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The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World's Religions
Drawing on experience as an interreligious monk, Brother Wayne Teasdale reveals the power of spirituality and its practical elements. He combines a profound Christian faith with an intimate understanding of ancient religious traditions.
308 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 26, 2015
This book is both a summary of various mystic traditions and practices, as well as a guidebook to a life in mystic spirituality. It is well-written, well-researched, with a style and tone equally balanced between scholarly neutrality and personal conviction. It is a book worthy of re-reading.
Compared with other developed countries, US is highly religious measured by statistics of surveys and church membership. Yet our psychological life is hoisted mostly by our concerns of personal wealth, consumerism, media and entertainment. Religion is a mixture of social obligation and a moment's respite from the fears and desires that afflict our daily lives. How much the religious life relates to the spirituality? And why does mystic matter to our modern life?
The first order is to define "religion", "spirituality", and "mysticism". On page 17, the author made this issue clear: being religious is to practice a religious tradition (i.e., belonging and attending a church); being spiritual is to commit a personal engagement to a process of inner development; mysticism is a particular form of spirituality where there is "direct, immediate experience of ultimate reality". Can spiritual life without being mystic? Yes, such as the liturgical spirituality (public pray, and rivals), but these rituals are not the goals in themselves. The goal is to go from a "mediated form" (liturgy, for example) to the direct relationship with divine.
Can we measure the stages of awareness in our spiritual growth? Page 68 starts the discussion of the stages of development for human consciousness.
Infancy and childhood: little self-consciousness, no actual reflection.
Adolescence: increasingly self-conscious, peer group relationship becomes dominant reference.
Young adult: self-conscious awareness. becoming philosophical, but at risk of solipsism -- mistaken one as the center of existence.
Adult: developing "other-centered" consciousness through relationships with others such as marriage and family.
*** this is where most people rest: knowledge, compassion and love are limited by egoic fixation --"my work, my family, my preference". This is the shell that most people are encapsulated in. ****
The next three stages of enlighten awareness are: partial, complete and total. One starts on the awareness of transcendental experience, persistent in spiritual practices, to experience the gradual integration of one's heart with the divine. "Not to know about, but to be", the definition by Evelyn Underhill for the true mystic initiate.
The book followed by various approaches in Christian, Hinduism, Buddha, Zen, Natural mystic traditions. From practices as old as Jewish Kabbalah to the modern experimental mysticism using psychoactive agents, the author gives a fairly good summary for each tradition. It is quite understandable that the author gives more attention to his own practice tradition of Christian Sannyasa, a hybrid of Christian and Hinduism; yet the author is admirable to offer much encouragement to practice in other tradition as well. This sentiment is echoed in the Preface of Dalai Lama indicating that people have different background and preferences, as long as the essence of mystic spirituality achieves the same goal to enrich our human life, there is little to quibble about any particular label.
In the end, the author told us, to be spiritually engaged, one must take on the journey individually. It is not something to "talk about" only, but a life to "be".
Compared with other developed countries, US is highly religious measured by statistics of surveys and church membership. Yet our psychological life is hoisted mostly by our concerns of personal wealth, consumerism, media and entertainment. Religion is a mixture of social obligation and a moment's respite from the fears and desires that afflict our daily lives. How much the religious life relates to the spirituality? And why does mystic matter to our modern life?
The first order is to define "religion", "spirituality", and "mysticism". On page 17, the author made this issue clear: being religious is to practice a religious tradition (i.e., belonging and attending a church); being spiritual is to commit a personal engagement to a process of inner development; mysticism is a particular form of spirituality where there is "direct, immediate experience of ultimate reality". Can spiritual life without being mystic? Yes, such as the liturgical spirituality (public pray, and rivals), but these rituals are not the goals in themselves. The goal is to go from a "mediated form" (liturgy, for example) to the direct relationship with divine.
Can we measure the stages of awareness in our spiritual growth? Page 68 starts the discussion of the stages of development for human consciousness.
Infancy and childhood: little self-consciousness, no actual reflection.
Adolescence: increasingly self-conscious, peer group relationship becomes dominant reference.
Young adult: self-conscious awareness. becoming philosophical, but at risk of solipsism -- mistaken one as the center of existence.
Adult: developing "other-centered" consciousness through relationships with others such as marriage and family.
*** this is where most people rest: knowledge, compassion and love are limited by egoic fixation --"my work, my family, my preference". This is the shell that most people are encapsulated in. ****
The next three stages of enlighten awareness are: partial, complete and total. One starts on the awareness of transcendental experience, persistent in spiritual practices, to experience the gradual integration of one's heart with the divine. "Not to know about, but to be", the definition by Evelyn Underhill for the true mystic initiate.
