Quest for the Grail

by Richard Rohr

The great stories and myths have much to teach today's men and women. For most men, none are more rewarding than the ancient Arthurian legends of the lives of knights dedicated to the search for the Holy Grail. At their core these stories invite men to move outside comfortable boundaries and to risk a much greater nothing less than the discovery of the true self. The starting point for many men is the receiving of a "sacred wound": a death, a betrayal, some grievous loss. Trying to accept and understand the significance of these life events is important, for from this wound can come healing for self and others. As Richard Rohr puts "The work of religion is to open your eyes and see that everything swirls with meaning."
Enter into the quest with Fr. Rohr back to the beginnings of Christianity and its deepest symbols, to ancient stories of the death of the hero and strength passed on through the drinking of his blood; to the intertwining of these myths in the Grail legends, particularly in the story of Parsifal and his search for the Grail and wholeness. The author not only makes these legends come vividly alive, he also shows that despite changes in culture and advances in science and technology the universal truths are unchanging, and the quest remains the same, sacred challenge for today.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

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

[Anthony Rewak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it when I read it; it weaves the Parzival / Grail myth into a reflection on our life journey and thresholds.

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Richard Rohr. Men have been trying to prove themselves for centuries, many of them seeking that elusive holy Grail. I found his theories about the lack of modern day heroes interesting; they make sense. His writing style is very good; his viewpoint is positive.

[Allen Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend that every man on the spiritual journey read this book.

[Shinae Noh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that took very long to read despite its volume. It was an experience of reflecting on the elements and events in my life through the lens of 'the journey', myths, the Bible, and Joseph Campbell's ideas. Deduction of 1 star is due to some of the gender-biased languages I couldn't agree with.

[Vittorio Ambrosetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro a tratti molto profondo, ma che talvolta invece risulta (inutilmente) criptico.
Richiede di essere letto con calma e tornando su certi argomenti per avere il tempo di meditarli e assimilarli.
Le opinioni dell'autore mi sono sembrate sensate e certamente possono essere d'aiuto per ogni uomo (ogni maschio) cristiano che voglia approfondire la propria spiritualità.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of speculations, observations, and psychology that aims to aid the modern man to wholeness. There are a few good insights, but overall I wasn't convinced that it would benefit everyone.

[Henry Haney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried again.
It didn’t work out.

I really enjoy listening to Rohr on podcasts.
However, I’m learning (after having read a few of his books) that I do not enjoy his writing.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent discussion and integration of the the Puer Eternus.