What the Mystics Know: Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self

by Richard Rohr

Drawing from the best and most poetic of Richard Rohr's essays from nearly a quarter of a century, each chapter in this new collection examines one of the seven core mystical truths. Organized according to the mystical paths that every worshiper must follow, Rohr identifies the despair of everyday life, promotes opportunities for change even in the face of pain, and encourages transforming one's deeper self into a beacon of light that aids in the metamorphosis of others. Illuminating these insights with reflections on Christian and Jewish scriptures while citing the greatest religious writers throughout the ages, Rohr offers an unparalleled window into the wisdom of the mystics in this succinct volume that represents the best of his vast library of writing.

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

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Fr. Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. He is a Franciscan priest of the New Mexico Province and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Richard's teaching is grounded in the Franciscan alternative orthodoxy—practices of contemplation and expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized.

Fr. Richard is author of numerous books, including Everything Belongs, Adam’s Return, The Naked Now, Breathing Under Water, Falling Upward, Immortal Diamond, Eager to Love, and The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation (with Mike Morrell).

Fr. Richard is academic Dean of the Living School for Action and Contemplation. Drawing upon Christianity's place within the Perennial Tradition, the mission of the Living School is to produce compassionate and powerfully learned individuals who will work for positive change in the world based on awareness of our common union with God and all beings. Visit cac.org for more information.

Reviews

[Christine Hiester · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there are some wonderful nuggets of wisdom in this book, it is more a reader's digest type compilation of Rohr's thoughts, rather than a smooth narrative, as I'm used to in his works. This was not written by Rohr, and while these are his words they were put together by someone else. The writing is categorized snippets and overall lacks cohesiveness.

[Steven Fouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the Mystics Know by Richard Rohr is a topical look at Christian contemplation and mysticism ideally suited for bit-sized daily readings. The book is divided into the following major sections:

1. The Enlightenment Your Seek Already Dwells Within You
2. God is Found in Imperfection
3. From Profound Suffering Come Great Wisdom and Joy
4. The Mystical Path is a Celebration of Paradox
5. Contemplation Means Practicing Heaven Now
6. To Discover the Truth, You Must Become the Truth
7. When You Are Transformed, Others Will Be Transformed Through You

Each of these sections contain 15-40 smaller readings based on the theme, probably best for daily reading and contemplation. I read one section each day, which is probably why the book was not as amazing as I expected it to be. Each section is probably too long to read as a whole, but I wanted to read more than just one tiny reading.

Overall, there is a lot of good material in this book. It is not the most well-organized, but if you are reading for reflection and contemplation, this is a good one to pick up.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated a 3, but more like a 2.5. The author had a lot of good insights, but didn’t connect them very well, and while the book claims “seven pathways”, the pathways are hard to find or describe. Frankly, I was expecting and hoping for more. Much of the book seems to be the author’s stream of consciousness writing…in other words, whatever is on his mind at the moment, he throes in, regardless of whether it connects to what went before or comes after. He seems to be disenchanted with “organized” religion. For example, he says on page 74: “religion is one of the surest ways to avoid faith and to avoid God”.

[Rachel Dick Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this book at first. A lot of the terminology and theology went over my head. I have close to zero knowledge of Christian theology. But I remain open minded and continued to read and I learned a lot about Christianity and mysticism.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of insights to be pondered throughout this book.

[Tyler Basran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of jarring as each page contains a few subheadings. Otherwise, it was a good read.

[Liz Beckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title and cover of this book are kooky as hell and I definitely felt sheepish pulling it out on the plane! Despite that it has some really down to earth thoughts on relating to God and living out your spirituality. It was a bit disjointed as it is pulled from his other books. Definitely want to read more from Richard Rohr.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Rohr is an inspirational writer. Each paragraph produces so much thought provoking it takes a while to read this slim book of 140 pages. I believe it requires multiple readings to really get all of what Rohr is trying to tell us. Spiritually, it was a life-changing read.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this little book, though if you've read much Richard Rohr, you might find quite familiar, with good reason: this is a book of excerpts from his other writings. It's a nice summary of his beliefs about spiritual growth and enlightenment, including growing out of our egoic self-preoccupations and into more compassionate non-dualistic thinking, less "othering" and judging. It's unusual for a "spiritual" or "mystical" book to track so directly with the day's headlines, but it's impossible not to think about my fellow Americans refusing to wear masks because it "infringes on their freedom" when doing so would literally save the lives of others. Or about millions of white people yammering about their their precious "heritage" of slave-holding while ignoring black people being murdered in the streets and jails by law enforcement officials. They seem more concerned about statues made of stone than their fellow citizens made of flesh and blood.
I could quibble with the structure of What the Mystics Know, the "seven pathways" seem forced and kind of random. This is probably because the editor who came up with the idea died part way through the writing, so I think the big picture may have been lost. But since the readings are in small bites, and the book doesn't pretend to be a straight narrative, the structure isn't too distracting, and there are plenty of wonderful Rohr nuggets throughout. This makes a fine daily reader for meditation and journaling, and I think I'll be using it for years to come.
His last section on transforming others and society is timely, and hopeful but realistic. He recognizes that in North America, "our economy, our self-image, our very psyche have lived in a triumphalist and paranoid stance for so long that it will be hard to change to a positive and creative mode . . . a new way of living based on faith instead of fear, peacemaking instead of moneymaking, community instead of competition." May it be so!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book slowly each morning for about a month doing 3 or so segments of 1-2 pages each at a time. There are 7 basic sections, one for each of the seven pathways each containing many of these short segments. Rohr says things from the heart, very practically. He tends to approach from different directions which has helped me to hear him in one way even when I didn't hear it from another way. I love his loving persistence and that he is talking from experience which often relates to my own experience and yet opens me to the possibility of more or different.