The book followed by various approaches in Christian, Hinduism, Buddha, Zen, Natural mystic traditions. From practices as old as Jewish Kabbalah to the modern experimental mysticism using psychoactive agents, the author gives a fairly good summary for each tradition. It is quite understandable that the author gives more attention to his own practice tradition of Christian Sannyasa, a hybrid of Christian and Hinduism; yet the author is admirable to offer much encouragement to practice in other tradition as well. This sentiment is echoed in the Preface of Dalai Lama indicating that people have different background and preferences, as long as the essence of mystic spirituality achieves the same goal to enrich our human life, there is little to quibble about any particular label.
In the end, the author told us, to be spiritually engaged, one must take on the journey individually. It is not something to "talk about" only, but a life to "be".
January 15, 2022
Teasdale’s notion of spirituality is one of quest, a never-ending journey which uses resources from all the available religious traditions. They are available to all of us; what we have to do, he writes, is to have an openness in realizing that they can be included in our own experience.
That experience is a mystical one of contemplation, of attempting to cultivate a “union with God, or the inner realization of ultimate awareness.” This process can be developed, as Teasdale begins to do in this book, through study and discussion. In this contemplative process he emphasizes aspects of Christian monasticism, Kabbalah in Judaism, the Sufi component of Islam, native American beliefs, and in the East, Buddhism and Hindu practices. He emphasizes that an individual can be firmly grounded in his own tradition and at the same time be open to spiritual nourishment from other religions. Too often, religions have turned inward and neglected this openness.
One other distinction Teasdale makes is that “religion” and “spirituality” are not antagonistic to each other. Religion generally concentrates on outward social practices while spirituality is more of an inner experience. Practices, at their best, encourage an inner search. They are dysfunctional when the “letter of the law” shuts off the spirit instead of opening it up.
The author has a generous attitude toward all religions and points out that no philosophical explanation, east or west, can explain an entire religious tradition, and certainly no single religion has a monopoly on any kind of truth. To make this clearer, he discusses a term, panentheism, which “means that everything – the universe, nature, the earth – is within God, in the consciousness of the divine or the divine mind.” How these concerns are worked out are nearly always metaphorical , and metaphors are always open to new shadings of meaning and interpretation. If there’s anything they may have in common, it is a desire to transcend the limitations of the human condition, to find ultimate meaning in our existence.
It’s not only through language, though, that ultimate reality is hinted at. It can be experienced as well through visual art, music, nature, human relationships and service to others. In short, the “ultimate” can be experienced in anything; there is no activity that restricts the divine. It can be found wherever there is sensitivity and awareness.
Teasdale concludes that what human civilization desperately needs is both a cultivation of compassion, beginning in the human heart and overflowing into a love for the sake of others.
That experience is a mystical one of contemplation, of attempting to cultivate a “union with God, or the inner realization of ultimate awareness.” This process can be developed, as Teasdale begins to do in this book, through study and discussion. In this contemplative process he emphasizes aspects of Christian monasticism, Kabbalah in Judaism, the Sufi component of Islam, native American beliefs, and in the East, Buddhism and Hindu practices. He emphasizes that an individual can be firmly grounded in his own tradition and at the same time be open to spiritual nourishment from other religions. Too often, religions have turned inward and neglected this openness.
One other distinction Teasdale makes is that “religion” and “spirituality” are not antagonistic to each other. Religion generally concentrates on outward social practices while spirituality is more of an inner experience. Practices, at their best, encourage an inner search. They are dysfunctional when the “letter of the law” shuts off the spirit instead of opening it up.
The author has a generous attitude toward all religions and points out that no philosophical explanation, east or west, can explain an entire religious tradition, and certainly no single religion has a monopoly on any kind of truth. To make this clearer, he discusses a term, panentheism, which “means that everything – the universe, nature, the earth – is within God, in the consciousness of the divine or the divine mind.” How these concerns are worked out are nearly always metaphorical , and metaphors are always open to new shadings of meaning and interpretation. If there’s anything they may have in common, it is a desire to transcend the limitations of the human condition, to find ultimate meaning in our existence.
It’s not only through language, though, that ultimate reality is hinted at. It can be experienced as well through visual art, music, nature, human relationships and service to others. In short, the “ultimate” can be experienced in anything; there is no activity that restricts the divine. It can be found wherever there is sensitivity and awareness.
Teasdale concludes that what human civilization desperately needs is both a cultivation of compassion, beginning in the human heart and overflowing into a love for the sake of others.
