirović je novokanonizovani srpski svetitelj.

Njegovo rođeno ime je Nikola. U mladosti je teško oboleo od dizenterije i zakleo se da će posvetiti svoj život Bogu, ako preživi. Preživeo je i zamonašio se pod imenom Nikolaj. Velimirović je školovan na Zapadu i u mladosti je bio velik zastupnik liberalnih ideja i ekumenizma. Takođe je primljen u sveštenstvo i brzo je postao važna ličnost u Srpskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi, posebno u odnosima sa Zapadom. U međuratnom periodu postao je predvodnik pravoslavnih bogomoljaca i okrenuo se antievropejstvu i konzervativizmu. Osnivač je desničarske političke ideologije svetosavskog nacionalizma. Smatra se duhovnim inspiratorom Ljotićeve organizacije ZBOR. Često je kritikovan zbog antisemitskih stavova. Kada su u Drugom svetskom ratu Nemci okupirali Jugoslaviju, Velimirović je stavljen u kućni pritvor i na kraju odveden u logor Dahau, gde je proveo tri meseca pre nego što su ga Nemci oslobodili da bi pomogao u obrazovanju objedinjavanju jugoslovenskih kvislinga protiv nadiruće NOVJ i Crvene armije. Po završetku rata, Velimirović je odlučio da se ne vrati u Jugoslaviju, u koju su na vlast došli komunisti. Umesto toga, 1946. otišao je za Ameriku, gde je i ostao do svoje smrti 1956.

Reviews

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of the book was promising, but the bulk of the book was simply a review of mostly biblical cases of signs and symbols - the star as a sign or an earthquake as a sign. The book mostly reports these many events with little commentary on them and thus for my reading just states the obvious.

[Scott Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The basic grammar of spiritual symbolism

To read well one must know the meaning of not just letters and words, but also grammar. There is a "grammar", so to speak, of true symbolism. That’s what this book is an introduction to.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short read on symbols and signs. The introductory chapters of this book is the best explanation I've heard for understanding the world as symbolic. The rest of the book are examples of this reasoning, and how it plays out in the Scriptures and the world. While many of the examples are obvious, some are rather insightful.

[Obren Vuković · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikolaj Velimirovic proposes an idea that our universe is just a symbol of the higher spiritual reality.
He opposes this idea to both naturalistic worldviews considering our universe the highest reality, and Indian view which considers this universe just an illusion (Maya).

Most of the book is a guide on how to read nature, based on holy scripture. For example, he will write that the Sun is the symbol of God, and eclipse is a signal to u designating how small things (moon or everyday troubles) can sometimes block what's really important (sun or the highest spiritual reality).

It's a short nice read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsome and very refreshing

This book gets a but deep here and there, but interesting all the way through.
A well recommended read for those who are curious about "signs, symbols, or signals".

[Matthew Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become precious to me.

[B.gaist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for those interested in the Christian understanding of symbology.

[Melangell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began reading this book with no preconceived notions of what to expect. I appreciated what I got from this book, a clearer sense and more precise understanding of God's presence everywhere and in all things.

[Mother Seraphima · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting something a little deeper in theology, but much of the book was simply "a" is a sign for "b," not really any theology behind what that means for our life, our faith, our understanding of God... the cover and summary of the book attracts "science nerds" but the book does little to keep our attention or make us think.

[Sorana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ignorand dogmatismul crestin (poate, oare, sa fie ignorat?), am gasit citate biblice utile si unele interpretari chiar interesante de simboluri. Nice.