The 7 sections are:
1 The Enlightenment You Seek Already Dwells Within You
2 God Is Found In Imperfection
3 From Profound Suffering Come Great Wisdom And Joy
4 The Mystical Path Is A Celebration Of Paradox
5 Contemplation Means Practicing Heaven Now
6 To Discover The Truth, You Must Become The Truth
7 When You Are Transformed, Others Will Be Transformed Through You

[Paul Laughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summary that hits the mind and soul

One person said there is nothing new here about faith or religion and they are right BUT we failed to listen and grow.
Religious tribalism mostly rules now,especially in the west!!!
Einstein said that " no problem can be solved with the same consciousness that created it."

We have warped into two main religions
A) God loves me IF I change ( read how my church,temple,,mosque etc says is right)
B) God loves me so I can change
This allows for true growth that allows for the fruits of the spirit to flourish in a as noted -" I / Thou " relationship
Oops

When Jesus was healing people ,he said that your faith has made you WHOLE

He never said that your:

Church
Denomination
Temple
Mosque
Icons/vestments
Politics
Chauvinism
Or fear of missing the rapture

Will make you whole!!!!!

As he says in many examples,start where you are,church or no church,faith or no faith and face " The Other"'

Start with the stone

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read that is hard to put down. It can be read as a daily devotional, as the topics are divided up into small, self-contained sections that can be contemplated throughout the day. The trouble is, it's difficult to put down. There are so many wonderful and helpful thoughts about genuine and simple spirituality and the human predicament that you'll want the insights to just keep coming.

The Seven key themes have to do with discovering that God is already present with you; your imperfection has more to teach you than your successes; being o.k. without all the answers; how to grow in love; the truth already realized within you; and true power always empowers. These are my paraphrases and not listed as entitled in the book.

Ultimately, Rohr helps us discover an authentic and humble spirituality.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I spent over a year reading this short little anthology of Rohr's writing. I did this for a number of reasons. 1.) It is Richard Rohr and his ideas are the length of that consideration 2.) The little devotional ideas gave me nuggets to chew on for days but helped me limit the amount I would eat each day. 3.) Several days were so profound I would think about the ideas and recite and rewrite them. 4.) I took 40 pages of handwritten notes. 5.) This is genius level ideas and truth 6.) The book transforms you and that takes time. My point: If you are Christian, religious, not religious doesn't matter-- this book has some of the most profound wisdom I've ever encountered on experiencing the utmost reality.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trustworthy read. Although there were parts I didn't understand (at all), a few passages gave words to concepts I had not yet been able to materialize with language. One passage in particular is "God allows us to know him only by loving him." I don't think this means that God will only allow you/me to know him IF you/I love him. Rather, I think it means there is no other way to experience God. God cannot be known. The only way to know and experience God is by loving him/her (and the definition of "loving" is wide, here). I will be meditating on this.

[Robin Shreeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been drawn out of mainstream Christianity and into mysticism, and I'm still trying to understand this thing I've been drawn to. This book has given me a glimpse into it I was hoping to find. A lot to contemplate, journal about, meditate arms pray about in the pages of this collection of writings. Do I now completely understand mysticism? No. But I have a little more foundation to build my understanding upon.

[Ann Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set free. Challenged

Understanding the path to holiness is one thing, having the humility to walk it AND the gift of surrendering my WILLfulness - well, that's the magic of mysticism... For me.
Sounds trite. It's anything BUT simple. Yet it takes so little to acquire.
It's not even about knowing what they know. It's more about DOing...about BEing..
Enjoy.

[Hotspur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another free book, and quickly read over a few minutes each morning. This is a mere guide, and decently organized as a contemplative book, not a "guide". There's nothing really mystic about it, nor any real guide to my mind to become closer to a mystic. The author occasionally makes some strong points, but otherwise this is more of a contemplative book easily read.

[Jose-Luis La Torre-Cuadros · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good to use as part of daily devotional or meditation. I like it but at the same time I think that I expected more wisdom and ideas on how to be Christians today, not only contemplating the past but embracing the present technological and secular world.

[NIGEL PEARCE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Father Rohr is the prophetic voice of our time! The 7 pathways to our deeper self and to the divine where 'deep places talk to deep places' - With aphorisms of wisdom, pictures, wise sages to guide one on their mystical and spiritual journey!

[Mervene Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again not disappointed

Reading Father Rohr is like sitting down to a sumptuous feast
It has to be digested slowly after being taken in in small bites
Thank you God for this teacher.

[Danielle Shroyer]

I checked this out from the library without looking through it so I didn’t realize it’s a compilation of quotes and excerpts from essays, writings, etc. It’s no fault of the book that I just don’t like this format. :/ I always find myself wanting to read it in fuller context.

[Pat Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, contemplative gems of wisdom. I value this book as a reference.

[Nicholas Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. The flow of the book is unique and is mostly small thoughts. Sometimes the thoughts are connected.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had trouble comprehending much of the book.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Profound book!

[CarolAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I loved Rohr's thoughts but came away knowing I only gleaned a small percentage of what is there!

[Heather Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and will probably start it again soon. It’s written simply and very accessible, yet so deep. I use it for my morning meditations.

[Catrina Berka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, succinct, and practical advice for a more authentic spirituality.

[Paul Parkinson]

Kind of simplistic for him. I mostly skimmed it,

[Sean Deegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoughtful book. Broken into very short segments. Harder to dive into a thematic message.