October 8, 2013
Mr. Teasdale offers this book of Hope to anyone who has ever had a hint or glimmer of the transcendent impede in their lives. I owned this book for at least five years before finally picking it up to read, and am glad I finally gave the thing a chance. Most other books on Mysticism concentrate on various Traditions (good) yet offer only one way along the path, that being inward and subjective (not so good). As a refreshing alternative, the author covers the same various Traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and so forth, but shows one can develop a Mystic Heart in a myriad of ways. One, through this gem, can reflect on the tenets of each Tradition, along now with even quantum physics and mechanics, and whether turning inward or outward, find a Universal Transcendent impulse or force at work, if one has the eye to see, the ear to hear, or not see, or not hear, depending on how one chooses to progress. Highly recommended!
September 28, 2013
This book presents an incredible vision of what the author terms "Interspirituality." One of my professors said "God is one mountain and there are many paths to reach the top." In the depths of my spirit do I believe this to be true. Wayne Teasdale argues, convincingly, in my opinion, that mysticism is the strongest indicator of the different religions' essential unity. A great read, though at times an information overload. I heartily recommend it, though fundamentalists of any stripe will no doubt be enraged. It is up to the spiritually open to bring forth Teasdale's vision of a universal humanity based on religious, "Interspiritual" unity, itself evidenced by mysticism. A heavy read and a great one.
July 12, 2009
There is a lot of good information in this book, but also some misleading (and inaccurate) material. I also thought it was not very well organized.
May 25, 2022
"... I was focused on Rome as my spiritual anchor. Although this continues to be true..., I began to appreciate and value other traditions. I discovered that Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sufism, the Kabbalah, and Hasidism did not take me away from my faith, but augmented my deep commitment to Christian contemplation. I became impassioned in my interest in these traditions, and how they related to the Christian faith."
As a practicing Catholic curious about other traditions, this was exactly the book I needed. Made me feel weirdly uncomfortable at parts, but I think that's what it's meant to do - to invite reflection. Bonus points for mentioning Aikido.
As a practicing Catholic curious about other traditions, this was exactly the book I needed. Made me feel weirdly uncomfortable at parts, but I think that's what it's meant to do - to invite reflection. Bonus points for mentioning Aikido.
July 1, 2021
This is a heart-opening book everyone searching for spiritual growth will be blessed by reading.
January 15, 2015
Although this book was a tremendous resource in terms of defining the comparisons of various beliefs and cultures, I feel it was lacking in the ability to describe the path to mysticism. Perhaps it was my judgment of the nature of the book to consider it to be more practical and less theoretical, but I was drawn to it for the purpose of inspiration. At no time, other than very early on, did I find myself drawn into a stronger desire for a monastic or mystic lifestyle, nor did I find much definition in the understanding of the development towards this style of living. I do believe the book was well written and very much educational however and would provide it as a basis for anyone wanting a base understanding of interspirituality. I do agree wholeheartedly with the author that the path to a more balanced future for all humanity must come from our ability to understand and respect all paths to self-awareness, and therefore God-awareness. We must discontinue the habit of measuring ourselves and others based on our differences and begin to see the interconnectedness of all creation, and our primary and difficult role as caretakers and guides of the destiny of life on this planet.
May 16, 2014
An inspiring guide to mysticism and spirituality, providing a necessary balance to religious fundamentalism and secular pluralism. Whatever your tradition, whether you see yourself as a mystic or not, this book is an excellent place to start developing a deeper understanding of the variety of faiths we share and find the common values on which we can build a future worth living for. Full review: http://jessicadavidson.co.uk/2014/05/...
November 5, 2007
This is a wonderful book about mysticism as an element in all religion, and interfaith dialogue about it. It explores the story of interfaith dialogue since the late 19th century, as well as aspects of and topics about mysticism.
October 31, 2011
This is a well- written and informative book. This will appeal to both scholars and informed lay readers. The author combines a Christian faith with an understanding of the world's religions with a good explanation of universal spirituality...
August 28, 2007
The Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating is especially rewarding if practiced consistantly.
August 10, 2009
This book reiterated my views that spirituality is not exclusive and that people find it through their own personal mystical experiences.
January 3, 2010
One of the best I have ever read. I still refer to it.
February 7, 2010
Powerful stories. Another important book for the Interfaith movement.
December 31, 2012
Excellent!
September 1, 2017
I finished this book over a week ago, & have been trying to write up a review ever since. I liked this book, don't get me wrong. It is a calm, & calming, kind of book, due to its subject matter & the way Wayne Teasdale writes. It's a very hopeful book, which feels incredibly poignant when you see it was published in 1999. Even so, it's still powerful; it gives a vision of what all the spiritual paths could achieve by working in concert.
