Hildegard of Bingen: Devotions, Prayers & Living Wisdom

by Mirabai Starr

Some call Hildegard of Bingen the original "rebel nun"—a woman of stunning visionary gifts who rose above the restrictions of her time to shape the destiny of Christianity. In Hildegard of Bingen, you are invited to encounter this remarkable woman, who dared to speak out with such strength and purpose that even the twelfth-century Church had to respect her divinely inspired wisdom. Through her writings, musical and lyrical compositions, and compassionate bravery, Hildegard invites you today to a place of stillness where you can clearly hear the inner wisdom that is your birthright.

Hildegard's life gives us a blueprint for taking charge of our own spiritual lives. From her brilliant and iconoclastic writings on the spiritual journey,women's health, and herbal medicine to her courage in urging world rulers to choose peace over war, this enduring heroine shines across the centuries as an example of how to live fearlessly our own limitless radiance.

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author, internationally acclaimed speaker, and interspiritual teacher. In 2020, she was honored on Watkins’ list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Drawing from 20 years of teaching Philosophy and World Religions and a lifetime of practice, Mirabai shares her wisdom worldwide on contemplative living, writing as a spiritual practice, and the transformational power of grief and loss. She has authored over a dozen books including Wild Mercy, Caravan of No Despair, and renowned translations of sacred literature. Her most recent book, Ordinary Mysticism, has been praised by Anne Lamott as “a gorgeous, transformative, welcoming book is for anyone who longs to feel more present, more alive, more joyful and aware of the holiness of daily life”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. For more, visit www.mirabaistarr.com.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful little book--not just Hildegard's words, but Mirabai's. She approaches Hildegard's life and work with reverence, distilling her story and ideas into near poetry. It's one I'll return to again and again.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars. A beautiful introduction to an extremely talented, startlingly profound, and amazing mystic whose words, art, and music still resonate today. I would've appreciated more context and guidance such as in Starr's other books on early mystics. Still, an inspiring and gorgeous little book.

[Jai Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tiny Tome with Lovely Offerings

I found poems, reflections and lyrics written by and about Hildegard that I could not find anywhere else. Mirabai Starr’s translation is absolutely lovely.

[LeTsunami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book. Decent overview of Hildegard of Bingen.
Do not expect a in depth historical biographical of Hildegard or to understand any one of her works. It gives you a very rough feel of what she believed and did in her time.
It’s like tidbits of information and prayer pieces.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely little collection that whets the pallet for more of this fiery woman of God.

[Marcia Claesson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little book to pick up and read a bit at a time. Hildegard is fascinating.

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A selection of uplifting and intriguing passages from the writings of Hildegard with comments by the author. A great source for passages for Lectio and discussion.