Pilgrimage: Adventures of the Spirit

by Sean Joseph O'Reilly (Editor), James O'Reilly

Pilgrimage comes in many forms: traditional and unconventional, religious and secular, intended and accidental. Yet it always entails mindfulness - a soulful presence that summons meaning to the surface. This book showcases a diverse array of spirit-renewing journeys from pilgrims of many kinds from places as far away as Tibet's Mount Kailish and as near as sacred New Mexico soil. Includes contributions from Jack Hitt, William Dalrymple, Rabbi David A. Cooper, among others.

Genres: Travel

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of stories about various pilgrimage roads around the world explores both the spiritual and secular pilgrimage experience. Commencing with Rabbi David A. Cooper’s essay on Jerusalem, readers are treated to journeys as diverse as the road to Santiago de Compostela (from France to Spain)and Mt Kailash in Tibet, plus lots of variations in between those extremes.

Pilgrimage is, of course, not just a physical but also a deeply psychological experience for most individuals who undertake to complete such journeys. While for some it may start out as a way to test physical stamina, invariable it is impossible to avoid some enlightening experience.

I found this collection to be enjoyable and instructive. However, on completion I felt that I had gained more from books I'd read previously that focused on one individual’s experience of a specific pilgrimage 'adventure'.

Pilgrimages taken in small doses miss having the impact the full story can give. The value of this book therefore lies in the writers and their larger works to which it introduces us.

Kerry Hennigan
19 May 2012

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy the Traveler's Tales books, and this one was exceptionally good. There are stories from many people and many places, with emphasis on the spiritual aspects of travel, like opening a window to new worlds. A Jewish scholar's experience of Passover in Jerusalem, a classic tale of a Christian on the road to Bethlehem, a pilgrim completing the Hadj, tales from other traditions, all invite us to understand the world from a larger place of what we have in common, instead of what separates us.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable anthology of pilgrimage experiences from a variety of writers and faith traditions. Especially inspirational before heading out on pilgrimage.