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Listening to the Light: How to Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity into Our Lives
Quakerism has been a source of inspiration for over 300 years. Combining spirituality with the practical life, its insights have a universal appeal that is particularly relevant to today's world. Quakers deeply value inner peace and tranquility and believe that there is "that of God" within us all. They also have a compassionate determination to alleviate suffering and a profound commitment to peace and non-violence. Listening to the Light shows us how to incorporate Quaker ideals and practices into our lives—to find our own Light-the Divine-within ourselves, to realize that the everyday is spiritual, to simplify our lives and care for the planet, to bring a sense of commitment and integrity to our actions, and to learn to listen.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
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117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 27, 2015
This book was like a spiritual homecoming. There is such beauty in the concepts and ideals of modern British Quakerism. I love the acknowledgement that each individual is following their own spiritual path and the openness to all faith or none tied with the pursuit of equality, justice and peace.
July 20, 2025
This inspired me to go to my first Quaker meeting. Great beginner’s guide!
November 4, 2023
An encouraging and illuminating read. A nice, easy introduction to the Quaker religion, beliefs, and practices. I particularly enjoyed the information about Christian meditation and contemplative practices.
February 4, 2013
Jim Pym shares his own spiritual journey from growing up in Roman Catholic Church to joining Buddhist meditation groups, and his transition to becoming a Quaker. Pym’s approach may appeal to a broad range of people because he explains his rationale for adopting Quakerism. (p.20-21)
This is a good introductory book for Quakerism. By discussing practical examples, the book introduces the religion to new comers. The basic theme is that Quakers believe there is “that of God” in everyone and they meet in silence to seek the presence of God, i.e., “waiting on God.” (p. 42)
“The deepest essence of Quakerism lies in the ability to listen deeply… What they have done is to emphasize the balance between listening to the Light Within, and to Life around us – which includes people. ” (p. 141) He uses the muddy pool to illustrate the sense of deep listening. (p. 146)
In contrast to the orthodox Christianity’s definition of God – external, high above, and distant-, Quakers accept a wide range of definition of God, from the Creator to the unperceivable force. (p. 43) The Inward/Inner Light has been used as a common term to refer to God or the “Unconditional Love of God.” (p.46) How does this work in reality? Everyone’s experience would be different. (p. 149) “This Divine Presence takes any forms. Some see it as the Inward Light. Others hear it as the Still Small Voice. Whether you see or hear depends on your temperament.” (p.21) The Light works as “The Guide” in showing us the Way and we need to have the willingness to follow it. (p. 47)
Like Buddhism, Quakerism put an emphasis on personal spiritual experiences. (p.139) As Pym quoted from Mathew, “Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it.” (p. 34) Such approach brings individuals freedom and disciplines as well. (p.34)
My favorite parts include: various techniques to help with centering down into silence (p. 59 & 68-71); two methods of holding someone in the Light (p. 84); Quakers’ commitment to live faithfully means “we are true to our own selves and to the highest and best that we can find within us.” (p.93); Rachel Pinney’s creative listening, “the learned ability to switch off the demanding self” (p.110); “We are advised to come to any meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared” (p.123); “Quakerism …religion of uncertainty” (p. 137).
This is a good introductory book for Quakerism. By discussing practical examples, the book introduces the religion to new comers. The basic theme is that Quakers believe there is “that of God” in everyone and they meet in silence to seek the presence of God, i.e., “waiting on God.” (p. 42)
“The deepest essence of Quakerism lies in the ability to listen deeply… What they have done is to emphasize the balance between listening to the Light Within, and to Life around us – which includes people. ” (p. 141) He uses the muddy pool to illustrate the sense of deep listening. (p. 146)
In contrast to the orthodox Christianity’s definition of God – external, high above, and distant-, Quakers accept a wide range of definition of God, from the Creator to the unperceivable force. (p. 43) The Inward/Inner Light has been used as a common term to refer to God or the “Unconditional Love of God.” (p.46) How does this work in reality? Everyone’s experience would be different. (p. 149) “This Divine Presence takes any forms. Some see it as the Inward Light. Others hear it as the Still Small Voice. Whether you see or hear depends on your temperament.” (p.21) The Light works as “The Guide” in showing us the Way and we need to have the willingness to follow it. (p. 47)
Like Buddhism, Quakerism put an emphasis on personal spiritual experiences. (p.139) As Pym quoted from Mathew, “Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it.” (p. 34) Such approach brings individuals freedom and disciplines as well. (p.34)
My favorite parts include: various techniques to help with centering down into silence (p. 59 & 68-71); two methods of holding someone in the Light (p. 84); Quakers’ commitment to live faithfully means “we are true to our own selves and to the highest and best that we can find within us.” (p.93); Rachel Pinney’s creative listening, “the learned ability to switch off the demanding self” (p.110); “We are advised to come to any meeting for worship with heart and mind prepared” (p.123); “Quakerism …religion of uncertainty” (p. 137).
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November 24, 2009I wasn't really sure how to read this book. It is written for everyone, not just Quakers, but is about Quaker worship, and suggests that the readers start using Quakers ways of worship in their lives. As someone already attending Quakers, I felt odd when I came across those suggestions, almost as if the book was not intended for someone like me.
It was very interesting to read how Pym thinks about Quaker worship, especially as his viewpoint is from someone who has dual membership, as he is also a Buddhist. I did not always agree with his viewpoint however, and I am not really sure I am comfortable with the idea of cutting bits out of Quaker worship for people to try at home. I didn't like the feeling that Quaker living could be divided up into parcels and handed out. It is the coming together to worship whilst respecting that we all have an individual spiritual path that makes Quakers work in my opinion, and that wasn't in the book, which was more about how we conduct business etc. Besides, it is unnecessary to break bits off Quakers for people to take home - we are here, we welcome people to join us.
It was very interesting to read how Pym thinks about Quaker worship, especially as his viewpoint is from someone who has dual membership, as he is also a Buddhist. I did not always agree with his viewpoint however, and I am not really sure I am comfortable with the idea of cutting bits out of Quaker worship for people to try at home. I didn't like the feeling that Quaker living could be divided up into parcels and handed out. It is the coming together to worship whilst respecting that we all have an individual spiritual path that makes Quakers work in my opinion, and that wasn't in the book, which was more about how we conduct business etc. Besides, it is unnecessary to break bits off Quakers for people to take home - we are here, we welcome people to join us.
May 21, 2011
This book is a wonderful overview or introduction to the Quaker faith. It is very calming to read. I have also found it very useful to provide this to friends or family members who have never attended a Meeting but are trying to understand Quaker beliefs and practices.
September 22, 2007
exploring my Quaker spirituality
December 30, 2008
Not preachy and very calming to read.
May 10, 2009
See review of "Plain Living" - of the two, I would recommend the first, but by all means read both for Quaker insight.
February 19, 2010
This is a great book for anyone who is looking for an introduction on how to bring Quaker simplicity into their life.
December 8, 2010
An excellent introduction to the Quaker (Society of Friends) tradition, especially as it is in England, but very much an introduction -- not as useful for someone who wants to dig deeper.
September 6, 2012
Interesting tome written by a Buddhist Quaker. There is much that is appealing about Quakers.
March 7, 2013
The last few chapters were very interesting. I feel that the book pretended to be one thing (reviews, summaries)but really was pushing a different agenda altogether.
September 19, 2011
This book gave me the basic background information I was looking for.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews