The essentials of MYSTICISM : and other essays

by Evelyn Underhill

'Nothing is more striking in the literature of contemplation, and of high aesthetic experience, than an experienced reality, a joy and richness, which can never be conveyed save by allusion.' Offering a unique introduction to the wide-ranging thought of one of the foremost writers on mysticism, this innovative collection of essays brings together some of Evelyn Underhill's most enduringly valuable work. The volume exemplifies the variety of issues Underhill considered in depth, from the mystical life to the ordination of women, and from the nature of prayer and the power of contemplation to social reform and education. As relevant and challenging today as it was in Underhill's time, this delightfully clear and accessible book will offer valuable advice and true inspiration to all those seeking insight into spirituality in our complex modern world.

Genres: Mysticism, Christianity, Spirituality, Essays, Theology

ebook

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

Evelyn Underhill was an English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist known for her numerous works on religion and spiritual practice, in particular Christian mysticism.

In the English-speaking world, she was one of the most widely read writers on such matters in the first half of the twentieth century. No other book of its type—until the appearance in 1946 of Aldous Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy—met with success to match that of her best-known work, Mysticism, published in 1911.

Read more:

Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_U...

The Evelyn Underhill Association
http://www.evelynunderhill.org/

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given that there is an ultimate or underlying Reality (a faith position), a mystic is one who craves union with that Reality. Certain individuals in all religious traditions, East and West, and some non-religious persons have experienced this union and have tried to convey the experience. Underhill's book of essays looks at mysticism in general and then presents several individuals' experiences. She wrote in the 1920's. The mystics she presents span centuries. Their experiences use the images, the language, the mentalities of their time and place, which can be very off-putting to our contemporary sensibility. But the effort required to adjust is worth it. Mysticism cannot always be successfully explained away by psychology or neuroscience. And the questions it raises to us are not the questions raised by the popularist atheists of our day---Dawkins, Hitchins, Harris--- who attack the institutions of religion. Mystics go beyond the framework of religions to the intended end of them. This is a thought-provoking read.

[Lee (of Shalott) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book/edition to be anything but "delightfully clear & accessible" (from the GR description: Offers a unique introduction to the wide-ranging thought of one of this century's foremost writers on mysticism. Delightfully clear and accessible.). From the five stars from fellow readers I expected this to be revelatory & revolutionary. Instead, I spent a great deal of time rereading entire pages, thinking "it must just be me - maybe that last migraine I had was more than just a migraine" because I found the style to be so obfuscated I was often not sure what was really being said.

Pressing on despite my abandonment of all hope, however, led me to the essay, The Christian Basis of Social Action, which turned out to be the most influential & useful chapter for me. It serves as a wonderful inspiration for the redirection of will, a truly motivational call to service, a reminder of what duty is & of what role humanity plays in God's plan. One doesn't have to be 'religious' to appreciate this; it is simply a deep love & honouring of one's fellows, a wish for happiness for all, & allowing oneself to be an instrument for altruism.

Whatever it was that I was looking for in this book wasn't there. While I'm not leaving entirely empty handed, I'm feeling disappointed, hence my miserable * rating.

This edition (ISBN 1851680608/9781851680603) contains the essays: The Essentials of Mysticism; The Mystic and the Corporate Life; The Education of the Spirit; The Place of Will, Intellect and Feeling in Prayer; The Philosophy of Contemplation; Spiritual Life; Some Implicits of Christian Social Reform; The Christian Basis of Social Action; The Ideals of the Ministry of Women; The House of the Soul.

[Aaron Cliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evelyn discusses what it would take for a person to be a mystic and what a mystic generally looks like. She never claims final authority on her findings, only that what she's saying is a general truth. I particularly enjoyed her essays on Prayer and the Education of the Spirit.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems odd to think about mysticism in such a sociological manner, but Evelyn Underhill's insights help clarify what mysticism is, it's connection to community, and the broader purpose it should serve.