There were some "off" things that jumped out at me, though. One was that every mention of deity was formulated as "God"-- as in, male-gendered. I'm sure that in '99, Neo-Paganism & paths along those lines were not exactly mainstream in any way, but it's still noticeable. Even when discussing Hinduism, which has a large pantheon, there was no mention of deity in the female-gendered sense. It felt very traditional, in that sense, not as open as it could have been.
When it came to discussions of the various faiths, Judaism and Islam seemed to be very overlooked. When Teasdale was supposed to be discussing the three Judaeo-Christian faiths, the majority of the discussion was focused on Christianity, with only brief mentions of the Kabbalah & Sufism. This was disappointing from both a learning standpoint & an integrative standpoint. There was, for instance, only one quote from Rumi in that section, and no quotes from any mystics based in Kabbalah or Hasidism. The rest was completely centered around Christianity, with numerous references to John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
This carried throughout the rest of the book. I was left with only hints of most other religions and spiritualities, with the exception of some Buddhism and Hinduism (at least, on the very mystical level). It's understandable that Teasdale may primarily focus on Christianity, as that's his primary frame of reference. But in a book that's focused on moving towards a more interfaith, interspiritual paradigm? It seemed counter intuitive to what Teasdale wanted to achieve. How can we discuss interspiritual mysticism without directly referencing all the mystical paths brought up? I'm sure there's a wealth of knowledge from all paths that could have been quoted.
There was something else that was bothering me about the book, but at this time, i've forgotten what it was. That seems positive; to me, at least.
Despite all this sounding very critical, i did appreciate the book. On the whole, it is a very thoughtful book with an idealistic premise. Teasdale's writing never feels forceful or hurried, nor does it feel stilted. His is a vision that all spiritual paths could lead us all, hand in hand, to a better future, where everyone prospers in peace, and it does come across in his book.
There were some "off" things that jumped out at me, though. One was that every mention of deity was formulated as "God"-- as in, male-gendered. I'm sure that in '99, Neo-Paganism & paths along those lines were not exactly mainstream in any way, but it's still noticeable. Even when discussing Hinduism, which has a large pantheon, there was no mention of deity in the female-gendered sense. It felt very traditional, in that sense, not as open as it could have been.
When it came to discussions of the various faiths, Judaism and Islam seemed to be very overlooked. When Teasdale was supposed to be discussing the three Judaeo-Christian faiths, the majority of the discussion was focused on Christianity, with only brief mentions of the Kabbalah & Sufism. This was disappointing from both a learning standpoint & an integrative standpoint. There was, for instance, only one quote from Rumi in that section, and no quotes from any mystics based in Kabbalah or Hasidism. The rest was completely centered around Christianity, with numerous references to John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.
This carried throughout the rest of the book. I was left with only hints of most other religions and spiritualities, with the exception of some Buddhism and Hinduism (at least, on the very mystical level). It's understandable that Teasdale may primarily focus on Christianity, as that's his primary frame of reference. But in a book that's focused on moving towards a more interfaith, interspiritual paradigm? It seemed counter intuitive to what Teasdale wanted to achieve. How can we discuss interspiritual mysticism without directly referencing all the mystical paths brought up? I'm sure there's a wealth of knowledge from all paths that could have been quoted.
There was something else that was bothering me about the book, but at this time, i've forgotten what it was. That seems positive; to me, at least.
Despite all this sounding very critical, i did appreciate the book. On the whole, it is a very thoughtful book with an idealistic premise. Teasdale's writing never feels forceful or hurried, nor does it feel stilted. His is a vision that all spiritual paths could lead us all, hand in hand, to a better future, where everyone prospers in peace, and it does come across in his book.
January 27, 2021
Excellent coverage of the World's religions with special emphasis on the mystical. The book is about interspirituality/intermysticism and the need we have. The author has special knowledge of Christian and Hindu mysticism and gives personal experience in those areas. I enjoyed this as well as his discussion on Tibetan Buddhism. He emphasizes the whole person in such things as art, music, movement and not just sitting or reading. I loved his discussion of Nature spirituality. This book is packed and very interesting and well written.
December 2, 2023
The World needs more Mystics!
Brother Wayne has shared an important gift to the world with this book where he demonstrates his deep love of The Divine as found in every belief system. His vision of the mystical path to God knows no limits, and I rejoice in his brilliant exploration of the mystical aspects of each of the world's religions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of how the Ultimate Reality is pursued in nearly every spiritual tradition.
