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Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment
A personal account of searching for spiritual understanding initially outside Christian teaching, this book takes the position that there are as many ways to God as there are paths up a mountain. Interpreting his own spiritual breakthroughs, the author describes them as "windows of realization" and likens them to the sensation of being made whole. The book describes his journey from Eastern mantra-style meditation to the Orthodox "prayer of the heart" and details how a love of nature and a desire to do good played an important part in his spiritual unfoldment.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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About the author
John Butler
10 books74 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
At first sight, John Butler is not one to make much of an impression. Quiet, soft-spoken and usually alone, he became known – in the 1970’s – as one of the first organic farmers.
Having, throughout his life also practiced meditation, 4 years ago, at the age of 79, he was recommended to ConsciousTV, a Youtube channel, focusing on those with experience of higher consciousness. Unwilling at first to face publicity, he was later persuaded to be interviewed. This has since become the most popular item on the channel with 2.5m views.
Besides farming and meditation, John has lived an extraordinarily interesting life, including much spiritual insight, emotional ups and downs, long periods in Peru, Africa and the USA besides several years in Russia, all of which have been part of the far from easy journey to where he is now. To record his adventures, he’s written no less than 10 books, starting with publication of ‘Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment’ in September 2008.
At first sight, John Butler is not one to make much of an impression. Quiet, soft-spoken and usually alone, he became known – in the 1970’s – as one of the first organic farmers.
Having, throughout his life also practiced meditation, 4 years ago, at the age of 79, he was recommended to ConsciousTV, a Youtube channel, focusing on those with experience of higher consciousness. Unwilling at first to face publicity, he was later persuaded to be interviewed. This has since become the most popular item on the channel with 2.5m views.
Besides farming and meditation, John has lived an extraordinarily interesting life, including much spiritual insight, emotional ups and downs, long periods in Peru, Africa and the USA besides several years in Russia, all of which have been part of the far from easy journey to where he is now. To record his adventures, he’s written no less than 10 books, starting with publication of ‘Wonders of Spiritual Unfoldment’ in September 2008.
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January 21, 2020This book cannot be rated, at least not on any 5-star scale. I first found John Butler when looking for an ASMR video to help me sleep. I found his first interview on Conscious TV and instead of sleeping I was enthralled by this delightful, little Englishman with “a Russian heart.” I would suggest watching those first two interviews and then read this book.
As an American, and a Catholic, and gay as it were, I find John Butler’s expansive view of the divine refreshing and inspiring. This is not a quick read. I hope you fall in love with this lovely man’s wisdom, his humor, his intensity and his light the same way I did.
As an American, and a Catholic, and gay as it were, I find John Butler’s expansive view of the divine refreshing and inspiring. This is not a quick read. I hope you fall in love with this lovely man’s wisdom, his humor, his intensity and his light the same way I did.
August 25, 2024
I was introduced to John Butler via his YouTube channel. After hearing him, I am glad I chose to read his written witness of his openings - openings to the Spirit, or spiritual worlds. He calls these openings "windows." At times he uses "realizations." These openings come and go, while one emerges to live more consistently in the consciousness manifested through the windows. Hence, the realizations are transformative, not ever truly left behind. Each opening contributes to the transformation from temporary experiences to being established in Union both in and outside times alone in Quiet - he often calls this Prayer of Silence, pure prayer.
The book provides a travelogue of the author's spiritual pilgrimage. He writes, acknowledging he has grown old. In reading this book, or viewing his talks, one feels like giving attention to a wise Elder who is seeking to impart wisdom, both through sharing of how he has gotten it wrong and right along the Way. And, he imparts, that now near the end of his life, he still falls away from the Union at times into the world of dis-union.
Butler is much influenced by Christianity, especially Russian Orthodoxy - his mother was of Russian descent. Yet, he shares as one who has transcended the forms of religion and Christianity. Hence, I would term his work more a teaching of wisdom and nonduality, while he recognizes the forms of religion as helpful to an extent. Finally, he says, in Union, one loses all dependence on outer forms and words.
The author provides these windows for inspiration and encouragement. He acknowledges we each have a particular shape to the way from separation to Union, or Oneness.
Last, this book is not for persons without a strong sense of aspiration spiritually. This means, not the oft 'spirituality' of today which denies the self-denuding the ancients taught as essential. The way John presents us is a de-selfing, not a manipulation of Life to "spritualize" a way for the self to satisfy itself.
The book provides a travelogue of the author's spiritual pilgrimage. He writes, acknowledging he has grown old. In reading this book, or viewing his talks, one feels like giving attention to a wise Elder who is seeking to impart wisdom, both through sharing of how he has gotten it wrong and right along the Way. And, he imparts, that now near the end of his life, he still falls away from the Union at times into the world of dis-union.
Butler is much influenced by Christianity, especially Russian Orthodoxy - his mother was of Russian descent. Yet, he shares as one who has transcended the forms of religion and Christianity. Hence, I would term his work more a teaching of wisdom and nonduality, while he recognizes the forms of religion as helpful to an extent. Finally, he says, in Union, one loses all dependence on outer forms and words.
The author provides these windows for inspiration and encouragement. He acknowledges we each have a particular shape to the way from separation to Union, or Oneness.
Last, this book is not for persons without a strong sense of aspiration spiritually. This means, not the oft 'spirituality' of today which denies the self-denuding the ancients taught as essential. The way John presents us is a de-selfing, not a manipulation of Life to "spritualize" a way for the self to satisfy itself.
December 17, 2022
I feel lucky to have read this book.
June 2, 2021
Absolutely remarkable man. I have taken so much away from this book, and sense that I will return to it in the years to come. And learn even more.
July 3, 2025
A great manual on the spiritual life, written by one (in my opinion) greatest living Christian mystics. Highly recommended to any serious seekers out there, regardless of faith!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews