The Secret Language of the Soul: A Visual Key to the Spiritual World

by Jane Hope

The soul is the ultimate human unknown. The Secret Language of the Soul is a visual directory of the ways that cultures worldwide, both ancient and modern, have attempted to answer its mysteries. The scope is vast, from Zen Buddhism to Catholicism, and encompassing traditions as varied as the Siberian shaman, who travels in a trance to the spirit world, to Nigerian Tree Spirits, whose lofty homes are guarded by spirit figures carved into the trees trunk. Author Jane Hope describes the worlds major and obscure spiritual and religious beliefs, as well as concepts such as destiny, enlightenment, and salvation that shape our understanding of the purpose of the soul. Intriguing and written in an easy and engaging way, The Secret Language of the Soul paints the landscapes of the spiritual world in vibrant color.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Adult

272 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2003

About the author

Jane Hope was born in the North of England and studied Fine Art. She belonged to an experimental theatre group called the Exploding Galaxy who performed with Pink Floyd and various other 60’s bands and was employed for 15 years as a Bereavement Counsellor, working with parents whose baby had died. She managed to combine her work life with writing books and has three published books, including “The Beginners Guide to Buddhism”. She was a founder member of the London Shambhala group which began in her home and has taught extensively in UK, North America and Europe. Since 2004 she has been involved in helping to establish Shambhala centres in Ukraine. In 2010, she was appointed by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche as Shastri for Ukraine and London.

Reviews

[Toto Hermito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most rare interesting book about the soul, the most ultimate human mystery. This book reference alot about soul & spirit from all religion's history views.

Beside interesting on the theme, this book were also interesting on design, pictures, and as handy size as well (my artsy feeling as a graphic designer, is one of the reason, to tell you frankly of my decision to buy this book). - totodigi.

[Billy Candelaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly it's an overview book about the concept of 'soul' tied with different cultural and religious beliefs around the world. Jane Hope, a Buddhist author and founder of the London Shambhala Mediation Center, concisely made it short and simply for us to grasp the concept. My only comment will be the book format. Its too small to accommodate the pictures.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous book. Tons of photos and illustrations to help the reader. It's an encyclopedia filled with brief explainations of different religions and their beliefs on the mortal soul. A great thinking book.

[Airam Avitok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Τέλειο βιβλιαράκι! Υπέροχες εικόνες (μιας και είναι εικονογραφημένο), απίστευτη μυρωδιά (χεχε) και πολύ όμορφες λεπτομέρειες! Μαθαίνεις πολλά και μπορείς να ψάξεις πολλά με τη θεματολογία που σου δίνει!

[Alex Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful book. I mean, the layout with the images, and the way the book is stylized with the sections... it's really lovely. It's also, of course, given the audience, heavily skewed towards Christianity, East Asia, India and the Middle East, but in very broad strokes. This is not a deep book. There's an attempt to include all of human religions, but it shies away from some of the more nuanced differences. As a coffee book, or as light reading, as an introduction it certainly serves it purpose. No complaints from me!

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a nice read. Even though its just the basic of the religions around the world. (Given, that it is only 200+ pages)

I enjoyed it. There were religions that I was not aware of, thanks to this, at least I had some ideas about them.

[Lestat Cayetano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Test review. Test.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reference book for different aspects from various traditions and cultures.