Brother Wayne has shared an important gift to the world with this book where he demonstrates his deep love of The Divine as found in every belief system. His vision of the mystical path to God knows no limits, and I rejoice in his brilliant exploration of the mystical aspects of each of the world's religions. This is a must-read for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of how the Ultimate Reality is pursued in nearly every spiritual tradition.
May 27, 2023
I wanted to like this book. I read it as part of a class with the Center for Spiritual Living. However, it was more on what a mystic should be and how interspirituality was the new future for mystics. Most people in my class fell in love with this book. I was the odd one, looking for inspiration on how mystics from different traditions realized the divine. This book didn't have that kind of content.
October 1, 2019
Need more stars - this book was life-changing for me, and is a must-read for anyone who's ever hungered for a more meaningful life, especially if you've ever been dissatisfied with religion.
February 17, 2020
It was likely great 20 years ago, but it is very out-dated.
January 29, 2023
A must-read for anyone that thinks interspirituality is the answer to world peace.
June 3, 2025
one problem I have with some interfaith approaches is how it reduces all faiths down to a type of monotheism as if that is the only way to view the divine.
January 14, 2026
Review will be short as I didn't take notes when reading.
The main concern of the book is 'interspirituality', a new phenomenon (keeping in mind this was published in 1999) of openness and receptivity within and between religions and particularly the mystical traditions situated within them. Teasdale comes from a Catholic background, having been personally mentored by Thomas Keating, one of the main proponents of Christian mysticism in the 20th century. He spent several years in India where he undertook sannyasa, a vow of asceticism. He remains loyal to the Christian tradition however.
Part 1: comparison of spiritual traditions: emphasis on Christianity and Hinduism.
Part 2: What mystical practice involves: effacement of ego, compassion, etc.
Part 3: Natural mysticism: integration with nature, and physical activity, diet, etc. - 'worldly' things
Part 4: Global mysticism: what Teasdale envisions and hopes for society; how are we to unite spiritually in an increasingly interconnected world.
Teasdale does a good job of describing the process of spiritual purification and I agree with what he says regarding the characteristics of mystics/spiritually enlightened individuals. These folk are humble and wise, compassion and completely selfless - ego, sensual/intellectual desire have dissipated to create an absolute poverty and openness to spirit and apprehension of reality 'as it is'.
I am somewhat skeptical of Teasdale's imagined spiritual unity of humanity. Unfortunately, society, matter and flesh, physical constants - realities of the world - drives and unassailable conditions, have a tendency to aggregate upon themselves and create machinery that operates in seeming perpetuity. If spirit is contrary - not - flesh, it will always remain separate to the world as we know it.
The main concern of the book is 'interspirituality', a new phenomenon (keeping in mind this was published in 1999) of openness and receptivity within and between religions and particularly the mystical traditions situated within them. Teasdale comes from a Catholic background, having been personally mentored by Thomas Keating, one of the main proponents of Christian mysticism in the 20th century. He spent several years in India where he undertook sannyasa, a vow of asceticism. He remains loyal to the Christian tradition however.
Part 1: comparison of spiritual traditions: emphasis on Christianity and Hinduism.
Part 2: What mystical practice involves: effacement of ego, compassion, etc.
Part 3: Natural mysticism: integration with nature, and physical activity, diet, etc. - 'worldly' things
Part 4: Global mysticism: what Teasdale envisions and hopes for society; how are we to unite spiritually in an increasingly interconnected world.
Teasdale does a good job of describing the process of spiritual purification and I agree with what he says regarding the characteristics of mystics/spiritually enlightened individuals. These folk are humble and wise, compassion and completely selfless - ego, sensual/intellectual desire have dissipated to create an absolute poverty and openness to spirit and apprehension of reality 'as it is'.
I am somewhat skeptical of Teasdale's imagined spiritual unity of humanity. Unfortunately, society, matter and flesh, physical constants - realities of the world - drives and unassailable conditions, have a tendency to aggregate upon themselves and create machinery that operates in seeming perpetuity. If spirit is contrary - not - flesh, it will always remain separate to the world as we know it.
January 31, 2008
A difficult read but worth it. Describes the mysticism common to all religions and offers a vision of the future spiritual journey as more about finding our true nature as mystics.
Currently reading
October 24, 2008wow... I am enjoying the author's vision. Its easy to get lost in the forest if you only see the trees. This is a beautiful study of religions, spirituality and mysticism.
Want to read
April 20, 2013this books seems try to cover all the mystic tradition - could be a shallow (albeit wide) discussion - we will see
September 14, 2012
Es acerca de espieitualidad, no religión, me gusta mucho.
July 14, 2015
From what I remember this was a great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews