Practical Mysticism; and, Abba: Meditations on the Lord's Prayer

by Evelyn Underhill, Carol Zaleski (Preface by)

Two classics in one volume that show a British poet and mystic to be one of the most authoritative modern voices on mysticism. 

"God gives without stint all that the creature needs, but it must do its part. He gives the we must reap and grind and bake it." –Evelyn Underhill

Written on the eve of World War I, Practical Mysticism reviews the works of the greatest Western mystics, including Teresa of Avila, Julian of Norwich, and Thomas à Kempis. Underhill’s goal is to guide her readers on a journey toward mystical consciousness, to teach them to see the “eternal beauty beyond and beneath apparent ruthlessness.” Abba, first published in 1940, takes as its starting point the seven phrases of the Lord’s Prayer, using them as a means to propel the self toward union with God. In these important works, Underhill brings an often esoteric subject onto a practical footing, showing that the profound gifts of mysticism are not only for the few but are within reach of us all.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity, Religion, Mysticism, Christian, Philosophy, Theology

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

Evelyn Underhill was an English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist known for her numerous works on religion and spiritual practice, in particular Christian mysticism.

In the English-speaking world, she was one of the most widely read writers on such matters in the first half of the twentieth century. No other book of its type—until the appearance in 1946 of Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy—met with success to match that of her best-known work, Mysticism, published in 1911.

Read more:

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_U...

The Evelyn Underhill Association
http://www.evelynunderhill.org/

Reviews

[Mary Diebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It got a little too heavy and wordy at times. I wanted to skip over parts, which I did. I liked the Abba part better than the mysticism. I wouldn't call it "practical", maybe practices of.

[David Mullens]

At times I struggle with the writing style of Evelyn Underhill. At times there are very long and descriptive paragraphs. Yet, I'm glad I stuck with it. There is a wealth of insight into living an active life and still having a strong inner life.

[Joseph Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise, articulate, heady, and cerebral. This is a fine supplement to those interested in the mystic realm of spirituality, especially those comfortable with the Christian method. Too often, many books of this nature are "floaty" and seem to dance around the point they mean to make. Underhill's strength is her intellectual gift with language. It is also fused with real spirit and inspiration. I would recommend accompanying this book with something like, "Grist for the Mill" by Ram Dass, which resonates more with the "heart-mind" rather than the "cerebral-mind", as this does.

[Catherine Corman · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have long been like a child tearing up the petals of flowers in order to make a mosaic on the garden path; and the results of this murderous diligence you mistook for a knowledge of the world

-Evelyn Underhill, Practical Mysticism

[Mohammed omran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear, concise, articulate, heady, and cerebral. This is a fine supplement to those interested in the mystic realm of spirituality, especially those comfortable with the Christian method. Too often, many books of this nature are "floaty" and seem to dance around the point they mean to make. Underhill's strength is her intellectual gift with language. It is also fused with real spirit and inspiration. I would recommend accompanying this book with something like, "Grist for the Mill" by Ram Dass, which resonates more with the "heart-mind" rather than the "cerebral-mind", as this does.

[Henry Haney · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book with “practical” in the title I found this to be anything but...

Such a disappointment after having this author recommended to me by so many.

This book is filled with way too many unnecessary words and metaphors in order to make a few very simple points. A frustrating read.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb treatment; one of best writers I've read, able to write in nontechnical language of profound truths of Grace.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep this one on my Kindle so I can read it randomly.