What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Guide to World Mysticism
This book begins with a general introduction to the traditions and history of mysticism. It then moves on to deal with mysticism within the contexts of religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, and other less orthodox traditions such as Shamanism and the Mystery Schools. The book finishes with a look at mysticism in everyday life.
Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
136 people want to read
About the author
Tim Freke
58 books140 followersTimothy Freke has an honors degree in philosophy and is the author of more than twenty books on world spirituality. He lectures and runs experiential seminars throughout the world exploring gnosis. For information, see timothyfreke.com. Both Freke and Gandy live in England and are the authors of five previous books, including The Jesus Mysteries and Jesus and the Lost Goddess.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 16, 2018
2.5 ⭐️ there are some curious nuggets here & there but overall very-very shallow overview of the world’s mystical traditions
June 20, 2009
The Universal Experience of a Transcendental Reality beyond the Limits of Personality
The authors themselves point out in the introduction that there can be no final and definitive statement about anything. This book is no exception. However, it is an extremely perceptive survey of the subject of mysticism. It clearly demonstrates the universal motivation of the mystic in all cultures- direct experience of the Divine over obedience to authority and dogma. Just the fact that they begin with an examination of shamanism and then show how great traditions such as Hinduism, Taoism and the western mystery schools owe their origins to it sets this book above most other surveys. Moreover, in insisting that mysticism is a living thing experienced by many seekers today both within and without the great religious traditions the book rises above dry as dust scholarly studies.
Chapter 1) Mysticism and Religion
Chapter 2) Shamanic Mysticism
Chapter 3) Hindu Mysticism
Chapter 4) Buddhist Mysticism
Chapter 5) Taoist Mysticism
Chapter 6) The Mystery Schools
Chapter 7) Jewish Mysticism
Chapter 8) Christian Mysticism
Chapter 9) Islamic Mysticism
Chapter 10) Mysticism Outside Religion
Chapter 11) The Essence of Mysticism
Chapter 12) Living Mysticism
The book is well illustrated with relevant line drawings and beautiful color full page plates. There is a detailed historical timeline, bibliography, and full index.
There are no "secrets" here, but then there are no secrets. Realization cannot be forced or demanded, as the authors tell us, but arises natural and spontaneously by Grace- providing we can at least temporarily manage to get our little ego out of the way.
The authors themselves point out in the introduction that there can be no final and definitive statement about anything. This book is no exception. However, it is an extremely perceptive survey of the subject of mysticism. It clearly demonstrates the universal motivation of the mystic in all cultures- direct experience of the Divine over obedience to authority and dogma. Just the fact that they begin with an examination of shamanism and then show how great traditions such as Hinduism, Taoism and the western mystery schools owe their origins to it sets this book above most other surveys. Moreover, in insisting that mysticism is a living thing experienced by many seekers today both within and without the great religious traditions the book rises above dry as dust scholarly studies.
Chapter 1) Mysticism and Religion
Chapter 2) Shamanic Mysticism
Chapter 3) Hindu Mysticism
Chapter 4) Buddhist Mysticism
Chapter 5) Taoist Mysticism
Chapter 6) The Mystery Schools
Chapter 7) Jewish Mysticism
Chapter 8) Christian Mysticism
Chapter 9) Islamic Mysticism
Chapter 10) Mysticism Outside Religion
Chapter 11) The Essence of Mysticism
Chapter 12) Living Mysticism
The book is well illustrated with relevant line drawings and beautiful color full page plates. There is a detailed historical timeline, bibliography, and full index.
There are no "secrets" here, but then there are no secrets. Realization cannot be forced or demanded, as the authors tell us, but arises natural and spontaneously by Grace- providing we can at least temporarily manage to get our little ego out of the way.
January 28, 2026
Spiritual history from shamanism through ancient eastern practices to modern monotheistic religions
March 14, 2008
Good introduction
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews